I add new stories and photos on an ongoing basis, so please make yourself at home with the collection I've gathered so far. The Table of Contents, with links to each mastiff story, is in the sidebar on the left, while my Contributors are on the right, beneath the photo albums. And don't forget to read the comments posted below each entry.
Enjoy!
Mill Creek's Lady Abigail CGC, TDIAOV
DOB: 04.10. 00
Breeders: Rosella and Don Motz of Mill Creek Mastiffs
Owner and Therapy Partner: Martha Rawls
Abby had just stepped off the 7th floor hospital elevator when she spotted a young boy being pulled in a little red wagon. He neither turned his head, lifted his arms to her, nor spoke. She slowly walked over to him and began to lick his feet. The boy's face broke into a smile.
This took place in a physical rehabilitation facility where Abby worked as a therapy dog, and was her initial introduction to Kevin, a young boy who had been in a car accident that resulted in his inability to speak or move. The physical therapist moved Kevin's hand to make patting and rubbing motions on Abby's warm fur. The only response Kevin could give was a beautiful smile. That was good enough for Abby. She stayed in the hallway with her new friend, visiting for another fifteen minutes before she had to go, but she promised she would see him later in his room.
After she finished her regular rounds, Abby found Kevin's room, where she met his grandmother and father. After seeing Kevin's big smile, his father promised him that he could get an "Abby puppy", if only he would get well. Everyone in the room knew that this would probably take a very long time.
Kevin was quickly added to Abby's patient list, and was scheduled for visits every two weeks. One day, she arrived at his side with a stuffed "Abby puppy" in her mouth, which was to be his very own puppy while he was in the hospital. She also brought lots of Abby stickers to place on the plastic side guards on his bed. Now she could be with Kevin all the time, even when she was visiting other patients or other facilities, or when she had to go back to her own home.
Gradually Kevin improved, and after a few months was able to reach out ever so slowly, and touch Abby gently with one hand. He still could barely move and wasn't able to speak, but his smile let her know how much he loved her. She would put her head in his lap when he was propped up in his wagon. Everyone could see that Abby and Kevin were happy together, and had become quite an item. Finally one day, a long-awaited miracle happened. The hospital called Kevin's family to tell them that he had spoken his first word, his first word in five months. A nurse had gone into his room, and saw him holding his Abby puppy and studying the Abby stickers surrounding him. She asked him if he liked dogs, and he nodded yes. Then she asked him what his dog's name was, and to her amazement, Kevin spoke. "Abby," he said.
Abby went to see Kevin the very next day, and upon entering his room, discovered his grandmother, waiting to show her another surprise. When Kevin was placed in his wagon, he came close to her, touched her ever so gently, and said, "Abby, I love you." Abby responded in the best way she knew. She licked his arms and hands, covering him with kisses and saying "I love you too."
Abby continued to visit Kevin for several more months,while he continued to get stronger. When it was time for him to leave the hospital, he could move one of his arms well, and speak much more clearly. The hospital staff gave him a special party, which included a cake topped with Abby's picture. After Kevin's grandmother took lots of snapshots of the pair, Abby went to say goodbye for the last time. She washed kisses all over Kevin's face, arms, and legs. There was no doubt to anyone who witnessed these two together that Abby and Kevin shared a special bond that superseded all others, the bond of unconditional love.
Note from Louise
Abby visits six nursing homes each month, a public library 2 - 3 times a month, and various churches, schools, etc. upon request. She has achieved the title of Therapy Dog International Active Outstanding Volunteer.
Greiner Hall Alexei Romanov, CGC, TDI, TT
(Greiner Hall Nicholas x Greiner Hall Alexandra)
Breeders: Stephen and Leah Napotnik, Greiner Hall Mastiffs
Owned and loved by Kelly Carter
DOB: 02.27.00
Story submitted by Stephanie Stollings, previous owner
When I first got Alex from Stephen and Leah Napotnik of Greiner Hall, I was managing a bar. That's where he was socialized, starting right away as a brand, new puppy. Needless to say, after that, no noise or weird-looking people ever fazed him! He has been doing therapy work unofficially since he was 8 weeks old at the bar. You wouldn't believe the number of people I used to catch on the floor hugging him and whispering to him.
