From Tragedy to Triumph

Sarge Chillin in the Sun 5-12-2012

Sarge is a 7-1/2 year old red merle Australian Shepherd. He has been a loyal and faithful family member since he was only 9 weeks of age.  Sarge is highly intelligent and a quick learner which is typical of  the “Aussie” breed. He loves to be with his human family as well as with his other canine companions. He is a very well mannered dog and knows where his nose should stay and will do his best to make sure the other members of the “pack” do as well. His eagerness to please (and love for peanut butter “cookies”) made training a simple and fun  process. Within the first year he learned his basic commands as well as fun tricks like “whisper”, “speak”, “shake”, “high-5” , “circle”, “roll-over”, “crawl”, and more as birthdays came and went.

Like all dogs, Sarge has his own individual personality and preferences, for instance, he would prefer to sleep on the floor by the door instead of on the bed. He will flop down in front of you, roll over, and immediately hike his leg to give you free and open access to rub his belly. Although by nature he is a herding dog, he makes an excellent hunting dog, or would if he wasn’t gun shy.  He loves to tree squirrels and will hunt squirrel relentlessly if you tell him “get it”. Sarge, like most Aussies, loves to work and he always does a good and clean job at it. When we have loose animals, he will run with all his might to pin it and wait for you to come pick it up, leaving no marks or even a ruffle of fur. He doesn’t even leave a drop of slobber.

Just like humans, Sarge has his own hobbies. He loves swimming in the creek and chasing down runaway ducks, even if he does get a little wet and muddy. He loves to lay under the table and protect our feet from little food monsters that he much rather be in his belly. He enjoys playing tug-o-war, knocking us all on our butts, long walks, ball chasing, and “keep away” from the two pups.

Obedience might as well have been his middle name. “Sarge, roll over,” and plop! Over he goes. “Sarge, bed time.” Zoom! Off to the bedroom. Of course, he knows that his obedience not only earns him a nice scratch behind the ear and an “atta boy”,  but likely his favorite treat as well.

Needless to say, he is the perfect companion.  We love him with all our hearts and think that he is one of the greatest blessing that God has ever put in our hands and care.

1.    jerry 06.04.14 @ 4:52 am      
   Reply

   Sarge and family, welcome. You have quite an amazing bond there that will take you far during this journey. You are stronger than you ever thought, hang in there.

   •    pjbridges94 06.04.14 @ 4:54 pm      
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     Thank you. We are trying our best and keep in good spirits for the sake of Sarge. He is due for surgery soon and we are excited for his, as he is to begin his new life. We hope for the best and have faith that he will do excellently with the adaptation.