A couple of weeks ago, when Kira and I were working through a local indoor shopping mall, we crossed paths with a reporter/photographer from an area newspaper. She was interested in what we were doing, Kira had just gone through a childrens' ride where she found articles I had placed in there. We arranged to get together in a few days for a story for the paper, North Bay Nipissing News.
Kira is "identified" as most places we are permitted to work in for training do not allow dogs. We do some searches, and she meets lots of people. As she is training, I allow her contact with people, she's a great ambassador for the breed, "shakes hands" and kisses for kids. Some other locations, she is able to climb, jump on, dig through obstacles so it is all great work (play) for her.
Shayla Brunet took all these photos, the ones below are from our second meeting at a local resort. Thanks to Shayla, for her interest and time spent with us.
Shayla worked to get a sampling of Kira's personality and took a ton of pictures. We spent time outside discussing the value of service dogs, the importance of these dogs socializing, and to be confident working in any venue. What to look for in a puppy to prepare for this work, the extreme ball drive and search work ethics you want in these dogs is so important. Not 'just' a sound body, but a sound mind is critical.
Kira has just turned one year old at this time, and is confident and alert with everything she is being exposed to. What we would refer to as "work" for these dogs is just fun and rewarding for them.
Hmmm, who's been walking through here? Kira has been entrusted to me to prepare her for service work, and is owned by her breeder, Carmen Duggan, Carmspack. Carmen has produced many, many German Shepherds that are in police services in Canada and the U.S. Many are general purpose dogs while others specialize in explosives, drugs, etc. My Trust and Blast are from Carmen. These dogs have amazing scenting ability and love to work. Blast finds articles in the dead of winter under deep snow, frozen solid, that were left out weeks previously. Trust just earned her Canadian (CKC) Tracking Champion title this year, the 18th dog in Canada to do so.
Here we were coming out of the resort and there was a small group of teenagers standing at the bottom of the stairs. Kira is instantly alert to them and they were certainly 'alert' to her. We joked a bit about what they might have hidden on them...and then went down to see them. People have become knowledgeable about not touching dogs wearing vests, but because she is training, I encourage some contact and they always have questions.
While in the resort, we did a couple of quick searches. I also have to be aware of some people worrying about what we may be looking for, and often explain this is a "set up" for training. Kira has not been put on any specific scent, that will done when she is placed. But dying to search, is what it's about. The instant I tell her our search word, her whole attitude changes and she is raring to go. I had hidden a couple of small cotton gauze pads in the building. After we walked through, we did a 'search'.
In the picture above there is an article squished between the wall and the door. The door was propped open and heavy and she was reaching in the little space trying to dig it out with her paw. I was looking in, hadn't realized it was too far back and the door wouldn't budge, so in this case, I eventually helped to pull it out. She wasn't going to quit, but I also didn't want her scratching the carpet or door in here.
Out in the lobby, she's found 'something' inside the phone book, another piece of cotton I placed there. Her reward is normally her favorite ball, or we pull on a knotted sock. Often depends where we are, sometimes I have a special pc. of food if playing might be a problem. She's not that interested in a food reward, much better to play, but not always possible (like in a hotel lobby!) She will often just spit the food.
I only included this picture, that Shayla captured, to show how Kira loves her special ball. And she did catch it! It bounced up from an odd direction. She is very athletic and quick, and that ball is not going to get away from her!!!
These pups are hand-picked from very selective breedings. As sound as they are, they need to work, having boundless drive and energy, making them unsuitable for most pet homes. These dogs live to work, providing valuable service.
What's the chances of ever seeing a weasel in the night, having killed something way larger than he is and dragging it possibly a good distance so it can feed?! These 4 pictures aren't great, but it was 9 p.m. at night out behind the house and I had only a flashlight to watch this and take pictures. 
The weasel is brown in summer and changes to white in winter..like wild rabbits do. The grouse feeds normally on the ground, nests in the trees at night, and I have to assume the wily weasel surprised it. Weasels are voracious killers, brave beyond belief.
I was taking the dogs out when I heard something odd behind the house and went to inspect. When I got too close, he would leave his kill and run large circles around me. He certainly was not afraid of me, and was warning me not to get too close. He's actually very cute and very fast!
I backed off and he went back to the grouse, trying to drag it off the pathway. Where he was going, I don't know. He ended up eating and this morning much of it was still there. I might go out tonight to see if he has come back. If not, something else will come along and finish it off. It's just Mother Nature working her wonders.