When he started his official therapy work four years ago, he was visiting nursing homes and such; but I believe that what he does now, which is working as a canine aide to speech pathologists, is much more rewarding to him. Alex works with children in the Speech Pathology Dept. of Tulsa University, the Mary K. Chapman Center. The lady in the picture above is Dr. Beth McCauley, the head of the dept. The other picture shows Alex in the lobby of the center with his owner, Kelly Carter. His workday begins once he is behind the gate.
Starting as a once-a-week commitment, Alex now works 5 days a week because he is so good at what he does, and the clinicians are always asking for him. Most of the kids know him by name. With his heavy work schedule, he now has a Faculty Staff ID from TU, and even met the President of the University recently. The TU President’s Chef cooked him some treats made especially for their newest faculty member;-). His service in the Speech Pathology Dept. has been so substantial that there are universities and schools in the area (including MO and AR) that are considering starting this same kind of program.
When Alex is working, it is not uncommon for parents of his patients to literally be in tears. There was one particular little girl that kept saying "Beeeg. Beeeg." Although it was adorable at the time, the child's mother had tears streaming down her face and was deeply moved. We later learned that up until that very moment, the little girl had never before spoken at all, not one single word.
When Alex goes to work, he is paired up with a single clinician, and I know that they are constantly arguing over who gets to use him with their clients. One of his favorite patients is a 9 year old girl. I'm not sure what type of problems she has (maybe cerebral palsy), but they are severe. She has very limited use of her arms and hands. And yet, all a person has to do is say Alex's name to her, and she throws back her head, and laughs with joy.
Alex is a great help to the children at the Mary K. Chapman Center, and he absolutely loves his work!! He provides a wonderful service, and is very much appreciated by all whose lives he touches.
To read more about Alex and his work, click here.
Note From Louise
This is the story of “Boomer”, who died saving the life of his owner’s girlfriend. Because his heroism so moved me, I began collecting stories about extraordinary mastiffs; and it is in his memory "A Good Look at Mastiffs" is dedicated. Boomer, this one's for you.
Lawraleigh's Boomer of Briarcliff
(Pallone's Road to Glory, CGC x Jim's Especial Lee)
September, 1998 - November, 2000
From Ken, Boomer's Owner
Boomer stepped right in with the sensitivity and understanding unique to this magnificent breed of dog. Our mutual respect and love for each other grew deeper every day. Boomer was there for me every moment of the next two years on a day-in and day-out basis. I've NEVER had a better friend than Boomer. His untimely death from smoke inhalation, when he was saving the life of my lady friend, Marie, when my home caught fire, devastated me and left me feeling empty.
Boomer, I know you are in a good place, and I think about you every day, and I miss you terribly.
Your buddy, Ken
From Marie, the woman whose life Boomer saved
I was dog sitting with Boomer while Ken was away and I slept upstairs, while Boomer slept downstairs in the dining room. Occasionally, he would come up to the top of the stairs in the morning and wait, not disturbing anyone, unless they overslept.
This particular morning, I got out of bed and headed for the shower. I had the water running and one foot in the shower, when Boomer came into the bathroom. He whined and whined at me, not leaving me alone until I followed him. When I got to the head of the stairs, I heard a "crinkly" noise, and as I looked up, I saw the whole ceiling erupt into a shower of sparks and flames. Everything was filling up with smoke, and Boomer headed downstairs, I think to lead me to safety. But it was too smoky for me to find my way to the door. I dove back into the bathroom where I had a cordless phone, and dialed 911. I stuffed a robe under the door and a wet rag over my face, and it seemed like they were there almost instantly. The last thing I remember before I passed out was hearing the fire department saying that they were there.
I spent two months in the hospital with smoke inhalation injuries, followed by pneumonia and other complications that involved 5 surgeries. I'm on the road to recovery now, but I do know that without Boomer, I wouldn't be here, able to write this letter. I don't know how dogs sense danger, but I do know that Boomer gave his life to save mine because if he hadn't gotten me out of the shower, I wouldn't be here either.
Boomer, you will always be my "Guardian Angel".
―Marie
From James and Alison Gerken, Boomer's breeders
I have no right to add to what they have said, but I wanted to because Jim and I have produced champions, and have ranked our dogs nationally. But the truly bright star on our tree is Boomer, and what he accomplished.
So for those people who think that being a Champion of Record is the best thing their pups can do, personally we feel Boomer wins hands down. We miss him too.... Please hug your mastiffs in his memory.
