June 4, 1979
Henry Midnight Moondust Gold
Margaret London
When you look at my business card, at the base and heart of the "K", there is a Llasa. That's my Bear. Bear was, and still is the start and heart of Karma Performance.
Bear never entered a performance class. Shoot, he was almost never on a leash, but he taught me more than any other soul. What it means and what it takes to have a canine partner. My training philosophy is rooted in Bear's teaching.
* mutual love, bonding and mutual respect
* a clear idea of what you want and DON'T want
* the soul deep understanding that you HAVE to be a leader, and that being a leader doesn't mean being a bully
Bear was truly one of a kind. He ruled his pack of GSD's with little tolerance. As he got older, he would use them for back rests to keep warm. God help the Shepherd that got up before he was ready! The picture of a 27", 95 lb GSD, groveling and chin licking an 18 lb 10.5" Llasa, is forever graven on my mind.
The other picture with me forever, is when the pack of us had gone to the park. He was old and blind by this time. We were walking back to the car, and he lost track of me. I could still see him. I loaded everyone else in the car, and turned to retrieve him. When I turned around, I saw him sitting, waiting patiently, never doubting that I would come back for him. The trust, and assurance he showed me, still humbles me.
Bear was my 18th birthday present. He died when I was 36. I had him for half my life. It wasn't enough.
Thank you, Bear.