Kayla's been through quite a bit in his life. Born in the summer of 1996, we have no idea how his first years were. Fact is, Kayla enjoyed a loving youth. Even in his first few days with us, he showed himself easily trusting people.

He also showed knowing several commands, though he often chose not to remember them... Anyway, he must have been through at least one course. We think two.

What happened after that is a mystery. Changes in the first owner's family? Fact: Two years ago he's been living in an animal home ('asiel'). Somewhere before that (or even after?) he must have had at least one owner who beat him.

We got Kayla through a supermarket note. A family with small kids wanted to get rid of him, because the kids were said to be allergic. They might have been (we haven't seen them wink once), but it was obvious the parents could not handle such a strong dog. Which is odd, because they got him with his adult size and strength.

They fed him chicken bones (cost them two operations) and after that just white bread and liver sausages (that's soft, cold grinded meat). They said he wouldn't eat anything else. Poor beastie. This food, kennel life and no exercise made him look like a sausage himself. And the word fitness was just not applicable.

Two months later, his food behaviour is not normal yet but his first bone got chopped away in no time. Whaddayamean weak teeth? But he still has a severe sweet tooth, is verrry fond of chocolate meringues and hates dog food.

His fitness is a lot better already. Ours too. We live close to the heath and he's been running a lot. We've started doing basic lessons with him at the dog club, which is great fun. He obviously enjoys those a lot. Some new photos about that too...

last update 14 feb 2001