Last week we met Crosby

When we were downtown enjoying Dickens on Centre, we met Crosby.  Crosby and I became best buddies.

Christmas 2016

Our Christmas photo, thanks to Boston Photography's photos with Santa, a part of Dicken's on Centre.

Poppy

CH Obvious Smart Alec

Bouvier des Flandres

Konna

Black Russian Terrier

As a result of posting the "Merry Christmas 2016" pic on FB's Black Russian Terrier Group I received a link to Donald B. Anderson's website where he appears to have the definitive history of the Black Russian Terrier The Creation of the Black Russian Terrier Volumes 1 - 7 by Donald B. Anderson.

"Giant Schnauzer 

The Giant Schnauzer was the base format upon which the new breed would be founded. Other breeds contributing their specific superior traits, included: Caucasian Ovcharka, Newfoundland Dog, Moscow Waterdog, Moscow Dog, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, Great Dane, East European Shepherd/German Shepherd, South Russian Ovcharka, Central Asian Ovcharka, Russian Spotted Hound. 

The original Giant Schnauzer was a male named Roy born in 1947."

Maggie, a Yulee neighbor, met me downtown today

While Dad & I were walking downtown we met Maggie, who commented on how handsome I was.  Well I was at the groomers earlier this week.

Groomed Today

Mom and Dad dropped me off at Passion4Pooches this morning for Ms. Laurie and Mr. Jim to make me look handsome.

They then took Ms. Poppy to Ms. Caroline's for breakfast.

Dad rescued me about 1:30 and we went downtown for a walk.  I was quite a hit, several groups stopped us to learn more about me.

Kammy, visiting here from Lexington, Ky, even wanted her picture taken with me.

Downtown Tuesday

Tuesdays the dog park is closed so now that it is cooler we are back to walking downtown in the afternoon.  We started with lunch at 4th Street Deli, where Jay made Mom a sandwich with enough meat that there was a little extra for Poppy and I.  We then visited John & Gigi at Amelia Fine Jewelry, where they have treats out and a bowl of ice water.  Then we make our way down to visit Steve at La Torres Gallery, where he had a treat for us. We continued on down to the docks/marina.

On the way back, as were were approaching the train station, Martin and Alexis, from Granville, NC caught up with us and wanted to know about both of us.

Outback Steakhouse for Lunch Today

Mom & Dad were shopping at Best Buy, where we had to stay in the car, and Petsmart, where of course we got to go in.  After that we went to Outback Steakhouse, were we are allowed on the patio.  Shortly after Joseph delivered Mom & Dad's drinks and a glass of ice water for our water bowl, Joanna stopped by.  It seem that we are so well known that she thought it would be appropriate to offer to sign Mom & Dad up for a Dine Reward Card.

Later she stopped by and Dad explained my blog and offered to take a picture of us for the blog.  So here is yours truly with Joanna.

 

Later Joseph stopped by for a photograph.  Jason was a great waiter, stopping by frequently to check on Mom & Dad.  He even helped Dad figure out how to enter his credit card into the Outback App.  Thank Joseph for taking such great care of us.

A little girl, who was waiting with her parents and grandfather, in the patio waiting area came over to say hello also, Dad didn't get a picture, he was too busy eating his Outback Burger.

Another BRT who does therapy visits.

Jett, another slight (100 lbs) Black Russian Terrier does therapy visits at Wolfson Children Hospital.  In addition to CGC he also has certification from Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Dad is going to look into getting me certified.  Their test is very similar to CGC test plus three on-site evaluations.

Next we stopped at Lowes

Dad needed to pick up new water filters for the whole house filter and the RO unit.  As we were leaving we met Lavonia, he thought I was big until Dad showed him the picture of the big guy. 

 

Lavonia

The Big Guy

I met Lily downtown today.

