My entire life I have been a dog person. My father professionally showed Boxers in the 1950’s. Later we had rescued dogs from a Dalmatian name Gus to a Mixed Shepard named Moki. Before my marriage I had a Border Collie Mix who I named Fritz.
My husband also came from a dog loving family. His family had a purebred Shepard named Fritz as well.
Back in Indiana, our younger son “found” a Siberian with the most gorgeous blue eyes. These dogs are runners and are quite strong. Since we were moving to a very “hot” climate, we found a good home for “Puppy Dog.”
When relocating here to the high desert of Mohave County, Golden Valley, AZ we donated to a local rescue organization and selected a six month old mixed Rottweiler/Australian Shepard puppy. We named him Fritz the Third.
Two years ago, we adopted another rescued male puppy who was just under 3 months. He was born on November 28, 2022. Keeping with the German naming tradition, we named him Otto the Terrible.
Both of our furry friends serve as companions to each other and more importantly are our early warning systems. People are hesitant to enter the property when they hear the barrel growl of Fritz the Third along with the more high pitched barking of Otto the Terrible.
Neither of our dogs are considered small. From our perspective as we have always had larger dogs, their sizes are fairly normal. Fritz is 92 pounds and Otto is 75 pounds.
Otto seems to have a sixth sense when someone is not feeling well. He will nudge and nuzzle the individual. I consider Otto my therapy dog as a puppy he helped me with dealing with my daughter’s death and subsequent grief.
Fritz is a little more independent and rules the roost as the top dog of the house. Shortly after we brought Fritz home, my husband was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. Fritz became my companion and helped me weather the nights when Ken was recovering at the hospital. The good news is seven years later Ken is still cancer free.
Now that we have two dogs, Fritz being older by six years older is much more active. Of course, the way the two dogs play one would think they are fighting, but instead are rough housing like two younger brothers.
Furry friends bring forth lots of joy to their owners.
Of course, our dogs do provide extra work and sometimes extra annoyance especially at 1 am in the morning when both start barking at open range cattle that are at our fence line eating the leaves from the overhanging branches. Very few vehicles can drive down our road without the “boys” letting us know. Then when FedEx or UPS trucks stop by with deliveries we are quickly informed. We always know when the garbage truck is coming as well.
Yes, there is gratitude for having furry friends. I truly am grateful for our two dogs. Today, I can’t imagine living without having furry friends.
This is my final entry into this month's challenge of Gratitude.
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith
Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.
Comments(10)