Me and Lance, My New Friend
2-27 Marie Takoda.jpg
2-27 Marie Takoda.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda trot.jpg
2-27 Takoda trot.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda-Lance.jpg
2-27 Takoda-Lance.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Marie Takoda Lance.jpg
2-27 Marie Takoda Lance.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Marie Takoda Lance Takoda wants to play.jpg
2-27 Marie Takoda Lance Takoda wants to play.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Lance Takoda.jpg
2-27 Lance Takoda.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda Lance almost got him.jpg
2-27 Takoda Lance almost got him.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda playing run.jpg
2-27 Takoda playing run.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda running.jpg
2-27 Takoda running.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda Lance face off.jpg
2-27 Takoda Lance face off.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda fancy foot work.jpg
2-27 Takoda fancy foot work.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 Takoda playing bird dog.jpg
2-27 Takoda playing bird dog.jpg 2011-02-26
2-27 How a blind dog runs.jpg
2-27 How a blind dog runs.jpg 2011-02-26
Christmas-2010
Me and little buddy Ozzie
Little Ozzie and me showing everybody a neat trick we learned.
Takoda-Ozzie.jpg
Guess the little guy feels safe sleeping with me, he wouldn't leave me alone. I didn't mind, I luvs everyone and everything - even pesky little pups.
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Just a close-up to show you how the little bum would snuggle up to me.
Takoda-Ozzie Bed.jpg
I always share everything but he really pushed it to the limit. My bed and my toys. Heck, that foxie toy was almost as big as him.
Takoda-Ozzie-Dish.jpg
Did I say he pushed things to the limit? That's my food bowl the little bugger had his head in, he's lucky I didn't chow down on him.
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Talk about being used, Daddy even went so far as to put little Timmy, his great grandson, on my back for a horsie ride. I'm a proud Doberman, not a horsie.
Rescue Round-up 2010
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Some early arrivals, like us.
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Me and Mommy, still early
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Folks and Dobies starting to arrive
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Introductions where you get to tell about your adopted doggie. That's Carol Fama, the woman who has the Rescue Group, in the light blue hoodie.
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Some more intros
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And some more
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Here's Daddy telling me to speak and I did, loud and clear and lots of those barks. I won a ribbon and a toy for being the Most Vocal Dobie there.
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That's me with my nose buried in the water in the Dunkin For Doggie bowl. There are hot dog pieces on the bottom and about 5 inches of water in the bowl.
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I always does this real well. Love those hot dogs. Look at the water running off my nose.
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Water fountain coming from my mouth.
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I just grabbed another hot doggie, yummy
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Do you think I'm diving right in there? I root around with my nose until I hit a piece of hot doggie and then just grab it.
My Everyday Life, It is Osda ( good )
Takoda and Cat.jpg
Takoda and Cat.jpg 2011-02-07
Gift from Mona, Wolf Moon Trader
How do you like this pencil drawing of me???? Please comment and let me know. You see, this was a gift, done by a friends husband, and he thinks his work isn't good. What do you think?
takoda-01.jpg
takoda-01.jpg 2009-06-20
Grannies Collar.jpg
My present from Grannie Girt. She does some wonderful crocheting and isn't that a neat Dress-up collar. I luvs it. Wado ( thank you ) Grannie.
Begging for a piece of cheese.
Here I am begging for a piece of cheese. Remember, I rely on my nose and can't see what's there.
Mommy has moved a piece close to my nose.
Mommy is giving me a piece, another thing to remember, I weighed only 50 pounds when Rescued. I was lucky to get food.
I almost have it
It's right in front of my nose but look at how gently I'm reaching for it. No snapping or grabbing.
It's mine. Cheese, I luvs it.
I have it now and I've always been this gentle. That's one of the reasons Daddy says I'm just an amazing doggie.
My new bed. Actually it's Daddy's but I share.
bed-sleeping.jpg 2009-01-13
I like to build a nest but daddy doesn't like it. He says I mess up HIS bed. Well it's mine too.
bed curled in nest.jpg 2009-01-16
That's my pillow against the wall but Daddys is softer.
bed pillow.jpg 2009-01-25
Have I turned into a good looking Dobie, or what. Thanks Mommy and Daddy.
