Puppy Love

My husband and I have always had a dog except for the past three years while we relocated and built our home. We missed that unconditional loyalty and companionship. So, a few days ago we visited our local humane shelter and now we have a new family member - Duke.

We'll never know his exact ancestry. He's a mix, that's for sure. We suspect he's got a good dose of Redbone Hound in him. Aside from that, we can tell (from the size of the paws and the shape of the head) that he has either some Rottweiler, Boxer or Mastiff blood, as well. All that's important is that this five-month old puppy won our hearts before we left the shelter. He's eager, playful, gentle, and (sometimes) obedient. That will come. He rides well in the car and LOVES hiking up and down the mountains on his leash.
The visit to the human shelter was heart-breaking, though. So many dogs and cats are waiting for adoption. We saw five or six that would have been a good fit for us. With the economic downturn, animal control is busy rescuing abandoned animals, who in turn, take them to the shelters. Our shelter is bursting at the seams. Volunteers work seven days a week to help the staff feed, groom and care for these animals.
Ted and I started our marriage with a Malamute. When he passed, my husband always found a German Shepherd that needed a home. Each of these friends had his own unique personality and taught us so much about the relationship between man and animal. We welcome Duke to our family. May we all enjoy many years together.