[PyrNet-L] DogChat: Introduction (long)

[Michaelene Sullivan <innerpuppie@barkavenue.com>]

I would like to introduce myself to the list and give a brief background about
myself, my dogs and my new Pry girl, Willow.

My name is Michaelene and I share my life and home with Tony III (11 month old
GSD), Savannah Leigh (5 year old, spaniel-x) and as of Friday evening, Willow
(10 month old Great Pyrenees).

On Friday morning I was called at my shop by the owner of a Pyrenees girl that I
had groomed approximately a month earlier. I remembered the dog clearly as I had
fallen in love with her almost instantly. The owner was tearful when she told me
that she didn't feel she could give the time necessary to her dog due to long
work hours away from home. She said that she was calling me first (and before
she took her to a shelter, UGH) to see if I would like to have her dog. I told
her that I would have to think this over and that I would call back later that
afternoon. Within a couple of hours I knew that I couldn't allow the beautiful
girl that I had seen go to a shelter...she would be mine and she would become a
loved and valued member of my doggie pack. So, Willow (formerly Esban) is now my
girl and in just barely 48 hours she has endeared herself to me and to my GSD
boy far beyond what I imagined she could in such a short period of time.

I know very little about this beautiful breed...only about Willow, herself. She
has badger markings, a gentle demeanor, loves to be brushed, and won't let me
out of her sight. I have a fenced yard and when she is out to do her potty she
walks my fence line and is very particular about where she "goes". I have found
that she is a picky eater but loves Lamb and Rice dog cookies. She has an
inordinate fear of linoleum (terrified). Her previous owner told me that Willow
had been trained not to set foot on it in order for her to stay out of the
kitchen. My girl is so fearful when she has to cross the tile to the back door
to go out...it just breaks my heart. I don't know what type of training method
was used on her but it sure scared her...but she is calming down with positive
reinforcement and lots of praise.

I am here to learn all that I can about my darling girl so that I will be able
to raise her properly and with knowledge. I know a great deal about GSD's but
little to nothing about the Pyrenees (habits, etc.). I have read that they are
not good off leash and I am happy that I learned that before I gave her the same
amount of freedom that I do my obedience trained GSD. Willow is too precious to
risk losing or placing her in a situation where she may get hurt or lost.

So, here I am...newbie owner and wanting to learn about this beautiful dog that
has come into my home to share my life. Willow is remarkable and deserves an
owner who is knowledgeable about her breed.


--
Michaelene & Savannah Leigh, neighborhood busy body,
Tony III, GSD learning machine, and
Willow, my gentle Pyrenees girl.

Mistoo Pwincie & Tony II, my heart & my soul,
waiting for me at the Bridge...

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
                - Roger Caras

The Sullivan puppers:
http://www.barkavenue.com/innerpuppie/puppers
Visit with Tony II at the Bridge:
http://www.bargraph.com/tony