Takoda-1.jpg 2009-06-20
Does it look like I'm blind, I hear and smell everything.
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Just soaking up some rays.
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My first deep snow and I go off the path Daddy made for me. Notice the snow on my nose, That's how I see.
12-20-09 This is fun-10.jpg 2009-12-19
Somebody said I look like a Tennessee Walking Horse the way I throw my feet so far in front of me. Just another way I see.
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I said I see with my nose. At least it's only snow.
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When a dog has to go, he has to go. Snow or no snow.
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Frolicking in the snow. Blind dogs have fun too.
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Daddy and me playing in the snow. Take notice Daddy is on the road and I'm dashing through the deep stuff.
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Mommy took this picture and I love it. Would you think that's a blind dog running at you?
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I never had this much fun before. I love it.
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Crazy, fun loving blind dog running. Get out of my way.
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Oh this is fun. Glad the Rescue Group neutered me or I sure would be cold somewhere.
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Thank You Daddy, let's play some more.
12-20-09 This is fun-1.jpg 2009-12-19
Rescue Roundup 2009
Roundup-09.jpg
Roundup-09.jpg 2009-10-02
Roundup-09 Auction.jpg
Roundup-09 Auction.jpg 2009-10-02
Mommy-Me-Jenny.jpg
Mommy-Me-Jenny.jpg 2009-10-02
Takoda and Daddy Playing.jpg
Takoda and Daddy Playing.jpg 2009-10-02
Takoda and Daddy Playing-1.jpg
Takoda and Daddy Playing-1.jpg 2009-10-02
Registration.jpg
Registration.jpg 2009-10-02
Carol-Dobies Arriving.jpg
Carol-Dobies Arriving.jpg 2009-10-02
Cotton Laying Down.jpg
Cotton Laying Down.jpg 2009-10-02
Takoda and Cotton.jpg
Takoda and Cotton.jpg 2009-10-02
Intros-Carol-Kellie.jpg
Intros-Carol-Kellie.jpg 2009-10-02
Me-Mommy-Intros.jpg
Me-Mommy-Intros.jpg 2009-10-02
Carol-Intros-1.jpg
Carol-Intros-1.jpg 2009-10-02
Me-Mommy-Others.jpg
Me-Mommy-Others.jpg 2009-10-02
Carol-Intros.jpg
Carol-Intros.jpg 2009-10-02
Shelter crowd.jpg
Shelter crowd.jpg 2009-10-02
Carol-Kellie-Intros.jpg
Carol-Kellie-Intros.jpg 2009-10-02
Jenny-Mich.jpg
Jenny-Mich.jpg 2009-10-02
Kellie and Jenny.jpg
Kellie and Jenny.jpg 2009-10-03
Dobies and owner.jpg
Dobies and owner.jpg 2009-10-03
Dunkin for Hot Dogs.jpg
Dunkin for Hot Dogs.jpg 2009-10-03
Posing for a pic.jpg
Posing for a pic.jpg 2009-10-03
Howloween Costume-1.jpg
Howloween Costume-1.jpg 2009-10-03
Howloween Costume-2.jpg
Howloween Costume-2.jpg 2009-10-03
Howloween Costumes-3.jpg
Howloween Costumes-3.jpg 2009-10-03
Halloween Costumes.jpg
Halloween Costumes.jpg 2009-10-03
Emmie.jpg
Emmie.jpg 2009-10-03
Crowd-Cotton.jpg
Crowd-Cotton.jpg 2009-10-03
Cotton.jpg
Cotton.jpg 2009-10-03
Cotton and Mommy Carrie.jpg
Cotton and Mommy Carrie.jpg 2009-10-03
Me Gets Luvins.jpg
Me Gets Luvins.jpg 2009-10-03
Drawing Winner.jpg
Drawing Winner.jpg 2009-10-03
Takoda
Denzel at rescue-wishing for that Furever Home.jpg
Denzel at rescue-wishing for that Furever Home.jpg 2006-11-11
Denzel at Rescue,soulful look.jpg
Denzel at Rescue,soulful look.jpg 2006-11-11
Denzel at Rescue, I was skinny.jpg
Denzel at Rescue, I was skinny.jpg 2006-11-11
Denzel at Rescue 10-06.jpg
Denzel at Rescue 10-06.jpg 2006-11-11
Denzel at Rescue-happy but sad.jpg
Denzel at Rescue-happy but sad.jpg 2006-11-11
