Tales of Rescued Dogs

I have two shelter dogs, and they are my babies. I am so happy we got my two mutts instead of the purebreds I had originally wanted. $50 to save a sweetie's life? Who wouldn't?

Our first shelter dog is Heidi, an Australian Cattle Dog mix. She's great with people but had (has) a lot of animal aggression. She was well taken care of, and loved the wardens. In fact, it was the best treatment she had ever received up to that point in her young life (about a year at the time). She had been a street dog, fighting for food and shelter and abused by males. Since then she has become a spoiled little baby but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Our other shelter dog is a 70 lb Anatolian mix. We took Lucy home after Heidi started doing well with dogs in the parks. I didn't want a large dog, but when we sat down with Lucy she leaned on me and just looked so sad and forlorn that I had to bring her home and love her. It turned out that her last family had children who had abused her.

Instead of being aggressive the way Heidi was, Lucy went submissive. She's finally realizing how big she is and how defiant she can be when she wants. She's very loved and we know she loves us too - in fact one day when I was leaving she jumped out the second story screen window and onto the roof trying to follow mommy!

I love my family's purebred Terrier, but I can't imagine my life without these two lovies. I recommend any family start at the local shelters before calling up a pet store or breeder.

Jamie-Lyn