Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep

Excellent

I love that Julia is getting a guard dog? like a personal bodyguard. I'm unfamiliar with dogs, so very much looking forward to the purchase.. Giddy

 Comment Written 17-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Feb-2014

Hi Giddy, I think you'll like this breed of dog. They're truly the most loyal and devoted friend you'll ever have.

Rex is perfect for Julia, you'll see!

Thanks again
Gayle

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Thanks for another great chapter that leads me to believe that you are knowledgeable about guard dog training techniques. Learn while we read. Great job.

 Comment Written 16-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

LOL, and I might just slip in a few good food recipes while I'm at it! You know what they say, write what you know.

Truly grateful for your continued reading and support,

Hugs,
Gayle

Comment from TervLass

Excellent

Lovin' it, Gayle. You had such fun with the dog intro! Me, too, as reader. Everything flows, even Brad's glitch of Amy-recognition (intended by your strategy I'm sure)and Ella's easy acceptance of it not being Brad's first visit was without hiccup.

Love, also, the description of Dob personality and traits, as in not to be overlooked (prey drive, maturity) when giving consideration to personal/family canine companion needs. That Dobs are excellent at protection, well, that's perfect for plot intent.

I'd enjoy visiting with the juveniles, too! :-)

Helen (TervLass)

 Comment Written 16-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Feb-2014

Hi Helen, yes, I was grinning throughout this one.

I try to point out that a Doberman was bred to guard. They require a certain amount of exercise, lots of training and mental stimulation and they're late to mature. They are very rough when they play, striking out with their front legs and such, and man, are they strong. They require a leader, and if their owner isn't going to accept the challenge, they will. On the other hand, they're so sweet, so loving and loyal, they're great for older kids, especially boys, because they're so rough and tumble. Okay, picture this.

We're lingering at the dinner table, chatting, dogs at our sides. Our Amy, from a sitting position leaps into Jeff's lap and lands sitting. She's about 75lbs now, so needless to say, he put her down, but when we first got her, she was much lighter and he'd invite her up. Plus the other two jump on laps, so I guess they never get over it. We laughed for half an hour!

Thanks so much for the great comments, and the smile!

Hugs,
Gayle

reply by TervLass on 16-Feb-2014

Forty years ago I met a chap who bred Dobermans. Although many were trained for protection work, he and his wife kept their "Amy" in the house with family. I've always been glad I had that year so long ago to learn more about them as a breed. When on duty they are awesome indeed (to observe).

Many youngsters never get the chance to work with, or just hang around with, any type of animal. This means many folks never learn to value a dog (or other critter) for their intrinsic capabilities, so often offered with great hearts. And, yes, training is paramount. Thus, I am always delighted when an author presents a glimpse into the reality of living with dogs (for instance) to the reader. If a sense of realistic points woven into the story resonate, you've done a fine job. If, by simply reading, one person regards animals with a heart more open to possibilities than before, you've done a superb job.

(BTW, switch "guard" to "herd" and your first two sentences paint a pic of my Belgians. They play with front legs, too!)

As I write, with the Olympics hockey (Canada and Finland 1-0, at the moment) in the background, I still grin about your title, "Face Off".

Cheers,
Helen

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I am already in love with Rex. Who could not be? I can't wait to meet him. I am really enjoying this novel and I can't wait for the next installment.

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

He's great, and I'm gonna put a 'photo' of him on the next chapter. They such gorgeous dogs!

Thanks so much for the great comments and review,

Hugs,
Gayle

Comment from rwilliam

Excellent

Very good chapter. I love how you describe these dogs. You peak my interest in them, being a dog lover. The story line is developing well too. Good work. Keep 'em coming. :-)

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

Hi Becca, I love working with the dogs, it's the best. I used to write horse stories based around my students, horses I'd bred and shows we'd gone to. I swear, I would get so into these jumper courses, riding them and I'd be sweating before the round was over.

Thanks so much for the fine comments and support

Hugs,
Gayle

Comment from lindalcreel

Excellent

So Julia is about to get herself a guard dog, and I'm sure that Rex will protect her. I could just imagine him getting a piece of Ari's face, but then Aria doesn't seem like the type to do the deed himself, though since he didn't kill Julia the first time, he'll make sure there's no mistakes the second time around. This is a great story and I hope that Edward stays safe. It would crush Julia to know that something happened to him, but my money is still on one of the brothers who is giving info to Ari. We'll see.

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

Hi Linda, yes, her own private Navy Seal, lol. It's funny how characters appeal to readers, isn't it? Edward just grew on his own, he started out as a bit player, but now, I love him, too. He's going to be a hero somehow, just watch!

Big thanks and hugs,
Gayle

reply by lindalcreel on 17-Feb-2014

Can't wait. He is the likely choice and he is such a loveable character. I'm glad he survived.

Comment from TheWriteTeach

Excellent

Ha! I didn't miss the alligator and werewolves reference! It was the absolute best when Amy dotted her cold nose up Julia's leg. I do think Amy will be Brad's undoing with Terry and Ella.Before all is said and done, I believe the girls will know Brad is actually Zach.

Excellent chapter. It flows well, the dialogue is believable, and there is nice action that moves the story forward.

I didn't notice anything amiss that needed attention.

Suzanne

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

I think of the phrase 'hoist on her own petard' when I think about that. Still, Brad had to have had a connection to bring the team in, and while they might not recognize him, the 'hostess with the mostest' says there's nothing wrong with her nose!

Thanks so much for the great review, Suz,

Hugs,
Gayle

Comment from Norbanus

Excellent

Of course! How could Julia function without a Dobie to get her out of trouble. Amy and Tony must be getting close to retirement. It's good to see a younger generation coming along to pick u the slack..

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

Hey Freddie, yep, Tony is getting a bit long in the tooth, but I'm not sure Rex will become part of the official team, lol. Amy might have an opinion, lol.

Thanks so much Freddie, hope you're not buried in snow. Gosh, I don't miss those days.

Hugs and big thanks,
Annabelle

reply by Norbanus on 17-Feb-2014

Plenty of snow this year. We've had more this year than I remember since 78. More coming down right new, but they say this one is going to change to rain. Maybe it'll melt down.

Scratch Amy behind the ear for me, will ya?

Comment from Sylvia Page

Excellent

I remember reading about the dog breeders before in one or two of your stories. Then Julia has come to the right people for her guard dog. I'd like to see how she trains with her new dog. Great chapter.
Cheers
Sylvia

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Feb-2014

Hi Sylvia, yes, I love the dogs, writing about them and their actions. Thanks so much for enjoying, too,

Hugs,
Gayle

Comment from shelley kaye

Excellent

on to the doggy farm! ;)

great chapter - didn't notice any spaggies or typos. can't wait to see what's next!

thanx for sharing :-)

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 15-Feb-2014

Off we go! Glad you liked this one,

Hugs,
Gayle