How did you pick your breed or dog?

Funny story about how I got my first labrador.

My sister had this boyfriend that I really didn't like. I liked nothing about this guy, he was sneaky and rude and I just didn't like him. Well, after a while of them dating and our not being able to get along because of some of the things he'd done, he brought me a peace offering... a tiny little yellow labrador puppy,. only about 6 weeks old. (My sister told him I was looking for a puppy to raise up with the horses).

I balked... told him to take it back, I wanted a German Shepherd, (which is what we'd been raised with). But he said he couldn't, the people he bought it from, (who was his next door neighbor) wouldn't take it back and he couldn't keep it, he didn't have anywhere to put it....so I ended up keeping the dog, kind of felt sorry for him having to grow up next to the jerk anyways......

Anyway, pup got named Sam and he was one of the best dogs I'd ever had. I had him for nine years, he was my partner all through high school and college... my guinea pig in vet tech school and my best friend. 

Then when I met my husband, he had black lab, and then we got a chocolate and two more blacks through the years....with a couple German Shepherds, a poodle or two and some  mixed breeds scattered in there...most started out as fosters that ended up staying.

Now we've got Greta, a lovely cream/yellow labrador. She reminds me a lot of my Sam.... I'm a lucky girl.

Sadie wasn't a choice... her previous owner brought her to me to be groomed and never came back for her. (Long story short)... I had every intention of finding her a home... but well, turns out she was just meant to be. She is my second poodle.. and to be honest with you, I LOVE the no shedding part.

Lexie wasn't really a choice either... country dog forced to live in an apartment in the city... not a good thing. So, she came to me.

Casey wasn't a choice. He was a bite case, and one step away from being euthanized at the shelter I worked at. The behaviorist came to me, with one last plea - take him home, work with him. Let's see what we can do - you're the only one he trusts. He had bitten just about everyone at the shelter, me included. So I said... what the heck - I'll give it a shot. So I went to get him out of his cage, one last time - he snapped, flipped when I tried to leash him. I finally lassoed him, after what would have resembled a bucking bronco in a rodeo, and we were off on our new adventure. That was almost 3 years ago. We've had our share of issues, that we are still working through. There were more bites, more tears, and more frustration than I would have ever imagined. But I'm happy to report there have been no bites in the past 2 1/2 years! He's learned to look to me for comfort, and face his fears. He's the best dog for me, and I love him to death. He was everything I didn't want - small, bitey, barky (reformed barker, now), active. But he's everything I've ever needed in a dog. He's my pit bull in disguise!

Benny, was another foster failure. His owner had brain cancer when he came into our rescue group. His brother and he were separated, and I'll admit, I was almost ticked when I saw his blue merle brother - wishing I got to foster the 'pretty one' instead (yea, call me visually petty!). I took him home right after his neuter (I work for the clinic the rescue group uses) and is was all up hill from there. He tested me, I tested him. And apparently we've both passed - since he's still laying on my feet as I type. From that first night I brought him home, there was this connection - one that I couldn't even describe. Out of all the dogs I've fostered - why him? I'll never know, but I know there was a reason he came into my life when he did. My family has lost two very special people in the past 2 years to cancer - and while I don't generally believe in that sort of thing - I think Benny was doG's way of telling me they are still with me, even though they are gone.

I have no intention of adding a third dog. My canine family is complete for the time being 

I knew that I wanted an older dog that had no, or almost no hope, of finding a home. I found two at the shelter where I volunteer!!!

I love them to pieces and couldn't imagine my life without them. Although they have issues I feel great that I gave them a home. I don't believe they're harder work then a younger dog. People always say to me that I won't have them too long because of their ages. It doesn't bother me. I will love them as long as I have them and, unfortunately, there are plenty more where they came from.

What a great story! I'm so tired of seeing all the people come into the shelter where I volunteer (in Florida!) and only want the puppies or the perfect dogs. I always say they'd be better off with a stuffed animal.

It's wonderful that you cared enough to take the time to work with these dogs and rehabilitate them. That's mostly what they need. Someone to take the time to help them, and undo the damage their previous owners did to them.

Well done!!

 Many many years ago I once groomed a flat coated retriever. I fell in love. I loved the way he looked and his eyes were just so merry and mischievous. Years later I finally found myself in a place where I COULD get a dog. I started researching the breed in earnest, connected with a breeder and met her girls. I was completely smitten (and so was the SO)! We've had Ari now since she was 10 weeks old (she's just over 2 years) and I love the breed and her completely. She's funny, mischievous, friendly, and has a zest for life that can't be beat. She's taught me so much as well. She wasn't an easy puppy to say the least! I will honestly admit I also think they are visually gorgeous dogs, and I think Miss Personality is quite beautiful inside and out (unless she's stealing my underwear and socks! hehe)

What's not to love about a Doberman?  Beautiful, extremely intelligent, loving, loyal, obedient, funny, athletic?  We had a mix (Dobe/Bluetick Coonhound) when I was a kid, and his temperament was fantastic.  We loved that dog immensely and he made the impression that Dobes are wonderful.  Before him I'd had positive experiences with a distant family member's Dobe, Persephone.  She stuck in my mind.  It was an accomplishment to earn her trust and ready interaction with you (many Dobes tend to be aloof w/strangers who are not threats).  After volunteering w/Dobe rescue for a number of years, fate stepped in and gave me my first Dobe puppy.  She is absolutely my heart dog.

I will be honest here, when I got my first pomeranian not alot of thought went into it. I saw a cute fluffy black puppy in a pet store a long time ago and got her. I knew nothing of the maintenance of a Pomeranian or their quirks or how hard they were to potty train, but I fell in love with the breed. Even after no longer having my first Pomeranian the breed just stuck with me. So I eventually ended up with Skyline and then rescued Rickards. I love how Pomeranians are smart, loyal, goofy, velcro dogs and they always surprise me with how little their size matters to them. However I have decided Sky and Ricki will be the last Pomeranians I will ever own. I love them dearly and will until the day they die of old age, but any dog I get in the future will be a large breed.