Our mascot is Bart. He is a an Anatolian Shepherd mix. He was adopted from a shelter where he was exposed to Parvo and became very sick the day we brought him home. The vet and staff at our local animal hospital and long daily visits from us pulled him through.

We didn't find out that Bart was an Anatolian Shepherd until after he was a year and a half old. Anatolian Shepherds have many unique characteristics...not all of them good. They can be quite stubborn, independent, and protective. They are escape artists, like to dig, and have an abudance of energy. They are beautiful, caring, loving, lean, guardian dogs. If you think you'd like one because they're cute, you really don't want one. Trust us. An Anatolian Shepherd requires a lot of time and work. They shed a vacuum cleaner bag full about every 3 weeks. They are extremely intelligent. They need a lot of exercise. Did I mention they are stubborn? There is an incredible Anatolian Shepherd rescue network which provides more information and support to owners and possible future owners. Check out their website for more information.

One of the great things about the internet is that you can get information from just about anywhere in the world. That's a good thing as one of the best pet sites ever has to be a Canadian site called www.pets.ca It's easy to remember and type. There are several categories on their forum. The fine folks there were quick to give medical advice on getting treatment for one of our pets. They also steered us in the right direction for dog food, training, and making sure your best friend is taken care of in the best possible way.

There are a lot of dogs out there waiting for a new home. Some are in Shelters, some in foster homes. Please consider adopting a dog that needs a home. So many wonderful dogs are destroyed every year just because no one was there to give them a home. Bart thanks you.