Shefaro Borzoi - Service and Therapy
Shefaro temperament in general.
At Shefaro, temperament matters above all else:
Three St. Bernard breeders were on their way home from a specialty
show. As dog breeders often do, they spent much of the drive arguing about
which was most important -- type or soundness.
They took a shortcut through a mountain pass, got lost & became low on
gas. They then skidded off the road and found themselves trapped in a ditch.
A snowstorm moved in and next thing they knew, they were stranded in
the van with just a little water, no food and no gasoline to provide heat.
Night was closing in and the breeders feared they would freeze to
death before the road was plowed and anyone found them.
The breeder who advocated that type was most important said, "let's
send my St. Bernard for help -- he is a true St. Bernard type."
Bounding out of the van, the big-bodied, magnificently coated and headed dog
began leaping through the drifts. He made it a quarter of a mile and then
collapsed, in too much pain to go on from his dysplastic hips.
Watching through the window the second breeder exclaimed, "AHA!
See, soundness is most important -- my dog is OFA excellent. He'll bring us
some help!" Letting her dog out of his crate, his strong powerful leaps
through the snow were magnificent to see. Unfortunately he only
made it half a mile before freezing to death because his coat was incorrect.
The third breeder watched this smugly, for she knew her dog had both
type and soundness. She released her dog, the BOB winner from the
specialty. On his sturdy limbs and with his perfect coat, her dog
was a lovely sight to behold as he powered through the snow tirelessly.
Mile after mile until he finally spotted a forest ranger, and promptly attacked
and killed him, for breeder number three had forgotten about breeding for
temperament.
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Thanks to Shefaro's alliance with Gentle Giants, Burt and Tracy Ward, Shefaro Borzoi are moving into a new phase. The alliance with the Wards was created to allow Shefaro Borzoi to become, among other things, therapy and service dogs. As a show breeder, I never would have had access to this incredible arena. Shefaro Borzoi have been bred for years for stable and sterling temperaments. This new venue will allow them to showcase the temperaments for which I have worked so hard over the years. Shefaro Borzoi have proven themselves in the conformation, obedience, agility and coursing arenas and as great companions to non show homes. Now they have a chance to excel in fields for which Borzoi are not usually chosen. God Bless Burt, Tracy and all their Shefaro Borzoi. Thanks to Annette for having faith in Leona, my little Shefaro Borzoi girl who is all grown up. New owners have followed suit with their Shefaro Borzoi and Livestock Guard Dogs, e.g. Isaac, Sabrina and Yafah. I am proud of them all!
Leona (Lioness) is Shefaro's first service dog. After Annette's service Doberman passed on, she was looking for a new service dog. Leona chose Annette while Annette was visiting Gentle Giants. Leona has moved into Annette's home and heart and is beginning training to become a Certified Therapy Dog. She will wears a vest designating her status and will accompany Annette wherever she goes. I am proud to be Leona's breeder and delighted with the new role she will play in Annette's life.
Many thank to my wonderful owners who are also doing therapy work with their Shefaro Borzoi - featured below:
Isaac has done nursing home therapy work for years. Thanks to wonderful people like Kara and Annette, Shefaro Borzoi show that they are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside! Isaac as a young boy in a nursing home.
July 2004
From: Pam Reid
To: Sherry Faye Rodarmor
Subject: Re: Service Dogs
Thanks Sherry,
You are welcome to reprint what I sent you.
An interesting aside to the accomplishments is my bitch Brocade. One day icy day during a snow storm, I was putting the dogs in the run. I slipped and fell. Fortunately for me, Brocade was under my hand. She braced and took my falling weight on her shoulders. From that moment until the day she died, in every slippery weather condition Brocade would place herself next to me under my hand -- just in case.
Borzois are truly amazing dogs.
Pam
Sherry Faye Rodarmor <Shefaro@webtv.net> wrote:
Pam,
I believe I replied to your email from my computer, but, if not, please
forgive me. Thank you for taking the time to email. I am proud of
Shefaro Borzoi accomplishments and service is another way to showcase
how wonderful they truly are.
