Since so many ask me about my own dogs:

The Story of Sugar:

When my wife and I bought our house, my wife will tell you that my biggest concern was a big back yard so I could have a safe area for our future children and dogs.  I was so excited to find a home that has a tremendously large backyard. 

As my birthday approached, we began searching the rescue groups for the perfect dog.  We went to a number of adoption fairs (Bless all of you who give time or money).  Finally on a very hot afternoon, we came across a dog that slithered on her belly past a group of dog adopters and scooched up shyly, one paw at a time, on to my wife’s lap.  I watched and said, that’s our dog.  We completed the paperwork, paid the fees and after a home inspection by the rescue group, Sugar was ours!

Sugar had been thrown out of a car at the Cabazon Outlet Mall in Southern California.  A security guard had rescued her.  When, they told us this it just made Sugar that much more special to us.  However, it meant that Sugar was scared, especially of cars.

The first week, my wife noted to me that Sugar didn’t seem to respond or even look when we would call her.  So I quickly learned some doggie sign language (yes, it really exists).  My wife thought I was nuts (and I’m Sugar did too – LOL), but Sugar responded.  You can still find me occasionally signing to Sugar.

A few weeks into having Sugar, a big rain storm flooded our house and yard.  Amber took Sugar outback to go potty.  Sugar was excited to get in the backyard she loved and started running fast and looking to jump our pool pump (as she so often did).  She wasn’t used to that amount of water, slipped and ended up breaking her leg.  We took Sugar to a vet, then to a wonderful animal Hospital in Irvine, CA where they crafted a titanium leg for her.  The skin is sewn over it and the leg is attached above the growth plates that fortunately weren’t damaged.  You can hardly tell, if we don’t point it out.  To help her through the recovery the doctor’s said to keep her schedule normal.  So, I took her for walks, wearing her in a baby carrier like contraption and would walk her around the neighborhood.  The neighbors still shake their heads.  Sugar was about 30-35 punds, so you can imagine the sight.

I’m pleased to say that Sugar recovered fully, won a dog show and placed second in an agility competition.  She is very active and loves to chase balls, play with anyone willing to play and receive belly rubs as well.

Sugar is the family protector and smart as whip.  She knows a large number of commands and tricks.  We love her very much. 

Quite often, when I’m working on the computer you will find both dogs laying on either side of my chair.  To them I say, thank you for all of the love and devotion.