I can’t imagine a life without a dog. The only time I remember not having one was during my first two years of college, when dorm life, music, and track made it impossible. Since then, dogs have always been part of my world.
I love having them around. They each have their own personality, their own quirks, and they keep me company while I work from home. Some days they’re calm, some days they’re chaotic, and most days they’re both.
So I thought it would be fun to try to describe, as best I can, the four dogs who make up our household. They’re weird, loud, sweet, stubborn, and completely perfect in their own ways.
Riley
Riley is our oldest dog, turning 14 next month. She’s a mostly white Australian Shepherd who may have the biggest personality out of all of them.
We always joke that she stares through us to our souls. If there was one pet I’d love to know what they’re thinking, it’d be her.
She’s gorgeous, too. Long white hair with some black and brown around her face. Though most of the black is now salt and pepper, she’s usually chipper and puppy-like. She loves to play with Mac, but generally just loves being alone. Unless, of course, she’s barking at the people walking in the greenspace behind our house. Or running up and down the backyard when Austin throws the ball for her. She’d rather wear herself out than stop running after the toys!
And so far, she’s our only one who not only watches TV, but barks at all the animals, whether they’re real or cartoon!
She’s had a few seizures over the years, but she seems mostly healthy. You can tell her age is catching up to her, though. She seems to have some trouble with her hearing and vision. And certain loud sounds seem to really bother her.
Oh, and that white hair of hers gets everywhere! She’s the reason we need a new vacuum every six months! But I absolutely love her. Everyone here does. She’s funny and sweet and one big goofball.
Saydee
Saydee is our next oldest. She turned 9 this past December. She is a chocolate lab. Not a large lab, but our biggest dog in the household.
Saydee is a typical goofy lab. She’s hyper and crazy and loves to play with everyone and everything. Also, she doesn’t seem to realize her size because she’ll still try to curl up in your lap. No one complains, though, because she’s just a giant sweetie.
She’s also a barker, whether she’s doing it outside at the people and other pets, or who she thinks she saw in the front yard.
She’s also afraid of loud noises. That could be from thunder or construction work. She’ll either try to hide in a bathroom somewhere or dig through the carpet to China. I feel bad for her, especially since it’s my fault. Years ago, we left her out after going to a fireworks show, and the people in the neighborhood setting off their own fireworks scared her. She took off through the gate and hasn’t been the same since.
She’s also had a couple of seizures here recently, but otherwise, is perfectly fine. And we just love her and her goofy self!
Ruby
Ruby is something special. Mike works with someone who helps with Basset Hound rescues. He sent a picture to Mike, who then sent it to me. I said yes immediately.
We weren’t looking for more dogs. We had three at the time (Riley, Saydee, and Jojo, who passed away last year). But when I saw her face and knew she needed a home, I couldn’t say no. Soon after, the brought her to us for a home visit. They needed to know that our home was safe for her and that she’d be ok around the kids and other dogs. they also brought Mac with them since they were doing the same for him at another home.
And they hit it off. Both of them! Ruby was running around and chasing Saydee! Saydee was so good with her. And the kids just loved her. Mac, too. And it’s funny because Mac seemed so happy here. You can tell he was the more skittish one, but he did just fine with our dogs.
We told them that we didn’t mind taking both. If it worked out that way, we’d be happy to take Ruby AND Mac. And when they left, Austin balled! He said, “You said they were leaving one dog here and they’re taking both!!!” It took a while to explain that this was just a visit. They needed to make sure first and finish up their vaccines, etc.
But when we finally got her, we were immediately happy. She’s my angel, no matter how much trouble she gets into. And yes, she does get into trouble. She will drag one of our chairs out into the middle of the living room. She’ll eat shoes, books, get into backpacks, and so many countless other things she shouldn’t do. She’s also extremely food-driven.
But I wouldn’t change a thing about her. She loves so hard. She’s amazingly sweet and never food-aggressive, though she loves her food and treats so much! In fact, I have video proof of her drooling out of both sides of her mouth waiting for dinner-time. Meat-time is her favorite! Second only to pets. And then maybe toys.
Ruby’s also a crazy thing with such a fantastic personality. And when you try to make the bed, she attacks you! I’m not sure why or how this started, but I have to make the bed when she’s out of the room. She makes it impossible! But it’s also so funny! And if you try to pick her up (she’s heavy) she bounces away from you.
She wants to lay with you at all hours of the day and doesn’t mind if she knocks you off the bed. She reaches out to me many times a day while I’m working to get attention. She will sunbathe outside and then come in for treats or toys constantly. She’s still such a puppy, almost 3, but just a sweet, round thing. Yes, she’s chunky. We take her on walks, but it’s clear she’s not sure she wants to go. She hides outside anytime we get the leash! But then runs to the door so she won’t be left.
And the pup cups, oh my, she loves her pup cups from the local coffee shops! And car rides. She’ll never replace Bailey, because that dog was something special. But Ruby is my new something special, and I could not possibly love her any more than I do now.
Mac
Mac is a sweet boy. Our other Basset Hound and only male dog of the house. It’s been a while since I’ve had a male dog!
This amazing boy is ACA registered and was bred to be a show dog. Apparently, he comes from a good lineage. But, we won’t do that to him. We’ll leave him to do his favorite things: play, sunbathe, relax, walk, and play! Though he’s more skittish than Ruby, he is just as sweet. And, he’s got such an amazing face with beautiful, almost-green eyes.
This one? Not lazy. At all! He loves walks, and I can tell we never go far enough for him. He gets those little paws moving! Prancing, really. He’s lighter than Ruby both in weight and color. He loves his treats, too, and thankfully isn’t food-aggressive either.
But he absolutely loves going in the car and just adores his pup cups, too. He gets so upset when we leave without him.
He also tries to get my attention while I’m working, but in a different way. Instead of pawing at me, he’ll sit a bit behind me and start talking to me. First, with a cute little puppy bark. Then that changes to a full-on conversation!
We didn’t originally plan to get Mac, but I’m so happy we did. He and Ruby are so great together and keep each other occupied when our other dogs don’t want to be bothered. I now can’t imagine a life without them.
Our Furry Family
They all sleep with us.
They all get along.
They all somehow manage to take up the entire bed.
Each of them brings something different into our home. Riley’s wisdom and watchful eyes. Saydee’s goofy, lovable chaos. Ruby’s wild, affectionate energy. Mac’s sweet, chatty companionship. Together, they balance each other out and fill our days with noise, fur, laughter, and so much love.
Life is louder, messier, and far less predictable with four dogs. But it’s also warmer, funnier, and fuller than I ever imagined. I wouldn’t trade a single quirk, bark, paw print, or stolen shoe for anything.
They’re not just pets. They’re family.
