It’s my joy and privilege today to introduce you to the newest member of the Beery family – Lady Cakes!
Lady came to us from Silver Muzzle Cottage, a senior dog rescue. The family that dropped her off said she was 13 years old. The vet said she might be 10. Based on her energy level, I’m guessing 7-9 is more like it. Regardless of her age, Lady and I hit it off when I visited SMC a few weeks ago, and I knew that I had to bring her home.
I’ve been wanting a dog for a while now. Working from home can get lonely, and I was tired of all the quiet. I was also tired from not going anywhere – I have the tendency to hibernate, so I wanted a reason to get out of the house and get some exercise. Walking a dog seemed like the perfect solution. But we had a problem. The hubs and I couldn’t agree.
I like medium-big dogs. My sister has a golden doodle. The other sister has a labradoodle. Our good friend – the dog trainer – has an American bully, two pit bulls, and a Rottweiler. They’re all the sweetest, cuddliest dogs you’ve ever met. I wanted someone like that to stay home with me – to keep me company and to protect me.
My husband, however – the 6’2″ yooper who likes big trucks, hiking, and hunting; the man who considers camouflage a “neutral print” and wears it with everything (including plaid) – likes little dogs. He fell in love when we dog sat our friends’ five-pound Yorkie. Hubby grew up with miniature Schnauzers, and that was as big as he wanted to go.
We debated for a while before settling on a 25 pound maximum. We wanted a “poo” or a “doodle,” as they don’t really shed, but we decided to keep our options open. We weren’t even considering a spaniel when we met Lady, but sh’e sort of perfect for us: she’s small enough to play in the house, a dog run gives her plenty of space to run around for some exercise, we can pick her up and move her if we need to, but she’s not so small that I could lose her under a pillow.
I’ve never had a dog – ever – so I was a little intimidated, but so far things are working out. She keeps me company everywhere, which is helpful (if she’s ever more than 12 inches away, she’s usually getting into the garbage). She gets me out of the chair (and out of the house) daily for our walks. She’s even a pretty good guard dog – she barks at anyone near the house, so I know when people arrive.
The hubs and I couldn’t be happier that we met Lady when we did. She’s already part of the family. If only the cats would warm up to her…
Bless you! My husband and I found out about Silver Muzzle last year when we tried to help a friend find her lost dog. It is such an awesome organization.
Looks like you have adopted a little sweetheart:)
Thanks for giving her a loving home.
Mary
It’s no sacrifice at all – she’s a gem 🙂