1110-1609

My time with

Up, up and away

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

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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On Monday, October 9, 2009
Mischief went in for her pre-flight physical and health Certificate. She, of course, is the epitome of health and weighed in at 28.2 pounds. Mischief spent a great deal of
time flirting with Dr. Sattler ~ but then, most of my Dobergirls do :)
Yesterday, I spent the day packing Mischief's things, getting her paperwork in order, taking photos of her, and trying to smile through the tears.
This bitch is a special treat - she is smart, sensitive, stunning, and snotty ~ she will be a very showey bitch.
There is something so sweet about her face that it makes me melt ~ those dreamy brown eyes, that teasey expression, the smooth lines ... darling !!

Tuesday, October 10, 2009
Today I confirmed my flight, the dog-sitter, and Todd's schedule and readied the house and other dogs for my 6 days away from home, (yikes).
Health does not allow me to be a great candidate for airline travel ~ thus, this will be Tyler's first commercial flight as a service dog ... I trust he will do his job.
On top of it all ... I really hate to fly.
That said, Mischief has been bathed, nails dremelled, and her ears re-posted. She looks beautiful ... dawning her fire-engine-red collar ~ she is a "siren".
In preparation for the flight, I froze a mini water bucket of water, prepped her crate with a new Costco blanket,
and gave positive ID to the crate with a giant red "M" duct taped to the top.
I have over-packed, as usual ; the house is fairly clean; the laundry is all done; the kennel area is fresh; all has been confirmed; remaining pups are posted & dremelled;
Mischief & Tyler are readied; all paperwork is in order for me and the dogs; I think are ready for departure.
Tomorrow will be an early morning, so we all need to get to sleep early this evening ..... right ????
So, for the rest of the day, the puppies played, and played, and played some more!
Enjoy some fun photos of Mischief & the gang on their last day together, (below).

Katoba's Miss Behaving
"MISCHIEF"
Mischief will be going home to live with BPIS Am Int'l CH Katoba's Emerald City CGC, ("OZ"), and Elaine Richman , in Houston, Texas.
She will be at home until January, to bond with Elaine, and then will be off to stay with her hander, Linda George, throughout her conformation career.
Here is a look at her homeward-bound journey.

" ... I got you, babe ... " ~ Sonny & Cher

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Mischief's Journey to Houston, TX
8:30am - Todd drives us to the airport - first stop: Continental Live Cargo Building
Checking a dog in to ANY respected pet flight program is nerve-wracking. Continental's Live Cargo Pet Safe check-in/boarding is nowhere near MY check in ... it is actually
a couple miles away from the actual SeaTac International. The dogs are inspected, the crate is inspected, there is paperwork to fill out and make available for viewing; it is
tedious, and I felt rushed ... especially since I had to get Tyler and myself back to the other end of the airport, through check in and security and to boarding at least an
hour prior to boarding for his first official commercial flight as a service dog.
I must say, it was a pleasure dealing with the Cargo check-n gentlemen - they LOVED Mischief and were MORE tha pleased to have 'her assistance', (see below).
As they inspected the crate, my little redhead chose to use the security men as giant toys - jumping and licking them.

Once the dog and the crate cleared inspection, they weighed the whole "package".
Then, Mischief had her picture taken with Steve-the-lead-inspector; with me; and then in her crate - ready for departure.

After leaving Mischief, I cried with worry (we all do). Todd then droveTyler and I went back to the actual airport.
We went through check-in, security, and then walked to the gate - we checked in ther and were reassigned seats at the bulkhead, since there was one available.
Then, we waited ...
... and waited ...
... and waited.
The Continental crew was wonderful. Passengers were thrilled to stare at Tyler ~ all were respectful of his boundaries, (NOT being able to pet him while he was working).
Tyler was a total pro, as well He stayed true to his duties, was respectful and helpful, and made all of us very proud during the flight.

The plane landed on time ... it was a successful journey for Mischief ... as was Tyler.
The movie was "Four Christmases", and the snack was AWEFUL, (a doughy turkey dog, preserved lettuce and warm dressing, and a stale Twix minibar .... yuck !!)
Nevertheless, Tyler had completed 50% of his first round trip commercial flight as a service dog. AWESOME.
Once we got to the Richman residence, Tyler and Mischief introduced themselves to Oz on opposite sides of the gate of course.
Then Tyler and Mischief made themselves right at home, having a great time, (Oz still needs to learn how to properly behave around puppies before he can play with her).
Elaine oooed and ahhhed over the little "Moo", calling all her friends to announce the arrival.
Then, the day was over ~ Tyler, Mischief, and I bedded down together in the guest room, for what would be a 5 day stay in Houston, TX.

