Almost a week ago I was expecting company. An old friend touring the country by motorcycle. He pulled in a bit before sunset and I went out to greet him.
As I turned back towards the house I noticed a puppy with no collar sitting on my porch. Mostly hiding under a chair but also popping out.
Black top, white paws with black spots. And obviously still a baby.
I mentioned to Dave that if it was still there at dark it was coming inside. There are coyote and other predators out here.
To me it was no different than finding a baby on my doorstep and there was no question about my response.
I took photos and posted them on the local group and on my Facebook page. Where I live there is a lot of open sage and very few people. No one stepped forward.
The next day we went into town 25 miles away and got a leash, collar, chew toy, and food.
In my county there are very few options. The local shelter is full and is having problems. A few people suggested this puppy was dumped. It happens out here far too often. Several locals said it looked like I got myself a dog.
I have never had a dog before. I have had boyfriends with dogs. That is different. I have always had cats, and have two geriatric felines now. They are not amused.
I did my best to sex this puppy and got it wrong. Dog anatomy is a bit different than human. I thought I saw enough evidence of boy dog to name the pup Rocky.
I didn’t want a silly name, no matter how much of a goofball I am dealing with now.
Then my dog wise neighbor showed up and told me I have a girl. I decided that Rocky can be a girl’s name. She is not confused.
I am getting help from all my dog loving friends. They are lending me and giving me things like more toys and a crate.
The consensus is that she is partly a herding breed like Blue Heeler. And they are wicked smart.
This has been exhausting, but I see what they see. A completely loyal and loving friend for life.
Puppy proofing has taken place in stages. She has tried my patience, nipped at my heels, tried to herd me, and gotten into everything I want to keep away.
But then she falls asleep with her head in my lap and I realize she had me at hello.
I also got two training books. If she is a troublemaker it is my fault. And am finding a spay neuter clinic asap.
The first thing I have learned is that if you don’t have good boundaries you should not have a dog. She needs an alpha and I am ready to be just that.
I am learning in my late sixties to speak canine.
World, get ready for Rocky the girl dog!
If you are a dog lover let me know. Also, what do you think of this tough cookie name for a girl?
The paws look big. Ask your vet how big she might get. If you're not careful, your dog will train YOU! (We were not careful.😊). Enjoy!
Congrats on your new best friend! And Rocky is a fine name for any and all doggie genders! She’s a gorgeous dog! I am envious because I wish a sweet puppy would find me- longest I’ve been without a dog ( over a year) since I was a kid. Looks like you have yourself a great pup❤️