[sweetliberty]

My favorite mixed breed dog was my collie/shepherd Gemini. She was truly my treasure and saved my life one day. Have any of you ever had a dog that was "your" dog. She had the black and tan markings of a shepherd but ears that didn't stand up all the way and the longer snout of a collie. I asked my husband if I could get a dog and he said a small dog with short hair would be nice. Well, when she was 8 weeks old she had short hair and was small - except for her enormous feet. She loved people and children and babysat and protected my kids. She followed me and went with me everywhere. She slept by my side for 13 years. She guarded her family with the heart of a lion but would turn it off with a word from me. I had a good friend comment "How can you stand all the dog hair?" I told him if he didn't like it - don't come to my house. One day Gemini and I were walking on a cross country trail, miles from anyone, when a notorious town scumbag appeared on the path. I hooked her to her leash and she immediately started to tell this scumbag that if he came near me she would rip his throat out. I just held her leash and let her deliver the message. He headed the other way and we ran 2 miles to a pay phone. Gemini got an extra dose of lovin' and a steak for supper. 2 days later, this scumbag took the town clerk hostage at gunpoint and ended up getting shot by the State Police. This dog set the standard by which I shall judge all dogs in my life. She's been at the bridge waiting for me for 25 years and I still miss her, she took a big piece of my heart with her.