On June 4th, 2020 a little ball of puppy fur was born into the Upland City Shelter. Evidently, her mother, a black German Shepherd, had found her way there at an earlier time. She was posted on their website in about 8 weeks from the date of her birth, and that was when I first saw "Monica." Only known as female puppy #3, born into this litter. I called that Sunday morning about an hour after the Shelter opened up, was already prepared to hear that I wouldn't be able to even view these puppies. This is because during our time of the COVID19 Quarantine, you can't just show up at a shelter to view or see a dog. You must call and make an appointment, and usually puppies are the first to go and already have a "full" list of those want to be owners, like me. So, I called with passive hope. Of course, the first puppy girl had a full list, the second one had 2 people in front of me, I would be the third. No, I wouldn't take that spot, for chances are the puppy would be gone. But the 3rd puppy, only had one person signed up and I would be number 2. So I said "yes," but planned for the inevitable call the next day before my appointment that she had already been adopted. I went about my usual Monday activities of grocery shopping and cleaning, wearing my BlueTooth expecting a call anytime, but to my complete surprise, I found myself showing up at the Shelter for my appointment as that call never came.
I waited out front, wondering if I was really up to rearing a puppy, a German Shepherd puppy, no less. My husband really didn't want me to get an older dog this time, as I think he knew how much I go through when I lose them. She came through the door, going every which way on the leash, puppy peeing in excitement. She was black all over, with a touch of white on her back paws, and under her chin and chest. She had the "rabbit ears" of the German Shepherd. I scooped her up in my arms, and knew I had to say "yes, I'll take her." I found out then that the first person on the list, "never showed up." So this little bundle of fur was meant for me all along.
I had her name picked out before I had her. It would be Gypsy Rose. My Dad had often told me about a dog he had grown up with. I think it actually was his nephew's dog, but for awhile, he and Dad's sister had joined their family again. The dog's name was Gypsy and a "police dog," and was most affectionate and expressive in the family. So I decided that my next dog would be Gypsy, and Rose just flowed along with Gypsy. Plus, Gypsy begins with "G" for GQ and ends with "y" for Mary. So into our lives came Gypsy Rose.
I think I had forgotten all the things you need to do for a puppy, and Gypsy was probably the youngest puppy I ever had. She was sweet but had razor sharp puppy teeth ready to explore every inch of my feet and ankles! She definitely was a quick learner, but also had a feisty puppy attitude. To my surprise, my husband is full on board with caring and loving this puppy. I have always been the "dog person" in our 34 years of life together. Dogs were "tolerated" by him, and usually were better if they were out of sight. But perhaps its age or just starting over with your very own, (kind of like having grandchildren when you find out you are much better with them then you were with your own children) that has made him definitely all in with rearing Gypsy Rose. Even to the point of being diligent in taking her out at night for potty breaks, and letting her fall asleep in our bed! Wow! I often have wondered, who is this man?
Here we are now, 3 months and 1 week old. I have a trainer, Nancy, who will be our guide these 12 months as Gypsy grows. Every day we are practicing commands of "Sit . . . Stay . . . Come . . . Wait." And she is learning. Her biting has gotten less, still has her times though of wanting to hang on your pant leg, but she is responding to deterrents. She is joyful in her play, and already exhibits a love for water! Yes, I think she is a Black "Sheparador." A mix of her Black German Shepherd Mama and a Labador Dad. I find matching images of her when I have done my internet search into who she might be. But whatever, I am once again enamored with God's lovable creature dog, and am thankful that even in this midst of seclusion, disease, and paths unknown, He has dropped Gypsy Rose into our lives to bring us hope and joy!
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