We were walking back to the car when Dad spotted a little girl across the street that looked like she wanted to meet me.  We crossed the street to meet Lily, from Fernandina.  Lily liked to hold our leashes and pet us.  We enjoyed meeting Lily.

While Mom & Dad had pizza at Arte's

I got some love from Ayla.  Ms. Poppy was too busy begging for pizza to notice.

 

Thank you Ayla.

Brian & Jennifer stopped by to say hello

They were impressed with both Ms. Poppy and myself.  Turns out they have a VRBO property also.  Poppy had some growths removed, so she gets to wear the neck collar.

For those that think I am a BIG DOG.

Here is a photo from the Black Russian Group on Facebook.  The owner is 5' 4".

Someone knew I was a BRT

Vickie, from Marietta, GA came over to meet me.  She recognized me as a BRT.

 

Latter when we were downtown someone else who knew I was a BRT stopped us to talk.  Two in one day - WOW.

Konna Supervised David As He Serviced A/C

David, from Air-Max, was here this morning to do the preventive maintenance on the air conditioner.  It was my job to keep an eye on him while he was here.  We got along well, David has four GSDs. 

Is Ann the Dog Park's Dog Wispherer?

It looks  like Poppy has been displaced as Ann's BFF.  Ann was just sitting there watching her friend's flat coated retrievers when someone jumped into her lap. 

Ms. Poppy & Ann from Antigua

Ann, visiting Fernandina from Antigua, had come to the the dog park with her friend's two Flat Coated Retrievers.  She wanted to meet Poppy, so we called her over.  Ann did a little petting, then Poppy decided that she had a new BFF.

Ann spent the rest of her time at the dog park with her new BFF (Bouvier Friend Forever).

Ms. Poppy met another Valkin Bouvier

Poppy met Reagan today at the dog park, they allowed me to be in the picture.

Ms. Poppy made friends with Jazlyn.

My house mate, Ms. Poppy (Ch Obvious Smart Alec) made friends with Jazlyn at the dog park yesterday.  Getting the attention she thinks is due her.

Here is a panoramas of the dog park dad took with his HTC phone.

Ms. Heather Teaches at St. Mary's Elementary

Last Thursday evening we went to Brett's Waterway Cafe for dinner.  Ms. Heather and her friend were at the table next to us.  She thought I was handsome so I agreed to have my picture taken with her.

For any of her student here is a video of Poppy and I on the beach.

Ms. Poppy (CH Obvious Smart Alec) is a Bouvier des Flandres while I am a Black Russian Terrier.

While Ms. Heather was enjoying a bite of the Key Lime pie that Dad recommended, he showed her his blog on Growing Up In Fernandina.

Hanging out at the pool

Poppy & I hanging out at the Nassau Humane Society's Dog Park pool.  

Busy Day

Had my first therapy visit this morning.

Then got to supervise repair of pressure switch on well pump, recharging of storage tank and preventive maintenance on water softner.

Gail & Jack are from Fernandina

Poppy & I met Gail and Jack downtown yesterday, they are from Fernandina Beach.

Met Gypsy

Dad arranged a meeting with Gypsy, another BRT in Yulee.  We met downtown for Sound on Centre, walked over to Patio Place to meet Kojo, a Borzoi.  Then we went to Dog Star Tavern, a dog friendly establishment in Fernandina Beach.

Three groups did a "double take" as they walked by, then came in to say hello.  Sharing my Ambassador-of-Good-Will title with Gypsy tonight.

1,122 Page Views

An average of 4 page views per day.

New Friends at the Dog Park

Mandy and Patrick recognized me as a BRT as soon as I came through the gate.  Patrick's parents have a 4 month old BRT (45 lbs).  

Dad talked with them about Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International.  There is TDI testing in Archer, about an hour and a half from his parents home in Deland.

Met Stephanie & Chase at Dog Park

Even after I came over an shook off next to her Stephanie was gracious enough to have her picture taken with me, Chase joined her.

