di-da GSD Companions (fka di-da Kennels)

3 August 2013 - Dakota runs with me as I bike to visit my new grandchild. I put Dakota in my daughter's back yard and shut the gate. I leave the latch open, as the gate is hard to open. After visiting with my daughter's family for awhile, I go to check on Dakota and don't see her. She doesn't come to the sliding door when I try to open it (usually the noise attracts her and she comes running). I get a little worried and go to the front. Opening the door, I am greeted with a beautiful site -- Dakota sitting beautifully on the neighbor's grass just next to my car. She looks like the white deer that has been reported in MN, her ears straight up and looking back at me. She gets up and runs over to greet Mike as he gets into his mom's car to run an errand. Ashley and Mike are so surprised that Dakota was waiting so patiently. That's the loyalty of GSDs, is my reply. 

20 February 2011 -- we've visited the north dog park a couple times this long week-end. Andes and Dakota both stuck near me the 1st visit, and would not quite accept a couple English Setters invitation to play; the 2nd visit, they both sought out playmates. There were 3 other larger dogs there. Dakota and Andes both seemed to herd them up. Dakota, more than Andes, would check in with me. But I was proud of how they both socialized. When we brought Diamond, Diamond was off exploring and chasing other dogs. Dakota would chase Diamond, but would always check in with me. Our visits are bringing Dakota out. And maybe without the dynamic of 3, Dakota's able to come out more.

07 October 2011 - Oh my, how do I describe this? Andes was laying on the pet bed by the couch at bedtime. Before turning the light out, I wanted her to sit in my lap, so reached down and told her to "come 'ere". She lifted her head, but that's it. I tried to prompt her by pulling her front leg. No reaction. Lifted her other front leg. No reaction. I tugged at her collar. No reaction. She just laid there on her side like a limp rag doll, even when lifting her into my arms. No she wasn't ill. Just a laid back girl! Do you think I could teach her to "play dead"? Too funny!  

06 October 2011 - 2nd trip to the dog park was almost a replay of the 1st. Andes is a little more outgoing. She approached a family with a baby stroller and spent more time running along with or after Dakota and Diamond than standing by me than our last visit. One of the women we met said she'd like to take Andes home with her, but her husband calls the limit at one dog (he takes care of the dogs, she the cats, so that's the end of that!),

30 September 2011 - Andes 1st visit to a dog park. I was very proud of her. She approached a couple little kids to say hi as if they were family and got some lovin' and she didn't shy away from any of the dogs coming to greet her. She has the gentle, loving personality of Diamond, but using me as home base as she explored the new surroundings, that's Dakota coming out of her. Loyalty ? Nice.