We are back looking for good grass as after a few years our hearts are ready to have a dog in the truck. When we first started trucking we had our Cocker Spaniel Molly with us and what a comfort it was to have her in the truck. She was about six when we got in our first truck and though she had ridden many many many miles it took her a bit to get used to the truck. She then got so used to the truck that we had to put a leash on her to get her inside our house when we went home. When she passed away at sixteen years of age it created a huge hole in our hearts and our truck.
Squeaky, the cat who is almost two has helped fill that void and he is a wonderful companion but not a dog. When talking about getting a dog everything was based on him and his safety. Next came, are we ready for a dog and all that involves? Were we ready to make sure the new dog has quality of life and that the new dog will fit into our lifestyle? We want a social dog not a guard dog and one that will be able to go on walks and meet people with her tail wagging. We were also looking for a larger dog.
First, we tried the rescue shelters and a few of the dogs met our criteria and were friendly with cats but each time they were adopted before we could get there. Next came the thoughts of getting a German Shepherd puppy and while in San Antonio we found what looked like what we wanted. A puppy raised in a family environment with children.
When we went to look at the puppy the first think we wanted to see was the parents or at least the mother. As we walked up to the house the mother and the puppies were running around the front yard. The mother woofed as we walked up and then looked to her family to see their reaction and when they were relaxed she ran over to the fence to be petted. She was fine with us looking over her puppies as she kept a watchful eye on them if they got too far away.
There were three females and we asked question about their temperament and then we also did a few tests with them. Rolling them over on their backs, restraining them from going to play, and feeling their feet. I was looking for one that would quickly get over the restraint and would struggle a bit and then give in. Finally, one little girl stood out and we picked her to go home with us. She left with her tail wagging and happy to be in our arms. We had a huge smile on our faces as we climbed into the car.
Now the fun part first day at home. She had food, bowls that will not slide in the truck, lots of chew toys, treats, leash and collar, little light that will attach to collar when walking at night. We also have a wire crate that she will sleep in and stay in when we are not in the truck. We will do our best to keep her from chewing on anything but her toys. We were at our daughter’s house for two days before getting back in the truck which made the first transition easier for us and her with Brandy’s two dogs helping to entertain the pup.
First introduction to Squeaky went well he hissed at her she cowered and he walked off with her watching. She pretty much ignores him and he has figured she will not give chase. In no time, they are sniffing noses and he is stealing her toys. They have not played yet but there is not tension or fear from either of them.
Our goal is to raise a happy health dog who enjoys people and is well behaved in the public as well as in the truck.
Meet Texas at nine weeks of age:
