CRAZY FOR KAYA

Years ago I adopted Kaya from San Francisco Animal Care & Control which is SF's city shelter. I recently got a newsletter from them saying they would be posting stories from adopters on their Facebook page in a "Love Stories" album for Valentine's Day. Of course I had to send Kaya's story! Lately I've been hearing stories of my internet friends running into those who helped and cared for their dogs before they were adopted. Maybe this is my chance to reach one of those people who knew Kaya! If not...I'm just happy to share and maybe make someone smile. Here's what I wrote...

I adopted Kaya (then Daisy) as a little puppy almost 4 years ago! She has grown up to be such a loving, loyal, affectionate and hilarious dog. Her favorite activities include sunbathing, fetch, hangin' with her "brother" Norman, giving kisses, digging in the sand and being a big lap dog.

Kaya was the first in my animal family that is now a very happy & adorable trio including my other former pound puppy, Norman and their kitty, Gina. When I adopted Kaya I didn't have much, having just moved back to the area. An apartment, an airbed, a pile of clothes and a dog...what more could you need!? And it was perfect. I quickly started fostering cats because I wanted to socialize her from a young age. I nicknamed her "the cat whisperer" because she was able to turn even the most scaredy of scaredy cats in a dog lover.

After a few months, I realized she needed a dog buddy too. When I adopted Norman I could have never imagined 2 dogs could be so perfect for each other. They sleep on top of each other, share all their treats & toys, wrestle for hours in the back yard and follow all the same smells when out on the trail. They adore each other endlessly. Norman thinks Kaya is just about the coolest thing on the planet. While Kaya loves having her dutiful companion at her beck and call.

Kaya is also a master at fetch. She leaps with joy at the sight of her beloved chuck-it & ball. She'll bring it back over and over...and over. And I always marvel at her quest for the missing ball should she have missed where I threw it. I've seen her sweep an acre's worth of land and come up victorious time and time again. Swimming fetch is another great passion of hers. She never gets tired when she's out but she certainly crashes hard once we're home!

When not playing fetch, Kaya is a great adventurer. On most days, we go on long hikes in the Oakland hills. She explores many nooks and crannies on her own but any mention of "go up there" "go down there" "go over there" with a point in the right direction and she's off to investigate! She also loves the snow at Lake Tahoe and running her little heart out on the beach. And we've been lucky enough to move from my tiny studio to a beautiful house with a yard.

Kaya is my right hand girl. She leaps at the opportunity to join me no matter what we're doing...taking out the trash, moving from the couch to bed late at night, climbing a huge mountain, going for a swim or even if I want her to move from the foot of the bed to cozied up tight by my face. Since her very first night with me, she has spent every one burrowed deep under the covers, cuddled up against me. In fact, her warm head is resting on my lap as I type this.

Something very important to me is promoting Pit Bull type dogs in a positive light. Kaya's made that easy on me. She loves everyone she meets from little kids to old people, along with dogs of all shapes and sizes. She was a rambunctious and ambitious pup so I put countless hours into her training. I wanted us to be a team, not just a dog obeying her owner. And it worked! She knows what I'm saying from the most subtle motions and has a barrel of tricks that she loves running through. I can't express how much I love taking her places and seeing her run free. She always keeps me in check and makes sure we're along for the ride together.

If you are interested in seeing more of our adventures, I love documenting our daily activities on Instagram @ mytwopitties. We're also on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube & Blogger under the same name. Thank you so much to those at SFACC who helped rescue and care for my girl! 

I had a really really hard time narrowing down the pictures too. Everyone else just posted one sweet picture so I felt like kind of an a-hole submitting a whole collection. But...I just couldn't decide. Oh well! You can click on the above image to view it larger.

Have you ever connected with some who knew your dog in the past or helped rescue them?

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A Year with Kaya

NORMAN'S 4TH THERAPY VISIT: A THERAPY DOG FOR EVERYONE

Norman is not a whiny dog. Once in a blue moon he lets out a sort of grunty whimper when he really needs to go out. Even in the car when we pull up to their favorite spots, Kaya and Norman are both silent and relaxed. Though Norman seems to have figured out where we are when I park at the hospital for our therapy visits. He whines quite a bit and much higher pitched than his usual grunty style. I think this means he's really excited for the visits! Though in typical Norman fashion, he is super calm once I leash him up and walk him a couple blocks to the hospital.