I would like to excerpt your email and put it on Leona's page, if you
don't mind. I shared it with Leona's "other mothers," Tracy and
Annette.
God Bless.
Sherry
Sherry Faye Rodarmor
Shefaro Borzoi and Boer Goats
San Antonio, Texas
Home State of President George W. Bush
Home of NBA World Ch. San Antonio Spurs
Home State of Lance Armstrong 5x Tour de France
http://www..shefaro.com
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2004 21:17:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Pamela Reid
Subject: Service Dogs
To: shefaro@webtv.net
Hello,
I thought you would like to know that I had two wonderful borzois in NJ for the last 10 years. As the Director of a center for people with a wide variety of disabilities I was privileged to bring my Sasha see many people with disabilities: Cerebral Palsy, blind, deaf, wheelchair users, and just about any mental or physical disability you can think of. Sasha was a tall borzoi, but he would crouch when approaching people who were afraid and gently put his head on their laps patiently waiting for them to respond. Spastic people and people with screeching voices did not affect him. He simply looked at them with understanding of their true beauty. The beauty, that we often do not see ourselves. People responded with the same understanding. It was truly a privilege to witness. Sometimes miracles happen when you least expect them. Sasha is gone now, but I am thrilled to find that you continue to provide dogs who can give this useful service.
I want to applaud your use of your dogs in this kind of work. The dog deserves the highest praise, the breeder of such a fine animal deserves my respect and the people who receive their affection my admiration..
Thank you for your efforts in this field.
Pam Reid
Raisa (Borzoi) and her friend Grace (Great Pyrenees).
Raisa is a future certified therapy dog.
Crystal is Raisa's new mom. A nurse, Crystal purchased Raisa for therapy in nursing homes and hospitals. Raisa went to her new home August 18, 2004.
This is what Crystal writes:
----- Original Message -----
From: Crystal
To: shefaro@ev1.net
Subject: RE: Raisa
Eating is no problem, she has free fed all day today. She has had a very good appetite and has had plenty of water. I am feeding the same food and treats as you have described. I have not left her side at all today. She follows me everywhere I go, it is so cute. I think my IG's are a little hyper for her taste. They go outdoors and chase each other, and they try to encourage her to play, but she hasn't taken off with them yet. She met our great dane next door through the fence. When she got close to him, she backed off fast. I think she thought he was another species. I have introduced her slowly to Sobe and Mia when I can watch all three. Last night I slept with her, and tonight Thomas is sleeping with her. She has taken well to both of my kids. Thomas has fallen for her and she for him. They just cuddle in the floor and look so cute. She is such a beauty. She went with me to pick up the children at the bus stop, and did fine in the car. I just love her temperment! I think she will be a perfect pet therapy dog. I will not force the issue with the collar, I will carry her to my car when we travel.
Thanks,
Crystal
and again -
----- Original Message -----
From: "Crystal"
To: "shefaro" <shefaro@ev1.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2004 1:38 PM
Subject: RE: Raisa
> Sherry,
> > I am starting to expose her to as many people and situations when she gets
> adjusted to us. I am going to start basic obedience with Raisa and an instructor. I have found several groups that certify dogs
> for therapy such as Delta Society. I feel that when they are young, that is
> the best time to expose them. My practice is affliated with a
> Medical Center. They have not had a pet therapy dog yet, so
> I will approach them first. If they don't bite at the idea, then I will go
> to a Medical Center that has quite a few therapy animals.
