The First Interaction

Looking over the ridge, Kali spotted a large red dog running about.  She looked around for about 5 minutes trying to find an owner.  Upon further inspection, she realized, that this was no mere dog!  This was a Scottish Beranhund! 

She began inching toward the Beran, doing her best to be silent so she didn't scare the beautiful creature off.

Now, only five feet away from the Beran, she could truly take in the creature's physical characteristics.  Her eyes first went to the scar on the Beran's nose, telling her that this poor creature had no doubt seen it's fair share of fights.

Being the owner of a kennel, Kali always kept an extra long leash on her in case she found a stray that needed help.  She quietly pulled the long leash out of her back pocket, grabbing the metal clip to ensure that there would be absolute silence as it slid out of her jeans.  She pulled the leash through the handle, making a lasso out of it.  Then, faster than she could even blink, she threw the makeshift lasso around the Beran's neck and held on tightly, anticipating a strong reaction.  To her surprise, the Beran didn't react too strongly, almost as though they had been around humans before...  She tightened the makeshift lasso around the Beran to make sure they couldn't escape from it, and slowly walked toward them.The Beran immediately started backing up as she got closer.  Kali realized that though the Beran may have been around people before, it definitely didn't trust people.  

She decided that the best thing to do would be to slowly lead the Beran back to her truck and get it into the cage that she always kept on hand.  Slowly the two get to the truck and Kali lowers the cage down to the ground.  She lightly tugs the Beran into the cage and closes the door.  Once the cage is secure, she uses the lift mechanism in her truck, that was designed for this exact purpose, to lift the cage back into the truck and hops into the driver's seat.

The first few days were very rocky between the two.  Kali couldn't even get close enough to find out if the newest addition to the kennel was male or female.  So, she called the vet out, hoping to get a professional's help to learn more about the creature.

The vet made it out later in the day.  He had to use some sedatives in order to make sure the Beran was in good health.  With his help, Kali learned that the Beran was in excellent health, female, and probably around the age of four.  The vet also mentioned that with her stature, the Beran was more than likely an alpha, or soon to be alpha - which explained the scar she saw on her nose.

The next day, Kali began trying to get the Beran to trust her.  She came her kennel and put down a bowl of venison.  She then left the Beran alone for a while, watching from the office on a camera.  The Beran immediately ate the venison, and soon Kali returned to the kennel.  This time, she held some small chunks of venison in her hand and held it out for the Beran.  Hesitantly, she took the venison from her hand and ate it.  While she ate the venison, Kali began to lightly pet the side of her head with her index finger.  When the Beran didn't respond aggressively, Kali began adding more fingers to the pet.

Having relaxed a bit more, the Beran laid down, placing her head right next to Kali's leg.  Kali sat down next to the Beran, stroking her from head to tail - and what a workout that was.  Having relaxed a bit more, the Beran laid down, placing her head right next to Kali's leg.

"Finally," Kali thought to herself, "she trusts me."  She turned to the Beran and said aloud, "I think I have the perfect name for you girl.  From now on, you will be called Voodoo."