Is it Coco? Chloe? Or–
It’s Gwen!
You might remember I mentioned recently about looking for a guard dog for the house. It made me feel better when I had Coco in the house with me, but alas, it didn’t make Coco happy. I need livestock guardians in the field, of course, and so back Coco went, to where she is most content, and Coco and I are raising up Chloe as her partner. (Which is working out fantastic.) Most Pyrs are happiest with a job in the field. Some Pyrs do well as house/companion dogs, but after experiencing Coco’s dissatisfaction when she was taken off the beat, I decided it might be best to look for an older dog that was already a known quantity in home companionship. All of the loyalty, dedication, and fierce protectiveness that make Pyrs great livestock guardians can also make them great home guardians–if they have the right temperament to be happy in the home rather than the field. Gwen is about two years old, already spayed. She came out of a local county shelter, and she is house-trained and house-happy.
I took her upstairs and told her she could jump on my bed. And she did! Then I took her downstairs and she sat down on the couch next to me and asked me for the remote!
I think we’re going to be very happy together! I hope she likes Judge Judy!
whaledancer says:
She has soulful eyes and a happy face. It sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
On September 22, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Miss Judy says:
She looks very content….and you sound very pleased with her…perfect match. 🙂
On September 22, 2012 at 4:53 pm
dkyoung says:
Congratulations, she’s just beautiful. A single woman (or two) living in the country really needs protection. Mostly it’s a quiet, peaceful life, but there are crazies out there. I have three dogs and some days it feels like a wall to wall dog carpet, but I can depend on them to raise a ruckus if anyone comes around. I don’t tell many people that they’re just big babies. The 100 lb. chocolate lab and the 130 lb. rottweiler look intimidating and I want that. My rottie always, always sleeps between me and the door so I’m never scared alone at night. Of course, a couple of loaded .357’s also help. So glad you got Gwen. She will be so much company in a few years when Morgan leaves the nest. It’s a whole different feeling when all of your kids leave home and you’re by yourself. And…you don’t have to go through the whole potty training thing with Gwen. I think you found a real winner!
On September 22, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Karen Patrick says:
Gwen looks like a wonderful addition to your family. I also have 2 mostly white dogs who are in the house most of the time. I wonder if you will love cleaning up white dog hair from your dark floors as much as I do — daily. Yes I said daily. Good luck. She looks like a great dog. My 2, Katie and Oreo, are great dogs, too, and worth it.
On September 22, 2012 at 5:15 pm
KellyWalkerStudios says:
She’s BEAUTIFUL! I hope that it works out great for both of you. I got a new girl this week to and I am loving her. 🙂
On September 22, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Hlhohnholz says:
Hooray for Gwen! She looks like a grand addition. 🙂
On September 22, 2012 at 5:50 pm
liz2 says:
Oh my, Gwen is beautiful! I’m so happy for you & Gwen. She looks like a sweetheart. Have you introduced her to Casper, Coco & Chloe yet? Does she like your kitties?
On September 22, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Grammy Jam says:
As the manager of a local Humane Society, I am very excited to read that you adopted Gwen!! :dancingmonster: It may sound strange, but I tell you those animals pick out their people! Congratulations on the newest member of your familly!
On September 22, 2012 at 6:13 pm
DFW says:
She’s beautiful! Hope she gets along w/Coco & Chloe.
p.s. Thank you for a great CITR experience!
On September 22, 2012 at 6:20 pm
twiggityNDgoats says:
Awesome!
On September 22, 2012 at 7:12 pm
RosieJo says:
I’m so proud of you, and happy for Gwen, too!! We adopted a chihuahua/dachshund mix yesterday. 6 lbs of love and affection. Clover is smilin’ down on both of us.
On September 22, 2012 at 7:15 pm
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
She’s beautiful! But DO NOT let her even think she can have control of the remote for one minute! Also, make it clear which side of the bed is hers! Our rescue boy, Blu was allowed on our Queen size bed and last winter we had to buy a king size bed to accommodate the three of us for a good nights sleep and still Blu will come over and lay on me! LOL
Seriously, I have always felt safer with a dog in the house.
