U-CD Leitda Traumhaft Schön, CDX, WAC, RE

I believe Leitda is a tribute to all rescues that have overcome abuse or bad experiences in their "past life" to be well-adjusted, wonderful best friends! My Dobergirl came into my life a year and a half ago and since then we have worked through some past emotional scars she suffered before arriving into DRNC. For some reason, she didn't like it when people would bend down to pet her or greet her in her "space" and would growl at men and especially men with white hair. She also didn't care much for strange dogs. To see her react the way she did was heartbreaking but I just knew deep down she didn't want to be that way. Because of her insecurities, it was of utmost importance to me that Leitda trust me IMPLICITLY and I believe that has helped her make such remarkable progress. I also think a daily routine helped her feel secure and our long walks and fun training sessions each night helped to improve her confidence. Now a year and a half later, she is a totally different dog! She absolutely adores people and seeks out free petsies whenever possible. She loves men and even those with white hair! She actually makes an effort to approach men to say "hi" and even gives them the Doberman "hand flip" to get petted! At dog shows, she will put her front paws on a total stranger's lap and give them face kisses!! And she is also now sweet and patient with other dogs. I know a big part of our success is due to the many wonderful, supportive people in our lives that have worked so hard to show Leitda that people, dogs, and even gray-haired men are fun and nice and certainly nothing to fear....and amazingly seem to always have a yummy treat to offer!

Leitda's scars are now completely 100% gone and we are having a BLAST together. We compete in obedience and have attained a CDX, RE, U-CD, WAC, ATT, CGC, and TDI title as well as our first leg on our UD! So many people stop now to pet her and she just loves the attention! She's my best friend and she is an absolute JOY to live with. She has the run of the house while I'm at work and, at night, she sleeps in bed with me with our heads on the same pillow. Sometimes in the middle of the night she will wake up and lick my face and it makes me wonder if she still has bad dreams occasionally about her past. I am so happy to share my life with this incredible Dobergirl and look forward to many years of happy and fun times together!! Thank you DRNC for allowing me to share my life with her!!


Lisa Johnson
Rock Hill, SC

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Page last revised:
07/02/2007 08:49:45 PM