Earthaven's Xena (of Ot Vitosha)

Ms. Xena is 'a character with character'.  She is my second ABI Service Dog (daughter of the famous J'ice Ot Vitosha!).  She is incredibly intelligent--even for a Malinois!   A kind, tender-hearted soul who is happy to share.  She brings me her only personal possession--her prized beef rib bones (very used).  But, don't be fooled!  She has another side.  Ready, willing, and more than able to protect her home, her pack, and her person.

Inside or outside, Ms. Xena knows the names of many items and brings them to me on request.   Her 'Mali Radar' tells her when an object hits the ground--which she finds and proudly deposits in my lap.  I always praise her for her initiative--even if some of her 'found gifts' are not all that . . . desirable, like a dirty sock, a paper clip, a broken clothespin, a large, dead, slobber-covered beetle . . . it's the thought that counts!  Right?

Ms. Xena LOVES to play ball!  She is fast, agile, and an acrobat!  As soon as the Service Vest goes on, Ms. Xena is All Business!  Crashing grocery carts, running, screaming children, strange smells, a slippery floor . . . nothing phases Ms. Xena!  She sticks close to my side, but should I drop something, she will stop to pick it up.  Should I forget my shopping list on a shelf, she will remind me to go back for it.  Not much gets past Ms. Xena!  Which is why she is the perfect partner for a person with Acquired Brain Injury.  

Her puppies are likely to inherit her physical prowess, work ethic, calm temperament, solid nerves, friendly demeanor, superior intelligence, a sincere desire to learn, . . . and to help!