This article is an update to Sophie's original story.
Sophie is a true shelter adoption success story. From her rag-tag beginnings running the streets, she has found a home to call her own. She has blended well with our other pets, family and friends who visit. She is an easy going, low-maintenance dog. She isn't perfect, though.
Her two biggest "vices" are: 1) not always "listening" when she is off-leash and 2) chewing seat belts. The second vice has turned out to be fairly expensive!
I never, ever leave Sophie in the car on a warm day, but in the winter, or occasionally at night, we need to stop at the grocery store or grab a quick bite to eat. Sophie has on more than one occasion, and with lightening speed, chewed through the car seat belts. She is not belted in or in any way connected with the seat belts, she just has access to them and chews them. Boredom? Separation anxiety? I am not sure, but because of this, we now crate her when she is by herself. Easier on everyone.
Sophie loves being with us, wherever that may be. Car rides, hiking, camping, all of it. She has enough sporting dog in her to think she wants to be in the water, but not-so-much when she actually is in the water. That is, unless her family is in the water, then she will join us; urging us to get out of the water. She was the dog "model" for a recent article on water safety for pets.
Sophie has definitely been adoption success story for us. Pets are a lifelong commitment. If you are unsure about adoption, please consider fostering an animal in need. Your local shelter or pet adoption group (try PetsMart or Petco to start) will have information on this type of assistance for pets in need. Fostering reduces shelter stress and help socialize the pet for a future permanent home. If the pet is a good match, permanent adoption is always a possibility.
Adoption Resources > Online Pet Adoption Guide
