I first met Dashie at Anacostia Park in Washington, DC. I had just traveled from New Hampshire with my new human. All the smells were different. My skin was feeling itchy in this new place. I didn't know what was happening or whether I was going back to New Hampshire. I was just hoping my new human wouldn't leave my side. It was all very overwhelming.
After trying to scare Dashie off, I realized she wanted to play. So we played on the field. I kept an eye over my shoulder the entire time, though. You can never be too careful in these situations.
Later that night, Dashie tried to steal my water. She was up to no good and wanted to leave me with nothing. I would die of dehydration, hunger, and loneliness. I couldn't let this happen. I'd been through too much. I had to act.
Photo Caption: My human took Dashie and me on so many hikes together in Fort Dupont near my new home. I loved it and forgot that Dashie was a potential threat. We just had lots of fun.
I was starting to feel less and less like myself. I was angry and scared of everyone except my new human. I still liked meeting new people, but I just didn't feel safe.
Eventually, a nice food lady came to the house, and we spent a lot of time together. I love learning new things and making everyone happy. I also started getting these weird-tasting circle things in all my meals. My human covered them in peanut butter, but I was still suspicious.
I cannot believe my first "gotcha day" is around the corner. I love my new home so much. I play with Dashie all the time. And I have a crush on her sister Scootie. She is so nice and pretty. I also meet lots of seniors and children at the park and on our walks. Everyone who isn't afraid of me loves me, and I love them! Although other dogs still make me weary. But I am beginning to think they are okay after all. We shall see.
NAME: Dexter
NAMESAKE: Dexter Gordan
SEX: Male
AGE: 5
SIZE: 97 lbs
BREED: German Shepherd
NICK NAMES: Reptar, Monster
TRAITS: Velcro-dog, clumsy, intelligent, emotionally intelligent, mellow, prey-driven, grumpy-old man vibes, people friendly, playful
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Squirreling, chasing cats, night watch, running, hiking, chomping waves, nose mural art
FAVORITE SNACK: Kitties & puppies, bully sticks
FAVORITE TOY: Tennis balls (and all the toys Dashie likes)
FAVORITE GAMES: Fetch, "find it," tricks for treats, soccer, chasing and chomping hose water
GREATEST FEAR: Abandonment
LIFE MOTTO: All you need is love and a German Shepherd.
My parents are all-star dogs from a breeder in New Hampshire. One day, when I was a puppy, this lady Sue picked me up and brought me to a new home. I immediately fell in love with my new humans, especially the grumpy man who really wasn't too grumpy. I was a surprise gift to cheer him up after his previous dog went to doggy heaven.
That might sound like some big shoes to fill, but I was mostly focused on chewing toilet paper, chasing the cats in the house, and digging holes in the yard. Around this time, I met my (now) new human. She would play with me all the time. It was amazing. The old man couldn't chase me like she could.
Eventually, the man joined his other dog in doggy heaven. I was very sad and withdrawn. Sue was worried about me and said she couldn't take care of me anymore. She was an alright human, but I also didn't want to live with just her anymore.
I didn't realize what was happening at the time, but when my new human picked me up, I sprinted to her car. I was ready to go. I didn't realize where or the adventure I was in for, but I'm so grateful to have a new home and I love it.
