This was our family when Spirit came to live with us. Chaos was 14 years old and Diva was about 8 years old. Chaos was with us until he was about 15.
Spirit grew up on the Southern California beaches with Diva, our Standard Poodle.
Our sweet Diva, lived to be nearly 16 years of age. She was in very good condition except for her hearing and eyesight, which were both failing. Spirit became her guide dog. He walked at her shoulder and as soon as he touched her, she would increase her pace from hesitant to confident, as she moved with Spirit. He took such wonderful care of her. When the doctor found a large mass in one of Diva's lungs, I decided that surgery was not a good option at her age. We missed her so much.
Very close to the same time, we also lost our neighbor, Hans, a young Shepherd that Spirit provided day care for several days a week. Hans's mom worked and he needed guidance and training. Spirit was wonderful at providing that. Hans was only 2 when he was diagnosed with Mega-Esophagus. He did not do well with it. That left just me and Spirit. We had great times and we were busy with agility competitions but I was working and Spirit was very lonely during the days when I was gone.
We found Quest at Mary Martin's Goldfield Kennel, in Arizona. I drove the RV to pick him up. It was a wonderful trip and it was so nice to meet Mary and see her beautiful dogs. She placed baby Quest in my arms and I could barely see him for the tears. It was love at first sight.
Quest, sleeping in the RV, beside the food box. (look at his black tummy)
Quest was an independent little guy and he was used to being with other dogs. He just assumed that Spirit was going to love him. He was right. However, Spirit is a strong leader and he was determined to teach his new little brother some manners. I don't believe Quest was ever afraid of Spirit in any way, but he was reasonably respectful.
They were inseparable!
Sometimes there was a little more togetherness then Spirit may have wanted, but you could tell he was not about to trade Quest. All in all he truly loved his little brother and still does.
Mommmmmmm, help me!
Stop biting me Quest, I'm warning you!
Ahhhhh uggggg , I think Spirit is killing me, mom
All in all we got along very well. Spirit was more than patient with Quest and Quest was super proud of his big brother. We were a very happy family.
I could have sworn this sun cot used to be bigger.
Life was good. Quest took obedience lessons .... he was nothing like his brother, Spirit. Perhaps he took his name too seriously: "Question Authority". He managed to pass but his second set of lessons was not as good as the first, so we quit while we were ahead. Agility was a different story. He LOVED it. He just was not so good at paying attention, but when he did, he was a house afire! This guy was Mr. Super Drive. Not only that, he was inventive. Once when he found himself at the wrong end of the teeter, he simply reached up with one leg and pulled it down so he could go on it. It took less time than going around :o)
Spirit - smooth and perfect - then there was Quest!
We kept on with lessons and as Spirit covered the walls in our den with ribbons and certificates, I was wondering if Quest would ever be able to keep his mind on what he was supposed to be doing. He had moments of excellence and then there were the other times.....
Agility with Quest will follow.
