Introducing Anna--the Pound Pup!

As mentioned, the husband and I had stopped on Monday to look at dogs. We've been discussing the idea of getting a dog/cat since before I got here, and I definitely wanted us to get one from the Humane Society. During the last week we'd looked at several dogs online and discussed what we were looking for in a potential dog for our home. We both wanted a gentle female dog, and I wanted one that would be larger so I could run with her. My husband hoped for a short hair dog and I wanted one that was so ugly it was cute, so how we wound up with what could very well be a full bred 9 month old German Shepherd puppy I'm not entirely sure! But upon meeting her we just couldn't resist her sweet demeanor and felt that she would be right for our home.

The first place we had stopped had several adorable dogs but none of which were larger dogs, although there were several we were potentially interested in. (And ironically there is a kitten there that stole our heart, so he/she may be joining us later.) However I think we both felt guilty not adopting a dog from there as the place was rather depressing and smelly to be in. The first place was in a smaller county (here called parishes) and is staffed and run by volunteers only. Whereas the second place was government run and appeared to have cleaner and more organized facilities.

Our dog we selected had been there for a few weeks after being relinquished by her original owner who no longer could care for her. We have a few concerns that she may have been mishandled as she cowers upon meeting new people, but hopefully time and love will soothe her worries. She was one of the few dogs in the shelter who actually didn't bark even though the rest of the dogs did. She appeared incredibly sweet and was adorable to boot, so we didn't hesitate on selecting her. She had to be spayed and the facility had a two day wait period after selecting dogs, but we picked her up on Wednesday afternoon and brought her home.

Ironically we already had to take her on a vet run yesterday and discovered that she has intestinal worms and what we hope is only pneumonia. The old saying that "free" dogs are never free continues to ring true, but we are happy to be able to provide her with a comfortable and loving home. She's on two different antibiotics at the moment and seems to be feeling better. The vet techs were also the ones who mentioned the fact that she probably is actually full bred. So while I've never been one to think I need a full bred dog, we still rationalize that what we've paid for her is actually cheaper than what it would have cost for the spaying and all the immunizations that she has already had and definitely cheaper than paying for her "full bred" cost.

Luckily at 9 months she appears to be fairly well house trained. So as long as we can continue to train her and get her over these initial ailments, then hopefully it will be an easy transition for her into her new home.

We ended up naming her Anna. And if we go back for the cat s/he will be named Louis/e. That way we'll be sure to remember our time here in this state with Louise Anna in our lives for years to come! ;-)