I have had golden retrivers all my adult life and always thought them to be as near an ideal dog as it was possible to have. In fact, I never even considered the possiblility of having any other breed until a little ball of black and white fur presented herself to me one very cold, rainy November afternoon. T-Max was about ten weeks old when she crawled out from under my truck and attached herself to my leg. Never being able to decline the invitation of a dogs beautiful brown eyes and sweet puppy breath she quickly became a part of our family and forever embedded in our hearts.

She is by far the most active dog I had ever known to that point. (she has since been eclipsed by EmmaJune, a border collie-something mix). This sweet natured little border collie wore a path in the carpet in our hallway, through the carpet, through the pad and into the floor beneath. Her obsession with tennis balls, really anything that is round and might be a ball, including tomatoes, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs etc make her a great playmate. (more…)

I have a hartwarming (and a tear-jerker) story about my first Silky Terrier, “Bud.”
A dear friend constructerd a web site that tells a summary of my Bud’s story: http://www.goodolddogs.com/mybud.html

I hope you have time to visit the web page and read Bud’s story. Bud was an incredibal dog and was well known by many people around the State of Alaska.

There is also a link on that site to my “Kenny Lake Dogpak” web site too. (more…)

Dexter restored my belief in humanity, and my faith in God.

To me, Dexter was the perfect mutt. We adopted him from a shelter, and it was largely because of him that I got back in shape, just to keep up with his amazing athleticism. In fact, it was long walks with Dexter that inspired me to again take up my childhood love of hiking among the majestic peaks of Colorado.

One such hike was in the midst of some crushing personal struggles surrounding my work, my family and my faith. I felt completely abandoned in my struggles. To escape from the stress, a friend and I took Dexter for a hike up one of Colorado’s highest peaks.

I had long wanted to hike up the more difficult route along a certain beautiful ridge during sunset, and descend along the easier main trail after nightfall. About half way up the ridge, however, it became clear that things were about to get difficult.
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This is a story about my dog named Jasper. We think he is a Shepard/Lab mix, absolutely the most beautiful dog in the world. Jasper is now 8 and is struggling with Cataract’s and Arthritis.

One a more random note, when I first met my girlfriend, she and I were taking about our dogs and I had mentioned my dog Jasper, and she quickly turned to me and said to me, “How did you know my dog’s name?” It turned out that we both had dogs named Jasper; it was one of many fateful coincidences in our relationship.
Jasper is seen as the protector of our family, he is the pride and joy of me and my parents and brothers and sisters. We all adore Jasper! (more…)

Two years ago I left my corporate job to start my own business. It is located next door to my house. I had wanted to get a dog, but would not because we were never at home. Once I started working at home I knew it was the right time. A good friend gave me a Jack Russell Terrier. We name her Holli. She was very tiny and almost did not survive. Of course it was my challenge to help her thrive. She layed in my lap every day until she was too big! Her favorite spot is on a pillow in front of the heater. Our business has grown and I have 2 new employees. One of them brings her dog to work with her. I am so thankful for Holli. The first year when I was working by myself she was my constant companion. I am thankful I had her. We have 2 more dogs now, but Holli still has the position of honor!

Cindy from AL

Dear Mark,

My story might be long but I know it needs to be told.

I always wanted a dog. I asked my Dad if I could get one and he said it wouldn’t be fair to allow me to get one since he told by sister and brother-in-law, who lived upstairs with their two children, that they couldn’t get one, since they lived in four rooms and wanted a boxer. Seven years later, my sister and brother-in-law bought their home and got a Sheltie.

Two weeks after I got married, my sister took her Sheltie to her Vet, and the Vet asked her if she wanted another Sheltie puppy. She said, “yes” and brought the new puppy to my parents home, to replace me. Skippy became the star of the house. My Dad never went anywhere without Skippy.
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