Dogster

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A Junebug Journal

Adopt '12 contest

My family has owned and fostered several rescue dogs over the years. I am the first dog they adopted without ever meeting first. Mama saw my picture on the computer, and she knew I was at a kill shelter. Well, that was it. I looked too shy and scared and so much like a fluffy little cattle dog that she just had to have me. She paid for me over the phone, and a rescue group provided transport to near Seattle. When I came out of that kennel, I wasn't really what mama and the kids were expecting. I was kind of homely and wild looking, and I was still very scared. I also went into heat the day after I arrived, so we got that taken care of- along with some other medical issues I had from living on the streets.
Let me tell you, that has all changed. Okay, so I still look like some bizarre cross of a raccoon, coyote and maybe meerkat, but my fur is long and silky, my ears are clean and my skin is healthy and I am a wild and happy girl.
Now I don't take too kindly to strangers. Of all my pack, I am the one to watch. You all know how a wild raccoon acts- that's a good indication of what I do if you invade my space. Of course, I love my family- especially my little girl. She is allowed to take me for walks around the neighborhood in the pink cat stroller, but don't tell anyone I told you that! I also don't like visiting dogs unless they bow down to me immediately. Oh, yeah and I'm not a fan of the vet either. Our vet said it's a good thing my mama adopted me because I could have been a serious hazard in the wrong hands :)
My forever home is awesome- great food, lots of love and a soft bed I share with my humans. Now if only every homeless dog could have it this good...

Yup, they got me a year ago today!!

It feels like I've lived here forever- I don't ever have to worry about going back to that sad life I had before.
I've permanently attached myself to the hearts of the humans here- especially my little girl :) She takes me for walks on leash and sometimes in the little stroller originally bought for a cat!! I prefer the real walks, but I'm happy to do anything.
Things are much better with the dogs here- I even let a couple of rambunctious puppies stay here for a week and they left without any scars ;) Actually, I'm doing better but I really do try to control everyone.
We are having a fun summer- I'll be sad when the kids are back in school, but I know I have everything a girl needs whether the family is here all day or not. Life is great!!

How to be a great leader

First of all, in our pack, it helps to be blue :)
Second, you have to keep everyone happy. I spend plenty of time every day making sure all my dog pack has lots of play time. I really wear out Roper and Tonka- Fling and Gypsy are still trying to figure out that I'm PLAYING and not attacking them...
Third, don't let ANYONE eat your food or even a crumb of your treats. But do let them eat their own food and treats! You want your pack to stay strong and healthy.
Last, be sure to rule the bed and other furniture. The top dog gets control of the top half of the bed. Fling is allowed on the bed, but only near the feet. Tonka is allowed to wrestle on the bed with me, but he doesn't even want to sleep up there. Roper is NOT allowed on the bed, and Gypsy couldn't get up there even if she wanted to...and I wouldn't let her anyways. I'm also the only one allowed on the couch, but mama says I have to stay on my little blankie. Fine, mama, we all know you are the real leader.
We dogs have all been doing just fine without Levi. Fling has really been moping around still and seems to be glued to mama. She definitely spent the most time with Levi and was closest to him. I think once she gets used to me she will realize I'm a much more fun leader, but for now she's just letting mama know that she misses Levi as much as mama does.