On adoption day, Piper’s future parents were both anxious and excited. While they were eager to meet her, they worried that she might find the long car ride home stressful and that their young children might overwhelm her. They needn’t have worried: she not only relaxed with them during the drive, she promptly went up and greeted their children with a smile!

Piper is special because she loves everyone in the family and loves spending time with each person equally. The children have excitedly stepped up and help feed and brush her, re-fill her water bowl and let her out. Definitely part of the family, Piper makes herself comfortable wherever they are — on the couch, lying in bed, in the pool and in the car.

Not only does Piper tolerate the children’s “chaos,” she’s a trooper and always plays along when they want to include her in their goofy games and activities. And Piper LOVES to cuddle! Whenever her parents are sitting on the ground, on the couch or even in bed, it isn’t long before she tries climbing INTO their laps. And then, the only way to get her up is with the magic word, “cookie!”

She loves to be part of everything her family does, and she’s extremely loyal. She waits by the door when they’re away from home, goes everywhere they go, watches over the children, staying close to them if they’re upset and checking on them if they’re not feeling well.

Passionate about swimming, Piper loves getting in the pool with the family during the summer. Not to mention often sneaking in without the family, and even going for a dip in 40 degree weather! The family has a camper and they love to go camping with friends. Piper loves camping as well because she gets to sleep with the whole family, play with her two Basset Hound buddies, and go on long, exploratory walks. (And wherever Piper goes, her current favorite toy, a giant stuffed Llama, goes too).

Although severely underweight when first adopted, she’s since gained over 20 pounds, and the vet says she’s very healthy and looks wonderful. And while Piper gets along well with everyone and every thing, the squirrels and lizards in the yard may disagree! In a similar vein: her mom smiles at the silly way Piper sometimes sleeps – on her back on the couch with all four legs sticking up in the air.

Ending on a paws-itive note: Piper completed a general obedience course at PetSmart when she was first adopted. And being as smart as she is, passed with flying colors!