I was scrolling through the Humane Society’s website for Arizona. I don’t think I had any intention of getting a dog. I was just checking on the off chance that they would have an Australian Shepherd young enough to make a great companion for Mugsy. I didn’t expect to find one. The Aussie rescues in the area do a pretty good job of keeping the Australian Shepherds out of the shelters. So I was half heartedly scrolling though when this picture caught my eye.
An Australian Shepherd Puppy! Okay so they say he is a year and a half year old. He looks like a blue merle version of Mugsy at 6 months. So either this boy is going to grow up a bit and get that majestic Aussie look the breed is known for, or he is going to permanently be in that awkward puppy stage. Either way he is an adorable dog.
I’m in love. This is a problem, Mugsy hasn’t even met this dog yet. His name given to him by the shelter was Bentley. I show his picture to my mother. “Call your dad, I can’t get off work in time to take you.”
So I called my dad and he was eager to take Mugsy to meet Banjo too, but also had to work. My sister was out of town. My awesome Aunt however was happy to take me as long as my baby cousin could come. This picture she took is just too precious not share!
It is absolutely crucial to introduce any dogs you plan on bringing home to the current dogs living in that home. In this case Mugsy and Bentley had to meet before I could commit to adopting him. I also had to meet Bentley. It is important to know the energy level and time commitment a dog will require before promising them a furever home.
Once we arrived at the Humane Society I had to leave Mugsy behind with a member of staff and go get to know Bentley for a few minutes. As soon as we entered the Kennel Bentley perked up looking immediately interested. He gave a few puppyish yips and was soon led into a small play area to meet and presumably play with me. So we played. I ran around a bit he followed and he started to learn how to lay down on command. My meeting with Bentley went really well. He was eager to interact with me and a charmer.
Mugsy’s introduction to Bentley followed soon after and it left something to be desired. Bentley was really interested in wrestling with Mugsy who never got the memo that dogs like to wrestle. Mugsy avoided Bentley in the beginning for a little while and my heart sank. I couldn’t bring home a dog that would just annoy Mugsy. Luckily the girl helping me make this decision from the shelter had a great suggestion. She called Bentley away and distracted him. Soon enough Mugsy approached Bentley. “Hey! Why aren’t you annoying me?” Mugsy seemed to be saying. I won’t pretend like after that they were the best of friends. It took us observing them in a bigger enclosure to see if they would play chase or Mugsy would play at all. Mugsy wasn’t in a playful mood. It was beginning to seem like I would walk away from this sweet, energetic Aussie.
“Does your dog like the heat?” The girl asked me. “No not really?” I replied.
“How about we see how they do in an air conditioned room. You and your Aunt are welcome to sit and think it over as long as you like with the dogs.” We entered the room. I called my mom. I told her they had different play styles and it would be a lot of monitoring. She still wanted Bentley. I looked down during this conversations and saw this.
This was the moment I decided to bring Bentley home. If they could be calm like this so quickly. They could become friends in time.
It didn’t end up taking time, and with in seconds of being home, they were wrestling and playing chase like the besties they would become.
Bentley later in the night became Banjo.
Banjo’s Ride Home
Banjo’s training is a working in progress follow it Here.