Sincerely, James and Alison Gerken, Lawraleigh Mastiffs
Kitans Battle For Glory
(Pallones Road to Glory, CGC x Kitans Battln Bard O Poteidaia, CGC)
DOB 09.26.04
Submitted by Nancy Brook Erdahl, owner and breeder
My son has Down Syndrome, and my dogs - his dogs - are a big part of his happiness and self-confidence. Trever has a very limited vocabulary, and among the few words he can say are the names of his dogs. He also finds unique ways of communicating with them; for instance, he claps quickly and lightly 3 or 4 times, and Darius, Kara, and Ziza have learned that he is saying "come". The neat thing is, this is something Trever and the dogs figured out all by themselves—I had no part in training them or even coming up with the idea.
DOZER, DOB Unknown
Placed through Mastiff Rescue
Coordinator and Agent, Julie Nelson
Note From Julie
This is the story about a family in Washington State, whose identity must be protected out of respect for what they have gone through. These are incredibly nice people who love their dog for what he has done for their family. Huge steps in their son’s recovery have been made thanks to the constant companionship of this loving mastiff.
Submitted by Dozer’s owner
Our rescue mastiff, Dozer was matched to our family for specific reasons. The main reason why our family sought a mastiff was for our son’s animal assisted therapy, specifically to help him overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which was the result of being the target of a sex offender who is currently in jail for what he did to our family.
The reason for our choice in breed (mastiff) was because of specific dynamics that come with PTSD. Since the trauma caused my son to be in constant fear, of his physical safety we needed to obtain a breed that gave him the comfort of always being protected, without the aggressiveness found in many working dog breeds. We needed a dog that was not going to be so over protective of the children that it may attack a person or another animal. The English Mastiff suits our needs perfectly. On an everyday basis Dozer is incredibly gentle with all members of the family, including the baby. Dozer with his size and constant presence makes our son always feel safe. Dozer is a shadow, always tending to the children, very tender, never pushy, never dominating, and has never growled or snapped at anything. He is a huge love muffin. By his presence and gentle nature alone, Dozer allows our family to feel secure after 14 months of stalking by a repeat sex offender.
Having Dozer in the house is a gift, we are able to sleep at night without my son constantly having night terror episodes and screaming due to his nightmares. Our son's anxiety has all but disappeared. In therapy our son talks about how much Dozer means to him, how he'll ride his bike outside, because Dozer can come too. How he'll play in the backyard and not be afraid because Dozer is always there. These are huge leaps from where he was prior to being so well-matched by Rescue with Dozer. Having a mastiff allows us to even travel to the beach, or hike on trails and watch our son laugh and behave like a "normal" six year old. Although, you can see who's the braver of the two now when our son runs towards the ocean, and Dozer runs away from it!
Dozer is not just good with our family, he has become the neighborhood mascot. All of the children in the neighborhood can love up on him. The parents always feel better when we are out with Dozer, and their children are with us as well. He is very popular due to his gentle nature.
I will forever endorse the English Mastiff, having one for our forever friend has certainly changed our life for the better!
Note from Louise
Julie has sent me several pictures of Dozer with his children. Due to the sensitive nature of his placement, those pictures have been withheld. However, it must be said that these are small children, children who can be seen clinging to their dog, who hovers protectively over them. I am so glad that Dozer and this family have found each other. Many thanks to Julie Nelson for making such stories as these possible.
Int'l/am CH Kinsmen Dragon of the Knight CD, CGC, TDT, TT, WD
(Ch. Macwoo's Knight in Shining Armour CD, CGC, TDI x Ch. Iron Hills Gwen at Kinsmen CD, CGC, TDI)
DOB: 04.12.99
Breeder: Mary Lynn Speer
From Louise
Draco has awards and accomplishments too numerous to mention here , so I’ll do a small recap. He has been a therapy dog with head injury and paralysis patients, a demo dog for a variety of canine education programs, a meet-and-greet dog, a reading partner program dog, and a general all-around canine good citizen. He has been honored by the Mastiff Club of America, as well as the American Kennel Club, and has done an incredible job of bridging the gap between dogs and people in terms of education and service.
Submitted by Linda Hayes, Draco’s owner
Even with all Draco’s accomplishments and years of service, the most important thing to me is that he is my friend and is always there for me. Especially in one very critical moment.