I don't have any photos of the actual day so I'm going to post some old ones that are somewhat relative:)

One thing that I did not expect when starting therapy with Norman was how much we would reach people who are not even patients. The nurses, doctors and other assistants really look forward to the therapy dog visits too. Not only do they like seeing the effect it has on the patients but they also enjoy petting the dogs, asking all about them and hearing stories of what they are like outside of therapy dog work.

A therapy dog's work is never done!

There are many other staff members who love saying hi or petting the dogs too, like janitors, receptionists, paramedics and anyone we see in the elevator or lobby. The parking attendants even know their names and call out to us when we walk up! On this visit we were able to entertain the children of a woman who works at the hospital. They were clearly bored to be at mom's work and were so excited to meet a couple dogs they could hang out with for a minute.

So far, at least one person at every visit tells me that Norman has helped change their mind about Pit Bulls. This time one of the adult patients said, "I'm gonna tell everyone that I don't think Pit Bulls are scary anymore." Yes! Even though they are proud Golden Retriever owners, my fellow volunteers have also told me that they love having a Pit Bull in the program and enjoy seeing Norman be able to change people's perceptions.

Do your dogs know when they've arrived somewhere exciting? Do they let you know?

Related Posts:
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Norman's 2nd Therapy Visit: Just Don't Ask Us to Do Tricks
Norman's 1st Therapy Visit! 

NORMAN'S 2ND THERAPY VISIT: JUST DON'T ASK US TO DO TRICKS

Norman's second therapy visit was just as awesome as his first visit. We returned to the same location (the mental health department of a local hospital) but there were mostly new patients. Like last time, the teenagers were very excited to see the dogs and had fun sitting on the floor with them. Both Norman and the other Therapy Dog spent most of the time lying on the floor, receiving lots of rubs and pets. Norman also dishes out kisses to those who want them, while the other dog keeps his tongue to himself.

I don't have any photos of the actual day so I'm going to post some old ones that are somewhat relative:)

When we were visiting with the adults, they asked to see the dogs do tricks. The other volunteer and I laughed because each of our dogs only has one "real" trick. Norman's trick is a wave...sort of. I use the command "hi" and hold up my hand to wave at him while he lifts his front paw. But Norman had everyone in stitches because every time I gave him the command, he'd flop on the floor belly up. This is an old move of his since puppy-hood to get out of training. And yes, it is so cute...it works every time. So each time I had to physically pick him up to reposition him on his feet and try again. Each "failure" made everyone laugh even harder and was more entertaining than actually getting him to do it. Finally, I led him to a different spot and pretended to have a treat to get him to "succeed"... sort of. Everyone clapped for him and then the other dog did his trick, a bow. Everyone loved that too and I joked that they had one-upped us.

This time we ended the hour by going into individual hospital rooms to visit people who couldn't get out of bed to join us in the main room. One lady asked if Norman could get on her bed and of course I said okay. I had to actually pick him up and put him on the bed because he won't, even if prompted, get on furniture away from home. He squeezed in next to her on the narrow bed and without any instructing, he lied down next to her, delivered a couple slow-motion kisses to her face and laid his head on her chest. It was a great moment for all of us. I think the two of them would have liked to stay like that for hours!

As we were leaving, one of the staff members came over to me and said she was so glad I brought Norman in. She said she had been bitten a long time ago by a Pit Bull and had been afraid of them ever since. She told me Norman made her realize they could be really sweet and loving and that she would remember that from now on when she sees them!

Has your dog made anyone laugh recently or made you feel good in general?

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NORMAN IS NOW A CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG!

Yesterday Norman passed his Therapy Dog test! Our evaluator and head of the program was super nice. She seemed to really enjoy Norman and was very proud after he passed, telling everyone who stopped to pet him about his accomplishment. She seemed genuinely impressed every time he reacted to each test item exactly as she described he should.

To start things off, he rolled over in hopes of a belly rub, of course not knowing us humans had something more serious in mind for the morning. Once we got him right side up, he dolled out kisses in reaction to almost every thing she did. Luckily Norman's kisses are not neurotic and rapid-fire but more slow, methodical and endearing.

When she surprised him by pinching his butt he turned around and licked the air, hoping her hand would come meet his tongue. When she grabbed his cheeks and stared him in the eyes he licked her face. When she squeezed him around the neck he tried to reach around to lick her, getting the air again instead. When she pulled out a hair he licked her hand. When she brushed him he licked her arm. When she rubbed him with a cane, he licked the cane. When she pinched him between the toes he licked her hand. When she approached him with the walker he licked it and then licked her hand. When she held him off the ground, he reached up and licked her face. When she dropped a metal can on the ground he went over to lick it. When she opened the umbrella in his face he stepped back, then walked up to it and licked it. And so on...

