Good Dog Neighbors

is a family-owned, socially responsible public service dedicated to creating safety, fun and harmony among dogs, dog owners, and community neighbors.  Our values include:

• Dogs are entitled to have a good life -- the highest quality of life we can provide to them, each in our own way.
   
• Dogs should get lots of exercise and stimulation for health, enjoyment, and to reduce aggression.
   
• Dogs need to be properly socialized. That's one key reason why walks in public areas and dog parks are so important.  So they aren't afraid of others and know how to interact with them in non-threatening ways.
   
• Dogs deserve canine companionship.  While it's ideal if they have another dog companion at home, they should at least be able to play with other dogs at off-leash areas.  Dogs are highly social animals who need a lot of interaction with other dogs, not just humans.
   
• Dogs must not be abused or exploited. 
  Dogs are under our control, so we are responsible for them.  Unlike the humans in our world, dogs do not abuse or exploit humans.  They deserve to have us reciprocate with the same unconditional love that they provide.  And we should provide assistance on behalf of animals who are in others' care when that care is inadequate.
   

Our Family

• Jim and Suse Altengarten have had loving dogs and cats throughout 30+ years of marriage.  So far we have had 12 "children" -- 9 dogs and 3 cats.  Most of these lived to ripe old ages and we have loved them all dearly.
• Our current "children" are two unrelated, spayed female Kuvaszok.  LG was rescued in Montana and Stardust was rescued in California.  LG is the sensitive obedience whiz and Stardust is the natural athlete who excels in age-appropriate agility activities at home.  The Kuvasz breed is a Hungarian livestock protection dog, sometimes raised directly out with the sheep or cattle.  Like other protective breeds, it is not a breed for just anyone.  Socialization and training are critical for Kuvaszok (Kuvaszok is plural for Kuvasz).
• Suse has a Master's Degree in Leisure Studies/ Recreation from the University of Illinois and has many years of experience working closely with public land managers on public trails and parks.  She majored in recreation for therapeutic purposes, including various disabilities.  Suse has been an extensive participant in various community activities including humane work, with over 30,000 volunteer hours logged.  She has also been an organic gardener for over 30 years.
• Jim heads the other family business named exposure36 Photography, for which he travels throughout the Western United States conducting classes and workshops to train people in landscape photography.  He's a terrific instructor who also provides popular and economical home-study CDs and is a specialist in Canon cameras.

You Just Never Know

My Kuvasz Corey was standing beside me (actually leaning on me) while I was chatting with a friend in the dog show prep area.  A woman came by with a bunch of little crates and set up next to where we were standing.  Her Papillons were yelling and challenging all the other dogs in the neighborhood from inside their crates.

When the woman finished setting up, she got one of her dogs out and held him on leash as she got her grooming tools arranged.  The little guy started yelling at Corey who totally ignored him. 

I turned back to the conversation with my friend.  Suddenly, I heard these whimpers and gasping coming from behind me.  The sounds were coming from the woman.  She was pointing at Corey's mouth.  I looked at Corey --- everything normal, mouth closed, his usual easy-going show expression on his face.  Until I noticed the string leash hanging out the side of his mouth. 

"Oh my God, he's swallowed him."

That was the first thought that hit me and that was clearly what the woman believed.  "DROP IT",  I said firmly, and held my breath.  Calmly, Corey lowered his head, opened his mouth and out came a moist, slightly ruffled, but completely unharmed Papillon.  "Yip, Yip, Yip etc, etc etc"

Apparently Corey decided he was tired of being yipped at and did the Kuvasz equivalent of "Stifle it!"  I didn't even notice because he never stopped leaning on me while he carefully held the little noise machine in his mouth.

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LG, Jim and Stardust have a terrific time going on all of our many family outings.