I have 2 dogs, an Australian Shepherd mix named Graham whom I have had the pleasure of having in my life for 6 years now, and a pug dog that I adopted 3 weeks ago named Cassie. I would like to say that both dogs were adopted. Graham, the aussie mix, was from a small no-kill shelter located in the upper peninsula of MI, while Cassie was given to me from a coworker of mine who had her for 7 years and never had time to spend with her. She was real unhappy until she came to live with me. I would like to tell you about my sweet aussie mix,Graham, he was so severely abused as a pup before I met and adopted him. He must have been housetrained by the devil because not only would he NOT go potty in the house, but he would not go potty AT ALL! With all the attempts I tried to get him to potty it was 2 days of owning him that he finally "exploded" (outside thankfully because 2 days of not going to the bathroom make for a rather big mess) then ran away from me crying. It brings tears to my eyes picturing how someone could have harmed this exceptional dog in any way. He has NEVER done anything wrong in 6 years, he has excelled in obedience and agility, in fact, he got best in class (1st place ribbon)in every obedience class. He's flawless. He's perfect. Someone beat my poor boy. He still has signs of being abused, like I can't take the newspaper out of the plastic bag without him fearfully walking out of the room, and any quick movement of anyones' hands around him make him go into that "submissive dog cower". Since obedience his self-esteem and confidence has gone up a considerable amount, but I will always know that someone beat him. I wish the people who did this to my friend would get an idea of how it feels. As for Cassie, the new little pug, she's a little doll face! I am still learning her little ways, but she, also, is flawless. Her past owners loved her and wanted to keep her but they were away way too long during the day and Cassie was sad and lonely. Her cute little curly tail would lay flat due to depression. She's had the best 3 weeks of her whole life with me and with my other family members.

I could go on forever when I get started on the subject of dogs, but I would have to say, the best dog, in my eyes, is a dog who's life was less then what they deserved before they met you. There are certain breeds of dogs that I have a weak spot for, but I am delighted by knowing I saved a life. As much as I love German imported GSD's and Bernese Mountain Dogs, I can't see myself ever owning one unless I am able to save them. It's a different feeling knowing that you gave a wonderful home to a dog who had little happiness left in it's life.

[This message has been edited by AdoreMyDogs (edited October 03, 2000).]