Mr. D is my rescue dog – aka Buddy. Hubby & I rescued him about 5.5 years ago from a shelter. He was both my birthday present and my move-to-the-island-and-I-promise-I’ll-scoop-all-the-poop present from my hubs. FYI – all these years later he has still stuck to his promise. Now there’s true love! Before the D was at the shelter he was in an abusive home and then a crack house for about 5 years. He was kicked, smacked, sprayed with the hose, and I’m sure more. He hadn’t been socialized with other dogs or people, and we don’t think he had even been on a leash until we got him. When we first brought him home, if any male friend came over he would be so terrified that he would pee. Poor D 
We thought the name “Buddy” was a little boring, but couldn’t find anything that rhymed with it to call him instead. Seriously – Cruddy, Fuddy, Duddy… That’s where Mr. D came from – Mr. Bud Dee (or simply “D” for short). I know, we are lame. ;)
After lots and lots of training, patience, and love, Mr. D is now a happy “pup” who doesn’t immediately pee when someone comes over. Yay! He licks his chops if you scratch his neck just the right way, and sticks his belly in the air if he’s dying for some petting attention. :) He’s developed grey eyebrows this year, and a more mellow personality to match. Seriously. He even plays with the kids next door when he used to be so scared of little ones he’d try to eat them. Ok, ok, there’s a chain-link fence in between them, but he loves it nonetheless. Here’s a picture of him from last fall – we were raking the leaves, and he LOVED burying himself in them.
Here comes the “poor Mr. D” part (aside from his shady past). He developed an ear infection (to which he’s no stranger, though he hasn’t had one in a while) and a hot spot recently, so a trip to the vet was in order. They had to shave a little spot under his ear so we could keep it clean and treat it at home. Time for a collective “Poor Mr. D.” He’ll be good as new in a few days, and hopefully he’ll have his dignity back once his hair grows in. :)
