Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A New Doggeh!

I managed to make it approximately 3 weeks without a dog after dear old Sophie passed away and could hardly stand not having a dog at home after 30+ years of living with dogs! So, after searching the listings and interviewing several potential dogs, Holly came to live with us on October 7th! Here we are picking her up at Paws & Claws Humane Society in Rochester. (she's got her eyes on a shelter cat up on the counter behind us)

In case you're wondering, Holly's a boxer/pit bull cross.


The story I was told at Paws & Claws was that Holly (her previous name was Cali) was a surrender because there were some "differences of opinion" between her and the other older dog at her previous home. And after the two of them got into a serious "argument" (Holly still had some scabs on her face when we brought her home), Holly needed to find a new home where she was going to be the only dog.


She's a very sweet doggeh and quite attached to both of us already. It's comforting for me to have that warm furry body curled up next to me in bed at night. She even will crawl under the covers after Rick leaves for work at 3:45 and Holly and I get the chance to cuddle until my alarm goes off at 6:00.

She's a licker!

And even though she's a pretty big girl, she doesn't have any trouble curling up to fit the smallest spot next to you (or even on your lap!)

She especially likes laying on the pillows!

Last Sunday my family came over and Holly got to meet them for the first time. She normally doesn't beg at the table, but found that my nephew Ethan was an easy mark -- for begging.......

......and for kissing!

She likes Rick's big leather recliner, but since Kathy and Matt had already claimed it, Holly did the best she could to get her share of the chair.
At supper tonite, I found out that Holly likes broccoli! That's a first for any of our dogs.
And she very kindly and neatly pre-washed the broccoli dish for me too!

Holly's very interested in Penny and after an initial few days of hiding out, Penny has now become accustomed to having Holly around. We do keep an eye on Holly though, for fear that she'll want to play too roughly with Penny. At 15 years of age, Penny's rough-housing days are pretty much over.
We're getting lots of dog walking exercise again now and Holly takes advantage of every chance she can for a nap.
And now if you'll excuse me, it's time to walk the dog!!

17 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Holly hassuch a sweet face! I have always wanted a dog with her short, smooth coat. I'm so glad to hear you happy with a dog again.

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Lynne. Her fur's even shorter than Sophie's was. Fortunately they're about the same size, so Holly will be able to wear the nice blue sweater that I knitted for Sophie.

~Molly~ said...

Oh wow she's a sweetie!!! Sorry to hear about your Sophie though.

Molly, with 3 doggies on the bed every night

Tricia said...

She is beautiful! I'm so glad you rescued this sweet little soul.

Dawn Fine said...

She looks so sweet! She is one lucky doggie to be adopted by you! Congrats all around!

Mama Pea said...

Holly has found her way into the best family ever for a dog! How old is she? She looks like she would be all muscle. So happy to hear what a sweet disposition she is showing for you and Mr. Johnson.

Heather said...

Awe, Holly lucked out a bunch! I love those pittie mixes and those big soft tongues! Congratulations to you, and thank you for opening your heart and home to a shelter dog!

Gaelyn said...

Holly is a sweetheart and fits right in with you both.

KGMom said...

And again I say YAY. So glad for Holly, and for you all.
Good choice.

Angie said...

Ahhh Ruthie, that is such a wonderful feeling, that puppy love and little noises throughout the house. One doesn't know just how empty and quiet a house can be until you've had a furbaby and it leaves... I'm so happy for all three of you. :)

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh that Holly really hit the jackpot when you decided to take her. She is a gorgeous dog. It must feel wonderful after those empty days without a dog.

Susan said...

What a face! No wonder you couldn't resist her. I know how you feel - I need a dog in my life at all times. She is just darling and looks as though she's found the perfect home.

Ruth said...

I think Holly has found the perfect owners.

RuthieJ said...

Thank you Molly. Holly's adjusting to her new household just fine and loves burrowing under the covers at nite.

Thanks Tricia. I'm glad too!

Thanks Dawn. She's a happy girl -- we need to work on helping her tone down the exuberance level though.....

Mama Pea, Holly's will be 3 in January. She has a good heart, but you're right, she's very strong. She's knocked me over a couple times during "play" time. I've got to try and get a handle on that energy!

Thanks Heather. I joined the Pitbulls.org group in an effort to educate myself more on Holly and her behavior and make her the best possible pet and also a good ambassador for her breed.

Thanks Gaelyn. We do love her a bunch already.

Thanks Donna. All our previous dogs were purchased as puppies. There are distinct advantages to getting an adult dog that's already been trained!

Thanks Angie. It is quite wonderful having a dog at home again. Holly's a good cuddler!

Thank you NCMountainwoman! As you well know, there's nothing quite as wonderful as the love of a dog.

Thank you Susan. Holly is definitely a darling girl (most of the time....)

Thanks Ruth. I think so too!

Mollie said...

Holly sounds like a real sweetheart--a very strong sweetheart! And agree with others, she is very lucky to have found her new people. Beautiful dog--good girl, Holly!

Taos Sunflower said...

Ruthie: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm so happy for all of you. Holly is just wonderful. What a great breed mix, too...both very loving breeds. I'm happy to hear you're not one of those folks who have decided that the words Pit Bull mean something awful and dangerous. It just infuriates me. (We have Rottweilers and face the same issues...some home insurance companies won't insure if you own them.) Anyway...I'm thrilled for all three of you and wish I could drop by and get some Holly hugs! XXXX

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Mollie. I love her alot already! She's got such a pleasant and happy personality and almost never barks. She's been a lot of comfort for me when I've been taking extra naps during this recent cold I'm suffering (cuz she never needs an excuse to take nap!)

Thanks Martie! Actually looked at pitbulls years ago before I got Sophie, but they weren't so common 15 years ago. Holly is a very loving and happy dog. I'm sorry that things didn't work out with her other family, but we're definitely the ones who have benefitted from rescuing her. Even after only 3 weeks, she's very devoted to us and doing pretty well in her obedience classes. I wish you could meet her -- she'd love to give you a kiss too!