All types, shapes, sizes and colors of dogs! I have yet to meet a breed of dog that could not steal my heart away. Is there a more loyal companion anywhere on the face of the earth? Besides, they are so much fun to watch, playing fetch in the park, chasing their tail in the backyard or splashing around in any water they can find as my pet does.

Canines are a wonderful part of the world we live in. For as long as man has walked upright this faithful companion has been by his side. Through the annals of history, you can see representations of the loving and working relationship that the humble dog has had with human beings. In the Valley of the Kings, ancient tombs have been unearthed that included mummies of the royal family pet a beloved dog.

My constant companion is a black Lab/Border Collie mix, hence the love of water, and she is approximately 12 years old and her name is Oreo. She came into my life while I was volunteering with a Lab rescue group in Denver; I fostered Labradors until a suitable home could be found for them. What a story this little dog had! Rescuers told me she had been found on a ranch in Wyoming running wild with the horses. This does not sound too bad until you realize Wyoming ranches are hundreds and often times thousands of acres and horses, unlike dogs, can live off of the grass. Somehow, the rancher was able to catch her and took her to a shelter in Wyoming - she had no ID tags or chip implants to give any indication of where or to whom she belonged. The shelter then contacted Denver’s Lab rescue group and a volunteer drove up, picked her up and brought her to me.

Oreo was about three years old and a smart little thing. Apparently, her days of roaming the wild had given her an aversion to fencing though, a fact I quickly learned. Most of my yard has a 6’ fence; however the front was only 4’. That bit of 4’ fence was no hill for a stepper and she would sail out of the yard with the greatest of ease! Even after some patchwork brought the front to 6’, she would still try to jump it. The song ‘don’t fence me in’ must have been her motto. Eventually I installed a 6’ wrought iron fence in the front and my neighbors called me Fort Knox of the neighborhood.

As time went by several families came to look at her and consider adoption, but the fact that she could not be out of the yard without a leash turned them away. It was sad really, she is a well-trained dog and her original family must have been grieved to lose her. After awhile it became apparent that no one was going to adopt Oreo and while I was not looking, she had stolen my heart so I adopted her.

Oreo can now be outside without a leash, she loves the kids in the neighborhood, and the feeling is mutual. She loves to play with them or chase after a ball; she is older now and a bit slower but she will still play as long as I will let her. Inside the house, Oreo will not leave my side when I move from room to room. She always has to be there with me.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a dog gift store. I wanted to stock all the great pet gifts and supplies that a dog lover could ever want or need. Thanks to the internet, I can now live my dream, and provide you with a shopping experience like no other. Whether you need e-books, gifts or information on optimal nutrition for your pet, you can find it here. I also have a selection of dog quotations and short stories for pet lovers. This site is just like a puppy - constantly moving and changing. Stop back often for updates, but for now, Paws here and enjoy!