Daddy and I first meet.jpg
Daddy and I first meet.jpg 2007-01-27
My first meeting with Mommy.jpg
My first meeting with Mommy.jpg 2007-01-27
1st day-Daddy talking to me.jpg
1st day-Daddy talking to me.jpg 2007-01-27
1st day with Mommy and Daddy.jpg
1st day with Mommy and Daddy.jpg 2007-01-27
1st day saying goodbye to my Rescuers.jpg
1st day saying goodbye to my Rescuers.jpg 2007-01-27
1st day in the van-prime rib treat.jpg
1st day in the van-prime rib treat.jpg 2007-01-27
Takoda-1st day wishing well with Mommy.jpg
Takoda-1st day wishing well with Mommy.jpg 2007-01-27
Takoda 1st day-out front.jpg
Takoda 1st day-out front.jpg 2007-01-27
Takoda 1st Day-Visting Thor's grave with Mommy.jpg
Takoda 1st Day-Visting Thor's grave with Mommy.jpg 2007-01-27
1st day Daddy walking me at my furever home.jpg
1st day Daddy walking me at my furever home.jpg 2007-01-27
Takoda 2nd day-sleeping.jpg
Takoda 2nd day-sleeping.jpg 2007-01-28
Takoda 5th day with Daddy.jpg
Takoda 5th day with Daddy.jpg 2007-01-31
Takoda-2-14-Sleeping on my blankie.jpg
Takoda-2-14-Sleeping on my blankie.jpg 2007-02-13
Takoda 2-18 on back sleeping.jpg
Takoda 2-18 on back sleeping.jpg 2007-02-17
Takoda 2-18 Sleeping with Daddy.jpg
Takoda 2-18 Sleeping with Daddy.jpg 2007-02-18
Takoda-3-21 This is the Life.jpg
Takoda-3-21 This is the Life.jpg 2007-03-22
Takoda-standing pretty 9-08.jpg
Takoda-standing pretty 9-08.jpg 2008-06-02
Takoda 2nd Chapter
4-10 Elijah's House-Dobie Lean.jpg
4-10 Elijah's House-Dobie Lean.jpg 2007-04-10
4-10 Elijah's House-5.jpg
4-10 Elijah's House-5.jpg 2007-04-10
4-10 Elijah's House-Butt Rub.jpg
4-10 Elijah's House-Butt Rub.jpg 2007-04-10
4-10 Elijah's House-playing with Daddy-spinning.jpg
4-10 Elijah's House-playing with Daddy-spinning.jpg 2007-04-10
Takoda-pillow 6-26.jpg
Takoda-pillow 6-26.jpg 2007-06-26
a-taokda's first trip-missy-meesha.jpg
a-taokda's first trip-missy-meesha.jpg 2007-08-25
a-takoda's first trip-missy and meesha in kitchen.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-missy and meesha in kitchen.jpg 2007-08-25
a-takoda's first trip-jeanette and Marie.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-jeanette and Marie.jpg 2007-08-25
a-takoda's first trip-Marie and Jeanette.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-Marie and Jeanette.jpg 2007-08-25
a-takoda's first trip-taylor-diana on floor.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-taylor-diana on floor.jpg 2007-08-25
0Takoda and Taylor sleeping on floor.jpg
0Takoda and Taylor sleeping on floor.jpg 2007-08-25
a-takoda's first trip-taylor sleeping on couch.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-taylor sleeping on couch.jpg 2007-08-25
a-takoda's first trip-taylor scratching my chin.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-taylor scratching my chin.jpg 2007-08-26
0Takoda Brian Jr-1st trip.jpg
0Takoda Brian Jr-1st trip.jpg 2007-08-26
0Takoda-Brian-Ball-1st trip.jpg
0Takoda-Brian-Ball-1st trip.jpg 2007-08-26
0Takoda Brian Jr.jpg
0Takoda Brian Jr.jpg 2007-08-26
0Takoda Brian Jr-playing with ball.jpg
0Takoda Brian Jr-playing with ball.jpg 2007-08-26
a-takoda's first trip-playing ball with Brian Jr.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-playing ball with Brian Jr.jpg 2007-08-26
a-takoda's first trip-meeting Brian Jr.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-meeting Brian Jr.jpg 2007-08-26
a-takoda's first trip-kierstin on couch.jpg
a-takoda's first trip-kierstin on couch.jpg 2007-08-26
Brian Jr-Takoda Hiding Ball.jpg
Brian Jr-Takoda Hiding Ball.jpg 2007-11-06
Baby Brian-Takoda.jpg
Baby Brian-Takoda.jpg 2007-11-06
Brian Jr-Takoda-tickling foot.jpg
Brian Jr-Takoda-tickling foot.jpg 2007-11-06
