tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18377886684435435922024-02-19T23:31:27.016+01:00Kenzo the HovawartDog trains manTeam Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comBlogger436125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-90243295004657481152019-04-14T14:15:00.001+02:002019-04-14T15:52:40.017+02:00The Call of the West Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a great time during the last three weeks on the island of Sealand. It did the girls a lot of good to experience a change of surroundings, have people and other dogs venture right outside of our front door. <br />
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We reacquainted with some family much to the girls delight, they love reunions. Although we missed Emil, but I hope we can make that up soon. Tilde would otherwise never forgive me.<br />
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We witnessed the start of Spring and could spent most of our time outside while nature erupted in colors and smells around us. The lush nature in Sealand stands in sharp contrast with the barren land we usually experience when we go out of the door. We made many short walks to the nearby beach. The lack of wind and waves on the calm water of the "Øresund" which connects Kattegat with the Baltic Sea, was soothing and welcoming. It seemed almost surreal, to visit this Nordic Garden of Eden.<br />
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During the last couple of days, we have been hearing the call to return to our little wind-swept place on earth. The girls probably missed their off-leash walks, to feel the elements and taste the sand and salt, to witness the arrival of Spring announced through the thickest of sea mist and a fresh ocean breeze, to have my recall attempts muffled by the roaring surf of the North Sea.<br />
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The attraction of the West-coast is mystical and not meant to be understood. It is present in both dog and man, something we can share without knowing why. The West Coast calls and we must answer. She will not be welcoming and hospitable. She will ground me whether I like it or not. The girls will be in their element over there. They have a freedom no place could ever match. A place where they still can be dog.<br />
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Her call makes me restless. I am looking forward to return. The girls will be thrilled to return too. Still I am glad for the break we took and that we could update our relationship with the civilized world. The girls are both very outgoing and have been happy for the company. They like the solitude of our daily life but haven't lost any of their social appetite. A paw in the best of both worlds, is what they seem to prefer.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-45533074900316311032019-03-30T15:50:00.000+01:002019-03-31T10:21:10.609+02:00Revenge of the Shih Tzu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Woof, woof!" Both Tilde and Zerline were barking at the little Shih Tzu who passed by the fence.<br />
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We are in our second place in Zealand for some holidays, adjacent to a path that leads to the beach where people and their dogs regularly pass by. I welcome it. It is good for Zerline to be in a place with a lot of life around her for a change.<br />
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Of course we had a fence set up to keep our two escape artists inside, and with the good weather we soon found ourselves in the garden where I was doing my best to "desensitize" both of them to people and dogs walking by the fence. We were playing "Look at That," which gave good results with Kenzo back in the days. As far as the girls are concerned, well let's say I am just getting started.<br />
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The little Shih Tzu didn't liked to be barked at, and objected against their rude behavior. I was standing right behind them, rewarding them with treats if they ignored the Shih Tzu and started to talk with the Shih Tzu's owner in the mean while, who appeared to be our new neighbor who I said hello to a while ago. She wasn't too worried about her new loud neighbors, "She is a special lady," and indeed the Shih Tzu didn't seem impressed at all by the two dogs towering above her. She could probably also see Tilde and Zerline had no bad intentions after all. After their first rude reception, tails were wagging and sniffs were exchanged through the fence.<br />
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That was more like the Zerline I know. She has always been very happy for small dogs. She likes to play with them and interact. I think her fondness goes back all the way to puppy class, were most other dogs she met - and also some of the first she met - were all small dogs. Tilde not so much, she rather ignores them, and play with someone she can roughhouse.<br />
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The next day, after playing "Look at That!" with not much results to show for, I sat down when a car drove by. It was the neighbor's. "Woof! Wo-wo-wo-woof!" The sight of the car had sent the girls in a frenzy, and they were both galloping to the fence while barking at the top of their lungs. Before I could stand up from my chair, I could hear a third barking dog, approaching very fast and very angry. It was the Shih Tzu. The neighbor had let her out of the car and she was determined to stop this behavior once and for all. After all it was her hood and these newcomers needed a lesson in who was Queen around here.<br />
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Seeing the lunging Shih Tzu, barking at the top of her lungs, while bouncing on her small frontlegs and attacking the fence, made me worry what Tilde and Zerline would do, but to my surprise, Tilde turned around and had developed a sudden fascination for a tree close by. Zerline retreated two steps, started a tail wag and tilted her head low, in attempt to make up to the Shih Tzu, "I didn't mean it. Really!" Tilde was still investigating the tree.<br />
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With order in her kingdom restored, the Shih Tzu returned home leaving me baffled behind. I need to have a serious talk with my security team. What should our sign read now? Burglars beware, unless you bring a Shih Tzu?<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-53677124996557997322019-03-25T10:19:00.000+01:002019-03-25T16:47:29.547+01:00To Wart Or Not To Wart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As soon as Zerline noticed the group of people she was away, loudly barking at the approaching "threat". Tilde was right behind her, equally displeased it seemed. A Hovawart arrest was eminent.<br />
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But I knew better than that in Tilde's case, my Hova-not-so-Wart. Tilde just followed Zerline without knowing what the commotion was about. Like when it would be the other way around and Tilde would start a chase, Zerline would just follow in a heartbeat, unaware of the why for that particular chase. Unless it concerned seagulls ofcourse.<br />
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We made a short trip to Kenzo's valley that day, like we do almost every day at least once. I already had my duo off the leash before I checked if we were alone. We hadn't seen another soul there since last Summer. It had made me sloppy. Now I was too late, they were both rushing to the group of people, one man and two women.<br />
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The group halted, alarmed by the sound of the barking dogs, looking around to see where the noise came from. When they spotted Tilde and Zerline approaching I could see the worry on their face. I recalled them with the lightest voice I could muster, while saying, "oh look, such nice people!" It helped, Zerline stopped and looked back at me. She gave it one more thought and then decided to come back to me.<br />
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Tilde had no such plans though and rushed forward without Zerline. Her barking had stopped. I know her good enough to realize there was not much to worry about now, she had only followed Zerline and was now more interested in to make some new friends. Tilde circled the group a little with a wagging tail and wiggling body, waiting for an invitation to come closer. The man in the group, who seemed relieved, reached out his hand and petted Tilde, who was delighted with the attention she was getting. My Hova-not-so-Wart in a nutshell.<br />
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I approached together with the Hovawart of my duo, Zerline, who had calmed down in the mean time. I let her greet the people as well and she was as pleased as Tilde had been before her to receive some cuddles. I realized how lucky I was that this particular group wasn't afraid of dogs. So much could have gone wrong if they were. I was relieved it ended in a good note and that Zerline shed her suspicion so quickly as well.<br />
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I wondered what had triggered it. Zerline in general loves people as much as Tilde does. Even with Kenzo, who took security quite serious, I could have walked through the group without him giving them as much as the blink of an eye. First if one of them would have approached me trouble would have started. I did remember some other events with Zerline though and I can clearly notice that she has a whole different concept of what her territory is and what is allowed to happen on it. Some clever minds had also warned me about this, and that Hovawart's raised on farms turn out quite different than Hovawarts raised in cities.<br />
