Well, it's been one month today that we adopted our beautiful Sophia (formerly Luna). When I first saw her picture and read her description, I thought that she sounded perfect for our family. "We" are four humans and one 22 month old Australian Shepherd (Leo). We had been looking for another dog, preferably a female, as a companion for our Leo who is a very sociable aussie. From day one, Sophia came in and captured all our hearts. She has the sunniest disposition of any dog I have ever known. I have grown to absolutely love the Australian Shepherd breed and Sophia and Leo are two examples of why these dogs are so great - they have loads of energy, are loyal and loving and are great clowns.

Sophia has settled in so well - she and Leo now look as if they have lived together for years. People ask about them when we are out walking - they think they are brother and sister. The two of them provide us with loads of entertainment each day, playing tug, ball and just chasing each other around. When we get home,  Sophia just about wiggles her butt off and gives us kisses and cuddles whenever we sit down.

When we go to the park, both dogs love to run and run and run (if you know aussies you know what I mean). They chase each other, the ball, the frisbee, etc. They are also enjoying agility equipment and are becoming proficient on the A-frame, going through tubes and jumping hurdles.  As they grow and develop, a couple of other things I am considering are getting them involved in herding trials and as therapy dogs.

Anyway, I have to talk a little about how Sophia got to us. She was being fostered in Michigan by a wonderful foster mom, Shari. We live in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Mississauga is west of Toronto). At first I was a little nervous about getting a dog from that distance, and across the border. However, Shari went out of her way to organize a home visit with a local rescue group, arrange the transport that would unite us with Sophia and to direct us to what we had to know about adopting a dog across the border (If you are considering it - it is very easy as long as you have innoculation records).

On the morning of October 28th, my husband, Michael and I set out early to drive to Port Huron, Michigan (about a three hour drive). We arrived early, had lunch, and then met with the wonderful folks who were bringing our Sophia. She was so sweet all the way home in the car, just kissing us and cuddling.

I am so impressed with all of the volunteers that are involved in rescue organizations both in the U.S. and Canada. My sincere thanks to Shari for all she did for our Sophia. We will keep in touch as Sophia grows with pictures and updates. Shari has an open invitation to come to Mississauga to visit with us as well!

As I said, it's been a month now and all of us (including Leo) can't remember what our lives were like without our ray of sunshine, Sophia. If any of you are considering adopting a rescue dog, I would recommend it wholeheartedly!

Rosanne Fitzgerald and family