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This page is dedicated to Ben, My Courage and Friend
CD, TC, CKC aka Ben
Ben is the founder of 4 Paws For Ability and worked as a
service dog for 8 years before loosing a year long battle with
Degenerative Mylopathy. Read more about Degenerative Mylopathy here
http://www.mzjf.com/main.htm
and you can read Ben's official story here
http://www.4pawsforability.org/ben.htm Ben lived and worked
with Karen. Piper and I wish that we had met Ben but he passed away long
before we got here. We have seen pictures though and let me tell you, he
was as big as we are small. He was regal, sleek, black, and noble. We
are told that the spirit of Ben watches as every child meets their
service dogs for the first time and as they graduate. He should be
proud! He is responsible for the creation of generations of hope and
love in each service dog who graduates. Please take time to read about
Ben on his page. We take a moment of silence each day in memory of Ben.
I know we could never walk in his paw prints (well I guess we would fit
all 8 of our joint feet into one of his foot prints) but we try to keep
Karen's heart as happy as he made her!
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MEET
SOME OF
THE 4 PAWS DOGS IN TRAINING
AT OUR FACILITY IN XENIA,
OHIO |
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EMMA |
TETON |
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MY PARTNER IS
MARGARET |
Teton is a member of the National Parks Gang born
to Allie and Hobo. He is a Goldendoodle born 11-9-2007. |
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TRINKA |
PAINT |
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When Trinka and her siblings were brought to the
animal shelter the family who dropped them off said their Mom was a Lab
and their Dad was a Brindle Boxer. Both girls look like the Dad and all
4 of the boys are black. Her sister is Celia and her brothers are Jose,
Amigo, Agape, and Chansu.
My name is Trinka. I am a
10 month old Boxer/Lab mix. I am brindle in color. I have a
wonderful personality. I am very very loveable. I love to
learn new things and I have learned a lot of commands. I know how
to sit, down, place, nuzzle, touch, high-five, shake, under, sleep,
bang, and come. I am also working on many more. I am house
broken. I am 62 pounds and 21 ½ pounds inches tall. I
like to sleep in the bed and hog the pillow if, you’ll let me. J I
have a lot of energy. I love to run and play with all my friends
outside. I like my ball and chew toys. I am very excited
about finding me a family and a little boy or girl to be a friend,
helper, and companion with. Trinka Currently
being taken care of by her Handlers at LCC 06 Nov 2007 |
This is Paint. She is an 8
week old Sheltie mix who came to us from the Wayne County Humane Society
in Kentucky. Poor little Paint was so eaten up by fleas that her back
legs were nearly bald :0( The rescue group had worked endlessly to
remove them all since Paint was only 6 weeks old and far to young for
flea prevention. Her hair is beginning to grow back and she is happy and
healthy! What a cutie pie this one is. So cute in fact that she is
considered competition in the cute department LOL Paint is an awesome,
friendly, outgoing pup with much to offer. She will not be a big girl
but you know service dogs come in all sizes! Her birthday is 6-20-2007.
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HOBO |
OLD YELLER |
| This is Hobo. He is the father of MJ's pups. We are
not quite sure we like Hobo right now as he is partially responsible for
that furry crew of white monsters which have taken up residence in the
back of our house. It was okay at first, they were smaller than us but
now they are bigger than both Piper and I put together and just WAY to
peppy for us! Hobo is really a nice boy. He has always been polite to us
so I guess we will forgive him for this gang of hoodlums he produced. We
will be happy when THEY go to the prison program and then we will work
on kicking Boo's pups out as well. Really now they are 5 months old. It
is time for them to get a life! Hobo's brother is Hero they were born
7-5-2006. |
Old Yeller is Tyson's brother. They were
born November 20, 2006. These boys have laid back, sweet personalities
and definitely have a lot to offer. Yeller is just getting started at
Warren Correctional so Tyson has a head start. We do not think it will
take long for Yeller to catch up. He is such a smart boy and so very
cute. Just look at that soft, gentle face! Old Yeller and Tyson have
places to go and tasks to learn so stay tuned to see how they are doing!
