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Tristan
Foster name: Tristan
Adoption name: Tristan
History: Though many folks thought Tristan should have been euthanized, GLBCR saw something special in him. He had some major obsessive/compulsive behavior, which is why he came into foster care. We treated him with phenobarbs and started him over as if he was a brand new puppy. Proof that finding the root of a problem behavior, proper treatment, and an understanding environment, can truly save a life and bring joy to a family .

Update: Tristan's forever family understands some of his silly behavior and is committed to maintaining his training and medication. He's even been introduced to 4H agility and obedience. Tristan melts into a puddle of mush for belly scratches! He's smart, energetic, and loves the water. We got a 5-gallon water bowl and when Tristan drinks, it gurgles, so he is terrified of it. Trying to get him to use it, we placed just the bottom part of it out. Beside this big water dish, we set a small water bowl, with a towel underneath. He grabbed part of the towle in his mouth and dragged the small bowl, but it started to slosh, so he stopped. When he thought it was safe he put out his paw and started to straighten out the towel. Then, he went over to his food bowl and started to sneak up on it, so he would grab a little bit of food and run away and eat it then come back and do it again. Everyday I take him outside, brush him and throw some balls for him. Everytime mom goes out back to water and check up on her plants he is right there next to her.

1-10-05 Tristan knows the difference between the back door and front door to go outside to use the bathroom. He is teaching Ava, our other dog, the boundaries of the yard so she can go outside. He goes to bed on command. And unlike other dogs, when we are eating dinner he lays out in the living room and doesn't beg. He still jumps at sounds and snowflakes but he is better at not doing it so much. His fur coat is SO soft you wouldn't believe it. And of coarse like any BC he still DIES for his tennis balls.

07-16-2008 Tristan is living a very happy life. Last year (2007) he tore a leg tendon and has not been able to play and work as much as he did when he was younger. Instead he has learned how to get more belly rubs. Still chases tennis balls and is happy to herd the vacuum cleaner when it is not put away. His latest working job is catching moles. Mom is very unhappy about the holes left behind, but the yard is mole free now. Entering the senior part of his life he spends more of his time sleeping. He has adopted a squeaky toy that looks like a small dog (the only plush toys he likes) that he loves and nurtures to the point that he pulls the stuffing out.

Our family would like to say thank you very much for letting Tristan come into our lives. He is a wonderful dog and a great companion. He has not been on medication for three years and is doing very well. Do to his age he is getting pains in his joints and so he cannot run as much, but he still has all his teeth. He has just started duramax to reduce the joint pains and sometimes forgets that he is a old dog and runs to hard. Kids that visit our home love Tristan because he will play ball as long as they can keep throwing them. The best part of that he always brings the ball right back to the person's feet.

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Update: Jay's family has renewed their work on his training and have developed creative ways to fulfill his play needs. Now they can't imagine life without him! Yea Jay! 1101