Camping with Karma + People Mockery

So last Friday (June 25-26th) , Dad decided we should go on a one night camping trip. Obviously I couldn't leave Karma alone for a day and a half so despite mom's protests he and his kennel were loaded into the motor-home with the rest of the family. The goal of the trip being a 9km bike ride I had to prepare means of transport for Karma, who at only 14 weeks of age, can certainly not run that long. The answer came in the form of a roots backpack, Karma all settled inside with only his little head sticking out. He wasn't sure at first, but quickly settled in and enjoyed the scenery, attracting attention and laughs along the way. Unfortunately we did not make the 9km since my sister's stomach started hurting at only 1.5km down the trail, I volunteered to go back with her since it was obvious no one else wanted to cut the trip. About an hour or two later, dad called with directions to an amazing beach. My sister was feeling better by then and was willing to bike for the 15 minute ride to the beach. I opened the backpack on the ground and Karma jumped in it and sat quietly and I zipped him into place and locked the zippers (so they wouldn't unzip en-route). I'm really surprised with how much he loved koala-bear riding, he didn't like the boat ride my uncle took us on however. He just slept on my lap wrapped up in a towel the whole way. Anyways, he's one of the pictures taken on one of the beautiful beaches we went to. I'll be getting some of him in the backpack shortly! :)


Also, a minute for mockery, I understand when most people ask me : "It's a German Shepherd right?" and "What is he a mix of?" but this one just made me laugh : "Is that a Great Dane Puppy?". I mean come onnn... he looks nothing like a great dane. I've also got these conversations that are worth the mention:

Stranger: "What breed is that?"
Me: "He's a Dutch Shepherd"
Stranger: "Like a German Shepherd, but from Holland?"
Me: -goes on about the history of the Dutch Shepherd and what breeds were used to create it, etc-
Stranger: "Oh, so it's one of those really mean breeds of police dogs then."
Me: *looks down at Karma, who's happily licking the stranger's fingers and wagging his tail* " -sarcasm- Yeah, it's a really mean breed."

Stranger: "What kind of dog is that?"
Me: "He's a Dutch Shepherd"
Stranger: -without asking anything about the breed, personality etc- "He's so cute, I want one! Do they stay that size?"
Me: -facepalm-

Stranger: "Wow, he sure listens well, I've never seen such an obedient puppy! What breed is he?" *as if his breed was the reason he's obedient...*
Me: *annoyed at that kind of person* "He's a Dutch Shepherd x Belgian Malinois mix, I paid ####$ for him and had him flown here by plane, I had to pay for a shipping crate too, he listens well because I trained him properly and I spend 24 hours a day with him 7 days a week."
Stranger: -priceless facial expression + jawdrop-
Me: "Yeah."

Stranger: -with two badly behaving barking adult dogs-
Me: -tells Karma to sit (he does) then faces the person-
Stranger: "Omg, he sat when you told him to! He's so young! I can't believe it! Did he come trained??"
Me: -facepalm- *resists urge to lecture owner about the fact that any 14 week old puppy SHOULD already know such a basic command..*