Your Inspiration
- Thread starter Linds
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There was one in an episode of House.... He was a service dog, and stayed with his handler in the hospital. They both - the dog and handler - ended up dying. 
I've been interested in ESs since I saw that episode, they're certainly on my "maybe" list for future dogs.
I've been interested in ESs since I saw that episode, they're certainly on my "maybe" list for future dogs.
Here you go!
97 Seconds - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
eta: Found a link to the full episode - not really a great site so click at your own risk I guess, if you're worried about viruses. Looks like the dog from True Blood - he gets around I guess!
Mgoon :: beyond TV - House 4x3 (97 Seconds)
97 Seconds - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
eta: Found a link to the full episode - not really a great site so click at your own risk I guess, if you're worried about viruses. Looks like the dog from True Blood - he gets around I guess!
Mgoon :: beyond TV - House 4x3 (97 Seconds)
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Four or five years ago, when I was still working at the shelter, we pulled an ACD. Pandora and I bonded in a way that was hard to desribe. She was really what people talk about when they mean a 'heart dog'. She and I were constant companions for 8 months, even though I was still at home and knew that I could never have her.
Unfortunatly, no one could have Pandora in the end. Her tempermment meant that she was unadoptable in the end, and it was decided that it was in her best interests to cross the bridge. She died in my arms.
But I kept ACD's specifically and herding dogs in general in mind, and finally got Gambit, who is a mix of ACD/Border/Aussie/Traveling Salesman. If I had never known Pandora, I would have never considered him for a second.
Argon we shall not speak of, as I did not actually choose him.
Unfortunatly, no one could have Pandora in the end. Her tempermment meant that she was unadoptable in the end, and it was decided that it was in her best interests to cross the bridge. She died in my arms.
But I kept ACD's specifically and herding dogs in general in mind, and finally got Gambit, who is a mix of ACD/Border/Aussie/Traveling Salesman. If I had never known Pandora, I would have never considered him for a second.
Argon we shall not speak of, as I did not actually choose him.
Albert Payson Terhune, more specifically the book Lad. Lad was the perfect dog to me, big, beautiful, loyal, intelligent and protective. I borrowed that book probably 20 times from the library as a kid. My family was looking for a second dog and after looking at a few dalmation breeders (my other favorite breed at the time) and being very disappointed they found a six month old dog that needed re-homing. So they came home with Beau, a six month old rough collie. He was EXACTLY like lad in the books (well if Lad if he was previously owned by morons who bought him from a glorified puppy mill and had epilepsy) , right down to the rich mahogany coat and obsession with keeping his paws clean. He was sweet, smart and loyal.The breed is everything I want in a dog. I could easily see myself owning several more.
Beau passed away a couple of years ago and I am on the hunt still for another. I found an eight month girl I LOVE but as I may be moving and going to school over the summer and as such I need to wait to add a dog phoo.
) , right down to the rich mahogany coat and obsession with keeping his paws clean. He was sweet, smart and loyal.The breed is everything I want in a dog. I could easily see myself owning several more. Beau passed away a couple of years ago and I am on the hunt still for another. I found an eight month girl I LOVE but as I may be moving and going to school over the summer and as such I need to wait to add a dog phoo.
B
I don't think I've found my breed. I'm more interested in the individual dog.
Though I have always been fascinated by bigger dogs. From danes to rotties to newfies to st bernards to woldfhounds. They are all so amazing and any dogs of these breeds that I've met have all been awesome. Blue is probably what got me into big dogs. He was a golden retriever x husky x german shepherd cross and he was HUGE. Not great dane huge but pretty close.
Though I have always been fascinated by bigger dogs. From danes to rotties to newfies to st bernards to woldfhounds. They are all so amazing and any dogs of these breeds that I've met have all been awesome. Blue is probably what got me into big dogs. He was a golden retriever x husky x german shepherd cross and he was HUGE. Not great dane huge but pretty close.
LOL Linds, no way! You're good I really love that dog - I sent an email to the place in CA who has him and casts him as I was curious who bred him, but no reply, ugh.
