Ella

Susan and I have been working through our grief over the death of Dickens. I want to thank all the people who helped us through it via face to face conversation, comments on the blog or emails. Rohanna, Sherry, Elison, Michelle Geisler and many more

We finally reached the point were we we ready to start looking for a new dog.

First we thought about it a lot and how it would impact Siggy, our 17 year old Jack Russell Terrier.

Then we spoke to our vet, Dr. Harold Langbehn of Ehrlich Animal Hospital, about whether it would be okay for Siggy for us to get a dog. He said getting the right dog might actually rejuvenize Siggy. We were afraid a big dog might knock our geriatric Siggy around, so we were thinking of getting another Jack Russell puppy (tangent - There is no such thing as a Parson Jack Russell - that is an effort by the AKC to take over the breed from the Jack Russell Terrier Assocation, wimpify the breed and remove it from its working dog background.) Our vet thought that actually a JR puppy might be to energetic and recommended a bigger dog such as a Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer, or a Golden Retriever. Because our neighbor Erin has a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Blue, that is very nice, we thought about getting one . He said it also would be a good dog.

So we began looking and researching the breeds. We went to PetFinder and searched all of the local rescue groups to see what was there. We found that the various rescue groups differ in amount of info available. The Boxer Rescue group and Rhodesian Ridgeback group had extensive info.

On Friday we drove to C.A.R.E rescue group in Riverview. We met a dog named Maddie, but she had some minor aggression when some other dogs came around. It was clear she wanted our attention and did not want to share it. However, we wanted no aggression for Sig.

Saturday we were going to do the round of Pet Stores to see the dogs the rescue groups bring there. We went to PETCO on North Dale Mabry where there were about 30 dogs in crates, creating such a racket. This was the Lost Angels Rescue group

We met Jada, who was very nice, we we thought a bit to energetic for Siggy. Next to Jada was a dog they called Kaya. She had only been with group for one week, having come from the County Animal Control. She was very shy and submisive and obviously very stressed. She was not even leash trained. The foster parent had to take carry her over to a bench away from the rest of the gang. At some point during the introduction session with Susan and I, she put her head on my arm. I was captured. We decided to adopt her. We filled out the adoption paperwork. I called our Vet to set up an appointment. While I was doing so the rescue group was on the other line checking our vet. We were interviewed and it became a short interview once they found out we had a 17 year old JR. They were not used to dogs that old. We passed. We went into the store to buy supplies. Crate, harness, dog food and other items. Fortunately I alway carry a leash with me in case we set loose dogs in the neighborhod, so I did not have ot buy one.

On the way home Susan came up with the new name of her, Ella for Ella Fitzgerald. This name fit for 2 reasons. She was listed as a Catahoula Leopard dog with I associate with Louisiana. Secondly be she has the blues.














The introduction of Siggy and Ella went well. He tolerated her and she did not push things.

More to come.