Sammy was my constant companion. He knows all the tricks I could teach him. Spins, twirls, jumps, weaving, and retrieving.
One day while we were running together in the dog park, he twisted his left leg, and screamed. Running ahead of him, I didn’t know what happened. After carrying him to a park bench, I examined him for snake bites, stings, cuts. What was wrong? A visit to the Veterinarian showed that He had torn his CCL on the left side. I went back to the dog park alone, and found the most likely suspect was his leg twisted when he fell into a deep but narrow rut hidden by thick grass!
Surgery followed, but the day before his stitches were removed, disaster struck. His right leg now had a CCL injury and a torn meniscus because of the extra stress he exerted on his, “good leg” while healing from the left leg surgery . He isn’t comfortable riding on long trips, and can not hike or go for long walks anymore. He was a bit lonely at home so we adopted Taylor.
Baby “Tay” at the shelter being chosen by Sammy as his new brother. Video follows!
He’s in a borrowed crate from the shelter because safety is a priority, and my dogs are not allowed on the front seats because of airbags. I didn’t think I was going to take the little speckled puppy home, otherwise I would have brought a crate with me.
The shelter named him, “Stella” which would be fine if he were the female puppy he was advertised as…
It was an interesting ride home. He has never barked since! He grunts, groans, and has the typical, “hound-dog” bay – but he must have gotten barking out of his system on the 20 mile ride to his forever home! (Yes, the whole way home he did this!!! )
Poor Taylor! He had Fleas and was full of roundworm. After de-fleaing and worming he became a great puppy-companion to Sammy!
I wanted a companion to camp and travel with, and since Sammy was to be left home, we didn’t want him to be alone… so decided to add another to our, “pack.” She is, “Zoolie.”
2 Coonhounds! Sammy a Treeing Walker, and Taylor an American English (aka Redtick)
Zoolie’s “gotcha day” first ride, (to a new home with us.) She had Mange, and other medical issues. She couldn’t bark, and has PTSD from her pre-shelter days (remember she is a rescue.)
As a new friend in the family… she fit right in and was quickly accepted by her new brothers. She still has some anxiety especially with loud sounds or generally being outside in wind but is the perfect companion for Sammy when I take Taylor on road trips.