Brian Jr-Takoda-tossing ball back.jpg
Brian Jr-Takoda-tossing ball back.jpg 2007-11-06
Brian Jr-Takoda-stealing ball.jpg
Brian Jr-Takoda-stealing ball.jpg 2007-11-06
Brian Jr-Takoda-Petting.jpg
Brian Jr-Takoda-Petting.jpg 2007-11-06
Brian Jr-Takoda-Laughing.jpg
Brian Jr-Takoda-Laughing.jpg 2007-11-06
How Could You? Please share this with everyone you know. Tissues are suggested.
I was one of the Lucky Few, the ones who were Rescued and Adopted. Too many others aren't as lucky and I dedicate this to each and every one of them - Past, Present and Future.
Please, Please Remember, when you get a pet, no matter what it is, it should be a LIFETIME commitment.
How Could You?
A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan incredibly took out a US $7,000 full page ad in the paper to present HOW COULD YOU?
By Jim Willis, 2001
How Could You?
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. ...
Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.
At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.
As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.
She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself --a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
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A Note from the Author:
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If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Jim Willis and Endorsed with Heartfelt Appreciation by Takoda.
Frozen Tear
This poem is based on a true story of an international group of
researchers in Antarctica. They took the dogs on a side expedition
and were overtaken by a fierce storm. The men got lost in the storm,
and set the lead dog free, hoping he would make it back to camp.
He did, and led rescuers back to the men. The men then went onto a
supply ship for a few hours of R&R, leaving the dogs at camp.
While on the ship, the water froze over, and the only thing they could
do is head for open water. Another storm came up, and they made an
attempt to go back to rescue the dogs. The storm was so fierce, the
helicopter (which took them to the ship) could not take off
They were unable to go back to the camp to rescue the dogs...
FROZEN TEAR
Far away where the cold winds blow,
Beyond the walls of fear.
Is a tale I tell which you should know,
The tale of a frozen tear.
They serve us well with out complaint,
Together they are twelve strong.
They pull all day till the light is faint,
And into the night as the day is long.
We must leave them now, four hours at best,
A journey that we must make.
This time well spent for they will rest,
On the shore of a frozen lake.
The weather came upon us with force,
Our return it would not be.
The only way out is to set a new course,
A course for open sea.
As their lives become frozen,
And they meet their fate.
Four are lost,
And now there are eight.
His death is swift,
And he is now bound for heaven.
We pray for their forgiveness,
And now there is seven.
The walls of ice tower high,
Then fall and tumble like bricks.
Her destiny's set her fate is to die,
And now there is only six.
The snow is like the desert sand,
With out water you can't survive.
He thirsts no more in this barren land,
And now there is only five.
Cruel can be the darkness of night,
And his pain it is no more.
He has fallen in the absence of light,
And now there's only four.
She stops to rest she can't go on,
Finely her spirit is free.
Her body remains but she is gone,
And now there's only three.
The ice is like a razor knife,
To continue he can not do.
And so he slowly leaves this life,
And now there's only two.
They turn and look into each others eyes,
She stumbles to the ground.
