This is three-legged Kasha, our Shepherd pup who arrived a few months ago from Spokane Animal Control after having surgery to remove what was left of her rear leg. Someone had chopped her foot off. She recovered well from her surgery and has really blossomed into a beautiful girl. (Although the ears can be a bit ridiculous!)
She's also blossomed into a wannabe pack leader. She's trying to become the alpha at Widget's House, and her bossy new attitude isn't going over well with the other dogs. There's only one alpha or pack leader here, and that's us -- and the other dogs know it. Thus they're confused about why Kasha is trying to assert herself. So we're working with Kasha on this. We won't let her get away with bossy behavior towards the other dogs. We also reinforce her position as a regular member of the pack ... for instance, by having her sit and stay along with everyone else before coming through the door, and then making her wait until the others have come in first.
Kasha's young, she does have a dominant personality (but not aggressive by any means), and she's trying to figure out where she fits in. So this is all part of her testing the other dogs, and us, to find out. She's learning that this leadership thing is more complicated than she first thought!
Her best friend has turned out to be Travis, our dog with a fused jaw. Travis is also, like Kasha, a very sweet dog with a dominant personality. We joke that the fused jaw was nature's way of protecting him from himself. He really thinks he's a tough guy, despite the fact that he can't open his mouth and looks like a clown much of the time! So when I see Travis and Kasha roughhousing in the yard together, I like to think they're practicing their leadership skills on each other.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Kasha is such a beauty. Those eyes!! Glad she and Travis are hitting it off...he's such a gentleman!
Posted by: Linda O'Neill | October 27, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Kasha is gorgeous! I could easily fall under her spell if she were under my care, so good for you for letter her know who's boss! (or Top dog!) That's got to be difficult with those "melt under my spell" eyes. She'd have my number in a heartbeat! Thanks for this great update on her with her pics. She's thriving & so glad that she's found a buddy in Travis! I'd love to see a pic of them together-that's a direct hint!
Hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | October 26, 2007 at 08:09 AM
A beautiful GSD; I'm so glad to see she's doing well. Sounds like you've got an interesting two or so years ahead with her. That's about how long my GSDs have taken to understanding their position in the pack...
Posted by: Paul | October 25, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Kasha is such a growing, thriving beauty! Truly wonderful to see. We really admire your attention to the ever-critical pack dynamics. It's important for all of us to fit in, :)
Posted by: Margaret | October 25, 2007 at 11:53 AM
I was waiting to see what happened to Kasha! She will do great now, I'm sure! Also, I fostered a female shepard once and she was the same - took over the house! She is now in a home with 3 other dogs she can boss. Lucikly they are submissive. Must be a trait in shepards, especially females. I wish her the best. Good for you for such good pack leader training...we forget you also have to do that daily along with taking physical care of the dogs! Bless you both!
Posted by: Vanessa Sanddal | October 25, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Kasha has really grown up since I last saw her online! She's a pretty girl and you can see the confidence and spark in her eyes, which were lacking when you first introduced her on your site.
Travis...oh, how I love him! I'm so glad he and Kasha are pals.
Posted by: Boundforglory | October 25, 2007 at 09:21 AM
I have to admit a distinct fondness for Travis; I'm glad he has found his "equal"!
Posted by: Debbie | October 25, 2007 at 08:12 AM
I had a three-legged dog that was a rescue. He was the sweetest, little "monster" that I had the privilege of loving for 13 years Still miss him so much even after five years now.
Posted by: Cora | October 25, 2007 at 01:04 AM
We had a 3-legged cat who did great and lived a long life. Kasha is so lovely and I can see her being best buds with Travis. Hail alpa Steve and Alayne!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | October 25, 2007 at 12:35 AM
Ah she is lovely!! I will always have a soft spot for 3 legged animals after being lucky enough to share life with one for almost 3 years. I'm glad Travis has a new friend too - he is one handsome dog with those eyes and his various outfits :O)
Posted by: Sarah NZ | October 24, 2007 at 11:50 PM