Alley came into my life in July 1997. My roommate and his dog were planning to move. I knew my "throw away" BC (returned to a breeder) would be terribly lonely. I decided to try rescue. I contacted BCRa-CA and made an appointment with Bobbie to see the available dogs. She told me to bring my boy to make sure we ALL were compatible.

I had in my mind to get a male, about 6 months to a year old. I like the "classic" look. Black and white, rough coat, fully pricked ears, etc. Of course "he" would have to get along with my boy. We found out in a hurry that my boy is not compatible with other males. We had a fight within a few minutes. At that time there were few females. The one who got along with my boy was "Little Sis". Bobbie told me that if I were to have the privilege to adopt her, I would have to convince her I was worthy.

You see, Sis had been picked up from a shelter in very bad condition. It was suspected that she came from a puppy mill. She was dripping milk, her pups taken from her too soon. She had sores all over her body, probably from the tiny cages used to house puppy mill bitches. Her hair was falling out; her diet had obviously been very poor. She was under weight by about 10 pounds. Her right eye was so ulcerated; it was swollen completely shut. She had a
foxtail that was removed, but it had been in so long, part of her cornea had to be removed due to infection. This girl had really been through a rough time.

After several hours of talking, Bobbie said I could adopt her. You see, my boy is rather neurotic, and she could tell I loved him in spite of it. It is hard sometimes, not knowing what these special creatures have been put through before they come into your life.

So "Little Sis" came to live in the mountains. She is so loving and sweet. I think rescue dogs know when they are going home for good. They are so appreciative of a loving family. I had a problem though. I found myself calling her "Sissy". That in no way describes this girl. She didn't seem to respond well to the name. She was a couch queen. In rescue, due to her special
needs and poor health, was allowed on the couch. She would push my roommate off the loveseat! If she were there first, she would lay her head down and watch to see if you would try to move her. Her eyes would look all around, while her head was flat against the cushion. My roommate said she reminded him of an alligator. He started to call her "alli-gator". Well she responded to it and now she is Alley AKA Alley-Gator.

I thought I would adopt a rough coat, black and white, prick eared male. I have my wonderful Alley, smooth coat, black and white, tipped eared female. I wouldn't have it any other way!

It has been almost two years now, and I cannot imagine life without Alley. She is family, now and forevermore.