I think Gwen has found herself a great forever home with you and Morgan!
On September 22, 2012 at 7:23 pm
jeannieq says:
She is beautiful! There is nothing like a companion dog that will take care of you. We have always had English Shepherds which were fantastic. They loved to herd the chickens but they loved protecting us! We are fortunate to have a fenced yard and they really loved that and believe me no one, and I mean no one, came into our yard without our knowing. If the dogs didn’t know them they simply did not come in period. Very protective and loving! I hope you have a wonderful time with her!
On September 22, 2012 at 7:37 pm
outbackfarm says:
She looks like she’s right at home there. She’s so pretty and clean.SO glad you found a good dog to keep you and Morgan safe.I have Bubba, my dog who looks just like your Casper. They could be twins. But he doesn’t let anyone come in this yard he doesn’t like. Most people are afraid to get out of their cars.
On September 22, 2012 at 9:03 pm
vgstanton says:
She’s so pretty! Bet you two girls will get along great!
On September 22, 2012 at 9:53 pm
cindyinohio says:
So very happy for you and Gwen. Our two pyrs are inside and outside dogs. Our boy is happiest when he is protecting the chickens but he comes inside to sleep with me when my husband is out of town working. Our girl is a woderful couch potato but she sure makes a ruckus when someone comes up the driveway. Pyrs are great as livestock and family guardians. Great choice! Gwen looks like a sweety.
On September 22, 2012 at 10:22 pm
bonita says:
Great! There’s nothing like the feeling of a good guard dog positioned between you and the door. Ears alert even in sleep. And, I swear, rescue/shelter dogs are the best at this ’cause they’re so darned glad to have a forever home! Welcome Gwen.
On September 23, 2012 at 1:12 am
Rose H says:
Please say hi to Gwen for me, it’s great that you have a house dog now Suzanne, I remember you said you felt more secure when Coco was in the house with you. Looks like you have another great addition to the farm. :woof:
On September 23, 2012 at 4:56 am
CATRAY44 says:
This is wonderful news! Gwen is beautiful!
On September 23, 2012 at 7:15 am
Jersey Lady says:
Yay for Gwen joining the family! So, how many doggies does that make on your place now?
On September 23, 2012 at 8:09 am
lavenderblue says:
Suzanne, you are a good person.
On September 23, 2012 at 8:24 am
lattelady says:
Welcome and hugs to Gwen. She is gorgeous. I am a firm believer in rescue animals, as someone said: they are so happy to have their forever home.
I bet she will be a full time house puppy. 😉 AND love Judy Judy.
She should get along fine with the others.
Definitely let her know which side of the bed is hers.
On September 23, 2012 at 9:15 am
Barbee says:
This is the cutest post yet!! I’ll come back and read the other comments later… right now I have to dash.
On September 23, 2012 at 11:39 am
marymac says:
How wonderful that you both found what you needed…. her a home and you a indoor protector, love it!
On September 23, 2012 at 2:50 pm
DancesInGarden says:
She looks very soft and snuggly!
On September 23, 2012 at 6:51 pm
angiemay says:
She is beautiful! Now you have a wonderful companion for indoors 🙂
On September 23, 2012 at 7:42 pm
alba says:
She is beautiful. I always thought If we got a dog it would be a Lab but I am thinking a Pyrs.
On September 23, 2012 at 9:57 pm
Merino Mama says:
I’m glad you got her from the shelter. So, so many good dogs there. You saved a life!!!!!
On September 26, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Cassie says:
Yay for adopting! I’ve fostered puppies and older dogs. Next dog I get will be older. I love fostering puppies but I want one that’s already grown to be my own dog. We currently are fostering a 10 year old dog that would be mine if we didn’t have so many animals already.
On June 13, 2013 at 12:17 pm