dinosaur among pampered breeds

This is Trex (rhymes with tricks), short for T-Rex. Born on M.L. King Day, 2003, Trex is a 4-yr old Rare West Tibetan Mountain Dog. Like the more common Eastern Tibetan Mountain Dog, they are a tribe of Chow. The breed is distinguished by its wheaten color, gentle tail curl, and lack of black tongue. Working dogs with incredible stamina, strength, and spunk they are said to have originated among Yangtze River clans where they served as guards on fishing boats until political turmoil in China forced many to flee into the mountainous regions of Tibet. The remaining population of Rare West Tibetan Mountain Dogs is believed to be less than 500 worldwide.

Trex, an intrepid dog-paddler, has served as helmsman on Big River canoe trips down the Muddy MO and the Mighty Mississip. Trex currently holds the record dog-paddling time in the world's longest canoe/kayak race (MR340) which takes place each year between KC and StL.

Trex, who's a bit of a prankster, one responsed to this query from a stranger, ''well hello puppy, what sort of dog are you?" by growling, "GRRRiver GRRog!"