Dont worry if you cant believe it... neither can I! Still trying to figure out how I was talked into this one. I really do love dogs (and cats) but since developing allergies to them several years ago, I tend to keep them at a distance and love them better when the belong to someone else. I especially dont like animal hair all over my house, clothes, etc. No matter how much you clean, with a dog/cat in the house, I have never seem that not be the case. That said, I have always thought animals were good for children to have. They can teach responsibility, empathy, compassion and discipline as well as just generally loving them. So I guess it wasnt that hard for Dale to convince me it was time to get another dog. (Though I have to say right off... this whole process has made me miss Brody all over again.) We also really wanted something(one) to be outside with the children to alert them and us of danger -snakes, other animals, the very rare stranger, etc. So began our search for a breed that would fit our family. In comes the Standard Schnauzer (SS for short!). They are considered one of the most hypoallergenic dogs there are as they shed very little. (Maybe the hair was my issue allergy-wise?) They are also incredibly smart (easy to train and desire to be trained) and love children. The list of desirable traits goes on... My only "dislike" about them initially was that they just dont look like a soft, fluffy, cuddly dog to me. You know -like a Welshie, Golden Retriever, or even a Lab. (And I really dont like the looks of a Terrier and at first, that was what I thought they were like.) So... we began to watch for Rescue SS's or ones that might pop up on other pet boards. It took way less time than we expected! With a few weeks, we found several shelter SS's -but they were all too old or had health issues. Then last week, we found "Zeus" through a local ad. The woman is moving and cant have a dog where she is going. He is 18 months old, loves children and has no health issues. We began to pray about him and talk with the current owner. To save a lot of drama that insued over the next week, I will skip to last night... We met with "Zeus" and immediately fell in love with him. Though initially shy/cautious around strangers (us), he quickly warmed up to us all and within minutes was laying at our feet. So... we brought him home! He traveled wonderfully, was delighted with so much yard to run and play in, and was practically motionless while Dale gave him a quick bath when he came in the house last night! He doesnt mind staying on the porch when we are not outside but also stays in his crate quietly when inside. So far, we havent even heard him make a peep! (Though there is a bit of concern that he may be just a bit too sweet -he is supposed to alert us to strangers and danger afterall!) A funny thing... he adores me. ME!? The one who fights with herself between wanting to cuddle and snuggle with him and keeping him at a hands distance and washing frantically when he touches me! When is comes inside, he goes straight for me and lays at my legs with his head on my lap. When we are outside, he follows me around until I shoo him away to the others. The funniest part...? I think I like it  (Praying very hard that my allergy was indeed to the hair and not skin/fleas/etc. Even after his bath last night, there was not a single hair to be found in the tub -amazing!) Now if we can just find a good German name for him as "Zeus" will just not do... 
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