Oh my! What's a Momma to do? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

TeresaM · 04-30-2009, 10:16 AM

When I first got Gracie Ruth and dealt with her constant wood eating and perilous climbing I did some research and found that although I thought I owned a Yorkie what I really had was a rare, Begorkie. Yes, I know, I couldn't believe my luck either!! Half Beaver, Half Goat & Half Yorkie.

Lately, though, I've been quite concerned with an odd behavior and had to go back to the internet (thank the stars for the internet-how did we ever survive without it?!?) I think if I had done a more through search originally I would have found that there is a small, virtually unknown offshoot of the Begorkie and I now see that Gracie Ruth is actually this. A Begoparkie. Half Beaver, Half Goat, Half (Pirate) Parrot, Half Yorkie. You see she's taken to climbing up onto my shoulder and perching herself there. And as she looking around if something should startle her or catch her attention she lets out a noise that sounds eeriely like a Pirate's Aarrgh or a Parrots squawk depending on if she's alarmed or just putting in her two-cents worth.

The signs were there right from the beginning, the pecking with her nose to get my attention, the 'flying' off of furniture, the interest in worms and bugs, the constant need to run out and be with the birds when they land in the backyard. I just didn't know about Begoparkies, didn't know they existed. I was simply un-informed and totally in the dark about such creatures. Of course, now I see the signs. Now I can see it when I look at her, of course that's what she is. How could I have been so blind? I mean just look at these feathers!!

So what is a Momma to do? Will the other dogs at the Dog Park make fun of her if she tries to play with the birds instead of the dogs? I don't want her to get her feelings hurt, there's nothing wrong with her, she's just unique and you all know how cruel kids can be. When we go to PetSmart will people think it strange if we go see the birds or shop in the bird section? There's so little known about Begoparkies, could this be something she'll out grow? Should I not let her perch on my shoulder and make Pirate sounds? Does anyone have any experience with these fascinating creatures?

Elaine Benise · 04-30-2009, 10:22 AM

I would say that you have to let her work through these instincts that come natural to the Begoparkies. If you try to squash her ambitions and desires, she'll just become withdrawn and depressed. The parrot part in her could then decide to peck your eyes out or something.

As for the playground and the other kids, I would say to just give her pep talks. Tell her we're all unique. Make her feel special. If one of the other kids teases her, tell her they're just jealous. I mean, come on, not ALL dogs can be Begoparkies!!

Be prepared for possible need of future counseling. Since she's such a rare being, she may go through some issues with feeling she doesn't fit in. You, as her mom, have to give her the unconditional love she will need.

TeresaM · 04-30-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elaine Benise

I would say that you have to let her work through these instincts that come natural to the Begoparkies. If you try to squash her ambitions and desires, she'll just become withdrawn and depressed. The parrot part in her could then decide to peck your eyes out or something.

As for the playground and the other kids, I would say to just give her pep talks. Tell her we're all unique. Make her feel special. If one of the other kids teases her, tell her they're just jealous. I mean, come on, not ALL dogs can be Begoparkies!!

Be prepared for possible need of future counseling. Since she's such a rare being, she may go through some issues with feeling she doesn't fit in. You, as her mom, have to give her the unconditional love she will need.

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I guess I really already knew in my heart all of this, but just needed someone to reaffirm it for me.

And believe me, I've thought about the whole pecking your eyes out thing!

She wakes me up most mornings patting my face with her paw and sometimes I just jump right up all freaked out. But I quickly recover and tell her Momma was just having a bad dream.

Elaine Benise · 04-30-2009, 10:28 AM

You are cracking me up. And if that isn't THE cutest Yorkie in your avatar, I don't know what is.

TOY · 04-30-2009, 10:33 AM

Cute description of your Yorkie!

We have papers assuring us ours is purebred, too, but honestly somewhere back in her genetic code she has...

DNA from road runners (or Superman...she's faster than a speeding bullet), DNA from elephants (takes her forever to "forgive" us for going somewhere without her), DNA from rabbits (the mere whiff of a scent and her nose is in the air and twitching), and on top of all that...she's got ADD! She can be on her way lickety split to a toy but if something else catches her eye, she will stop on a dime to go to the newest shiny thing that caught her sight!

She is an adventure on four legs...and no sound track of laughter is necessary when she is around!

grandmatoall · 04-30-2009, 10:33 AM

I think this is the "VERY BEST POST" I have ever seen. I absolutely love it.

My TJ is also one. We are very lucky girls. LOL. He loves climbing onto my shoulder and sitting there. When I am on the couch, he is up there.... when I sit in my yard chair... he gets on my shoulder. That is his spot. He seems to feel safer. His sister Sandy thinks he is nuts.

It is amazing how alike our babies are in their actions. Maybe they are related.

We haven't gone to any dog parks yet... we usually have everyone over here to our house. But I will check out the counseling. LOL.

Hugs,
Bobbi

TeresaM · 04-30-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elaine Benise

You are cracking me up. And if that isn't THE cutest Yorkie in your avatar, I don't know what is.

