Calamity Jane and Saxon are two very special members of the local Saba family. Calamity Jane was chosen specifically for her breed, as a combination of American Bulldog and Catahoula Leopard Hound.  At the time, they were looking for a breed well-suited for Search and Rescue, which they were involved in.  Calamity Jane was chosen from a litter all named after Outlaws, and the name stuck.  They loved her coloring with leopard spots and a marble eye.  

 

Saxon, a Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff) was chosen when mother, Erin, locked eyes with his uncle, lounging in the office of a business I was visiting.   She had never seen such a dog, and was immediately intrigued, (Those eyes!) and found out there was a litter of pure-bred pups available.  This breed is NOT for a beginning dog owner, due to their large size and natural protective instincts. However, they make wonderful and loyal family dogs and serve well as guard dogs.

 

Calamity Jane is very friendly, but her best buddy is their other dog, Saxon. He outweighs her, at 110 pounds, but he is completely submissive to Calamity Jane, who regularly gives him a look and he immediately gives up his spot.  

 

They love how Calamity Jane also has a wiggle when she walks, her soft and silky coat, her silly rolls in the grass, and her opinions about where she wants to go.  Also, her feisty personality, intelligence, and announcements, on no uncertain terms, that it's dinnertime.  She knows how to get what she wants!

 

For Saxon, his loving nature and obedience shine.

 

Calamity Jane’s special talent is her scent work.  She has a super nose and was great at Search and Rescue.  Once, she assisted in locating a lost autistic teenager along with the Sheriff's deputies.  

 

Saxon's obedience made him an excellent working dog for Area Search, which is performed off-lead.  However, his sheer size kept him off the helicopter training which we did annually with the Search and Rescue team.

 

One of the family’s favorite stories is when Saxon was young, he was attempting to get away from Calamity Jane for some reason.  He did a vertical leap right over the furniture and amazed them with his agility for such a large dog!  His agility exceeds that of our other dog, though he is almost twice her size.

 

The Saba family loves STROLL for the opportunities it affords to get to know your neighbors. Make sure you say hi next time you see them walking!