Puppyversary

Puppyversary, originally uploaded by Monkey loves Kitten.

Six months ago we headed out to see this dog we'd found on petfinder.com. She was described as a medium-sized cattle dog mix. We got to the place - the home of a couple plus 50 dogs - and were overwhelmed by the cacophony and disorder. There were dogs in the picture window, dogs all along the fence, dogs coming out of the windows. They brought this dirty, terrified girl out on a leash to meet us. She was what we'd consider large, and she was predominantly chow. She didn't know anything about this leash thing on her and she didn't seem interested in us at all. We thought we'd just go meet her and see what we thought. They thought that since we had expressed interest, we'd be taking her home that day for a trial run. The wife really loved this dog and didn't want to give her up but decided we were good people and reminded herself that they got into this in order to find homes for these dogs, not keep them all themselves. So, after talking for a while, Brandon coaxed this creature into the back seat and home we came.

The dog we met that day and the dog she's become couldn't be more different. The easiest change is she's clean and shiny and her nails are clipped and her pads are smooth. She's not scared of the leash. And she is exceptionally interested in me. (And will be in her papa as soon as he gets home to give her the chance.) And the best part of all, she and her big brother get along like gangbusters - a sea change from her first week in his house.

Happy Puppy-six-month-a-versary, Shane, we're glad you're here.