Sirius & Wednesday
(now
Max & Heidi)
Hi Emma
I was going through some old photos of Max and Heidi and thought that I'd send along a couple for you to have a look at. We've had them for about seven months now and I can't believe how much and how quickly they've grown (we're onto our third set of collars now!). I'm sure you'll remember how shy, timid and terrified they were when they came to you. After six months of school and daily socialisation with other people and dogs, they've improved hundred-fold.
Heidi is particularly wary of new situations and people and often resorts to her "cave" (under the bed). She is obsessed with balls and can play with three or four at a time, and she hogs the rest of the toys too. If Max is playing with something, she'll either steal it right from him or she'll let out high pitched barks until he gives in. However he does the same thing where bones are concerned! Heidi's a very smart girl and all she wants in life is a thousand kisses and cuddles a day, someone to throw the ball around and a queen size bed to sleep in at night. She's more outwardly playful and affectionate than Max, and although they're so similar in so many ways, they each have their own special characteristics.
(Please roll over a thumbnail to see an enlargement.)
We call Max 'the philosopher'. He often likes to sit back and take in his surroundings, look around, think about things for a while and then he'll make his move. The other morning he spent the better part of ten minutes staring at hot air balloons in the sky! He is also incredibly intelligent and has the sweetest heart. There's nothing better in the world than walking in the door at night to be greeted by his wagging behind (not just the tail, his whole lower body wags) and gentle eyes and Heidi will run up ahead of him with ball in mouth ready to play.
They began dog school about six months ago and are continually improving. We go to Australian Dog Training every week and I very highly recommend them. They truly love dogs there and although the membership is somewhat pricey (about $400 per dog), it is well worth the unlimited lessons, dog psychologist and behaviourists, fantastic staff and fun atmosphere. Max and Heidi love it as do all the other dogs. Although they're very obedient and intelligent, our two are considered to be 'special needs' dogs because of their anxiety and sometimes they get a little overwhelmed. Despite this, the trainers never give up on us and even other owners now comment on how far they've come. For the first two months that we had them, it was a struggle to get them out of the house, but now they love getting into the car and going to the beach, park or to school. They even seem to be getting used to the idea that people aren't all bad and scary and are slowly coming out of their shells with other people too.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you yet again for saving our little ones. They are so precious and loved and we often wonder what would have happened to them had they been separated or if they went to a home other than ours. I am inclined to think that they wouldn't be who they are today because there is sometimes a tendency for fear to manifest and appear as aggression, but that is being overcome with love, security and consistency. I couldn't imagine one without the other because they are inseparable and love each other to bits.
Thanks again Emma. I hope that you and your dogs are all happy and well. Keep up the brilliant work that you do!
Kirby Moerth and family
