Welcome to my pack

When I meet readers of my articles in the community, they often ask about my dogs and their history. I currently have four, ranging in age from 4 to nearly 9.

The oldest is Finn, an almost 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I adopted him at 1½ from a home where he was constantly attacked by a male Corgi. He was miserable and afraid. The owner asked if I would take him in. I’m not usually a small-dog person, but Cavaliers are my favorite small breed—so I (sigh) said yes.

The transformation was complete. Finn went from being a beaten, submissive pup to the top dog in my pack. He walked in, looked around, and seemed to decide: no male dogs here, so I guess I’m in charge. Not what I expected. He’s a 23-pound alpha who still dislikes male dogs. Thankfully, he’s also very affectionate and now serves as a Hos-Pets therapy dog. He loves visiting assisted living and hospice facilities and soaks up attention from anyone willing.

Gidget is about 7½, a brown and white Newfoundland. She was purchased at an Amish farm auction at age 3 to be bred. That didn’t work out—thankfully—and she was listed on Petfinder. I drove to Atlanta and came home with her. After spaying her, she joined the pack.

Gidget has a high prey drive—small animals, lizards, even insects aren’t safe. She’s afraid of the dark and thunder, likely from spending her early years in a barn. She’s only mildly affectionate and has little interest in pleasing humans but loves other dogs. Occasionally, she’ll deign to offer a kiss or ask for attention.

Grizzly Bear came to me at 1½, a Newfie-Doodle rescued through RescueMe.org in Florida. His original owners gave him up because he got “too big.” (Really—what did they expect from a Newfoundland-Poodle mix?) At 121 pounds, he became mine. Now almost 4 and 135 pounds, he’s the sweetest goofball I’ve ever met. His nickname is Dufus. He’s affectionate but not the brightest dog I’ve owned. He has no sense of personal space and loves swimming and snuggles.

The newest addition is Jade, a 3-year-old purebred brown Newfoundland. She was put up for adoption because she wasn’t considered breedable due to bilateral hip dysplasia. She’s sweet as sugar, another dog with no understanding of personal space, and proudly identifies as a Velcro dog. She recently became a therapy dog and loves visiting assisted living and memory care residents—and children. She’s also my most expensive: she requires medications, supplements and alternative therapies to stay comfortable.

These four-legged fur balls let me share their home. They drain my credit cards and bank account. Their food, pills and accessories take up a room of their own. They leave fur, toys, chew bones and slobber everywhere.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com