In Praise of Recycled Dogs

Seems like the best dog stories these days — performing dogs, famous people’s dogs, even Ugliest Dog contest winners — share a common characteristic. These outstanding, amazing and ideal companions were formerly unwanted cast-offs. Maybe that means the trend is moving away from purchasing pure-bred, high-cost, potentially puppy mill models, and being replaced by the practicality and sheer goodness of adopting shelter dogs.

And nothing’s more fun to brag about than a perfect pet you can honestly say you found for a great price, used.
Newly adopted terrier Ben is starting to come out of his shell, and his fancy-man haircut is only part of the recovery plan.
Our other shelter dog is doing her best to help, too.

Can This Little Dog Be Happy Again?

The groomer at PetsMart said this neglected and abandoned Welsh Terrier was one of the worst cases she’d ever seen.

We adopted him. 
He doesn’t make a sound. He doesn’t seem to know how to play. He follows you everywhere. He tries to sit as close to you as you will let him.

On the outside he looks like this now, but on the inside, his heart and spirit are still broken. I don’t know if he will get better. I will let you know.