Too weak to go on and so she dies,
Her silence the only sound.
Forever to roam never growing old,
If your still he may come near.
Then you will see the story I told,
When you look into his frozen tear.
By: Darryle Toney 1989
DarkRose Manor
Within one year, two of the men committed suicide, because they could
not live with the knowledge of what they did to the dogs. A little
later, another expedition went to the same area, and they were able to
find all but one of the dog's bodies, frozen. as the men prepared to
leave camp, they found that last dog, the lead dog, still alive.
Rescue Roundup 2009
I have to jump ahead here since I wanted you all to see the pictures Mommy and Daddy took of my Reunion. It's the yearly Rescue Roundup, the Rescue Group that saved me has, and it is definitely a fun filled day for all.
It's in Greensboro, NC, a 4 1/2 hour drive for us, so Mommy and Daddy were up early packing the car. I knew something was up and was right on Daddy's heels all the time, just waiting for him to say " Let's go." About 6:10 A. M.. he put my bed in the van, puts my leash on and out we go. I go do my business and then over to the side of the van where I know the sliding door is. It's open so in I hop. Mommy's already in so Daddy hops in and off we go.
First stop is at a Mickey D's, about half way to Greensboro, where Daddy takes me for a little walk and Mommy goes inside to get us some breakfast. Mommy gets back to the car and we all have some eggs, Mommy and Daddy have some of that Sweet Tea but I only get water. Bummer.
Back on the road and we're Roundup bound again. Traffic is very light and we make really good time down to the Park, it's only about 10:30 when we get there. No matter, Carol ( the nice lady who has the Rescue Group ) and the volunteers are there setting up and everyone is happy to see me. A few other people are there with their Dobies so we go and chat ( Mommy and Daddy chat, we doggies sniff butts, I can't understand why humans don't do that ) and we all get better acquainted.
About 11:30 a lot more people and Doggies start coming in and the registration desk gets busy. It's such a beautiful day out, last year it rained, so maybe more doggies will come. By the time things really start, there's about 50 Dobies and their parents in attendance. A nice crowd.
One Dobie I really was happy to see there was Cotton, the Albino that has all the bleeding problems. He was adopted by some wonderful humans a week ago and he was having so much fun and meeting so many new doggies - it was just too beautiful for words. Check out the pictures of this handsome boy. Like me, he was a Special Needs doggie and it's wonderful to see someone cared enough to take him home.
We had the introductions, Carol calls each Dobie and their humans up and they tell a little something about them and their dog, and then lunch and a meeting and greeting time. They also had a lot of items in the Silent Auction so we visited there and put some bids in on some things. All the money raised goes to the Rescue Group and there was also a photographer there doing Portrait packages so Mommy and Daddy are having one done of me. The nice photographer came to the Reunion and when she got set up, she told Carol that all checks should be made out to the Rescue Group and any cash given directly to Carol. She was not taking one cent for her time and you can bet, she was busy. What a fabulous person and she has a Dobie she adopted from Carol.
They started the fun time contests and first was the Howloween Costumes. That isn't my thing but there were some neat Doggies there. Funny though, the most unigue winner was a custom made skunkie costume and it sure looked like it turned that doggie into a black lab. We found out it was a black lab but it was one carol had rescued, along with a Dobie. No matter, he fit in and had as much fun as everybody else.
They have a lot of different contests and the food is there until the end of the day. I guess I don't have to tell you that I was allowed to go off my diet and I really made a piggie of myself Dunkin for hot dogs. That's just like apple bobbin for humans but they have hot dog pieces at the bottom of the bowl. I didn't mind getting my nose wet diving for them.
Me and Daddy had to show everyone how a blind doggie plays and they couldn't believe Daddy still had his arms when we got done. I really got into it and with my growling and barking, jumping, snapping and spinning, they thought for sure Daddy would be bruised, or worse. I know how to play and Daddy didn't have a mark on him.
