Sophia
As a veterinarian, it’s no surprise that I have multiple dogs. The first and oldest of my pack is Sophia. Throughout veterinary school, I dreamed of having a dog, and I had always been partial to Australian Shepherds. About a month after graduating and moving back home, I finally began my search.
As a veterinarian, choosing the right dog was tough. I’ve always loved the look and personality of purebred Australian Shepherds, but knowing how many dogs need homes, I felt drawn to adoption. In the end, I couldn’t ignore a rescue Aussie mix that needed a second chance.
After a week of searching Petfinder.com, I found her. In 2017, Sophia was about a year old—pointy ears, black fur, and a little nub instead of a tail. She was perfect. I met her at her foster’s house, and she was as wild as I expected. I submitted my application, passed the home check, and before I knew it, she was mine.
The morning I brought her home, I picked up a crate, dog food, and some toys. She promptly peed on my carpet—the first and only accident she’s had in seven years—before I had to head into work. Despite the cleanup, I was ecstatic about my new best friend.
Adjusting to life with Sophia took time. As an Aussie mix, she had endless energy and strong herding instincts. She was prone to nipping, barking, and even chasing trucks. With patience, training, and the help of a professional, she outgrew these habits and became a well-mannered, calm companion.
Fast forward a few years—while she’s not the most active dog anymore, she has raised three puppies and continues to show incredible patience with new dogs. Her house manners are impeccable, though she’s still not a fan of being left behind when I leave the house.
Much to both my joy and dismay, she’s also made it very clear that she prefers women. She has bonded deeply with my girlfriend and has become her loyal “bathroom dog,” following her everywhere while usually ignoring me when she’s around. That’s fine, though—after all, I have two more four-legged children to keep me company.
I look forward to sharing our adventures, along with the products and gear we’ve tested over the years. Stay tuned!
Fishing, Dogs, and Outdoors 
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