Long-Dangerous Tails

photos by Margot Foster

 Today Vida re-graduated from the same Basic obedience class we have taken 3 or 4 or more times , with a blue ribbon. We had an off leash play-time with ten other very rambunctious dogs, 3 of which were also  somewhat dog-reactive. This was outdoors in a large fenced in area so lots of room to run and chase. Vida spent his time visiting the groups of dogs and people and checking in with me from time to time.  He never became reactive when there was a chase or minor skirmish.  He was the largest dog there and the most benign calm friendly Shepherd ambassador you would ever want to meet.  Several people asked what kennel he came from. Children in the class hugged and petted him - he welcomed their attentions. What an easy keeper!  Next, we went to Ann Arbor to Zingerman’s Mail Order to meet my friend Allen and pick up my new camera from him. Vida met about thirty people there.  He walked calmly up to each person on his own and waited for a friendly look or gesture before placing his head in their laps and gazing into each person’s eyes.   No food treats of any kind were offered or expected.  I believe he genuinely likes people and just likes the interaction. A few people did not approach him, and, although he noticed them, he left them alone.  He is not a Golden Retriever in disguise - witness his strong hunting skills and his do it yourself raw food diet or his ability to flip and pin a dog even bigger than him that he perceived as a threat, but his wonderful calm and stable temperament is a credit to the seriously  intelligent Alta-Tollhaus breeding program that we are all so grateful for. I guess I’ll keep him! :)Love, Margot