> To get our feet wet, we will probably start at nursing homes. I would like
> for my children to be involved, I think it is a great way for them to see
> that aging is a natural part of life, and that they are very fortunate to be
> in such good health. My husband has my digital camera with him in Florida,
> so when he returns with it, we can start shooting a lot of pictures and I
> will send pictures for you and your wonderful website. Raisa is sleeping at
> my feet, as usual. She has been such a good girl today, all love and no
> accidents. She is almost like a ragdoll with my kids, she lets them hold
> her (not for long), and my daughter has dressed her up a few times. Raisa
> could care less! That is a great sign for a therapy dog.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Crystal
************************************
----- Original Message -----
From: Larry and Susan
To: shefaro
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2005 9:31 PM
Subject: Fw: Sabrina and Santa
Sabrina visited Santa today-told him everything she wanted for Christmas. She was her beautiful self, and everyone made a fuss over her, she is extraordinary.
She will be at Borders Sunday evening as an abassador for our Therapy group.
Will write more later.
Susan
Kisses from Sabrina
Sabrina is a service/therapy puppy in training.
In addition to Shefaro Borzoi, Shefaro livestock guard dogs like Yafah are working in nursing homes. Please visit Yafah's page. by clicking he picture
----- Original Message -----
From: Kara
To: Sherry Rodarmor
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 7:54 PM
Subject: Isaac Questions
Hello Sherry,
Hope you are doing well and staying cool - I guess you have already started getting hot - we are still at a beautiful 43 with lots of sunshine. Isaac and I have gotten involved with the "Delta Society Pet Partners Program" so that we can do Pet Therapy again. - I tried and found out we had to be "legal" here in the big city, so we went to class and got our diploma, and once again we are involved in sharing with the disabled. Anyway, I want to give out ISAAC Trading Cards to the kids that we visit and wanted to know if you would mind if I put your (Isaac's) web site on the card as part of his "stats". I'll send you some when we get them printed up.
We will be going to Colorado to see Mom and Dad next month and then back to Anchorage for a fast and furious summer. We'll keep you up to date as our summer develops.
Kara and Isaac
Isaac is a Delta Society graduate.
----- Original Message -----
From: Larry and Susan
To: shefaro
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 9:33 PM
Subject: Fw: Pretty girl Sabrina
Just got home a little bit ago from a visit to Montclair Nursing Home, and thought I'd share some pictures w/you. Sabrina has been going now for months, and the residents love her. She's so gentle w/all, really inwardly knows to be careful w/these special people.
Also incuded some pictures of her on each side, so you can see how she's grown.
Hope this finds you well and the dogs all enjoying themselves-
Thanks again for Sabrina.
Hugs and kisses from her-
Susan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kara Cornum"
To: "shefaro" <shefaro@ev1.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006 11:55 PM
Subject: Therapy Vest
> We received our official vest yesterday and Isaac had to work today
> for an out-reach book drive. The theme was "Paws, Claws, and Tails".
> More to Come
Dog Partners of Alaska
----- Original Message -----
From: "Trudeau, Patricia" <>
To: "shefaro" <shefaro@ev1.net>
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 8:49 PM
Subject: This is Yafah!
Hi sherry! This is Yafah. My people parents are Bart and Pat.
Just an up date to show you where I 'work' and make people happy. I
love making these human folks happy. My mom and dad and bros take good
care of me. People say that I am pretty and smart too. Imagine that!
Say hello to Goldie my first mom and Kujo too.
Kisses to you sherry.
Love Yafah
----- Original Message -----
From: "Trudeau, Patricia" <patricia>
To: "shefaro" <shefaro@ev1.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2006 2:24 PM
Subject: 2 pictures for you
Hi Sherry! Our Yafah graduated with Flying colors! She will
continue on to intermediate school and finally Advanced school where she
will be Certified officially as a Therapy dog. I feel so proud! I will
be sending you some more pictures but can only send two at a time.
Love Pat
----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kara Cornum"
> To: "shefaro" <shefaro@ev1.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 4:54 PM
> Subject: New Charge
>
> > Hello Sherry,
> > I thought you would like to see Isaac's new project. Lizzie Pearl
> > lost her Mom when she was 3-4 weeks old and came to live with us.
> > Isaac has done everything in his power to help her through the hard
> > times, and now Lizzie is head-over-heals in love with Isaac. She is
> > about 8 weeks old and has finally decided that life is worth living.
