German Shepherd Dog letters of rec.

Kaiser is doin' just great. He's gonna be a great dog in all

respects. I'm thrilled that I got him from such a great kennel

as yours. Thanks again.

By the way, I'll bet that your Orry/Diamond combination

will produce absolutely stunning dogs!! She is just incredibly gorgeous.

Bye for now.

Dan Levin

Thanks Dari, I'll just forget about the yucca and stick with my

present supplement plan. Here's another quick update.

Kaiser's now been exposed to three trainers, and they ALL say

the same thing...GREAT dog!!! I had him weighed today because

He's only two days shy of 10 months old...77 lbs and lean

and muscular!

The other day while we were doing his initial bite work training,

I was required to hold him back as the decoy teased him with a tug.

This damn monster was SO strong, that I had to put on baseball spikes

in order to get the traction I needed to restrain hum! Had I not,

he would have dragged me 30 feet! It's scary to think what a

force to be reckoned with he'll be at full maturity. I for one would

not like to be on the receiving end of those glistening teeth!!

All else is well. Bye for now and my regards to John.

Dan

Dari,

I named the girl you gave me Lexa. She is really amazing. It's hard to set up a long enough track for her to follow. She is also very talkative, which is just hilarious! Lexa has always handled herself well when meeting other dogs and people. She is actually a bit of a terror( very dog dominant), and can pretty much take on dogs 3 times her size. I'll be starting more formal tracking training when she's done teething. I ran into a littermate on one of the GSD forums, and they sound like they have the same peronality. She has turned into such a richly pigmented sable. We are so happy with her. Good luck w/all of the new pups!

Thanks!

Sarah

Lexa was placed with Sarah for SAR work

Hello Dari,

I know it has been quite a while since I've written so I thought I'd just send a quick update and pictures of Barghest. He is growing into such a wonderful dog!

I can't thank you enough for such a great puppy. He is exactly what I wanted. Granted, he can be a handful sometimes but I had forgotten how much fun it is to have a young, active, intelligent dog. He keeps me on my toes so that I can stay one step ahead of him...I love it! His temperament is perfect. He is great with everyone he meets-children, adults, other dogs, etc. It also amazes us how fearless he is-not in an aggressive way, but in a confident and stable manner. We are constantly introducing him to new situations and he handles them beautifully. Just last week we were on vacation in Savannah, GA and took him to visit Fort Pulaski. They happened to be having a musket firing demonstration so we stopped because I wanted to see how he would do. The gunshot didn't even phase him. Even the other people around us were impressed at his response (or lack thereof!).

We are going to be moving this summer to the central Pennsylvania area which will be much nicer for him than the Atlanta area. There will be far more opportunities for hiking/outdoor activities plus he'll love the cooler temperatures! I'm currently looking into search and rescue groups in that area as I've been interested in SAR since I was a teenager. I've talked to people in that area regarding the local groups and trainers. I think that Barghest would do well in that line of work. I know you mentioned that tracking would be an area of strength with him and his love of people would also be a benefit. Hopefully I can find a group that will be flexible (being in teaching, I can't easily take multiple days off). However, if that doesn't work out, he has the drive and motivation for schutzhund work as well. Even in playing with him, I've noticed that he has a nice full grip which is one of the things people in the clubs emphasize about protection work. So...we'll see. Since I've known we'll be moving soon, I have really focused mainly on obedience, attention/focus, and just letting him mature. As soon as we get settled I will be taking his training to the next stage. It is probably later than is ideal but I think he will do just fine. He is a very willing and eager worker who loves having something to do.

On a side note, I happened to get in touch with someone who has another male from Barghest's litter through the GSD Pedigree Database. It is amazing how similar the two dogs seem!

I have noticed on your web site that you have several amazing upcoming litters. If only I were ready for another puppy-the Cak/Zena litters still catch my eye! I do want to get another pup in the future but not until we get moved and have Barghest started in a training routine.