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Kenzo and Tilde grew up in the city, busy with people and dogs everywhere, as soon as we left the front door. It was their normal. Zerline has grown up in a more rural setting, and she knows very well on what places we meet other people and where not. Those places she never meets people she seems to have claimed as her own. Her extended backyard. Which would explain why we can pass people without her even noticing them in town, or on the part of the beach where it is always busy with people. Just not on the places we walk regularly and where we always are alone, like the forest adjacent to our house, or Kenzo's Valley for that matter.<br />
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Either way it is good I am equipped with this new knowledge about my girl. The leash will first go off in these areas when I am sure we are alone.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-70439025639892184312019-03-16T14:29:00.000+01:002019-03-17T08:45:27.824+01:00Mama's Last Hug. Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves<br />
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Animals have emotions. I know, I am preaching to the choir. We - dog people - already know this. Still, I want to highly recommend this book, "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40180060-mama-s-last-hug" target="_blank">Mama's Last Hug</a>. Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves."<br />
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Maybe as a blogger about dogs, or maybe it is something about my generation, I am always weary of the elephant in the room. Anthropomorphism. The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. Do I attribute emotions to Tilde and Zerline which are not really there? Do I only think I see it, because I observe them through my human filter. Do I just <i>want</i> to see it?<br />
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Science never seemed to be on my side. The public discussion in Denmark seems to be dominated by the likes of Bengt Holst, zoologist, director of Copenhagen Zoo and president of the Danish animal ethics council. Not shy of seeking publicity through the media, Bengt frequently pulls the anthropomorphism card, or another one of his favorites, the "disney-fying" card. Nature is cruel according to Bengt. It is about survival of the fittest. About instincts and behavior. Emotions other than the basics like fear and anger, are human traits.<br />
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But then I know what I see when I observe Tilde and Zerline. It isn't a coincidence when I think I can recognize empathy, distrust, guilt, joy, disgust etc. I struggle when I write about it. Just a couple of weeks ago I wrote about Tilde and how I observed how she clinched to Merete during and after my period of hospitalization. Tilde had to understand and remember her past, in which she was frequently re-homed. But she also must have had a notion of the future, the way she clinched herself to Merete. Is that at all possible? A dog not only remembering, but also planning the near future? I settled for the conclusion, that <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2019/02/the-joy-dog.html" target="_blank">dogs live complex emotional lives</a> too, even though it is not always revealed to the human eye.<br />
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According to the author of the book, Frans De Waal - primatologist - animals do possess emotions. Even more than that. We mammals all share the same emotions. There are no emotions which are reserved for humans. In fact, Frans taught me a new word today. Anthropodenial. The opposite of anthropomorphism, “a blindness to the human-like characteristics of other animals, or the animal-like characteristics of ourselves.” Take that Bengt & co. I love science and how it evolves. If it didn't, we would still believe the earth was flat.<br />
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The book didn't only confirmed me in my belief that following my emotions about Tilde and Zerline was correct, and a lot we hear from the anthropomorphizing gang is wrong, it also gave me something to think about in a totally different area. I like to see myself as a responsible dog person and do my best to train Tilde and Zerline accordingly. I did my homework on behavioral science, what positive/negative reinforcement and positive/negative punishment means, and how it can be applied. After reading "Mama's last hug", I realized I have to raise my awareness. Behaviorism has a huge pitfall in which we mistake animals for stimulus-response machines. The one size fits all treatment doesn't always work. Like my attempt to click the chase out of a predator - read Tilde - is futile.<br />
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I do feel liberated after reading the book. We people do like our logic and reason. Maybe my reluctance with the subject of animal emotions wasn't only that I credited Tilde and Zerline for having emotions, but also that I was following my own emotions to think so. Now I know, it was not only the right thing to do, it actually also shows how similar and connected we truly are.<br />
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Now go read the book!<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40180060-mama-s-last-hug" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40180060-mama-s-last-hug</a><br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-63269274004803477122019-03-09T15:12:00.000+01:002019-03-09T16:28:40.118+01:00Dog Studies Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The feeling someone is looking at me suddenly comes up. I quickly look at the window, but no creepy person there, neither is there a ghost standing behind my me when I look over my shoulder. Then I notice Zerline, the source of the disturbance in my sixth sense.<br />
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She observes me. I try to put on my happy face, make baby sounds, and move away from and back to the chair. Nothing helps. Her gaze remains undisturbed. She doesn't even blink an eye.<br />
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I know she will keep this on for a while. She is in study mode and I am the subject of her studies. I start a staring contest, but have to give up after a couple of minutes. I think I didn't even see her blink once.<br />
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Staring is not something she learned from me and Tilde. She already pulled this act as a small pup.<br />
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It is not something I expected from a dog. They usually look away, in dog lingo it is considered rude to look a dog right in eye. Or the expression in their eyes changes to a more soft gaze, a sign they are looking for attention of their favorite persons. Or a little tail-wag could start to indicate excitement. But never before did any of mine stare uninterrupted while sitting as a statue, Zerline is my first to do this.<br />
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She is curious, uninhibited and has no problem with looking a person right in the eye. She doesn't only do it with me, but also with guests and people we meet outside. She can ask for attention as well, like every other dog would do, but sometimes she is perfectly satisfied by observing her subject and let her mind work through her impressions.<br />
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"I like a little cat in my dog," I bragged about many times, when I wanted to refer to the quircky and stubborn character mosts Hovawarts have by comparing them with a cat's ability to turn their person into a servant. Always be careful what you wish for. Zerline can look right into my eyes as cold and emotionless as any cat could do. It is not done for attention. I am being studied.<br />
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I always wonder about what she sees and what will she do with all her observations. What thoughts are going around in that curious mind. I am impressed as well. It reflects her free-thinking and curious spirit and how she is creative to find ways to connect which are maybe not obvious, but work for her.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-7688441820025987572019-03-03T13:33:00.000+01:002019-03-03T15:57:20.425+01:00Driving Miss Zerline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Woof!" I looked in my rear view mirror.<br />
We were driving on the highway and the car behind us was so close it could almost touch our towing hook. Another case of an Audi in a hurry.<br />
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"Thank you Zerline," I said and she quickly looked over her shoulder at me. As if she wanted to stress the urgency of the situation, "did you see that!"<br />
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Zerline continued to bark at the driver until he finally moved to the other lane and drove passed us. Some cars are equiped with a collision alert. I have Zerline. Anything that comes within a meter of our car is noted. And warned.<br />
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She loves to ride in the car. Anticipating that we would spent a considerable amount of traveling, I wanted to make sure she would always appreciate a car ride. Already from when she was a puppy I took her on at least one ride every day. It could mean we would run a small errand, or took the car to the beach or the forest. I always made sure something interesting would happen at the end of the ride. Like a short walk in a new place or a visit of a friend.<br />
