Happy Birthday, Little Buddy!

Today marks our 6 year anniversary with Shep!  And since Shep's history is pretty unknown we also consider this to be his birthday - so much to celebrate!  It was just a little more than 6 years ago that Jay decided he was ready for a dog and after a thorough search he received an email from the UC Davis Vet School, in the same building he was working at the time, that there were 2 dogs from the Colony program still needing homes.  The Vet School students care for dogs and practice non-invasive procedures on them. Shep had been a part of the program for 2 years and had many, many ultrasounds during his stint, leaving him very easy to handle.  The Vet School had picked Shep up from a local shelter where he had been left in a nighttime drop box - whoever had him as a puppy didn't know what an amazing dog they were giving up and were too cowardly to surrender him during the day.  Based on his time at Davis, the fact that he wasn't still a puppy when the school adopted him, and the 6 years we have had him, we are making this Shep's 10th birthday - huge milestone!

  Jay made a few visits to the Vet School to meet Shep as the Vet students made sure that each dog from the colony program are going to the right home.  Shep and his good buddy Cole were the last two dogs to be adopted.  As much as we can figure Shep was passed over because of some premature gray - he's so distinguished.  One of Jay's co-workers snatched up Cole before any other latecomers could and Shep and Cole enjoyed walks together until we moved back to Oregon two years ago.  On July 13th 2005 Jay and Shep officially became a part of each other's lives!  I moved down to Davis a month and a half later to join the fun and we've been together ever since!

  I can't imagine life without Shep.  He's one of my favorite beings (I have to admit that I anthropomorphize him and believe that our side glances to each other have a lot of meaning behind them). We have had so many adventures together and have built a plethora of memories.  Shep, Shepherd, Shepdog, Shepdoggy dogg, Shepperton Argyle Well, Shepherd's Pie, Mr. Shepherd, Shepstar, ShepBeast, Beastdog, Shepdog in the city, Little Buddy.  No matter what we're calling him at the time we just love him so much! Even when he escaped from the yard last year (multiple times!) before the fence was built; even when he peed on my backpack and Jay's tent; even when he tried to take over my sleeping bag and pad on a backpacking trip; even when he doesn't listen at the park and runs away from us; even though he insists on digging holes in the backyard, no matter how many times we fill them in.  No matter what I am always so happy to see my Little Buddy when I get home and he is happiest when the three of us are all together.  This fall will be a big test for Shep - adding a little one to the house might be pretty tough on the guy but I think he'll be a great big brotherdog.  Here are just a few (ok, a lot!) of my favorite pictures of Shepdog.  Happy Birthday Buddy!  You've got a big rawhide treat coming your way!