I will wrap things up for now. I'm sure with all the litters coming up you have your hands full. Thanks again for the wonderful puppy-he's perfect! I've attached a couple of new pictures of him. As you said before, his pigment is excellent-he has such a beautiful overall look.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Oakman

Dear Dari,

First off I hope your feeling better, I thought about you all weekend, so I hope everything is ok. We picked our new pup up saturday and she was perfect, she did'nt mess in her crate, she was a little out of it but seemed to be good ,considering the flight she had just had, and new everything. We took her home played with her, fed her, and took her to a friends house, where she played with a golden retriever, and a hand full of kids. She was more than what you said she would be, she so far is exactly what we wanted and what you said she would be. she's absolutely beautiful,very calm, loves to be by us, and snuggle, she has been great with other people and kids, she's perfect. All we have been doing since we got her is bond, and socialize her, and she has been perfect with everything all across the board. Thank you so much for everything, you are truly gifted at what you do, and you and your husband have been some of the nicest people I have ever talked to, and dealt with. I will keep you posted on her, and if you ever need referrals I would be more than happy to talk to anyone at any time. You and your family take care and I'll keep you updated with her.

P.S her name is Motsy

Todd

Dear Dari,

Beautiful Molly (her temporary name while I see if it fits) arrived safe and sound last night. She is a little firecracker (certainly not on the naturally submissive side), as you said, but also totally sweet and very secure, which doubtless comes from all of the socialization you have done with her. She is the first dog I have ever had who didn’t cry lots the first night – just a tiny bit of whimpering and then she lay next to the bed and slept. I got up twice during the night to take her outside, and each time she plopped down and went right back to sleep.

She is not the slightest interested in chasing the cats – a wonderful sign. She is more interested in making friends with the cats right now than the other way around, but that will change. My Lab is still trying to act grumpy about having a puppy, but already invited her to play this morning, so Molly follows her everywhere when she is not following me around. Very cute.

I will keep you posted. Thank you so much for choosing this one – she is totally great.

Mary

Hi Dari!

Just to let you know, Allie is 5 yrs old already. She was injured about 9 months ago, on her left front elbow. She is going to see an orthopedic surgeon on mon to see what can be done. I will do whatever it take's to fix her the right way! Other than that she is doing very well and the best friend I ever had I am maybe thinking about another pup from you "If the wife can be talked into it!" I will let you in on how Allie is coming along. I hope all is well with you and your'e family. Thank you for the best dog money can buy, well adjusted friendly, loyal, easy to train and other than my 45' the best defender ever!! Thank's J.R.

Hi Dari,

I just got home from a 3.5 hour church meeting. I took Whidbey, a bit concerned as it was an a.m. meeting and she was ready to get on with her day after sleeping in her crate all night.

I began by tethering her so she would be easier to control upon greetings (she will jump up if anyone uses baby talk, and EVERYONE uses baby talk. sigh). I put her mat down and gave her a bully stick.

Well, she fininshed the bully stick pretty quickly, looked around, moaned and rolled on her side and went to sleep. I brought her over to my chair area and put her mat down and was prepared to tether her if she became a pest. She just layed there watching and then groaned and flopped down to sleep again. Got to love those GSD groans. LOL People would pass by and scritch her and she'd offer her tummy, but didn't get all riled up (no baby talk then as they were trying not to interupt the meeting).

When it was finally time to go she was up and ready, full of spark. She has the most lovely off switch!

She had her first novice competitive obed class and did pretty well considering I'm all thumbs! :o) We'll continue with that weekly. I hope to get her CD, it will be a first for me.

She has done 7 weeks of foundation agility and is amazing. Great focus, willing and eager to work/play. She is able to work with me, off leash, while other dogs are doing jumps etc. It's a pretty wild and stimulating class with 11 dogs.

