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Bentley Six years old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ALIASES: Top Critter, Mr. Big HOW WE MET: We met at a McDonald’s in Little Rock, AR, where Bentley arrived accompanied by a stuffed bear dressed in a Razorbacks sweater which was quickly replaced with an orange and white Tennessee Vols sweater when we got home. Bentley takes every step I take and sleeps at the foot of my bed. LIKES: Bentley enjoys his early jaunts around the lake where he herds the geese on his morning patrol. His favorite treats include Greenies and dog treats from the drive-through teller at the bank. DISLIKES: The doghouse WHAT I LOVE MOST: He’s a great cuddler and gives good kisses. Bentley is also a great traveler accompanying me on trips to Nashville, Knoxville and Missouri.
Molly Eight years old Old English Sheepdog ALIASES: The Moose HOW WE MET: I discovered Molly halfway between Memphis and Bolivar one night. It was love at first sight. When I saw her she was tiny and looked so sweet just sitting on the curb waiting for me to decide if I was going to take her home. Although still cute, this tiny puppy turned out to be one wild, crazy dog. I used oven mitts to play with her because her puppy teeth were so sharp. That first year she never took naps or got tired. LIKES: A tummy rub, car rides, chasing squirrels, carrots, bones, my dinner, her friend Oscar the Pomeranian DISLIKES: Baths WHAT I LOVE MOST: I love that Molly is always there for me after a long day. I can always count on her to meet me at the door when I come home.
Zeus Two years old Australian Shepard and Golden Retriever mix (Australian Retriever) HOW WE MET: We met through the Lafayette County Animal Shelter in Oxford, MS. He was dropped off there 38 | At Home Tennessee • AUGUST 2011
Riley and Tiff Almost nine years old Lab mixes HOW WE MET: Riley is the black lab mix and she came to us first. Both were adopted – Riley from a friend and Tiff from the Bartlett Animal Shelter. We were looking for a lab to have some fun with. We were rather amused when Riley joined our family and we discovered she has NO interest in chasing a ball or playing. She is rather lazy. The kids REALLY wanted a dog to play with so we went to the shelter and found the most playful dog there – Tiff. When Tiff joined our family magically Riley started chasing tennis balls but not so much because she wants to play as it is to keep Tiff from getting it. LIKES: Tiff likes tennis balls; Riley likes stealing from Tiff. DISLIKES: Riley dislikes anyone to play with, pet or give any attention to Tiff. Tiff does not enjoy car rides WHAT I LOVE MOST: I love that my dogs have such distinct personalities — they are both a bit eccentric, and that they fit perfectly into my family.
Jackson ALIASES: “Pretty Boy” and “Sweet Boy” HOW WE MET: A friend knew I was looking for a dog and texted me his picture from Pet Smart on Winchester Road in Memphis, where the DeSoto (County, MS) Animal Shelter was holding adoptions in December 2009. His former family in Mississippi had to give him up because they were forced to move from their home to an apartment. He was way too precious and sweet not to adopt. LIKES: Any of my seven-year-old son’s stuffed animals, the neighborhood dogs and licking any new guests who come to the house -- especially if he can smell other dogs on them! DISLIKES: He is absolutely terrified of garbage trucks, poor thing.
as a puppy. LIKES: Lime Chips (his favorite food), napping in his chair, learning tricks for treats and picking up ladies on walks outside. DISLIKES: vacuum cleaners WHAT I LOVE MOST: What I love most is his happy disposition.