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The ongoing photo journal of Katoba Dobermans' 2009 "Miss & Mister" Litter ~ DPCA Futurity Nominated for 2010

"BREEZE"
This is the hardest of all decisions ... to keep "The Bean" or to place "The Bean". This is Todd's favorite bitch. Actually, I think SHE chose HIM. He said he was not going to
get a attached to ANYBODY in this litter, (remember, this is how we ended up keeping Misty as a second bitch from the last litter - and I am VERY grateful we did).
Regardless of his early proclamations, Todd got attached anyway. Not only did he fall for Breeze, but he gave her his own little nickname, "Jelly Bean ... Beanie ... The
Bean". Oh, Todd ... you doomed yourself at that very moment. Breeze was one of my first picks, as well, and conformationally, she remains very close in line to Violet.
Breeze is undeniable - she is darling to look at, commands your attention, is very physical in communication, loves to be loved, is funny - always the entertainer, never has a
bad day, has tremendous play drive and potential for success in the performance venues, has the best backyard free stack, and ... I just adore her. The ONLY reason I
chose to place her is because I cannot offer her the level of experience, dedication to, nor the time commitment that she deserves when in comes to her potential in agility.
She must live with someone who is going to have her shown to her CH finish and then offer her a future in the performance rings. She is the total package puppy, abundant
with personality, solid fearless temperament, bold confidence, and always eager to please. Gosh, the more I talk about her the more I want her to stay...
.... AUGH ... "stick with your plan, Kathy ... remain - focused - on - the - PLAN (use the Captain Kirk voice there)!" :)
Due to this remarkably difficult decision, I have not made her available for consideration for placement, until now ~ but only to the"right" approved home.

Today's featured puppy:
Katoba's Miss Congeniality

The mornings have been quite chilly, yet it does not stop this bunch from going out for their morning potty run followed by a hearty breakfast.
Once the sun comes up, they are ready to go back outside. We usually start with a "walk-about" around the entire yard, (its only about 1/3 acre), a couple of times.
Invariably, a few will find side interests along the way. Those that continue to follow end up on the back patio with me. We will grab toys or tugs and play some games; or I
will work on the teeter with them. The tunnels have been dragged out into the yard now and act as GREAT hide and seek tools, of just a true high speed tunnel pass as
they run across the yard. For a few, they also serve as great chew toys ... EVERYTHING is a chew toy now ~ until their baby teeth fall out and the permanent teeth are in
fully ... several months from now! While several will sit in command and others even leash walk already ... some of the kids are going through a rebel stage and will refuse
to respond or recall when called by name, "puppy-puppy", nor a joyful "cookies". Each "little-dog" has his/her own way of 'pushing the envelope ... challenging the
boundaries, finding out just who they are and what they can do. I love watching this process - at ALL ages - 'learning' can bring about some of the greatest bonding times
throughout their lives - each age has its "rights of passage" that you will experience ... much like raising children. And, if you choose a right path with them, the outcome is
very gratifying. 'Yesterday, Erica refused to come in from the 'back forty', so, since I was in a bit of a hurry, I chose to go out and BRING her in. When I approached, she
got up (was laying under the cedar tree chewing a pine cone), wagged her stubby little tail, a RAN. There was no ore negotiating ~ I went back into the house and watched
her through the door. It took Erica only about 30 seconds (which was all the time I was going to give her anyway), to realize she was "ALL alone in the world" and that I had
NOT chased behind her ... nor had ANYONE else. The wind was blowing just enough to chill, and the neighbor dogs were now barking, as Erica made a mad dash back to
the patio door. When I opened the door she 'flew' into the room, spun around, and jumped up for me to hold her. I did so, and she bathed my face with kisses. She came
when called the rest of the day and was given several extra treats each time she came to me when called.

Saturday, October 3, 2009