At first it was so very hard not to want to run and play with the other dogs, but she is able to resist and stay focussed on what we are doing together. When she does slip (she is still a baby after all) she is very quick to respond to her recall and get back to business. She seems to love it and fears absoulutely nothing: loves the wobble board and her first into to the teeter was great; she races over the dog walk with total confidence. I am not allowing any jumping or weaving as her growth is not complete yet, but there is plenty to learn on the flat as we become a team. I can look in her eye and see the same intensity of partnership that I value so highly in our first girl from you, Birkita. I am thrilled!!

Here are some pics at 10.5 months. Sorry that they are a bit washed out (she came shopping with us for pavers for our new patio). She weighs 51.4 lbs. She is nearly done her first heat; it was uneventful. She remains a very loving girl.

Take care,

Elaine

Hi, Dari!

Here are some photos of Zhiva (Hobby X Hilda), 10 mo. Her favorite toys are the Kong ball, an old 10 ft. Chinese rug, a car tire and a 55 gallon plastic barrel. She's a tough gal, with endless energy - I can take her walking/hiking for 4 1/2 hrs. and she's ready to play ball when we get home. I bought her a treadmill today, to use when I'm on my elliptical.

We're calling the 4 mo. black boy (Orry X Hafa) Berrin, which is German for "mighty as a bear," according to the baby books. Last night he attended his first Protection class. The trainer-owner of the school said Berrin was "awesome - no, he's much better than awesome!" This is the class with our favorite black sable, Streiten. (Rick said to tell you hello.) Berrin is 50# of fun-loving puppy and is easy to teach.

Hope all is well up your way and that you escape fires this year. Our season started early with three 9000+ acre fires just to the south and east of our home in town. Had to keep the pups inside for a few days, until the smoke cleared.

Best regards,

Gayle Nixon

Dear Dari,

I had not checked my email in a week, since it has been a little hectic here with Molly, so I just now found your email.

Molly is totally wonderful, but “Molly” is definitely not her permanent name – it is much too placid a name for this one. She has been a wonderful surprise in so many ways, including –

I had been told that German Shepherds are needy, always hanging around one’s feet. Molly is wonderful in that she loves the playing and petting, but she is also content on her own. During the daytime only (there are coyotes around at night) she has the option of coming and going through the dog door (which she learned how to do in 15 minutes), so she often is out on the deck by herself, even when the other dog is inside.

Did you by any chance send me the most determined puppy in the entire litter? I have spent a week trying to teach her not to chase the cats, but I was only able to stop her forward momentum -- never able to distract her brain from its intense focus on the cats. However, she has learned on her own that chasing the cats is counterproductive, since they run away. Now she is making friends with them by lying down when they hiss – very, very smart. It also helps that one of the three cats is her size, likes her a lot, and has taken it upon himself to teach her some manners.

I didn’t know I was getting a water dog. She jumps in the shower with me. She puts one paw in the (untippable) water bowl and skates around the kitchen with it, sloshing water everywhere. Very cute. I fought back by putting her inside water in the adult dog feeder, where she has to get on her hind legs to drink. Didn’t stop her for an instant – she gets up on her hind legs and shovels the water out of the bowl onto the floor. You just have to laugh.

With every other dog I have had, I needed to laboriously teach it to settle down in order to get what it wanted. But with Molly, it only took two instances for her to learn that barking didn’t work. Now I can put her in the bathroom in order to call the cats in for dinner (one of them is still mildly afraid, and another is still very afraid), and she is totally quiet the entire time – I can let her out as soon as the cats are inside, because she is never whining or barking.

We are just about to go out on only our fourth walk around the fenceline – we have been having a three-day heatwave here (imagine, at this time of year in Northern California!), but it has cooled down enough now to get some exercise.

I will keep you posted, but please be assured that Molly is very busy and very loved here. Again, thanks so much.

Mary

You're welcome. She is a joy. We feel very blessed and hope you plan on breeding for a long time to come!

