Coopers new friend

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

My inlaws always had dogs. Often 2 dogs at the same time. They have had a collie, a black lab and an eskimo. All rescue. Their last dog passed a few years ago, and it wasnt until earlier this year they started thinking about getting another dog. Of course, I tried to persuade them to get a doodle - they love Cooper to pieces, and even my FIL said Cooper was the best dog he ever met!. But they arent prepared to spend the money to get one from a good breeder, and they dont come into rescues very often.... so they kept looking at the humane society for a dog to "speak" to them.

 

We move in and they spent a lot of time with Cooper. My FIL took her out to play ball every day. He played with the kitten and his feather wand every day... Great fun was had by all. I encouraged my MIL to keep looking at the humane society....

 

We saw some puppies on the website, and went to see them, but they were gone. However, another dog "spoke" to my MIL. Lady - a 9 month old white lab/ akbash or kuvasz mix. We dragged my FIL to see her, and he agreed she could come home.

 

We had to wait a week, while she went to get spayed, but we took her for walks when we were in town

We visited every pet store in town looking for somewhere I felt comfortable shopping at (some sold good food like Orijen but the customer service was terrible). Each store we went to, we liked it a bit better, til we found Pet Valu (same company as Bosleys and some others). The lady there ran 2 stores in town, and she really knew her stuff! My MIL has listened to what we have told her about food, and has done research online, but my FIL is very stuck in his ways and doesnt like to be told what to do. He wanted to feed the same nasty grocery store food all their previous dogs had. We worked out how much it would cost to feed a 60lb dog on a high protein grain free food, and it equaled to around $1 a day (less than he spends on coffee!!). We dragged him into the pet store and the lady there talked to him. After hearing her say the same as we had been telling him, he got over the sticker shock of a bag!

They bought a bag of Performatrin grain free (high protein)  - the stores own brand. We persuaded my FIL away from Milkbones and bought some healthy cookies.

We ask around at all the pet stores if anyone in the area has a kuvasz or akbash dog, as they are pretty rare. One girl who workes at pet Valu has a cousin with a kuvasz. We find out alot of frms nearby have akbash dogs, including one farm a 30 min walk up our road. Cooper and I go for a walk and see all 4 dogs - one comes up to us and looks exactly like Lady - now Abbey. The 4 dogs do all look a little different, but Abbey has the typical biscuit markings on her ears, the pink and black blotchy skin, and the crease running up her forehead. 

We arent sure if theres lab in her or not. She has no interest in a ball.

She weighs 60lbs and the humane society guesses shes 9 months (we assume from her size). The vet says she at least 7 months as she has all her adult teeth. Shes super chewy, and very mouthy still. maybe she was taken away from her mom too early and didnt learn bite inhibition, I dont know. her feet are still huge, and she hasnt grown into her head either, so we are thinking shes nearer 7 months. Akbash females weigh from 75lb....

 

Cooper loves her new friend, though sometimes wishes she would leave her alone! They play very nicely, and though Cooper is very submissive with other dogs, Abbey isnt particulaly dominant over her. 

I will post some videos of them playing!

 

Unfortunately, my FIL no longer takes Cooper out to play ball, or plays feather wand with the kitten. Ive also heard my MIL tell him several times he has to give Cooper cookies too, not just Abbey (especially as we bought them!).

 

I love seeing Cooper play with Abbey, but I didnt realize how much work an extra dog is (and my MIL does most of the work). Cooper doesnt seem to need me as much, or will go sleep out of the way of the puppy rather than by my side, so I think Cooper will be the only dog once we move out...

 

On a side note, DH got a job in the pet store lol

[Dori & Rua]

Is there any bed left for you guys?  LOL

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

See...it's all working out great for you guys! Their dog is very pretty-they look like pals!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Abby is really beautiful.  She and Cooper make a very nice pair - at least for cousins.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a lovley story. Abbey is a beautiful dog and so fortunate. It sounds like your FIL dotes on her despite all, she's got you to make sure she gets the best care and she's got Cooper as a companion. Does it get better than this?

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Cooper and Abbey do look like the best of friends. Abbey looks like she is quite happy with the situation she has found herself in. :>)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

What a beautiful dog. I am so glad your in-laws gave her a good home. Love all the pictures.

[BG and Gavin]

Abbey is a gorgeous looking dog.  Congrats to your In-Laws!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I was thinking the same thing-the contrast between the two is very striking!  Both beautiful but SO different! I'm so glad Abbey is home now and the dogs are getting along well. Sounds like your DFIL needs the most training!:)

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Wow!  What a contrast between the looks of these two dogs!!  Both very cute, though!