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Zerline was soon taken by our car rides and was looking forward to them. She hardly slept but sat upright, studying the people and things we passed by. She is so curious at heart, it soon became clear she became fascinated by observing the world outside her car window.<br />
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The car became her throne too. She wouldn't allow anybody to pass by within a meter without barking at them. The surprise on people's faces, when they came closer to our car when it was parked, drawn in by that cute puppy face behind the window, only to be met with a firm message to keep on walking.<br />
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She has become that happy for a car ride, when we leave for a walk she runs to the car first, jumping up and down, "open it, open it!" First when she sees me walking down the driveway she understands we go for a walk and quickly follows, "just as good," she seems to think.<br />
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I have to take care to open the rear first, because if I would open a door, she jumps in right away and refuses to leave. She earned a couple of rides on the front seat that way.<br />
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Her love of cars is not limited to our own car though. One day we walked towards our parked car after finishing an errand. We almost reached it when the car parked beside us rolled their windows down. They were tourists, probably wanting to ask for directions I thought. In that split second where I was not alert Zerline jumped up at the car and tried to get in through the open window.<br />
<br />
Zerline doesn't necessary only love our car, for her any car would do. An understandably very shocked tourist cried out. Her partner jumped out of the driver's side to take care of the situation. Luckily Zerline had already given up her attempts to get in and she sat down like nothing had happened, ignoring the commotion around her.<br />
<br />
After the couple calmed down a bit, realizing this was not a case of a vicious dog attack, their attention went to the possible damage of the car. We were both studying the door. Those were scratches. "Oh no," the men said, "I just bought it. The car is new." His brand new Mercedes was scratched. Once again I found myself in a situation where I had to deeply apologize for my dog. Although for a change, this time it wasn't Tilde.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
P.S.<br />
<br />
We found out of a good solution in relative harmony. When the couple came back to their home country, they let a body repair shop appraise the damage. I paid them the amount they needed and the car looks brand new again.<br />
<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-71026952810143940512019-02-23T16:34:00.003+01:002019-02-24T15:53:41.249+01:00The Symphony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I wasn't wrong with my prophecy. "<a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2017/07/dit-is-een-goed-stel-hoor.html" target="_blank">Dit is een goed stel hoor,</a>" excuse my Dutch.<br />
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While those spoken words fell to earth again soon after the Dutch national soccer team didn't lived up to their reputation, on the contrary for my team, Tilde and Zerline, the prophecy <i>does</i> come true.<br />
<br />
They do everything together. Where one goes, the other follows. When one starts to dig, the other follows. One starts a seagull chase, the other is right behind her. A little off to the side, in best hunting ambush style. They chase each other, wrestle, and all the things dogs otherwise do to have a good time.<br />
<br />
They share a lot of the same traits. Full of mischief, energetic, creative and explosive. No wonder they do so good together. With Kenzo the bond Tilde - and before her Viva - shared was different. The bond was there no doubt. But his priority was to keep those he loved safe. The girls are not too worried about keeping each other safe. They are more engulfed in their play. Because they look so much alike, is also probably what makes them so compatible. They are in harmony.<br />
<br />
Sometimes things come together even better than I could have hoped for.<br />
<br />
What
I hoped for was Tilde and Zerline to become friends. That they would
always have someone to play and snuggle with and to share adventures. I would have been already extremely happy with that. The bond they have build together has already become so much more than that. The same is true for how that makes me feel about these two.<br />
<br />
Their harmony does me good. When I observe them enjoying each other it is like a private symphony being composed for my ears only. It makes me feel so privileged. Only dogs can do that.<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-32827061280758640432019-02-17T07:22:00.000+01:002019-02-17T16:21:12.507+01:00The Joy Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's Tilde's 6th birthday today. Maybe. She was born somewhere around February 17, 2013. That much we do know.<br />
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Relationships are build by the larger events in life and who was on your side during them. We have seen our share, Tilde and me, both good and bad. Where these events certainly have changed me, they never really seem to have had any effect on Tilde. Loving, energetic, unpredictable, her qualities which are still true today as they were when we first met. She is still my <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2014/04/taken-by-storm-called-tilde.html" target="_blank">Storm called Tilde</a>.<br />
<br />
We haven't experienced a lot of "accidents" and "embarrassing" situations like we had in the beginning. But not because Tilde has changed. I just learned to be prepared for the unthinkable, to expect the unexpected. We still laugh, Merete and me, when we realize we have just prevented yet another <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2014/09/chickenshit.html" target="_blank">Chickengate</a> from happening.<br />
<br />
To have that laugh each day, is maybe what defines Tilde best. She makes us laugh every day with her antics. The simple things like her cravings for a good belly rub and how she wriggles in the most unlikely positions to show how much she enjoys it. She is our Joy Dog, who makes every day count.<br />
<br />
She lost it only once, her Joy Dog attitude, when I was hoisted into that helicopter more than a year ago and left my family for more than a week. Tilde was clueless and bereaved left behind. <br />
<br />
She didn't lie down in front of the door waiting for my return in romantic Hachiko style. No, instead she clinched herself to Merete, who had suddenly became the only family Tilde felt she had left. Even months after my return, I still couldn't take Tilde with me for a short walk alone. She insisted Merete to come with us, or not leave at all.<br />
<br />
No surprise, when you also count in the temporary homes she staid at
during her life. Then you realize we are her fourth home, interrupted by
three shelter visits. I can guess what she was afraid of was unfolding. <br />
<br />
With time, she learned to relax again, and our Joy Dog returned to living in the moment. So maybe today she hasn't changed in the bigger picture, but taught us a reminder of how dogs live complex emotional lives too, and you don't always notice what is not revealed to the eye. True even for Joy Dogs.<br />
<br />
We passed another milestone today on Tilde's birthday and there is a lot to be thankful for. Especially how she embraced her little sister Zerline. They make such a great pair these two, maybe because they look a lot more like each other, than either of them would care to admit. As a human, who can't keep himself in the moment and always has to look ahead, I dare say the best part of the Joy Dog's life, together with her mini-me, is only just getting started. Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-53230492109721732422019-02-09T15:51:00.000+01:002019-02-10T08:57:03.574+01:00Distraction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A dog and his person appeared on the horizon. We don't meet many people this time of the year. Most avoid the wind-swept West-coast during Winter. But there are like-minded people who, like us, seek the solitude.<br />
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Usually they just pass by while keeping a distance, or disappear into the dunes until we have passed. The last thing they want it seems, is meet other loners. But not this person. She called her dog back, and asked him to heel.<br />
<br />
Judging the outdoor clothing it was definitely a dog enthusiast approaching, complete with the obligatory sleeveless jacket with four stories of pockets filled with dog toys. The bottom of the jacket was discolored by the many layers of muddy paw prints it had collected over time. The leash was casually hanging over her shoulder as a finishing touch.<br />
<br />
She could have stepped right out of a dog training magazine, and my guess was she was going to attempt to walk passed us with her dog in a perfect heel, or at least she saw it is a training opportunity with distractions and we seemed invited to be the distraction for the occasion. <br />
<br />
