Mila von Grunheide CD RN Born: November 6, 2008 Born into an M litter (historically the German's way for keeping track of litters), Mila is from west-German bloodlines, great-granddaughter to the famous Tom van't Leefdaalholf. Originally brought into our house as a two-week favour to Suzanne Eviston for some early, city-life socialization, Mila found a permanent spot on the dog bed. Mila has been immersed in competitive obedience training from the ready-steady-go. Feminine, stylish and like the lash of a whip, this little girl is a much treasured dog in our household, Saint's perfect counterpoint. Mila's gift to me is an eager and highly motivated little soul who has inspired me to study the methods of one of dog training's true greats, British obedience trainer Sylvia Bishop, known for using little more than a flat collar, a leash and a toy.

Together in this pursuit, we've already met and trained with some amazingly talented people, including Sylvia herself. Both of my dogs have lead me to so many wonderful trainers I admire and respect - I am honoured and blessed to call them friends and to celebrate their accomplishments (which are many!). Our dogs find us for a reason and Mila is tugging me down a new path where the journey is the true measure of it's end.

Our latest ventures include agility and tracking, sports so opposite in what they require from the handler, and drives in the dog. When on an agility course, the title to Greg Derrett's video "Great Dog! Shame About The Handler" often runs through my mind as I fumble after my little pointy-eared dog. Tracking allows us to slow down, and is our escape into a bit of concentrated quietude in nature. Mila's life story is just unfolding, but already she is an expert at catching wasps, balancing toys on her nose, warming my feet, eating apples from our tree and chewing on bits and pieces of anything possibly tasty in our house.  We've nicknamed her Goat - and it has stuck.