Just when I'm trying to simplify my life, a friend calls. But she's upset, more upset then I've heard her in a very long time. She had been forced to "downscale" in her life and last year sold her house and went back to renting. It was terribly difficult on her but she couldn't make the payments anymore and her main problem was finding a place that would accept her dog. There are very few places on Long Island that will rent if you have a pet; I've seen my friends renting for years and they have the same problem.
She finally got a place and almost from day one, had problems with her landlady. The landlady would ask her things she didn't think were fair (to park around the block, for example so her "view" isn't obstructed and my friend in some retaliation went back on some of her promises--to help shovel or do some yardwork, for example). I don't think either one could wait for the year lease to be up and my friend was at it again, looking for an apartment that would take her, her grown children and her dog, Sugar. I've known Sugar as long as I've known this friend and have always loved her. She is intelligent, completely trained, a great watch-dog, and, well, sweet....that is, if you know her. She is also quite protective and LOUD. And BIG.....way bigger then I am and has a bark you can hear a block away.
My dog is a Shih-Tzu, a little "Buddy." He's still in his "baby" stage so he's still wild and he doesn't bark...he cries. He cries if the doorbell or the phone rings (I think he thinks I'm hearing impaired :) But he's a sweetheart. She's crying, my friend, because although her new landlord said she could keep the dog, he's terribly allergic to it and she has to get rid of her--NOW.
You guessed it. Sugar is now living with me, my Skylar is probably wondering why on earth I have a horse in the house and they are getting used to each other, slowly. And Sugar barks at EVERYTHING, any little noise. This is new to my little Sky and this afternoon I heard him join in, for the first time! Kinda cute....and VERY LOUD.
So, I have a new, trained, loud, protective addtion to my family....and if I don't trip over her, it will be a miracle. Here she is:
I think she's a Rottweiler but cute, huh? If she doesn't eat the little one and I can afford to feed her, I'm doing well :)
Carole, she looks beautiful and like she is making herself right at home ! Sounds like she will make a great watchdog. I know rottweilers are VERY protective of their family units. She will keep Skylar company too.
Congrats on your new addition !
Jo
I just knew from the beginning of the story that you were going to step in and save the day! What a good friend you are and how lucky your friend and Sugar are! My bet is the 2 dogs will become great pals and company for each other. Good luck!
Way too cute! I absolutely love dogs...but unfortunately, our lives don't really permit having one. The poor thing would be left home way too much. I just borrow friends/neighbors to take for walks! Too bad you didn't live closer!
Julia
Yvonne, I would have renamed him! Goodness, I can't believe someone would name their pet that. Although right before I got my Skylar I looked at the papers to see his parents names....His father was named Jim Jones. Had it not been love at first site, I might not have gotten him!!
Jennifer, absolutely NO ONE wants to rent to someone with a pet---unless you pay double what the overpriced apartment is worth. I know you're right about Seniors especially, Years ago I took my Maltese occasionally to a Senior home, they loved my little Tidbit :)
Rondel, I think they are in a bit of a power struggle. My little one is trying to stand his ground while Sugar is taking over his "turf." I think they'll work it out. Thanks for your comment.
Jo, my goodness, I know she knows me but Sugar has a tough side. I have to tell her it's ok if someone comes to the door. She's like a protector. The barking I don't mind a bit :) Oh, and she LOVES the yard, she hasn't had one in a long time!
Sybil, Thank you for the comment. I bet most people that had the room would have taken her too. My friend know me and knew I would let her go to a shelter where they would put her down.
Teri, you are SO right, she is sweet. And boy, can she EAT; I thought the kids were bad :)
Cynthia, you know me already :) I don't know if I would have taken her but she had no where to go....the no kill shelters are completely filled and they're not accepting animals. How sad, And come on, you would have done the same thing I bet.
Irina, I'm not sure "brave" is the word but I did know her from being at my friend's home...and she IS sweet once she knows you! Thanks for the comment.
Terry, I wish I could afford to call Caesar for my little one. He's more trouble then Sugar :) Thanks for stopping by!
Joan, I know it's an issue everywhere and it's sad. People abandon their animals or sometimes bring them to the vet to have them put down when they're moving. I can't believe it! The vets here now no matter how long you've been with them check every animal before allowing them to be put to sleep.
Julia, Thanks for the comment. I would SO miss having a dog...there's been times in my life we've had up to four (which was a lot, but the last two were rescues).
Sure looks like a Rotti to me! Congrats on the new addition. Sugar is the PERFECT name. They are great, SWEET dogs!!
Molly, thank you for your comment. I love that you help with relocating pets! With your permission I would like to send your information to a journalist in NY who writes about pets....It would make a wonderful story and I'm not aware of anyone who does that here.
Calie, You would think this dog has always been here, she's very happy (I'm not sure my neighbors are :). And she is very sweet although the two of them are keeping their distance until I say "Cookie" apparently a word every dog knows :) And thank you for the lovely comment!
I had to come back to see if there was an update on Sugar. Yes, you are right--I would have done the same thing. Actually, I have just taken in a friend and her 4 year old that were have difficulties. Not sure how long they will be with me but where they were was not a good situation.
CAROLE, your new baby is adorable! They'll get used to the sounds eventually- my three now don't bark at the bus that picks up my neighbor, Gladys; they're quiet with the postman...but anything else? The min pin starts it, the lab joins, and then the bulldog lumbers in to add his two cents (by now, the walkers have passed, but he has to contribute despite seeing absolutely nothing outside). Think of it as "music"...
Cynthia, thank you for checking up on us. Sugar seems to have triggered something around here, I just found out my son is moving back home! Not that I won't love having him around, but do you know what the FOOD bill is going to be :)?? My quiet home is never going to be quiet again!!!
Molly, I sent her an email and emailed you to show you the paper, which is in print and online. She is always looking for new articles and thoughts and I think she'll love it! I hope she contacts you....
Laurie, another pet lover, I should have guessed! I actually don't mind the barking, my two little dogs used to bark their heads off; they weren't big enough to actually hurt anyone, but they sounded like a herd; I missed it with Sklyar who is now barking just to hear himself bark! Your blog was great, by the way, we need that information!!
Is your son back yet? If not, when will he be moving in? No, I cannot imagine what your food bill will be (lots) but having him back will be great I know.