Amazing Story About My Dog Lady II

This is a short story about my dog's peculiar friendship with me and my family. Our last dog was a female Labrador Retriever named Lady. Lady past away, of old age, about 4 years ago. My wife and I decided not to get a pet to replace her. As time went on, we realized that some thing was missing from our life. We really missed not being greeted by a wagging tail and a slobbering lick. Not to mention long walks on the bike trail while being pulled along. We talked about getting a dog, but we were concerned that it would be a bit of a problem, in that we have three grandchildren to consider.

I began to think about how I would solve this problem. I didn't want a large dog, but a 30 to 40 pound one with a very docile attitude. One that does not jump on folks or barks a lot. We went to visit our local vet to see her line up of dogs that were up for adoption. The first one was a jumper and frightens my granddaughter. The second one appeared to be a "sad sack" with her tail between her legs and head hanging low. She look frighten and down right shy. The vet held her back on a short leash. I asked the vet to release her and to my surprise, she waged her tail and came over to greet me and lick my hand, it was as if she knew me. She sat on the floor and put her head on my lap. My granddaughter extended her hand to pet the dog and the dog responded with a lick. This is definitely a docile dog with no bad habits. We went through the usual Vet paper work and took the dog home, after a trip to the pet store.

I spent a few days issuing the customary dog commands and determined that she needed to learn more. To my amazement she leaned extremely fast even with out her treats. After a few weeks of training her, I noticed that she would follow me around the house. She would not lead me but rather follow me. If she was in front of me, she would walk around me and follow me. It didn't matter where I went she was always there with me. When ever she needs to do her business she will sit and steer at me as her cue for me to take her out.

When ever I put my USMC ball cap on she jumps up all excited and rearing to go. I have several ball caps. I wear one when I am working in my woodworking shop and my USMC cap (cover to you Marines out there) when ever I go out. She knows that she is not allowed to visit my shop when I am working there. When I am done working she would jump up and greet me and just stand there waiting for me to walk. What is so amazing about this dog is that she seems to be able to predict my every action and responds accordingly, even with out a command.

I had taught her to bark when ever some one pulls into the driveway or knocks on the door. But, what is strange about this behavior is that she will not bark when ever see sees my kids cars pulling in the drive way. She wags' her tail and sits at the door waiting to greet them and does not bark when the mailman arrives. Over the years, I have cared for many pets but, this is my first dog that I feel really understands the family's daily routine and house rules. The other dogs we cared for simply did their own thing like getting in the trash bin, jumping on folks and barking at anyone who walks by. You can share some of your pet stories by leaving your comments below.