When my husband and I were married, I moved to his home in the country.  Our children were grown and we had no animals.  As it is today we have 3 dogs.  My story is about our dogs that have become our other children!  We have a mutt named Babe, a German Sheppard named Shadow and last, but certainly not least our chihuahua named Chico.  

Believe me they all have a story, but each very unique.  Babe came first.  He is believed to be a mixed breed of sorts.  The way I describe him is that he looks a lot like Benji.  He has a silver color with wiry hair except for the top of his head which is curly, his eyes are brown.

Some unkind person apparently did not want him.  When we first saw him his legs were bleeding from fleas and he was very malnourished and awful looking.  We could not stand it for he was one of a kind!!  He has his own personality.  He had been a rover. 

We nursed him back to health, with a healthy diet and vet bill.  His favorite thing to do is ride in my mustang convertible with top down listening to the blues.  His favorite songs are sang by B.B. King and Buddy Guy.  He would probably wear some cool black sunglasses if I put them on him.  

We just thought our training had been a success with Babe, until we got our second dog named Shadow Ledlow.  Shadow was given to us by my husband's brother who breeds German Sheppard's.  Now we are talking about a great dog!  Now that Shadow has arrived, we can definitely see who's manners are better than Babe's.  We try to give equal attention although Shadow just steals our heart.

Shadow was 6 weeks old when we got him.  We raised him from a pup.  He is a awesome dog.   

He is a whopping 87 pounds the last time our vet weighed him.  He is the sweetest dog, he just looks mean!!  We wanted a watch dog, but honestly I don't think he would hurt a flea....He loves everyone.  We learned that he has joint problems, but I researched and found a solution that really helps him.  Sometimes you don't know he has any pain. 

I found what is called "Missing Link", and I put 2 teaspoons in his food.  This is a powder mix with a lot of vitamins especially Omega 3.  I found it at Whole Foods and Pet Smart.  I would recommend it for all canines.  It promotes healthy bones and heart.  I know Shadow has alot more energy now that he takes it.

He loves to run in our pasture chasing butterflies and fetching tennis balls.  He is trained not to get in our garden, so he justs lays on the edge waiting and watching me until I'm finished.  He does watch every move I make and walks on my right side very close.  I don't think anything would ever bother me, because he watches me like a hawk.  We run and play alot.  I have to be careful sometimes though, because accidentally he could knock me over with his weight.  When I mow he walks beside me until the yard is done.

Every now and then we will let him inside and his manners are welcome.  He follows me in every room.  He watches a hunting show on TV with my husband and turns his head from side to side like he is listening.  His bark is very deep and ferocious but he is such a baby..

Chico last but not least was given to us by my husband's son Jared.  He is a full breed chihuahua, his colors are black and white.  He is more the size of a fox terrier.  I thought he would bark too much, but he does not.  He is a character.  When he was given to us he was 1 year old.  It did not take him very long to feel at home here.  I never thought I would ever by dog sweaters and clothes, but I have.  He looks really cute in them.

I do not believe he ever had a yard to roam around in.  We were a little worried about Shadow and Babe getting along with him, but we should not have been!!  He weighs about 15 pounds and him and Shadow are like brothers.  Shadow found him a new playmate, for Babe is sometimes a loner.  Shadow protects chico like no one could believe.  Babe is a little jealous of the new kid on the hill, so Shadow takes note of that.  Shadow tries to devide his playtime, and he is worn out by the end of the day. 

Chico is so full of energy and cannot outrun Shadow because of Shadow's long strides, but Chico can cut a corner on a dime and Shadow just falls forward, or Chico stops all of a sudden and ends up underneath Shadow.  It is hilarious to watch them.  Chico sleeps right under Shadow.  You would think they are mother and child.  I gave Shadow a whole turkey breast over the Thanksgiving holiday.  He only ate 2 bites and let Chico have the rest.  It was so sweet.

The funny thing Chico does is he sits on the sofa with me, puts his head on my shoulder and yodels while I play sad harmonica songs.  Every time I hit a note on the harmonica, Chico howls along...I was skeptical about a 3rd dog, but it has worked out just fine.   We love them like real people.

Babe was here first so he is King of the Hill and he wants everyone to know and respect that.  However he is a challenge most of the time, but he was my first. 

My husband built them a house.  I would call it a dog house, but it is so big it is almost like a child's playhouse.  It is 8 foot by 4 foot.  Our granddaughter can stand up in it.  It provides heat with a flood light and a 100 watt bulb with a chain to pull and turn on and off....Wow, I could even sleep in it if I wanted to. 

Now the only problem, being Babe well known as "King of the Hill" does not want Shadow or Chico in it!!  He wants it all to himself which becomes a real problem.   We have an older doghouse that Shadow would not get in until now.  I do find that when it is freezing and raining or snowing, babe does have the heart to let Shadow get in with him and snuggle up... 

Life on the hill with our three dogs is wonderful, peaceful at times and so much fun.  The dogs have added so much to our lives..They are a handful, but I guess they are worth it...