Would Gayle mind if you forwarded the pics of Zhiva to me? Feel free to pass on pics of Whidbey. Out of curiosity: did we meet Zhiva? I know we met your very large girl and the one you thought of as a possibility for us (with the beautiful head). I'm sure they are all wonderful; but Whidbey is definitely the girl for me!

She did some sequences of jumps (no bar) and tunnels today. She also did the regulation size dog walk. I baited it 2x then sent her on with no bait and a reward at the end. As I expected: no fear and plenty of speed when she realized the treat was at the end. She is nicely balanced and safe on the equipment. She also did the chute and had no trouble with the fabric, just blasted on thru to chase her toy. She bends beautifully and when we do figure 8's on the jump she follows very tightly and slices the jumps at a nice angle.

Elaine

Hi Dari,

Thanks for the update – Wow – that’s a lot of puppies! We are doing great – Asia is wonderful of course – she is very good at “finding” her toy and she has an awesome refind even if she does almost knock me on my butt! I tried to teach her to come back to me and bark for her refind, when she was smaller as she barked naturally – but for some reason she decided running back to me and flying through the air as she bounced off of me was way more fun. She also got so excited that if I didn’t follow her quick enough she would double back and bite at me to follow faster!

Well, we had to work on that a bit and refine her refind – she has stopped that biting stuff but she still comes at me full blast – I have learned to step back a bit and that has helped some – she just so enthusiastic!!!! J She is a very good girl and pretty obedient – she likes to work. Here is a most recent picture of her. Isn’t she just beautiful?!

Dari-

First I wanted to let you know that both pups are doing well and have gotten over their jet lag. You were right both pups are very strong and energetic. We have named the male Nytro and the female Kona. Nytro is very possessive but Kona holds her own with him. We love them both and can't wait to watch them grow. They love to play with our son and follow him everywhere he goes. We will start obedience and ring training them in the near future and hope to show them in their first shows in September. We have big plans for both and I'm sure they will do exceptionally well : - ) Will keep you posted with emails and pics.

I think that's it....talk to you soon!

Bonita

Hi Dari,

Just a quick update on our baby. She is doing wonderful! She is so smart and loving! She is trained to go outside. When she needs to she goes and sits by the door and if we don't notice she whines a little to get out attention.

When she came she seem almost was leashed trained already. (not a bit afraid - just curious about leaves flying on the ground) So we have been doing a little walking around the neighborhood.

Every one that meets her loves her. A friend asked for your web site - he was so impressed (and he has had German Shepherds for police work and just family ones).

So I just want to THANK YOU for such a wonderful family member! (Don't get me wrong she IS all puppy and we have to watch her all the time so she doesn't get into trouble - but that's part of baby hood and I'm glad she's curious) You have given us a very balanced dog!

I sign up for puppy training classes in August. I know them. They keep their classes small. I want to make sure I socialize her in all areas of life so we can take her everywhere with us. (oh yeah - she's also great in the car)

Thank you and I hope all is well with you.

Sincerely,

Aundra

dear dari and john,we are having so much fun with sniper our new baby.he's better than we expected.he has a sweet personality he sleeps in his crate all night he has not gone to the bathroom once in the house he allready knows to come ,sit and down.we spend lots of time with him.chuck myself and my daughter.i'm having him meet new people every day,just not other dogs yet.i'm following your diet to a tee making two weeks worth and freezing at a time.he seems to be thriving on this diet.he also eats watermelon everyday and a raw beef bone which he tries very hard to hide from us when he is finished,but we have to find the bone each night so the raccoons dont chew on it and give him something.chucks a little mad because sniper seems to favor me.oh well we will be sending the contract back soon have not had a chance.one question when do you think is a healthy time to have him fixed?let me know thanks again we love are amazing dog sniper.best regards chuck

and gina

Hi Dari

Just got home from California...Chic was absolutely amazing...my mom and her boyfriend Guy were SO impressed with her. Jessie and her boyfriend Bobby are upstairs "bonding with her" now. They took her for a short stint while I was at my dermatologist appointment in Calif. and Jessie has a pool.

