Dear Doris,
I’m Kyla, a 7 year old Leonberger, and I live with my sister, Daisy, another Leonberger, and my two humans. I’m writing to you because I have 2 problems that I need to get off my chest and I’m asking you for advice. I get on very well with my sister and my humans and they treat me well so I probably shouldn’t feel so miserable but I am over-sensitive and I don’t know how to control my emotions at all. My humans are not very supportive when I get into a fit of barking, as they seem to think that ignoring me is the best way forward.
My first problem is that we live on a private road which I believe is mine alone and my responsibility. But this other human walks his dogs down past my gate on my road. I can’t remember telling him this was ok. First he had 3 little black and white mutts who would come right up, snarling at me through my gate. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he gets a new dog. I heard him tell my humans that it’s a pedigree Lab. All I can say is that he should go back and check the pedigree papers!!! He doesn’t look very pedigree to me and I should know because I’m a champion and I’ve seen plenty pedigree labs at shows. My humans must have thought the same because I heard them warn this other human that he better keep his dog away from their girls, meaning myself and my sister.
Anyhow they pass my gate, walking, peeing and crapping on MY road every day and I just lose it. I bark and jump around until I’m completely knackered and parched with the thirst. Then I have to do this all over again when they pass back up again. My human mummy says sssh, be quiet, shut up!!! But I can’t. Really I can’t. This is making my life a misery. My sister just stands there and wags her tail. Why is she so calm and I’m losing it every time I see those dogs on my road, my property?
In between these episodes, I’m a fun, loyal dog. I love doing doggie things. I wish I could roll with the punches like my sister does. I just don’t understand why I feel this way or how to deal with it. Any advice you may be able to give would be unbelievably appreciated.
My second problem is that one evening, my humans were watching Prime Time about global warming and, even though they know I sleep with one eye open, they don’t know I also sleep with one ear listening. I heard that Ireland has global warming, and the country is being washed away with huge tides, rivers bursting their banks and that the country will be destroyed in years to come. And we could all die!!! I’m very worried. What should we do? Should we move to another country or even another planet or just stay here and hope for the best. Please, I’m asking for your advice. I hope to hear from you soon, Kyla
Guten Tag Kyla, Danke Schoen for dropping me a line, it’s great to hear from you, (Don’t worry that’s the extent of my Deutsch, how about you ?)
Funnily enough, I think our paths have kind of crossed before, as my niece Daisy was once involved in a photo shoot, and if my memory serves me right, (It’s not a fresh as it used to be) you were the other beauty, that the humans were clambering over each other to take your picture.
Now before even starting to reply to your email to me, Daisy came back that day with nothing but glowing praise for you & said that even with all your hair and large frame she felt that you could nearly give us Dachshunds a run for our money when it comes to the beauty stakes.
Lets deal with your first problem , first.
Now I could instantly tell by the breed name that the humans gave your type, Leonberger, that you hail from Deutschland, (Like us Dachshunds) but to be honest, & I reckon I can speak for a lot of others here, realistically I don’t know an awful lot about your breed traits & characteristics. But I’ve done my research, unlike a lot of humans when it comes to them choosing the right breed or where to find a reputable breeder.That’s where this machine comes in great, the whole world is at the end of your paw !
According to the standard (I spoke to Annie the Afghan about these on this blog) that the humans lay down for all Pedigree dogs you should be fearless in all situations, intelligent and a fearless companion. Note the word fearless appears twice there ! I’ve also learned that at the end of the 19th century, your breed the Leonberger was kept in Baden-Württemberg as the preferred farm dog and your watch and draft abilities were much praised. Not sure what’s to be praised for creating a draft, but that’s what it says. (Personally if I create a draught I try and blame it on one of the younger ones, by leaving the scene of the crime as quickly as possible)
When you say “MY road” It’s my opinion that you have every right to say that. You are only acting out traits that the humans worked into your particular mix all those years ago in Baden -whatever the hell you call it.. From where I’m sitting (on the Italian leather sofa they thought they bought for themselves) you are only watching after your humans, Daisy your sister & the home that you all share together.
It also seems to me that these other dogs have no consideration whatsoever, & although I haven’t met them they seem to be a bit of a roguish bunch. Snarling at you through YOUR gate. How very dare they ! Maybe I’m being a little harsh on them, because in nearly all the cases of ill mannered canines I’ve come across in my 12 human years, there’s always one of them not too far behind. That is an irresponsible owner of course! What the hell did they have to add a supposed Labrador into the mix for, when it’s evidently clear to even the dumbest of blondes among them that these people are not capable of taking care of the dogs they already had. Surely humans should have to pass some kind of test before they are allowed to consider sharing their lives with one of us. Maybe they should be licensed.
In regards to your sister Daisy, there can only be one driver at the steering wheel, & Kyla it looks like you enjoy sitting up front. Even though both your lineage can be traced all the way back to Baden – I wish I could remember the name, you both have different personalities. Wouldn’t life be as boring as eating the same biscuit meal everyday (It’s true some dogs do that) if we were all the same. You both have different personalities, but are both true to your breed and you each bring something different & unique to this party we call life.
In relation to your second problem, let me say I really like your style. Sleeping with one eye open & one ear listening (Part of your genetics coming to the fore again) Me being a Dachshund I have very selective hearing & only let on that I hear half the things the humans are saying to me. Food on the other hand works far better when trying to get my attention. Now Kyla, I don’t want to play down this whole Global Warming issue & trust me if it does happen you have a far better chance of survival than I do, as you Leonbergers are known for your success in the swimming arenas, us Dachshunds on the other hand & me in particular have less buoyancy than a brick. So my advice on this one is stop worrying, and go on enjoying your life with your sister Daisy & human family that love you very much, after all there’s no place like home.
Worrying won’t stop the Bad stuff from happening it just stops you from enjoying the good.
By the way my niece Daisy says hi –
I hope I have put your mind at ease, but if you need anything else you know how to contact me.
Doris Dachshund
Email: [email protected]
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