Oakash, I'm so proud of Quinn that she's gotten you interested in the breed
I really love that dog - I sent an email to the place in CA who has him and casts him as I was curious who bred him, but no reply, ugh.Oakash, I'm so proud of Quinn that she's gotten you interested in the breed
Heck ya, she is one of my favorites. She looks so sensible, and sure of herself. I have a question though, does she ever goof off? It would be awesome if you got a picture, because she always looks perfect in her pictures
She's a pretty serious girl! Ever since she was 2 months old we've been saying she's an old soul. The thing with Quinn is that she's super sensitive to your energy - some dogs you can get hyped up and really excited, or have a party and give them a ton of praise. With Quinn, ever since 3 months old she'll grumble, back away and just wait for you to be done. Our training looks super serious to people watching (my mom would always commented how I needed to make it more funnnnn) because she prefers a treat and maybe a little scratch to "YAYYYY PUPPERS WEEEEE GOOD JOB!". She's the same with dogs and will try to correct a dog who has a very nervous and/or scattered energy.
She has her goofy moments, like she'll play with Dally, and she has this thing where she LOVES her back being scratched and she'll arch her back and rub on your legs like a cat. She also "smiles" (looks like she's snarling) and groans like crazy when she does this, LOL. For the most part she's pretty serious though.
eta: She just had a very goofy moment. I just got finished clipping her nails so as a reward I was scratching her back while she walked around me with her back arched and moaning and grumbling up a storm. She then put her head in between my legs (I was sitting cross legged) and did this weird somersault thing and then fell asleep with her head in my lap for a bit.
She has her goofy moments, like she'll play with Dally, and she has this thing where she LOVES her back being scratched and she'll arch her back and rub on your legs like a cat. She also "smiles" (looks like she's snarling) and groans like crazy when she does this, LOL. For the most part she's pretty serious though.
eta: She just had a very goofy moment. I just got finished clipping her nails so as a reward I was scratching her back while she walked around me with her back arched and moaning and grumbling up a storm. She then put her head in between my legs (I was sitting cross legged) and did this weird somersault thing and then fell asleep with her head in my lap for a bit.
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Great thread! I love everyones responses.
I've gone through a lot of potential breeds. I did mostly stick around Tollers, however. Labs are a recent addiction.
My turning point was really a yellow lab named McGruff. I used to dislike labs. I work at a dog daycare and they came off as common, boring, hyperactive and annoying. I met a few gems but they were few and far between a bunch of rotten apples. When I switched locations... I met Gruff who was then 10 months old, and my gosh did I hate him. I'm not even sure why.. he was a bit of a hyper, obnoxious lab puppy but didn't deserve my disdain for him at the time. Then he started to have seizures (poor guy) and would stay usually to the end of my shift (closing shift 11-7) and I would have him alone with me for sometimes 30 minutes. This was obviously quite boring for both him and me; he would also seizure if not stimulated. So I would start playing ball with him and would train him to do tricks. It was like he was a completely different dog, I saw him in an entire new light. He was fun, crazy smart, interactive and a fast paced handler orientated dog. I started to be less judgmental of the other labs and realized that a lot are like this. Bonus points if they are under 60lbs. They're just happy, friendly dogs. They also have a great sense of humor and don't generally take themselves too seriously. Practically all of my favourite dogs at the daycare are labs now.
So, enter Duke. He hasn't disappointed me yet.
I've gone through a lot of potential breeds. I did mostly stick around Tollers, however. Labs are a recent addiction.
My turning point was really a yellow lab named McGruff. I used to dislike labs. I work at a dog daycare and they came off as common, boring, hyperactive and annoying. I met a few gems but they were few and far between a bunch of rotten apples. When I switched locations... I met Gruff who was then 10 months old, and my gosh did I hate him. I'm not even sure why.. he was a bit of a hyper, obnoxious lab puppy but didn't deserve my disdain for him at the time. Then he started to have seizures (poor guy) and would stay usually to the end of my shift (closing shift 11-7) and I would have him alone with me for sometimes 30 minutes. This was obviously quite boring for both him and me; he would also seizure if not stimulated. So I would start playing ball with him and would train him to do tricks. It was like he was a completely different dog, I saw him in an entire new light. He was fun, crazy smart, interactive and a fast paced handler orientated dog. I started to be less judgmental of the other labs and realized that a lot are like this. Bonus points if they are under 60lbs. They're just happy, friendly dogs. They also have a great sense of humor and don't generally take themselves too seriously. Practically all of my favourite dogs at the daycare are labs now.
So, enter Duke.
He hasn't disappointed me yet.
Bringing it back!