Jessie exclaimed to me when she first saw me when I came to pick her up..."Mom...Chic can not only SWIM...she can DIVE! She not only just ran right into the pool...but she was playing with us around the pool and all of a sudden she DOVE into the deep end! I was thinking..this could either be great or a disaster! (My girlfriend's brother dove into the shallow water of a lake off a boat now and is a paraplelegic! So I was torn with emotions when she said that...not knowing whether to laugh or be concerned...(We have a pool too) the shallow end (has steps...) and is 3 foot..the deep end is only about 5 foot at most.

Then last night I took her for a walk on the boardwalk in Santa Monica...really it was pavement but along the beach...and there was a gang of...kids ...harmless ...laughing and cutting up...we weren't threatened by them...but as we were following them we came across a homeless person sitting on the park bench...I didn't expect her to do anything and she GROWLED BIG TIME! It was interesting....the homeless person just looked at us as if he was a little scared...then on our way home of re-tracing our steps she growled AGAIN at him BIG TIME. I just kept on walking but thought,

HOW INTERESTING!!!! Isn't that cool? n

Hi Dari,

I brought her to the pet store, & a walking trail, + neighbors farm, she was great every where. I decided to try a Flexi-leash on her to see if it would make a difference.

It made all the difference, & later on I put her back on the leather leash which she accepted so much better. But she was fearless every where today.

Recka really loved the chickens, turkeys, & goats at the farm. She was back to the puppy earlier last week. I guess she must have felt trap on the leash before.

I'm going to continue using the Flexi leash until she is completely use to the traditional leads.

I took some really great pictures of her playing in the pond today, she really loves the water. Also took pictures of her in the yard & inside the house.

I'll send them off to you this week some time.

I didn't take her to class today. I'll have her start next week after her 2nd 5-in-one shot. I was worried about taking her to a place that has so many animals & dogs

with only one shot so far. But I'll take some pictures of her in class also. I'm waiting to take her to the SCH club for the same reason.

Alrighty, take care - Carol

Hi Dari,

I am so glad Susan contacted you. I shared a dorm room with her at the SAR Conference this past April and I had Asia with me. Asia was free to roam the room before going in her kennel next to my bed at night. She gave kisses to everyone as they lay on their bunk and was perfectly well behaved. Susan asked about Asia and of course I just had to gush over you and how wonderful you all are. She gave me her card and I sent her your website. I would love her to contact me if she does get one of Asia’s siblings so I could maybe see it.

Asia is doing great and we just got back from our nightly training session at a park near my house. She has such a nose! Day or night she can work to find my husband or just her toy hidden in a tree. She works the wind and is very precise at finding – no guessing where it is – she barks when she takes me back. She looks forward to our training be it obedience, search work, cadaver work – I get out my fanny pack and she starts to bark up a storm knowing her “toy” is inside. She swims with our other 2 Shepherds everyday at 4:30 – and they let us know when it’s time! She jumps in the pool just like the others and swims for her “flippy flopper” Frisbee. Here is a picture of her I took tonight and one of our cat. Our house is like a zoo – or actually more like the funny farm – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connie

Hi Dari,

Our little one is doing great! She still sleeps a lot but when she is awake she is very playful (with baby sharp teeth - ouch). We have finally named her Amber because of her beautiful soulful eyes. She really is a treasure! Thank you.

I'm still getting up at around 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. with her whinnying to go out, but she hasn't had an accident in her crate yet. (which is remarkable for one so young) And at 5:00 she thinks it's playtime and breakfast. As I said this is a perfect time for me since I'm out for the summer - I can take naps when she sleeps.

I hope all is well with you and your family and you can start slowing down a little.

