Nala....she has come a long way!

Over 5 years ago my husband and I adopted our dog Nala.  Nala is half Great Pyrenees and Half Golden retriever. It was an interesting adoption. We utilized the services of the Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue in Denver, Colorado. What we liked about the program is the dogs are fostered before you take them home (it seems to be a trend with us).  I remember being at my friend Erin’s in Minnesota and I saw the picture of her. I called Jeremy and the meeting was orchestrated. Nala was interesting. I am not sure if it was love at first site for me.  The foster mom brought her up, she was timid and fragile. After a meeting we accepted her as our dog.  Well, it was a rough beginning.

At the time we were living in a duplex and our downstairs neighbors had a black lab, which was great!  He was old and gentle.  The first night Nala attacked him; Jeremy had to throw Nala off of him.  She would growl at us and snap if we even came close to her food or her. Obviously she was skeptical of us. Nala's problems started when she was in Texas at a Great Pyrenees Rescue. Nala isn't big, she is definitely a runt. She was picked on by the larger full breed dogs.  By the time GRFR went to pick her up, I think she was pretty shaken.

My husband read all Cesar Milan’s books to try and find how we could work with her and make her a little more calm.  Nala looked like a white golden retriever so we just assumed the same for a personality. We soon learned that was NOT her personality. She was more Pyrenees.

Here is a little background on the Great Pyrenees.  They are a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, it is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those they loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required.

Back to Nala, we have worked a lot with her over the years. We learned she is a resource guarder and how to work with her personality. Now she is the most loving dog. She has never gotten on our furniture or pee’d in the house.  She is such a great dog and has come a long way!  Recently, our friends Corrine and Brian watched her while we traveled back home to visit family.  I have attached a picture of Nala with their cat!!! I am so proud of Jeremy and I and how successful and how far we have come with Nala.  

Here is a recent picture of her with our friends cat!

Peace and Love!