I got interested in Boxers through a friend. He had an awesome brindle boy who was hilarious and full of personality, great with kids, and would go from 100 miles an hour outside to chill out inside. When I found out his "breeder" had a litter on the ground, I convinced my dad to let me get a puppy. Enter Harlow. Josh and I both love the bullies, but they definitely don't meet either of our wants as a long term breed. Make a fabulous house pet, and are super fun though!
Herders have always been a big interest of mine. I grew up with horses and showing and would see ACD's, BC's, Shelties, Corgi's, ect at the horse shows. I always knew I wanted cattle eventually and that I wanted a dog to help me work them. When I started my serious breed search in 2009 (before I got sucked into Boxerland unexpectedly), I posted a thread on dog forums asking about breeds that would fit my all around farm dog wants and energy needs. There was one user in particular who recommended the breed and had an ACD that I loved. From then on, I knew that was it.
Both Koolies and English Shepherds still catch my eye to this day, but a well put together working line ACD is right up my alley in both drive, temperament and working ability so I always end up coming back.
I got interested in Boxers through a friend. He had an awesome brindle boy who was hilarious and full of personality, great with kids, and would go from 100 miles an hour outside to chill out inside. When I found out his "breeder" had a litter on the ground, I convinced my dad to let me get a puppy. Enter Harlow. Josh and I both love the bullies, but they definitely don't meet either of our wants as a long term breed. Make a fabulous house pet, and are super fun though!
Herders have always been a big interest of mine. I grew up with horses and showing and would see ACD's, BC's, Shelties, Corgi's, ect at the horse shows. I always knew I wanted cattle eventually and that I wanted a dog to help me work them. When I started my serious breed search in 2009 (before I got sucked into Boxerland unexpectedly), I posted a thread on dog forums asking about breeds that would fit my all around farm dog wants and energy needs. There was one user in particular who recommended the breed and had an ACD that I loved. From then on, I knew that was it.
Both Koolies and English Shepherds still catch my eye to this day, but a well put together working line ACD is right up my alley in both drive, temperament and working ability so I always end up coming back.
Oh, I don't like my original reply lol! I feel the need to expand a bit...
I would say my 2 childhood Aussies were my inspiration for getting Quinn. They were both amazing dogs. Jasmine, the one I lived with (Gemma lived with my dad), in particular was just The Best Dog Ever. She was known around town and the seniors in my grandma's apartment building still talk about what a great dog she was (she passed about 5 years ago). She was a take anywhere dog, bombproof, loved people and kids especially. She never had any issues with other dogs or other animals. She would lead the whole time on a 4 hour trail ride with the horses or sleep all day. She was so smart, knew a ton of tricks, and was the type of dog you could take anywhere off leash and not have to worry. I think all future dogs will be measured up to Jasmine, which isn't particularly fair because she wasn't your average dog. Unfortunately, when it came time for me to get a puppy, the Aussies I was seeing just weren't doing it for me, which made me start to look elsewhere (and settle on an ES).
So yes, while seeing Duffy on True Blood was my inspiration to further look into English Shepherds, it was Jasmine and Gemma that led me to wanting a versatile, stable, all-around herding dog. I wouldn't have been so drawn to English Shepherds if the breed description didn't remind me so much of my Aussies.
For Ned - Traveler was obviously my mom's inspiration LOL. She was actually going to get another Aussie, but when things didn't work out on that front she decided to go Koolie. Due to her health, she was aware of the possibility that this puppy might be her last high energy herding dog (what she's always had), so she figured go big or go home!
I would say my 2 childhood Aussies were my inspiration for getting Quinn. They were both amazing dogs. Jasmine, the one I lived with (Gemma lived with my dad), in particular was just The Best Dog Ever. She was known around town and the seniors in my grandma's apartment building still talk about what a great dog she was (she passed about 5 years ago). She was a take anywhere dog, bombproof, loved people and kids especially. She never had any issues with other dogs or other animals. She would lead the whole time on a 4 hour trail ride with the horses or sleep all day. She was so smart, knew a ton of tricks, and was the type of dog you could take anywhere off leash and not have to worry. I think all future dogs will be measured up to Jasmine, which isn't particularly fair because she wasn't your average dog. Unfortunately, when it came time for me to get a puppy, the Aussies I was seeing just weren't doing it for me, which made me start to look elsewhere (and settle on an ES).
