Hello - Southern California checking in

[Anthem]

Hi everyone. We have "Not our dog" AKA "Aries" at home. Not our dog is our neighbors dog that lives behind us. We had to put our Rhodesian Ridgeback down in November of last year, Then in January, we had to put our Toy Fox Terrier down. Two of the most stubborn dog breeds ever. lol. On top of losing our other dog two years prior. Anyway, Aries was an outside dog and spent his days alone outside, rain or shine, (I think his owner put him in the garage when it rained), because his owner is a single dad, works and goes to school, and just doesn't have time for his dog. One day winds created some havoc with the fence between our houses and Aries was able to get his head through the messed up planks. Up to this point, all we saw was a big GSD that liked to bark at us, and that our Rhody would engage from our side. So, somehow *shrug* a couple of more planks on the fence disappeared (wife) and the boi now had full run of two backyards. Soon, he starts sleeping in our backyard, and then he starts coming in the house, checking it out, tentative, but still spent a lot of time outside, including sleeping. Fast forward to today, and we have a bossy, ball chasing maniac, that complains until I take him for a walk, loves hunting for hide and seek treats, and would be offended if we even suggested that he sleeps outside. He will go "home" if his owner is outside, but he only spends a few minutes over there and then comes back. This dog has brought a healing to our family from the loss of our other 3 as we couldn't imagine going out and getting another dog after that loss. Somehow I've become his human. Anyway, good to be here

 

[Andre]

Welcome Anthem! It's good to have you here with us

I am sorry to hear about the late passing of your other dogs, it's always a really hard thing to go through.

This is a super unique story. Just to confirm, Aries is your neighbor's dog that lives with you (mostly) because his owner is never home for him? You guys take care of him for the most part, based on you taking him for walks and him sleeping in your house? Are you the ones feeding him too? This story reminds me of those ones you hear about cats having 2 families that don't know one another when they go outside. Super interesting. Almost sounds like you and your neighbor are co-parenting. I am glad he always has someone to love him and keep him safe, like your family.

 

[Kaia Murphy]

Oh my gosh, this made my whole day.

Aries really woke up one morning and said, “Actually… these are my people now.” And honestly? I can’t even blame him. Dogs always know where they’re loved.

I’m so sorry about the losses you went through, that’s a lot of heartbreak in a short time. It makes total sense that you weren’t ready to go out and look for another dog yet. Sometimes the right one just… finds their way in, literally through the fence boards your wife “mysteriously” removed

It sounds like Aries chose you exactly when you needed him, and he needed you right back. The bossy, ball-obsessed ones always sneak their way into your heart the fastest lol.

Really glad you’re here, can’t wait to hear more about your accidental adoptee

 

[Malakai The Great]

Welcome to the HQ, Anthem and what an incredible story.

Aries didn’t just wander into your yard… he chose your family. Dogs have a way of filling the space that loss leaves behind, and it sounds like he walked in at exactly the moment you all needed him most.

It’s funny how shepherds operate, they’ll act like they’re just “checking things out,” but once they decide you’re their people, that’s it. Full commitment. No going back. The bossy attitude, the ball obsession, the hide-and-seek nose work… that’s a dog who finally feels safe enough to be himself.

And the healing you mentioned? That’s real. These dogs have a way of stitching a house back together without anyone noticing until one day you look around and realize the place feels alive again.

Really glad you’re here and even happier that Aries found the home he was always meant to have.

 

[Anthem]

Welcome Anthem! It's good to have you here with us

I am sorry to hear about the late passing of your other dogs, it's always a really hard thing to go through.

This is a super unique story. Just to confirm, Aries is your neighbor's dog that lives with you (mostly) because his owner is never home for him? You guys take care of him for the most part, based on you taking him for walks and him sleeping in your house? Are you the ones feeding him too? This story reminds me of those ones you hear about cats having 2 families that don't know one another when they go outside. Super interesting. Almost sounds like you and your neighbor are co-parenting. I am glad he always has someone to love him and keep him safe, like your family.

Food, treats,, walks, training, toys. His official owner will place dog food inside our backyard occasionally, but we buy what he needs. I'm not even sure it is co-parenting anymore. We walked by the owners house the other day and he was standing at his front door. He saw us and said "Hi Aries" and the dog just looked over at him and kept walking. I felt a little bad.

 

[EnraaGygas]

A very warm welcome, Anthem! Happy to have you here!

That is such an incredible story! t's amazing to hear the impact you've had on one another. Aries is incredibly lucky to have you, and I bet he's so so very happy to have that connection with you guys.