Written by Bobbie Bhambree in 2002 for a book called, Second Chances, before she knew she wanted to be a dog trainer.

Jorge and I adopted Claire on September 5th, 1999. Even though we both adopted her, it was understood that she is my little girl. Claire is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross.

Let's step back a bit and explain how Claire came into my life. When I was twenty-two years old, a young man, also twenty-two, re-entered my life...this time he had a dog. Jorge had this innate connection with CJ, their bond was so special. It was stellar. Jorge rescued CJ from a shelter in Florida, helping him move past the fear and aggression that resulted from his previous, abusive owner. CJ taught Jorge about the unconditional love. Their relationship inspired me.

I grew up believing the breed was dangerous. My mother would point out every article describing yet another pit bull attack in New York City during the 1990s. I was really nervous the first time I met CJ, all of my prejudices taking hold. Pitbulls had developed such negative reputation over the past couple of decades, but I learned later in life, for the most part, a dog only knows what it is taught and bred to do.

CJ is an American Staffordshire Terrier crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback. He had so much personality in his eyes alone. I grew to know each facial expression. He completely changed my opinion of the breed. Through Jorge and CJ, I met other pitbulls and their owners, most of them not fitting the picture I had in my mind of the "dangerous" breed with lockjaw. It was because of CJ I knew I wanted to rescue a dog and I wanted it to be a pitbull.

It was hard finding the right match. Jorge and I were not the only ones involved in the decision-making process. CJ had to also approve. A couple months into our search, a little shelter on the Upper West Side of New York City contacted us. They had recently brought in two female Pitbulls. We had visited the shelter before, but the dogs we met did not work out for one reason or another. We made an appointment to meet one-year old Henna, and seven-month old Claire.

Henna was a white American Staffordshire Terrier. I remember her being a little sensitive both physically and mentally because she had just been spayed. There was something that drew me to her, but I was not sure if she was "the one." While I got to know Henna, this other dog kept yelping and howling. She wanted out of her crate so bad! She just had to be a part of all the action! A shelter worker let her out and off she went like the Tasmanian Devil from the Bugs Bunny cartoons. They told us her name was Claire.

My first impression of Claire was that she was a pistol! Her tongue managed to fully bathe us while she simultaneously ricocheted off of the walls. Claire seemed to be busting out at the seams with affection and energy, vocalizing her excitement the entire time with a multitude of chirps. It sounded like I was in a bird sanctuary, not a shelter!

Jorge knew she was the one. I, on the other hand, was still not sure. I did not feel that connection I imagined would be there when I met my canine mate. While I watched Jorge play with Claire, I admired her brindle coloring. She looked like a little tiger with reversed stripes. Later, a friend told me she looked like she had highlights.

Then it happened. Claire came over and started licking me again. I noticed a white mark on her forehead, a little off-center. Thinking it was dust or even dried paint, I tried to wipe it off. Then I realized that it was a part of her markings. That little white mark reminded me of my mother wearing bindis during my childhood--my family is from India, and bindis are a regular statement of tradition, amongst other things. A thought suddenly went through my head: "Claire was my little ethnic dog!" And then I felt it--she was the one!

Unlike many rescued dogs, we knew Claire's story. Claire originally belonged to a family in Harlem. A woman in that neighborhood regularly saw Claire with the family's two children. One day, the neighbor noticed these children looking sad and Claire was missing. The neighbor approached the children and questioned them regarding Claire's whereabouts. The neighbor was familiar with stories of animal abandonment in Harlem. She knew many people in this area did not have the knowledge or resources for having a pet. She had a feeling this was the case regarding Claire's situation.

The children told her that their father forced them to give Claire up. They tied her up in an area of the neighborhood that was notoriously known for pitbull fighting. After learning all of this, the neighbor found Claire and took her into her home on a temporary basis. Claire was physically fine, but obviously distressed for being alone for those few hours. Claire was only 5 months old at the time. Jorge and I are forever grateful to this woman for playing a significant part in bringing Claire into our lives.

Claire has taught me some tough lessons in patience and unconditional love. Everyday she impresses me with the training she retains and displays. The communication between dog and human always puts me in awe. Claire's quirky character and mischievous ways always get her into troublesome fun. Whether or not she makes me crazy from her antics, I absolutely love every moment of it. She is so curious and so genuine.

Claire has completed our little canine family. She has found her niche and filled our days with love and laughter. Whether I am gone for five minutes or five hours, I receive the same energetic, super-loving greeting. It's stellar.

Addendum:  March 23, 2010

Little did we know that Claire and CJ were so much more than just a couple of rescued pitbulls. Who knows how or why a person feels a connection with a dog he or she might be choosing from a shelter or a litter at a breeder. Perhaps it's the way the dog looks, the breed, the way the dog behaves, perhaps the dog reminds the person of a previous dog that had passed away. Whatever it is, there is an obvious connection. And that feeling in our gut is what we acted on when we decided Claire was the perfect addition to our new family.

Claire and CJ have taken us on a journey, leading us to our true paths in life, both personally and professionally. Claire, along with CJ, are the original faces of Divine K-9. They are the reason we are here and do what we do.

We are forever grateful for all Claire has taught us about canine behavior, the science of learning, and the importance of gentle and humane training. She started out having dog-to-dog aggression, when on leash, to turning into the nanny of the bunch, often helping us with cases of dogs that had similar issues to those Claire once had.

As the days go by, more and more people are sharing their personal stories of Claire. I didn't realize she had touched so many people. It's easy to get caught up in life and not notice what is happening right in front of you. A friend's ex-girlfriend from two years ago actually called last night to pass on her condolences. She said she was terrified of dogs before meeting Claire. She did the same for another friend years ago, who rescued two pitties after getting married. Claire was my mother's favorite, helping her get over her prejudice of pitties.

We know Claire led a great life and has done everything from camping several times a year with Jorge, going to the beach, flying to Colorado, hanging out at BBQs and parties, strolling around the city, romping through Central Park, hiking and swimming in the country, sunbathing on the deck while I garden, helping us with behavioral appointments, and even whale watching. I see from all the pictures over the past decade how happy and content she was while with us, yet it still hurts. We know time will dim the pain.

Many dogs come into your life and add to it, making it better than it was. Claire not only added to it, she changed the course of my life.

Here are a few quotes friends have shared with us to help us in our time of mourning:

"When we look at our dogs, we can see their souls, and their love.   They are people. Our family." - a personal friend

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be Dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." - Author Unknown

"There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked it's rocky path, our willingness to give of our hearts with full knowledge that they will one day be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive. Our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is but an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given". - Suzanne Clothier
 

January 5, 1999 - March 18, 2010
We love and miss you, Claire Bear.