Our family has always had dogs, from the time I was a little boy and my mother brough home a little black mixed-poodle from the pet store. I was only six-years-old, and I was fascinated by this gentle little animal who spent the first week hiding underneath my parent's vibrant green couch. But it wasn't long after that when this shy little animal became comfortable with our family, and soon spent her afternoons snuggling on the couch with my mother while she watched her daytime soaps.

That loving little pet has been gone for quite some time, and now my family and I have a loyal, loving Australian Shepherd that my wife bought (adopted) from a local dog breeder. My wife saw the puppies for sale sign on the side of the road, and she knew that I had wanted another dog since my good friend Fresco, a sheltie, had died at the ripe old age of sixteen--not bad for a collie breed dog.

At first I was a little shocked at this black, white, and brown creature that was sleeping on our living room carpet. I had not expected my family to surprise me with a new pet, and I didn't know that I was ready for a new canine friend, but I quickly grew to love and appreciate this new four-legged puppy who found his way into our home and into our hearts.