Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. -- Anonymous

Kissin' Kate/Cocoa

Then...

and NOW!

ADOPTED 1/11/05

The Lawrence Leisure's get a new bed!

Read Cocoa's story of success!

1/29/05 UPDATE:  Cocoa (formerly Kissin' Kate) has joined Cheyenne and Dakota in their training lessons.  And she is doing great, by the way!  Mark and Luanna realized that having 2 Lethals (Cheyenne & Dakota) presented some communication problems, especially with Cheyenne being totally deaf.  They decided to look into a professional training option that would allow them all to understand each other better.  The decision was made to go with Uncle Matty (Matthew Margolis) who uses love, praise and affection in his training methods.  If you don't know who Uncle Matty is, please visit the Meet Uncle Matty page. You can learn more about his training methods by visiting Uncle Matty's Training Center.

I have personally had the pleasure of seeing the results of the training sessions about halfway through (on my visit to CA)...and I can tell you, I was quite impressed.  Cheyenne and Dakota are "doggies to die for" in the manners department (not to mention breathtaking) and I'm sure that Cocoa will be right there with them before long.

When Cocoa had her eye exam on 1/20/05, Dakota and Cheyenne were also scheduled for a recheck.  The staff was both amazed and impressed at how well behaved (and cooperative) each one of them was.  We're very proud (and jealous) of Mark and Luanna for all their efforts (and love) put forth to prove that anything is possible, regardless of what disabilities may exist.  Deaf and/or sight impaired?  They have no idea, so there's nothing holding them back...except their guardians!  Thank you Mark & Luanna...for everything you've done for these wonderful babies.

Here are some pics taken during training.

1/20/05 UPDATE:  We are so excited to let you know that Cocoa (Kissin' Kate) has joined the Lawrence Family as a permanent member!!!  She passed her eye exam today with flying colors (her eye condition is very similar to her littermate brother, Dakota).  Cocoa has made tremendous progress and is so much a part of their family, that Mark and Luanna realized that they could never let her go.  So, on 1/11/05, Kissin' Kate, the long lost little foster girl, became Cocoa Lawrence...forever!  A better family she could not have found...and she gets to share her life with her littermates, Cheyenne & Dakota.  Now, that's what I call a great happy ending!!!  Way to go, Cocoa!

12/24/04 Trio Tug-Of-War:  Kate has a new name:  Cocoa...because she is sweet, warm, comforting and cocoa just seems to describe her much better (and makes Mr. softy, aka Mark) melt like a marshmallow.  She is definitely  a "daddy's girl". 

12/26/04 And some morning after Christmas pics!

After a hard day at play!

Cocoa Day2:  We're happy to report that all is going GREAT.  Cocoa quickly learned how to use the doggie door (with a little direction from Mark & Luanna...and a lot of help from Scooter, Cheyenne and Dakota) and has NOT had one single accident in the house.  She is enjoying the company of her brother and sister.  Here are a few pics of Cocoa, Cheyenne & Dakota... to enjoy :-)  (Thanks Mark & Luanna)

12/22/04 UPDATE: Kate, originally adopted on 4/24/04, along with her brother Magnus, by her foster home, recently found herself in need of a new home.  Sometimes, the unexpected happens in our lives and our situation changes...that's what happened to Kate, through no fault of her own.  Although Natalie loved her dearly, having both Kate and Magnus was too stressful for all involved.  Kate, being a high energy Aussie, was the most logical choice to re-home.  During our attempts to place Kate in a new foster home, Mark & Luanna Lawrence (the proud parents of Kate's siblings, Cheyenne (Booger) and Dakota (Lance), graciously offered to foster Kate.

With so many changes in Natalie's life, the stress of it all did affect Kate's behavior.  Both Mark & Luanna readily agreed to take on the challenge, knowing they would have to start from the beginning, from housebreaking to learning to walk properly on leash.  And so began Kate's journey to California!

Dave and I loaded up the Rodeo, taking along Zeus and Angel to keep Kate company on the 3 hour trip to Blythe, CA.  Mark & Luanna, along with Scooter, Cheyenne and Dakota, had begun their 4 1/2 hour journey in the wee hours of the morning to make our scheduled meeting at a park in Blythe.  A potty break at a rest stop on the way, gave me a firsthand experience of what a disaster it was to try to walk Kate on a leash...it was nearly impossible.  Knowing she had this problem, did not prepare me for the experience!  Kate spent the entire attempt at walking her, grabbing and biting the leash.  The more I tried to stop her, the more determined she was to win that battle.  Needless to say, I was quite apprehensive of the challenge that Mark & Luanna were about to face.

Upon arriving at our destination, introductions soon began.  When the excitement of meeting everyone wore off, Kate suddenly realized that a leash was attached to her collar...and so began a repeat of the rest stop incident.  As Dave attempted to get Kate to settle down, I noticed Mark had walked to his van in the parking lot.  I feared that Kate's behavior was more than Mark wanted to deal with.  My fears were soon put to rest, as Mark returned and expertly slipped a nylon choke around Kate's neck.  With a pocketful of treats and a no-nonsense demeanor, Mark soon had Kate walking beside him like a sweet, gentle lady who had done that all her life.  I was certainly impressed beyond words!!!

Yes, Kate was going to be a challenge, but I knew that Mark & Luanna were up for it...and Kate would certainly benefit from a little direction...and lots of love!  Here are a few pictures of the meeting at Blythe and Kate showing off that what she learned. :-)

12/20/04

Before heading back to Rosamond, CA, Kate's new family posed for these pics

Mark, Luanna, Kate, Cheyenne, Scooter & Dakota

Arriving home safely, everyone soon settled in and enjoyed some play time.  A new beginning deserved a new name, so here are a few pictures (courtesy of Mark & Luanna) of Cocoa enjoying her new family, especially her littermates, Cheyenne & Dakota.  I would say that she is one very lucky little girl!!!  Please check back for updates!

4/23/04 Kissin' Kate, along with brother Magnus went to a new foster home last week to make room for the Milo Five pups.  As it turned out, that was the best thing that could have happened.  Eric and Natalie feel in love and now they are at their "forever" home...and they get to stay together.  The adoption will be finalized tomorrow.

3/14/04 Kissin' Kate is looking for a new home!  She was adopted on 11/29/03 to a very loving home, but their other dog Sophie was a little too rough for Kate, so she's come back to us.  She is a little sweetheart who loves to counter surf and give kisses!  Kissin' Kate is deaf and has some slight vision impairment and has adapted quite well to her disabilities.  She has also found great comfort in hanging out and playing with her brother Magnus...they get along just great and really enjoy each other's company.  Kate and Magnus are up-to-date on shots and will be spayed/neutered on 3/19/04.  Here are some pics of Kissin' Kate and Magnus together (with some of them wrestling).

11/25/03  Thanksgiving pictures of Kissin' Kate

11/18/03 Kissin' Kate is a Lethal White Red Merle female born on October 17, 2003.  She is deaf and visually impaired to some degree, but has the best sight of all the pups.  She, along with her siblings, had her very first vet visit today.  Kate weighs 5.6 lbs. and is a very healthy young pup.  She has been bottle fed since she was 1 day old.  She will receive her first booster vaccination on 11/28 and her next two boosters will be given in 3-week increments.  Before going to her forever home, she will be spayed and current on vaccinations.  Kate will be available for adoption after January 16, 2004. 

Enjoy some pics taken at the Vet's office today!

Read Kissin' Kate's story, visit the 4 Lethals page and watch her grow, week by week, from day 1