Goodnight "Moo"

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Mischief plays in her new backyard the first afternoon in her new home.

Mischief goes to Oz's agility class to watch. She met several dogs, including a golden retriever, a 'mix', a miniature poodle ... and James, (her future instructor).

By the end of the day, we all had mosquito bites, Mischief had made some friends & Tyler had adjusted to being confined to the back half of the Richman house,
After some guest room playtime, the three of us, (me, Ty, and Moo), bedded down for the hot Texas evening ... I canNOT beleive these people have the Air Conditioners at 80
degrees ... I was longing for my chilly but fresh Washington NON-AC temp of 68 degrees.
Mischief is by far the snuggliest and best puppy I have ever had the pleasure of sharing a pillow with.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

At the dog show today, Linda and Rick George came out to the parking lot to meet with us and be introduced to Mischief.
They were both very impressed by her beauty ... and of course, Mischief fell in love with Rick - nibbling his ears and crawling all over him.
Linda walked her around on a lead and commented on several things: she stands perfectly, she holds her body together beautifully, she has the perfect turn of stifle, her front
is full and impressive, she is not lacking in confidence at all, she is going to be fun, she will do very well, she is very sweet, her color is beautiful, she loves Mischief's feet, she
has lots of bone, beautiful, sweet, precious, etc. It is great to hear all of these things as Linda will be her handler and Mischief will be living there come January 2010.
When we got home ... it was, again, time to sleep.

BFF
AKC Major ptd. Can Int'l CH Katoba's Emerald Horizon CGC TDI RN
"TYLER"
&
Katoba's Miss Behaving
"MISCHIEF"

Tyler is the best puppy-mentor I have seen since "Rock", (AKC ptd. Can Int'l CH Electron's Stray Cat Strut CGC WAC), was alive.
Here, Tyler runs & plays with Mischief in her new Houston, TX backyard.

Mischief is a bold iittle girl with TONS of confidence and lots of play drive. She never disappoints - in ANYTHING she does . she is always sweet and always silly. She is smart
and loves to learn She is NOT a pup who appreciates snapping or clapping - she wants to be treated with respect and clarity. She will ignore repetativeness and will NOT
respond to being forced - she calls the shots & she never calls them wrong She is respectful and focused and LOVES to run next to me outside She is extremely
well-behaved, and she does not take well to being ignored. THIS is a great bitch!
Below, Mischief the Mini-Moo takes over the den and the toys without reservation.

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Tyler "inspects", while Mischief "shadows" :)

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

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A break from the ear posts ~ WOW, this house is loud - that high-volume television, the talk-talk-talking mom, the bark-bark-barking Oz, the ... the ... the ...
... oh, my gosh ... I think I will just hang out here in the quiet guest room and ...

... strike a pose ...

... steal some Keds ...

** BEAUTIFUL **

We slept in a bit today, as it is me and Tyler's last morning with Mischief ... today, we fly home.
I awoke to Mischief cured up right next to me. I stared at her and melted over her lovely, peaceful sweetness.
OH, how I would miss her.
About an hour later, I realized that I had cried myself back to sleep with her.
I kept the photos anyway ... leftover/morning face and all ... because it was a special time for us!

Monday, November 16, 2009

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~ OR ~

I wiped away the tears, pulled myself together, and took photos of Tyler and Mischief now snuggling in the middle of the bed.

I went outide for a bit of fun with the kids ... a game of basketball-soccer and some run around time.

While Tyler was all up for play, he had taken on a different mood today ...
... Tyler was becoming increasingly SAD.
The wind and rain picked up so heavily that we had to come inside. It was time, anyway, for us to get packed to leave.
I took a shower and packed my bags, while Tyler and Mischief retreated to the bed again, mourning over what would soon be their "good-bye moment"

Once I was ready to go, I plopped down on the bed the dogs were still snuggling on.
Mischief was in my face immediately, doing her cute Mischief thing ... so, we took some pictures to remember my last moments with her before departing for the airport.

After which time, Tyler went in for his last big kiss ... he loves his little niece so much ... and this was their good-bye moment.

