Some of you might remember me from a few years ago. I got banned until my parents sent permission for me to be on the board and I just never quite got around to it. I figured it was time to take a break from Leerburg anyway and focus on school a little more. Well now I'm 18 and graduated last year from high school. I leave for Marine Corps bootcamp on January 28th. I wanted to become a dog handler but I'm 2 inches under the required height for military police so I signed the papers for Legal Services with the hope to eventually be able to make a lateral move into MP. At this point I just want to be a Marine. The MOS is a secondary thing. I currently work at the boarding place in a PetSmart supervising Doggie DayCamp and also do general kennel duties. If anybody has a question about how things are ran "behind the scenes" there just PM me.

Our dogs

Elvis was with me when I was on the board before. He's a 5 year old neutered Boxer and just about the perfectly behaved dog except for begging food from dad's plate.

Xena(2.5 year old spayed female) is the dog that finally convinced my parents to look into all this pack order stuff. Einstein was scared of her and would react by growling to tell her to back off. Her response to his growl was to attack him. When his leg got ripped open and required 15 or so staples my parents found a trainer in the area who specializes in dominant and aggressive dogs. His philosophy is VERY close to Ed's but not quite as refined. He uses small linked choke chains the same way Ed uses dominant dog collars and has us go through a groundwork period where privileges were very limited. Xena has matured out of her terrible two's stage and is actually a great dog now. She is comfortable letting my mom be Alpha and the only trouble she really gets into is barking a lot. Einstein was rehomed to live with my brother and his young female Husky(who he adores) because even the trainer agreed that these two could NEVER be trusted around each other for the rest of their lives.

Alistair(almost 2yrs old neutered male) is just getting out of his own "terrible two's" stage but otherwise is a great dog. You just have to be consistent about who's boss.

 Quote: Cathy Goessman

I leave for Marine Corps bootcamp on January 28th.

Welcome Cathy and I commend you on becoming a U.S. Marine. God Bless you and Thank You for your willingness and dedication to serve our Country.

Welcome back and I wish you well in the Corps. I spent four years there myself and loved it. Hope you don't mind sand fleas!

 Quote: trevor morris

Hope you don't mind sand fleas!

The cold makes them dormant. Lucky for me!

Cathy, welcome back. Your parents must be proud of you! I'm proud of you and I don't even know you! Thank you for serving your country.

Welcome back Cathy, and hope you can visit sometimes! I also wish you well in the Corps.

Thanks for the replies guys! What part of AZ are you in Sandy? I'm in Scottsdale.

Hi Cathy - I'm in Phoenix on the west side. The other side of the valley from you, near 83rd Ave close to the 101

Welcome back! You can just wear heels to meet the height limit.

I've been so busy I just haven't had the time to post on the board so I've been lurking. My dad made a video out of Ali http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lbkti1ZDPg

Due to my recruiter not feeling that I was physically ready and me wanting to try and get MP in my contract I now won't be leaving until April. I keep on seeing other people who got the height waiver so I'm going to push for it. The only bad part is now I'll be going in the hot weather and SAND FLEAS. It'll be worth it to have the chance of being a dog handler.

I doubt they will let me wear heels.