> > Isaac and Lizzie
Legalas, the Borzoi, could dispatch the parrot in a flash, but doesn't. I am proud of Legs and his perfect Shefaro temperament.
Sergei's graduation
Complete with cap and gown.
Tasha's graduation - now that she's completed puppy education, she's going on to intermediate. Congratulations to Tasha and her mom, Bethany.
Lovely Lorelei and her two boys share the grassy pen with Vanessa and her pups. My girls have such lovely temperaments, they share everything and baby sit one another's pups. Temperament is everything!
Here Vanessa smooches Lorelei's pup and is surrounded by her own.
Vanessa's girl, Sasha, and Lorelei.
Isabella's orphan baby, "Sunny." A rancher woman came by late evening on February 23, 2006, with her pregnant, prolapsed Anatolian x Pyrenees female, Joleen. We were able to pull this baby, but Joleen died the next day at the rancher woman's vet's office. Isabella, with her splendid temperament, has taken on "Sunny" as one of her own. I am so proud of Isabella and her new "son." That's Shefaro temperament at it's best! Birth mom was Joleen, birth dad is Kujo, a Pinto Anatolian male pictured on my webpage.
Tajga has weaned her Borzoi puppies and Lorelei has taken over as nanny September 2006
Yafah at Halloween 2006 making everyone happy.
Isaac and Kara at Providence Alaska Medical Center. He is a PAWS dog
----- Original Message -----
From: Peg
To: shefaro
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2007 2:02 PM
Subject: Tilly & Sweetie's latest charge
Hi Sherry,
Hope you haven't drown with all of the moisture. Just got my pc back up and running.
A kitten followed the girls in from the field and I bottle fed it and Tilly "mom'd" it.
Peg
Zoe is a Delta Society certified service and therapy dog. Congratulations Nicole and Zoe.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom"
To: "shefaro" <shefaro@peoplepc.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2007 9:27 AM
Subject: Compliment
> Sherry,
> We had people over for dinner last night. One couple
> had owned a rescue greyhound and lived next door to a
> Borzoi. They were totally blown away by Apolo's
> temperment. They couldn't believe that a 7-month
> puppy could be so calm, gentle, and sociable. While
> we were at the table eating, Lola and Apolo went to
> sleep on the couch. Later, both Apolo and Lola took
> turns laying on the couch snuggling up. This was way
> out of their sighthound experience.
>
> Apolo got groomed last Thursday. He fluffed out to
> Xtra Huge. <G>
> Tom
>
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom"
To: "shefaro" <shefaro@peoplepc.com>
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 8:51 AM
Subject: Merry Christmas
> Sherry,
>
> Thank you so much for Apolo. Besides being absolutely
> gorgeous, he has decided to be Dad's dog. I've really
> missed that since Pasha died.
>
> We had our daughter and family over. He was the
> perfect gentleman and incredibly gentle with the
> toddler. Lola spent her time trying to steal food and
> cuddling up on the couch. Sam has shed her outer coat
> and looks like a rat dog.
>
> We had a blizzard last night so it is definitely going
> to be a White Christmas. The dogs love running and
> chasing through the snow.
>
> Tom
>
----- Original Message -----
From: Kathy
To: shefaro@peoplepc.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 12:14 PM
Subject: Picture of Vanya
Hi Sherry,
I hope you are feeling much better. Vanya is settling in very well and is very pleasant and a lot of fun. Our 10-month old cat, Frosty, likes playing with her. I took the attached picture today, and you can use it on your web page if you want to show how well your breed interacts with other pets. These two play...if the cat isn't running after Vanya, it's the other way around; then they play with the same toy--Vanya likes to steal it from Frosty.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Yafah and her kitty.
Shefaro Livestock Guard Dogs know when to guard and when to play. Anatolian boy with Bella.
The wonderful homebred Saluki Shefaro's Edytah Daigle, aka Edy, has been accepted for Search and Rescue training. That's Shefaro temperament! Many thanks to Joey and Peggy Daigle for finding another venue to show that Shefaro sighthounds have the best temperament. We hope she will be great on the lure coursing field and in the show ring as well.
