Dog is God Spelled Backwards

    Today is my puppy's 1st birthday. We bought her from a farm in Kentucky while we still lived right in the middle of the city.  It was kindof a Valentine's Day surprise for me from my Hunny.  The ad in the paper showed little baby border collies. When we drove over an hour on hilly, curvy back roads to go see her, however, we were surprised to find that the cutie puppies were really small dogs.  How could I resist, though?  I mean it WAS a sweet Valentine idea.  I'd been wearing that man down for several years so that we could get a dog. Now or never.  It was another leap of faith, really.

    Since I had no real dog experience and no clue why I wanted a border collie, I kind of just jumped.  So we brought her home and she was so scared for the first few days that she barely even moved!  (Hey! This is gonna be easy!) NO, not easy.  Once she snapped out of her coma, it was another story.  Since she was born and raised in a barn, this whole house training deal was, let's just say, a challenge. So I did what any other wise and industrious person would do.... I googled it!  I was a little disheartened to find out that border collies make terrible family pets, especially homes with little kids beware.  They are slightly neurotic and require tons of attention and "stimulation."  I guess I should have googled it before I drove all the way to the hills of Kentucky. Too late now, though, because we all love her.  After much effort and googling, training sessions and vowing to take her back to the farm, we're all pretty happy.  Turns out that you can't believe everything you read online.  (who knew?)

    Border collies are FANTASTIC family pets!  She is the smartest, sweetest dog I have ever known.  While we lived in the city, she compulsively chased a stuffed duck that we swung around by a rope.  That seemed to help her not to need to herd the children quite as much.  Yes, she was compelled to round up anything or anyone that was leaving the identified "group."  But now that we are out in the country, she has plenty to do keeping 24 free-range chickens in a herd. (at least that's what she calls it)  We probably need to get her some sheep or something....
    It's amazing to me how so many things really do work out for our good.  How the Lord even helps us pick out a dog.  The hardest part is believing.
    Hopefully this time next year we'll be planning on our first litter... I guess we need to find our girl a husband.  Happy Birthday Annabelle!