Ambassador Lisa Stanislawski
A Happy Addition: How a Dog Grounded My Already Full and Busy Life
I grew up with dogs and love them, but I made the conscious choice not to have one while my children were growing up. I worried that a dog would be lonely as we drove the kids here and there for sports, school, and other activities. Once they were grown and the house was quiet, my husband and I realized we had a new, welcome void in our lives. The timing was suddenly right, and the quiet of our empty nest became the perfect space for a new family member.
We got Trista from my good friend, Sylviane, who is her breeder. She knew we were looking for a dog and thought Trista would be a perfect fit. I didn't know much about the Dutch Shepherd breed at the time and was quickly surprised to find out how incredibly energetic and smart they are. A high-drive working dog was a massive commitment to add to my already packed schedule, and it took us a little while to truly get to know and understand each other. But the simple act of Trista choosing to lean on me, or sleep at my feet under the desk at work is a daily affirmation of unconditional love.
Trista is a creature of high energy and intelligence, historically prized for her versatility, and she demands consistent mental and physical stimulation. This high-drive need for activity provided a necessary counterbalance to my desk job, and a new focus to replace the hustle of parenting. I now move from my desk to mandatory morning walks and evening play sessions.
I learned about her love for water immediately, a perfect example of how she has added joy to our lives. When Sylviane was helping introduce me to Trista, we took her to a meadow near a lake. Before we could even get the leash on, she bolted for the water and dove in. Clearly, she loves water! Since then, I've taken her boating, to the beach, and anywhere she can take a swim.
In the end, Trista isn't just a part of my life; she's added a whole new dimension to it. She our co-pilot on hikes, my assistant at the office, and the furry alarm clock that ensures we never miss the sunrise. What we received in return for the commitment of having a high-energy dog is a joy and fulfillment that truly makes an already good life complete.
Best Ambassador of Dutch Shepherd News January 2026
Lisa and Trista