Kerry W
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Early ChristmasOver a year ago, I lost my dear Sadie, a yellow labrador retriever. For over a year now, I've hesitated about getting a dog...I just didn't think I could bear to go through losing another dog...it is just too hard. After much begging from my daughter, today we went to the SPCA and looked at dogs, but didn't find one. Sara was bummed...she really wanted a puppy! 
About a week ago, someone dumped some puppies in my neighborhood, and they took up residence under my neighbor's house. He came by one day and asked if I was missing some puppies, but I wasn't, so he went on. He saw my husband and daughter the next day, and asked if they wanted one of the puppies. We didn't....well, Sara did...but I didn't. Still too chicken. 
I think you probably know how this ends....we went to look (just to LOOK) at the stray puppies at the neighbor's house. We went as a pair, came back as a trio, and here is the new baby, Nikki.
She has one blue eye, one brown...looks like some sort of shepherd mix...seems really smart...pretty mellow, and has that awesome puppy breath.
Thanks again Felix...for getting me through the loss of my Sadie...I fully expect you to be here as this one grows, and if I outlive her, you'll have to get me through it again...you were amazing!
Merry Christmas everyone!
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caliber
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WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Congratulations! I am sure the new member to the family fits just right!
wow!!!!!!! tri-color... she is gorgeous! nice criollo......... to say the least!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh Nikki you are so fine...... you are so fine ........you blow my mind............. HEY NIKKI! (great name) 
PS. I didn't do anything you wouldn't have done 
Thanks for being my friend! 
Abrazos y Feliz Navidad!
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The Professional
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Kerry I know exactly what you had to endure for the same happened to my family. Sparky crossed the rainbow about a year ago and we decided not to have any other pets. Sparky was a unique black labrador; we had him since he was only 28 days old and he even used to respond to signal commands he knew all the tricks and was a natural swimmer/hunter. I trained him myself although, I don't train dogs, only horses, but Sparky helped a lot, he was so intelligent. We even used to celebrate his birthday. One thing that helped me change my mind was that I join the ASPCA site and having interacted with all the wonderful people about their pets kicked the need to give ourselves another chance. We expect to have our new golden retriever no later than Jan. I wanted it by X-mas but we have to wait a little longer so he has the reglamentory 40 days A/B with his mom. I wish you the best with your new arrival Kerry!
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Jane Hurl
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To quote Billy Crystal in City Slickers: "That face! That face! I love that face!"
What an adorable face! I just KNOW you are going to be very happy. What a perfect Christmas prezzie!
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Marleen Robinson
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Oh Kerry! How sweet! I am so jealous  . As you may remember, I lost my Lizzie on September 15. (Kitty, for those who may not know...). I still can not bring myself to look at kittens. I understand what you're going thru, it is so hard. Just think, your family will provide one heck of a great home for this little pup. I know, I should take my own advise . I would like ffor it to be another rescue, I don't need a purebred cat. I just want another loveable fluffy mutt, who likes to share my bed and steal all the covers. My God, I SO miss her... Merry Christmas!
BTW, about Felix helping you thru your ordeal, well, he did the same for me. He and Candy both. It's amazing to me that all of you 'busy' people will take the time to comfort me in time of need, and that includes you, Kerrry. OK, I am all emotional now, but I love all of you, and hope you have a happy Holiday Season!
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Kerry W
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Thanks everyone....and Ruben...I LOVE Goldens!! Please share foticos as soon as you can!! It is so hard when one goes...especially one that claimed you as their special person...and that's what my lab was to me. This one is so very sweet...and did very well at the vet today...no yelping at the shot or anything. 
Yes, Marleen...we are fortunate to have friends like we do...special people gravitate toward the Paso horses...and I don't think everyone is capable of doing what Felix does...that laugh is infectious, and can pull me out of the darkest places. Sorry to ruin your reputation as a hardass Felix...but it's true! 
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Kerry W
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Some fresh pics for anyone interested:
Nap time!! (No puppies were harmed...or posed for this photo)
Bath time!! (She loves it as much as she looks like she loves it!)
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caliber
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she is so cute! jejejejejeje soon! she will need the Bath Tub!!!!!
Thanks for sharing! and keep the pictures coming!!
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Kerry W
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Thanks...she really is cute, and seems to be pretty smart. The only thing I am having trouble with, are the frequent kitty attacks she feels compelled to execute all day...every day. Other than that, she learns quickly and is very well behaved. We are blessed!
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BigJ
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How adorable!
Hmm, maybe Nikki has some heeler in her?
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Jane Hurl
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And the cats don't attack back?
I have a little 8 lb cat who rules the 100 lb dogs with an iron claw. It's quite funny to see the dogs salute when she goes by! From time to time she even likes to remind them that they are "her dogs" by going up and rubbing herself all over their front legs.