I crossed over to the opposite site of the beach. The girls were playing with each other, like they usually do. When there would be enough distance between them and us, they would keep on playing together too I knew. The dog was huge. I guess it was a young male because he kept his eye on the girls in between the rain of treats he got from his person for heeling. They almost made it passed us, until I heard the person erupt into an attempt to recall, "Thor, Thor, THOR!" while quickly pulling dog toys out of her pockets and waiving them high up in the air.<br />
<br />
But Thor had only one thing in mind, and that was to say hello to the girls. When he passed the middle of the beach, I knew the girls would not ignore him any longer. Zerline stopped playing, looking alarmed at Thor approaching. Tilde quickly took the lead and ran out to meet Thor. Poor boy, he was young I could see and I knew Tilde would force him to greet Zerline on her terms.<br />
<br />
He was twice her size, but half the attitude and Tilde's stinky eye didn't went misunderstood. Thor stopped in his tracks, and kept as still as possible. Now Zerline went over to investigate. First when she was ready, Tilde dropped the stinky eye. Tilde impresses me with her style. She takes care of her sister like Kenzo would have done, if he would have been here. But with Kenzo it would have been so obvious, so easy to spot with the naked and untrained eye he was protecting his family. Tilde does it a lot more subtle, although she can also pull a stinky eye if necessary. Thor became playful again and attempted to run after Zerline, which Tilde stopped by simply crossing his path. A small distraction, but enough. Tilde can be bitchy, but she can also use her wit, finesse and charm to help her sister.<br />
<br />
With everything good between the girls and their newly made friend, I looked up and expected Thor's person to approach, but to my surprise I couldn't see her at first. Then I noticed her again. She was running further down the beach. No doubt yelling after Thor, but her voice was muted by the wind. I realized what she attempted to do. It was textbook dog school, "when your recall isn't working, run the other way." I must have heard it a thousand times from all the trainers we have had over the years.<br />
<br />
Thor was playing a little with the girls, who had started to roughhouse him, but he was that huge, it didn't seem to bother him and certainly not knock him off his feet. His person had opened the next chapter in the textbook, and she was now laying flat on the beach, while waiving dog toys. If Thor would only have looked her way.<br />
<br />
I started walking towards her, just enough for Thor to remember who he had come with and for him to make a run back. She celebrated his return. "Excellent," I thought, they will get there one day these two.<br />
<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-31754899780896111122019-02-03T15:00:00.000+01:002019-02-03T16:22:39.939+01:00Band of Equals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
More than a decade ago, when I visited Kenzo's breeder for my first Hovawart puppy, Kenzo quickly lost his interest in me during our initial greeting. He just sat down, with his side casually leaning against a fence while looking out over the fields adjacent to the breeder's house. Watching the grass grow seemed a whole lot more interesting than us, he seemed to think.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Therefore it surprised me when the breeder advised us to bring Kenzo home with us, when we asked him what puppy would fit best. "He is mellow," the breeder said, "he will be best considering it will be your first Hovawart." It went against my instinct. His brother was active and interacting with us - or at least with my shoe laces and everything else he could bite in - isn't the general rule of thumb to choose the one that also chooses you?<br />
<br />
I am glad I followed the breeders advise. Ten years later, I found myself in a similar situation when I visited Atie, Zerline's breeder. Only this time I knew a lot better what I was looking for. "She" would have to become Tilde's partner. This time mellow would not do. Mellow would get run over before it could spell to T.i.l.d.e.<br />
<br />
When I first looked at the puppy box one puppy in particular drew my attention. The litter was starting to wake up, probably responding to the sound of the new visitors who were arriving. But one puppy remained indifferent to all the noise and commotion around her and insisted to finish her beauty sleep. I gently picked her up from the box and caressed her as softly as possible. She woke up and started, as loud as a puppy can, to make clear this wasn't at all what she had in mind.<br />
<br />
My second puppy, my second case of standoffish-ness. But this time it wasn't because the puppy had a mellow character. "She has a strong character and a lot of energy," Zerline's breeder Atie said, "she will fit good with Tilde." Again I trusted the breeders judgement. While Zerline grew up with Tilde, you could quickly see Atie was right. Zerline had no respect at all for Tilde literally from day one (more about their first day in <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2017/07/tilde-meet-zerline-zerline-meet-wild.html" target="_blank">Tilde, Meet Zerline. Zerline, Meet The Wild Thing</a>). Already then I thought she was incredibly bold for a puppy. I also noticed how Tilde gave her a lot more room than what I expected.<br />
<br />
With Zerline soon to approach her second birthday and coming closer to adulthood we see again how their relationship is changing. In the almost two years they have lived together now they have created a strong bond. But it is no longer a bond between the puppy/youngster and the elder and wiser dog. They truly form a band of equals. They enjoy each other's company that much, that sometimes they don't even think of meeting other dogs, even when it is possible. That much do they go up in their own play together.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-85952237008432075782019-01-20T15:17:00.000+01:002019-01-20T17:30:41.258+01:00Confidence Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
No, I am not standing in front of a mirror and giving myself a pep talk. It has been a while since my last post and I thought about what could best capture our long absence from the blog.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Ever since Zerline entered her 2nd fear period during Summer last year we have been working on her confidence, or better said, the lack thereof. Actually to name such a period in life which every dog has to go through as a "lack of confidence" period instead of a "fear" period, describes it inherently better. There goes a thin line between the two, but there is a huge difference.<br />
<br />
Neither Kenzo, Tilde, or Zerline for that matter "feared" anything during those months of their lives. They worked through it in different ways. Kenzo pretended to be confident, which didn't fool any older male dog and ended repeatedly in Kenzo being bullied. Tilde covered up her lack of confidence by acting silly, or just made her best imitation of a whirlwind, leaving everybody behind in confusion. Zerline is cautious, and likes to have time to investigate. Time, which she ofcourse never is granted. But luckily that is exactly where I can help her. To claim the time she needs.<br />
<br />
Zerline's test came in November last year, when we opened our cottage in North-Zealand. Everything was new. The place, the people, and the dogs. There was a lot of them too. Here on the West-coast there can sometimes go weeks before we meet anybody on our walks. Not in North-Zealand, where it is a lot more busy. We ended up meeting people and dogs on a daily basis. At first I worried if we would go forward too fast for her, but soon I could see how it was doing her a lot of good. Because to build confidence, you basically just need a long line of successes. I soon realized, Zerline had as many of those in only the three weeks we staid in North-Zealand, than in the previous three months on the West-coast put together.<br />
<br />
Collecting those successes, is basically what we have been doing. I cheer internally when she interacts with a compatible dog. I equally cheer, when she decides not to interact with incompatible dogs. The same counts for humans. I cheer when she looks deeply into the eyes of a dog-lover she has just met, who instantly melts for her charm. I equally cheer when we go around them that don't care, without barking at them.<br />
<br />
Sometimes she makes a mistake, like the time she jumped up a car to greet the woman sitting inside through the open window who wasn't a dog enthusiast after all - and who probably is going to sent me a hefty claim for scratching the car - but it doesn't hurt her at least. Just my wallet. All is allowed when you collect confidence.<br />
<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-5641480809554869622018-08-22T14:19:00.000+02:002019-03-03T15:51:16.658+01:00Where There Is No Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I hesitated for a moment. It was 7am. "No, I am not going to do it," I whispered to myself. Before there were dogs in my life, I preferred to start my working day at 7am, well ahead of my co-workers and customers, who usually start at 9-ish.<br />
<a name='more'></a>I appreciated that extra time I could spent undisturbed. It made me feel well-prepared for the day to come. To have everything organized and planned before the rest of the world starts and broadsides you with urgent requests. Even up to this day I still have that short moment of hesitation, in which it feels like throwing the opportunity for a good start of the day out of the window by leaving for a walk the dogs. Even while I know better by now. Old habits die hard. When I step in the car, I can't help it. A feeling of wasting my advantage is creeping up on me.<br />
