"Sam" King lives on a a small ranch outside of Ellensburg, WA. In the photo, Sam (left) and Camilla (right - also Briard owner) are sipping champagne and enjoying a wonderful summer evening with all four dogs. Reflected in the window is the hillside where most of those elk graze under the watchful eye of all four Briards (see photo below).Sam has owned briards constantly for over thirty years. Until recently all have come from Mon Jovis and Mon Ami kennels. Her current Briards are a seven-year-old black male, Guy, who is battling bone cancer, Ellie a rescue female from LeBec Briards in CA and Joker Bob, Guy's littermate.
Ellie Jelly Belly is five and was rescued from Utah by Jeanne. She had nearly no manners or sense of belonging. Jeanne made sure she was not a danger prior to shipping Ellie. It has taken six months to settle her down. It nearly broke Sam's heart when she raised her voice and Ellie would throw herself into a corner, tuck, shake and cower. Now, she romps along with the others whenever they visit Joker Bob and HIS herd of elk (see photo below). Ellie has brought some life back into Guy. Now, at least, he tries to participate in Briard games such as chase fish in the creek or play chicken with the calves.
Guy and Ellie sleep nose to nose.
Guy and Ellie sleep nose to nose.The dog in the photo with the elk is a seven year old Mon Amis boy, Joker Bob, Sam purchased as a pup. Bob is standing in the field of her dear friends who adopted him from five years ago, during her divorce. They love him beyond description. Although they live nearby, and Sam shares joint custody, Bob has adopted them as his pack.
Sam cannot imagine life without a Briard. Other rescue dogs come along and she conditions them for new homes, but Briards own her heart. She seeks another rescue, by the way, and is willing to work with severe behavior issues, something she already does with horses.