We did the test in a parking lot so the evaluator was able to enlist strangers throughout to see how he was with new people. He received pets on the head from of a couple big work men, licked the hand of an old lady who walked by with a cane, sat in the lap of another lady and licked the faces of couple giggly kids.

And he took it upon himself to lie down and stare off into the breeze any time we talked for more than a couple minutes. The hardest part was probably leave it because the evaluator used dog toys instead of food. We've practiced a lot with food so he's got that down but those new(used) toys looked oh so sniffable. He had his eyes on them but didn't try to touch them and that was good enough. Good news is I don't think there will be too many of those on our visits.

The last test item was to walk by 2 different dogs and ignore them while we shook hands. He did seem pretty eager to meet them when he saw them(he even tilted his head at the little one) but he listened to a sit and watch and then walked by like a gentleman.

In the end, the evaluator checked off Unconditionally Accepted which means that he is accepted to the program with no further training or restrictions needed! She also said he is the first Pit Bull in their program and she was very excited because she knows how sweet they are.

I actually think Kaya could have passed the test because she has a very solid temperament, great obedience and loves attention from strangers but I know she is way too ADD and energetic to actually be a good Therapy Dog...so she'll remain my own personal Therapy Dog;)

He also needed a vet evaluation and I was actually able to get him in later that afternoon. She had to check out his health, rate his disposition and acceptance of being handled. I was a bit worried when a dog across the hall started barking and shrieking, while at the same time another dog started yelping and throwing himself at the other side of a door joining our rooms. Norman put his ears back, looked around and whined a bit but forgot all about it when presented with a treat:) Norman actually finds the vet's office more exciting than almost anywhere else with all the smells and attention(perhaps on par with the pet store) but he left a good impression and passed that test as well.

I was so proud and excited that I ran straight to Whole Foods and bought him a steak and some raw bones to enjoy later (of course Kaya got her share too). I can't wait to go on our first visit!

Would your dog be more like a Kaya or a Norman...or something else?

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NORMAN: THE PEFECT ADVOCATE

I love, love, love bringing Norman out with me to dispel the naysayers. He is so relaxed and easy going in any situation. He is happy to lick any outstretched hand or face and enjoys pets for as long as someone will dish them out and after that, he's happy to plonk down and mind his own business. Kaya is just as friendly but she can be a bit spazzy about her interactions and often lacks the patience to just chill out.

Last weekend I brought Norman to lunch at a restaurant that is popular for it's dog friendly outdoor area. Though there weren't any naysayers, we did meet up with our family friends who have a little doxie who is a bit um...pampered. I mean, she even wears a pink bikini at the beach.

Okay, she is actually very cute and sweet. Here are some puppy pics and the famed bikini shot:)

I thought they might be squeamish about their "baby" being around Norman but they were very cool and Norman enjoyed the little creature. Of course he was stuck on the ground like the riff-raff while Zelda enjoyed her own chair at the table! At least she joined him for a minute before she started eating an unknown object.

Busy bee.

But then the real challenge came. We went to see my parents' realtor(also a family friend) at his office but I remembered hearing about their opinions on pit bulls a while ago. My mom had lunch with them and his wife said "it's too bad she'll have to return them to the shelter once they mature and become aggressive." My mom had just replied that she hadn't met them yet but that was years ago, so surely they have hit that pivotal mature stage by now. I had my dad ask if Norman could come into the office and he said okay.

I did not even tell him to lie down, he made himself at home.

Norman made his way over to the realtor, licked his hand and my dad explained that Norman gets picked on by other dogs because he is so submissive and he seemed shocked, saying, "This dog, really? No..." Then Norman made himself at home and I didn't even bother holding his leash even though plenty of people and other dogs were passing by. My dad's friend joked, "Oh, here comes a snack!" when a little fluffy dog came in. I had to hold my tongue... But Norman was a perfect gentleman. He picked up his head, curious if the dog wanted to say hi, but resumed snooze mode when it didn't happen.

