My name is Marty Kirchner. I live in Lake Havasu City, Arizona with my wife Ann and our 2 Akitas. Sake is a red male and Jilly a white female. Sake is an aloof and friendly boy. He is never going to be a protector and hates riding in the car but is the sweetest dog you could hope to meet. Jilly is a street-wise girl who we rescued from the pound. She is a bit insecure, protective of her food and her Mom but also very sweet.

Training Sake was a breeze as he is motivated by food. Say the “C word” and Sake went into his Cookie Dance. He learned all the basic commands and responded well. We never could get him to use the doggie door (Akita stubborn) but it didn’t matter. Sake has a love-hate relationship with Jilly. Most of the love coming from Sake and the hate…..Well let’s just say Jilly tolerates the big goofy boy. Sake’s health began to deteriorate in November of 2005 and in April, just short of his 14th birthday, Sake did his Cookie Dance one last time and we knew it was time to end Sake’s pain. Surprisingly enough, it was Jilly who seemed to be having the hardest time adjusting to life without Sake. We had decided to be a one-Akita family after Sake passed, a decision written in sand and we were soon surfing Akita rescue sights for a companion for Jilly.

We found Bear, a 15 month old red Akita on the TARA sight. His colorful bio, written so eloquently by Sandy told us he was a fellow we wanted to meet. We made an inquiry to TARA and Diane sent us an application. Diane was a bit apprehensive to send Bear out of state and wanted to be sure our desire to adopt was sincere. Initially we were a bit put out by the extensive questions, but after meeting Diane, Sandy & Jarret and seeing their commitment to Akita rescue we completely understood. 

Choosing rescue as a venue for pet adoption requires patience and understanding. People who take on the job of animal rescue are dedicated and noble folks who always have the best interests of the animal at heart. They are unsung heroes who put the animal first and foremost.

We spoke to Sandy, Bear’s foster mom on the phone for over 2 hours. By the end of the conversation we were in love with Bear & Sandy and wanted to adopt them both. The next step was a home visit by a woman pinch hitting from a local Great Dane rescue that went well. The last and most important hurdle was introducing Jilly to Bear.

Ann, Jilly & I traveled to San Francisco to spend a few days with Bear. It was apparent after 2 days that Jilly was going to tolerate Bear and he was going to respond well to her corrections. Thrilled with the outcome, a date was set to complete the adoption.

Two weeks later I returned to San Francisco. Diane and Sandy brought Bear to my hotel, along with a trunk full of toys, food, supplements and Bear’s bed. We spent the evening together, signed the adoption contract and Sandy provided me with Bear’s microchip and medical records. Diane & Sandy were a wealth of information about Akitas and recommended a book to purchase. Bear & I walked Diane & Sandy to their car at the end of the evening and as we returned to the hotel, Bear never looked back. It was an assurance to us all that we made the right choice.               
                                                                                                                                    
It has been a month since Bear joined our family. There is a love-hate relationship between Bear & Jilly that mirrors that of Sake & Jilly. Life for bear is all about play but he knows when to mind his manners. We spend early mornings at the dog park where he loves to run and soak in the pool. His best friend is Rufus, a 2 year old Basset hound. Bear accompanies me to the office most days where he also has many friends. He entertains them with his vocalizations and by chasing his tail for attention. Ann, Jilly, Bear and I walk in the evenings enjoying the Arizona sunsets. Bear searches for an opportunity to chase a rabbit or some form of desert wildlife. I doubt that Bear will ever be a great protector. He is a sweet, gentle giant who loves to travel in the car. He is not motivated by food but loves praise and attention. He knows his commands and is the second sweetest dog you could ever hope to meet. We love Bear and thank Diane, Sandy & Jarret for giving us this opportunity.

With utmost respect.

Ann, Marty & Jilly Kirchner