She's one cute, cute pup, Kerry. (Good luck to your cat. *grin*)
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Kerry W
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The cat has nailed her a couple of times...but it seems like she knows she's just a baby. She used to chase our Lab, so I know how intimidating she is to dogs. Last night, the cat was on the sofa, and the dog would get close...the cat would swipe at her...but just miss her...I think it was the cat's version of "playing". She just turned 13, so she only "plays" when SHE wants to!
Candice...we think she's an Australian Shepherd mix. Her one brown eye, is not brown at all...but a darker shade of blue with some green mixed in there. Her coat is also quite dense, so that matches too. She tries to "herd" people, and the cat...so there is some sort of herding dog in there. It's pretty funny to watch.
Thanks again for all the kind words...I forgot how much WORK puppies are...but she has brought so much joy...it's well worth it!
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BigJ
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Yep! She had that definite Aussie look about her in the sink! How well I remember that look from the Aussies I've had. Well, if she's herding now, just wait! As a pup, ours tried to herd chickens, cats, and frisbees. It was a hoot to throw a frisbee and watch him wait for it to move after it landed! Never got the hang of the idea of catching and retrieving. He'd chase it in the air, watch it land and then stand intently waiting for any "move".
I found out that as the pups get bigger so does their idea of what they can herd. At 6-9 months they are ready for something allot bigger than a chicken or cat!
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Jane Hurl
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We have a Border Collie. That breed was born to herd too, but my hubby has to be the world's WORST trainer (of anything). He wanted to train her because she is "his" dog. *eyes rolling* Finally, after ten years of the two of them discombobulating completely, I took her out and told hubby to button his beak. She and I worked cattle reasonably well, considering her previous "training".
The end result? A Border Collie that will work cattle ... but is AFRAID of sheep! *grin*
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Kerry W
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We went to visit Nikki's sister today, thought I'd share pics...there are only two and they're not very good...they were trying to wrestle, so holding the leash and phone made it a challenge:
Nikki & Danu (Danu has the white head)
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caliber
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That was a nice encounter! thanks for sharing!
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BigJ
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I want one! 
I love my lab mixes but I really want a Nikki!
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Kerry W
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When we were thinking of what sort of new dog to get...never thought of an Aussie or Aussie mix (we're lab people too!), but we're happy that she found us. She's really a great little pup!
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Moniece
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AWWWWWW She is ADORABLE!!! This is the first time I opened this post and oh my goodness I love it!! AND I saw that we should have pics of the lab pup they had to wait the 40 days to get....so where are those pics??
Nikki's sis is cute too but Nikki is just an absolute doll!!! I'm so very glad that you decided to open your heart to another.Your friend,Moniece
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caliber
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Her markings are just amazing! looks like a painting.... her eyes shapes, coloring.... wow! isn't mother nature PERFECT or what?
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BigJ
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My fav dog was an Aussie. I still miss him very much. My other fav was a PR sato--slang for mutt. She was a great dog. I miss her too.
Al is a lab guy and I do admit his oldest dog is very "mental" but in a different way than an Aussie is. They tend to turn into big foot warmers. They aren't too bright around livestock though.
I love Nikki in the car seat. I think you should do a Nikki calendar. That would be cool having Nikki grow up on a calendar during the year.
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Marleen Robinson
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She is just too adorable! Great idea for the calendar, Candice!!!!
Nature really is perfect, we (humans) should stop trying so hard to mess with it! Mother Nature knows what SHE'S doing....
Kerry, I hope you made it worth her while for sitting there so pretty waiting for her yummies!!!!
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Kerry W
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The car seat was waiting for "her girl", my daughter, to get out of school. She still isn't thrilled with car travel...but she was pretty good that day. She was checking things out!
That second one, she just jumped up on the sofa next to me, so I got her with the phone...I wanted to send one to Sara while she was in Boston last weekend...she's pretty curious, and photogenic....I'll have to work on that calendar...she'd make a good one. Always into stuff, but as long as she's with her people, good as gold. I have to take her to meet the horse soon...that should be a riot!
Thanks for the kind words...she really has been a Godsend to us!
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DSDECKERT
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Congrats - she is adorable! I see Aussie too! Wonder how big she'll be?
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Linda Y
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Isn't if funny how they find us when we most need them?
This is a beautiful puppy. Her eyes are so wise.
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Kerry W
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I'm sorry Deb...missed your post. They're thinking between 50 - 55 lbs, based on her frame. She's wicked smart...and keeps me on my toes! I'll post some new pics, as soon as we get some good outdoor weather. She likes being in when it's rainy....which is when she keeps me on my toes. 
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