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Not many people outrank retired general Richard Myers, the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His Old English sheepdog, Taisho, is another story

Taisho was named for a high position in the Japanese military that outranked even generals. Taisho's mate, Sakura, meaning "cherry blossom" in Japanese, was adopted a few years later.

Myers, who has always had dogs as pets, chose Old English sheepdogs for their temperament.

"They're not possessive and overly protective," he says. "They are clownish, fun-loving dogs.

A few years ago, Myers and his wife, Mary Jo, decided to breed the pair. Nine puppies resulted, two of which were adopted by the Myers' daughter Nicole and her husband. Taisho, Sakura, and the pups play together.

Mary Jo runs with the dogs every morning. They also love car rides.

"I take them to Starbucks," General Myers says, "and occasionally give them a piece of scone."