I thought the real test would be when his wife came to join us. But as she walked in, she was very enthusiastic about meeting him. He gave her lots of kisses and she even leaned in for some face kisses and then rubbed his belly when he fell over at her feet. She asked if he was always like this and I said yes and she said, "They sure do get a bad rap, don't they." I smiled and agreed.

Norman would make the perfect office dog!

Do your pitties help dispel myths?

I like this reflection shot:)

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KAYA & NORMAN DO SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE!

Wow...of all the years I have lived in the SF area, this is the first year I have gone to pride! We had a blast and I can't wait to go again next year. I have brought the dogs to some events but nothing of this scale so I wasn't totally sure how they would handle it. I kept an eye out for any signs of stress but I should have known, they loved every minute of it! With all the commotion, loud music, helicopters, parade floats, marching bands, crowds of people, crazy costumes, people on stilts, fireworks and cheers...the dogs walked along like we were on any old walk around the block. About a year ago, Kaya would have flipped her lid with all the excitement. And as much as Norman acts like a nervous nelly at home and even in the car, nothing phases him when he's out and about. And of course what they loved most was all the attention they got from people.

We were too late to get a good spot to view the parade so we mostly walked along the route, checking out the floats as the went past.

I think Norman found a spot with a peephole to the parade:-)

One of my favorite things about the day was how friendly everyone was. Tons of people came up to say they had pit bulls too and show me pictures. A lot of people asked what breed they were and smiled when I said they were pit mixes. One lively group started to shout "Give Pit Bulls a break! We love Pit Bulls!" as we walked by. It amazed me that sometimes I go out and only run into 5 people and get a snotty comment while in the midst of a crowd of 1.5 million people, I did not hear one snide comment, muttering, gasp or anything. One girl was happy to give her entire bag of ice cubes to Kaya in return for some tricks.

I cannot believe how cool and calm the dogs were all day. We had to navigate through some very tight crowds where the only way to get through was to have them follow close behind me while there were people reaching out and petting them from all angles, but the hardest part is that they wanted to turn around and greet everyone that petted them. One girl even tapped me on the back and asked me if the dogs were in training. I said we are always working on things but not specifically. She said she was impressed that they were paying such close attention!

There were 2 really shocking things that I saw throughout the day. Forget naked people and outrageous outfits, forget dirty dancing and drunken displays of affection...the craziest thing to me was a lady with a cat. Not just any cat, but a cat in a stroller all dressed up with a woman who was extremely obsessed with the 4th of July. The dogs saw the cat and they were intrigued but calm and kept their distance though the cat was hissing like crazy, understandably. I led the dogs away from the cat as the lady rambled on and on to me about the 4th of July and tried to get the dogs to come closer to the cat. I nodded and used it as an opportunity to get some pictures.

The next crazy thing I saw was an off leash dog. Now the dog was no bother to us. Kaya & Norman were lying down as it marched up to us, but they have no issues with new dogs or surprise greetings and it was a friendly little dog so they all exchanged sniffs and it left, but I could not believe that someone would think it was a good idea to let a dog dodge through dozens of people across a 30-foot sidewalk toward a parade route to jump in the middle of 2 unknown large dogs. The guy had another little dog on a flexi-lead that nearly tripped several people as it tried to join us too.

After the parade, there was a huge festival with tons of live music, djs and food where we checked out a lot of fun entertainment.

After a while, the dogs really started to get beat so we got something to eat and Kaya passed out on my feet while Norman rested in the shade behind us. Kaya soon got too hot and I told her to go in the shade also. She agreed that it was a good idea and turned Norman into her personal pillow.

When we started to head back to the car, the dogs felt rejuvenated when tons of new people took interest in them. The only bit of attention that was too much for them was when some guy tried to put sunglasses on Norman. I was about to say you shouldn't do that but Norman backed up and that was the end of it. And the next thing you know, Norman spun around and covered the guy's face in kisses, something they both really enjoyed. No grudges held! In fact, Norman kissed a whole lot of faces. One guy said it was the best kiss he had all day. Another rather flamboyant guy said, "Oh no! Too much cute, waaay too much cute!" And we had to laugh because that is word for word something I say all the time, haha.

So all in all it was an amazing day and bringing the dogs made it all the more fun because we got to meet and talk to so many more people than we normally would have. We did do some things right like bring plenty of water and a portable bowl for the dogs, plus treats and poop bags. I bathed the dogs in the morning and put sunscreen on them, but not enough on me! Though I have some ideas of how to make it even better next year. I would love to come earlier and get a spot by the side so we can actually see the parade and after that it would be nice to set up a blanket with drinks and snacks on the grass to listen to music. And I did not have enough time to get cool costumes together for them like Miss M & Mr B but maybe next year!