Be still my heart ... my time with Oz.
Sadly, I had not been able to spend as much time with him as I hoped to while I was here - just OZ & ME - until the day I was to depart.
But I made sure that a great portion of that day was devoted to just "US".
For nearly two years, I had been hearing about Oz's behavior issues ... and now, I had DAYS to observed the in-house and class environments which are Oz's reality,
I had become extremely distressed over the lack of HUMAN accountability ... which is clearly the core of the overall problem.
As my attempts to discuss this fell on deaf ears of the owner, I solicited the help of a friend who is a retired 47-year Animal Behavior Specialist, in hopes of helping Oz.
Unfortunately, as we already knew - she pointed out that it is not the dog who is the problem ... it is his human, and any who support her behaviors.
"Oz is not misbehaving - he is speaking out - shouting at the top of his lungs - in the only way he can without a voice.
His behaviors are not bad ... they are the reactions of an unhappy, discontented, and emotionally frustrated dog ~
~ displaying clear resentment and dislike for his human - and an earned lack of respect."
Oz - himself - is being "ignored" ... by his human, and also by his method-trainers, and his humans associates who are not LISTENING to him.
They are all seeing him react & are punishing him for it ... while the REASON for the reactions is reinforced and REAL problems continue.
Due to owners ungoing refusal to follow the direction given, the new on-board behaviorist has suggested this story be made public in hopes of forcing change since my
other attempts to assist have fallen on deaf ears - or a simple refusal to care ... either way, Oz has become the victim of his human's actions.
"A dog with such focused drive and potential MUST be put in a home of solid, reliable demeanor; receive daily hands-on attention;
training must be focused on the DOG as an individual, not through broad methodology; the dogs home must be free from neurotic or repetitive
verbiage and mannerism; owner of such a dog must never focus on human ego, but on the learning demands of the dog; dog must be given hours of
interactive play and daily outdoor conditioning - running, chasing, biking, jogging, Frisbee, whatever - WITH equal human involvement ...
... must have a human who earns respect FROM/OF said dog through devotion and healthy example ...
... not one who expects the dog to be a respectful, non-eventful, Wednesday evening toy."
This stated by the expert on-board, Oz's mother is going to have to work REALLY hard to UNDO her own behaviors, and be honest with trainers, so they can help HER.
Regarding his incredible performance potential, the same changes - and more - are a necessity, or the dog will never reach the potential for which he was placed.
Oz, and Mischief, (the new puppy in Oz's world), DESERVE consistent, reliable, healthy surroundings ~
a life of structure, joy, appropriate attention without neurosis, freedom to move and be active, REAL interaction with their humans ...
... and people who see them for who they are and what their lives entail.

In the end, if all else fails ~ if the owner involved decides not to care enough to make the necessary changes ... one of two things will happen:
1 - I will end up receiving back 2 dogs I placed and will re-home them in situation(s) that are conducive for healthier and happier living; or
2 - the dogs will never fulfill their show/performance potential; will find happiness in just each other as canine pals;
and both will turn away from any companionship or respect the owner could have hoped for with them. It would be a shame, but be HER fault ... her loss.
Dogs are not toys that we can keep in a box and only bring out when we expect them to play with us.
I must hope that the owner will see to it that things change for the betterment of Oz ... and therefore, the well being of Mischief's future.
Mischief will be leaving to go live with her handlers in January throughout her entire conformation career.
Oz did the same thing, and I hold in my heart HUGE THANKS to the George's for their treatment and devotion to Oz ...
... Oz went back home after being a kennel dog for almost a year and was a VERY well-behaved house dog ... when his mom is not in the home.

