[kmcd23]

Hi,
My name is Kristen, and I have two mixed breed dogs. I call them lab mixes, but I really have no idea what they are. Goose is about 9 1/2 yrs, and his mom was a mutt too, that strongly resembled a shepherd. But being that he's predominantly black, we just say he's a lab/shepherd mix. Angus is almost 6, and while the Humane Society said he was a rott mix, we just don't believe it. We claim he's a lab/greyhound mix, but really have no clue.

I came here for some help, some feedback, and just to have a place to come and discuss my life with my babies with like-minded people.

Tonight I had some serious frustrations, and I didn't know where to turn, so I went searching on the internet, and voila! I love my dogs so much, and I overreact when I get scared for their safety. And then when the crisis is averted, I get angry. It reminds me of a parent who freaks out when their kid runs out in the street, and then gets angry once they are pulled back to safety. I know this doesn't help them or me, so I'd love to work on this. I need to train myself I think!

Overall, they are great pups. I think they are really good 98% of the time. (Although if I thought they could control their shedding or their destructive tails, that percentage would go way down!!! lol)

My mom always says I am the best dog owner she's ever met, and that I take better care of them then most people take of their children, but sometimes I feel like a terrible dog mom, like I'm failing them. I'd love to learn ways to fix that! There are things that I think I do really well as a dog owner too, and I'd love to share and help when I can.

So here they are, Goose and Angus!

My old man Goose, not happy to be getting a bath. (He's much fluffier dry!)


And the entertainment and the trouble, Angus. (With his sidekick Oatmeal.)

[Petunia]

Welcome fellow new comer.

More power to mutts! It looks like Angus might need an Oatmeal v 2.0. And why not believe the rottie mix idea? The head shape and tan markings, I'd agree. But either way, he's a handsome fella. Same for Goose. Cute name, is there a charming story behind this?

[kmcd23]

I adopted Goose when I was still single, and in my last year of college. I always said I was going to get a dog and name him Maverick, because I loved Top Gun so much. (Cheesy! But that's ok.)

But he just wasn't a maverick. He was cuddly and lovable, and I quickly realized that he was going to be my wingman, so he became Goose!

The best part is, I had no idea I would end up marrying a Navy man. I always tell him Goose is my wingman, and he comes first. Husbands come second! lol

Funny you should mention Oatmeal. He is a 2.0! Oatmeal the first was my Lhasa Apso's favorite toy as a puppy 16 years ago. Oatmeal the first died and untimely death at the hands of the lawn mower, and Oatmeal #2 was quickly purchased. Sadly, Samantha never liked Oatmeal #2. I held onto him for 15 years, and when I had to put her to sleep last year, I passed Oatmeal #2 to Angus. After 15 years in tact, he finally took a beating, because Angus is obsessed with him! I don't know if they still sell them, but if I find one, I will definitely purchase an Oatmeal #3!

The reason we don't see rottie is because he's tall and skinny. Crazy skinny. He's 36" and he has the tiniest back end, amplified by hip dysplasia. When he's smiling, his face looks wide. But really it's pretty narrow and long. The coloring is there, that's for sure. But not the body. But who knows? I wish those Doggie DNA tests were more reliable!

[kmcd23]

Maybe I should clarify I've got nothing against Rotties. I had a Dobe/Rottie mix for 14 years and loved him to death. Maybe it's because Angus is so amazingly different from him that I don't see it. Or maybe I'm just blind!

[Petunia]

Naw, wasn't thinking you had anything against Rotties. Just wondering. He's laying down in the picture, so I see a rounder dog.

And I can understand the whole husbands are second, lol. My Boyfriend didn't like my cat, Aurora. However, I'd had her for a year and a half before I met him. She comes with me, we're a package deal. I lovingly call her his step-kitty.

Was oatmeal one of those ginderbread looking fuzzy wool textured dog toys? Wish I knew a better way to describe them. But yeah, if it is then I think they still sell them at petco/petsmart still.

[lil mutt]

Adorable duo. How old is Goose? Angus really looks like giving tender love to his sidekicks.