Sabaka's story
 Sabaka sure had a lot to cope with when she first came to live with us. A new
home to familiarise herself with and the tragic death of her litter sister
(Charlie’s Story). But she has coped, wonderfully so, a testament to her
strength of character.
When she arrived we knew very little of what she had experienced in life so far.
Her coat was stained a sickly yellow from where she had been left to sit in her
own urine. The staining ran from the tip of her tail all the way up to her chin.
Elbows, neck, shoulders, belly, all covered. (We are pleased to say, apart from
a small section on her tail, Sabaka is now snow white!) It was heartbreaking to
imagine what had shaped her into the little girl who now sat facing the corner.
To be honest we were happier to remain ignorant! However Sabaka did not need our
sympathy, she needed our support and guidance. Six months on we can confirm
Sabaka has certainly not been damaged by what she has been through, but she has
none the less been affected. To disclose any of her behavioural issues would do
our girl no justice. With guidance these will become extinct. The best part for
us now is watching her thrive, gain in confidence and take on the energy
associated with the ‘disadvantages’ of owning our breed!
If we were to open the five-generation pedigree certificates belonging to our
other sibes the words Alascotia, Anadyr, Forstals, Sontell and Zoox would shine
out. These serve as a reminder of a well-guided bloodline. Sabaka came to us
with no documentation. She will never be allowed to enter a show ring, all you
show folks can rest easy now! Thanks to the SSHC she does however have a welfare
number which will allow her to compete in harness. Living with the aching shins
that prove her a willing worker, it is certainly a trail we may explore together
in the future.
Some of Sabaka's behaviour can leave a lasting impression. We refer to her as
‘Sabaka the Attacka’ with good reason. Our family remains ever vigilant; no one
in the house is safe. She prepares her invasions with military precision and
executes her attacks just as effectively. If she were allowed her own musical
accompaniment she would pick the theme from ‘Jaws’ just to add that little bit
of extra tension. Without warning she will pounce, ears back, head low. As her
now conquered pack members we have learned to remain submissive, admit defeat,
and wait until the most devoted display of affection one little dog can muster
is over. The Sabak Attack! After tail thumping, joyous wooing, pawing, licking
and heart felt cuddling, bonding complete, she retreats to quietly plan her next
offensive. It can take several minutes to recover from a ’Sabak Attack’. There
are serious side effects - warm feeling in your heart, pride, not to mention the
smiling! On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Sabaka for reacting this way every time Robert snores. I don’t have to elbow him
in the back anymore. I simply smile into the darkness. I know what’s coming
next. Ears back, head low, tail thumping.. ....POUNCE! Robert responds the same
way each time.
“Right, ya mad wee wumen”
“ Daddy sees the little sweetheart , daddy sees her”
“Come on now, cuddle in, cuddle in"
"That’s ma girl, that‘s ma girl”
Once she is 'cuddled in' they rest together like spoons, but only until the next
time Robert snores! Unfortunately for me this behaviour may too become extinct.
Last night as they lay exchanging heartbeats they were both snoring, loudly and
in unison. Daddy's girl!
Sabaka may not have papers but she does have her own song. If you are familiar
with the Walt Disney film ‘Mary Poppins’ you will be aware of the tongue twister
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. We sing together as a pack using our own
lyrics. Sabaka joins in with the wags and woos. If you have found the melody in
your head, join in too.
Ahh One, two, three, four.
Supercuddlyfragilehuskiethat’sourweeSabaka
If she were to get off lead, sheep she would attacka
If you sing this loud enough she’ll give you a big smacka
Supercuddlyfragilehuskiethat’sourweeSabaka
Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay ......
Bet you did!
Finally, and on a more serious note, please do not be fooled into thinking no
documentation means Sabaka does not hold a formal title. In this house she is
K.C. registered. Only the K.C. stands for Kissy Cuddly. Her subjects know her
as:
Champion of our hearts
Pharaohs Little Sweetheart ‘Sabaka the Attacka’
It goes without saying, we adore her. She has given us more than we could ever
give back. It will be an honour and a privilege to spend many more years with
her and you never know, one day we may even find out who bred Sabaka. Until then
we live in hope that any information available may appear somewhere on a
deteriorating piece of papyrus!
Author Seonaid Stewart
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