Thank you! That's Yogi, Gracie Ruths brother. He's not a Begoparkie, thankfully.

I'm pretty sure he's just a stinkin' cute Yorkie.

spina · 04-30-2009, 10:34 AM

I love it......I think I have a Catorkie...She climbs on the back of the couch to lay in the sun and she loves her cat toys. Although the wood chewing thing is a little trying at times... especially if you catch a glimpse of a piece of soggy chewed up wood out of the corner of your eye, Being absolutely, sorta sure, you kinda got the potty training thing down....

TeresaM · 04-30-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandmatoall

I think this is the "VERY BEST POST" I have ever seen. I absolutely love it.

My TJ is also one. We are very lucky girls. LOL. He loves climbing onto my shoulder and sitting there. When I am on the couch, he is up there.... when I sit in my yard chair... he gets on my shoulder. That is his spot. He seems to feel safer. His sister Sandy thinks he is nuts.

It is amazing how alike our babies are in their actions. Maybe they are related.

We haven't gone to any dog parks yet... we usually have everyone over here to our house. But I will check out the counseling. LOL.

Hugs,
Bobbi

Let me know if the counseling helps, I may need to look into a program for either me or Graice Ruth! LOL

QuickSilver · 04-30-2009, 10:52 AM

I have a rare type of yorkie too! I realized pretty quickly that Thor was... well, special. I did not get to meet Thor's parents, so I can't be completely sure without a DNA test, but I believe that Thor is a Chirkie - half yorkie, half chicken.

The symptoms are pretty clear - strange, chirpy noises when surprised; unsuccessful attempts to fly; and of course, being scared of pretty much everything, including strange noises, bicycles, skate boards, dogs that are bigger than him, dogs that are smaller than him, large purses, and cats.

Like Gracie Ruth, Thor often attempts to mingle with his own kind, chasing after ravens, crows and pigeons whenever possible. I think it's a difficult time for him, both wanting to eat and commune with others like him.

tortoisekeeper · 04-30-2009, 10:55 AM

My Jack is also part parrot. Any chance he gets he is sitting on my shoulder. When we ride in the car he has to be on my shoulder. My DH calls him my mink stole. I thought is was a Yorkie thing but my 2 girls don't do it. Yesterday DH complained that everytime he sat down to work on his motercycle Jack was on his shoulder. He loves Jack and usually lets him do whatever he wants but said it is hard to get any work done with a dog around your neck LOL

Elaine Benise · 04-30-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quicksilver

i think it's a difficult time for him, both wanting to eat and commune with others like him.

hahahahaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

Lioncross4 · 04-30-2009, 11:44 AM

I already called the Today show and was trying to book my yorkpa. (yorkie-parrot) Now, I'm going to have to share the stage with her pack? Never, we want to be stars.....my yorkpa and I will be seen, always, with her perched on my shoulder.

(sigh) to think, my unique little being has competition!

TeresaM · 04-30-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I think it's a difficult time for him, both wanting to eat and commune with others like him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elaine Benise

hahahahaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

kinnykins · 04-30-2009, 12:04 PM

our yorkie too has mixed DNA !! definately goat, any wall she just has to climb any hill she just has to get to the top also merkat DNA she constantly stands on her back legs to get a better view of Preditors even on a normal walk, also any large bouders she will climb up and "stand " on look out !!! hehe.....

04-30-2009, 10:16 AM	#1
TeresaM Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX Posts: 3,358	Oh my! What's a Momma to do? When I first got Gracie Ruth and dealt with her constant wood eating and perilous climbing I did some research and found that although I thought I owned a Yorkie what I really had was a rare, Begorkie. Yes, I know, I couldn't believe my luck either!! Half Beaver, Half Goat & Half Yorkie. Lately, though, I've been quite concerned with an odd behavior and had to go back to the internet (thank the stars for the internet-how did we ever survive without it?!?) I think if I had done a more through search originally I would have found that there is a small, virtually unknown offshoot of the Begorkie and I now see that Gracie Ruth is actually this. A Begoparkie. Half Beaver, Half Goat, Half (Pirate) Parrot, Half Yorkie. You see she's taken to climbing up onto my shoulder and perching herself there. And as she looking around if something should startle her or catch her attention she lets out a noise that sounds eeriely like a Pirate's Aarrgh or a Parrots squawk depending on if she's alarmed or just putting in her two-cents worth. The signs were there right from the beginning, the pecking with her nose to get my attention, the 'flying' off of furniture, the interest in worms and bugs, the constant need to run out and be with the birds when they land in the backyard. I just didn't know about Begoparkies, didn't know they existed. I was simply un-informed and totally in the dark about such creatures. Of course, now I see the signs. Now I can see it when I look at her, of course that's what she is. How could I have been so blind? I mean just look at these feathers!! So what is a Momma to do? Will the other dogs at the Dog Park make fun of her if she tries to play with the birds instead of the dogs? I don't want her to get her feelings hurt, there's nothing wrong with her, she's just unique and you all know how cruel kids can be. When we go to PetSmart will people think it strange if we go see the birds or shop in the bird section? There's so little known about Begoparkies, could this be something she'll out grow? Should I not let her perch on my shoulder and make Pirate sounds? Does anyone have any experience with these fascinating creatures? __________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane

