Gracie (AKA Princess Gracie Mae Whineybutt)
Go My Shannie's Graceful Squirrel
Gracie is my gorgeous four year old husky/shepherd/something mix girl. She was on the euthanasia list at a small rural shelter. I couldn't stand the thought of a four month old puppy being euthanized, so I convinced a rescue to pull her. I was happy she was safe. And then I met her and it was all over...she came home to stay. She was terrible. Screamed for hours on end in her crate, peed everywhere...and developed separation anxiety. She chewed door frames, carpet, blankets...and I didn't know what to do. I felt trapped...and then I reached out for help, and found it in the form of friends and a local trainer. He helped me work her through her issues and she is now a wonderful therapy dog (and a Canine Good Citizen...and Community Canine!). Although we aren't supposed to play favorites...she is mine. She is my heart dog. Honestly, she knows what I want from her before I ask. I can't imagine life without her now (even though when she was a puppy I wanted to get rid of her a half a million times). I wouldn't trade her for anything. She taught me a lot, and I am blessed to have her. I always say we rescued each other...it is because of her I wanted to train dogs. She has made me aware of psychological issues in dogs and I will share some of my experiences with her with all of you.
Garmin (AKA 3/4 Kangaroo)
Go My Shannie's Destination Ahead
Garmin is a year and a half old Australian Cattle Dog/husky mix. He was in a local shelter in December of 2012--and we all know what that means. Christmas puppy. Well, I couldn't let that happen, so I took him for a trial adoption. And let me tell you...from the beginning, I was convinced he was not staying. He was all over the place. All the time. He never stopped. He got listed for adoption through our rescue. Then, he started to settle in and he started weaseling his way into our home, our hearts and we decided he was home. That does not mean his energy settled. If anything, it has increased with age. He is not like any dog I have ever owned--he can go for hours without stopping. And he likes to bite (he's getting better). And jump (he can clear a 4 foot fence without a problem). And bark anytime I am on the phone. Or anytime I am ignoring him. But, he has come leaps and bounds in the year he has been with me and he has his Canine Good Citizen title. He has a lot of potential and we all love him.