January 19, 2016

Pictured is Cristina Sheppard with Lana, an 11 week-old brindle and white boxer.  Lana is a joy to handle and care for, as she is still in the exuberant, juvenile stage of her puppy development.  The boxer, an AKC non-sporting breed, is known for its genuine affection their owners, a trait which will help Lana grow into a great family pet.  Sometimes, however, boxers never seem to grow up, retaining the joy of life that some breeds shed at maturity.  Cristina, an intern employee with Innovative Turbines at the Slidell Airport, works primarily on aircraft inspection and maintenance.  Cristina is a native of Ecuador and has  been in the United States for 17 years.  Her husband, Dakota, is a Petty Officer, Second Class with the United States Coast Guard, and is stationed locally.  Lana is welcomed by her co-pet, Chalupa Batman, a 2 1/2 year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel which, incidentally, was the breed of choice for Ronald Reagan while he was in the White House.  I suspect that the little King Charles will train the larger boxer protege well!