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Submitted by jlinder last December 1st 2008, 01:12 AM

About: Sherman Tank   Category: Dog Stories

Everything seemed to be going just right in our little household. Both had jobs we liked, a nice future planned out, and two Jack Russell terriers to keep things interesting around the house. The little female of the pair was especially challenging - cute as a button, but oh so Type A and full of sass. Just seemed like we could never tire her out enough to really enjoy her.

Jack Russell Terriers seem to need "a job" to help channel their energy in positive directions and the answer to our dreams came in the form of a great facility offering agility training, basic grooming, and acres of fenced terrain to help burn off some pent up energy. In addition to these services, the owner also participates in a rescue service and that opened a whole new chapter in life with dogs for us.

Another dog in the family was the last thing we were looking for when Sherman the Tank, and angel in white fur, found us. We met him during a post training play session at the above facility, and he seemed to hold special affection for our little gal, playing joyfully with her at her usual non-stop pace, and then standing at the fence looking heartbroken when we'd leave. After a while the owner informed me that since she had not been able to place him, Sherman the Tank, a pit bull mix, would have to be put down. Seeing him stand and the fence looking so heartbroken when we would leave and knowing how wonderfully he played with our dogs meant we could not let that happen.....and so, home he came....with us!

It has turned out to be a great decision. He is really big, but doesn't know it. He has a fun jump when anyone visits who he likes and bounces up in the air on all four legs.....it's a bit intimidating if you didn't know him. He has the most gentle disposition and timid nature of any dog I've ever known. He doesn't like to be squirted with the hose, and shows it by running to hide if I want to rinse him off, however, he loves to lie down in his kiddie pool after playing fetch in warm weather. He loves riding in the car, especially to the bank where they give out doggie treats, and sits like a real gentleman in the back and never barks or whines.

It has amazed me how he could never be provoked to anger or aggression. He willingly shares any toy, respects the privacy of the other dogs' food dishes and doesn't ever try to push them aside. He loves all dog company that comes to the house and never complains when they sleep in his bed or crate or favorite spot on the sofa or even run off with his toys. When my mom comes he loves to share her room and cuddles under the covers because she likes it very cool for sleeping.

This big fella has sure been a reminder to judge each dog on his merits alone - not just totally by breed. There is nothing "the pits" about this guy. I've had to have both ACLs repaired for Sherman, but luckily Michigan State University Vet Clinic could do it and it really helped him. Unfortunately, he has some arthritis and other problems developing in his hips that have me worried, but it hasn't affected his sunny disposition in the least and maybe I will win the lottery and have the dinero to pay for the repair, but in the meantime, we're just taking one day at a time and enjoying this special pet who adopted us.