So yes, while seeing Duffy on True Blood was my inspiration to further look into English Shepherds, it was Jasmine and Gemma that led me to wanting a versatile, stable, all-around herding dog. I wouldn't have been so drawn to English Shepherds if the breed description didn't remind me so much of my Aussies.
For Ned - Traveler was obviously my mom's inspiration LOL. She was actually going to get another Aussie, but when things didn't work out on that front she decided to go Koolie. Due to her health, she was aware of the possibility that this puppy might be her last high energy herding dog (what she's always had), so she figured go big or go home!
I don't have any super in depth story or anything. But it's usually individual dogs with me.
Mira was chosen because I fell hard for her mother, who is a lovely and driven retrieverhead of a dog who goes full throttle all the time, often retrieving 3 or more toys at once. Huge water entries, swims like a freight train, and is a total sweetheart. I wanted one just like her, and I came pretty darn close.
(picture by her owner)
Next puppy is inspired by the first BC I ever really liked. And then fell head over heels for. I had seen fast, driven, talented BCs before but few with the sheer power and speed of this dog. That turned my head but was really sank me was how charismatic and sweet he is off course. The boy is a total lovebug and with one of the soundest heads I know but with staggering drive. He's a challenge and an adrenalin trip but he has so much personality that I can't help but laugh whenever we're together.
(pictures by me)
And then there's this dog.
He may look familiar.
Looks good with a bumper, too.
(pictures by me)
But we won't even talk about that
Mira was chosen because I fell hard for her mother, who is a lovely and driven retrieverhead of a dog who goes full throttle all the time, often retrieving 3 or more toys at once. Huge water entries, swims like a freight train, and is a total sweetheart. I wanted one just like her, and I came pretty darn close.
(picture by her owner)
Next puppy is inspired by the first BC I ever really liked. And then fell head over heels for. I had seen fast, driven, talented BCs before but few with the sheer power and speed of this dog. That turned my head but was really sank me was how charismatic and sweet he is off course. The boy is a total lovebug and with one of the soundest heads I know but with staggering drive. He's a challenge and an adrenalin trip but he has so much personality that I can't help but laugh whenever we're together.
(pictures by me)
And then there's this dog.
He may look familiar.
Looks good with a bumper, too.
(pictures by me)
But we won't even talk about that
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I don't really have any actual inspirations.
The reason I got interested in Aussies originally was because I used to watch this dog sport show on TV called "Top Dogs" as a kid, and I really liked the Aussies on there because they were good frisbee and Agility dogs. And then I bought an Aussie magazine, and there was this very pretty red merle pictures on one of the first few pages that piqued my interest so I set out to learn about them. Then I decided at like 11 years old that I was going to have one and it was going to be a red merle boy named Jyro. No idea why haha. When it came time to be able to get my own dog though, my Dad said no way to any purebred herding dog, so I never got my Aussie. They've always been in the back of my mind though, and then last year at the store I worked at, some really nice Aussies started visiting and rekindled my interest in the breed. So after I started having iffy feelings about a Koolie at that time, I decided to take another look at Aussies and on a whim e-mailed Fran's breeder because she posted so many updates that I fell in love with that litter. I was lucky enough to end up with a puppy from that litter and never looked back. So I guess I was never truly inspired by any particular dog other than initially a photo in a magazine, but Journey is what I'd consider to be my inspiration for future Aussies. After living with her for the past year, I can't imagine an Aussie-less life.
There was no inspiration for the Dobermans. We ended up with the breed by fluke, and mostly because my mom liked them and my dad compromised and agreed to let us have a Doberman rather than another Rottweiler. I'm glad we ended up with them though. They've been a great, interesting experience, and while they may not be my breed, I'll never be able to look at a Doberman without melting a little. I really do love them a lot. I've just come to learn that they just aren't quite the right fit for me to live with.
My chiropractor had Tollers and that's how I was introduced to the breed. At first they were a compromise for the fact that I couldn't have an Aussie (or a Border Collie), but then I learned more about them and had to have one. Now that I've lived with an Aussie I don't know that I'd fill my house with Tollers, but I know I'll definitely seek another out one day.
Traveler is my Koolie inspiration though. Eventhough I've yet to meet him (still want to), he just seems like the epitome of so many things I like in a dog. If and when I ever get mine, I hope he or she is a lot like Traveler.
