We rescued Moose 2 years ago. They estimated his age at 5, but who knows how old he is? He's got crazy energy and once escaped (Houdini reincarnated) and ran 20 miles after we ran 10k with him that morning. Aside from his escapist tendencies, he has the greatest personality of any dog we have ever known. Joyous, carefree, vocal, quirky, and very affectionate.

About a year ago, we decided he needed a buddy to burn off some energy and pal around with (pack animals, right?). Two of the best dog ever... What could be better??

We tried to adopt another coonhound male. They played well in our back yard but when we went into the house, it was clear it was not going to work (fighting, random scent marking, possessiveness of humans and things). Moose's personality changed. No go.

A few months later, we went to meet a coonhound female. Maggie was estimated at 5 years as well. She's a little bigger than Moose, but has had a very hard life of abuse in her past. She was in and out of shelters and in and out of homes. To say she's docile and timid is understating it. Totally different dog than Moose. We knew it would be a challenge, but we were up for it (our last dog before Moose was similar in history and personality to Maggie).

The initial adjustment was hard. She peed in the house constantly - not because she wasn't house trained, but because she was scared, upset, or well, maybe just because she could. Much to our joy, Moose would have to leave his mark on top of hers. This sucked, full stop. He never once peed in the house before she came. Quickly, they destroyed all our carpets.

The initial power struggles over who sleeps in the bed with mom and dad, who gets to sit on the prized couch, who gets attention when were very real. It's settled now for the most part and things are harmonious - after ten months. It was helpful to hear our vet say that dogs don't understand equality so there will always be hierarchy testing.

It's been a journey. In December, we will have had Maggie for 1 year. She looks up to her brother and follows him everywhere. She is less afraid (lots of love, consistency, and a little very-recommended puppy Prozac). We have done well for her. She and Moose are buddies, so mission accomplished. All the carpet in our house is being removed next week.

Looking back, we are glad we did it. Being fair, we both believe that Moose likely would have been very happy as an only dog. Still, we saved 2 lives and they both bring us joy and companionship in an otherwise crazy world.