Kathy grew up with a Bouv

Ms Poppy met Kathy, from Jacksonville Beach, as we were leaving Amelia Fine Jewelry.  Kathy grew up with a Bouvier des Flandres.   I am sure that she was well protected and keep in line (herded) as a child, since that is the nature of Poppy's breed.

Kathy, nice meeting you today, hope you enjoy your visit to wonderful dog-friendly Fernandina Beach.  If you ever think of getting a dog be sure and check the American Bouvier Rescue League's website.  I found my forever home via ABRL, the shelter thought I was a Bouvier.

We had just visited with John at the Jewelry store, where they put out treats and ice water for their four-legged friends.

Don't tell Mom but Dad has made a few trips into the store, while she was in Las Vegas, visiting her new grandson Declan Asher Tollefson.  Mother's day is just around the corner.

I look forward to meeting Declan in June.

Met Evan at Shrimp Fest 2016

We made a quick trip downtown, and I met Evan, a 2 year old fan who loves his "dog-dogs".  Evan is from Fernandina Beach.

Konna visits Shrimp Fest 2016

Ms Poppy decided to stay home, so it was Dad and I walking around Shrimp Fest this morning.  Betsy, one of the artist asked about me, so I posed with her at the entrance to her booth.

Betsy has a gallery on Etsy, go there and check out her work, if you can't make it downtown to Shrimp Fest.  She is also on Face Book.

Dad went to Happy Tomato yesterday

Mom is in Las Vegas, helping with new grandson Declan Asher Tollefson, so Dad had to handle Poppy and I on our walk downtown.  When we stopped by to visit Rick at Happy Tomato, Dad told us to "sit & stay" which I promptly did.  Ms Poppy not so much.  So Patrice volunteered to take care of us while Dad ordered.  Thanks Patrice.

PS, if you are missing a hat it is at Happy Tomato.

Wow, met two people who recognized me as a Black Russian Terrier

As we were leaving the pocket park, next to the coffee shop, on Centre St., Katrina wanted to meet me.  She knew I was a BRT and wanted to say hello and learn more about the breed.  She wants to  own a BRT.  She is from Tallahassee, so Dad recommended that she visit Ron Greenman, at Red Square Black Russian Terriers, in Monticello.  As we were leaving, on our way to La Tories to get a treat, we were stopped by a young man who also recognized me. Dad alway comments "if you recognize the BRT you are in 1% of the population."

Are Black Russians Protective

As my blog approaches the 1000 page-view mark, 997 at this writing.  I will provide a glimpse of some cousins doing Schutzhund.

To answer the question, are BRTs protective, view these three videos of Schutzhund, a protection training regime. Schutzhund consist first of obedience then what is know as bite-work.  The obedience training is intense,

                    

The test of obedience is the BH Test, the last video.

The bite work is also impressive, this is part of a trial, were the dog finds and detains a bad guy.

For more info on Schutzen see the wikipedia article

Here is the BH Test (Begleithundprüfung, which translates as "traffic-sure companion dog test"), notice the 2nd dog is in a down stay at the edge of the field, with no eye contact with the handler who is about 50 ft away.  At the end the first dog takes up his position at the edge of the field for the duration of the 2nd dogs test.

Poppy made new friends from Flandres

Poppy, on right, met Kristina & Valere from the Flandres region of Belgium, the native home of the Bouvier des Flandres.

Dad apologizes for the poor photo, the second shot with Kristina & Valere looking at the camera didn't record.

Poppy (CH Obvious Smart Alec) is named in honor of  "In Flanders Field" a poem from WW-I by John McCrae.

From:  http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Inspiration for “In Flanders Fields”

Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, 1st Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. ⁽¹⁾

During the early days of the Second Battle of Ypres a young Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2^nd May, 1915 in the gun positions near Ypres. An exploding German artillery shell landed near him. He was serving in the same Canadian artillery unit as a friend of his, the Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae.

