| We got Ms. Maccabee almost
a year ago when she was almost 1O weeks old. She immediately wrapped us
both around her little paw! She is extremely smart, but with a definite
independent streak. At puppy class she lived for 'recess'.
And since then we've decided her entire life is recess! She is extremely
outgoing; wanting to play with all other canines, and wanting to dispense
puppy kisses to all humans she encounters. As she was one of the
2 out of 5 puppies in her litter that showed herding instinct, we found
a place where she can 'harass' the sheep. We haven't started any
formal herding training with her just yet - Joe Kapelos, our instructor,
is just keeping her interest peaked at this point. We started showing
her in AKC and International shows in May of 1997. Even though we
never had any competition, we had a good time at the shows - and have become
known as the 'Canaan Dog people' on our circuit. It seems amazing
now, but before getting Ms. Maccabee, neither my husband nor myself had
ever done any herding (although we had been spectators at the Meeker CO
trials for a couple of years in a row) nor even been to a dog show.
So we are learning just as much as Maccabee is in these new venues!
I had intended to pursue Agility with Ms. Maccabee, but my work schedule
has so far prevented it. I sure hope she takes to it - she definitely
has the speed and agility to do very well at it. Just depends on
how well she'll work off leash for me! |