While I spent the majority of my extra time on my day of my departure from Texas - with Oz,
I experienced NO problems with his behavior... that is, until his mom came home.
I noted that EVERY time her verbal and mannerism influence is present, he as a rebellious, unpredictable, poorly mannered young man.
Oz is very deliberate and easy to understand; he is not complicated and requires very little.
WHAT little he does require, though, is mandatory - like it or not - for him to be able to sustain a healthy existence.
He is NOT a bad dog, nor is he 'challenging' or difficult at all ... he is the opposite of that - he is precise, focused, courteous and does not put a foot wrong.
Despite his whimsical public shell, he is internally miserable ... the humans around him remaining blind ~ looking right at him, they cannot SEE him.
I have always said that this dog "never had a bad day" ... but, I am wrong ... he is now having many ... and nobody is HEARING him.
It is amazing that he has been as successful in learning as he has, given what has now revealed itself as the CORE of the problem(s).
"The issues this dog is having to deal with are serious - but, are completely fixable ~
~ ONLY if his owner can truly realize, modify, and hold herself accountable.
[BOLD areas are quotes from retired specialist - my friend and patient, Bonee Alexandre]
* * *
When asked WHY I placed another puppy in this home, I want to point out that I was NOT told the truth about the situation PRIOR to me approving the puppy for
placement; and once I was made aware, I DID consult with the specialist, who helped me to include specifics in contract for the puppy, and did feel it may be good for
OZ's future in that this puppy I had considered for "him" would be a great match, (having evaluated the pups herself) ...
... AS LONG AS the owner is willing to make serious changes IMMEDIATELY.
So, to the question of "WHY", my reply is threefold:
1- this person was determined to get a puppy ... from anyone willing to place one with her; if I do, at least I know who/what is going to live with OZ for the rest of HIS life.
2 - Oz deserves companionship and fun - he is NOT getting that from his owner - Oz will, at least, find happiness in a canine companion when she is big enough.
3 - In order for all of this to work, the human influence MUST change immediately ... or be forced to re-evaluate whether she should have these - OR ANY - dogs.
* * * We shall see what happens ... and those who care, will pray :) * * *
Since I was doing so much WORK with Oz in the VERY limited time we had together, I did not get to take but a few photos of him, (above).
In short time, underneath the stigma, I saw that this WAS the "Oz" I knew and loved as a pup - he had just been stifled and ignored.
Now, he was free to be the REAL dog that he IS ... and he let me see HIM ...and that warmed my heart to tears.
Physically, (although he was overweight and out of shape), he has become a substantial young man - good bone - and still moves like a dream.
We had so much fun in that short time - I ran around the yard WITH him; I threw the tennis ball for him and ran after it WITH him; WE wrestled around a bit and had a
great time playing tug with Tyler's Kong Wubba (thanks Ty) - especially when he was "allowed to" pull me to the ground before he "won"; he jumped and chased and
played like this for 45 minutes straight ... that is what is required of a dog with this must drive, "FUN", and LIFE inside of him.
After which time, he had tired with enough focused "Oz-time" to allow the puppy to come out and be with us.
Oz did not set one foot wrong with her - was patient and playful very gently - much like Tyler.
Mischief did what playful confident puppies do - jumping, licking, nibbling, barking, teasing ... it was great fun and oh, so funny.
I let them play in front of me for about 15 minutes ... and then,
we all went into the house, where Oz and Mischief took a short nap together in the den with the television on quietly...
... while Tyler was left out, whining in the guest room, (sorry Tyler).
I shed many tears of sadness leaving him in Texas ... again ... but this time I left him with a BIG TREAT ... Msichief.
When they woke up, Mischief went back outside for a potty break and had to go in her pen, (NO MORE indoor crates for these dogs - it's NOT acceptible, see BELOW),
and Oz had to stay at one end of house while Tyler and I got the bags adn 'us' ready to leave.
Oz looked at me with those dark glossy eyes ... I could not help but cry again. I sooooooo did not want to leave him - OR "Little Moo" -
- but for now, I had to trust the human in that house to follow the demands left of her by me and the instruction of the specialist,
and do what is right and best for the DOGS.
What does that song say? ~ "... every time we say good bye, I die a little ..."
This is true for the two - no, the three - of us, (Oz, Mischief, and myself) - even though we had a rough week ... he looked me in the eye and we both melted.
While Oz and I were saying our goodbyes ... I set the camera on the timer, in hopes of a silly, happy smile from both of us at the same time.
That did not happen ... instead, this is what we got, (below).
I think, though, I will remember the feeling at that moment for the rest of my life ...
... so, there could be NO better picture than this for us.

I had to get the traditional 'new family & puppy photo' ... so, here they are: Elaine Richman and Mischief "Moo".
Treat her right, Elaine ... if not, you won't just have me to account to :) ... you will have Tyler to deal with !!!