As the brigade doctor, John McCrae was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis because the chaplain had been called away somewhere else on duty that evening. It is believed that later that evening, after the burial, John began the draft for his now famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.

Lunch today at Outback

Mom & Dad went to Outback for lunch, while there Ms. Taylor, our server stopped by to say hello to me.

Bet you can't guess where the food is?

Johny if from Trinidad & Tobago

The other day, Ms. Poppy and I met Johnny, while Mom & Dad were having lunch at 4th St. Deli.  He is from the twin island of Trinidad & Tobago but now live in Geneva Switzerland.  Nice meeting you Johnny, hope you enjoy our  single island.

New Friends

Dad had to go to Ace Hardware this morning, so I got to go along since they are dog friendly.  I got to wear my tassel, it make me look so regal.  Afterwards we went downtown where I met:

Delaine & Noah from Jacksonville

and 

Dad was late hitting the record button and didn't get names.  Hopefully they will e-mail (brtkonna@gmail.com) me so that I can add their names and hometown. (They commented on the blog, Thanks)

Jacklyn and Caroline

Axson, GA

BRT Characteristics

Mark Smith posted on Black Russian Terrier FB Site:

“I thought I would invite the group to create an unofficial list of breed characteristics to help potential Russian owners make a more informed decision whether the breed is right for them.

My suggestions are below; do you agree? What else would you add?”

1.     Paw of doom

a.     We don't call it the paw of doom. We call it the paw of death. 

b.     The POD, a.k.a. the paw of doom/death, has given me a fat lip, black eye, and tons of bruises on my arms and legs

2.     Through the legs head-butt

3.     After drinking head shake shower

4.     The waggle bum dance

5.     Stick like Velcro to you round the house

Others added:

6.     The sudden and deathly crotch sniff

7.     The butt goose

8.     The vigorous head rub all over the legs;

9.     The unexpected jump hug;

10.  The exuberant 'I love to go out for a walk' bark;

11.  The 'please take off the head collar' vigorously rub the head anywhere move

12.  The excited "we're here! Look where we are!" Bark when we arrive at our local off lead walk location. Unlike any of her other barks, but no less loud!

a.     How do they know when we actually arrive at any given destination? We can drive most of the day, stop multiple times without a mere reaction, but when we pull in at the final destination, Da Boyz bark and whine like mad!

b.     200 yards from the car park I always tell any friends in the car to cover their ears

13.  The after eating must rub the food off my beard on the edge of the couch move.

a.     Comes to us to dry him with towel same after the walk, but if we don't do it "well enough" goes and robs all over the furniture

14.  I'm sitting on your lap

a.     Don't let my bone structure fool you - I seriously AM a lap dog!

15.  Bum on the couch front paws on floor

16.  Sit on your toes so you have to love me.

17.  Running around like a crazy fool after a bath

18.  The head butt to continue petting move, which includes throwing the elbow upwards and spilling whatever drink one might be holding.

a.     The Russian head nudge is responsible for 80% of all household spills!

b.     The nose flip of the elbow is a common one while trying to balance my accounts.

19.  The black immovable object in the middle of the hallway, in the middle of the night that is impossible to see.

a.     Invisible furry obstacle in the bathroom doorway at 3 a.m.b.      

20.  That couch looks comfy...but you need support, let me get behind you.... that’ll help! 

21.  Ours is 6 months old. She likes to sneak up and stalk us like a cat would, stops and then pounces on top of us. It's cute but I'm not sure what that will be like when she's full grown?

22.  Counter sniffing - but my nose is perfectly placed.
 Mark Replied “the famous Russian counter surf. The prime suspect in the great unsolved mystery of the vanishing whole roast chicken!”
Suspicious of new people to the house - it's your fault. Mom, for being so antisocial.
And in non snow areas, water, any water, puddle or stinky pond. Again, your fault Mom, you should supply snow...

