Sophie

Ten days ago we got up early, got dressed, and headed to PetSmart to be there when they opened. We got there around 9:30, a half hour after they opened, and a half hour before Noah's Ark Pet Adoptions was scheduled to start showing their dogs.

An hour later we left with a 20 pound bag of puppy food, a food dish, a box of biscuits, a bone... and oh yes, a one year old Shepherd mix who answers to the name of Sophie. Anyone who has heard me talk about Sophie has been told the same thing: She is just a gentle, gentle soul. For her first few days, she was quiet, calm and reserved. Now that she's more comfortable, her playful puppy is coming out. But still that gentle spirit is there. We fell in love with it as soon as we met her. She obviously did not have an easy life for her first year, which is hard to understand, as she is the sweetest, friendliest girl on four legs.

Sophie loves to chew (and being the puppy that she still is, she is still figuring out what is and what isn't acceptable to chew on) Thankfully, she's very apologetic and accomodating when she has something she shouldn't. No running away or playing tug-of-war. She loves to chase her tennis balls - a gift from the adoption organization - in the back yard. She loves to roll around in the grass. But her favorite thing? Gratefully following her new people from room to room, stopping and resting for pats, kisses and snuggles. She is a joy, and she is the perfect addition to our family.