March 23, 2006
 Daisy
arrived on March 8th after only a couple of days at the Amador
shelter. She was crazy! Running everywhere, jumping, biting her
lead and every other bad thing a puppy can do. Except she is 2.5
years old!
Daisy is an American show line German Shepherd Dog. She has a
pedigree that shows her breeding, but she was tossed away because
she has a long (or plush) coat. Poor girl, no one wanted her, and
it shows. She has spent her short life in pens and a crate. It
looks like someone took a pair of scissors to her coat to remove some
matted hair. Why bother with a bath and grooming?! Her last owner
kept her for all of one day! She wants nothing more that to be
loved and have someone attention pay to her. We often see this in
animals that have never been allowed to just "be a dog". When they
get into a home environment they begin to live that puppy hood
that they were never allowed to have.
Training has done wonders for her,
however. We now see what a delightful temperament she has. Inside,
she has all the sought after attributes that the GSD breed is
famous for. Through school she is learning what it takes to get
what she wants most of all... just to please and be treated
kindly.
Well, most of the time anyway. She
can't resist a quick romp and the recent snow was just too good to
resist. But her lessons are not totally lost as she knows not to
pull on the lead, even when charging around. And, it is hard to
correct her for just being a little too happy. Especially
considering her past life.
But she soon settles down. Although the
happy smile never seems to fade away. She doesn't know that she is
a show dog reject. And we don't care because she has the smarts,
drive and personality that is so often missed.
As of this writing, her obedience is
coming along very well. She knows how to heel, sit, and down when
asked. Also, she sits, downs and returns to the sit from the front
as well as the side. Her recall (coming when called) is also
coming along.
Every dog needs a job, and for her,
walking and practicing her training are it. She can't wait to go
out for a training session. Usually we go for a long walk
afterwards as a reward. She is up for any activity, and whether a
walk or play session she says "I'm your dog!"
She is also very social with the other
dogs. Her manners are getting better with exposure to the pack.
She participates in the group classes. She was a little star in
last weekend's classes, and she had a great time. Although she was
sad to see all her new friends leave after class.
Daisy will be ready to go after April 1,
2006. She is current on all vaccinations, heartworm negative and
on preventative. Her training is almost complete and we just have
to verify that she is spayed. She has completed one field trip
into downtown Jackson and we'll be doing another the week of March
30th.
As you can see, she has worked her way
into our hearts and is one of this webmaster's most favorite
students. If you have a lot room in your heart and home for a very
special little girl then please give us a call at (209) 223-3194
or send an email to
info@twincedark9.com. After all she has been through she
deserves a home where she can be a dog and partner. Whether work
or play, she promises to do her part!
Update 3/27/06
Today, before the thunderstorms came, we
tried something new. Cooper, the excellent tracking dog, was here
for his area search practice. Part of the exercise requires a
person to "get lost" in the woods, then Cooper and handlers start
from another area to find him. After the first find, I took Daisy
to the point where Brian (Margaret's husband and our lost person)
started his hike. Well, as I hoped, Daisy took off with nose to
the ground. And, sure enough, she tracked Brian through the woods
to his hiding place. She did very well, only lost the trail once
and once restarted kept on track right to the target.
She has the drive, interest and ability
to be a great little tracker. She enjoyed the task, and with some
training and practice she would do very well. The tracking
activity is lots of fun in the home for both the people and dog...
I bet she would never lose a game of hide and seek!
The
Amador County Animal
Control Adoption Application is available to be completed on
line and send in if you like to pre-qualify for Daisy.
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Daisy 
Daisy (again)
Daisy came through the Second Chance Program in March of 2006. Her adoptive owner has decided to re-home her because she has not been getting along with his 4 year old female Great Dane. She was brought out to the ranch for a temperament test which she passed with flying colors. 
Daisy
made it and graduated today! She was such a crazy girl that when
she first arrived that some doubted if she could ever be trained.
But, once again they were proved wrong! She goes to a home not
only will she have a huge fenced yard, but also a couple of other
dogs to romp and play with! That's is just what she needed. Good
luck Daisy! You worked hard and now have another chance. Remember
your training and be strong if you're tempted to jump, you know
better!