The reason I got interested in Aussies originally was because I used to watch this dog sport show on TV called "Top Dogs" as a kid, and I really liked the Aussies on there because they were good frisbee and Agility dogs. And then I bought an Aussie magazine, and there was this very pretty red merle pictures on one of the first few pages that piqued my interest so I set out to learn about them. Then I decided at like 11 years old that I was going to have one and it was going to be a red merle boy named Jyro. No idea why haha. When it came time to be able to get my own dog though, my Dad said no way to any purebred herding dog, so I never got my Aussie. They've always been in the back of my mind though, and then last year at the store I worked at, some really nice Aussies started visiting and rekindled my interest in the breed. So after I started having iffy feelings about a Koolie at that time, I decided to take another look at Aussies and on a whim e-mailed Fran's breeder because she posted so many updates that I fell in love with that litter. I was lucky enough to end up with a puppy from that litter and never looked back. So I guess I was never truly inspired by any particular dog other than initially a photo in a magazine, but Journey is what I'd consider to be my inspiration for future Aussies. After living with her for the past year, I can't imagine an Aussie-less life.
There was no inspiration for the Dobermans. We ended up with the breed by fluke, and mostly because my mom liked them and my dad compromised and agreed to let us have a Doberman rather than another Rottweiler. I'm glad we ended up with them though. They've been a great, interesting experience, and while they may not be my breed, I'll never be able to look at a Doberman without melting a little. I really do love them a lot. I've just come to learn that they just aren't quite the right fit for me to live with.
My chiropractor had Tollers and that's how I was introduced to the breed. At first they were a compromise for the fact that I couldn't have an Aussie (or a Border Collie), but then I learned more about them and had to have one. Now that I've lived with an Aussie I don't know that I'd fill my house with Tollers, but I know I'll definitely seek another out one day.
Traveler is my Koolie inspiration though. Eventhough I've yet to meet him (still want to), he just seems like the epitome of so many things I like in a dog. If and when I ever get mine, I hope he or she is a lot like Traveler.
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Well, now that I have a breed I haven't had before, I'll elaborate my answer.
This guy was my inspiration:
Blackie was my best friend growing up. He remained my best man until he passed away March 2010 at 14 years old.
I wanted another dog like him. So much. As far as we knew, he was a full blooded Labrador, but we got him from a coworker of my dad's who had found him as a stray, so who knows. I always said he acted more like a Chessie than a Lab. So....I got a Chessie.
Abrams is filling his pawprints pretty well so far. Not Blackie....but no one will ever be Blackie.
This guy was my inspiration:
Blackie was my best friend growing up. He remained my best man until he passed away March 2010 at 14 years old.
I wanted another dog like him. So much. As far as we knew, he was a full blooded Labrador, but we got him from a coworker of my dad's who had found him as a stray, so who knows. I always said he acted more like a Chessie than a Lab. So....I got a Chessie.
Abrams is filling his pawprints pretty well so far. Not Blackie....but no one will ever be Blackie.
I've always loved pit bulls and when I first got the internet, I looked at pictures of them all the time in Google searches. I found a forum with dogs that I really like the looks of and joined the site. At this point, I already had my little BYB mess (Emily). I "met" a lot of dogs online and the minute I saw Pirate's half brother, I knew I wanted a dog like him someday. I had actually planned on a pup from Bronson but things changed and puppies kept getting pushed back further and further due to my living situation. I met Bronson's full brother Bobby who was amazing at a show as well as Pirate's full sister from an older litter. I met some other relatives and I was completely hooked on that bloodline and made some good friends in the breed. I opted for a puppy from Bronson's breeder rather than him in the end. Pirate is pretty near perfect. He has some flaws (he can be shy sometimes, probably the biggest one) but he's good for me. I know what I don't like and next time, I'll be more picky when choosing a puppy. I've learned so much! My original dream dog is now something like the #2 or #3 most winning dog in the history of ADBA conformation and it's pretty cool that I have his half brother. Pirate's is from a repeat breeding that was done a total of 3 times. Half or more of each litter is already show champions and others are very close. All but one or maybe two of Pirate's litter has been shown so far and does well.
Bayleigh was the inspiration for Penny. Bayleigh is perfect in every way. Penny is learning everything she knows from Bayleigh, therefore Penny will be perfect too.
Bayleigh was the inspiration for Penny.
Bayleigh is perfect in every way. Penny is learning everything she knows from Bayleigh, therefore Penny will be perfect too.