Glitch. I feel terrible even typing that, because he's only been with me a few months, but it's true. All of them have a special spot in my heart, but Glitch is the dog I wanted when I got first Gambit, then Gimmick.
I love Gambit for his determination. He has so much to overcome, and he has come so much farther then anyone thought he could. But, with all of his progress, there is a limit to what he can be. He will never be a dog who is comfortable with strangers, or visiters, or kids. I will never be able to take him to classes or out hiking, because it isn't worth the stress it causes him when we see other people. I've long since accepted this, and I do appreciate him for what he is.
Gimmick is my snuggler. He is so soft, and tender and gentle. Seriously, it's like this dog has taken a hit of Thorazine every day. When he cuddles with me, it is the sweetest thing ever. When he runs, he lights up and has fun. But he's so frustrating to work with. If he even thinks he has failed me (and I have never corrected him, not even verbally), he just withers into a puddle and is useless afterwards. Any amount of pressure and he's done for. He was fantastic at the basics of agility, and had the foundations better then any other dog in the class, but the minute it became moving faster, harder, stronger, he fell apart and quit enjoying class.
Glitch is the devil. He has an attitude and talks back to me. He's up for anything, whether it's going downtown, class, or posing for the million and tenth stupid pet pictures. He is the only one of my dogs I can trust around children. He's exactly what I wanted, and I'm so glad I went with my gut instead of my common sense and did not place him in another home.
I couldn't imagine life without my Coyboy and my Shrimp, though. Who would bring me freshly killed pigeons as if they were the Hope Diamond? Who would put his little pointy head on my chest before rolling over into the yoga pose known as the Horny Mantis? The three of them just fit, like perfect puzzle pieces. Nor could I imagine any other dog coming in and making things better.