The Trio

Well, we're still learning how to pose, but I was impressed that I was able to get three dogs in the same frame, all sitting down!!!!! From left to right, meet Talley (Tallulah,) Winnie (Winnifred,) and Zoe (Zoe!) Zoe has gone through Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen (she passed!!!), and basic agility training. Winnie presented a challenge getting through class-time as she didn't like to be alone in the quiet room while Zoe was in her class, so I don't think we ever graduated. Talley is being home schooled so far. We took our classes at Canine Academy & Playschool with Jenny Baum. Jenny knows her dog breed characteristics and she's good with the humans, too. Zoe blossomed into a more confident dog due to the experience in her classes! Even if you've had your dog for years and years, I recommend going through classes with your dog as it does create a better bond between you and your dog, a more confident dog, and often better behaved family members!

Yesterday we celebrated 8 weeks with our newest family member, Talley. I am amazed how it can seem like only yesterday and yet forever since she moved in! Public Servic Announcement: It is very unusual to have a household with three female dogs which get along peacefully most of the time. Getting a mix together like we have is not advisable for the novice dog owner. You really need to have some experience reading dog behaviors, understand the dynamics of a pack, and you've got to be willing to walk away from a potential new "kid" if the signals your current family is giving are not positive regardless of how much you, the human, think it would be a good idea to take that doggie home.

Talley came to us through Aussie Rescue. We had to apply to become her new family which was a more extensive process than going through the Humane Society which is where our other two doggies came from. We were asked all kinds of questions which gave the organization an idea of how we treat our animals, what we are inclined to do when dogs act like dogs, what we would do if our personal situation changed, were we really in a position to adopt a dog. Rescue organizations are justified in asking these tough questions because the animals they help have already lost at least one home and the hope is that these placements are truly forever this time around.

I really encourage people to consider adopting rescue animals--the animals know they've been given a second chance and they respond with extra love. Puppies and kittens come with their own sets of challenges, plus you don't know what you might be dealing with down the road. Don't let the fear of the unknown ("but we don't know what kind of baggage a rescue animal might have") keep you from considering this option. All animals need kind, caring, responsible owners who are willing and able to provide the love and time needed to develop healthy, loving pets. If you want a particular breed, Google that breed and the word rescue together to find numerous groups. The Humane Society and Atlanta Pet Rescue both have a variety of ages and sizes of dogs and cats, some of which are purebred, and the Humane Society will even have rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters available, too!