It's her world. We're just trying to live in it.

There are many strays in Southern California but none as beautiful as this. Leila (Lay-la) approached a friend of mine in her front yard two months ago. The next couple weeks were filled with printed signs on trees and telephone poles, door to door lobbying and questions.
During my internship at Redlands Community Hospital I ran into Amber, who was housing the puppy at the time. She was overwhelmed so I offered to take it for a day. Within a week she was kenneled at the Lyon's home with more play toys and sticks than she could handle.That wasn't before a trip to the animal shelter for one last ditch, half hearted, effort to find the worried owner. The vet scanned her head and neck for a micro chip which the computer read "no owner/match found." I was actually happy. The vet said in broken English with a mix of excitement and sarcasm, "No one. She's yours. Your a daddy." Ok, let's go a head and get the shots.What is she already, you say?! Mostly doberman, some german shepard. I say she's mainly genius considering those are two of the smartest breeds in the world. Also two of the most fierce as I will not worry about Katie home alone anymore. Doby's get a bad wrap. Originally bred for protection for German tax collectors they were view as teeth, muscle and aggression. I've done lots of research and those that own dobermans have nothing but good things to say about them. I've heard all dogs are shaped on how their owners treat them or...how the owners let the dogs treat them is probably a better way to say it.In our home, Kate and I are the Alphas. Leila is learning her role and quite well I might add. At six weeks she knew how to sit and lay. Week seven she notified us for the first time it was outside potty time. She is half way to "fetch." (she gets the stick but leaves it). She dares not beg while we eat but knows it's "on your bed" time. At night "in your house" means a long nights rest with no 3 am potty breaks. In she goes. We are still working on the jumping, over excited bladder issues with guests (I guess it's kind of a compliment when someone is so excited to see you they pee their pants.) and the problem every puppy owner faces...play biting.

Leila on Ambers couch. Not good...she has learned she has the ability to jump up on our couch. We don't let her and must untrain her.

Leila with a buddy, Floyd, a giant basset hound.


Can we afford a dog? Could we handle a dog? Do we want a dog? Who will watch it? What damage will it do? (none by the way!) Who will watch it when we are gone? So many questions. The thought of her wondering down the freeway with no food and dehydrated didn't sit well with us. No takers on such a beautiful dog. She is fearless and protective but wanting to be pet by everyone possible.

Ladies and Gentleman... Leila.