Hello! My name is Kai. I am an Australian Shepherd. I live on Perseverance Street with my human parents, Janice and Kevin Conboy. I was born in North Carolina and moved to I’on as a tiny pup in 2020, along with many other Covid pups. As you might be able to tell from my breed, I am a herding dog. Aussie shepherds are bred to herd flocks of sheep or cattle 20-30 miles per day! My human parents are experienced dog owners and thought they knew all about training dogs. Well, were they in for a surprise when they brought me home! 

You see, their previous pups were hunting dogs, not herders. Training and working with me was a totally different experience. I had to teach them a few things. The first few years were a bit challenging. At first my human parents thought that my name, which was given to me by my big sister Morgan, was a little strange for a dog but they went with it. Soon they discovered it was perfect because it could be modified to suit my many moods and talents: Krazy Kai, Klever Kai, Kind Kai, Kalm Kai, Kapable Kai, Kompliant Kai, King Kai….you get the idea. 

They learned very quickly that long walks and playing fetch were not enough to keep me entertained or  wear me out. In fact, it seemed that the more they exercised me the more stamina I built up and the more energy I had. After scouring the internet to figure out what to do with me, they realized that as a working dog,  I needed lots of jobs. So, they taught me the names of all of my toys. We play hide and seek with them.  My dad tells me which one he wants me find and I put it in my toy box. My favorite toy is Baby Kai. He’s my mini-me twin. I like to cuddle with him.

My dad has taught me lots of tricks and commands which I love to perform for some kibble and praise.  My dad talks to me a lot and explains what I need to do. We communicate pretty well. If I don’t understand his directions I just cock my head to the side and he knows I need a little more guidance.

I’m very attached to my dad, some say a better name for me might have been Shadow. But I jump for joy when my sister Morgan is in the house. She’s the one who discovered my breed and convinced my parents to adopt me. She’s lots of fun to play with. 

I love my morning walks on the Creek Path or around the Lakes.  It’s a great time to see and play with so many of my friends. I also love to take a ride around the neighborhood in our golf cart around 4:00 ending in our Yappie Social hour at the Amphitheater. I’m not sure who enjoys it more us dogs or our parents. Miss Katie cleverly calls them the Pawty People, hhmmmm???

Despite all of these wonderful activities,  my favorite thing to do is catch frisbees. I love to jump high and catch them mid air. We play with them a lot at the beach. All of the people clap and rate my jumps. It’s lots of fun. 

I love living in Mount Pleasant and in I’on. There is so much to do and there are so many nice people and pups here. I have lots of friends such as Parson, Ruby, Hank, and Sheba to name a few.  But my heart belongs to Olivia. She’s a very pretty Blue Merle Aussie-Doodle with crystal blue eyes.  Sometimes she plays hard to get, but deep down I think she loves me too.

As a herding dog, I’m very alert and aware, some might say at times hyper-vigilant. That’s because it’s my job to care for the flock. My flock here in I’on is my family and my friends. So, if I bark a bit when you see me on the street, it’s just me letting you know that I’ve got everyone’s back. 

I’m really very gentle and friendly. Please don’t hesitate to give me a pet! I love kids and people of all ages. So, if you need a babysitter, you know who to call. Between me and my dad Kevin, who is often referred as the Dog Whisperer, or, as my mom calls him, the Pied Piper, we’ve got you covered. Looking forward to seeing you around the hood!