Oklahoma Pet Tales: Second chance, sweet success

Almost three years ago, I visited the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter to adopt a dog. Before I left home, my wife instructed me, "Do not bring home a dog that is hyperactive.” Of all the animals in the shelter, I picked a chocolate Lab mix named Susie. She appeared to be about 10 to 12 months old. While processing the papers, I decided to ask about the dog’s background. The computer record revealed that another family adopted her but returned her within 10 days because she was hyperactive and barked all the time. I knew I could not take a hyperactive dog home and decided not to go through with the adoption.

Two weeks later, I still wanted that particular dog, so I asked my wife to accompany me to the shelter; if she thought the dog was hyperactive, we would forget about getting a dog. Upon seeing Susie, my wife agreed that she was not hyperactive and we would take her home.

The first thing I did after arriving home was to put Susie in the backyard so she could relieve herself. I watched her for a while and then went into the house to prepare a water dish for her. As soon as I went into the house, Susie came to the door wanting in. She will not stay outside unless someone is with her. Evidently, the people who adopted her first must have wanted a "backyard dog,” and Susie will not stay outside by herself. We got a dog that already is housebroken and used to being inside.

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