Can't Have Just One

Ever have a pesky little friend who always seems to be right there?
Underfoot
In the way
A squeaky wheel

Poor Cooper the black lab mix.  He really had no choice in the matter about 4 years ago when we brought home the rescued Pom, Tucker.

Cooper is sweet. 
Low maintenance.
Friendly. 
Calm. 
Loyal. 
He has soulful eyes. 

And when he was about 3 our wonderful dog who would sun himself on the steps like a Tom Cat and wag his tale gleefully when anybody would stop by ... had a life altering change.  We, his human family, needed a little more excitement, a bit more energy and we decided to find him a companion. Then along came Tucker.

 

Dogs are like potato chips .... it's hard to just have one.

 

At a shelter for Pomeranians, Tucker was advertised like a criminal on a wanted poster on the Internet .  We didn't really know what we were getting ourselves into.  'Elfie' was cute.  But at 11 months old, they couldn't tell what kind of life he had before he came to the shelter.  The word was his original owner didn't know that he needed to be groomed, often, that he needed to get 'fixed' and that he was a yappy little fellow! But we were smitten!

 

It took a while for everyone to get used to him!!  We changed his name on the hour drive home from the shelter.  Tucker, Tucky, Fozz, Fuzzy Bear, 'Lil guy, Buddy.... he answers to them all!

 

Although tiny at about 10 pounds, he was and is a tough little guy.  Don't mess with him.  He's bitten us all... broken the skin and drawn blood.  And made the girls cry!!!So much for the loving, cuddly little lap dog.  But just like anyone else, he was telling us that that was not the time to be right in his face... he needed and still needs his space.

 

We didn't want to give up on him.  And now, 4 years later he still is in charge.  But poor Cooper really takes the brunt of the abuse.  We give him permission all the time to knock Tucker down.... but he wont do it!  And even during our cold snap last week.... it was -5 degrees outside.  And a bit drafty on the floor.  Not often.... but Tucker decided to plop down in the middle of the fluffy softness to share Cooper's bed.  (Mind you, Tucker has a few of  his own soft and cozy beds) And the big guy let him (he was hanging off the side) .... I guess to stay warm you cuddle any way you can!

 

Cuddling literally kills depression, relieves anxiety and strengthens the immune system.

 

And being the owner of two very different dogs has been quite an adventure.