Kaplan Bio

SUSAN KAPLAN AND LUCIE

Lucie is a three year old border collie, born to be farm dog. She was rescued from the Merced Pound at four months. I found her through the Milo Foundation.

She is sweet, spririted, incredibly athletic, and, as far as I am concerned, as smart at the day is long.

We started with Nola last summer (2007) because I felt that Lucie had the instinct and desire to work . Policing the cats and going for walks even as an honored member of her dog pack in Cesar Chavez park was not enough for her. After a series of long conversations between the two of us and frisbie chasing that began at 4AM each morning, I told Lucie that I'd give her a chance with SHEEP.

For me, it was a chance to be as far away as possible, mentally and physically, from my career as a criminal defense lawyer in the San Francisco Public Defender's Office. A day for me standing in the fresh air with nice people with common interests.

Now Lucie thinks Nola's place is Disneyland. With the mention of the word SHEEP, her ears stand up. And when we arrive at Nola's, Lucie runs to the paddock, looks through the fence and makes sure that her SHEEP are waiting for her. When she's working, she's working as a whole dog, physically, mentally and instinctually. Lucie's really challenged and happy and exhausted by the time our day is over.

Nola is a great trainer! Lucie has now passed her first trial. And the people at PDIA couldn't be nicer and more welcoming to us. It's been a blast!