I was working nights as an RN at VA Medical Center in St. Louis. It was around 6pm and I was in bed trying to sleep before my shift. All of a sudden, I had the sensation of vertigo―but I was the one spinning, not the room! It just came upon me. I found that I could not get out of bed and had no control over my movement.
Draco was right there at my bedside, waiting for me to grab his collar. At the time, I did not have a phone in my room, so he pulled me by dragging me across the floor to the living room where the phone was. He even got the phone for me! I was able to call 911 to get an ambulance to my house.
He then pulled me to the door, so that I could open it for the EMT’s when they arrived. He never barked or even challenged the paramedics/police officers when they came into my house with all their equipment, and any mastiff owner knows how protective they can be of their house and owner. I was diagnosed with a rare inner ear infection that comes on fast and hard.
The police officers and paramedics were so impressed with him that they came by my house after my discharge from the hospital, to give him treats and to see how I was doing.
Another time, he did a wonderful down/stay for me when my mother passed out from loss of blood from a nose-bleed (she is on a blood thinner), which gave me time to elevate her legs until the paramedics arrived to take her to the hospital!
I am very blessed to be owned and loved by him.
Winston’s Bonnie Fluffy CD, CGC, TDI
December 8, 1997 – June 06, 2005
Owned and loved by Tina and Alan Keith
Note from Louise
Fluffy’s story has been published in 1999’s MCOA Journal no. 04, as well as the January, 2001 issue of the AKC GAZETTE. To see another photo of this extraordinary mastiff, please click here.
Submitted by owner, Tina Keith
When my husband and I decided we wanted a new dog, I was in my late 40’s and had never owned a pet, even though Alan had grown up with Rottweilers and Dobermans. After doing some research, we decided on a mastiff. When we finally went to pick up our 11-week-old mastiff puppy, it was love at first sight. My Mastiff journey had begun.
We decided to name her Fluffy, a name we knew would make people smile right off the bat. It was obvious from the start that Fluffy was definitely going to be my dog. When she was 6 months old, I started taking her to obedience classes once a week. Nobody in class had ever seen a Mastiff before, and the instructor enjoyed the novelty of having such a breed in the class. And Fluffy graduated first in her class!
When she was 9 months old, we went to watch a local fun match, and someone suggested I enter Fluffy. What a ridiculous suggestion, I thought. But I entered her, and she won! One instructor noted Fluffy's wonderful temperament and said she would make a great therapy dog. Meanwhile, Fluffy graduated from all her classes in first place and won two more first-place ribbons in Fun matches. She received her Canine Good Citizen® certificate at 10 months. When I received the list of facilities asking for therapy dogs, I noticed that few volunteers were going to any of the hospices in Las Vegas. We signed on with Nathan Adelson Hospice, a facility where many patients live their final days. I wasn't sure how I would handle being around patients who knew they were dying.
On our first visit to the Adelson facility, we entered a room where a patient had just died. I was terrified. On seeing Fluffy in the room, the family members started to kiss and hug her in silence while their tears rolled down their cheeks onto her face. They were so touched that I had brought her to them at that moment in their lives. Fluffy was an excellent therapy dog, and it was incredibly gratifying to hear a person whose days were numbered tell us how she had made their day.
At age 2, Fluffy weighed 182 pounds and was 33 inches at the shoulder. She could give the patients kisses while they rested in their beds. She was always the conversation piece and the "icebreaker." It used to take us 15 minutes just to get past the nurses station before we saw the first patient. We found out that the nurses needed therapy too! My supervisor asked if I would take Fluffy to Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation as well, knowing that Fluffy loved kids. The children thought Fluffy was cool. In the cancer ward, I let her lay on their beds and they soon became friends. Nurses said that after our visits, the children slept better at night and didn't require as much pain medication.
Fluffy was a wonderful ambassador for her breed. In 2004 Fluffy was awarded the MCOA Wright Service Dog Award at the Tucson Specialty.
My Mastiff journey continues now with Desertknight’s Princess Muffy, CGC, TDI, who just passed her TDI and will begin her service work shortly.
GINGER, DOB Unknown
Placed through Mastiff Rescue
Coordinator: Tina Clement of Devincourt Mastiffs
Submitted by Tina
Ginger became a rescue mastiff that we decided to foster when her owners decided that, since the wife was pregnant, she had to go. In searching for her permanent home, I had a huge response, with many conscientious and wonderful people wanting to adopt her; but for some reason, I held off letting her go. Although I wasn’t sure why, I felt like I should hang onto her a little while longer. I turned a lot of disappointed people away.
