[jsa044]

My dog's name is Maggie. She's a mutt (we think part black lab and part some kind of spaniel) We got her from a humane society in the city where my wife used to live. We got here when she was around four years old. She's great with our kids, very patient.

Didn't have to train her much. She has some bad habits such as liking to steal food when given the least bit of opportunity. She has been known to create a distraction and then circle back and grab the unattended food left behind. I wonder how well she was cared for before we got her.

I Wouldn't trade her for the world.

[bluekoi]

jsa044, That's awesome! You've given Maggie a loving, forever home! I have two dogs myself!

[Sabrina]

My Mom's mutt is also Maggie. She is a dachshund mix but looks very much like a long haired dachshund. She is a very lively natured dog and is very, I mean, very excitable around people. She is lovely.

[Fresia]

I am glad to hear Maggie is working out so well. Thank you for giving her a forever home.

They really can be great. I have three now and they have been wonderful too. The mixed breeds that I have had in the past have had fewer health problems as well, which has been nice too. I know this a myth but have found it to be true, or perhaps just lucky. Three cheers to the mutts out there!

[ThisWayOut]

pups can be wonderful, and incredibly wiley! Yur Maggie sounds liek a really smart one
Our "puppy" has us trained pretty well, and knows how to get our attention when he wants it. He will pick up something that he knows he shouldn't be touching, and pretend to chew it until we admonish him for it. mostly he does this when everyone is occupied with something else, and he either wants to go out, or get loving. he will also bark at the other dogs until they pay attention to him.

[Rose76]

It sounds like Maggie fell into it when she got taken home by your family. Lucky Maggie!

Despite her food-taking antics, if she is good with kids, then she is basically well-behaved. Lucky for you. Our rescued dogs' pasts are a mystery. Even if the past owner wasn't awful, being given up is traumatic for any dog. But your dog is happy now and that's what counts.

Mutts have one definite health advantage in that there is more genetic variation between their parents. This means the dogs chance of inheriting a disease caused by a recessive pair of genes is lessened. It's unlikely that both doggie parents would have the same recessive gene. I hope your dog enjoys good health for a very long time.

Thank you for rescuing a dog in need. Despite her lack of pedigree and shaky past, she is fitting into your household wonderfully. When you share that, you encourage more people to take a chance on a shelter dog.