With worry in my heart and tears in my eyes, I put on the pretend-happy-face, as Elaine drove Me and Tyler to the airport; dropping us off, after hailing down a sky cap -
by, it would be nice if SeaTac would get back the many sky caps they used to have - we had a LOT to bring home. It was an effortless check in. Tyler was again perfect at
every check point and had the BEST EVER sit stay at security while I walked through alone. He then did the PERFECT front when I called him to go through the security
arch. Everyone wanted a photo and to pet him, but that is not allowed when he is working, so we had to apologize and point out the clear instruction patch on his vest:
"Please do not pet me ~ I am working".
The staff and crew members are all well-trained in this area, but a few could NOT help themselves and I saw a few fingers drop to touch him while the plain was readying
for take off. Tyler took his assigned seat - which is always the floor in front of my feet.
He did not get up at all - not even when lunch was served - **is he really Echo's son???** haha
This return completed Tyler's first round trip Service Dog commercial flight.
While many others have done this successfully, this was our first time together, and I am VERY proud of him ... as was the crew.
So much so, that they wanted photos of him. We gladly waited until the entire plane had been emptied ...
... I had all their I-phones, (seemed to be the flight crew phone/camera of choice), in my hands and just started shooting.
They were really thrilled - said they have NEVER had such a well behaved animal in-cabin ... what a special dog Tyler is.
I ALMOST forgot to get one for myself, but did not want to miss out on such an opportunity for a keepsake.
By that time, Tyler's brain was done being "poster-boy", but I got two photos at the door of the plane, before Tyler said his goodbyes.

Friday the 13th

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Did not take any photos today ... instead, Elaine and I went to the Nutcracker Market at the Reliant Center. It is sort of like a smaller version of the "Victorian Country
Christmas", held at the Western Washington Fairgrounds each winter. It was a LOT of fun even if it did cause me to have even MORE "excess baggage weight on the flight
home - haha. This was Mischief's first experience being alone in her new place for several hours. She did well, no accidents and no escaping from her pen. GOOD girl.

Tyler is playing with less vigor ... I think he knows Mischief is not coming home with us.

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Tyler, with Continental Flight 267 Crew.

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"... and then there were three ..."

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CRATE "USE"
Oz left my home fully and appropriately crate trained.
By this, I mean that by age 7.5 weeks, Oz went into a crate upon first command - in the car, in the house, anywhere ... and was rewarded with a cookie upon doing so.
My puppies are ONLY crated in the following situations:
1 - If I am away from home- and NEVER for more than 3-4 hours, (pups should never be crated for more than a few hours at a time);
2 - traveling in an automobile - obviously, for safety reasons;
3 - when waiting for his class to start, (it was a litter of 12 and I had to split the pups into three different training classes, back to back, to work with each)
4 - AT NIGHT, when it was time for everyone to bed down for the night, where he remained sleeping for at least 7 hours, without sound or much movement.
Those were the ONLY times Oz was ever inside a crate in my care - he was not crated for naps, as he rested on dog beds, outside in the grass, or on his favorite rug,
or being held in our laps. Otherwise, he was always playing, training in some way, being walked, bathed, eating, or playing some more :).
He was an AMAZINGLY happy, focused, confident, eager to please and freakishly-smart puppy.
CRATE "ABUSE",
(just one of the issues Oz has dealt with)
Upon going to his new home, Oz stayed in the guest room with me, while I was there, sleeping in a "nightime crate" the last night, in his new moms room.
I later came to find out that he was literally LIVING in "crate".
I confirmed this, through specific questions given to me by a behavior specialist, in order to better understand the unbelievable comments being made by the new mom.
Here was one day in Oz's life - an example of how her crates are a crutch, a babysitter, and become the tool used in abusive dog ownership:
Oz ate his 3:00am breakfast in the "daytime crate" (he was a messy eater and his mom "does NOT clean"), then out for a potty and back in the crate.
Oz goes back into the "nighttime crate" so he "can watch" mom get ready for work and the old dog played.
Oz is repeatedly reprimanded for barking in crate.
Oz was then transferred back to the "daytime crate" while mom goes to work, runs errands, etc - up to 11+ hours a day ...
... with nobody to let him out, no stimulation, no contact.
Oz was let out to potty when mom gets home from work and changed clothes for training classes with other dog.
Oz was put back into "daytime crate" to eat his dinner.
Oz is then put right into "car crate" to travel to classes.
Oz is then put into a "training facility crate" to watch his mom's other dog train in agility or obedience.
Oz is reprimanded repetedly for barking in the crate.
Oz gets his turn to train ... but when he is not attentive or acts out, he is put back into a crate.
After class, Oz is put back into the "car crate" to travel home.
Oz out to potty when home then... you guessed it ... Oz is fored right back into "nighttime crate" until breakfast the next 'morning'.
This is minimum FIVE DAYS EACH WEEK = THAT is how this puppy was raised ... and that was just the "crating habits" of the owner.
THIS is abuse of crate use, abuse of a good training tool, and ABUSE OF A DOG !!!

All who know Oz should NOT be frustrated with his 'frustration', but instead, be AMAZED that he is as wonderful as he IS after all that.
And again, this being just ONE of the issues Oz has had to deal with ... he deserves to be heard!