04-30-2009, 10:22 AM	#2
Elaine Benise YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Here Posts: 767	I would say that you have to let her work through these instincts that come natural to the Begoparkies. If you try to squash her ambitions and desires, she'll just become withdrawn and depressed. The parrot part in her could then decide to peck your eyes out or something. As for the playground and the other kids, I would say to just give her pep talks. Tell her we're all unique. Make her feel special. If one of the other kids teases her, tell her they're just jealous. I mean, come on, not ALL dogs can be Begoparkies!! Be prepared for possible need of future counseling. Since she's such a rare being, she may go through some issues with feeling she doesn't fit in. You, as her mom, have to give her the unconditional love she will need. __________________ Mommy to Leo and Delilah

04-30-2009, 10:28 AM	#4
Elaine Benise YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Here Posts: 767	You are cracking me up. And if that isn't THE cutest Yorkie in your avatar, I don't know what is. __________________ Mommy to Leo and Delilah

04-30-2009, 10:33 AM	#6
grandmatoall I Love My Babies Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 1,440 Blog Entries: 1	I think this is the "VERY BEST POST" I have ever seen. I absolutely love it. My TJ is also one. We are very lucky girls. LOL. He loves climbing onto my shoulder and sitting there. When I am on the couch, he is up there.... when I sit in my yard chair... he gets on my shoulder. That is his spot. He seems to feel safer. His sister Sandy thinks he is nuts. It is amazing how alike our babies are in their actions. Maybe they are related. We haven't gone to any dog parks yet... we usually have everyone over here to our house. But I will check out the counseling. LOL. Hugs, Bobbi __________________ "Bobbi, Proud Mom To: Sandy & Leo Yorkies & Grandkids - Make My Heart Smile

04-30-2009, 10:34 AM	#8
spina Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Napa, CA USA Posts: 79	I love it......I think I have a Catorkie...She climbs on the back of the couch to lay in the sun and she loves her cat toys. Although the wood chewing thing is a little trying at times... especially if you catch a glimpse of a piece of soggy chewed up wood out of the corner of your eye, Being absolutely, sorta sure, you kinda got the potty training thing down.... __________________ MIMI

04-30-2009, 10:33 AM	#5
TOY Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,094 Blog Entries: 4	Cute description of your Yorkie! We have papers assuring us ours is purebred, too, but honestly somewhere back in her genetic code she has... DNA from road runners (or Superman...she's faster than a speeding bullet), DNA from elephants (takes her forever to "forgive" us for going somewhere without her), DNA from rabbits (the mere whiff of a scent and her nose is in the air and twitching), and on top of all that...she's got ADD! She can be on her way lickety split to a toy but if something else catches her eye, she will stop on a dime to go to the newest shiny thing that caught her sight! She is an adventure on four legs...and no sound track of laughter is necessary when she is around!

04-30-2009, 10:52 AM	#10
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I have a rare type of yorkie too! I realized pretty quickly that Thor was... well, special. I did not get to meet Thor's parents, so I can't be completely sure without a DNA test, but I believe that Thor is a Chirkie - half yorkie, half chicken. The symptoms are pretty clear - strange, chirpy noises when surprised; unsuccessful attempts to fly; and of course, being scared of pretty much everything, including strange noises, bicycles, skate boards, dogs that are bigger than him, dogs that are smaller than him, large purses, and cats. Like Gracie Ruth, Thor often attempts to mingle with his own kind, chasing after ravens, crows and pigeons whenever possible. I think it's a difficult time for him, both wanting to eat and commune with others like him. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

04-30-2009, 10:55 AM	#11
tortoisekeeper Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Metairie Louisisna Posts: 1,088	My Jack is also part parrot. Any chance he gets he is sitting on my shoulder. When we ride in the car he has to be on my shoulder. My DH calls him my mink stole. I thought is was a Yorkie thing but my 2 girls don't do it. Yesterday DH complained that everytime he sat down to work on his motercycle Jack was on his shoulder. He loves Jack and usually lets him do whatever he wants but said it is hard to get any work done with a dog around your neck LOL

04-30-2009, 11:44 AM	#13
Lioncross4 YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 338	I already called the Today show and was trying to book my yorkpa. (yorkie-parrot) Now, I'm going to have to share the stage with her pack? Never, we want to be stars.....my yorkpa and I will be seen, always, with her perched on my shoulder. (sigh) to think, my unique little being has competition!

04-30-2009, 12:04 PM	#15
kinnykins Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: fuertventura canary islands Posts: 149	york-goat our yorkie too has mixed DNA !! definately goat, any wall she just has to climb any hill she just has to get to the top also merkat DNA she constantly stands on her back legs to get a better view of Preditors even on a normal walk, also any large bouders she will climb up and "stand " on look out !!! hehe.....