Lakota was born on October 11, 2011. He is one of two male puppies that were born in Libby’s first litter. He also was one of the most active puppies in that litter. It is interesting that he was the last puppy anyone picked in the litter, and the first one to go home. When he left our home we wondered if we would ever have the wonderful opportunity to see him again.
Lakota as a puppy
On September 10, 2013 we were delighted to see him once again. It was under some unfortunate circumstances that this took place, which did dampen the mood a bit. One of the responsibilities we feel that we have is to do all we can to place our dogs in homes that are going to do well with them. Even when that is done there are things that happen in life that are beyond the control of the homes in which they were placed. The person who took Lakota had ran into some health related issues where Lakota needed a better home.
When Lakota’s owner brought him back for us to take care of it was an extremely difficult decision she made. Seeing the hurt in their eyes leaving him was moving to me. Knowing they loved Lakota enough to let go of him also spoke well of his owners. Upon leaving they made me promise that I would let them know where Lakota ended up as his new forever home. I have kept in touch with them as they requested to let them know what is taking place with Lakota.
Before Lakota was introduced to the rest of the pack he was taken for a walk. I took him down to the river and we walked for nearly an hour. His owner said that Lakota did OK on a leash. By the time we were done I can say that compared to what I see other dogs act like on a leash he does very well. As we walked near the off-leash area he was curious about the other dogs, and if I had let him he gladly would have went for a romp with them. Not being comfortable with how he will recall letting him go off-leash is not an option.
The intial plan had been to let him stay in the office with me and the rest of the dogs. The pack would remain in their pen, and he would be free. I wanted to be sure that his encounter with the rest of our dogs was not overwhelming. When our pack all runs at me first thing when we see it each other it is overwhelming, and I am used to them. For Lakota it would have been too much.
Watching his behavior and the rest of our dogs I decided to let out his mom to meet him. They were friendly with each other, and he responded well to her demands on how he was to behave. This went so well that over a short amount of time I had introduced him to all the dogs. Seeing how social he was with the other dogs was a very happy feeling for me. Wherever he ends up it will make things easier with him being so social.
Since that first day Lakota has been on many walks, on leash. Keeping him safe is our primary concern. Once he gets past the first few minutes of being excited to get out he does very well. When we run into strange dogs he shows no aggression or fear. This has made us very happy.
Having said all that it is necessary to point out that there are some things that he will need worked with. His previous owner liked for him to jump. When Lakota first greets me he wants to jump straight up. If I bend just a bit he will bump my nose. I simply ignore that behavior, tell him to “Sit”, which he does on command and then I reward him.
I have learned several things from this experience with Lakota. The most important lesson is that no matter what I think there is always a chance my dogs might end up needing someone else to care for them. If I love my dogs then I need to think of more than just myself, but about what might be in their future. I believe that for those of us who love our dogs this should be something we plan for, and hope against.
Lakota has a wonderful personality. He loves people and other dogs. His previouis owner was concerned because we have a cat, and evidently Lakota chased cats that came into their yard. Our cat has taught him within a few hours that cats are not for chasing. Lakota has such a sweet tempermant that when the cat went to play with him he just fell in love with her.
Lakota does have a few things that we believe need to be taken care of though before he can go to a new home. Our puppies are sold with no rights to use them to breed, unless a specific exception is made. Lakota was not neutered, and will need to have this done before we allow him to leave our home. A dog who is neutered or spayed will have less health issues to deal with, so if they are not being used for breeding it is in their best interest to have this taken care of.
Lakota jumping sky high at times when he greets someone is cute, but not everyone appreciates that behavior like his previous owner did. We are already working on this with him. Lakota will, without doubt, end up in a wonderful home. If that home has kids they will laugh and play with him. If he is with a household that is active in the great outdoors he will thrive in that environment. If he ends up with someone who wants a dog to jump up on their lap and snuggle he will do it without hesitation. Lakota is a loving friend. I know that in the few short days I have had him back.
With this I see that I need to make sure my dogs also do not have odd things that are cute to me, but might not be to others. If I am to be a responsible companion to my dogs I have to look out for them just in case I am no longer able to care for them. For me that is what loving my dogs is about.