what's behind door number two?
When you're kinda sorta in the market for another dog, volunteering at the Humane Society is like repeatedly taking a dangerous roller coaster ride. Of course there was another we liked and would consider adopting: Maverick. At 3 years and 45 pounds, he's younger and smaller than he appears to be in the picture (admittedly not the greatest). His NHS paperwork labels him as a German Sherperd/Cattle Dog mix but his former family claims he is a Carolina Dog (aka Dixie Dingo, American Dingo, Southern Aboriginal Dog, or Indian Dog) acquired through a rescue group. After a year and a half of ownership they surrendered him due to job changes requiring more travel. Unless the people are lying, he supposedly gets on well with cats, other dogs, and children of all ages. We appreciated his mellow temperament and in the short amount of time I spent with him, he never pulled on the leash, jumped up or barked excessively (all good qualities). For purely superficial reasons, I also really like his size, coloring, short fur and super huge pointy ears. Ultimately we decided to chance fate by sitting on it for a few days. Tuesday would be a good time to introduce him to Megan before her training class - that is, if he's still there.
Speaking of the little Meg, people are always asking what kind of dog she is. The HS had her listed as a Corgi mix while our vet deemed her a daschund/terrier mix. Their guesses are as good as anyone's. This provides the proper context to share a quote from my current book, Eat Love Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert (and thanks to Becki for the recommendation!):
In the end, what I have come to believe about God is simple. It's like this - I used to have this really great dog. She came from the pound. She was a mixture of about ten different breeds, but seemed to have inherited the finest features of them all. She was brown. When people asked me, "What kind of dog is that?" I would always give the same answer: "She's a brown dog." Similarly, when the question is raised, "What kind of God do you believe in?" my answer is easy: "I believe in a magnificent God."
Just when I was about to throw in the towel and steal the use of "brown dog" as my answer, Bruce came across a photo of a German Pincher (closely related to the larger Doberman and smaller MinPin) in one of our dog books. She looks a heck of lot like that down to the wrinkled brow only with prick ears, stumpier legs and a non-docked tail. I mean aside from the floppy ears, the resemblance is uncanny. And if that weren't enough, the FAQ provided by the German Pinscher Club of America fits her to a T. In short:
I'd like to show off my cute, little brown dog.
Speaking of the little Meg, people are always asking what kind of dog she is. The HS had her listed as a Corgi mix while our vet deemed her a daschund/terrier mix. Their guesses are as good as anyone's. This provides the proper context to share a quote from my current book, Eat Love Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert (and thanks to Becki for the recommendation!):
In the end, what I have come to believe about God is simple. It's like this - I used to have this really great dog. She came from the pound. She was a mixture of about ten different breeds, but seemed to have inherited the finest features of them all. She was brown. When people asked me, "What kind of dog is that?" I would always give the same answer: "She's a brown dog." Similarly, when the question is raised, "What kind of God do you believe in?" my answer is easy: "I believe in a magnificent God."
Just when I was about to throw in the towel and steal the use of "brown dog" as my answer, Bruce came across a photo of a German Pincher (closely related to the larger Doberman and smaller MinPin) in one of our dog books. She looks a heck of lot like that down to the wrinkled brow only with prick ears, stumpier legs and a non-docked tail. I mean aside from the floppy ears, the resemblance is uncanny. And if that weren't enough, the FAQ provided by the German Pinscher Club of America fits her to a T. In short:
- determined, mischievous, manipulative, strong-willed and assertive
- highly intelligent, independent, and spirited
- excels in obedience and agility
- requires firm yet gentle and consistent discipline
- needs leadership tempered with patience, respect and love
- quick to housebreak and learn the house rules
- playful well into adulthood; loves toys
- high prey drive (rats, snakes, insects, cats, rabbits, birds - you name it)
- not recommended for children under 10
- not excessive barkers but love to jump when greeting family/friends
- outstanding companion; excellent home guardian
I'd like to show off my cute, little brown dog.