According to certain sources, “Ah-cha la” in Tibetan means “older sister”. In our family Samba is an older sister. Vigilant, caring, resourceful, taking decisions for her family members. Not motherly, but protective; not expansive, but affectionate. She is not only Dharani’s older sister, she is also our older sister. We called our kennel Ahchala to honour her exclusively.
Getting to know the breed of Tibetan Mastiff, which seems to be the adventure of our life, started in April, 2007. It was then when little Samba - Dhanraj Bisurman - entered our house. She won our hearts, changed our everyday life habits and preferences. It took a lot of effort and time to learn to live together. Samba turned out to be a typical representative of her breed - being proud, stubborn and independent. The understanding of the oddity of her Tibetan nature came gradually. It happened in its own time, just like the maturity of the breed comes. We have spent all our free time with our she-dog, to have fun together, to caress and train her.
Although Tibetan Mastiff dogs are firm guardians of household and properties, they are also very sensitive creatures. They need to feel safe and accepted by their owners. They need a lot of love in their puppy and young years, often in advance and just for the credit of it. It is all essential for them to become our true best friends as grown-up dogs. Do-khyi is an amazing breed. It is difficult to explain precisely why it is so. There is something in it that gives us the feeling we co-exist with a mystical creature. It might be pride, or independence and feline nature, appearance maybe…It is certain that if you get to love a Tibetan and accept them with all their virtues and vices, you will love them with no limits and till the end of your life. It has happened to Samba and our family.
As Samba was growing up, we noticed her watching wistfully other stray dogs in the neighbourhood. Frequent walks, meeting with familiar dogs did not lessen her longing. So we started to look for Samba’s companion in her own breed. It was a difficult task because we were searching for quite a grown-up bitch. We did not want a new puppy to be adopted by Samba. No. We looked for a friend, an equal fellow to play with. And finally, a six-months-old Dara - Dharani Vaishravana found her way to our home. A golden candy with her eyes telling us “ I love you, guys !”. She was born exactly one year after Samba was born, the same month and day. They even have similarly sounding breeding names. Once again, Tibetan fate took care of our family. From the very beginning, Dara have become a perfect companion for Samba. The ladies are inseparable. They guard, eat, sleep, play and “re-organize” our yard together, side by side. Samba taught Dara everything. She is her true older sister. Since the moment Dharani came to our life, there has been no one missing in the family.
We started to breed dogs beacuse such was the call of our hearts and the most natural process. We are led by the desire to experience the joy of having our beloved dog’s puppies. So if you search for rationalism in our acting, you will do it in vain.
Only moments are important in life…. And those spent with our Tibetans are the coolest !
Joanna, Ada i Adam
I can not write about my dogs with no emotions. I can not and I have no desire to do so ! Samba and Dara are the source of unbelievably positive sensations. They have helped me to overcome many difficulties in my life. I am truly grateful to them. I feel grateful to fate for giving me Samba. A creature full of affection, gentleness and care for the well-being of her livestock. You might say …. it is just a dog ! And I can reply …. I am only a human being. Meeting the dogs made my life complete. I built a house, gave births to daughters, planted some trees and met a Tibetan girl that eventually moved in to share her life with me.... And to think that I was missing something for many years!
Joanna