<br />
We drive to a military training ground just South of where we live. It is Summer and there are still a lot of tourists in the area, but I know they will leave us alone over here. They won't venture passed the warning signs with tanks on them, not knowing the terrain is only really used when there are large international training exercises. Which is maybe twice a year. The rest of the year, there is not a military soul other than some patrols.<br />
<br />
We are met by solitude and my surroundings soon smother any need I still felt to start work early. Zerline and Tilde do the rest. They are both anxious to reach the beach.<br />
<br />
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<br />
We pass by some houses. Remnants of a time when people lived harsh lives here. Once farmers tried to scrape a living together in the relentless elements and infertile soil of the West-coast, before the Danish state expropriated them and gave their land and homes to the military. The windows and doors have been replaced with painted plywood. A cheap roof is placed on top in an attempt to protect the structure against the weather. If ghosts exist, this is where they would live.<br />
<br />
Only their houses remain as a monument of a time which once was. Their lands and crops are reclaimed by nature. It is as if there never lived man here. The ease by which nature returns and erases our human footprints make me realize how tiny and insignificant we are. Nature is patient. She let us rage and make mistakes. But her return is inevitable, it can just not be measured on any time scale we humans can grasp.<br />
<br />
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<br />
We spot a herd of deer. The area is teeming with wild-life and holds one of the largest populations of red deer in Denmark. Oddly, nature is thriving on a military training ground. The absence of people, roads, nature "management" activities and our other well-intended attempts for improvement or lack thereof, has created an oasis in which wild-life flourishes. Scientist were even surprised by the biodiversity they found when they researched the area. The large army tanks seemed to have a beneficiary effect, instead of the destructive effect you would expect, as they take over the role of the large grazers like bison and elk who once lived in this area.<br />
<br />
We walk ever forward through this land where time seems to have lost its grip. The grand finale is still to come. Tilde and Zerline start to pull the leash, they know we are close now. The wind starts to pick up and we can taste the salt in the air. We are curious how the North Sea will welcome us today. Will she be dressed in turqoise, serene and calm, or will she wear the darkest and deepest of blue, furious and threatening. The wind carries needles of sand which make me want to close my eyes. But I have to look. Look at eternity and bow for her might. She never looks back. I am as insignificant to her as the sand she blows in my face.<br />
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<br />
Two hours later we return and I log my computer in to the company network. It is 9-ish, and my co-workers in Paris, Copenhagen, Münich and The Hague start to join the company chat. There's talk about the usual traffic jams and public transportation issues. Minutes later, the first urgent request comes in. The sender says it is important too. My walk with the dogs through the land where there is no time has done its work. I tell him I am happy to help, while thinking, that all is relative. I give Tilde and Zerline a hug and thank them for the best way to start the day. I hope we can do it again tomorrow.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-42437723453562866812018-08-15T16:27:00.000+02:002018-08-16T16:35:56.684+02:00An Unusual Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
There she was again, our daily visitor. The doe looked at me through the window. She didn't seem afraid at all. She was only 15 feet away.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Clearly, after months of almost daily visits, she knows we're there and we don't hurt her. It was Zerline who had noticed her return. I thought Zerline went over to the kitchen to drink some water, but instead she looked outside, through the kitchen door. Her stance with ears forward told me something had caught her attention. When I followed her to the kitchen, I saw it was the doe, and the doe had noticed Zerline too.<br />
<br />
I stepped back and could see how the doe and Zerline studied each other, both standing absolutely still, in a dance of curiosity. When the doe relaxed again and started nibbling on the flowers and rose buds like she usually did, I couldn't resist to make the next step and took Zerline out through the front door. The doe was just around the corner, and while I tried to lure Zerline a little further away to create some distance, the doe surprised us and came around the corner herself. She couldn't see me standing in the corner before the door, but she could see Zerline. And Zerline could see her.<br />
<br />
Their dance resumed, only this time they were just 5 feet apart. Then, after what felt like minutes but were only seconds, the doe turned and ran off. Zerline's first instinct was to run after her, but she stopped before the 30 foot leash she was on had reached its end. Zerline reached the top of the berm where the doe had been standing just seconds before and her gaze followed the doe disappearing into the dune landscape.<br />
<br />
Curiosity. It's what defines Zerline best. I remember when I picked her up as an 8-week puppy. With her big brown eyes she looked right at me, studying me, trying to figure out what kind of critter I was, sizing me up. She didn't divert her look. She could look right into my eyes for minutes. So could I in hers.<br />
<br />
While she grew up, her curiosity helped me re-acquaint with all the beauty we find outside the door. Everything had to be studied. Everything had to be observed and scrutinized, from butterflies to cows.<br />
<br />
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<br />
She chooses not to chase. She sees the fun of chasing Tilde when Tilde is chasing something, but so far she would never opt to chase herself. Zerline much rather observes and learns. She has had the advantage, unlike Tilde and Kenzo and Viva before her, that nature is not something you only see in the weekend. Zerline is my first to grow up in nature itself. We only have to step outside the door and the animal world shows itself. First in scent, and then in experiences. Zerline has seen them all, deer, foxes, rabbits, hares, snakes, she is no stranger to wild-life. She even goes as far as to join us watching a nature documentary on TV. Alarmed by the animal sounds coming out of the box, she jumps up on the sofa and studies the images in awe, those are some animals she has never seen before.<br />
<br />
I can't explain it looking at her family, they are all chasers. I am even more baffled that Tilde, the Chaser of Chasers, hasn't taught her otherwise. Zerline is definitely being Zerline, and shows a side of herself which makes her so unique to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-43390378196562803872018-07-26T12:49:00.001+02:002018-07-30T11:24:03.072+02:00A Touch of Crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
"They are crazy," my friend said. I could hear the astonishment in her voice.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Tilde was performing her own impression of Don Quixote. She had just raced away, chasing a seagull, flying unreachable high up in the air. Zerline, who had no clue about the seagulls flying above, ran after Tilde anyway.<br />
<br />
When the seagull was almost out of sight, Tilde stopped and looked up in the air above her for a new victim. Zerline started to circle around Tilde like a hopping hare, anticipating the start of the next race. She didn't have to wait long. Tilde spotted another seagull and off they went again.<br />
<br />
Zerline is not out of adolescence yet but her personality is now finding its final shape. A lot of what I saw in her and what Atie told me when she was an 8-week old puppy still holds true. In many ways she is Tilde's opposite. Where Tilde is impulsive, Zerline is more thoughtful. Where Tilde is outgoing, Zerline is more reserved. Despite their differences, they do make a great pair. They share the same high energy levels. They're both as inventive and active as the other too. I think it was that which my friend observed and I can understand how they would seem crazy, in the good sense of the word, when they show their intensiveness and energy levels.<br />
<br />
It reminded me of what another friend had said, when we visited a beach together where they were on holiday. After commenting how on earth it was possible for Zerline to act just as silly as Tilde already, she stopped and looked at me. "Yeah. How on earth could <i>that </i>happen," she said. She looked at me, then Tilde, and back at me again, before she started laughing out loud.<br />
<br />
I have to give it to her. It might not only be Tilde and Zerline, who posses just a touch of crazy, although I haven't started chasing seagulls yet.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-48375650769351937672018-06-25T12:52:00.001+02:002018-06-25T15:59:12.341+02:00Conversations With A Hovawart #9: On The Job"You are getting better and better at guarding our realm, Zerline," I said, in an attempt to sound motivational.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