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BRUISER |
PHOENIX |
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MY PARTNER IS
TREVOR |
This is another of Boo's puppies, Phoenix. He was
sired by American/Canadian Select Champion Witmer's Jamiroquia. He was
born February 26, 2007 here at 4 Paws. Phoenix is the sweetest of the 6
Boo gang. He has a kind, gentle spirit and seems wise beyond his months
(We can't say years because he is but 6 months old!). He is a beautiful
boy who moves through the field like a wave on the ocean! Phoenix was
favored by Esme's show handlers who found him quite special. Phoenix is an
awesome show quality German Shepherd bringing home the saying "4 Paws,
bringing beauty and brains together" to light! Phoenix will be a great dog for a child
who needs a gentle, sweet, very loving boy! He is working hard on his
obedience skills and getting ready to start working hard towards his
career as a service dog! |
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OSA |
WINDY |
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This fuzzy girl is Osa. We have not a
clue as to her breed. There has been some speculation around 4 Paws.
Some think she is a Newfoundland mix because she has thick bone and huge
feet; yet she is shorter in appearance much like a Newfie. Some think
she has some Poodle is her because her hair is quite curly and we have
to keep her clipped some or it gets very long and bushy but it is
soooooo soft and more wavy than curly like a Poodle. I guess if she is
part Newfie and part Poodle that she is a Noodle AH HA HA HA I am so
clever. BTW this is Gracie speaking, you see Piper is not as Witty as I
am :0) Osa has done some training at the Lakin Correctional Center
and she is seen here with one of the inmates who worked with her. She
came to 4 Paws from The Humane Society of Wayne County, Kentucky with
her brother Sumo who was not very well suited to service dog work so if
you are looking for an great pet dog check him out on the adopt us page!
Osa's Birthday is 11-2-2006 |
Windy is a member of the new
Nature's Best litter. All sporting names from nature these girls and boy came
to us from the Wayne County Humane Society in Kentucky. They are about 3
months old and have sweet, loving personalities! Their birth date
is 8-5-2007 |
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MATIE |
YUKI |
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MY PARTNER IS
BRAEDEN |
Yuki is a wonderful puppy who is lively, sweet, and
has a super personality. Yuki is a Chinook which is a rare breed dog.
His breeder, Debbie Premus, donated his to us.
The
Chinook breed, it is a rare American breed originating from Belgium
Shepherd/German Shepherd Dog/St. Bernard/Husky crosses in the early
1900's. Yuki was donated rather than used for show only because of his
coat color which is light buff instead of the desired tawny. This gives
him an extra cute look and with his Blue eyes that makes his blong
haired and blue eyed which seems like a quite handsome combination to
us! Yuki was born August 25, 2007 and his name means snow in Japanese.
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BEAR |
CANYON |
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Meet Bear. Bear was born May 12, 2007 and is just a baby! This cute
boy was rescued by a friend of Karen's, Carolyn Lavengood. She felt so
sure that Bear was destined for service dog work that not only did she
save him as he was about to be shipped off to a pet store but she also
drove him all the way up from Lexington, Kentucky. Bear just arrived
yesterday and has already settled in. Piper finds him quite cute and I
caught her up in the window flirting with him earlier today. What is it
with women falling for younger men? Watch for great things from this
cuddly, little guy!
Bear is a five (5) month old black and white
boarder collie mix puppy. He is very playful and energetic. Bear is a
friendly puppy who doesn’t know a stranger. He plays well with other
dogs and puppies big and small, size doesn’t matter when he wants to
play. Bear is very smart and and he has learned several commands and
tricks in a very short time. He shows us progress every week and is
eager to learn new things. Bear’s Handlers LCC 06 Nov 2007 |
Canyon is a member
of the National Parks Gang born to Allie and Hobo. He is a Goldendoodle
born 11-9-2007. |
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ANISE |
JOHANN |
| Anise was born 8-26-2007 and is a member of the Texas Spices Gang.
She and her 7 brothers and sisters were donated by a family in Texas.
