How Would You React If Your Spouse Gave You a Puppy and a Kitten for Christmas?

Imagine receiving a Christmas gift that not only surpasses your expectations but also brings untold joy and love into your life. For me, the idea of getting a puppy and a kitten would be akin to carrying coal to Newcastle, as my husband's preferred companions were cats, not dogs. However, our unique situation in the foothills of Mt Rainier and our long-standing commitment to animal rescue paint a different picture.

Unique Living Arrangements and Personal Preferences

We had eight acres in the foothills, providing ample space for a variety of pets, including both dogs and cats. My husband, despite his preference for cats, never complained about the dogs and their associated costs, such as vet bills. In fact, he joined me in organizing a team of house cleaning services to manage the pet-related tidiness.

Our hobbies and social lives involved frequent entertaining, and our horses were even invited to join us in poolside celebrations on Christmas morning. Despite this abundance of pets, there has never been an accident, be it from a horse or a puppy. We managed to take puppies outside every hour, and kept some dogs and cats separate in the barn where needed.

Our Pet Menagerie

Over the years, our pet collection has grown significantly. Big dogs, in particular, have been a part of our lives. We've had two German shepherds, a female Doberman, a female black Labrador, a female Red-nosed Pit, a female Great Dane, and two female Rottweilers, one of which was born as a male but identified as a female. Additionally, we had a giant short-haired dog named Big Red, who was so enormous that the vet could only estimate his weight at 225 lbs. His appearance was a mix of Great Dane and Mastiff.

An Unexpected Household Member

One of the most memorable pets we ever had was a tiny 5-inch teacup Poodle who was thrown from a car at a red light. We affectionately referred to her as 'the one who wasn't supposed to be here.' Apart from her, all other dogs we acquired were much larger, ranging from German Shepherds to a Gentle Giant named Big Red.

On one occasion, my husband, who was working as a contractor for the University of Washington, found a large and unusually large dog in an empty room. This massive creature, at 225 lbs, was no less than a mystery to the vet until DNA testing revealed his true lineage. This dog, along with a Black Lab puppy, had been unconscious with wires attached as part of an experimental study. My husband rescued them and brought them home, ensuring that they received the care they needed.

Rescue Efforts and Commitment to Animal Health

Our pets were not just part of the family but also reflected our commitment to animal welfare. All our animals received necessary vaccinations and were spayed or neutered, a practice we followed with dogs but not cats. While we considered getting licenses for our cats (as required for dogs), no one ever checked up on us, and there were no leash laws to enforce. Our pets were welcome in our home, and no one interfered with our unconventional arrangement.

My husband's generosity in rescuing and taking care of our pets extended beyond just dogs. He would occasionally bring home kittens from kids near the grocery store. This {{keyword}} and our commitment to {{keyword}} were at the heart of our lives, fostering a unique and loving environment for our beloved pets.