Puppy Love

My first dog was Rosie, a cute, not so bright mutt. I was one year old. I think kids form a special bond with animals, one that's hard (though not impossible) to duplicate as an adult. She was ready to play whenever I was, whether it was fetch or dress up. When I was upset, she could sense it and was always right there to hug and cuddle. As I got older, so did she. By the time I reached high school she was deaf and nearly blind among other health problems and had to be put to sleep. It was sad, but we were all kind of prepared for it. Plus, we knew she'd no longer be suffering.

Halloween: Rosie and Me

For my sixteenth birthday my parents gave me Zoe. When it comes to the pets, Zoe was the love of my life.  Zoe was a beautiful, incredibly smart golden retriever with a ton of personality. She had a gorgeous reddish gold coat and the sweetest, most expressive brown eyes. I had her house trained within two or three days. She learned new tricks at astonishing speeds and loved puzzles--untying knotted socks, twisting the caps of pop bottles, unrolling her rawhide bones. She was the only golden retriever I'd ever met that refused to play fetch; she preferred tug of war. More than anything, she loved swimming in the lake up north or running through the orchard behind my parents' house. She was also devious and manipulative, training us just as much as we trained her. At night, Zoe slept in my water bed with me. Not at the foot of the bed like a normal dog, but stretched out against me like a human. Most mornings I woke up with dog breath in my face because she had to share my pillow. When I went away to college, I missed her more than anyone else. After I left, she split her nights between my parents' bed and my bed. At ten years old she died suddenly of a heart attack or stroke. Zoe's death hit us all hard--me, my mom, dad, and brother. She's buried in my parents' backyard, a huge rock marking her grave. Zoe was a good dog. She was one of those dogs that you never forget. My parents still--years later--reminiscence about her, even though they now have two Jack Russell terriers. Jack and Heidi are adorable--and a handful. I love them to death, but they're no Zoe.

Zoe

After Zoe died, I didn't think I'd ever want another dog. I loved her too much and it hurt too much when she died. But a couple years ago, I finally reached a point where I want another pet, a dog I like cats and my apartment allows cat, but I'm a dog person at heart. I want a pet to love and care for and break me out of my selfish, daily habits. I spend an exorbitant amount of time online looking through all the pets to adopt from the local humane societies and animal shelters. 

Meet Vergie

Hi! I'm Vergie, a two year old Lab mix. I am very food motivated to I would be a great candidate for Obedience classes! I am great with other dogs! I'd like to meet my kid friends before I live with them as well. I am a great, playful girl who needs a loving home! Please come visit me today!

Meet Sage

Hey! I'm Sage, a 3 year old Tree Walker Hound mix. I am super sweet and affectionate! My previous owner said that I already know sit, speak, down, shake, fetch, and sit pretty! I would like to meet my canine and kid friends before living with them, so when you come to visit me, please bring them along! I'm a great girl so please come and visit me today!

Meet Molly

Hi! I'm Molly! I'm a four month old Pit Bull mix. I am a super fun-loving energetic puppy! I'd love an active family that can let me in on the fun! I'd like to meet my kid and/or canine friends before living with them, so when you come visit me, bring them along! I'm a great girl, please come visit me today!

Meet Hobo

If Hobo were a person, I think he would be a fireman! Hobo is adventurous, smart, athletic, friendly, outgoing, and he likes to work and play hard. Hobo originated as a stray dog at animal control, and I was so impressed with his temperament that I wanted to make sure he had a second chance at a family. Having bragged about his temperament and personality, I must tell you that Hobo is also still a puppy in many ways! He has a mischievous side and needs to be kept busy or he will find his own activities.

Meet Fletcher

Fletcher is a gorgeous, brindled boy who has a lot to say and is more than willing to tell you his stories. He walks around smiling and wagging his tail all of the time, and likes playing with the other dogs. He loves to grab toys, shake them, and make his foster mom cringe because some of the toys smack him in the head as they fly from side to side. His goal in life right now is just to have fun and please his foster mom. 

But before I get a dog, I have to move since my apartment doesn't allow dogs, not even little ones. And not all that long ago my boyfriend lost his childhood dog, Galahad, another one of a kind dog. It takes a long time to get over that loss, I know. So it might be awhile before I can adopt. Until then I'll get my doggie fix from my parents' dogs, the boyfriend's family's other dogs--Wilson and Rhea--and websites like Capital Area Humane Society, Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter and Petfinder. 

Sweet dreams,

          Krissy