Shoni
When we decided to add a dog to our family, we knew we needed a really special pup-- one that would play endlessly with our energetic and overly enthusiastic labradoodle, treat our elderly and grumpy corgi with respect, and be a patient and loving companion to two young children aged three and six. We contacted numerous breeders thinking it would be best to find a dog with a known history and temperament, but I really wanted a rescue puppy. So we also checked all of the local shelters several times a day, scanned craigslist, and read the newspaper classifieds.
We found Shoni online, 400 miles from Boulder Colorado in Riverton Wyoming. After talking to the very helpful staff at Paws for Life, we thought she might be the dog for us and I decided to take the drive. My six-year old son insisted on being part of the decision. He convinced me that he could make the long trip without complaint, even if we didn't end up adopting the puppy. So he and I packed up our labradoodle, snacks, portable DVD player, and left before the sun rose on a Friday morning.
We knew Shoni was scared and quiet at the shelter. After researching the personality tests one can do with shelter dogs, my son and I agreed the most important test was that she approached us within five minutes - a sign that she would be able to bond. As soon as we saw her, she came over and licked our chins and nibbled our noses. The shelter manager said that Shoni had not greeted anyone else that way. She said she believed that dogs choose their owners and that Shoni had chosen us. When the puppy tried to walk out of the shelter showroom between my son's legs, I thought maybe she was right.
Shoni is perfect for us. She is a playmate to our labradoodle, she leaves the corgi alone, she greets children with the happiest wiggles and kisses, and she is by far the easiest of our three dogs. We've had to do some work around her fears, but you can see in her photo that she may be as happy to be with us as we are to have her - I swear she smiles now. Of course, she is cute as anything, too. Everywhere we take her people ask what she is. We tease that she's an "Icelandic Terrier" but then confess that we made up that breed and really she is a rescue mutt and a shining light in our lives. I know some people might think it crazy to take a 16-hour day trip to rescue an unwanted dog. Maybe it is. But how could we not go. After all, she chose us!
Jennifer Rudkin, Boulder, Colorado