Pack friendly

Throughout the years I have had Aussies and most have been somewhat dog aggressive or labeled "don't play well with others." I had adjusted to such and was able to compete with these dogs but as far as turning them loose in a yard with others, it was not going to happen. Sharing a yard with the friend I rent from we always had to coordinate yard time as she had Malamutes with the same problem.

Now that we both have dogs in our respective breeds that aren't so dominent we have been entertained by the group. A young Doberman, two Malamutes, my two Aussies, and occasionally we throw the chihuahua into the mix. I am pretty easily amused and getting to see my Aussies play in a group and not start fights is a wonderful thing.

We still supervise as it is always a good idea. Occasionally there is a gang up and we want to avoid trouble so we do still monitor activity but they sure do have a good time and we have a good time watching them. Watching a 7 lb chihuahua tell the 85 lb Dobe he can't have his toy, or the speed demon Aussie outrunning everyone, to the pudgy Aussie pup do his best to keep up......its all good (and free) entertainment. We hope to add some friends dogs to the mix for our own little "controlled" dog park!

If they weren't running so fast I would take some video....but in the mean time.....enjoy your pooches and laugh every day!!!!

The Fuzzy Red Puppy

I have had several Australian Shepherds over the years and some I bred myself but I have never owned a Red Merle....when visiting my breeder/friend Cheryl in Ohio she usually has a litter for me to play with so I can get my puppy fix. Most of my Aussies were getting old so a couple of years ago I took on Ridge, a red tri boy. I figured this would be my last Aussie for awhile. Im getting older and had one chihuahua and was inquiring about a show chihuahua to add to the family.

My oldest dog at the time was Rondee who had already lived two years longer than expected with serious liver problems. I also had Ikkus, my 20+ pound mix that stole my heart 10 years ago as a puppy. We found him almost starved to death and he fit right in. I lost Rondee right before Labor Day but then unexpectedly Ikkus had a bad mast cell tumor so unfortunately I lost him right after Christmas.

So my friend Cheryl started plotting....Jen needed a new puppy. First we discussed a loaner...where I take one of her youngsters and get them out some for her....then she was trying to decide who to send me...one she wanted back or one that I may fall in love with and keep! It just so happened that a client of the vet clinic I work at was going to Ohio to pick up a rescue dog. She was going to be a couple hours from Cheryl and the rescue was an owner surrender so he hadn't been in the shelter....a safe riding partner for the new fuzzball. It seemed it was meant to be!

When he got out of the car his butt wiggled so fast I thought he might take flight. He was a fuzzy little chunky monkey and about as cute as they come. If you have never seen an Aussie puppy at about three months of age then you are missing out! He was a little smaller than Ridge was at that age....Ridge was tall and leggy and this guy was more like a little quarter horse....I pottied the guy and visited a bit with the woman who brought him to me then loaded him up for the final 10 minute car ride home.

While driving home I not only decided I would definitely keep him, but named him...he really filled a void left by Rondee and Ikkus and losing Ikkus had been a lot tougher than expected so this little red merle fuzzball was just the right medicine. I told Cheryl to go ahead and name him "Keepsake Just What the DR Ordered" AKA "Justin"....

He has been here a couple of months now, he is all puppy but sweet too. He has made himself right at home with Ridge and Eddie and now we just wait for news on the chihuahua puppy and our pack will be complete! Puppy antics to come!!!!!