I am Pete, but that is not my real name. My folks named me Pita because they had so frequently told me (with big smiles and great affection) that I was a Pain-In-The-Ass. I have tried very hard to live up to my given name. (I have been called Pete from the beginning, named that by kids I played with in the park because they thought I looked like a boy.) I am a 24/7 project but never a day goes by that I don't make the folks laugh. I believe I am a lap dog. I give passionate puppy licks to everyone, especially after a big drink of water. Pop and I are two peas in a pod. I am slow, slow, slow, never doing anything in a hurry. I'd be happiest if I never had to leave my house, the world outside is just too scary for me.

"What is better than two female Boxer dogs?" I asked my husband during a long distance phone call. When his answer was "THREE female Boxer dogs!" the deal was sealed. Does this sound remotely familiar, something like Citi's story? While on a second trip to visit my parents in Florida, I again went to the same pet shop to buy bird seed. There in a tiny box was a another sixteen-week old Boxer girl. There was no way she was going to be left behind. Once again the credit card came out and Pete was ours.

Mouseover the photos to pause.

Pete and Citi deeply bonded. Pete is lost when she is away from Citi. Bugs mothered Pete on occasion but for the most part, ignored her. It was quickly apparent how very smart Pete is. It takes only minutes to teach her something new if it is to her benefit. Once learned, she consistently repeats a behavior in a similar situation without being asked. She instinctly knows the time of day. If it is time to eat and food is not immediately forthcoming, she will chew on my pocket. If I ignore this signal, Pete goes to the food stations and turns them all upside down. Special toys are not available except when Mom wants to share them. If Pete thinks we should play with a special toy, she will choose a toy from her everyday stash, carry it to the location of the special toy, then sit and gaze at the treasure in hopes the special toy will come down for a play session.

Pete is a soft, insecure girl. Unless Citi is with her, the world is a scary place. With the exception of Citi, Pete is not impressed with many dogs. Pete has one great love away from home. that is lure coursing. She is magnificent on the lure course, a favorite of everyone's to watch. Not being a hound, she approaches the lure by stalking. Her personality when at the lure is so opposite her normal demeanor, it is hard to believe she is the same dog.

Our Pete brings much love and laughter to our family. (Read the captions on Pete's pictures and you will get an idea why she makes us smile.) She offers many challenges too, but we wouldn't trade her even though there have been moments when it might have seemed like a grand idea.