We finally took the plunge. Yesterday we went to Petsmart for their Adopt-a-Thon weekend, and we came home with a new member of the family: Sir Lancelot. He is a Shepherd/Bull Terrier mix (although I think he looks a bit like a Basenji in the face, and his mannerisms/bark are sort of like one too...) We adopted him from a lovely woman in Harrison, MI named Dawn, and her obvious compassion and love of animals actually brought tears to my eyes. With some foster homes, I have kind of had the impression that they would rather keep the dogs themselves than give them up to a good home, especially if that good home wasn't EXACTLY what they had in mind. Dawn was very up front and honest, but also flexible and understanding. I could tell immediately that she wanted what was best for Lance. When we went to take him home, she gave him a cuddle and a speech about "loving his new people" that actually made me cry. There are so many wonderful people in the world who are doing great things - if you are looking for a new pet in your family, PLEASE adopt!Not only did we get to support someone who is doing wonderful things and give a dog a home, we actually got an AMAZING dog. He is already housebroken and knows basic obedience. He comes when we call, he doesn't snap at other dogs, and he has a sweet and loving disposition - he cuddles right up next to you no matter where you're at in the room. He has a clean bill of health (although he does have dermaditic mange, which flares up when he gets stressed - Dawn gave us his medication for it, and it was nice not to have that be a surprise!)
I am COMPLETELY at a loss as to how ANY human could be neglectful or abusive to such a beautiful and loving creature! He is 8 months old, so he is still in many ways a puppy (although we don't expect him to get any bigger). He is playful, and VERY curious about our other furry child in the house: Miz Peanut.
We knew going into this that the divine Miz P is quite a diva - she has never handled other animals in the house very well, although she did manage to live with Rodney's old roommate's rottweiler when she had to. Every time she catches a glimpse of him she puffs up and begins a horrid moaning sound - which of course, interests him. When he gets even slightly close to her, she growls and swats at him - and his reaction is a peculiar indignant yodel/bark. He doesn't seem to understand that she doesn't like him, and he's already been swatted four times. Dawn told us to let her swat away - that he would eventually learn... so here's hoping that things calm down in the next few days!
