Heidi- the RHF Guard Dog

We have our new guard dog, Heidi, the blue Weimaraner.

Isn't she precious??

We are dog people. We love them and enjoy their ridiculous antics so much. When we moved to Rock Haven, we already had two dogs-- both pound-puppies and very protective... but also under 40 pounds!

After moving to the country, I wanted more than anything a big dog to actually scare people when it came barking around the corner. Of course, while I was hunting for Mastiffs and Great Danes, Chad had different ideas.

Although he will not admit to it now, one day on the road as I was once again making my case for needing a big dog again, Chad said, "I guess if it was a blue Weim, it would be okay." And within 24 hours I had searched high and low on rescues with no luck but found a litter less than a week old within driving distance. SCORE!

We put down a deposit and her wonderful human-mama kept us updated with pictures every week or two. The girls and I were over the moon every time we saw a new post!

Remembering Wylie

You see, years ago we had the most wonderful dog named Wylie. He chose us without a shadow of a doubt and we loved him very much. My mom, sister, and I went to Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue to pick up a couple of dogs to keep my mama company. There were more than 20 gorgeous dogs with the run of the property, and while it was heartbreaking to know they hadn't found their forever homes, it was amazing to see them all so energetic and playful, and happy.

And then out walks the most beautiful, sleek, and muscled blue Weim I had ever seen. He walked out and sniffed each of us, and then did a circle around my legs and sat just to my left. I pet and loved on him, but Chad and I each had dogs when we met and so there were already two dogs in our home and there was really no thought in our minds about getting another. But Wylie. He was so well-mannered and gorgeous, and he stayed right at my side for the entire time we were there!

Compromise

I told Chad when I got home that I just couldn't get him out of my mind. We both knew three dogs in the house was more than we needed. But Wylie was stuck in my mind. I'm fairly certain I talked about him at least once a day for a month. Finally, I looked at Chad and said, "you know, it's not about having a third dog, it's about having THIS dog. What if we put in our application, and if he's found a home we are happy for him, but if not we go pick him up?" HE AGREED!!

We drove up a couple of weeks later and picked up Wylie and stopped at a pet store on the way home to grab some necessities. Wylie was so polite!! He sniffed things but was incredible on leash and didn't pull at all. He even raised onto his back legs to smell the treats on their little treat bar, but didn't even try to grab anything on his own.

Home with Wylie

We pulled into the driveway talking about how to introduce him and our other dogs, and Wylie saw a deer and tore away after it! We completely panicked and ran after him, but he was FAST. Of course all I could think about is that I was going to have to call the rescue the same day we picked him up and let them know we'd lost the dog! But within 10 minutes he came running back to us, to a house he hadn't even been into. An amazing dog, right from the start.

He got along with our pups, was a love and a protector, and was amazing when we brought home our oldest daughter. We had to put him down eventually because he had a disc issue that suddenly started causing extreme pain. We hated to lose him, but couldn't bear to watch him suffer. I don't think I've cried more for a dog in my life.

And Now There are Three Dogs Here

Anyway, Chad and I obviously have very fond memories of Wylie and the girls don't remember him at all. But we all were in love with our Heidi-dog immediately and waited patiently to add her to our family. The girls and I were finally able to pick her up this week, it's been a long few months with only pictures here and there to ease the anticipation.

She's ADORABLE--and of course she knows it. We are so excited to welcome her to our Rock Haven family! Welcome, Heidi!