Dakota Is Adopted!

Dakota a gorgeous 2 year old liver roan female German Shorthaired Pointer was labeled “dangerous” and nearly lost her life because she killed 19 chickens. When the shelter called California GSP Rescue, we knew there had to be more to the story. Dakota is a German Shorthaired Pointer—a bird dog with a strong prey drive. That instinct can be a problem in the wrong home, but it does not make her a bad dog. In the right hands, with guidance and understanding, it becomes a vibrant part of her spirit—something to be channeled, not condemned.

As we were getting to know Dakota, what surprised us most was Dakota’s gentle ease with people and her canine companions. In her first days with us, she strolled quietly among the pack, explored the dog park with a calm curiosity, and chased a Frisbee with a joy that seemed to erase the past.

We knew Dakota was not the right fit for everyone. She would need an adopter who could give her the exercise, training, and structure she needed—and preferably no chickens. But for the right person, Dakota could be the perfect dog.

Adrian and Kamil applied for a 1-2 year old female to join their family and to be a companion for their 6 year old male GSP, Vinny. Already having a GSP, they knew the exercise regimen it takes to keep a young GSP well stimulated and happy. Adrian worked from home, so the dogs would get regular exercise throughout the day, and then on the weekends, a dogs dream with trips to vineyards, trailer camping, hikes, road trips, and restaurants, and the dogs would be rarely home alone. And the best part… They had no chickens!

We invited Adrian, Kamil and Vinny out to meet a couple of dogs we thought would be a good fit for them, and by the end of the appointment, they chose Dakota!

She is living her best life now as Frieda, and we couldn’t be happier and more grateful!

One Week Update

Frieda is doing great. She is settling in well, and is very good with Vinny. She is getting used to her name - Frieda (formerly Dakota), learning to sit, heel, off (off from the counters), down, and now learning paw. She responds well to positive reinforcements, and will do anything for doggie treats.

On day 1, once we picked her up from CAGSP Rescue, we took her to Idyllwild to hike and explore the town for several hours. She was so exhausted, by the time we finished our first hike, we out to brunch. Her and Vinny just at our side in the restaurant just dozing off. We treated them to doggie patties of course. On our way to San Diego, she was so curious, and was a bit jumpy. Thank goodness we brought her a doggie seat belt-bungee. When she got home, we closed the gates and let her explore the backyard. She learned quickly how to jump over our smaller barrier folding gates from the patio to the pool area. It was not long until she also learned about the squirrel and lizard activity out back by our desert landscape area. She was soon on their scent trails! We bathed her, and she was so sweet and let us dry her off and handle her. She slept her first night in new doggie crate, where she snored all night.

Day 2 - we took them for a long hike again to the Mount Laguna wilderness near the Pacific Coast Trail for several hours. She was in doggie heaven! The trails lead to meadows, trees, and lots of wildlife. After we finished our 2-hour hike, we took the kids to Julian to have another brunch in town. She was riled-up after the hike, and we knew that she was energized by the wildlife activity.

Day 3 - by this time she was getting used to the word, "Walk" and was getting excited for her morning walk. The kids got like 4 hikes throughout the day on Monday! She let me clean her ears, and was so good with me grooming her with a brush.

Days 4,5,6, - more frequent walks (averaging about 3-4 per day), and ongoing training, rest, play, and exploring the grounds. She is so attached to Kamil, and seems to do anything he says. She is also very kind to Vinny, and he even let her take a day nap in his doggie bed (crammed together, of course). She's been with us to all restaurants, and shopping places like inside Lowes, and hardware stores. 

This past weekend, we did a neighborhood hike for 2 hours, went to Lake Murray (nearby lake in town), Mission Trails (local hiking area), and went to Idyllwild yesterday for another hike to Devil's slide. She met her grandma yesterday for the first time for Mother's Day Brunch. 

All 4 of us are inseparable. I work from home, and her and Vinny are my assistants. They are in my study that faces the desert backyard landscape and watch out for squirrels and wait for our next walk. We are taking the kids on a road trip next week to Sonoma for 1 week! We are looking forward to our hikes in the Redwoods, swimming in the Russian River, meeting the rest of her cousins, and exploring the vineyards, of course. Will follow up with more pictures soon!

Cheers!

Adrian, Kamil, Vinny, and Frieda

One Month Update

Hi Teri, wanted to keep you up to date on how our Frieda is adjusting to her new home. She's been such as sweetheart. We all traveled together the Russian River area/Wine Country for 1 week and staying in a cool-seclude cabin surrounded by the redwoods and near a river. She was a good girl in the car, and told us when she had to use the restroom. We had a great time hiking the redwoods, exploring wineries, and the coastal area for the entire time. 

Initially, she was jumping with her paws on the counter, and in the raise beds, but used positive reinforcement, like Greg suggested, and taught her "off" which she seems to understand. She knows the commands, Off, Sit, Heel, Come, and Down. Her Come command is a work in progress due to her strong hunting drive, and we purchased an electric dog collar to keep her away from the front yard wall that lines along the road. She begins training with this system this week. Frieda and Vinny have been getting along, but since she's also a hunter, they both seem to compete for the squirrel and critters out back. 

We've been up and down the state with the kids in tow, for the past week or so. More adventures to follow. Our upcoming summer adventure awaits us with our trailer/RV in the ocean and mountains. We are lucky to have her, and is a great companion to the 3 of us. Well wishes, Adrian, Kamil, Vinny, and Frieda!