They had a contest for the Mommy and Daddys to guess how many biscuits in the jar, Daddy won it last year when he put down All of them, but Daddy didn't get it this year. A nice little young lady was only off by 2 biscuits and then Carol had her draw the winning name for the big grand prize basket. That had lots of nice things from the Dobie Boutigue in it. She draws the ticket, looks at the name and tells Carol, " It's me." Everyone was so happy for her.
After that, it was time to say our goodbyes and head home. All in all, it was a wonderful day, we gots to meet so many new friends ( I really liked meeting Cotton ) and I'm looking forward to next year already. Sorry I got ahead of my story but I wanted to share these pictures with you all. I'll post the next chapter of my story shortly.
Takoda-From Rescue to my Furever Home
I was Rescued, along with 4 other Dobies, mid-November of 2006. The Puppy Mill was going to give all five of us to a Kill Shelter but a Rescue Group heard about that and took us all. We were all way underweight, with internal parasites and heartworms, and I was also Blind and had Diabetes Insipidus. Not a very good candidate for adoption.
We were treated for our problems and the other Dobies were adopted before Christmas. Me, I was still at the Rescue Group in mid-January when my new Mommy and Daddy saw my page on-line. They had to send their last Dobie to the Rainbow Bridge in August of 2006 and weren't going to get another dog but they now believe that Thor, their last Dobie, led them to my page. They checked my page every day for about a week and then Daddy told Mommy, we just got another Dobe. That Saturday, they were at the Rescue group to get me.
The first album shows what I looked like when the Rescue Group first got me and when Mommy and Daddy met me and took me home. I had put on some weight, but was still skinny, and still very skittish and shy around humans. You have to remember, I had very little contact with them at the Puppy Mill, us older doggies were just there to make puppies for the people who had the Mill to sell. It's a lot easier to sell puppies then adult doggies. We were kept in cages, outside in all types of weather, that we could hardly turn around in and I actually was frozen to my cage after an ice storm. What little contact I had with humans, before being Rescued and meeting the nice people at the Rescue Group, was almost all bad and since my blindness is caused by two detached retinas, I was most likely abused and beat about the head.
That became fairly evident when Mommy and Daddy got me home and saw how I would turn my head away from theirs, if they put theirs right in front of my face, and softly growl. It wasn't a bad growl but more like a " Please don't do that " growl. But that's getting ahead of my story.
Mommy and Daddy came to the Recue Group and they put me in a large, fenced in area to meet them. I was still extremely shy and skittish around humans and it took about 15 or 20 minutes before I let them near me. I could tell from the strange voices and smells that someone new was there and I really didn't want to see what it was. Even though the people at the Rescue Group were extremely nice to me, I still wasn't sure of how humans would treat me. I was scared and being blind made matters worse.
Anyway, Mommy and Daddy told the owner of the Rescue Group they wanted to take me home ( I'm so very glad they did ), the nice lady at the group gave them my toys and blanket, they got me in their van ( that wasn't easy ) where they had my new bed and some new toys. Daddy gave me a couple of pieces of prime rib ( yummy ) and Mommy hopped in the back with me and we headed for my new home.
It was a long ride and I know Daddy did a lot of thinking about what things would be like when we got home. A three year old dog that isn't house broken, isn't trained, had very little human interaction, scared, skittish and blind. Add diabetes insipidus to all of that and they just might be getting in over their head. A couple of pit stops and a dinner break later, we arrived at my new home. My Furever Home.
Mommy and Daddy walked me around their property, stopped at Thor's grave and then took me into the house. Mommy went in a few minutes before us and put my bed and blanket in the living room and my food and water bowls on a mat in the kitchen. Luckily, Daddy had taken the front steps down, for Thor, and replaced them with a ramp and deck, making it easy for me to get into the house. Daddy took my leash off and I was on my own. He didn't really know how long I'd been blind but thought I would know how to get around better then him trying to show me and I am so glad he did.
You see, my sense of smell and hearing have become so keen, like Daddy now says, I really don't know I'm blind. Most of the time, you wouldn't be able to tell unless you looked at my eyes. It took me all of 2 minutes to learn the living room and kitchen but I wouldn't go down the hall and Daddy said I'd do that when I was good and ready. It was late so we settled in for the first night at my new home.