Last but not least, here is a picture of Norman totally confused by this guy...

I think he would have stood there all day trying to figure it out!

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Wordless Wednesday: Be Free...
Peaks & Paws Dog Festival
Our Pit Bull Awareness Day

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: BE FREE...

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NEW LOOT

I rarely find stuff I like at fancy pet stores, especially stuff that is not even for my dogs. But I recently found a couple items I couldn't pass up while checking out a local store. Not surprisingly, they did not have any stuff specifically for pittie fanatics, but they did have the next best thing...mutts(aren't most pit bulls mutts anyways?)! Along with pit bulls, I've always had a soft spot for those silly mutts. Except maybe those designer mutts. Not anything against the dogs, but their owners can be creepy. Thinking they're genius for spending 5 grand on the "perfect dog" because it's "the best of both worlds." Hello!?! Ok...sorry, ran off on a tangent there. But I really do love my pit-mutts, so these are my new goodies...

t-shirt (tiny cat sold separately)

magnet - doesn't this mutt resemble a pit bull??

magnet w/ a couple of my favorite cards:)

Anyone else find things you couldn't live without at a fancy pet store...especially something that is not actually for your dog?!

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"MOM, I'M GETTING A PIT BULL."

Many of us have been there, but how did this conversation go for you? I can't really pinpoint how my interest in pit bulls started. My first dog might have been a pit mix, but I never thought about it, read about it or talked about it. Then I moved to London and many of my friends had pitties, staffies and big mastiff type mixes. And I took care of a slightly nutty but adorable and lovable staffie pup for a month one winter. When I returned home to the States I spent a year living with friends and family while caring for my parents' dog, so I had a lot of time to research and mull over what type of dog I would get next.

Little Staffy girl I took care of in London.

Before I knew it, I was drawn to the many rescue sites featuring these adorable block-heads and I knew I had to have one. I loved the way they looked for one, with their big heads, short hair and fun color patterns, their floppy ears and giant grins. I also loved their playful attitude, their intelligence, eagerness to please and most of all, their loving and cuddly nature. I also became intrigued by their hard luck story and realized that both in person and through so many stories online, I had yet to meet a pit bull I didn't like. Even the ones who got in trouble, as far as I could tell, were set up to fail and never given a fair chance.

Kinky the cuddle bug.

So when I started the hunt for my very own pit bull type dog, I told me mom about it with pride. Her reaction was not horrible, but definitely fear-driven. "Of all the dogs out there, why do you have to get one of those?" I chose not to get into it with her. That's the beauty of being almost 30 years old, having my own place and spending the past decade in different states or continents from each other. I told her something like, "You'll just have to see for yourself after I get one."

My mom with Kaya soon after I adopted her.

So when I brought Kaya to see her, just after adopting her, my mom was smitten and that was that. It was a bit different with Norman. It was not so much why are you getting a pit bull, but just why are you getting another dog period. They argued that I lived in such a small space and I was on a limited income. No one in our family had ever owned 2 dogs at once and it clearly sounded insane to them. And I replied, "Yeah, but you haven't met Norman." And like myself and everyone else that meets him, they melted the second they saw him. By the end of their 3 day visit, my mom was ready to smuggle him home in her suitcase. Then their pit bull appreciation really flew through the roof. My dad proudly marched Norman all over, telling everyone he met that he's a pit bull. I kept telling my dad that he is really a mix, but he was hearing none of it.

Proud pittie grandma.

Now my mom has regular conversations like this... To her friends from the 'burbs, when they told her, "When those dogs grow up, they're going to end up right back in the shelter because they'll turn aggressive." My mom replied, "Well, you obviously haven't met her dogs or any other pit bulls for that matter." My mom also hired a dog sitter for Zoey who has 5 pit bulls. They are of the few dogs on the planet that my parents can trust Zoey with because she has serious dog aggression. And when my mom's friend hired her to water her outdoor plants, she freaked out because she brought some of the dogs with her and a neighbor told her about it. My mom said, "So what? They're great dogs. Have you met them yet?" But her friend had reservations about the merit of someone who owns 5 pit bulls. My mom's response was, "I trust her. My dog adores her and she has a great group of dogs that she loves to death. Don't see a problem with that."

Zoey with 2 of her pittie buds in Maryland.