Anise is a
wonderful Golden Retriever who has great plans for her life as a service
dog! |
Johann aka Hausmekon's U 4 Paws Johann
(pronounced YoHaun) was donated by Anja Heibloem-Stroud with his
brothers Albert and Madison and his sister, Liese. They were born March
22, 2007 to dad, International Champion Fritz Vom Holzbach and Mom,
Hausmekon's Illusion. Johann is a special boy. When he was very small he
was bitten by a bigger dog leaving a bump on his forehead that will
always be there. It does not stop him though as he is smart as a whip
and going places with ease! |
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CHANSU |
TILLIE |
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This is Chansu. He has has three brothers in the program,
Jose', Amigo, and Agape' and they have two sisters in the program, Celia
and Trinka. These gals and guys were born December 29, 2006.
Chansu means Chance in Japanese and that is what this guy received in
life, a chance to be a special gift to a child in need!
Hi, my name is Chansu. I am a
male 11 month old Boxer/Lab mix. I’m a rich dark chocolate color. I
weigh 52 lbs. I’m very lovable. I love to learn too. I have a very
pretty heal, I know how to sit, down, touch, high-five, shake, give
five, and I’m being taught new commands daily. I really enjoy take it,
bring it, and drop it. I hope I get my very own boy or girl to love and
help through life. Chansu Currently being taken care of by his Handlers
at LCC 04 Dec 2007 |
MY PARTNER IS
BJ |
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ROCKET |
HANS |
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This is Rocket. His birthday is February
6, 2007 and he came to 4 Paws via the Humane Association of Wayne County
in Kentucky. His sister Aggie, is also in our service dog program.
Rocket was just 6 weeks old when he arrived on our doorstep and he was
not much bigger than us. Okay, Piper just told me it would hard to be
smaller than us and be a Labrador Retriever so I told her to mind her
own business. Really folks he was quite small, too small to have been
away from his family but not all pups are so fortunate to have someone
who cared about them from day one. Well Rocket and Aggie were lucky
because once this shelter found them they had it made. Even if they had
not come to 4 Paws they would have made sure they had real homes who
would care for them as a family member. We love this group! Watch for
big things from this quickly growing boy! |
MY PARTNER IS
JONATHAN |
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ATTA |
AGAPE |
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Atta and her brother Flik came to us from the Trenton Animal Friends. They had 4
sisters and brothers and a very cute Mom who were already scheduled to
be released to rescue where they would find pet homes but we felt these
two could have a mission in life as service dogs so we brought them to 4
Paws. Flik and Atta are Beagle x Australian Cattle Dog mix puppies who
are 6 weeks old. Flik is a boy and Atta is a girl and they are named
after the main characters in the Disney Movie, It's a Bugs Life. They
are the two Ants, Flik the inventor and Atta the princess. Her Birthday
is 8-29-2007 |
This is Agape He has three brothers in the program, Chansu,
Jose', and Agape' and he has two sisters in the program, Celia
and Trinka. Amigo was born December 29, 2006.
My name is Agape. I am an 11 month old Lab/Boxer mix. I am an
attention seeker with lots of energy. My favorite things include:
running, being petted, receiving lots of love, and most of all being
spoiled. Although, I have the looks of a big dog, I am a puppy at
heart. I’m a Gentle Giant. Agape Currently being taken care of by
his Handlers at LCC 04 Dec 2007
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BARLEY |
RAMEN |
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Barley is a member
of the Oodles of Noodles Gang born to Opal and Hobo on October 29, 2007.