"Don't you even think I am going outside and get my bum wet. I have seen the pictures of <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2013/02/when-i-grow-up-i-want-to-be.html" target="_blank">Kenzo guarding</a> and I think it is much better done from over here," Zerline replied.<br />
<br />
"Yes, yes, but he took tremendous pride in his job. He was good at it. A true Hovawart." I wasn't going to give up my motivational speech. <br />
<br />
"Job you say?"<br />
<br />
"Eh. Yes?" <br />
<br />
"In that case. You do know you are in violation of the Danish Working Environment Act of 2010, right?"<br />
<br />
"I am?"<br />
<br />
"You have to provide the correct ergonomic conditions, like a place to rest my head. My head is an essential part I need to do my job."<br />
<br />
"Is it?"<br />
<br />
"I will also need an overhaul of the safety precautions in place, cushions are lacking. Just in case I would slip."<br />
<br />
"But..."<br />
<br />
"Do you want me to call the work environment inspectors for a second opinion?"<br />
<br />
"No, no. Is there anything else I can do for you?"<br />
<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-56069696298963821542018-06-22T13:25:00.001+02:002018-06-22T15:57:49.455+02:00Like Me, Like Me Not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
With the last guests leaving in the coming weekend, a two and a half month streak of welcoming visitors is coming to an end. Apart from <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2018/06/licking-our-wounds.html" target="_blank">their incident</a>, which both Tilde and Zerline luckily already seem to have forgotten, it was good to be around people again.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I was happy for the opportunity. Spending the Winter at the West-coast is always something I look forward to. Alone with two Hovawarts, exposed to the elements, there can go weeks before we meet another soul. It is refreshing. But I am not a hermit, I also look forward to the return of humanity during Spring. I can appreciate both settings. To have a leg in each world is good for me. Also for Tilde and Zerline. Tilde has always been outgoing and Zerline seems to go in her footsteps, although I was worried what being in such a desolate place would mean for her development.<br />
<br />
We never planned to spent Winter this year at the West-coast. I wanted to get Zerline socialized with a more urban life as well. I hoped she could get acquainted with both worlds, one more rural and one more city-like. My accident and the delayed house sale spoiled those plans and we found ourselves stuck on the West-coast. While I experienced how we met fewer and fewer people when we were out, I started to worry about Zerline, who was still going through her socialization phase. I compensated with short trips to nearby towns as much as I could during those days, with the help of Merete. A bonus of all those trips was that Zerline started to love car-rides. She doesn't sleep, looks curiously out of the window, wondering where we would be going to during each trip.<br />
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<br />
The return of the tourists during Spring was therefore welcomed, as were the many friends and family we received. I could also see how Zerline had lost nothing of her appetite for people. On the contrary. She is happy for guests, almost too happy. She seems to think all those people are coming for her. But then again, sometimes they do so she isn't completely wrong there.<br />
<br />
Zerline has that typical Hovawart-smartness, and quickly sniffs out which of our guests are used to Hovawarts and which are not. The first tend to set boundaries a bit sooner, knowing they would otherwise be overrun. The latter give a little more slack, despite my requests not to, until they discover that they have just become the latest Hovawart toy. But bullying unsuspected guests aside, she otherwise is a loving and cuddling hostess, if you earn it.<br />
<br />
I almost thought I was in the clear and her development during Winter wasn't interrupted. Then adolescence started and Zerline decided it was time to start barking at <i>everybody </i>she meets. Ah well. Never a dull moment with a Hovawart Youngster.<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-39032032693394664642018-06-20T14:22:00.001+02:002018-06-20T15:55:48.993+02:00Licking Our Wounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
What never should happen has happened.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The girls were in a fight. They both escaped with scratches and bruises, including yours truly in my attempt to get them separated. Luckily nobody got hurt, other than our feelings.<br />
<br />
They were both shaken up for the rest of the day. The trust they had in each other was clearly hurt too. I just kept them apart for the remainder of the day, which wasn't too difficult, they weren't interested in each other at all anymore.<br />
<br />
What caused it I am not sure about. They were playing in the other room with one of our guests visiting at the moment. Apparently Zerline cornered herself in a game of tug, made some kind of mad jump attempt to get away which made her land with her full weight on Tilde, which set things quickly spiraling out of control into the wrong direction.<br />
<br />
The next day all seemed to be forgotten. I was relieved to see them groom each other and play together again like nothing had happened. It was a close call. Incidents like this can ruin their relationship. We have learned an expensive lesson. The first of the cat's proverbial nine lives is wasted.<br />
<br />
It's always a risk with two females. I was warned beforehand. They are both personalities with a strong Hovawart character. It was also a sign of Zerline maturing and not obeying Tilde, the elder, automatically anymore.<br />
<br />
I can't change what happened. It has become a part of growing up together. It will always be in the back of my mind as a cautionary tale going forward. All I can do now is prevent it from happening again. No more tug. No more playing alone with a guest too. But as long as their relationship is still intact, which it seems, I can also exhale a huge sigh of relief.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-54808996329076254982018-06-14T15:46:00.000+02:002018-06-18T08:55:09.880+02:00Conversations With A Hovawart #8: Tough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ5ZavhJPkBujzEtkZD8k0xPT4fGGIbDQWRpOJ1fBX6dHezojy3wsezlp9yRHAO3FaRiRYeUJA02pvK9iS9BY-0GewoDkDGMOa_VUtEIjR7VIsQRzwgabntEbVf4GGsRRBagqJutmuJs/s1600/2018-06-07+08.17.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ5ZavhJPkBujzEtkZD8k0xPT4fGGIbDQWRpOJ1fBX6dHezojy3wsezlp9yRHAO3FaRiRYeUJA02pvK9iS9BY-0GewoDkDGMOa_VUtEIjR7VIsQRzwgabntEbVf4GGsRRBagqJutmuJs/s1600/2018-06-07+08.17.28.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"Why do you look so pale?"<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
"The doctor had to cut, Zerline. Blood was spilled. It was ugly. It's only because of a miracle I escaped a blood transfusion."<br />
<br />
"Oh my, is that why you have that tiny plaster on your arm?"<br />
<br />
"Tiny?!" I showed Zerline my wound. "See, it's a miracle I didn't need stitches! Imagine the pain I went through."<br />
<br />
"Did it hurt? That's odd, it happens to me almost every day but I don't recall it hurts."<br />
<br />
"I asked the doctor not to sedate me. I can handle it. You see, man of my construction year, we are ..."<br />
<br />
"What happened?" Tilde came in and interrupted, curious about all the commotion. "Did our Great Hovawart Leader got attacked by the yellow lab on the corner?"<br />
<br />
"No," Zerline said, "He had a tick removed." <br />
<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-31642576716435171412018-06-13T16:42:00.002+02:002018-06-15T08:15:24.197+02:00Conversations With A Hovawart #7: Guests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Rbh4KNLtzu3uwpXYOEscPoRc2gLYwWGcgA9je0L9YyXPuZHC_ewx_spE8TFdWl3GLk42A28pPb-dv5Xc5W8vGwgVl7LMxTr5QqZbuzw09FAWRBCmttf-DJB6XlJmAhn0ezsjolCaFgs/s1600/2018-06-07+19.25.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Rbh4KNLtzu3uwpXYOEscPoRc2gLYwWGcgA9je0L9YyXPuZHC_ewx_spE8TFdWl3GLk42A28pPb-dv5Xc5W8vGwgVl7LMxTr5QqZbuzw09FAWRBCmttf-DJB6XlJmAhn0ezsjolCaFgs/s1600/2018-06-07+19.25.39.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"When are my next visitors arriving?"<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
"I cancelled all reservations. First when you show me you can behave Zerline. Like no more stealing food off the table."<br />
<br />
"Oh. It seemed to entertain my guests I thought."<br />
<br />
"Maybe because it was not their plate you were stealing off. No, you are going to bootcamp young lady!"<br />
<br />
"That sounds expensive."<br />
<br />
"When it comes to my principles, money is not an issue."<br />
<br />
"Because you lack them both I guess."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-34216692443397595792018-06-12T07:47:00.000+02:002018-06-13T07:55:32.992+02:00Flying The Puppy Home, A Flashback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9Yv-uFbEnA5Esjrddzh4IhM3nAS3kK1dEhatRVeAlDH9KT4vzqgKhpKUxTiHjxFEC1P8MwPgjrqsm704IdnPaKCe5BbmRFLGCU-x5UZnVJYilrqfedzgb3o6FZqJ6HPFddmKLURkGig/s1600/2017-07-04+15.36.00-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9Yv-uFbEnA5Esjrddzh4IhM3nAS3kK1dEhatRVeAlDH9KT4vzqgKhpKUxTiHjxFEC1P8MwPgjrqsm704IdnPaKCe5BbmRFLGCU-x5UZnVJYilrqfedzgb3o6FZqJ6HPFddmKLURkGig/s1600/2017-07-04+15.36.00-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Atie and me had a lot to talk about during her visit. We also made many trips down memory lane back to the puppy days, and I realized I never shared with her - and with you for that matter - what happened flying back to Denmark with Zerline. I was too preoccupied with my puppy those first couple of days.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
