1-17-08

Spirit is a source of constant comic relief. If it isnt by trying to coax one of the other dogs into playing with her, it is a silly expression on her face. At home Spirit is a fun loving silly sole who loves attention from people and dogs alike.

I have had Spirit out to the training center and I can say with very little work she will make an excellent obedience competitor. I had her heeling consistantly in only a matter of minutes. She has excellent focus and attention. Food and toy motivated, will try something again and again.

Spirit has also been on some of the agility equipment. She enjoys the A-frame (not yet full height) and got a real kick out of some low jumps. Spirit has been cleared by her doctor to be a competive partner in obedience, agility, herding, rally. But not frisbee or flyball. She needs to stay away from any activity where she could land badly on her rear legs.

Spirit has displayed some herding type insticts during play with the other dogs, but is never overbearing or pushy. She readily accepts corrections from the other dogs when she does get out of line. She is still after all a puppy and spent much of her learning months crated with that dang broken leg.

Spirit is very responsive to her name being called, altho I have not had her off leash anywhere except the yard and the training center, she has always come when called for. I dont expect it taking very much time to be off-leash reliable.

12-07-07

Spirit had her leg x-rayed for the last time this week! Dr. Loster has cleared her for normal activity and for adoption!! YAY! She will have a few restrictions but they won't really limit her potiental. Dr. Loster would like for her not to play frisbee as a lot of the time dogs jumping for a disc land with their rear legs first. Pretty much any activity that would force her to land on her rear legs is out. She is fine for hobby agility and will be able to do obedience at any level, herding is fine.

Now that she has been freed from her cage we are starting to see her true personality come out. She is SUCH a snuggler! She loves attention and will lay on the couch with you.

She loves to play with toys, and seems to be a eager and willing learner. She has had no training at this point due to her leg, but we will start right away.

Spirit really is a gem and will bring warmth and lots of laughs to her new home.

11-08-07

Spirit was spayed and had her pin removed on Tuesday! YAY! Her latest x-ray looks fantastic and all the doctors were really happy with how she was healing. She is on 2 more weeks of crate rest with light leash walking. We will take another x-ray at the end of the 2 weeks and hopefully (paws crossed) be home free and ready to be adopted.

 

11-04-07