Dixie

 My Forever Family                                                                                 

Hi Kerri!

Thank you letting us adopt Dixie.  She is just wonderful!

She is the most adaptable dog we have ever had.  During her first few days with us, she went to a Sunshine Singers rehearsal and concert, immediately becoming our mascot.  Our two sons visited accompanied by a huge Belgian Shepherd.  Dixie wasn’t at all phased by him.  In fact, initially, he was afraid of her.  Our sons are big men, but as far as she was concerned, they were friends, especially the one who fed her way too many treats.  During this visit, I came down with the stomach flu and had really bad chills.  Dixie snuggled up to me and kept me warm.  After they left, she looked for them for a day or so, but quickly adjusted to the far more quiet household.

The Sunshine Singers perform at assisted living and memory care units.  She is not a big fan of sitting still in her stroller while we sing, she’s rather like a toddler in church. Visiting with people afterwards is more her thing.  And they really love her, even those with advanced dementia respond to her.

Dixie is such a walker.  She likes beaches, sidewalks, and the woods.  She and I often go out three times a day.  Will, not the most enthusiastic of walkers, comes along at least once.  She goes so fast, like some kind of baby greyhound.  Will and I have to work hard to keep up, especially when going down a hill.  I tell people it’s like having my own little personal trainer.  Boy, am we getting in shape!

As far as daily things, she is doing well.  She eats like a wolf.  I have never had a dog who vibrates as I am putting down food dish.  She has adapted to sleeping in her own bed, rather than mine.  We find that she absolutely refuses to go out in the snow, and after an initial adjustment, she is using her puppy pads.  She now knows where things are in the house: she knows where her food is placed; she knows where the treats are stored; and she has her favorite places to check out and/or have a nap.

I love that she has her own ideas and her own personal preferences.  Apparently, waiting around for me while I’m getting ready for the first walk of the day is not her favorite thing.  So, a few days ago, she trotted over to Will, who was in his recliner, and started barking.  He picked her up and cuddled her and that was exactly what she wanted.  So, every morning they have a cuddle time until I’m ready.  And, her clothing preferences in a hoot!  The purple plaid coat and her pajamas are fine, but she runs away when I bring out any other outfit.

At the end of the day, she is very tired and all she wants to do is snuggle in a lap while we watch TV.

She is the best little snuggler ever.  We love her so much.