GYPSY

Woof! My name is Gypsy! I was rescued by an organization called B.A.R.K. (Bytown Association of Rescued Kanines) and was advertised in the pet column of the Ottawa Citizen, in October 2001. I was labeled as a "Rescue Dog. Small, female shepherd. Spayed...6 months...Good with cats." I was staying with a foster parent until Sharon spotted the ad, and she and Greg quickly came to see me. I did like my foster Mom, and her dog, but I knew it was only temporary, and that I needed a permanent home. So, when Sharon and Greg came by that evening, I took one quick look at them, and knew immediately that I would be happy with them and that they would spoil me more than I had ever been spoiled before. Especially Greg! I felt that he would let me get away with all kinds of mischief, so I jumped in his lap, and we were instant friends. Sharon, being an RVT, was a bit more skeptical. Due to the neglect of my previous owners, I was very thin - my fur stuck out. My shoulder blades, tail bone and hips were noticeable. I lacked muscle. But even despite my health, it was love at first sight with her too. I was gentle, and sweet. Sharon knew that I was a good dog and that I would not let them down.

So my new life began. I tried my best to behave, and do as they asked, and I think I pleased them in every way, but one. That is...that CAT they lived with. She, Samantha, was SOOOO much fun to chase. I just could not resist. Every time she moved, I was after her. This made Sharon a bit nervous for a while. She felt that Sam was scared, and that her life would be tormented forever. But I knew once Sam trusted me not to hurt her in the chases, she would come around and maybe even be my buddy. I was just 20 pounds heavier than she was (I was 29 pounds and she was only 10) and so it would take her some time to get to know me. But I would not stop chasing her. It is a dog's instinct to chase! She would just have to get used to me.

Sure enough, after 6-9 months, Samantha came around, she grew braver with each passing day, until she actually had the nerve to tease me! She would let out loud meows, actually asking me to chase her! And ever since, we have been good buddies. We keep each other company all daylong while Greg and Sharon go to work. We play with Grizzly too, but she cannot leave her pen. We used to play with Zoey also, but at the age of 11, she passed away. We miss her, and I am glad I had the chance to know her! In my spare time, I love going to the PARK. Here I am allowed to run free, play with other dogs, and carry huge logs! Yes, I have obviously gained weight and put on some muscle. I am now 70 pounds! One of my record logs was 17 pounds! I carried it the whole way, in my mouth! I always act so proud, with my head and tail held high, when I am showing off my logs. Beware any dog who tries to steal it from me! GRRRR....Greg saves my logs for his father. He uses them for firewood! I guess my hard work is worth it....

Anyway, as you can see I am really enjoying my new family. I try to go to as many places as I can with Greg and Sharon. I love car/truck rides. I love holidays. My favorite trip was to Niagara Falls! I am a happy dog, getting what I want, when I want it. I could not ask for a better family to live with!