The Pack

They say you can't have just one... and they were right.

This is my pack.

First, we'll start with the huskies and lab.

Jessica Hines. "the pack". 2015.

The oldest is Mick, but he is the most playful. We rescued him when he was 6 years old. His owner was dying of cancer and could no longer care for him, plus he is epileptic which makes him a harder dog to adopt out in a shelter. We've had him for 5 years and he is an amazing addition to the family.
How has he affected my life? 
Mick is the most laid back dog we have. When I feel stressed, I usually curl up next to him to regain my control and to just calm down. He's usually lying on the floor in the living room, so I never have to venture far to find my peace.


The middle husky, and the alpha, is Loki. I adopted him in 2012 while I was playing volleyball in Tennessee. He is such a sweetheart, feisty and stubborn, but a loyal boy to the core. His personality is truly unique and he lives up to the God of mischief that he was named after.
How has he affected my life?
Loki always seems to know when I am not feeling like myself and he finds a way to lie on top of me and smother me with his love. This dog will always remind me of how far I've come from the dark times I experienced emotionally and mentally down in the U.S.


Our baby husky is the biggest of the bunch, Niam. He is not the brightest of the bunch, but he is so sweet. He runs like he has wooden legs and is the most uncoordinated husky you will ever see, but watching him brings a smile to anyone's face.
How has he affected my life?
Niam makes me laugh every single day, whether it's because he has done something ridiculous or because he loses himself in his playtime. He is always so happy and he isn't as stubborn or mischievous as the other two.

The one and only girl of the pack is Bailey the lab. My sister rescued her when she was a puppy and snuck her into our house without my mom knowing. My mom wanted her to rehome Bailey, but after spending just a few minutes with her, she knew we would be keeping her.
How has she affected my life?
Bailey ALWAYS has a toy in her mouth. Usually I am annoyed with how persistent she is at handing me one of them, but her constant need for attention makes me feel loved and wanted. Bailey is so eager to follow us around and is constantly wagging her tail and I do not believe there is a happier dog on this planet.


Time for double trouble... the Pugs.

Taylor Simons. "The pugs". 2017.

Percy and Paxton. I have always been obsessed with pugs and a couple years ago I decided I was going to take the plunge. I adopted Percy at 8 weeks old, and let me tell you this... He looked like a worm. His legs were so stubby and his belly grazed the floor whenever he'd walk. It was ridiculous...ly cute! I loved him from the moment I laid eyes on him. He's stubborn, he thinks he is tough and tries to bark at anything he deems threatening, but he is so loveable and cuddly. Fast forward to a year later and I adopted his half-brother, Paxton. Now this is a dog that has stollen my heart. He is so quiet and unlike Percy. Percy looks like a grumpy old man, but Pax looks soft and gentle. He is the sweetest little boy and wherever I go, he goes with me.
How have they affected my life?
The pugs are MY dogs, through and through. They sleep in my room (mostly on my bed), their routine is my routine, and when people see me they are always asking about the pugs. These little boys dictate my mood for the day. Depending on how they're behaving in the mornings, they set the tone for my attitude. Their crazy antics and gremlin pug noises are enough to make anyone smile and laugh, and I have to admit, there is nothing quite like pug cuddles at night!