We were happy to find there was a Barley Noodle because only a few
months earlier a Golden named Barley was rescued from the Trenton Animal
Shelter and died 12 hours later. He was a cool dog but the illness he
had was not something we could cure. We wanted to honor his life, a
victim of a society who cares little for the other animals on our planet
by naming a puppy after him so Barley will carry on with the name of a
great dog to guide him. |
Ramen is a member of the Oodles
of Noodles Gang born to Opal and Hobo on October 29, 2007. He is a fun
puppy with loads of potential. |
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GALANI aka Ani |
CESTINI aka TINI |
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Ani (pronounced Aunnie) is a member of the Oodles
of Noodles Goang born to opal and Hobo on October 29, 2007. She is a
great puppy who takes after her Mother. She will be a great service dog
one day! |
Tini (pronounced teeny) is a member of the Oodles of Noodles Gang
born to Opal and Hobo on October 29, 2007. She is a fun, loving puppy
with loads of potential! We look for great things from this entire
litter! |
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PENNE |
BLUSH |
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Penne (pronounced Penny) is a member of the
Oodles of Noodles Gang born to Opal and Hobo on October 29, 2007. She
has a rich reddish coat like her Mom and is a great puppy. |
Blush is an awesome Golden Retriever born to
parents, Dreamer and Nemo. Blush and her siblings was born 10-28-2007
here at 4 Paws and are turning out to be a very nice litter of pups,
destined for greatness! |
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GANDOLF |
COSMO |
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Gandolf is a member of the Elfin Gang born to
Olivia on 11-9-2007. Olivia and her pups were rescued from the Menafee
County Animal Control. Olivia is a Lab mix and the pups all seem to be
Lab mixed with maybe some sort of Spaniel like the Cumberland Spaniel.
He is a great and happy puppy who loves people! |
Cosmo is a Lab mix puppy born January 25, 2008.
He came to 4 Paws with his brothers and sisters and hopes to be
considered for the service dog program when he is older and has been
evaluated. |
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PLUTO |
JUPITER |
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Pluto is a Lab mix puppy born January 25, 2008. He
came to 4 Paws with his brothers and sisters and hopes to be considered
for the service dog program when he is older and has been evaluated. |
Jupiter is a Lab mix puppy born January 25, 2008.
He came to 4 Paws with his brothers and sisters and hopes to be
considered for the service dog program when he is older and has been
evaluated. |
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ARIES |
LUNA |
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Aries is a Lab mix puppy born January 25, 2008.
She came to 4 Paws with his brothers and sisters and hopes to be
considered for the service dog program when he is older and has been
evaluated. |
Luna is a Lab mix puppy born January 25, 2008. She came to 4 Paws
with his brothers and sisters and hopes to be considered for the service
dog program when he is older and has been evaluated. |
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YOSEMITE |
BIANCA |
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Yosemite is a member of the National Parks Gang
born to Allie and Hobo. He is a Goldendoodle born 11-9-2007. |
MY PARTNER IS
DALLON |
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THYME |
BUSTER |
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MY PARTNER IS
JJ |
Buster was donated by a local family and came to 4
Paws with his brother, Bruiser. These wonderful boys were born May 15,
2006. Bruiser and Buster are beautiful Golden Retrievers. |
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SUMMER |
PAPRIKA aka Pappy |
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MY PARTNER IS
ILLIAS |
MY PARTNER IS
JONAH |
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GINNY |
LEAF |
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Ginny aka Ginny Weasley is a Yellow Lab born 12-5-2006. She came to 4
Paws from the Wayne County Humane Society with her five babies, the
Harry Potter Gang. |
Leaf is a member of the new Nature's Best litter. All sporting names
from nature these girls and boy came to us from the Wayne County Humane
Society in Kentucky. They have sweet, loving personalities! Their birth date
is 8-5-2007 |
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FLOWER |
DUSTY |
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Flower is a member of the new Nature's Best
litter. All sporting names from nature these girls and boy came
to us from the Wayne County Humane Society in Kentucky. They have sweet, loving personalities! Their birth date
is 8-5-2007 |
This baby flew in from Arkansas. A family there met one of our
families (Jeremiah and his Autism Assistance Dog Charlie) and thought we
could use this sweet pup!
Hi,
my name is Dusty. I’m a very active Yellow Lab. I adore all the people
I meet and love to run and play with my red kong ball. When I’m not
playing, I work hard on my commands and I’m always trying to learn new
ones. I know sit, down, lap, nuzzle as well as a few others. I can
also do some tricks like: shake, high-five, bang, sleep, and my
favorite is giving kisses. Well, it’s time for to go learn and play so,
I’ll say bye for now. Dusty Currently being taken of
by Handlers at LCC 02 Nov 2007 |
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CINNAMON |
NESSA |
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Cinnamon is a member of the Texas Gang. Born, 8-26-2007 this
wonderful Golden Retriever should excel in service dog work! Like all of
his littermates, Cinnamon has a great temperament and is perfectly
suited to the job he is destined for beside some lucky boy or girl. |
MJ and Hobo's pups are
venturing out in the world. Nessa is one of the last litter born to MJ
and Hobo on 1-18-2008. Nessa is a member of this Irish litter and is a
female Goldendoodle. |
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SHAMROCK |
DOOLEY |
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MJ and Hobo's pups are venturing out in the world.
