This morning, Frank and I went to the animal shelter and rescued Patchy. She is a very sweet (we hope so anyway) Lab, Husky cross. She’s 1 1/2 years old and was surrendered by her previous owners (why?).
Patchy at the shelter
Here they only keep dogs for about a week depending on how they make it into the shelter and how likely they are to be adopted. After that – they’re put down. But Patchy is a lovely dog and they decided she would be able to find a home so they kept her for 10 days. They told us an animal rescue group was about to come get her. I think that means she was reaching her end date and the rescue group was giving her one more life-line. I’m glad we spotted her.
We can’t actually collect her until Monday because she’ll be desexed (ouch) then. It’s a bit frustrating thinking our dog is in lock-down for the weekend, but I’m sure she’ll be okay.
She seems totally untrained (she knew “sit”, but that’s about it) but she appears bright so I’m confident that with some focused attention and after being removed from the very distracting environment of the shelter, she’ll learn a bit of discipline.
What she won’t learn is to have short hair. We really wanted a dog with less hair than Patchy because, especially in this climate, all that shedding is a major pain. But, what can I say, she won our hearts.
Now if she can only win Adler and the chickens over as easily…
Laura Rittenhouse's Gardening Journal 
Patchy looks like a lovely dog, alert and loving. I am very pleased too that she found a good home.
Humans and dogs have lived together since the early days of our species. For many millennia we depended on them as much as they on us. We have no closer relationship and no better reciprocal understanding with any other species.
They love us and some of us love them too. No matter how busy our life is and how many other humans we love and interact with, my wife and I would feel a great void in our life were it not for our dog.
I haven’t had a dog for almost 30 years and I never stopped missing having one around. True unconditional love is a rare thing to find on this planet but dogs have it in abundance. I can’t wait to bring Patchy home.
Congratulations – I wish you lots of joy with Patchy – she looks like a character. I was offered a beautiful, 4 year old Border Collie last Monday, and had to say ‘No’ – I already have 2 and that is more than enough. But I do keep thinking about her.
My dogs love the chickens – they like to round them up, and keep them together – they don’t like it when one goes off on its own. I was surprised (pleasantly) how completely unfazed the chickens are by the dogs. The cats too are good at dog management – something they have learnt over the years.
Hope the dynamics work – and the animals are soon living harmoniously.
I specifically avoided any type of cattle dog because I’d heard they just can’t help themselves and keep trying to round up cats and chickens alike. I have heard that huskies are prone to chase other animals but Patchy, though attentive, didn’t charge the other dogs at the shelter so I’m hopeful she won’t be chasing the chooks.
Oh how lovely that you have rescued a dog about to be put down for no reason of her creating. She looks adorable and I bet you will be able to train her up and she will have all that space to roam around in, perfect!!
It is the perfect place for a dog, we probably should have half-a-dozen (don’t tell my husband I wrote that, he’ll run for the hills 🙂 ) And I agree about rescuing animals that for no fault of their own have fallen on bad luck. We’re changing her luck and I’m sure she’ll pay us back in spades.
God bless you both. Rescued pups are the best.
( Mrs cohutt is the guardian angel of downtown strays and ferals; somehow she manages to find them homes before animal control intervenes. Besides those that have stayed with us, there are scores of them she managed to get into good homes over the last 25 years. She will be greeted by a lot of grateful purrs and wagging tails when she enters heaven. 🙂 )
Mrs Cohutt is obviously a sweetheart. I’m sure she’s greeted by plenty of purrs and wagging tails here, she’ll not be surprised by more beyond those pearly gates.
What an adorable dog! Such a sweet spirit! (Doesn’t mean she’s not full of herself..(!) which you totally deserve.)
I’m always amazed by how well animals get along with each other. Seems everyone has an “exception” to the rule when their dogs, cats, et.al. get along well. Who made up that rule that they don’t?
Congratulations to you, Frank, and Patchy. You’re all so lucky to have found each other.
Love ya, sis.
I agree, people tell me they’ve heard cats and dogs don’t get along but I have yet to find anyone with anything other than a “surprising” story about how well their cat and dog got along.
Adorable indeed – I just hope I feel the same when she comes home with a coat full of burrs and muddy feet from playing in the pond 🙂
Burrs and muddy feet are all part of the charm. As is rolling in interesting smelly things on the ground. Do you have skunks in your part of the world?
Anyway, she looks to become a lovely companion.
Thank heavens, no skunks. I doubt that will stop her from finding something smelly though – oh dear….
That’s so great!!! And she is just beautiful!!! I’ve had both a lab and a husky and they were my 2 favorite dogs ever. Best of luck with the cat and chickens! I’ll look forward to hearing how the introductions go! 🙂
I’ve had neither a lab nor a husky so she’s a grand experiment. I like both those dogs and I have a funny feeling the combination is just calm enough with just enough energy to suit me. As for the cat and chickens, I have a funny feeling they’ll disagree – at least at first.
All of our dogs have been rescues and they have all been wonderful. Many people marvel at our farm dog that protects the livestock and ask where we got a dog like that. They are shocked to hear we rescued him.
I hope that patchy turns into a wonderful addition to your family!
I’ve read your posts about your farm dog and told my hubby about how great he is. I hope Patchy is 1/2 as good at identifying friend from foe. And if she deters those pesky foxes, double treats and pats for her.
Congratulations! There is nothing more joyful than a dog. And I am sure Adler and the chickens will all settle in together. I am so happy for you. And for Patchy!
Thanks. I’m pretty sure (think positive) we’ll all live in harmony or even friendship!
I wish more dog lovers would adopt as you have. Hope Patchy settles in quickly.
Yeah, I don’t really understand going to a breeder when there are so many dogs who are alive right now and need a good home. Well, Patchy just found one 🙂
One week is hardly any time at all. My cat Bob had been in his rescue home for several months! Glad you rescued Patchy, she looks so full of life.
A week really relies on good luck. I guess that show how many animals are rescued here. It’s a shame but the reality of modern society I suppose. Bob is lucky, and so is Patchy!
Just had Glenn pull up Patchy’s photo because you hadn’t emailed him. He laughed at that face and had the same reaction we all did – awwww!
🙂
Yeah, awwww is right. We pick her up today – woo hoo! Unfortunately it will be after her surgery so I don’t think she’ll be a happy puppy.
Oh she looks lovely – what a great idea to get a dog. She will love running around in all that space. At one stage we had a golden retriever and then a stray tiny kitten waltzed into our lives. She cuddled right up to Rusty and became his best friend, much to his disgust, he put up with her nonsense for many years…..
I hope Patchy is as tolerant as Rusty and that Adler is as friendly as your kitten – though I’m not holding my breath.
Patchy is under the knife as I type this being desexed (ouch) and so the introductions won’t be for a few hours. Fingers crossed.