A fair warning in advance. It was not one of my better days. <br />
<br />
We met outside the main arrival hall of Schiphol in a small cafe where you could sit outside. Cor, Atie's husband, was so kind to order some coffee and apple pie, but I couldn't get anything in my stomach because of all the butterflies occupying it. I faced a crisis or two in my life without so much of the blink of eye, but picking up my puppy simply had turned an otherwise grown-up man into a mess. <br />
<br />
It wasn't because I hadn't triple-checked all the rules for international travel in advance, with Atie's help. There was a lot of detail to take into account, a lot of preparation and paperwork, but I was prepared. I was allowed to fly with an 8-week puppy in the cabin without rabies vaccinations, from Holland to Denmark. I had all the signatures and stamps needed. But when travel day came, I felt anxious nonetheless, I knew just one mistake on one of the many forms for all the authorities could ruin the whole trip.<br />
<br />
People were kind to give advice and I received many good tips in the days up to travel day. One tip in particular would turn out to be a life-saver.<br />
<br />
When Zerline and me checked-in the flight-attendant totally unexpectedly asked for Zerline's rabies vaccinations. I was surprised I had to inform her rabies shots are not required when you travel with a 8-week old puppy. At least, when you travel from Holland to Denmark. The flight-attendant started to look at her computer screen, browsing through some kind of rule book, while looking bored. "I can look them up for you.", I offered, and showed her a copy of the rules I kept on my smartphone. It made her uncomfortable, and she returned to browsing on the computer, while repeating herself a couple of times, "Well, it doesn't say here. So..."<br />
<br />
It didn't sound good. I thought about asking for her supervisor when I remembered Maria's tip. Maria is an experienced Hovawart breeder and had traveled with many puppies abroad. "When in doubt about her weight or anything, just get your puppy out of the crate and give it to the flight-attendant, they will solve any issue for you."<br />
<br />
I quickly took Zerline out of her travel-bag and waved 8 kilos of furry blond cuteness in front of the flight-attendant, who instantly started to melt and folded her hands below her chin. "Awww!" Her exclamation of delight and the cute puppy on top of the check-in desk attracted the other flight-attendants sitting on the desks next to her and they all wanted to touch the puppy. "What's wrong?" one flight-attendant asked to another. She told what I claimed about the rules and now all three flight-attendants were browsing the screen to find the rule they needed. If they did find it, I will never know but suddenly the printer rattled, and two boarding cards came out. I decided not to ask. Off we went, while thanking Maria for her excellent tip.<br />
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<br />
We passed security, after an obligatory laugh about their "we have to confiscate the puppy" joke. Now there was only one hurdle left. I bought the travel-bag sized for another airline. But the ticket sale bounced at the last moment because HQ had a minimum age of 12 weeks, not known to their local Danish office. The travel-bag was too big for the airline I switched to. I kept the bag nonetheless, and measured if it would fit when I flew in to Holland. If it wouldn't fit, I had ample time to buy a new one in Amsterdam I thought. But it didn't seem necessary, the travel-bag fitted under the seat. <br />
<br />
When the boarding call was made I looked out of the window to the docking area. I couldn't see any plane to board. That was odd. First when I stood up and joined the boarding line I could see the plane, looking down. Gosh it was tiny. I traveled this route with this airline more times than I can count. Never did I see them use such a small airplane. This was definitely another plane type. A slight feeling of panic was creeping up on me when I entered the plane. It really was tiny, I couldn't even stand upraised and everything was cramped. I worried if the travel-bag would fit at all.<br />
<br />
Ofcourse, it didn't.<br />
<br />
I just placed the travel bag on the floor and my feet casually into the aisle, while cursing those long legs and my stupidity to know better than the airlines. It just took a couple of seconds until the first flight-attendant came knocking. She held a small piece of paper in her hand and asked while giving me that typical flight-attendant smile, who was traveling with a puppy. "That would be...", she didn't let me finish. "This will not work, in case of an emergency it blocks your neighbor", she said while pointing at the travel bag. Me and my neighbor exchanged a quick look, but before any of us could answer, "Let me see what can be done", the flight-attendant said, and off she went. She didn't even leave me enough time to pull the puppy trick. I doubt it would have helped.<br />
<br />
While the plane was filling up, I was busy cursing at myself for my mistake. No way Zerline was going in cargo, I thought. It would be better if we got thrown off the plane I guessed. When the airplane door was closed and boarding seemed finished, the flight-attendant returned and I braced myself for what was about to happen. "Can you come with me", she said surprisingly not to me, but to my neighbor. My eyes followed him with a feeling of guilt while he walked to the front of the plane. I was spoiling his trip I thought, until I saw the flight-attendant placed him in first class.<br />
<br />
I didn't expect that. The flight-attendant was returning to me now and I was confused, what did she have in mind, does this have a happy ending?<br />
<br />
While she passed by me, she laid her hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "Now you have more space together. Have a good flight."<br />
<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-49213950473795248752018-06-11T10:11:00.000+02:002018-06-11T16:07:05.095+02:00Puppy, Puppy, Puppy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4cOpkHbfFLVUo2g3PaTqtjFm02PQ1NURyIzRwthMzvnrG9sBGy87HDNB2reOK-TQUiCGpAR7DtfmyiktptUrQG9BCvU5jrC2pGFwJO5RXf2aWoxK5EDXQhkH6BlsSbTPsf43HpiXSto/s1600/2018-06-09+17.13.20-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4cOpkHbfFLVUo2g3PaTqtjFm02PQ1NURyIzRwthMzvnrG9sBGy87HDNB2reOK-TQUiCGpAR7DtfmyiktptUrQG9BCvU5jrC2pGFwJO5RXf2aWoxK5EDXQhkH6BlsSbTPsf43HpiXSto/s1600/2018-06-09+17.13.20-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"It's really her, Zerline."<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Atie, Zerline's breeder, was met with confusion. Zerline couldn't believe her nose. It couldn't be her?<br />
Mother Amber was also there, and Atie's husband Cor. Zerline was overwhelmed. She took her time, being her cautious self, to process all the information.<br />
<br />
"Puppy, puppy, puppy!" Atie said, using the words she had used so often to get the attention of the litter. Step by step Zerline surrendered to the feeling of recognition and finally embraced the sender of all these senses which were so familiar to her. It is heart-warming when they recognize their roots.<br />
<br />
I have a great deal of respect for Atie. She holds all what it means to be a responsible breeder. In a poorly regulated world, where so many breed for profit or make a well-meant attempt without knowing what they are doing, breeders like Atie are like a breath of fresh air. For Atie her litters are a lifetime commitment. The fact one of her puppies lives abroad will not deter her from visiting. We kept in touch since I picked up puppy Zerline at Schiphol airport one year ago, but there is nothing that can replace direct contact.<br />
<br />
Atie doesn't visit to check on me, or to preach on how to raise a young Hovawart. She visits, partly to satisfy her curiosity as a breeder, to witness first hand how the offspring is doing and how they are growing. But her main reason is to keep in touch. To underline she will always be there. If something would go wrong, I know who to reach out to. It is good to have this safety net for Zerline. After recently surviving a heart attack myself, I just escaped needing it. It was a reminder life happens and things can go wrong. Some things you have no control over. Atie knows like no other. Mother Amber came to her as a rescue herself.<br />
<br />
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<br />
We made a walk to the beach later during the day. I kept myself with Tilde a little in the background and put Zerline on the long leash, curious about what she would do. Zerline trotted forward, with that same rush as her mother walking beside her. She kept close to Atie and her mother Amber, studying them and attempting to participate in what they were doing. She even followed them into the surf.<br />
<br />
