The Story of "Fort"

Fort was a beautiful drivey outgoing puppy from a Halusetha's Clovis Ticho (sire) X Dion-Chica le serviteur Puissant (dam) litter. He was donated by Sculpadog Kennels Holland to a training center in Connecticut. Unfortunately that group did nothing with him and wanted to return him saying he was useless. We had Fort shipped in 30 September 2003 and when he arrived you could see every bone on him, and he had a very bad case of demodex. We were heartbroken that someone could treat such a lovely dog that way. His confidence had also wained, he didn't want to attempt to bite or play with anything, and was very hesitant about picking up a ball. He would chase anything, but didn't want to pick it up. He was starving for attention, as he did enjoy being pet and loved on.

When Fort arrived our original intention was to evaluate him and work him to see how far we could take him. Knowing what his brother was doing, he definately had the breeding and the potential. However that quickly took a back seat to just trying to rehabilitate him and getting him on a healthy diet.

Fort made progress quickly. Within the first week he was showing quite a bit of trust in us and was starting to play ball. He seemed to continually improve and never looked back. Getting his confidence on the puppy tug was very slow, but once he figured out he wasn't going to get hurt or anything, he looked forward to the tug sessions. Robert (11 at this time) helped a whole lot. He adored Fort and Fort found him the best playmate. I truly think that Fort's progress was much faster because he had a lot of trust in Robert and they got along so well, playing and romping together. Fort was able to enjoy being a puppy, much of which he had lost confined alone to a kennel.

The last two months that Fort was with us seemed to be the most progressive. He was actively hitting the soft sleeve, would fight and tug with it, even while petting him, he started to like this game and didn't want to let go now! His obedience was exceptionally willing and he tried hard to do everything right. By the time he left, he was hitting the adult sleeve and attention heeling like a champ.

Letting Fort go was tough. We had spent so much time with him, he had become quite a part of the family, and of course Robert was devastated. His dynamic personality and picture perfect conformation captured everyone that that met him. We will miss him dearly.

Fort is now in his new home in Pennsylvania with owner and handler Robert R. McClary, Jr. We wish them both the best of luck and a long and rewarding partnership.