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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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?