Restoring Balance to the Canine Force
After the passing of our dog Junior at the end of March, my wife and I discussed whether or not to get another dog. As we get older, the thought is that a young dog may outlive us. And the work involved in training a puppy seemed more work than either of us wanted to take on. So reluctantly we decided that our remaining dog Lily would be our last.
But after a few weeks of watching Lily grieve over Junior’s absence and become increasingly anxious about being without a canine companion, we reached out to the breeder from which we got Junior and Lily.
And that conversation led to Aiden joining our family.
AKC Champion, Retired
Aiden received his Champion designation by the American Kennel Club in April of 2021. He’ll be four years old in July and his formal name is Semper Fye Born to Be a Star at Kennaree. An injury ended his career as a show dog and the breeder, Jana, offered to place him with us if we wanted another dog.
We’ve never been interested in showing dogs but have fallen in love with Belgian Sheepdogs. And bringing an adult dog into our lives, and Lily’s, seemed the ideal solution.
Aunt and Nephew
Lily is Aiden’s aunt. And he is Junior’s great-nephew. We see elements of both in him.
He’s a sweet, well-behaved dog, good with people and other dogs. Life in the show ring brought him into continual contact with people and dogs. Lily and Aiden hit it off immediately and she has returned to her happy self with him in the house. From the time she was a puppy Junior was always with her. She didn’t do well alone.
Life as a House Pet
Jana told us he would have a much different life as a house pet. As one of many show dogs, he did not have the run of the house and would spend time crated, at home, at shows, and traveling. And he also would not have the varied experiences out in the world.
Aiden now has free run of our house, and only sees the crate when traveling in the van. He sleeps where he wants, plays outside with Lily, and enjoys walks and hanging out at the Pump Station.
Adjusting to a New Life
We feared he would not easily adapt to the changes involved in moving from one life to another. But that has not been the case. As a show dog, he was used to being with different handlers and his sense of home was probably not the same as a house pet.
Now he’s King of the house, subject to the rule of Queen Lily, and quite relaxed and excited to be here. He’s become my new shadow and is never far from me. Just like Junior was.
Training Needs
Despite being a show dog, he isn’t obedience trained. He’s pleasant and walks easily, is good with people and dogs, but he was not familiar with the basic commands other than “Stand.” They weren’t needed in the ring.
So Aiden is slowly learning things like sit, stay, come, and down. Well, he comes immediately when I call him so I guess he knows that. He’s smart and will learn quickly.
And he is a counter sweeper, obsessive cuddler, and a big goofball. More things to work on and with.
But he is a great dog and we feel blessed to have him in our lives.
I know how you must feel -I had a lump in my throat when I read your post. Well. done- happy lives together.
Very best wishes
Chris (Lincoln UK)
As heartbreaking as it was to lose Junior, it’s a gift to bring another dog into the family. He’s here now, sleeping at my feet.
The new doggie looks like a win-win-win!
Win for you as a new walking companion.
Win for Lilly as a new best friend.
Win for Aiden as now he is out of the crate and free to wander around with his new family.
Wishing you many happy years with him!
Richard in Blue Ridge
Thank you Richard for the reminders. It definitely is a big win for us.
A bond that can only grow. Well done Steve!
Absolutely Doug. Absolutely.
Good
You know the power of dogs Frank!
Good for you, your wife, Lily and especially Aiden. Getting to learn to live in a new world, and particularly under your tutelage, well it can’t get much better than that. And I think that’s a knife that cuts both ways for all involved. Genuinely happy for all parties involved.
Thanks Fred. We’re all happy here with Aiden’s arrival. And I think he’s feeling good about it too!
It sounds like the dog is adjusting to the new environment pretty well.
He is. He’s tuned into food, snacks, play, naps, walks, and opportunities to cuddle!
A few years ago my daughter’s dog came to live with us in Deposit. A toy Poodle, she had spent most of her life confined in a small room and at the end of her leash. For a while we kept her on a tether about ten feet long and she didn’t mind that. One day my late wife took her out, unleashed on a stroll around our four acres with the other three dogs and she followed happily. I was playing with the dogs one day on the front porch and she suddenly stopped like a light bulb had turned on. She began to run up and down the side of the house like she was on fire. You could see her eyes going, “I can RUN!” After that it was nothing to have her take off in big circles in the three acre field of ours running till she was out of breath and then returning to the pack. A happier dog there never was.
It’s nice to see a dog express their newfound freedom. Especially one that never had it. Maybe they’re feeling the same thing we do when we ride…
Aiden had plenty of opportunities to run and play before we got him. But the nature of being part of a show dog “pack” meant a lot of crate time and control of his activities. Now that he has free run of the house it’s nice to see him just lounge at will wherever he wants. Within reason. No lounging on the kitchen counter!
Happy dogs are energizing to watch!
I want a dog!
I fully understand the sentiment. And I also understand that dogs aren’t for everyone. Like children, they change your life and you surrender some measure of freedom in having them regardless of how well trained they are. For people who work, travel, or just enjoy leaving at the drop of the hat, a dog creates some issues in terms of who is going to care for them.
And if you want a pristine home, dogs can create some challenges. Sort of like riding a scooter in snow and salt.
So go get yourself a dog!
Beautiful dogs, we have a black GSD that looks somewhat like your Belgians. Nothing like the love and devotion from a dog!
I’m so grateful to have these dogs in my life. They are amazing!