Jingle met a new friend yesterday, another Aussie mix who is loved adored and spoiled rotten. His name is Gus and he’s my friend Lidi’s dog. Gus is old, and not so nimble anymore. He was cordial, but not really up for bouncy play. Still, it was thrilling for Jingle to meet him.  Gus and Jingle have similar faces. Looking at him, I see a preview of what Jingle will look like when she’s old and gray.

You don’t get to pick which dog you get at 4 Paws for Ability, but you do have some input. One of the reasons we put “mixed breed” as a choice on our application is because the vet said they tend to live longer and have good temperaments.

I imagine the people at 4 Paws are psyched to see the mixed breed box checked when so many people have their heart set on Standard Poodles, or Goldens, or whatever.

Riley and Jingle have a very tight bond. When we go for walks, and the kids take their scooters, Jingle has a nervous breakdown when they get too far ahead. She looks and sounds ridiculous, a shrieking kind of bark, tugging on the leash like a sled dog, not “good behavior” by most people’s standards.

But she wants to be near her girl. I can’t fault her for it.

We’ll take our mixed breed any day.

May she live a long, and happy life.