Sophie

I have had Sophie nearly 5 years (in april). She has been such an awesome dog. If I could change something about her, it might be her super loud bark...but it's not her fault. We live in a neighborhood where most have large lots (an acre or two), and people walk by more than I would like. Sophie barks at them as she is supposed to. She also will bark at cats who decide to wander into my yard.

We have received a few complaints over the years and try hard to minimize her barking....but how can you keep an anatolian from doing what she is meant to do. Guard and Bark (alarm).
It is very frustrating. So much so that we are planning to move, but it is going slower than we had hoped....which leads us to our recent complaint of excessive barking. If I get another, I will be in court with a very large fine. We are so frustrated. We try to minimize her barking, but I work during the day which makes it impossible to stop. ....It doesn't help when other dogs enjoy coming into my yard, and those pesky cats. Arggghhhhhhh. It makes us crazy.

Well, today, I got another complaint. (same person) Yesterday, Sophie was barking a lot due to some loose dogs. Sure enough, I got a note again about her excessive barking. (at least it wasn't a ticket). Now I am forced to sell Sophie. There are no other options at this point. We would love for her to go to a farm somewhere.

Most inquiries I have had are in southern Utah. I also had some interested parties in Idaho and Washington. One guy even wanted her to be his house dog where there is no yard. I told him no.

Its painful to have to let her go, but its better to let her go, then to see her go to the kennel where they would most likely put her down since she has a record (the firework incident). Arghhhh.

Howdy

Well, I thought I'd give a Sophie update. Everything ended up working out with our firework incident. We had a visit from animal control and we explained our side. The officer did have to report the incident, but the couple that Sophie was barking at didn't want to press charges. They said that they were more scared and started than anything...and maybe they even over-reacted a bit. I don't blame them. Sophie is a big dog with a big bark. She could easily take on a wolf or mountain lion if she had to.

Sophie has been so playful lately. She loves the cooler fall weather and wants to be more active. Tonight as we walked, I saw a woman riding a bike towards us. I told Sophie that is was okay and not to bark. (she hadn't noticed her just yet) The lady got closer, Sophie looked up and wanted to woof, but didn't. I love when she listens.

She broke through her teather a couple months ago. I haven't bought a replacement. I can tell she misses hanging out while I worked the garden. Sorry Soph....not til I get another teather.

The weather has been warm all week. High 70's. We should get in the 50's by the weekend.

I hope for a loooong fall...but it looks like it will be cold....and some are predicting a cold, white, snowy, winter. Yuck.