Sincerely,

Aundra

Thanks for the information on running and jumping! Did not know that. Since we started training yesterday, he has really come alive and he LOVES IT! He looks forward to "play time".

Of course you may share my stories about Chris. Will be reading your website of your stories as well.

Took him shopping for tools today. Was absolutely a trooper in the store. Everybody loved him. One lady ran after us in the parking lot as we left the store to see him after being told about him there. So many questions about him. He looks like a little black bear cub. Had him with children as well today, he licked their little faces. FUN . . .

Many many thanks!

Lee Bates

Omaha, NE

Good evening James family,

LOVE THIS PUPPY!!! BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL . . . He is VERY MUCH LOVED HERE!

I took him for a long, long walk this morning at 5am. Probably around 10 acres (some here and some at the airport). He stayed right with me, the little trooper! He and I take naps together on the floor. He slept so hard this afternoon from all the exercise, thought I killed him. He bounced right back tonite, chewing on a bone now. Poor guy, is not used to our heat. Has been 85 or so in the afternoon and he can't get cool enough. I use a fan and a cold water bottle in the house, even with the air conditioning on. He LOVES the cool grass to lay on and avoids the sun like the plague. Rides in the car VERY well. Have not had him in the airplane yet. Will try that as soon as he seems adjusted here.

Went to a small get together and took Chris with us with their permission. Barked and growled at the hosts 3 foot tall mixed breed dog. Got adjusted and they were fine. Two couples there have german shepherds and were truly amazed at Chris's calm temperament, good looks and intelligence (Learns very quickly). They said your trainer will love this guy! They all said we had an excellent pup. When listening to what their dogs were like, it reinforced how blessed we are to have found your kennel and the standard and integrity to which you breed. Neither talked about being satisfied with their dogs even before meeting Chris.

Today Chris is venturing out on his own checking things out. As I write, he is barking at something new. Is asserting his dominance at our house. No matter who was here first, this is HIS house!

I have learned a lot in a short period of time about the german shepherd breed. Thanks to Marlene Wiggins who referred me to you and thanks to your family for the great german shepherd breeding! I didn't realize how poorly the german shepherd was bred here in the US until I listen to what few stories I've heard so far.

Will write later . . at it is late at our house and puppy gets me up very early!

Thanks to your family again for such a WONDERUL animal!

Lee

Omaha, NE

Hi Dari & John, Shelby arrived perfectly fine. She is beautiful & we totally fell in loved with her. She was a little reluctant to get out of her crate at first when she arrived at the airport,

but within a minute she was out, giving us kisses, & playing. I was totally impressed. Our other 2 dogs really like her also, but are too big for her right now.

Her housebreaking is going great, no actiondents in the house. She already learned a little target training & how to sit. I'm so impressed at her drives already & how smart she is, she is perfect!

She seems very happy & adjusted perfectly to our home already.

Thank you so much for her, I'll keep you updated on she is doing with photo's.

Take care, Carol

I'm sorry you miss her so much. I could totally understand why you loved her & would want to keep her. There is something very special about her, she just has that extra touch. We are going to rename her Recka. She knows her new name already. I re-read my email I sent you & realized I made a mistake, I meant to say she knows how to SIT! I've been working with her & can tell you put a lot of time into her development of her drives & socialization already. I'm so impressed how much she has learned already.

Last night I taught her; her new name - Recka, bridge word - Yes, basic targeting, how to walk up & down 3 stairs, how to sit, & go the meaning "good / go potty". .

She does truly seem to be happy, & has formed a strong bond with us already.

She slept almost through the night, but woke up at 4am. She had to go potty then was rearing to go, so I stay up with her. I'm very tired now.

We had her crate next to our bed all night. She is good in the crate if I'm within eye view, if not the crying starts.

She can excel in what ever work we have in store for her, as long as I don't mess up on the training & development.

