Category Archives: Dogs

A Walk Patsy Pond

Sometimes, I just need to spend a few hours in nature. One nearby place I like to walk occasionally is the Patsy Pond trail, in the Croatan National Forest. Unlike much of the forest, which is swampy, the ground here is sandy, and covered in grasses and small shrubs between the towering long leaf pines. It gets pretty crowded on weekends, but on this beautiful, 55 degree weekday, I had it mostly to myself. It was incredibly peaceful.

Interesting dead winter flowers and grasses.

A reflection on the calm, quiet pond.

And of course, I had one of my dogs with me. I try to spend alone time with each of them so they don’t feel left out, and this day was Otto’s turn. We adopted him less than 2 months ago, and he is fitting into the family nicely. Even if he is alot of work.

Introducing Otto!

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We adopted a third dog, Otto, previously Bear, this weekend. Its only been three days, but so far he is fitting into the family great. The most difficulties have been with Panzer accepting that he is in charge, because previously he had been quite happy to be the beta dog, and of course everyone getting enough attention, and Otto learning the rules of our home. But overall, its been pretty easy. He really is such a sweet, happy affectionate dog.

Before coming to us, Otto had a tough life. He was kept tied up in the back of a used auto yard, before the owner decided he wasn’t a good guard dog and intended to let him loose near a highway. Fortunately, someone at Shepherds Hope heard of him and was able to convince the owner to turn Bear over to her instead. Although he was not physically abused, he was neglected. Even after several months with the rescue organization he is still very thin and has tested positive for low levels of heartworm. Amazingly, the rescue organization had a difficult time finding a home for him. He has alot of energy will be big when he is finished growing. Also, the rescue organization wanted to place him in a home with other dogs, and many people only want one.

We got him from German Shepherd Rescue Association, we also got Sasha from them. If you are in North Carolina or Virginia, and looking for a dog, I highly recommend adopting from them, or Shepherd’s Hope in North and South Carolina.