Daddy slept on the floor, alongside me, so he could take me out if I stirred. That was because of my not being housebroken and also because nobody was exactly sure how much medicine to give me and my Diabetes Insipidus makes me drink lots and lots of water. What goes in, must come out. It wasn't an easy night, little noises made me jump and so did Mommy and Daddy moving, but I made it through with only one little accident. Your kidneys can only hold so much and I just didn't know how long it took to get to the door and outside.
The second night was my first big change and it made Daddy real happy. We went out a couple of times and when we came back in and laid down, after the second time out, Daddy laid next to me and I snuggled over and put my head on his arm. I knew they were my Furever Mommy and Daddy and wanted to show them I cared. From that day on, it's been one advancement after another.
I learned our walks down to the lake every day and would take Mommy and Daddy there on a slack leash. Walking on the leash, I never really pulled or fought, just went along and enjoyed the walks and trots. Yes, I love being able to run and jump, just like a normal dog. As the days moved on, I stopped shying away from strange sounds and people and started walking towards them. I was still head shy but wouldn't growl as much and wouldn't jump when someone new would pet me. It wasn't long before I really made myself at home, My Furever Home, and the last few pictures will show you that.
The next chapter will show you my first trip, with Mommy and Daddy, to meet the rest of the family. The three boys, 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson and 2 great granddaughters. Face to face and I showed Mommy and Daddy just how much I love them and my new family. The last picture is me today, 2 years and 8 months later, and you can see I am the Proud Doberman I was meant to be. Head held high, ears erect and the look on my face says it all. Takoda, Sioux for Friend to All, and that's what I am. Please stop back for my next chapter, we have over 2 years to go before we're caught up.
Takoda-2nd Chapter
A little over two months have passed since Mommy and Daddy adopted me and they say the changes have been unreal. I'm no longer the shy, skittish Doberman they met at the Rescue Group but I have become an enthusiastic greeter to all and no longer shy away from new sounds but head towards them to see what they are. I'm housebroken and Daddy has been teaching me my basic obedience commands. Actually, he's sort of teaching me since he doesn't want to be too strict with me yet.
I'm still a little face shy but the growl is softer and I don't turn away as much. Daddy knows it's not a warning growl, just letting someone know I don't like that. A trip to the eye doctor showed that both of my retinas are detached but my right eyes' is hanging and I do respond to a beam of very bright light. The doctor said I probably can't make objects out but I might be able to detect a slight difference in brightness and that might be helping me. Mommy and Daddy were hoping, praying there might be something that could be done but that isn't a possibility. No matter, I know they love me and I really love them.
They have a trip planned for us to go up and visit the kids and grandkids in NJ but decided to also take me back to NC to see my Rescue Angels and let them see how much I've changed already. I can't wait for that and it's set for April 10th.
Well, we're at the Rescue Group and they have opened the fenced in field where Daddy and Mommy first met me. Daddy took my leash off and let me explore, looking to see if I could find some old, familiar scents. Nobody can believe I'm the dog that left here a little over 2 months ago, that blind, shy, skittish Doberman. Oops, another Dobie that use to growl and bark at me is still here and he hasn't changed. I'm headed for his pen but Daddy is telling me No. Come.
Oh well, I better listen. I'm headed back to Daddy and I can hear Carol ( the woman who runs the Rescue Group ) telling Daddy and Mommy that the barking Dobie use to do that to me all the time and I would just shy away from him. She can't believe how I was headed to him and wanted to let him know I was no longer the shy one. Next to Daddy, he starts petting me and telling me I'm a good boy ( I know that ) and I let everybody see my Dobie lean. In case you don't know what that is, the first picture will show you. We like to lean against our humans leg and keep close to them. I do it really good.
Daddy then showed everybody how I listen and how he's teaching me heel, come, stay and down and then we played. They couldn't believe how much I was enjoying all the attention and how I would stop whatever I was doing and come, as soon as Daddy called. I did try getting ole loudmouth a few more times but stopped and came to Daddy as soon as he called. No more fraidy cat here. Wish I could have shown him for real.