I recently got a phone call about Ginger from a woman named Sally, who had lost her 16 year old son, Troy, in a horrible car accident six years before. Troy had always wanted a mastiff and they had actually picked out just the right puppy for him shortly before he died. After his death, Sally, Troy’s mom, didn’t follow up on the puppy, as she was so grief-stricken that simply breathing was almost too much for her to bear.
When Sally was finally able, she told her fiancé she was ready to get Troy his mastiff. Doing her internet search, she somehow landed on our website right away and saw Ginger on the rescue page. It was love at first sight. That was when she called.
After talking for an hour or so, she drove out to meet Ginger. From the moment she got out of the car, Ginger went straight to her side and stayed there. It seemed as if Ginger was greeting an old friend. And since Ginger usually takes some time to warm up to strangers, this was unusual and really impressive to me. As soon as I saw them together, I knew Ginger was supposed to help Sally heal. I've never seen such an instant connection between a human and a dog. I could almost see Troy standing next to them, smiling. Sally was crying, I was crying, and our poor menfolk just stood around looking uncomfortable. Once we composed ourselves, we all chatted for an hour or so, and Ginger never strayed far from Sally, staying near her side the whole time.
I finally understand completely why I held onto Ginger for so long. I would like to think that there is a very happy young man looking down on his mom right now and smiling because they both have a big, beautiful, drooly, faithful dog to love.
St. Patrick's Hanna of Ladywood
(St. Patrick's Governors Legacy x Wiley Ways Ingrids Enigma)
DOB March 13, 2004
From Fran Boppe, owner
Hanna has a lovely personality! She was an extremely energetic puppy to raise and her clown-like attitude has brought many laughs. I call her my velcro dog, since where I am, she has to be. This dog loves life and is just happy all the time. She is the first one to comfort me when I'm down or not feeling well.
Recently I had surgery and I was amazed at the change in her attitude. Normally she is happy-go-lucky, always running around looking for something to pick up and carry in her mouth. But on those days of my recovery it was Hanna by my side, with her big head on my chest, giving kisses. It was as though she knew not to carry on for a few days. If she wasn't laying her head on my chest, she was laying right by my side. I kept thinking, "Where did this calm dog come from, and what happened to my Hanna!?" Once I recovered I got the real Hanna back, and she is even more of a velcro dog. She is 2 years old now and has matured into a beautiful, loving, loyal partner!
Ch. Muddy Creek’s Twist & Shout, CGC, TDIA, TDIAOV
(Ch. Greiner Hall Jedadiah, CGC, TDI x Ch. Skylar’s Screaming Mimi)
DOB: 05.02.01
Breeder: Kristen Dixon
Owners: Kristen Dixon and Kim Morrell
Submitted by Kristen Dixon
I have received a copy of a very special paper today. The TDI Certificate and letter made it official that Ch. Muddy Creek’s Twist & Shout, CGC, TDIA is now also a TDIAOV, which stands for Therapy Dog International Active Outstanding Volunteer! Harry is owned, trained, and loved by Kim Morrell of Brodancroft Mastiffs. Harry and Kim (with Puddin', his therapy partner) have gone religiously week in and week out to nursing homes in both New Jersey and New Hampshire since Harry obtained his TDI title. This brand new title recognizes that he has completed his 150th therapy visit. Harry was featured on the Martha Stewart show as a star therapy dog and excellent example of our breed―which, of course, he truly is.
Note from Louise
There are many more pictures of Harry in the photo album, Mastiffs – In Service, here.
Karma
Omega’s Impressive Touch of India, SD
(Ch Omega's The Big She Bang x Ch Impressive Starry Night on the Nyal)
DOB:March 23, 2005
Breeders: Melissa Prete of Omega Mastiffs and Renee Worsell of Dymac Mastiffs
From Owner, Dana Montero, RVT, CCN
Some time ago, I was standing in the kitchen, washing the dishes, a bundle of nerves, worried and anxious about an upcoming hospital stay, when all of a sudden Karma came in, and barked at me, really loudly, in her very best big girl bark. Before then, she had never, ever barked in the house, and never at me. I told her to hush, and she barked again, but bigger and louder than the first time. I got a little aggravated with her and told her to quit it right now. She walked over, nudged me with her nose and barked again. I got mad and told her, "Go to bed, now!" (This meant: Get your butt in that crate right this minute!) She nudged me harder until I plopped down in the chair beside the sink....and that's the last thing I remember.
