Liza

I brought Liza home at 9 weeks of age and fell head over heels in love with the Portuguese Water Dog! She is a black and white "loose-curly" with the sweetest disposition. She is a happy-go-lucky lady who believes everyone and everything loves her as much as she loves them!

She gated effortlessly the first time she was ever on a lead, and was an absolute dream to show, finishing her championship very easily. Her first time in the ring was the Nationals in 2005, when she placed 4th of 25 puppies in her Sweepstakes class! Judges are constantly commenting on her beautiful movement, and she is always a ringside favorite with the crowds because of her beautiful markings and constantly wagging tail! She loves children, loves to play fetch and tug-o-war and is the definite instigator of all things "fun" in our household! She also works as a Therapy Dog through the Pet-A-Pet Club organization, and is always the star of the night at the rehabilitation center we visit close to our home once a month. She loves it!

To get a real "feel" for her personality - click on the video link (You Tube) below of her entertaining herself in our area rug and check out her Photo Gallery!

UPDATE: January 2012

We made a very difficult decision this month. For quite a few years, Liza and Chloe have been known to get into "conflicts" - - but recently, those situations had begun escalating. Confrontations were becoming more frequent and wounds were being inflicted. It was with a very sad heart that we knew it had come time to change the living situation in our house. I thought long and hard about "what I wanted for Liza" and made a list... I wanted her close to me in Las Vegas (selfish reasons!); I wanted her to have a MALE playmate (dog) because she LOVES to play; I wanted her to have a pool in the yard, have great people in her life, and be able to get out and explore. It was also VERY important to me that she be with someone who would keep in touch and keep me updated on her. What came to me was the wonderful Calitri family, who we came to know last fall and who had taken Liza's son "Splash" home before Thanksgiving. I approached Carmine and Susan about it and they were exicted about the idea. We agreed to a "two week trial" to make sure everyone could adjust, and the result is, she is now a part of their family. She swims daily, has taught her son some manners, and is continuing her role as Ambassador at the marina in San Diego where she spends her weekends on her new family's sailboat . She also sleeps in their bed at night. (Is she a lucky girl, or what?)

I miss her. I can't think about it without crying. But I know dog's are more resilient than humans and that she is living a great life. I told Greg we had to "let her go to college" and let her start her new life. It was meant to help me cope. She is a gift to all who are blessed to know her. Thank you to Carmine, Susan, Cole and Splash for embracing her into your family. Liza is loved!