Rookies no more

I held another one of "puppy walks" yesterday, a chance for any of my owners who are available to come out with their dogs and enjoy a nice, safe, off-leash walk around the perimeter of our 80 acres. It makes me so proud to see how the kids have grown, how beautiful and healthy they all are, and how dedicated their owners are. One thing that is so obvious each time we walk ... We have a lot of gorgeous red dogs here at Casselcreek.

One little fella, Rookie, is from the Hannah x Quake litter, so has just turned nine months old. A sibling to our Bridger, he also has some size to him. Beautiful deep rich red coat with contrasting brilliant white. He's a very handsome dog!

His owner, Renea, and myself have had lots of conversations about Rookie, and I always appreciate Renea coming to me for advice and support on one thing or another. Rookie is very fortunate to be another one of our raw-fed kids, and it shows in his coat and teeth. Rookie is a very fast, very athletic Aussie, bringing through the speed genes from Grampa Walker and the drive from Gramma Niki. Renea tells me "parenting" an Aussie has been a fun and rewarding experience but Rookie definitely has the devil in him. He also has a very strong work ethic and when training is always determined to "get it right", whether it is agility or obedience.

Renea tells me, "the most amazing thing about Rookie is his magical relationship with our four-year-old son, Owen, who was diagnosed with autism earlier this year. Rookie instinctively knows to be extra patient, extra gentle, and extra tolerant of Owen. He seems to sense that Owen is somehow unique compared to the other humans in his life. Rookie and Owen often play hide and go seek. Owen hides while Rookie patiently waits in the sit/stay Owen put him into and then when Owen calls “ok” Rookie frantically runs around until he finds him. We also find Owen and Rookie having a parade around the kitchen island. Owen marches around the island and Rookie proudly walks behind as if he really is in a parade. They wrestle together, play fetch, tug, and sometimes Rookie is the "patient" in a game of veterinarian (thankfully, Dr. Owen has never seen our real vet take Rookie’s temperature!). The best is when you see the two of them cuddled up together in a chair or on the floor. I truly believe Rookie was given to us for a reason – we didn’t know of Owen’s diagnosis until just a few weeks before bringing Rookie home but it was obviously a match made long before that."

"Plans for Rookie are to continue nurturing his relationship with Owen as it seems to do wonders for both of them and to continue on with teaching Rookie the ropes for living in our house and being part of our lives. We are hoping Rookie will be our “go everywhere, do anything” dog. He is so easygoing and is always up for whatever we ask of him".

Thanks, Renea. You've made this Granny so proud all over again.

Happy Trails ... Theresa