DUCHESS
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| Duchess was born on April 4, 2003 and has been with her current owners her entire life. They are very caring and loving seniors and spared no expense when it came to their little girl. Unfortunately, they didn't know about the importance of socializing their German Shepherd puppy. They did do a few gatherings provided by Duchess' local breeder and even had someone come to their home for training help, however, that did not provide a puppy lacking confidence with the exposure needed nor did it give them the leadership skills this dog desperately needed.
They want to keep Duchess but will be downsizing and moving in with relatives; family with small grand kids, so Duchess must have a new home. For starters, Duchess has a recorded bite. She was out walking with Dad when they spotted a couple of nearby Bobcats at which point Duchess switched gears into defense drive and while overwhelmed with fear, a neighbor approached...Duchess broke loose and nipped the neighbor. No medical attention necessary and no complaint filed but her owners reported it. Duchess can only be described as fearful; wary of strangers and defensive with animals unfamiliar to her. She is an absolute sweetheart when in her comfort zone. When her folks came to us some time ago and after speaking with them at length, it was apparent that we would not even be able to show Duchess without some work. They heeded our advice and hooked up with the recommended trainer. Starting with a beginner class where Duchess spent the first several sessions trembling from head to toe, and where Dad learned very quickly about all of the mistakes previously made. They have since progressed through intermediate classes and are currently in advanced obedience. We visited class today and there is no doubt that Duchess (and her folks) have made tremendous strides. She works well alongside lots of strange dogs, focuses on her handler, and now knows her obedience well. In the past, as a stranger to her, our evaluator could barely get close. Today we petted her, took her leash and she obeyed all commands....all a big leap for this pretty coated (LONG HAIR) GSD. Regardless, it was clear that all she really wanted was to get back and close to Daddy. We have requested that while in class, people other than her owner start handling her. Duchess needs a very special owner who will continue to work toward building her confidence and relying on her handler's cues as opposed to lashing out when afraid...she had already demonstrated she can do it in the right hands. It does not negate the reality, however, that Duchess will always be a fearful gal; in addition to lack of socialization, it is also genetic. Absolutely no kids, cats are fine, possibly another dog with the right temperament, and an experienced handler who knows how to respond to inappropriate behavior, is what her future requires. Duchess is housetrained, not destructive when left alone, spayed, current with shots, crate trained, obedience trained, micro chipped and is a very loving, submissive little girl. UPDATE 11/11: Duchess paid us a visit at the Nov 6th event, an environment that a year ago, she could not have tolerated...crowds, tons of other dogs everywhere and strangers coming up and petting her...we were simply amazed at how far she has come. While still a shy gal, she was far more more relaxed and engaging than ever.
Her folks have put their home back on the market and when sold, Duchess will be homeless. We're hoping the right person comes along before then..... UPDATE 1/11: Duchess' folks have sold their home and must be out by February....the clock is ticking for this sweet ole gal...we MUST have somewhere for her to go.....SOON! UPDATE 1/31: The house is sold and Duchess' folks are leaving town the first week of February; they plan on buying another home near their grown kids & grandkids in Nevada with whom they will be staying temporarily. What to do? Great News! we arranged for long term boarding at our Foster Camp Johnson until her current owners are settled into their new place after which, if not adopted, they will come back to Arizona to take Duchess back HOME with them...which could take up to three months. We will be checking in on her in the hope that this new setting and the duration of separation does not set any of her remarkable progress back. She is still available for adoption and there is always the chance that buying that new home takes too long or doesn't go as expected BUT, at least now they/we have a "plan B." UPDATE 3/1: Duchess has been in boarding at Camp Johnson for a couple of weeks so far and is doing just fine. No set backs, happy when crated as well as in her free playtime in the yard. She has been described as sweet and well adjusted. All that training and exposure to the real world has paid off. Let's just hope that her folks find a new home soon to which she can return. If not, she will need one. UPDATE 3/7: Great news; Duchess' folks have found and a purchased a new home! They don't close escrow until around mid April.....must move in and enclose their yard, after which they will pick up their "baby girl"..looks like around early May sometime. The 3-month estimate we told them to plan around was right on, And here's her foster Mom's remarks sent to her parents..Duchess is doing very well at Camp Johnson: " Hi Stan, Dutchess is doing great. She is an angel and a fun girl. She is very good about her eye medicine and has adapted very well to my house/yard. I am happy that you found a new home. If you want me to, I will get her groomed before you pick her up. Keep in touch" UPDATE 4/17: We visited with our gal yesterday..she took a little time warming up after which she was ready for some lovin. She has bonded very strongly with her foster Mom, Aunt Becki, and rubs on her like a cat. She does require proper introductions to strangers. Her folks will be returning to pick Duchess up the first week of May..goin home to Nevada! We'll be there..stay tuned for the big reunion....
MAY 3RD: We're delighted to report that Duchess' folks picked her up today and she's now back home with her owners in their new house in Nevada. We should have reunion photos soon.
UPDATE AUGUST 2011: The following is a letter we received today from Stan & Linda,
Duchess' parents, along with our response:
Hi Steff,
We are real happy with Duchess and how well she has adapted to her new home. Since May 4, we have walked her every morning (no muzzle) and she does well. Although, we are very careful not to let someone run up and try to pet her, she does extremely well with people, both coming toward us and approaching from behind. we always encounter several people walking dogs, most of them are on the small size. If the other dog does not try to stare down and/or go off on Duchess, in most cases we are now able to keep walking with no problem. When Duchess does react to another dog going off, thanks to you and Camp Johnson in general, but in particular to the many sessions Duchess and I had with Uschi, I am able to have total control and Duchess knows what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behavior.
Back in the day (just about 2 years ago),I never dreamed we would enjoy our morning walks with Duchess, we used to try and avoid people in general and definitely anyone walking a dog. Now its enjoyable and we look forward to it.
About once or twice a week halfway through our walk, a gentlemen about 90 years old is waiting for us, (he used to have GSDs) and has a treat waiting for Duchess; she is happy to see him and said he tells his friends it makes his day.. Another milestone (Can anyone say "therapy" dog)
That's it for now, take care, Linda and I both hope you are doing well. Stan
Dear Stan,
It's so gratifying to hear how successful your work with Duchess has been. And, yes, it's your work that made it possible.
We regularly deal with the same inadvertent mistakes over and over again; we offer solutions but sadly, most people want a magic bullet..something that will instantly make up for what was not done all along.
You accepted professional advice and did what had to be done. And now you and Duchess can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Not only are you and Linda happier and more relaxed, but Duchess sees her world through a different lens now and in far less fear and anxiety.
Good job!! Thanks very much for the update.
Sincerely, Steff
We just Love happy endings!Adoption fee $175.00.
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