DJ's Story
by Joanne Case
Sandy,
I can't tell you how many times I have thought of you
and your family over the years. We purchased DJ (show girl) from you
years ago with the thought of maybe training my son to show dogs. She
was a perfect dog (so we like to think), cute as a button with the
greatest personality in her face. She shows such expression and has been
such a tremendous joy in our lives for all these years.
I don't know if you are still in the area, but over
the years whenever people always asked me where I got her. I gave them
your name and number.
You may not remember, but I was the one that was
overwhelmed with a puppy (first dog) and actually felt we were not able
to keep her. I came back to your site and you talked with me. I was
afraid she was too much for me to handle at the time. I am a nurturing
person and watched her every move. Whether she wanted to eat a rock (my
house in the Redland is on Coral rock) or just mess with something I
thought a dog should not do. I look back now, laugh, and I thank God
you had talked me out of what would have been the worst decision in my
life.
We also laugh hysterically at how afraid we were at
first to do anything wrong. We went to your training, I boarded her with
you a few times, and despite myself I learned, listened and in the long
run won. Frankly, it bothers me now when I see other labs that are not
being disciplined (trained) the proper way. It just isn't fair to the
dogs.
She has given us so many kisses, laughs, hugs, rubs,
fun and so much joy!! She grew from the cutest little fir ball to the
most beloved dog to all of our friends. I continued with the training at
home, and taught the little ones how to command her through signs. What
a stitch it was to watch her obediently follow a little 5 year old's
crude commands. Of course, she would look over at me at the beginning
and say are you sure? She loved to please.
Her favorite game was hide and seek. We started with
the basic outside game, kids against DJ and I. They would climb trees,
hide behind bushes etc. She loved finding them. After a few months, the
game moved indoors. I was astounded the first time I found her hiding in
the living room under an end table with most of her body covered, but
her tail wagging with delight. Had not known that a dog could or would
hide. She was always so thrilled when I found her. What a stitch. Wasn't
really creative with her hiding spots... she used two, but still can't
believe she would hide too. I would say where's DJ really loud, and the
thump, thump of her tail was such a great giveaway!! We don't play as
many games now because the kids are teenagers but she still has her
share of fun.
She does laundry, but at this point I don't let her
stand anymore to put into the washing machine. Obviously embarrassing if
company is here and I haven't closed off the bedroom doors. Will
retrieve it all and only manages to bring the real laundry. Recently she
has cheated a bit, but hey who doesn't? She is so proud of the work she
does and uses every opportunity to be a show off. Never got her to sort,
so she must be color blind. Just kidding.
She obviously does the other chores that an indoor dog
does, like bringing in groceries, the paper daily and being available
for blood pressure control (petting). She still thinks she is a lap dog,
still sleeps in her crate (although with the door open) and has offered
us more than anyone in the world deserves.
For being such a Cutie, she sure is smart.
Sandy,
I am so grateful for bringing DJ into our lives.
Can't imagine life without her. Don't want to.
Joanne Case
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