23.  You will never go to the bathroom alone again,

24.  Moldy beard. That's the worst!!

25.  THE EYE! Lying still pretending they sleep but the eye is watching you.... Or when they're playing outside and lay in the grass they can also send you the eye.  (In the Bouvier des Flandres world this is known as the “stink eye”)

26.  The permanent paw-print on your runners...

27.  Baptizing all visitors

28.  Paw of love and affection

29.  A human in dogs clothing

30.  The mini bark and the thunderous bark

31.  Toy giving

32.  MORE LOVE THAN YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED FROM ANY LIVING BEING!

33.  trying to ram chewy sticks up your bum plus playing footsie when your walking past them.

34.  The ability to read me very accurately, caring for me sometimes when I see no danger. My best bud and guardian angel xxx

35.  We have to watch out for anything looking a gun like thingie because Misha gives out serious warning bark to put it down.
Took ages for him to get use to mum's cookie gun and have to send him outside the room if you use the drill
First time noticed when got a bb gun for the daughter and he went mad giving out to put it down talking about training in their blood!
Also constantly "patrolling " in zigzags when walking feel rather safe with him by my side

36.  Sneaking up onto the bed very silently,
acting as a natural barrier that can be used as exercising hurdles (he never moves out of the way),
cold snout into my face early in the morning (usually after he had a sip of water)

37.  The stranger danger bark that rattles windows.

38.   I must sleep where I can best see the doors with hourly checks on the kids and pacing if one is ill.

39.  The stranger danger circle the kids because I don't know you.

40.  The mediator. I break up dog fights, kid fights, any altercation.

a.      Tacha also breaks up dog fights (or play she thinks is too rough)-we call her the U.N. Peace keeper!

b.     We call our Risky the "fun police"

c.      Mine is labelled the classroom monitor, especially bouncy dogs with no manners.

41.  The I am so glad you are home, please let me lay on your feet but only if it is a terribly awkward position that crushes your feet alternating with the paw of death.

42.  Vocal! My female runs her mouth, sometimes for 30 minutes, after I get home. Either telling me off for leaving in the first place, and/or telling me all that happened while I was away.

a.      Our one is very talkative as well, as good as husky! Absolutely love it and the tone is usually different for different situations/people.

43.  The "I'm sorry you don't feel good let me make it all better by laying on you and smothering you" particularly helpful if you have a chest cold- NOT!

44.  The pile of destroyed "$100 dog-proof" toys versus the much loved 25 cent stuffed snake from Goodwill.

45.  The lean! You will stroke me whilst supporting my body weight.

46.  The "when you cooking, I’ll sneak into the kitchen and lay right behind you so when you turn around, you'll fall on your face and then i get to attack you with kisses "

47.  The boob magnet and of course the dressing gown lifter, with wet dripping beard.

48.  The ability to bark with a chuck-it ball in his mouth.
The perimeter check of the back yard when I say "Who's There!". 

                a.      We do the "who's there" too
The help driving, with his head over my left shoulder, checking to see that I am doing it correctly.

49.  Sleeping in the shower when it gets warm,
Sitting on my lap in our double wide chair,
Pushing me down the stairs to make sure we're going on that walk I talked about!
Finding the perfect stuffed baby to show me when I come home...
The happy dance when you look outside and it Snowed oh my gosh!!
When the mail man brings your mail the bark box treat!

50.  Creating such a spectacle whenever you are out in public that your walks no longer function as exercise again. You will be stopped by strangers every hundred yards or so to discuss the "bear" or "gorilla" you have on a leash.

a.      We have a Bouv and BRT so this goes double.  Video’s of Konna wearing a GoPro on a walk downtown, 3 video’s 30+ minutes upcut, lots of interaction with people we meet.

                                                    i.     https://youtu.be/obX3YTHGx_A

                                                  ii.     https://youtu.be/Nw1QrsWJPEY

                                                iii.     https://youtu.be/yKst4gR0Ix0