Mishka
Our Mishka is not a show dog, nor is she a registered purebred with ANKC. She is a desexed rescue German Shepherd, adopted by us when employed at the second largest animal shelter in the country, when she was 7 months old, she is now 5 years old.
We are including her not only because she is a member of our family, but also because she plays a vital role in our dogs development.
Although she came from a less than perfect start in life, you would never know it to look at her these days. Mishka's temperament is second to none! I have never met or owned another dog with such a bombproof temperament and personality. She did not start off this way however, when we first met her she was horrible skinny and under nourished, had medical problems, and was skittish and wary of the world, but we knew she was a good soul! With perseverance, socialization, training and lots of patience she is the dog she is today! And we strive to model every dog we have and our puppies after her.
Mishka plays the the vital role of 'doting aunt' taking every pup and dog under her wing, along with mum, teaching them good manners, polite play and social skill. I personally believe dogs learn from each other, as well as us as their owners, and I have to at least partially credit our other dogs temperaments to her.
She is a credit to the breed and a credit to the benefits of training and socialization. And she has changed the mind of many a person who were once unsure of large breed dogs or specifically Shepherds. We take a lot of pride in her and she will continue to be a much loved and cherished part of our household and team.
Mishka also has started training in agility and obediance and is also training to be a working Therapy Dog. We look forward to our future together.
We are including her not only because she is a member of our family, but also because she plays a vital role in our dogs development.
Although she came from a less than perfect start in life, you would never know it to look at her these days. Mishka's temperament is second to none! I have never met or owned another dog with such a bombproof temperament and personality. She did not start off this way however, when we first met her she was horrible skinny and under nourished, had medical problems, and was skittish and wary of the world, but we knew she was a good soul! With perseverance, socialization, training and lots of patience she is the dog she is today! And we strive to model every dog we have and our puppies after her.
Mishka plays the the vital role of 'doting aunt' taking every pup and dog under her wing, along with mum, teaching them good manners, polite play and social skill. I personally believe dogs learn from each other, as well as us as their owners, and I have to at least partially credit our other dogs temperaments to her.
She is a credit to the breed and a credit to the benefits of training and socialization. And she has changed the mind of many a person who were once unsure of large breed dogs or specifically Shepherds. We take a lot of pride in her and she will continue to be a much loved and cherished part of our household and team.
Mishka also has started training in agility and obediance and is also training to be a working Therapy Dog. We look forward to our future together.