Everyone watched me do all of this and Carol made a comment to Daddy that is so true. She said "Ron", "that dog would do anything in the world for you." She is so right and I think Mommy and Daddy know that. We spent a couple more hours there and then headed home. Next trip will be the big one. How will I act with the little ones and also Eric's two dogs, one still a pup. But I did something Daddy got a kick out of, before the trip, and that's the picture of me on his pillow.
Daddy always has my blankie down at the foot of his bed, my bed goes alongside his, but it was in the wash that day. He's on the computer and I am laying where my blankie usually is. Daddy thought I was asleep but when he turns around, I had somehow taken a pillow off his bed and was curled up on it. Yep, I was asleep but I sure wasn't laying on the carpet. He won't forget my blankie again.
Well, we're just pulling into Eric's driveway and I can hear the two doggies in the yard. Daddy puts my leash on and we go through the gate and into the back yard where the two doggies meet and greet me. No problems here ( they're both female ) so Daddy takes my leash off and I wander around, followed by that durn puppy. She wants to play and I just want to do my business and relax. We'll play later.
I have a couple of steps to navigate, to get up on the porch, and Daddy is tapping it and telling me step. I make it up alright and inside the house we go. Mommy and Daddy, me and those other two doggies, one a pest. We get into the kitchen and I suddenly find my lower jaw in that little pests' mouth. She's underneath my jaw and has a hold of it, playing. Check out those pictures. Sometimes you just have to be tolerable. Okay, I wanted to show her how to respect your elders but I just endured her playing until I could get away from her and into a spot where she couldn't get my jaw again. Durn, I wish Mommy and Daddy would leave me alone with her for a little while.
We relax for a little whille and then the other kids and grandkids start arriving. Suddenly I'm the center of attention and find a whole bunch of faces right in front of mine. I can smell and hear them and they are petting and touching me all over. You know what? I really like it and soon we're taking naps together and me and the littlest one really hit it off. He really loved me and maybe I thought of him as a pup but I let him do whatever he wanted to me. Again, a bunch of dumbfounded humans who couldn't believe how well behaved I was.
The three, younger grandaughters patted me and took naps with me but me and little Brian Jr. really hit it off. We were all together for only a few days but I loved it, had fun, made lots of new friends and really made Mommy and Daddy proud.
We also stopped and visited one of Mommy and Daddys' older friends and she has a neat place. It's a farm with lots of chickens, ducks and sheep and I really wanted to explore all of it. But, Mommy and Daddy took me in the house so Jeanette could meet me and I got a drink of water and a snack. She's a really nice lady and loves doggies. She also couldn't believe I was blind or how well I got around. Seems like nobody does.
Anyway, it was a great trip, I had fun ( even if I had to put up with silly Missy and her grabbing my lower jaw ) and everybody liked me. They said I was well behaved, listened and got along with everyone just fine. It was soon time to head back home but Little Brian Jr. ( Mommy and Daddys' only grandson ) and his mommy were going to come down and visit with us for a little while. We really got to play a lot then and he's my bestest little buddy.
It was soon time to head home and I said goodbye to every skin and fur, the kids all gave me big hugs, Missy went to grab my jaw and I told her NO, ( she listened too ) and we were on our way. Did I tell you I just jump up imto the van anymore, no coaching needed.
Little Brian Jr. came down to vist and we really had fun playing with my ball. Check out those last pictures, how the little bugger would slyly steal my ball and then drop it back to me. He'd tickle my foot to get my head up off it and then sneak it away from me. Don't tell him I told you but I knew he was doing it.
I hope you're enjoying my story and pictures and really hope you'll consider Adopting your next pet. Frankly, I believe I'm a Special Rescue but I know all puppies and kitties like me have really, really, large hearts that are filled with love. Why not let one share that love with you?
There are lots of homeless pets in shelters and lots of Rescue Groups who save a specific breed. The majority of Pet Stores who sell those pretty puppies get them from Puppy Mills, like the one I was in. Don't believe them when they tell you those pretty puppies come from Reputable Breeders. A reputable breeder would never sell his pups to a Pet Store. Those pups come from Puppy Mills or Back Yard Breeders and by your purchasing one, you are helping keep those people in business.