My husband told me later I had a fainting spell, brought on by severe anemia (I usually only get really dizzy and lie down to rest, but it happens only during the first 2-3 days of my cycle, which had been 13 days prior to this incident, so we never figured out why I was anemic at that time). As it turned out, if I had fainted while washing the dishes, I probably would have hit my head on the granite counter, which could have pushed me into a seizure. Irregardless, Karma somehow knew I needed to sit and made me sit, and after I passed out she kept barking until my neighbor called my husband and told him that something must be wrong because the dog was barking and wouldn't stop. So he came rushing home, thinking someone had broken in, and found me on the floor and got me to the doc (thank goodness the doctor is next door!).
The next day I called the service dog training agency in our province and tomorrow we have an appointment with them to have Karma temperament tested (no problems there I think, she's sweet as sugar and stable as a rock) and if she passes, we are going into training to have Karma be my own personal service dog, to keep an eye on me, bring me my med kit when I need it, and call my husband by barking if I need help.
Afternote from Owner
Karma is now 4 months into her Service Dog training and is an excellent student. Her timing is always dead on with her seizure alerts, and 98% on with her asthma attack alerts.
Imagine El Oso Kodiak Grande
(Quietwood's Miracles Abound x Halfmoon Imagine the Stars)
DOB: 10.09.05
From Teresa Macmahan, owner
At the 2006 Reliant Houston dogshow, our area rescue coordinator asked us to man the rescue booth with Kodi. Kodi was only months old, but he had always been the perfect gentleman—calm and never getting upset over anything. He is great at working the crowd for treats!! At the show, there was a young boy, around 10 years old, in a big, bulky wheelchair. His parents were pushing him through the aisles. He seemed mentally challenged, but I had no idea what was wrong with him physically. Kodi walked away from a small group of people that were feeding him doggie treats and led me over to the little boy. He was very insistent that we go see him. Kodi was almost a year old and is a pretty big boy. He was able to lay his big ole head right onto the kids lap. At first, I was a bit nervous because I didn't want the parents to be afraid, so I asked if it was okay. They both nodded their permission. I knew Kodi wouldn't hurt a fly, but I realized that those parents didn't know that. The little boy started patting Kodi on the head, HARD. Instead of getting upset by the child’s awkward roughness, Kodi remained perfectly still and even managed to sneak in a quick, slurpy kiss across the boy's face. The little boy started giggling. I thought it was cute, but when I looked up at the mom, she had tears in her eyes. Being slightly confused by her reaction, I am sure I had a puzzled look on my face. That's when she looked at me and said in a shaky voice, "Our son is autistic; he doesn't laugh". Well, you can imagine my reaction at that point. My eyes filled with tears and a lump developed in my throat. That is the moment I knew I'd use Kodi around children as a therapy dog. It never ceases to amaze me how unbelievably intuitive and loving these big babies can be. Kodi has a gift for "knowing" and I hope to finish his TDI and CGC as soon as possible.
Ch. Wynwood’s ZW Chacoty
(Windy Mt. Angel Zade x Ch. Pharaway's Wynwood Willow)
DOB 10.03.02
From Denise Hyer, breeder
Kody was a 10 week old puppy when Erin Grey purchased him from me. Erin trains wild horses, shows horses and had owned a rescued Mastiff. She wanted to learn about and begin showing dogs. I thought she would be a good match for mastiff ownership and agreed to sell her a puppy and assist in her show training.
As best friends Erin and Kody worked together on her ranch side by side. The winter of 2003 brought a very severe ice storm to Portland, Oregon. Erin’s neighbors wouldn’t be able to get home until late in the afternoon and she went to their house to check that their horses were okay. As Erin and Kody were standing at their gate, trying to open it, Kody suddenly grabbed Erin's arm and pulled her away from the gate. A tree limb fell just where she had been standing.
You see, Erin is deaf! Kody had heard the cracking of the limb that Erin was unable to hear. Although only 1 year old at the time, and without formal training, he responded to the falling limb instinctively. They are both in tune to each other’s movements and needs.
Erin went on to become a competent show person, and with some assistance from me, took Kody to his Championship. Erin and Kody are best friends and soul mates for life.
