More to Love

What is not to fall in love with about big floppy ears and a joyful spirit?  That sums up Izzy, a former research treeing walker coon hound rottweiler mix.  Robyn Schaefer of Aurora, Colorado sensed this charming disposition when she found Izzy on Petfinder.   Within days of spotting her online, she and her husband, Austin, along with their nine month old Plott hound mix, Bella, came to the ranch for an overnight stay to get to know her.   Izzy knew a good thing when she saw it.  Within moments of their arrival, Izzy pressed herself firmly alongside of Austin.  She climbed onto the couch with Bella and Robyn and kissed both.   She fits into their family like a space was waiting for her, and now it is complete.

Austin and Robyn are devout animal lovers. They have fostered rescue dogs in their own home on several occasions, and they are well versed in effective training methods. They purchased a home in Aurora, Colorado with a large fenced in yard. Bella, a lively 9 month old hound mix from a rescue group, became a member of their family a few months back. Much loved, she adds a great deal to their lives. They go on 30 minute walks every morning, and Bella goes everywhere with them.

It wasn’t long before the Schaefers realized they had room in their family for another special dog. Bella, they knew, would agree. She loves going to the dog park and playing. Her best friend is the next door neighbor’s German Shepherd. In fact, Bella dug a special passage under the fence between her home and the neighbor’s so she could reach him more easily.

Izzy knew she had found her family when the Schaefers arrived. She didn’t hesitate to go up to meet them. She began romping with her new friend, Bella, moments after arrival. Izzy enjoyed walks on the ranch with her new family and a night getting to know them. By morning, the important decision was made. Izzy would join their family.

When it was time to leave the ranch, Izzy jumped into the car with Bella, Robyn, and Austin. She didn’t look back.

Now settled into her new home, Izzy has been re-named Teva. As you can see from the pictures, Izzy (Teva) and Bella have become inseparable. Bella has been teaching Izzy how to play her favorite game — chase Bella! She has also taught her to lay on the couch, how to bark at the cyclists that go behind the Schaefer’s home, and how to dig holes to visit the German Shepherd next door. When
Bella isn’t looking, Izzy likes to steal a few of her toys. If Bella is being annoying, Izzy will lay on her and use her paws to hold her face down.

The Schaefer’s say they need to treat Izzy a bit like a new puppy. Izzy learned a great deal at the ranch, but the ranch is quite different from a suburban environment. There are new noises, screen doors, and a long stretch of stairs to the second floor to get used to. Sometimes noises on walks can be very loud. This will cause Izzy to stop and sit where she is (like in the middle of a busy sidewalk). She gets very excited when she sees other dogs and especially loves little dogs.

Robyn says, “It is as though Teva has completed our family…..we have our high strung baby (Bella) and our mellow baby (Teva), and they are working on balancing each other out. “

What does Robyn have to say about adopting a former research dog? “Being a laboratory dog is just a label…there are many dogs out there who have been with owners since they were puppies and have behavior or social issues. A dog becomes what you guide them to be. With proper training, lots of walks, patience, and love, you can have the best dog you’ve always wanted — albeit they may have some eccentricities, but that just means there is more to love!

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