One of our dogs is causing grief in Texas

Triton is causing some grief down in Texas.

He is a majestic 6-year-old, fluffy, white American Dirus dog that has been a beacon of hope and assistance in Texas.

He is currently working as a mobility support DireWolf Guardians service dog.

That is…

He was until six months ago when he chose to refuse to jump up into the cab of the white F350 truck, a critical part of his duties.

The big stinker!

Triton was placed in active duty several years ago.

His strength and unwavering dedication have made a world of difference for his person, providing the crucial physical support needed for a wonderful retired serviceman.

So, that’s why his refusal to leap into the truck is so puzzling and concerning.

On a DireWolf Express trip last year, I decided to stop by Texas to help remind Triton of the importance of following the rules.

Upon arrival, Triton greeted me with his usual recognition, his fluffy white coat gleaming in the Texas sun.

We got right to work.

After some initial pushback and gentle encouragement, Triton finally made the leap into the truck.

His eyes sparkled with recognition and pride as if understanding the importance of his role once again.

We drove to the store to ensure Triton was securely performing his duties, and he complied beautifully, jumping into the truck with ease.

It seemed we had resolved the issue.

AWESOME!

And for the next month, Triton continued to jump into the truck without any problems.

However, the pattern repeated itself, and Triton once again began to refuse to make the jump.

Concerned, I pondered the situation.

Triton was getting older.

I wondered if perhaps his joints were aching, making the jump painful for him.

This thought led me to suggest a visit to the vet to make sure Triton wasn’t in any physical discomfort.

Understandably, Triton's person couldn't get him to the vet alone, because Triton continued to refuse to get into the truck.

Determined to help Triton, I reached out to a friend living in the same town who also has a DireWolf Guardian service dog.

He was happy to help.

Coordinating their schedules was challenging, though, and they could never hook up.

Despite the setbacks, we didn't give up.

Our dedication to our dogs is unwavering, especially DireWolf Guardians like Triton who serve so dutifully.

As luck would have it, Jay was scheduled to travel through the south on his next trip.

So, Jay agreed to stop by and help get Triton into the truck and to the vet for a wellness check-up.

He is on his way there now.

This will be a crucial step in determining if Triton's reluctance is due to a health issue or if he is simply stubbornly refusing.

If we find that Triton does have some arthritis or other joint issue, we will implement a plan that included joint supplements and a tailored exercise regimen to help alleviate his discomfort.

If the vet says he is perfectly healthy and capable of performing his duties, then we will reach out to a local dog trainer experienced with service dogs to help retrain Triton and ensure he jumps into the truck consistently when asked.

Triton's story is a testament to our commitment to the well-being and the unbreakable bond we share with our beloved American Dirus dogs and their families throughout their lives.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

THE Monster Movie litter

HAS ARRIVED!!!

(Click the link to see the puppies.)

They were born early this morning under the cover of darkness on a moonless night, rising out of the primordial ooze like a giant swamp creature.

There are currently FOUR active families, and I am looking at keeping TWO puppies.

SO far, FOUR puppies have been born with more on the way.

There is still one or two slots on the waiting list for you.

If you are on our waiting list, you are now welcome to go active for this litter.

Simply reply to this email and let me know.

If you are NOT on our waiting list, you’ll need to apply, be approved, and place a $600 non-refundable deposit down in order to secure your place in line for a puppy from us.

Here is the link to get you started:

https://direwolfproject.com/puppy-application/

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.