Tramp

Tramp has made it her life's work to make sure Shelby is protected
and to teach him everything she knows...like how to drink out of the
horse troughs (on tippy toes with front paws over the edge), how to
"liberate" the chicken eggs (squeeze through the little chicken door),
how to wiggle under the gates (on your side with front legs doing the
doggie paddle), and how to open the gate when nobody's looking (that's
our secret and we ain't tellin').

Tramp's heritage is unknown, but what we do know is that she's one of
the smartest dogs we ever met. Tramp never met a fence she couldn't
climb. She's the only dog I know who can wag her tail in a full circle.
She's sweet (unless you're a dog and want to hurt Shelby) and kind
(unless you're a small furry animal that moves quickly)...but then
nobody's perfect.

TRAMP'S PROPERTY LAWS

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my mouth, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down,
it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours.

About 10 years ago Tramp just appeared.
We guess someone "dropped her off" in the
canyon. She was a puppy, but nobody knew
her age. A very kind woman named Carol
took her in, and for the next couple of years
Tramp lived with Carol's other dogs and cats.
When we moved into the canyon Tramp
made it her practice to spend her days at
our ranch. Every morning she would appear
at the front door asking "can Avery come
out and play?" She'd hang out all day until
dinner time when I'd send her home and
Avery would come in for the night.

Unfortunately, Carol developed terminal lung
cancer. Before she died she asked me to
take Tramp. Of course I said yes, and
that's how Tramp came to live with me.

Tramp and Avery were best friends. Rescue
Springers came and went...Nicky and then
Diego...but Tramp remained. When Avery
died Tramp was alone and sad. But that was
soon remedied with the arrival of Shelby
who quickly became Tramp's puppy. Days
are spent in rough and tumble play including
keep-away and follow the leader in a race
around the sofa.

Sadly, we lost Tramp to Cancer on December 15, 2006.
She died barely a month after her diagnosis. But her last
month was filled with joy, love and lots of good food!
Tramp left us the way she lived...with dignity and
independence.
We miss you Trampy.