Our dog, Baby, a beautiful little white Bichon passed away about a year ago last October, leaving a huge void in our lives.  We had him for more than 10 years and he was a very important part of our family.  We didn’t think we could ever replace him.

After a year we figured enough time had gone by and everyone was ready to get a puppy.  We searched for quite some time.  One day, a girl at work sent an e-mail stating that her mother’s dogs had just had 10 puppies who would be ready to go in a month or so.  We were thrilled.  They were adorable.

I looked at those pictures every day in hopes that the one I liked the best would be available.  We called several times close to their release date but got no response.  Come to find out, the puppies were all given away to other people even though one was promised to us.  The boys were heartbroken.

As time went on, my husband found an 8 month old dog on Craigslist on the other side of the state who was being given away to a good home.  He was a German Shepherd.  We rushed out there the night he spoke with the woman to ensure he hadn’t been given away.

He was very skinny and lived in the house with two other big dogs.  The woman who owned him said she was getting ready to have knee surgery and would not be able to take care of him.  We’re still not sure if we believe that was the deciding factor for them to want him gone.  We looked into those sweet eyes as he brought us “his” rock that he adopted from the yard and carried with him frequently.  He tugged at our hearts so we decided right then that we were going to take him home.  Of course, he insisted the rock was coming too.

He has been with us for almost 9 months now and he is such a great dog.  We had issues when he was a puppy with separation anxiety and chewing but he is past that now.

He takes his job as a shepherd very seriously.  He is very protective of the family and our close friends.  He likes to sit on the back deck and guard the neighbor kids when they are out in their yard.  He only barks when there are people he doesn’t know in the areas he can see or if someone enters the house who he is not familiar with.

He is very smart!  He learns new tricks quickly and is very willing to please, even if a treat is not involved.  He knows a great number of commands such as; “sit,” “down,” “pound it” and “high five,” “upstairs,” “belly” and a several others.  He knows everyone by name and proves it if you tell him to go see that person.  He even knows the boys’ friend’s names.  He’s becoming quite the performer.  In his newest trick, he plays dead after being shot by our fingers.

I really believe he has a sense of humor.  We noticed he had dug a hole in the back yard and just had to take a picture of it.  Next to the hole?  He had left a shovel!

He has fit in perfectly with the family.  Having him around has added to our lives.  He has provided great companionship, kept us on our toes and even helped reduce our stress.  I just wanted to post something light tonight and introduce you to our other member of the family.  Although he will never truly take the place of Baby, he has found his own spot in our hearts that is just as big.  We love you, Yogi!

Do you have a dog/s in your life?  If so, what breed?  Or if you would like a dog, what size or breed are your favorites?

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