Puppies!

After the loss of Biscuit, I did not feel ready for another dog. I could not imagine having a relationship with a dog that would be able to compare. I decided to take some time to heal and to focus on my upcoming wedding! In the midst of the wedding planning, my now husband purchased an English Bulldog puppy. We discussed preparations to puppy-proof his apartment, Bulldog health concerns, exercise limitations, dietary needs, and toys to keep a puppy busy during long work days. Tyson turned out to be the most adorable, easy-going, laid-back puppy anyone could ask for. He slept through the night, played well alone during the work day, and took to house training immediately. He is a white bulldog with a few tan spots, he should be a supermodel!
When we got married, I moved into our new house and was looking forward to adapting to life with Tyson. I was so accustomed to high maintenance dogs, following my years with a Doberman, that Tyson reminded me more of a cat. I was shocked at how easy he was to take care of. He liked to receive attention on his own terms, didn't mind exercise, and LOVED food and sleep equally.
Because my husband could tell I terribly missed the Doberman relationship, he suggested we adopt one after we got married if I felt ready. I agreed that I was prepared for another, so we found a breeder in the area and did some research. We were determined to find a bloodline with better health prospects than poor Biscuit, she developed almost every ailment Dobermans are susceptible to in her lifetime. We were satisfied with the breeder's documentation and loved the temperament of her dogs. We purchased a black and tan male, we named him Colt.
Colt and Tyson could not be more opposite! While Tyson is calm, quiet, and easy to please, Colt is high-energy, demanding, and loud. There is also a considerable 40 lb size difference now that they are full grown. They are the odd couple! Although it would seem personality conflict and size difference might prevent these two from developing attachments to one another, they have proven quite the contrary. Colt is absolutely in love with Tyson! Tyson is Colt's security blanket. When Tyson starts sawing logs at bedtime with his incredibly loud snore, Colt is able to fall asleep. In a new environment Colt looks to Tyson to determine how to react, Tyson is always calm. Colt on the other hand forces Tyson to exercise and play to the benefit of his health, when he otherwise might prefer to sleep all day. It appears we have adopted two breeds from opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of personality and energy level, but the combination of the two has offered our family a nice balance.