Note from Louise: I’m starting with Orson, since he’s the most well-known of the Lyonhurst Mastiffs, but please don't miss Orson's sister and grand-dam, whose stories of service to humanity are quite remarkable.
-----
O R S O N
CH Lyonhurst Orson CGC
(Sir Buckingham of Navaho Run x Lyonhurst Regina)
DOB 05.08.95
Submitted by Bonnie Faulstich, owner and breeder
Orson went through training for a movie being filmed here a few years back. He got replaced by a Great Dane after filming started, but learned to work around and cut through a flock of sheep. The woman helping me train told me that what he accomplished with her was the very final stages of training that is done with working Border Collies.
These dogs are a lot more intelligent than most people think.
-----
J E A N L U C
Jean Luc, Orson's sister
(Sir Buckingham of Navaho Run x Lyonhurst Regina)
DOB 05.08.95
Submitted by Bonnie Faulstich, breeder
I got a call 8 years ago from a couple with a handicapped teenaged son. The boy had a lot of things wrong. He was Autistic, with the mental maturity of a 7 year old, had been born without the tubes in his ears connected, and had stainless steel implants; so, he was very sensitive to loud noises. When we met them, he was recovering from surgery for testicular cancer.
The boy’s therapist suggested they get a dog. He specifically suggested they get a Mastiff. The boy was 18 years old and weighed 230 pounds, so the doctor told them that a Mastiff would not only be of the size to not get accidentally squashed by the boy, but also had the temperament to handle his mood swings and temper tantrums.
I had great reservations about placing a puppy with this family. On the phone, the mother told me the last dog they had owned had been 20 years previous, and it was a little poodle. But they came to visit anyway, and we ended up spending 3 hours together. I learned they had a local friend who raised and showed Danes, and of course I was only a phone call away, so help was nearby, if they needed it. That was how Jean Luc became part of their family.
The parents spoiled her terribly, but in a good way. The son was an avid Star Trek-Next Generation fan, and named her Jean Luc. The mother had miscarried a daughter at 7 months, shortly after their son was born, and it was as if she had another baby girl. Jean Luc adored the son, and was gentle and patient with him from the start.
At some point, she started letting them know when the son was about to have a seizure! She would become agitated and run back and forth to wherever the mother was, until she came into the room with the son. Then Jean Luc laid her body down next to the boy, as if trying to cover him, until the seizure passed. It was purely instinctive on her part. This can't be trained for.
Well, she was the first official Service Dog for the State of Illinois. They didn't have any requirements or official status for service dogs other then seeing eye, but the mother wrote to the Governor about their situation. The Governor's wife made up a special card for them to carry, and signed it herself, so Jean Luc was able to go with them everywhere. She went with them to restaurants, to the hospital when the son went in for tests, anywhere they went, she was with them.
-----
E M M A
Emma Lyonhurst Enchantress
Orson's Granddam
Also submitted by Bonnie Faulstich
Orson's granddam was the first certified Search and Rescue Mastiff in the state of Kentucky, and she qualified at 10 months of age. Any older, and she would have been too big to be tested on their equipment. She was never called for duty, but I did get to see her go through the routine a few years later, and it was so exciting to watch!
Macy, DOB Unknown
Placed through Mastiff Club of PA Rescue
Agent, Steve Schramm
Story submitted by Pat McWilliams, owner
My name is Patty McWilliams. This story is about my Macy. She came to me when she was five. That was almost two years ago. I saw her on the English Mastiff rescue website. Steve drove her in to me after Louise came and checked out my house. It was love at first sight!
I had heard that her first home was a barn where she was bred for her puppies. My vet said she was overbred because she had such a big stomach and now has to take estrogen. Her second home was a garage where she might have lapped up some antifreeze. She is now on special dogfood because she has a bad kidney. Steve thought she just had a bladder infection when he brought her. He said I could give her back for another healthier dog but I said I was keeping her. Through Louise and Linda I am able to keep stylish diapers on her in the house. Her leaking has greatly improved with the medication and food.
Louise had said she would make a great therapy dog. We started her on that with a group and Macy did very well. Her gentleness and affection showed through because she never leaves my side, and everyone asked if she was professionally trained. But that is just the way she is. It seems Macy appreciates being with me.
