Cast of Canine Characters

Tank and Melanie

Sept 22, 2011

No worthy endeavor is without a group of supporting characters. The Norman Project includes a couple of very important players: my two dogs.

Melanie is my 7-year-old rescue whom I brought home as an 8-week-old from the shelter in Warren County. She’s the driving force behind my discovery of real dog training, and a prime example of why training is so important for every puppy and dog. Melanie is a Border Collie mix. Melanie can be described by those who know her as high-energy, happy, and full of spirit. She’s also opinionated and loves to verbalize. Melanie has earned two AKC titles, the Canine Good Citizen and the Companion Dog. We’re currently in training for the Open class, which involves heeling, jumping, coming when called and laying down when told, and retrieving a dumbbell.

Tank is my 22-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever. He was bred by a friend; I helped whelp him and his 7 siblings, 4 boys, 4 girls. In fact, Sheri Kyle, DVM, saved this litter. Tank’s mom Aspen had a difficult delivery and Tank was stuck. Thanks to Dr. Kyle performing an emergency C-section, Tank and his littermates all survived. Tank is not like the typical boy Lab: he is on the quiet side and not overly interested in food. He won’t say “no” to a good treat, but he doesn’t counter-surf, almost shocking for a Lab. Tank is very lovey-dovey and enjoys working with me. Tank also has two AKC titles, the Canine Good Citizen and the Beginner Novice, which he earned in January at Dayton Dog Training Club.