Cookie's "First" Year

It was June 30th of last year when Cookie came to us, her "forever family". If you haven't read Cookie's amazing story, check it out here... She was rescued from an abandoned house that was on fire (she was tied up inside- our guess is she was the pet of squatters). She was presumed dead, but then they realized she was alive. The following day, she lost all of the fur on her back as a result of third degree burns.

That was December of 2010. Cookie received amazing care form the College Park Animal Hospital, and then hyperbaric therapy at South Paws Veterinary Hospital. She lived at South Paws for over a month. We got to visit over Spring Break, and the staff was amazing. Cookie seemed at home, and it was amazing to meet people who put so much into making her better.

The last link in the chain of Cookie's recovery was Dawg Rescue and her foster family. Cookie's healing was far from over when she went to live with Kathy and her family. You can see from the video below (taken in March 2011) how well she did in her foster home.

When I came across Cookie's story, I knew she was the dog for us. Who better to adopt her than a firefighter and a nurse practitioner. The loss of our beloved dogs Spanner and Spridel was still fresh, but I realized we were destined to have another dog.

A year later, Cookie is right where she belongs. She is a crazy combination of hunter and herder, of high energy and relaxed cuddling... She is awesome. A great running buddy, a companion for all of this, and a wrestling buddy for Tommy. We think she is 2 1/2 years old, and she is still definitely a puppy. People do a double take when they get close to her. Initially they think she has unusual coloring and then they realize she is missing fur. Our hope is that as she matures Tommy can take her to the annual burn camp for children who have sustained burns. She would be perfect for the job.

Some fun pictures from Cookie's first year:

She blends right in!

Visiting South Paws

Her first week with us!

Winter running with Mom

Who couldn't love this pup?!?!?!

Cookie and Dylan making sure there are no "intruders" (squirrels and rabbits) in the back yard.

Even I am not ok with her laying in my spot!

Last week, getting back to running.

Shhhh...don't tell Daddy.

For a dog who needs sunscreen or a shirt outside, she finds every spot of sunshine!

"Helping" Mom do sit-ups

Running with Mom...the Fuel Belt doubles as a great leash holder.

Running around the lake behind our house. 

Cookie helping Dylan drive Aerial Tower 23 at Tommy's firehouse.

Cookie and Cooper

Keeping cool.

Cookie meeting her cousins, the horses.

The "indestructible" dog toy, 5 minutes after giving it to her. 

Many thanks again to all those who made it possible for us to have this truly amazing pup (and to Tommy, who gave into my begging and agreed to adopt Cookie...I think he is happy with the decision).