“Most German Shorthair Pointers instinctively know that kids are more delicate than adults and will act accordingly.”

After reading this I realized that we have some very smart dogs.

Even more interesting, over the weekend Daisy and Gretchen were “helping” Scott manicure the front yard and heard the cries of a child.  The toddler was simply squabbling with a sibling as she apparently did not want to go back in the house.  Gretchen immediately perked up her ears and began watching the situation approximately 6-7 houses down the street.  With a worried look on her face, Gretchen began to go towards the child when the crying continued.  I called her back, but was struck by her sense of duty to help.

The California GSP Rescue Needs Your Help! 

Due to a recent chain of events, the California German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue is desperately looking to place several dogs in a short amount of time.

Many of these dogs are seniors wanting nothing more than a place to nap, minimal exercise and affection. A few of the dogs are special needs requiring a little more attention than others while some of the dogs aren’t even GSPs but other breeds and mixes. All the dogs need to be placed.

If you know anyone that can provide assistance or is looking for a companion please contact the California GSP Rescue TODAY at http://www.gsp-rescue.org/home.htm

Now that Daisy has learned to open the screen door, it is a complete free for all.  For instance, apparently both Daisy and Gretchen decided to bring in some busy work. However, I thought everything was a bit to quiet…caught in the act.

A habit that she has cultivated to perfection over the years involves a few whimpers, a couple barks, and blatant stares at Daisy while she kicks back with a bone in the evening.  Meanwhile, her unscarred treat lies motionless on the floor as if it were made of plaster and completely inedible (which by the way never stopped them before).

When all is said and done, Gretchen goes for Daisy’s scraps and eventually we have to pick up the second bone.  The last thing we need is Daisy to choke down two rawhide bones in a single night. When will Gretchen ever learn?

I know for me, it was definitely the variety of colors and markings that automatically give this breed personality; from combinations of black, liver, white, and lemon with a mishmash of patching and/or ticking.  Yes, that’s right, as one can have multiple German shorthairs that look completely different, but all individuals seemingly sport an overabundance of energy.  However, looking at the positive such characteristics force owners to get out and about as insanity will surely set in if these canine companions are left indoors.

Well a bit more logical than my assessment as to their increase in popularity is that they are finally being recognized by the masses as prolific hunters, and great family pets.  Plus, a perfect size to fit in one’s bed (sense the sarcasm?), the German shorthaired pointer average 55 to 70 pounds and 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.

Top 20 nationally is good, but Denver and Kansas City have taken an even greater liking to German shorthairs and have catapulted them to the top 10:

DENVER’S TOP DOGS 2008

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Golden Retriever

3. German Shepherd Dog 

4. Bulldog 

5. Boxer

6. Poodle

7. Yorkshire Terrier

8. Dachshund

9. German Shorthaired Pointer

10. Rottweiler

“Active, outdoorsy Denver residents appreciate the same sporty qualities in their dogs, so their Top 10 features manly Sporting and Working breeds such as the Lab, Boxer Rottweiler, and German Shorthaired Pointer,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “These are great dogs to take on long walks or hikes – only the Yorkshire Terrier is meant solely for companionship.”

KANSAS CITY’S TOP DOGS 2008

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Boxer

3. German Shepherd Dog 

4. Yorkshire Terrier

5. Bulldog

6. Golden Retriever

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

8. Belgian Malinois

9. Shih Tzu

10. Dachshund

Gretchen continued the pursuit, but Daisy, perhaps realizing the futility of her efforts, had become preoccupied with a nose to the ground. “Daisy,” I exclaimed, as she thumbed her snout at me and managed to continue chomping on her newly discovered prize. I expected to force the release of a petrified squirrel, but was surprised (not pleasantly) to see a cats hind leg drop to the grass-sprouting ground.  Well, it appears we have not completely driven off the coyotes with urban sprawl.

But that was not all.  As we readied to leave, Daisy at a distance of 100 yards, managed to ignore our summons and continued to explore the brush.  Suddenly, she proudly began running with a large object protruding from her jowls.  “Not again!”

The very happy German shorthair brought us what she assumed was a great gift, but from our point of view was nothing more than a decomposing jack rabbit.  No kisses from Daisy tonight was the rule.

Plus, we thoroughly enjoy two pooches completely worn out for the night.

The puppy in Heather’s eye was trying to keep up with a few of the others who had managed to climb a small incline amongst weeds and pines, but was soon led off course by a few chickens.  As all the other puppies engaged in play, the runt found these feathered species quite intriguing; well she was captivated by the birds themselves around 10% and the other 90%, I am ashamed to say, was limited to the droppings they left behind.  To this day she is still easily distracted by any and everything.  And somewhere along the quest for chickens the little rascal was head butted by a goat and let loose the slightest whimper, effectively sealing the deal with Heather. It goes without saying that she did not put the puppy down while we contemplated adopting a sister.

Say hello to Daisy!

Needing a few sweets, I decided to make some molasses cookies today for Scott and I. Since the molasses cookies have pretty much the same ingredients as the ginger bones, the girls thought that I was making their cookies and would not leave the kitchen.  Hence, it was only fair to their watering jowls that I make a half batch of dog treats. When I started to make cookies for them, little baby Daisy (a nickname that has withstood the test of time since she was a scrawny puppy) again would not say off the counters. As soon as I pulled them out of the oven, both the girls and Scott were in the kitchen all excited and crying to get a nice warm cookie.

The moral of the story is that everyone loves a fresh-baked cookie.