Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Introducing "Blue"

You cant keep a good man down -- or an over affectionate dog.
--Anonymous

It's been a year since I lost my dog "Duke" -- and not a day has gone by that I haven't missed him. I know some people get another dog right away, but I didn't really feel ready until now. I found Blue at the Johnson City Animal Shelter...and like Duke, he's an Australian Shepherd mix. I really like Aussies, they're a good size, intelligent, and athletic, with fun (often silly) personalities. I'm not exactly sure what he's mixed with, but he's got short legs and big meaty paws (I'm guessing he's got some Lab in him).  I'm hoping he won't get too big! He gets his name from his bright blue eyes (and the fact that I'm a Duke fan, go Blue Devils!). It's been awhile since I've had a puppy (he's 4 1/2 months), so I'm rediscovering what it's like to have a shadow following me everywhere I go around the house and relearning the habit of putting my shoes and remotes out of the danger zone.  So far so good...Blue is very affectionate without being excessively clingy -- he seems to be a pretty laid back dog.  We've already played fetch a bunch today -- I'm looking forward to taking him out on the trails on Friday!  It was sad separating Blue from his 'littler' brother at the pound -- he is mostly white (with lots of black and gray speckles), and shares a lot of the same characteristics as his brother. I hope he'll find a loving home - let me know if you want more info about him.

Click here for my "Tips for Dog Training" (I need to re-read that myself!)

6 comments:

  1. First, a big congratulations on the new arrival. He is indeed lovely and a lucky pup to have been adopted by you.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  2. Congrats on the new pal. He is absolutely adorable. Have fun with him on the trails. We have a Border Collie/Aussie mix and she is quite the energetic trail dog.

    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Tim and Robin

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  3. Oh Mark he's a beauty! His personality is showing already.
    As an animal lover, I commend you for going to the pound for your new friend. There are so many animals in need, especially this time of yr. We have a new baby in the house too, a rescue my hubby brought home. She's looks to be part yellow lab, part golden retriever and she's won my heart.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours :)

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  4. Mark, He looks like a really awesome dog and a great name! Hopefully he'll be good on the trails with you. Have you considered him being part American pit bull? I think some pit bull breeds have very blue eyes, and a lot have shorter legs with huge paws.

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  5. Thanks everyone - he's doing well, made it through the first night no problems. He seems to get the whole house training thing. Today his first bath and, most likely, turkey dinner! Jarrod, I think you're right...when I walked him this a.m., I noticed that he sometimes pins his ears back like a pit. Thanks

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  6. What a beauty! I've been secretly wondering if you might write about a new dog someday, and he is a gorgeous one. Congratulations and Happy Thanksgiving! (I'm thankful for Appalachian Treks showing all the glory of an Appy fall while we're far away in Wisconsin.)

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