First Day on Dogster

Hi, my name is Kira. I'm a two year old rescue dog from Golden State German Shepherd Rescue. My two brothers, Zack and Magic keep me busy. I am obsessed with balls and love to play, play, play.

When I first came into Mom's rescue program, I was suppose to be evaluated by the San Francisco PD to possibly become a narcotics dog. I did not qualify though. Although I have a lot of drive, still not enough to be a working dog. Mom is excited about adopting me though, because she plans to train me for tracking and other sports. We are now in training so I can become a well socialized dog.

Your new buddy,
Kira

My New Life – 2.23.12

Since I’ve been adopted my new mom and dad take me to a different park most every day. I need more exercise than my two brothers, Zack and Magic. At some point when I am under voice control, I will go hiking with Mom and we will have a great time. I’m taking private lessons with a trainer who works with working dogs. The training part is easy, but I get very excited when I see other dogs when I’m on leash. I’m OK off leash around other dogs, but my last family didn’t walk me much on a leash as a puppy.

The trainer took Mom and I to a very large dog park last week and I did just great. I was playing ball with a group of other German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois dogs. I always got to the ball first. Now I just have to learn how to “out” from the ball. I like to drool and whimper when I get a tennis ball. Mom says I go into an altered state. She says that I’m her project dog and will take time to train, but it will be worth it. She has faith in me to become a great dog.

Zack is my little brother. He follows me everywhere, but becomes bored when I stare for hours looking for birds or squirrels in the trees in the yard. I’m very quiet and Zack likes to sing and dig in the dirt. It’s annoying. Magic is an old guy, but he’s quiet and respects my space. It’s nice to be part of a new pack.

Your new friend,
Kira

Training for Sunday - 2.24.12

Mom and I are training for a workshop on Sunday. We need to practice, basic obedience and tug. We also need to walk by some dogs I don't know so I can practice my "watch" command, instead of becoming reactive on leash. Once I watch Mom, she gives me a delicious treat. I really need to learn this so I can take group classes with other dogs and not freak out on leash. I'm a busy Kira these days.

Big Fun in the Park 3.29.12

Yesterday was a fun day for Mom and me. She spent most of the day just with me, walking in the beautiful redwood forest. I got lots of hot dog and cheese treats, to show her how well I can heel and watch her. And when I give her eye contact without her asking me, she says “jackpot!” and gives me 3 treats at a time. This exercise is lots of fun!

Mom brought her camera and took some photos of me too. That part wasn’t as much fun, but she promises me that once we practice a bit more I can go off leash and we’ll play ball together and run at the beach. I can’t wait!

Wags,
Happy KIra

Training Kira - 8.29.12

Mom and I have been very busy training - in obedicnce and nosework. I used to be very dog reactive on leash , but I've come a long way. Now I can play off leash with many dogs and I'm respectful, even when we all play ball together. And I'm calm on leash around other dogs too. Mom and I train with distractions, around other dogs playing ball and running by us too. I can now heel off leash and my recall is getting really good.

My favorite thing to do is play ball. I'm kinda obsessed with ANY ball. And when Mom gets out the chuck-it stick I go wild. After training I play ball in the bay with my other dog friends as a reward. I LOVE to swim too. We don't have a pool so I swim where ever I can. Mom thinks I'm part Lab. She might be right!

G'nite for now,
Kira

Happy 3rd Birthday Kira! 12.3.12

Today was a very good day. Mom took us to the park for a fun run off leash. We got special treats, followed by my annual B Day meatloaf. Yummy! We did a test photo shoot yesterday and I leaped over the table I was so excited to eat the loaf. So today Mom made sure I exercised a lot and ate something first so I would be able to sit still for my photo.

I’ve been pretty busy training in sports and playing a lot with my brother Zack. He drives me crazy because he likes to tease me. He’s always ready for a game of chase. Once I get annoyed though I start hunting him and then he hides behind Mom for safety.

Thanks for your birthday wishes!
Happy wags,
Kira

Happy V Day to You! 2/19/13

Thanks to my Dogster friends for sending me chocolates on V Day. Delicious! Wishing you all a belated Valentines Day too!

Latest News About Kira 5/1/13

Got some big news for you. I've been nursing a serious broken leg for the past couple weeks and Mom's been busy caring for me. Freak accident. We were playing ball in the backyard and when Mom threw the ball I ran forward. Then the ball bounced to the left. I twisted in mid-air to catch it, but my back end kept going forward. Unfortunately, I landed on my rear right leg and shattered my femur bone into 6 pieces!

My surgery took 3 hours and the surgeon is confident that my leg will heal good as new. But, I have to stay sedated in my crate for 8 weeks so I can heal. This is not easy for me because I'm a young and strong German Shepherd. But, Mom is giving me special TLC and Zack sleeps right next to my crate to keep me company.

Today is Magic Man's birthday, but I will be resting in a quiet place in the house. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get a nice slice of his B Day chicken. Please send me your kind thoughts and prayers. I'm gonna need them!

Your mending girlfriend,
Kira

Hurry Up and Heal! - 5.14.13

I’ve been 3 1/2 weeks in my crate and I’m havin’ a hard time. Mom has to sedate me several times a day because I just want to explode. The surgeon said no sudden moves and I have to use a sling to walk. Sometimes Mom takes me outside to potty and I can feel the cool air on my face and listen to the birds. But, mostly I just want to hunt! Mom has me playing with food puzzles and that helps somewhat, but I just want to run with Zack and play rough like big dogs.

Speaking of Zack, have you ever had a pesky little brother? He wants me to play chase and tries to tease me while I’m in my crate. I’d like to hunt him too, but Mom won’t let me. She drapes my crate so I don’t get too upset. Zack loves me, but doesn’t understand that I need to be quiet. Mom says we only have 4 more weeks to go. Then I will have my leg x-rayed again to make sure I can begin physical therapy. Zack is being a good boy right now and is sleeping right next to me. We “face fight” on a large dog bed together at night when Mom and Dad watch TV. I just need to be patient.

Your mending girlfriend,
Kira

Leg's Feelin' Better 6.8.13

It's been about 8 weeks since I've broken my rear right leg. Mom has me crate resting and on sedation. It's been a tough time for us both, and my little brother Zack too. On Monday, we go back to the surgeon and have additional x-rays done. We're hoping and praying that my leg has healed nicely. If yes, then I'll put my bathing cap on and get ready for aqua therapy. Whoo hoo!