We Have a New Sparkle In Our Lives

Meet Sparkle. She's a one-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Walker Hounds are used for chasing bear and racoons up trees for their hunters. We have no interest in that. When I took all 3 kids to the shelter to find a good family dog, she seemed to fit the bill. Whereas some dogs were beautiful and friendly, they could be a little too rambunctious to have around a 2-year-old. Sparkle, however, is playful outside but calm and quiet inside. The poor girl, hasn't had a moments peace since we brought her home. She's been smothered with hugs and kisses and puts up with it all beautifully. She came with the name "Sparkle" and since she seems to know her name, we'll keep it. She's perfectly house-broken. I wish I could say the same for Heather.

Here is a description from Dogster that I lifted:

"Treeing Walker Coonhounds are high-energy, hardworking canines with an excellent sense of smell and a keen intelligence. Somehow, in spite of these powerful hunting instincts, they manage to be gentle and relaxed in the home. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are very patient and playful with children, and they can be quite friendly with new people."

The site also says that they are good watch dogs, but I haven't heard her make a sound since she came home. She cheerfully welcomed Wayne's friend Ben and his parents into our home this morning, so I don't think she'll be much better than Hogan ever was as a watch dog. That's ok. She's just for fun.