Jim, an avid bicyclist, was out on a ride over Labor Day weekend (September 2000) and on one of the country roads near our home, with no houses in sight, he passed a little black puppy sitting by the side of the road. He continued on, thinking if she was still there when he came back by on his way home, he'd bring her back with him. A half hour or so later, with a nasty thunderstorm brewing, he returned- and there she was. He stopped and she came up to him. He rode three miles home holding that puppy under one arm, steering with the other.

We'd had Stormy for two weeks in these first four pictures. The vet estimated her to be between 10-14 weeks old, and she weighed 11 pounds. She appears to be mostly Labrador Retriever, with some Chow or other breed (Husky and Border Collie have been suggested). She loves everybody and everything and is a very energetic, determined and independent-minded dog. At 55 pounds mature weight, I don't think Jim could ride a bicycle with her under one arm any more!


Stormy learned very quickly to sit on command with the aid of food!


How can you resist that face?


Everything is fun for Stormy!


Jim's favorite picture of his new pet.


Here's Stormy in October 2000. She has grown a lot, and her coat came in a lovely glossy black with good food and health care.


Stormy, five months old, December 2000. Snow was a novelty!


Stormy at 6 months old with the lovely Golden Retriever, Dutchess Price. This was taken on New Year's Day 2001. Dutchess is owned by our friends Jason and Melanie Price and family. I wish I had taken Stormy's Gentle Leader off for this picture! Despite Stormy's stance and the look in her eye (camera flash effect actually) she was NOT the dominant dog in this twosome. Dutchess was most patient with Stormy's social ineptitude, however. The success of this playdate was the impetus for my acquisition of Jackson as a buddy for Stormy.


This is my friend Cassidy Evans, her boyfriend David, and the "pack o' black dogs"! Left is Dustie, Cassidy's 5 month old Lab X Sheltie female puppy, center is Jackson (on his back) at 6 mos. and right is Stormy at 10 mos. As you can see, Stormy's tail curled more and more as she matured. Memorial Day weekend 2001.


Stormy really likes this Jolly Ball! December 2001.


Jackson and Stormy relaxing on their favorite, dog-worn chairs, February 2007.