A Pair of Pasion Pets

by Georgie Damschroder

When we think of the most wolf-like of dogs, a few breeds usually come to mind. Be it the akita, German shepherd, or malinois, many pups bear a striking resemblance to their wild ancestors, from nose to tail tip. But one of the breeds most closely related to the wolf has none of these sharp features. Instead sporting short legs, a flat face, and long, silky fur famously worn in a bow, the Shih Tzu shares a surprising amount of its DNA with wolves - right up there with the husky in terms of it. As if one ferocious predator wasn’t enough, the Shih Tzu has also been associated with lions. It is said that a Buddhist god took a small dog resembling a Shih Tzu everywhere, and this dog had the ability to transform into a full-grown lion. In fact, the name for Shih Tzus in Mandarin Chinese translates directly to “lion dog.” A wolf-lion-dog hybrid sounds like a beast you would never want to cross, but Shih Tzus are sweet and cuddly dogs that would much rather lay on the couch than terrorize humanity.

Two of these pooches live on Fairway Drive with the Pasion family. Pax and Piper are both ten-year-old Mal-Shis (a cross between a Shih-Tzu and a Maltese). The two pups were brought home as biological siblings in 2012, shortly after the Pasions moved back to Lima. Being from the same litter, Pax and Piper have always shared a special bond. Always caring for and watching over the other, they are practically inseparable.

Piper isn’t the only one who keeps Pax company. Strangely, one of Pax’s closest friends is a rock named Bilbo! Pax adopted Bilbo from Crystal Lake, and now the literal pet rock can be found lying about the house, where he serves as a tripping hazard to all not watching their step!

Pax and Piper are always up for cuddles, but when the time comes to defend their lawn, the two are always ready to ward off any encroachers! Mailmen, golfers, squirrels, birds, and many more nearing the Pasion house have been met with ferocious and persistent yaps until the threat is deemed neutralized by the furry enforcers. They spend so long protecting their territory that a bald spot has been permanently worn into the lawn, where the pups race back and forth between barks!

Pax is known by his family to have a feisty side, which he shows whilst trying to hoard all the bones and toys away! Piper, on the other hand, is a more gentle and calm dog, behaving more as a little old lady.

“I call her my spirit animal. She would never leave my side if possible!” says Amanda Pasion.

Despite their old age, these dogs still know how to have fun! One of their favorite things to do is to head down to the family lake house along Lake Michigan, where they spend their time on the water in boat rides. Pax and Piper also adore their groomer, Keri, and will become very excited whenever they hear her name!

The dogs live with parents Amanda and Joe Pasion, and children Nicholas (17), Everett (14), and Laina (12). All three kids attend Shawnee in 11th grade, 8th grade and 6th grade respectively. Amanda works at St. Charles Catholic school, and Joe is the President of Urban Elsass & Son Inc., a metal recycling center in Piqua. The Pasions live in Fairway Estates, where they enjoy friendly neighbors and a view of the golf course. Pax and Piper are adoring their retirement days with their family, where they are given treats, pats, and love every day!

Precious Pets