We waited about 18 months for her to grow...she got fuller and bushier and more beautiful, but hardly grew....she must be part "toy" sheperd, or something, along with the CHOW in her.
My mother and I had gone to the grocery store when we noticed a rust colored puppy dodging traffic, running up and down the heavily travelled main street in Hemet, across from Albertson's. Seeing she had tags, we stopped to try and catch her and keep her safe. When I noticed her black CHOW tongue, she immediately endeared herself to me even more. (Bridget has proven to be the most loyal, loving and faithful dog one can imagine.)
She would NOT get too close, she would run, let us catch up, then dart away. She was friendly and playful, but stayed wary of us. A nearby business owner came out of his shop and told us that the pup's owner left her outside constantly and that, originally there was another one like her that did get killed by a car in the street.
We couldn't catch the puppy despite trying everything for hours. We waited for the owner lady to come home. When she did, it took a great effort but she reluctantly gave Tara up for her own safety. The woman had tears in her eyes, but if she really cared that much, why didn't she take better care of Tara?
Tara readily took to our home, fenced yard, and two others "dog children", Bridget (see page one) and Nikki. She has become one of the most loving, sweet and cuddley animals .... she likes to hug, cuddle and give "dog kisses" without stopping!
She filled out somewhat, as I stated before, but did not grow nearly into what I expected, but this is even better. She is in action, demeanor and deed a playful puppy, even after two years now.
To this day, however, she must be kept on a leash because she still keeps playing that "catch me if you can" game. She's gotten loose twice somehow, and run all over this neighborhood. The only way we've caught her is, since she and the other dogs love riding in the car so much, we drive up to wherever she is, and she readily hops in!
ADDENDUM: Tara has shown more Love than the other (now) five. She has not gotten spoiled and she always makes sure she greets each adult and each dog with her little smooches. I must admit, however, she's not too fond of the cats!
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