Sunday, December 29, 2013

Gypsy Update

A few years ago, I introduced you to the sweet German Shepherd who wandered into our lives.  Gypsy has made a few appearances on my blog since then, but I figured I should post a little update for all the dog lovers out there who enjoy a good success story.  As I mentioned in the beginning, I found her at the entrance to my bank.  She had been there for days, depending on the kindness of the bank staff and customers for water and food.  She was scraggly, dirty, and covered in burrs.  Here's the picture I took of her that day.  

Gypsy- Day 1

That is the exact photo I texted to my husband to feel him out about taking her.  He gave me the go-ahead, so I took her to the vet, then brought her home and searched unsuccessfully for her rightful owners.  Once we came to the conclusion that she was definitely staying with us, we began our attempt to make her feel like part of the family.  Exercise is very important for working dogs, so walking her has become a big part of our routine.  We've logged many miles behind those gigantic ears, following them through parks and sidewalks all over the area.

Gypsy Walking

She's turned out to be a very loyal companion.  She watches the door anytime either of us leave the house.  Sometimes she says there for hours, awaiting our return.  She's always by my side, whether I'm going for a spin on the treadmill, reading a book, riding around town, or relaxing on the couch.  She's also a great help in the kitchen.

Gypsy Helping

Once she felt comfortable in our home (I'm guessing she was an outside dog before, because the indoor world seemed completely foreign to her at first), she mastered the art of lazing around in the house.  You might find her lounging by a cat (just not too close), by an air conditioner vent if it's hot outside, with her head propped up on the stairs, or giving me puppy dog eyes in an attempt to gather a constant supply of affection.

Gypsy Being Lazy

I won't say it's been an easy road, because incorporating her into our family involved a lot of training.  I read many books, watched a few videos, and studied her breed so I would understand her needs.  She was very neurotic at first, and I got the feeling nobody had ever put a single drop of effort into training her to be a good companion.  But now she has proven to be the best dog I could possibly ask for.  

Gypsy and I

I never really cared much about dog breeds before I got her.  I considered myself a friend to all creatures with little preference regarding their bloodline.  But she has made me a believer in the German Shepherd Dog.  Her level of intelligence and willingness to please has astounded me, and I've found myself very partial to this breed.  Is there a certain breed of dog that has captured your heart like this Gypsy girl captured mine?

14 comments:

Mitch Embry said...

It's definitely been a fun ride! I especially love the last photo, my two best friends... :)

Pili said...

Oh my! Gypsy! I thank you so very much for sharing so many photos of her in this post!
I'm so happy to hear she's doing well and happy!
And I want to thank you also for taking her in, dogs are the most kind creatures and they deserve to be treated as so.

Diary of a Madd Weekly Painter said...

Bless you both for loving this beautiful dog. I've always loved G Shep., as you say they are so intelligent and faithful. I'm sure she knows what a lucky pup she is. Happy New Year !!!

Lemon Shortbread said...

Beautiful post! Glad to read of a responsible loving owner. Love working dogs because of their loyalty & intelligence! Unfortunately I've had a neighbor keep their german shepherd locked out of the house without walking it even once!! It was always barking non-stop so I believe that was the problem. Thank you for dropping by my blog too =)

Patsy said...

Great story! So glad you took her home. Happy New Year!! Hope 2014 brings you many awesome blessings!!

Ink Obsession Designs said...

Oh she is so cute! I love GS's...I would LOVE to have one day. Happy New Year!!

DancingMooney said...

Sarah is a rescue dog too, who didn't seem to have any socialization when we got her... so she too has been a lot of work, and she too is (a mutt) with German Shepard being her dominant breed.

She loves to run, and explore. And she loves to be a good girl and make you happy. She's 7 now, it's hard to believe how fast the time has gone by, but as gentle of a soul she is, she has turned out to be a wonderful dog, and I feel so blessed that she came into our lives.

Same to you in finding Gypsy.

xoxo

Sakuranko said...

Oh very lovely pics!
xx

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Marysol said...

I love a happy ending.

Many years ago, I was attacked by a German Shepherd named 'Kimmy,' and I've admired this breed ever since...

In the pup's defense, I should add she was only protecting her master (the guy I was dating at the time, and whose hand I was holding, when she and I were introduced). Lesson learned.

Long story short, Kimmy let me keep all of my fingers. She turned out to be a very gentle, loyal, and intelligent animal. And we quickly became best friends. The end :)

babalisme said...

I believe as people with race, dogs with their breed, regardless of their breed, one can touch you in many ways. I have found friends in many shapes and sizes, pugs, beagle, rottweiler, goldens, corgi, they're all loving and loyal! some have distinctive traits, but if you see right pass through them, they're just the same one big bundle of joy. Also, "parenting" or "mastering" had lots of influence on the dog. You share love, you get love, you share hate, you also get timid, insecure, scared, and even biting dogs. Anyway, send my regards to Gypsy! she looks adorable! Have the best 14-ish years of friendship!

alexkeller said...

so adorable!!! we had Bandit for 12 years - a black lab. sadly he passed away last month and it's been awfully quiet at home. but i'm sure he's running around somewhere with all the other loved pets - probably chasing rabbits :)

devonrose said...

Hi Holly!

It's been so long! I loved reading about your new friend, she's beautiful and I LOVE the pictures (especially the one on the stairs)so cute with her head hanging off the step, lol! Dogs are the BEST!

xoxo,
Emily & Devon

Aik said...

This is so wonderful to read! I love how you loved your time with your dog, it reminds me of the days I've had with my pet puppies at home!

Rheea Zhang (Dollgift) said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful post! I love animals so much especially dogs that I've long convinced myself that I must be a dog in my past life. I'm so glad you and Mitch decided to keep Gypsy and took so great care of her. I pray for more people to adopt instead of buying from a pet store. Even though I love my Nono boy to the max, I often secretly wish I have a bigger dog... like a Golden Retriever?! Shhhss... Please keep this from Nono.

Oh and please continue to share more stories of Gypsy! Sending big hugs to the both of you. <3