Ok, so a re-introduction. I will try to make this as short as possible... as I sometimes tend to ramble.
My name is Sarah and I'm 23 years old. I am now married to the most wonderful man on this earth, who is also a U.S. Army Soldier. We've been together for about 2 years, married for 7 1/2 months. I moved to Hinesville, GA which is near Fort Stewart where my husband is stationed.
I currently have 1 dog, Lugar, who is a 5 1/2 year old boxer/pit mix. I rescued him when he was 7 months old from Broward County in Florida. He's the best dog I've ever had. He loves people, dogs, cats & especially kids. Loves to play and is still full of energy and spunk. I have noticed though he's not quite as "spry" as he used to be... if he's had a long day of playing, or a session of hard running, he just wants to lay around the next day and almost seems stiff. Nothing concerning though.
A few years back, my mom and I were volunteering with a local rescue where we would foster puppies, dogs and kittens. Many had ended up as "foster failures" so there was a time we had quite a few animals. It's been a very rough road. I moved from my house in Jupiter because it forclosed on my parents. We were forced to move 2 more times afterwards. During that time, my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She went through chemo & radiation, only for it to return 3 months later even worse than when she was first diagnosed, and it had also spread to her lymphnodes. She lost her battle to cancer in November of 2009. It was a tough road, but my mom fought hard. The worst day of my life, as she was not only my mom, but my best friend. She had the same passion for animals as I did.
I had a bad break up not long after. I had been with this "boy" for 7 years. I just couldn't take it anymore... I wasn't in love with him like I was when we first got together. He abused me mentally, he was lazy, controlling, jealous, & just a very selfish person. I met my husband at the end of that, who I had worked with for a couple years but never really talked to him. We had gone to school together, lived in the same neighborhood, hung out with the same people... yet we never came across each other. lol He left for basic training February 2011 & we married in July 2011 when he had leave after his training.
The unfortunate circumstances I've had to go through had caused me to have to rehome my huskies & the 2 shepherd mixes I had
My father was not able to care for them, and I couldn't take them with me as the house we are renting we are only allowed 2 pets. I can't begin to tell you how awful it is to "choose" who I take with me. I have found wonderful homes for all of them though, but still trying to rehome the cats. My brother has been taking care of them for me, and the rescue we volunteered with is trying their best to help me find homes for them. It kills me everyday that I'm having to do what I'm doing. Not a day goes by where I don't feel like I've "failed" my furbabies :'( I have my boxer/pit mix, & I was finally able to convince my husband to let me bring one of my cats with me.
But that's about it for me. I tried to keep it as short as I possibly could, lol and I apologize if it's still too long! Will post pictures of them if anyone is interested.
OH, and I've done quite a bit of research with dog behavior and training. I know more than your average dog person
(not meaning to sound conceded! ) As a matter of fact, I almost forgot, that most of the dogs/puppies that my mom and I would foster were ones that had behavioral problems (aggressive, extremely shy, etc) or needed training. And yes, when I said puppies, I have had puppies come to me that were full out aggressive.... but they were easily rehabilitated with a little bit of tough love (not getting away with any of it!) and structure. They have all happily been adopted