Blacktop's Story
In the Spring of 2009, we received a call from Charmin about a young German Shepard who she had rescued. The story began the year before when she had noticed this beautiful dog tied up in a junk yard. As the story goes, the dog was tied up as a "watch dog" and left to fend for shelter himself among the broken down cars. He was left there in the heat of the summer and cold of winter as junkyard security. Charmin, a dog lover, had befriended him through the wire fence and couldn't bare to see him so neglected and lonely. She approached the owner to find out more and learned that the dog had belonged to his daughter but when he grew to his full size she lost interest and wanted to have a chihuahua instead. With that the dog was relegated to live out his days in the junkyard among the broken down cars and scrap metal. It took several attempts but finally she was able to buy the dog from the original owner for a significant amount of money. Charmin then found a couple in Tigard, Robin & Justan, who were willing to take Blacktop into their home. However, not having lived indoors or been socialized with other dogs and even people, Blacktop had a hard time adjusting to family life. Soon, this beautiful giant was in jeopardy of losing out on his chance to be part of a loving family. After a rough go with his first trainer, Charmin reached out to us for help.
The first meeting proved to be a real eye opener. It was clear to Mark that Blacktop's lack of socialization had left him highly fearful and aggressive. This was evident in the fact that his typically unflappable training partner, Rodeo, wouldn't go anywhere near Blacktop. It took several Private Training sessions before Mark, Justin, Robin and Rodeo could take Blacktop for a decent walk. The great news was that Justan and Robin, while anxious at first, were committed to doing everything they could to help Blacktop succeed. This included slowly introducing him to other "strange" dogs during several Pack Therapy sessions and finally after he became dog tolerant moving out into his own neighborhood to meet new dog friends. Two of whom, Shasta & McKinley, became known as his groupies. Blacktop not only tolerated the young Hound mixes he eventually became fond of their encounters. The biggest leap forward is when Blacktop made it to prime time during the Best Behavior Advanced Obedience Class and Summer Pack Walk program. Not only enjoying the company of his two groupies but also walking calmly along side a variety of dogs, people, skateboarders, screaming children all while following obedience commands. He achieved this even with all kinds of distractions along the Portland waterfront and Saturday Market. A softer, gentler, giant had begun to emerge. Always powerful but learning to be calm and even submissive to his trusty leaders, Justin and Robin, Blakcktop had firmly found a place in his families heart and their pack.
It had been a few years since Blacktop attended his last training with us and we thought and spoke of him often. His success was a testament to everything we at Leader of the Pack Dog Training believe. Every dog, no matter their pasts, deserves to live in a happy, healthy and stable life in a loving home. Blacktop found just such a treasured place under the careful and kind hands of Robin and Justan. Earlier this year, we were sad to hear from another client that Blacktop had suffered from serious medical decline and had been put to sleep. We reached out to provide our condolences and received a bittersweet note from Robin about the phenomenal steps achieved in Blacktop's final chapter. We hope as you read this and view the amazing photos you send a warm thought their way and remember you can have a GOOD DOG too!
The first meeting proved to be a real eye opener. It was clear to Mark that Blacktop's lack of socialization had left him highly fearful and aggressive. This was evident in the fact that his typically unflappable training partner, Rodeo, wouldn't go anywhere near Blacktop. It took several Private Training sessions before Mark, Justin, Robin and Rodeo could take Blacktop for a decent walk. The great news was that Justan and Robin, while anxious at first, were committed to doing everything they could to help Blacktop succeed. This included slowly introducing him to other "strange" dogs during several Pack Therapy sessions and finally after he became dog tolerant moving out into his own neighborhood to meet new dog friends. Two of whom, Shasta & McKinley, became known as his groupies. Blacktop not only tolerated the young Hound mixes he eventually became fond of their encounters. The biggest leap forward is when Blacktop made it to prime time during the Best Behavior Advanced Obedience Class and Summer Pack Walk program. Not only enjoying the company of his two groupies but also walking calmly along side a variety of dogs, people, skateboarders, screaming children all while following obedience commands. He achieved this even with all kinds of distractions along the Portland waterfront and Saturday Market. A softer, gentler, giant had begun to emerge. Always powerful but learning to be calm and even submissive to his trusty leaders, Justin and Robin, Blakcktop had firmly found a place in his families heart and their pack.
It had been a few years since Blacktop attended his last training with us and we thought and spoke of him often. His success was a testament to everything we at Leader of the Pack Dog Training believe. Every dog, no matter their pasts, deserves to live in a happy, healthy and stable life in a loving home. Blacktop found just such a treasured place under the careful and kind hands of Robin and Justan. Earlier this year, we were sad to hear from another client that Blacktop had suffered from serious medical decline and had been put to sleep. We reached out to provide our condolences and received a bittersweet note from Robin about the phenomenal steps achieved in Blacktop's final chapter. We hope as you read this and view the amazing photos you send a warm thought their way and remember you can have a GOOD DOG too!
A Note From RobinMark and Lia,
Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers you sent in memory of Blacktop. It was hard seeing such a sudden demise. He was truly brave and even on his last day worked with all his strength to pull the most affected leg up from behind him and place it carefully on the ground. I wish I knew your email address - I would send you photos of him smiling as he progressed and adopted a kitten - who grew into a cat - as a companion. There were always times he wanted to break Pantera's neck, but Pantera figured out that letting BT be boss was the way to go. So there was the surrender position and subsequent tongue bath Pantera would get from Blacktop. Pantera slept on him, cuddled up inside him, and licked his face the last three days they were together. I'd also send you a photo of the flowers which are still spectacular - just as he was. Thank you again so much and would love to keep in contact. Best Regards, Robin and Justan |