Little Zerline. Surrounded by people that love her, sharing a common interest in her well-being. A family has formed around her. Like real family, sometimes you don't see them, but if you need them, they will always answer.Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-60169926446035738822018-06-07T13:44:00.001+02:002018-06-08T11:59:04.944+02:00The Charminator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP2rQLmPuT8gf0_9CKU0_mdwesRwMCD4n2aV7Uw6Nrc_GOrxaSqKg5gYWCXoar60YuMTaabwFVbCV-jtxyt6iUT_vqFmecCSQZ7Oia_N-K-F7uiKZIda9MWqagyn39cKQKMNfD3L4zZk/s1600/2018-06-02+08.37.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP2rQLmPuT8gf0_9CKU0_mdwesRwMCD4n2aV7Uw6Nrc_GOrxaSqKg5gYWCXoar60YuMTaabwFVbCV-jtxyt6iUT_vqFmecCSQZ7Oia_N-K-F7uiKZIda9MWqagyn39cKQKMNfD3L4zZk/s1600/2018-06-02+08.37.20.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember the pictures from Atie, the breeder, in which you could see how Zerline was charming herself into the hearts of all the visitors with belly rubs and cuddles. Nobody could resist her.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
In her first time with us, during the puppy days, she developed a back-flip. She sat with her back to me and suddenly threw herself backwards, "catch me!", she seemed to yell. I melted on the spot, it was too adorable. She still does it today. The only difference now is I have to use both my arms to catch her. She also performs her back-flip for people she has only just met and seem to like. Or throws herself at their feet and exposes her belly for a good rub. I keep an eye out, so I can get their cup of coffee out of their hands in time, when I see a back-flip is on its way.<br />
<br />
Resistance is futile. My oxytocin junkie wins everybody for her cuddle cause and she certainly doesn't lack any attention of the long line of admirers she collected along the way.<br />
<br />
Her charm was put to the test when a family member visited. He never before appreciated any of our dogs when they were young and untrained. I didn't expect him to like Zerline either because I know he is uncomfortable around young dogs. I know he will catch up too when they get older though. To my surprise he expressed how much he liked Zerline. I asked how that could happen, she was just as exuberant and unruly as the others he had met at that age. "I know," he said, "she is just like the others if not worse. But she just makes it up with all the love she pours over me." It was clear to me, he just got Charminated.<br />
<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-63666293479895962732018-06-06T11:00:00.000+02:002018-06-06T15:58:48.216+02:00Hovawart TV: Rebel, Rebel<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3O1GZ87-JgU" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Rebel Rebel, you've torn your dress<br />
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess<br />
Rebel Rebel, how could they know?<br />
Hot tramp, I love you so!<br />
<br />
David Bowie<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/3O1GZ87-JgU">https://youtu.be/3O1GZ87-JgU</a><br />
<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-37342003292631611352018-06-05T11:51:00.000+02:002018-06-06T09:38:43.476+02:00Hidden Talents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLjp88pd4xslOuq0lpKI2LMxnwrDT67_cfaUcRqTbQkL5QnvcvyncZIqWsDQeeoktN5ZgCaLIujXbKqpHhideYnsLL_mZ9sWXvka_nHSpPJQfg8R5wW2Ima8yNu5EVwK5EaEbAWxTSOo/s1600/2018-06-02+08.46.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLjp88pd4xslOuq0lpKI2LMxnwrDT67_cfaUcRqTbQkL5QnvcvyncZIqWsDQeeoktN5ZgCaLIujXbKqpHhideYnsLL_mZ9sWXvka_nHSpPJQfg8R5wW2Ima8yNu5EVwK5EaEbAWxTSOo/s1600/2018-06-02+08.46.45.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
What before was her cute little puppy sister is now a teenager. Bigger, heavier, maybe even stronger, than Tilde. And the teenager knows it too. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Their dynamics are constantly changing and evolving. Zerline's transformation from a puppy into a young Hovawart changes the game. Young at heart herself, Tilde is still the best play mate. But she is so much more than that.<br />
<br />
The puppy was easy to play with. The youngster is testing her limits and probing boundaries constantly. It requires a great deal of patience from Tilde to withstand the urge not to give her a good whooping. She ain't shy of doing what is necessary though.<br />
<br />
When the play gets too rough or the youngster gets all over-excited, it is Tilde who gently pulls the plug and prevents things to get out of hand. The youngster is still a handful though. After all, she learned every trick in the book from Tilde herself. Tilde isn't shy of a little rough play. I have seen her floor dogs three times her size and weight. The outcome of such play always seemed the same. Tilde landing on all four. The other dog, not so much. Until one day. We saw how Zerline got bigger and stronger. But smarter too. Every time Zerline wanted to play rough, she was inevitably floored by Tilde. She learned. She was perfecting her game, until it was Tilde's turn to bite the dust. That was a first. Tilde was literally swept off her feet for a couple of minutes. She never thought that could happen to her.<br />
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The youngster doesn't want to compete all of the time. Mostly they play some harmless wrestling or bity-face. Have a grooming session together. Run after the holy chuck-it ball. Chase seagulls. In general, they are just having a good time together.<br />
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Tilde is not protective of Zerline. But if it gets a little too overwhelming for the youngster she happily hides behind Tilde and let her face whatever it was she wasn't sure about so she can re-find her boldness from a safe place.<br />
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Tilde has no problems with all the changes in her life the youngster is bringing. She reveals a new side of herself I didn't know she possessed. A side which holds empathy, patience, nurture and gentleness. Tilde's hidden talents, they surprise me. For Zerline to grow, it was necessary for Tilde to grow too. Maybe she re-invented herself. Maybe she possessed these skills already, and she just needed an opportunity to show me.<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-53446772382303652452018-06-03T11:42:00.000+02:002018-06-04T09:28:36.673+02:00Emil of The Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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His name is Emil of The Woods. Can you <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2015/06/my-hero.html" target="_blank">remember him</a>? He was one of Kenzo's, and is Tilde's, best friend. He will be one of the main characters of the book I am writing. Like Tilde, also Emil is an "of The Woods", and no, they are not family.<br />
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Emil was visiting us a couple of weeks ago on the West-coast. We hadn't seen him in a while after we moved away from Copenhagen. I remember the first day we met like it was yesterday because of the way in which Kenzo and Emil said their first hello and clinched their friendship. After exchanging a short sniff, Emil looked at Dina, his caretaker, and Kenzo looked at me, as if they both simultaneously signaled "he is alright". No rough playing, no macho drama. We went for a walk and they both pretended they had been doing that together for ages.<br />
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Emil had a talent for staying out of trouble. Which probably helped him getting out of The Woods in the first place. He knew he could relax around Kenzo, his older and wiser buddy would not make it difficult for him. They quickly forged a bond. Over the years, Emil became more confident. They made a great pair. Two big blond Hovawart males, the master and his apprentice. Kenzo was once sending a message to a neighboring dog in a holiday rental who was being cocky. A strategic positioned pee accompanied by some serious scratching of the earth. All while looking the neighboring dog straight in the eyes. Who ofcourse, had to react. Emil jumped right in front of Kenzo to send his message too. Kenzo was not alone you hear!<br />
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As soon as Emil arrived from Copenhagen, we went for a walk in Kenzo's valley. Every time we visit, it feels special. This time, even more so, seeing Emil walking in the footsteps of his old buddy. Tilde was her usual excited self when Emil is around. Zerline just darted around. Not sure how to behave herself around this big male, she decide to just act silly.<br />
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I feel privileged to witness Emil's growth over time. Kenzo only played a
little part in it, but I am glad he did. Now it is Emil's turn, to help
Zerline and others do their own growing. Emil has always been good with other dogs. He is capable to function with dogs of all ages and personalities. He has a long line of friends who come for a stay-over or to spend the holidays away from their family. From dogs to rescued chipmunks, Emil welcomes all in his Hotel of The Woods.<br />
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We reached the last sand dune before the beach. A treacherous steep slope is hiding just behind the top. When Zerline was a puppy she rushed to the top only to discover how the ground suddenly disappeared under her paws and she <a href="https://www.kenzothehovawart.com/2017/09/rabbit-feet-and-jackass-wings.html" target="_blank">tumbled down</a> 50 feet to the bottom of the sand dune. I stopped to tell Dina, "Behind the top of the hill..." my sentence was interrupted by Emil rushing forward and before we could warn him, he too disappeared and tumbled down the slope. We rushed to the edge, afraid he had hurt himself, but judging the grin on his face he was fine. He looked up at us with big eyes, trying to figure out what happened and how he could make it back to Dina. He still is a puppy at heart. And definitely out of the woods.<br />
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<br />Team Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.com0