I adopted Ellie from a rescue in Denver, Colorado in July of 2015. She was approximately 7-8 weeks old at the time, 11 pounds, and originally found in New Mexico with her sisters. She was saved from a kill shelter by Ruff Rescue. I estimate her birth date to be around May 25th, but we’ll celebrate her adoption day instead since that means more to the both of us.
Her papers are Rottweiler and Shepherd. My best guess is mostly German Shepherd, a good portion Rottweiler, and maybe some Swiss Mountain Dog, Lab, and/or Husky. But who knows, right?
- After conducting a Wisdom Panel DNA test, I discovered that Ellie is primarily Doberman with American Staffordshire Terrier, Basset Hound, Malamute, Chow, and other breeds.
I’m in my late 20’s, I’ve loved dogs my whole life, and was eagerly waiting to get one of my own. I took a dog psychology course in college, but most of my understanding about dogs comes from my limited knowledge of psychology and neuroscience in humans. I find that much of that understanding carriers over and has helped me tremendously with our training.
2024 Update
As of 2024, I now have 2 dogs. Ellie is 9 and Bandit is 13 weeks. Bandit is an unknown mixed breed. I will conduct a Wisdom Panel DNA test in the near future. Ellie is slowly warming up to him. Bandit has potential to be a well-trained dog although I suspect his “IQ” is slightly below Ellie’s so far.
We’re back in Wisconsin (home state) and everyone is happy and healthy. I take them to the dog park regularly where a group of regulars meet up for near-daily play dates.