Grazie

 Geneva and Grazie

 Grazie

 

Grazie, 

      The old saying that you can’t keep a good dog down is very true. This past week has been a difficult one for us. Along with owning a dog, comes the responsibility for their health. Wilson, our older dog, had surgery this week and as dog owners know when you have to be a caregiver to a dog it takes a lot of time and effort. Dogs, even older ones like Wilson prefer to be mobile not cooped up in a kennel, even if it is in their best interest.

       Last week we participated in a bake sale at the Feed Barn the proceeds going to Drew, a black lab that required knee surgery. While attending the sale I dropped over to Safeway in the Amador Ridge Shopping center to grab a donut when I spotted a jet black German Shepherd out for a morning stroll with her owner. At that moment I knew I had my next story.

The one year old Shepherd’s name is Grazie and is owned by Geneva Barraza of Ione who has long been an owner of Shepherds. What sets Grazie apart from Geneva’s previous dogs is that Grazie is all black. Most Shepherds are sable and black.

     Grazie is a purebred Shepard that Geneva got from Walberga a breeder in Ione.  She was one of twelve in her liter. The breeder matched Geneva to Grazie. Geneva explained that the process involved her going to meet with all the puppies in the litter and Grazie was deemed best suited for Geneva by both her, the breeder and of course Grazie.

   Grazie is training to be a service dog. Geneva is not sure what type of service dog she wants Grazie to be but definitely wants her to be qualified as a service dog. Step one in that process is socialization hence the walks every Saturday.

     To that end every Saturday morning Grazie gets a walk to learn obedience and socialization skills. For those of you that know the Shepherd breed that is a challenge. They are a high energy breed.  But also, the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed with extreme self-confident and is eager to learn and always alert. Despite the energy level being high Grazie was very obedient and patient during the interview.

      It is those traits among many that make Shepherds good companions and often dogs that are used for police dogs, guide dogs for the blind and in general just make great pets. Grazie, Geneva hopes, will one day become a dog that is capable of performing special tasks whatever they may be.

     One look at Grazie makes heads turn. Her coat is jet black. She stands about 30-36 inches tall with her ears always erect taking in all the sounds around her. While I was with Grazie she was well mannered but always aware of her surroundings. She did not miss a thing that was going on.Despite being perfect for the breed and headed off to become a service dog Grazie has her quirks.

      On these Saturday morning walks Grazie likes breakfast beforehand from Jack in the Box. Geneva explains that Grazie gets really excited when they turn the corner and head into the Amador Ridge Shopping Center. Excitement builds not only from the walk but knowing breakfast will be from Jack in the Box. That’s a good way to begin a weekend with “Jack” providing the food and Geneva providing the walk. Along with having a proud owner I would have to believe this Saturday tradition would be every dog’s dream