GrouchyPuppy® Blog | Dog Lovers Source

Young Anatolian Shepherd Protects Mt. Tam Hiker From Rattlesnake

Sharon — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:14:33 -0700

Shakira, a 13-month-old Anatolian Shepherd. Photo John Forsyth

A hero dog saved a hiker from stepping on a rattlesnake — and likely a devastating bite — on a trek Sunday at Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin.

For Father’s Day, Diane Castañaon was out on a hike with her husband, John Forsyth of San Francisco. They picked the Matt Davis Trail out of Pantoll on the west slopes Mount Tam.

About a quarter mile from the trailhead, their dog, Mighty Shakira, a 13-month-old Anatolian Shepherd, led the way, leashed and on point, three feet ahead of Diane.

“Shakira suddenly jumped backwards and went immediately into a stiff alert posture with her tail and ears up,” Forsyth said. “She kept backing up into my wife and would not let her pass. My wife looked over Shakira’s shoulder and spotted this snake right on the trail exactly where she was planning her next foot strike.”

The behavior of both the dog and the hikers kept the snake from taking a defensive, strike position, he recounted.

“Shakira did not bark or growl,” Forsyth said. “She kept the snake from coiling and going on the offensive. By stopping my wife in her tracks, she prevented her from the danger. ”

Read the full amazing story

If Female Old English Sheepdogs had a say

Sharon — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:38:00 -0700

]]>

Sweet Senior Dog of the Week: Gordon

Sharon — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:26:00 -0700

My helping promote elderly dogs each week partially stems from knowing older dogs like Gordon here. He has everything - everything - going for him, but sadly life got in the way and his person passed away before Gordon did. Meet this handsome guy then scoop him up while you have the chance.

Just look at this face! Gordon is a handsome older gentleman who has a lot of love to give! He’s a Lab mix, about 10 – 12 years old and he weighs 40 – 45 lbs. He's in good health. Gordon’s person passed away and he was surrendered to a dog sanctuary. Everyone wanted him to have a home of his own again, so Muttville said yes to helping him find one.

Gordon’s foster parents write:

We can see why, as he is incredibly gentle and such a love. He has been great with other dogs, even our skittish little 25 pounder (who does not like bigger dogs), and he seems especially eager to meet other dogs around his size. He has also been great meeting new people, and shows signs of a gregarious Labrador nature despite his age. He is quite mobile and pretty good with stairs, but it might be better if were in a single story home (unless you are okay carrying him when he is tired). Gordon is the perfect companion for someone who is looking for a mellow, gentle, affectionate dog.

Please email Muttville at adoptions@muttville.org if you are interested in meeting him or pass this info along to anyone who might be!