Shamrock is one of the last litter born to MJ and Hobo on 1-18-2008.
Shamrock is a member of this Irish litter and is a male Goldendoodle.
Shamrock was the first puppy named because he was uniquely, born green.
Yes, indeed, really! He was born very, very green. |
MJ and Hobo's pups are venturing out in the world. Dooley is one of
the last litter born to MJ and Hobo on 1-18-2008. Dooley is a member of
this Irish litter and is a male Goldendoodle. |
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JILLEEN |
KEENA |
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MJ and Hobo's pups are venturing out in the world.
Jilleen is one of the last litter born to MJ and Hobo on 1-18-2008.
Jilleen is a member of this Irish litter and is a female Goldendoodle.
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MJ and Hobo's pups are venturing out in the world.
Keena is one of the last litter born to MJ and Hobo on 1-18-2008. Keena
is a member of this Irish litter and is a female Goldendoodle. |
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ALLIE |
ALVENA |
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Allie aka Mervar's 4 Paws Tomorrow's
Dream is a Golden Retriever born 9-17-2005. Her parents are Telcontar's
Testament at Mervar and Deangate Mervar's Best Western. Allie is a happy
loving dog who lives with the Varick family and Nakita most of the time.
Michelle also competes in 4H with Allie. |
Alvena is a member of the Elfin Gang born to
Olivia on 11-9-2007. Olivia and her pups were rescued from the Menafee
County Animal Control. Olivia is a Lab mix and the pups all seem to be
Lab mixed with maybe some sort of Spaniel like the Cumberland Spaniel.
Alvena is a girl pup and is so cute. |
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BLESSING |
HAGRID |
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4 Paws is pleased to add Big Ben aka "4 Paws In Memory of Big
Ben" and Blessing aka "4 Paws Blessings for those to come" to our
breeding program. These two mark the first additions of Labrador
Retrievers to our program with several more to follow! Ben and Blessing
were purchased from a local breeder who bred solely for temperament and
companionship qualities, both high on the list of requirements for a dog
in our program! Ben and Blessing were born September 29, 2007. |
One of Ginny Weasley's kids, Hagrid is one of the Harry Potter
Gang born, 10-10-2007. He came to 4 Paws with her Mom and bothers and
sisters from the Wayne County Humane Society in Kentucky. |
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MAGGIE |
DHARMA |
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Maggie is a Papillon donated by Karen Mountain, who also donated Theo
and Vinnie as well as, Scooter. She was born 9-9-2007 and is a great
puppy with lots of potential. |
Darma is a Blue Merle Great Dane mix!
She is such a sweet girl that everyone is totally in love with her
already! Her colors are just beautiful and she is HUGE! This girl is a
real treasure! We look for great things from her! Dharma's birthday is
June 7, 2007.
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OLIVER |
SIRIUS |
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Oliver is a member of the Elfin Gang born to
Olivia on 11-9-2007. Olivia and her pups were rescued from the Menafee
County Animal Control. Olivia is a Lab mix and the pups all seem to be
Lab mixed with maybe some sort of Spaniel like the Cumberland Spaniel.
Oliver is a boy and looks like his Mother! |
One of Ginny Weasley's kids, Sirius is one of the Harry Potter
Gang born, 10-10-2007. He came to 4 Paws with her Mom and bothers and
sisters from the Wayne County Humane Society in Kentucky. |
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KIERA |
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| Kiera is a half sister to Dreamer and full sister
to Kimba. She is a beautiful Gold-Rush Golden Retriever
purchased this year to add to our breeding program. She came to 4 Paws
with her sister Kiera. These girls are half sisters to our own Dreamer
who had her first 4 Paws litter this last year. Their father, like
Dreamer's also, is Champion Gold-Rush National Treasure. |
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