And now they are constantly sending me paparazzi style photos of pit bulls they spot when they're out and about. They also tell me many, many stories about random people they meet and how they tell them about my pit bulls and what great dogs they are in general. They love to tell the story of Shaka and how sweet and loving she was, being just a random dog off the street who most people would not have trusted or given a chance. Just over a year ago, they would have had me committed if I told them I was coming to visit with my 3 pit bulls.

First time in 8 years that Zoey has shared her house with other dogs:)

My dad with Norman at last summer.

There is one thing my mom always says about pit bulls now, "I'll never own one. They are too cuddly for me."

How can you not love them?

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KAYA'S DNA RESULTS!

Kaya's DNA results are even more of a mixed bag than Norman's! After seeing Norman's results, I really thought that Kaya had some Vizsla in her. Especially after reading this line in Wikipedia, Many Vizslas will sleep in bed with their owners and, if allowed, burrow under the covers. But I was wrong again. And if I was given both their results without knowing which was which, I would definitely have them swapped. Nonetheless, Kaya's mix is 1/8 Bull Terrier, 1/8 Collie, 1/8 Bulldog and 1/8 Am Staff.

How the heck did Kaya end up with so many large breeds in her mix and she is so slightly built and agile?!

Like Norman, I decided to compare her behavior to the traits listed for her breeds by Wisdom Panel.

BULL TERRIER:

Intelligent, active, strong, and usually friendly dogs. - YES

Enjoy dog sports such as flyball, agility, weight pull, tracking, and both rally and competitive obedience. - YES

Respond well to a reward-based approach to training to reduce any stubbornness and to teach dropping of retrieved items. - YES

Some may be apprehensive around strangers. There have been reported incidents of Bull Terriers being aggressive with other pets or people. - NO

COLLIE:

Intelligent, obedient, active and watchful dogs. - YES

Collies are eager to learn especially with reward-based training. - YES

Collies seem to enjoy dog sports such as agility, flyball, Frisbee, tracking, rally and competitive obedience. - YES

Although they are often good with children and are usually friendly, some Collies can be wary or reserved with strangers. - NO

BULLDOG:

Playful, calm, and usually friendly dogs. - YES, NO & YES (Kaya is playful and friendly, but definitely not calm.)

Bulldogs are less energetic than other breeds, although they still need exercise to avoid becoming obese. - NO

Stubborn tendencies may be lessened by using reward-based training involving small treats. - YES

A Bulldog can be tenacious or difficult to disengage from an activity that has its attention. - NO

AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER:

Intelligent, hard-working, and stoic dogs. - YES

Very loyal to family and usually good with children. May not get along well with other dogs. - YES & NO (Like Norman, Kaya loves everyone she meets, including kids and would probably go home with any stranger. She is not submissive like Norman with other dogs, but she generally either ignores or enjoys every dog she meets.)

American Staffordshire Terriers seem to enjoy dog sports such as agility, flyball, rally and competitive obedience. - YES

There have been reported incidents of American Staffordshire Terriers being aggressive with other pets or people. - NO

Kaya had a lot more similarities than Norman. And I am pleased that she is at least a tiny bit Pit Bull and relieved that she is not Beagle (sorry Beagle lovers). I am assuming the Collie in her is where she gets her tracking abilities. Kaya can sniff out her tennis ball within a acre of space! And I can really see the collie in her snout and nose.

I read a bit about the Briard in Wikipedia and thought this was interesting...

The Briard has a very good memory. Once a lesson is learned, good or bad, the knowledge will be retained for a long time to come. Sometimes they may appear to be strong minded and stubborn but these are a few of the Briard's characteristics. They were bred for centuries to think for themselves and to act upon their conclusions, sometimes to the point of thinking what the "flock" will do ahead of time.

I can see that in Kaya for sure! But it's amazing that both of my dogs look much more Pit Bull than anything else. I guess it goes to show how dominant the gene is physically and it's sad to think so many dogs are mislabeled, looked down on and put to sleep when they are just mutts like mine. Though of course full Pit Bulls do not deserve that fate either. And I'd be happy with all pittie too:)

I am slightly disappointing that she came out with so much mixed breed in her results. I wonder if she really is just that much of a mix or did I not do a good enough job swabbing her? Some day I might repeat the test. If it comes back different, Wisdom Panel will refund you. But for now, it was really fun to test them and I'm glad I did it!

Related Posts:
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