From: SARQuest
Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 11:02 AM
To: Joseph Daigle
Subject: Edy
Joseph,
Thank you for coming out to the SARQuest dog evaluations. We all enjoyed meeting you and Edy. We are pleased to let you know that we believe Edy exhibits the correct drive and behavior that could potentially lead him/her to be a successful search-and-rescue dog.
We want to invite you to train with us. We will be having practices every weekend starting, 9/11/10. We ask that you come to the first few practices without your dog so that you can see how we conduct our practices and exactly what type of training is involved.
Kind regards,
Lynley
In addition to all of her other attributes, Edy makes a great bed warmer, too.
Edy's pictured lure coursing practice at Shefaro with her mother, Lauren.
Shefaro Greyhound "Scooby" is not just a boy's best friend, but he shares his bed with his cat friend, too.
Anya loves for me to hold her. Tonight the family was watching a movie and she decided that she needed to be held too, despite little room (10 people in the living room along with the dachshunds)...we were all celebrating Haileys 3rd birthday and had a puppy themed party.
Again I can not tell you enough how much I love this silly girl, such wonderful breeding with excellent temperment, making such a great companion for all of us. Can't wait to get another Borzoi in the future. I hope you are proud of all you have accomplished because you need to be!!
Kisses from Anya
From: mallmc
To: shefaro@peoplepc.com
Subject: Fwd: Saluki as theraphy dogs
Date: Feb 26, 2012 6:53 PM
On Sun 02/26/12 7:42 PM , mallmc@metrocast.net wrote:
Dear Sherry,
I've just spent the last 45 minutes mesmerized by the exquiste photos and wonderful information on you web sites. I've been doing rescue for many years and often hear people make sweeping statements about what particular dog breeds "can't "do. In my experience the individual can always rise to his or her full potential depending on the humans expectations and encouragement. I was delighted to see your dogs as therapy dogs, an area I have great interest in. I am in awe of the beauty of your Salukis and have just started the journey of locating a new family member. When I read you story about the Saint Bernards, I laughed but agreed and was impressed with the importance you put on TEMPERMENT. I see that your Salukis have found homes far and wide and wondered if you may be willing to share some information with me and possibly have a potential new family member in the near future.I look forward to corresponding with you and thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Monica
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Service Dog in Training, Anya, is starting service training on April 1, 2012, with her mom, Kelly
Here are a few pictures of Anya doing some service work during our recent flight to Arizona. She did wonderful during this trip and encountered many firsts. She got to fly on 3 different planes, be in 3 different airports, use elevators, escalators, people movers, ride a shuttle twice, and so much more. She has turned out to be a perfect service dog and her attitude changes as soon as her service vest is on..she gets very serious and loves to work. I got a ton of compliments on how beautiful she was and how well behaved she was on the plane for it being her first time. She walked through the airport like she owned the place and had done it a million times.
Waiting for the flight. April 2012 Anya and her mom, Kelly
Boarding the plane
Dancy the Greyhound - temperament matters!
Dancy and her mom, Laura
Borzoi, Shefaro's Anya, is a certified service and therapy dog thanks to the work her mom, Kelly, has done with her and Shefaro temperament. Click the picture below which links to a youtube video of Kelly and Anya.
Kelly rescued some Chihuahua puppies and gave them over to Anya for motherly care.
Anya is Kelly's therapy dog and goes where Kelly goes - even bowling!
Go Winnie! Congratulations Winnie and Kendra for graduating puppy training class. I am proud of you both!
Anya is Kelly's Cetified Service Dog, but she also loves her little girl, Gabby
She is now a Canine Good Citizen as well.
and pictured in her service vest.
Yafah is an exceptional working livestock guard dog breed doing certified therapy work.
July 10, 2014 Shefaro Service Dog Borzoi Anya is traveling with her mom, Kelly. Here she is at the Houston airport.
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