Got a call from the local animal rescue society. Currently, we have empty kennels and they asked if we'd foster four large breed dogs. Two are oversized black Labs - 120+ lbs. Another is a giant Schnauzer and the fourth is a Briard. The Schnauzer is a hundred-pounder and the Briard around 85-90 lbs.
The UPSIDE! They want me to train the dogs in obedience, including advanced commands AND in general assistance. I'm over the moon about this! All four dogs are slated to go to four vets back from the Iraqi war and in need of assistance/companion dogs. I couldn't be happier than to provide our veteran warriors with animals that will make their lives easier and to be able to give four dogs rescued from possible euthanasia a second chance to live productive lives in good homes is a huge bonus.
Okay, off my soapbox. We'll be getting the dogs in about 2-3 weeks.
"You sure you want to do this at this time of year?" the giant Neanderthal playing devil's advocate asked.
I saw no reason to get into a long discussion about something I was determined to do so I sat on his lap and shut him up by stuffing heaping spoons full of peach cobbler in his mouth. (I froze some for when peaches went out of season.)
"You're extra busy these days cooking and baking for the upcoming holidays," he continued between bites.
Tsk. Obviously I didn't stuff his mouth fast enough.
SWAT!
Double tsk.
"And what about the downside to training these breeds? None of them are exactly docile."
Oh Ye Of Little Faith!
Black Labs are a whole different kind of retriever from Goldens. Goldens live to please you. Black Labs live to outwit you. They are extraordinarily bright, STUBBORN, and have a hugely wicked sense of humor. They steal things. They wag their tails while listening to you but in fact, they are really plotting what they're doing next. If you bring them into the house, they wait until you're asleep. Then they drink all the beer and watch porn all night.
I like a challenge and let's face it, I'm not crazy about beer or porn but when my mind is made up, I can be more stubborn than a black Lab.
"That's for sure," the giant squid says.
Oh sure. Now he agrees with me. Tsk.
The only Giant Schnauzers I've met are police dogs that patrol the perimeter of the navy base at night. Some are attack-trained and assist the military police if necessary. Schnauzers are also bright animals and easily trained as long as they know who the alpha is. I'm not concerned about training this one. It's like working with 100 lbs. of steel wool.
The Briard: Oh boy! Bright and crafty! You have to outwit this one and give it LOTS of praise and attention. It also responds well to treats. Well... that's what I do every day to keep Cowboy in line so this shouldn't be anything new.
SWAT!
"The truth hurts, huh?"
SWAT! SWAT!
Laughing... but softly.
We're off to Hawaii in a couple of days. The giant squid has been invited to attend the Veterans' Day ceremony aboard the USS Arizona. It's an honor to be invited and we're excited about attending. We have friends in Pearl Harbor and elsewhere on Oahu so we expect to be there about a week. When we get back, the holiday planning and baking et al will be in full swing.
We have a few social obligations already marked on the calendar. When you live with a giant squid, those things happen. Naturally, I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to spruce up my wardrobe so I've been doing that, too. So far, the credit card company hasn't called to yell "fraud" or "cease fire" or whatever other nonsense they like to exclaim when I forge his signature...
"You forged my signature?!?"
"Of course not, dear. I wouldn't dream of it."
~Sar~
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4 comments:
Every time I think I like you to the max, you do something like this to up the levels. I am a vet who is married to a retired Army Sgt (and who is now an Army mom!), and I love what you are going to be doing to both save these dogs and help the troops at the same time.
And Cowboy, as to "And what about the downside to training these breeds? None of them are exactly docile."
She's got you pretty well trained *grin* so those four should be eeeeasy!
calliope
Have fun in Hawaii, and don't forget us! We will anxiously be awaiting "DOG" training Tails!
Hugs
Theresa
Sar that is absolutely terrific, if it were possible to like you more I would.
I love dogs so its difficult for me to choose. I've had a couple of black Labs lovely animals not that hard to train, very playful. And Bella a really delightful Briard, such a teddy bear, her only problem was, she thought she was a lapdog, after ten minutes with her upper half on my knees my legs would be asleep. BTW the training I'm talking about is normal companion animal training.
Hope that you have a great trip and please keep us up to speed with how the dogs are doing.
Warm hugs,
Paul. aka (zealous voyeur)
I think its wonderful that you have the opportunity to be there on Veterans' Day. I'ed be crying and making a fool outta myself, tho I was told along time ago,by a dear sweet (tried to be grouchie - ok so he WAS grouchie) Sergeant Major, there is no shame in tears. This was the same man who proceeded to call me "A Road Kill on the Information Super Highway" after I single handedly knock out an entire pc system.
How proud Cowboy must be of you!!!
Those dogs are pretty much bigger than you and you will have them trained and ready to go, I know.
Lol Save one of those cards! Christmas is comming!!!!
Hugs
Valerie
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