Its suppose to train for the next few days here in CT. So I'm just going to continue working with in play, & lure / target training her inside the house.

Next week I'm going to start developing her already good tracking skills.

I'm excited for today & the future with her. My husband is totally in love with her also.

I'll keep you posted. I will give her a hug & kiss for you.

Yeah, I think she came out of the whole airlines experience just fine. I was expecting her to be stressed / traumatised but no she was fine.

It's too bad that happen, but I'm thankful it did. It would have been horrible if they never discovered the malfunction with the heat / air in the plane

& all the puppies were shipped out. My eyes are tearing up just thinking about it. I happier that I suffered a little stress, worry, extra gas than her

+ the other puppies losing their life over it. At least Northwest was very nice about the whole thing & glad that they check the cargo air flow.

I prayed for days that the puppies would have a safe transport, & thank God, they did.

Recka is sleeping next to me as I write this email. I never thought I would ever find a GSD as special + with incredible working talents as my previous GSD, Sireana.

But, Recka is almost just like her, except she is more focus on me, & not as independent. I think she is going to impress most of the people in the SCH club when they meet her next month.

Once again, thank you so much!

Carol+ Recka

We made it home safe and sound! The kids decided Jetta looks more like

a Bella, so Bella it is. Thought you would enjoy these pictures, the

smiles on Cole and Charlotte's faces convey the joy we are all feeling

having Bella as part of our family.

She was perfect on the plane ride home, there seemed to be a little

uncomfortable due to the vaccinations - however all has passed and she

is doing well. We took her to meet our vet on Thursday, and just as

John said they tried to set her up on a vaccine schedule giving her all

of the available shots. We said "no, not necessary", then he wanted to

give her some dewormer when we clearly have record of her having

received a series of those treatments already! I am grateful for having

you and Nancy to steer me in the right direction for what is best for

her. She is doing wonderful on the raw diet and is well on her way with

the potty training!

I enjoyed meeting both you and your family, thank you for everything!

Best Regards,

Anne

Dari,

Wow he is amazing! I was a wreck (with worry) at the airport as they could not find him. We waiting approx. 45 minutes for them to determine they shipped him on an earlier flight and he was sitting in his crate in a cargo holding area (quiet as could by)! I was really terrified during those long 45 minutes, as was Theresa! When they finally brought him to us, when I got him out of the crate I started bawling with tears of JOY! We have had empty hearts for the last few months since our dog died and Magnum filled them up again with such joy. When he came out of his crate he was wagging his tail and covering us with kisses (as if saying I LOVE YOU too)

He was such a good boy, no potty accidents in the house. He is not interested in our cats he just wants to be with us. He totally loves our daughter. We are crate training him, so last night he cried a bit but our daughter slept on the floor with her head at the gate of his crate and he slept all night. He did not eat much dinner last night and just a little this morning (I think he is adjusting). My daughter sat next to him so he would not eat alone and she ended up feeding him with a spoon. He got a bath today and now is just laying with her watching a movie.

I have a feeling he is going to be so spoiled he is going to STINK!

Thank you again for blessing our family with MAGNUM!

Smiles~

LaDonna

Hi Dari,

Well our baby is nearly a year old. She is the best!! We find ourselves refering to the "VandenHeuvel Girls" a lot. There are some wonderful similarities between them. They are both a joy to train and work with. They are both affectionate too, a nice bonus.

I uploaded some very short videos of Whidbey "working" for her ball in the yard. The were taken yesterday. She is a hoot! You will get a good sense of her size and athleticism. She weighed in at 52.3 lb last week at the vets. I think she is 22.25inches at the withers (I'm not a pro with the measuring wicket, but it's pretty close.

There are also pics of both girls. I haven't put too many new ones of Whidbey up yet. There are some wonderful agility pics of Birkita in an album labeled with her name and agility.

How were your recent litters? I'm sure they are fabulous.

Take care,

Elaine