Ruby

Little Charlotte (now Ruby, named after an "Upstairs Downstairs" maid who was always getting yelled at) was supposedly brought in as a stray. I adopted her in August 2010. She looks like a Jack Russell Terrier/Rat Terrier combo: cute, tan and white, with little spots all over and a sort of long body.

I think whoever had her before me probably got rid of her because she was going to the bathroom in the house, but I'm happy to say that with paying attention to her subtle signs (she doesn't bark or go running but kind of walks back and forth) has paid off -- with a treat for her, of course. She's not stupid!

I didn't think she was going to get along with my chickens or cats, and she and my female dog got in a little tiff at the meet and greet, but after a few chases she's fine with them -- really a happy ending. I'm always happy to adopt a shelter dog (she makes #3) and tell people you really can't get a good read on them until you get them home for a week or so. Ruby showed no interest in me when I met her; she was more interested in sniffing and just looking for a way out. Now she won't leave my side. We're both very lucky. I'm thankful to whomever brought her in.

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