Before Covid-19 changed our lives...this little guy changed ours!  You don't know how much you need a buddy like this 'til you have one. 

(no dogs were hurt in the photo above!)

I know, not really a "work" related blog post but come on...this guy is freakin' cute!  And, he's often great company for long work days, a moment of love after client revisions (ha) and a playful guy when the time is right!  A little belly rub can go a long way during a rough day of crazy deadlines!

My wife and I saw the picture of "Dex" (soon to be "Rex") on a rescue group out of San Francisco.  They saved street dogs in and around Mexico, giving them temporary homes, then sending them to long-term families in both Mexico and the US.  We visited lots of shelters and other organizations wanting a rescue dog.  We are a rescue type family and they are incredible dogs and nice to give them a home, see their progress, and just unconditional love you get.  We had amazing girls we had lost not too long ago who were both rescues from New Mexico and incredible members of our family!  God, I miss them but Rex brings new life into our house!

15LBS OF SCRAGGLY GOODNESS AND A BADASS TO BOOT!

Our last dogs were Husky mixes.  Beautiful and full of personality.  I really didn't think I could do another dog.  We waited a while mostly because of me.  Suka and Sombra (our great gals) were with my wife from day one, while I was lucky enough to spend most of their lives together.  They weren't huge but they weren't small.  Not like this!  I liked the idea. Small dog, less hair...ha!  Easy and maybe would be able to steer clear of some of the larger dogs issues.  It's funny how Rex seems bigger now than he did when we picked him up from the the Sacramento area.  The woman literally placed him in my arms and I was like, "this guy is tiny!  Can he walk?"  Rex was fostered in Mexico for a while and probably spent most of his time indoors.  He was a city dog.  Pee mats, laying around, maybe a little bored.  We both scored!  Soon, he was out on long hikes, playing like crazy, and quickly learning where to go...not on the floor!  He was a quick study and now he laughs at 7 or 8 miles hikes (which is a lot for us cycling folks!)  He's kind of a little badass all around!

He also likes other dogs.  Yeah, I know!  I have to preface everything I say about our husky dogs with "they were great but..." but they really were.  Just making that clear.  In fact, I sometimes secretly liked that they didn't like other dogs.  Not aggressive, they just really could care less.  Maybe a bark or showing some teeth but nothing more.

Suka our oldest girl was the shit.  She was standoffish, but in a sweet way.  She loved you, but you had to work for it.  She wasn't afraid to confront a Coyote or two, and definitely did her own thing.  Rex breaks the mold here and it's different...but refreshing.  He LOVES other dogs and I mean LOVES them.  It's pretty sweet and fun.  I even think big, mean looking dogs are like "hey, this guy is kinda cute and pretty mellow, I guess I won't eat him!"  He doesn't jump all over them or get in their face.  He isn't nippy or pester them endlessly. He lets them make the call.   He starts low, on the ground and works his way up to full on chase fest.  It's a nice change that way because you feel like he's having some fun not just old and grumpy.

FRIENDLY?  A LITTLE TOO FRIENDLY AND WE NEED THAT RIGHT NOW!