I got a rare disease and had to quit the therapy group because I'm on chemo and heavy duty steroids which lower my immune system. It causes nerve and organ damage. I lost the hearing in one ear and have nerve damage in my feet now. I can walk about ten minutes, then my feet don't work right. I then have to find a place to sit for awhile. Since Macy never leaves my side; I made her my service dog. She keeps me steady till I can sit down. Macy loves this job because she can go everywhere with me! It seems like fate. I helped her now she helps me. She is always well behaved when we go in the stores. I am so proud of her.
Willowledge Meredith
(Ch. Griffith's T. Geronimo x Ch. Willowledge Katrina)
owned and loved by dee dee Andersson and
the late Bjorn Andersson of Storm Mastiffs
May 6, 1980 – April 28, 1992
From Louise
Maggie has awards and accomplishments too numerous to mention individually, so I’ll do a recap. She has made an enormous contribution to the mastiff breed, by being the only bitch to receive the Top Brood Bitch Award at two Mastiff Club of America specialty shows in 1985 and 1986. With nine of her 17 puppies becoming champions of record, and some receiving obedience championships as well, she earned a well-deserved place in the MCOA Mastiff Hall of Fame Top Producers. Her descendants continue to grace the mastiff breed today.
From dee dee Andersson
With a single look from her, 3 males, Bully, Sherman and Trooper, would hit the floor, prone and reverent. With a sneer, they back-pedaled out of her space. And yet, even at almost 12 years when a strong wind would have blown her over, wild and playful puppies could come tearing around the corner of the house, spot her, and belly up to her with wild kisses and licks, even when a bump from them would have tilted her. Maggie never had to say much, or do much, although she was quite capable of sounding like a freight train roaring through the house. I have said for years that she still dominated my dogs a good 6 months after she died. Maggie never left a mark on a human, puppy or dog. Once when an infant, visiting my house, crawled over to her and twisted her nipple, before we could get there to stop, Maggie rolled her eyes, turned away and flopped her head back down to let the baby do what it wanted. No protest whatsoever. Bjorn used to say that she read Marie Moore's book and then set about becoming a Mastiff. Maggie would throw her food up for a puppy up to 9 weeks old, notwithstanding that the puppy was not hers. She was generous with her love, compassion, and her demand that all creatures respect her.
Sir Malachai the Magnificent
RIP 03.15.98 – 04.11.06
Owners: Stephanie and Dusty Sharp, Goldrush Mastiffs
Story submitted by owner, Stephanie Sharp 04.11.06
A heavy cloud hangs over Goldrush Mastiffs today as we had to let our beloved boy Malachai, go and be free of his duties here on Earth. Although Mally didn't have any titles recognized by the governing bodies, he had the title around here as the World's Best Dog and a true Man's Best Friend...we have many great memories of our boy, him being our first Mastiff, and his legend will live on in our hearts and the hearts of those who crossed his path...he brought joy to all who met him.
Thank you all in advance for your support and knowing that we all truly own the best breed of dog regardless of their short life span...they do offer such joy to our life and make our family's complete. Malachai will always be in our thoughts, months and years from now and will always be revered as a noble, gentle giant.
1974 – July 15, 1989
Owned and loved by the Schemers, Moonshadow Mastiffs
Submitted by Pat Schemers
I was acquired by my first Mastiff in the fall of 1975, an 18 mo. old apricot female named Annabelle. She was joined by a 2 year old fawn female named Misty in the summer of 76. Cinnamon, our other dog, quickly decided she was also a Mastiff. It was a sight to see, those two big Mastiffs laying out on the lawn looking so regal, and perched between them, Cinnamon the Basenji puffed up for all she was worth, looking just as aloof and regal.
During the "Pebble People" era, I had painted eyes on several large rocks and strategically placed them around the yard. One day I noticed the rocks were being moved from one place to another. At first I thought my kids were playing mind games with me, until one morning I glanced out the sliding doors in the dining room. Lo and behold, there was Misty with a rock in her mouth, moving it to a new spot. She continued until she had moved every rock in the yard to a new location, and seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.
She also liked to carry our desert tortoise "Touché" around. When she first started picking him up, he would tuck his head and legs inside his shell until he got used to the impromptu rides, and then it became a game. Whenever we had company, Misty and Touché would trot out their dog and tortoise show. It was hilarious to see the look on people's faces when they looked up to see this big Mastiff walking around the yard with a tortoise in her mouth.
![]("http://sneakpeeks.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/16/karma_photo_01_2.jpg"></span){kind=link}
