Every crew has that one member who doesn’t quite fit the description. The one who makes you question genetics, looks, luck and life in general. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Blue!
Blue is our youngest crew member, a walking, barking, tail-wagging mystery who comes with a rather unusual lineage confirmed by DNA: Maltese, German Shepherd and Siberian Husky.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The result? Blue. A very limited edition.
We affectionately call him our “Opotiki Pound Special”, because that’s where his story began. Blue was abandoned at Opotiki Pound. We don’t know everything about his past, but we do know that someone else’s decision to leave him behind turned out to be our opportunity to welcome one very special character into the family. And what a character he is!
The eyes have it!
First things first: those eyes! Blue has the most striking ice-blue eyes, the sort that could melt your heart, convince you to hand over your dinner and make you apologize for not sharing your pillow. He doesn’t even need to bark. One look is enough. You know that expression people use when they say a dog is looking straight into your soul? Well, Blue takes that very seriously. Although, knowing him, he is probably not looking into your soul. He is more likely checking whether you have snacks hidden somewhere.
Honestly, we suspect his eyes are his greatest weapon. He could probably negotiate his way out of an international criminal investigation simply by looking at the judge.
The Maltese brings the charm, the cuteness and the potential expectation of being treated like royalty. The German Shepherd contributes the serious business attitude, the confidence and the impression that he has been appointed head of security. And then there’s the Siberian Husky. Oh dear. The Husky brings the dramatic tendencies, the independent thinking and probably a few opinions that nobody actually asked for. Put all three together and you get Blue.
The baby of the crew
Blue is the youngest member of our four-legged crew, which means he has the important responsibility of keeping everyone entertained. Mike and Ruby might have their own established routines, personalities and positions within the household hierarchy, but Blue is the new generation. And as every family knows, the youngest one usually gets away with things the others would never be allowed to do. He has the innocent face, the beautiful eyes and the perfect excuse: “I’m only a baby!” Whether this argument works with the other dogs remains a matter of ongoing negotiation.
A heart bigger than him
But behind those spectacular blue eyes is something much more important. Blue is incredibly loving. Despite being abandoned and having started life with an uncertain chapter, he has so much affection to give. He is a reminder that dogs don’t need perfect beginnings, impressive pedigrees or expensive breeding certificates to become extraordinary companions. Sometimes the most special dogs are the ones nobody planned to find. And sometimes they arrive with the whole sky in their eyes!
A little reminder about pound specials
Blue’s story is also a reminder of something we should never forget. Behind every dog sitting in a pound is an individual with a personality, feelings and the ability to love. They are not disposable objects, and they are certainly not defined by the circumstances that brought them there. Blue didn’t arrive with a prestigious pedigree or a carefully planned introduction to the family. He arrived being himself: a tiny puppy trying to be brave but looking for his mom, and craving safety and affection.
And that was more than enough.
I understand this boy far beyond just his beautiful eyes or wonderfully silky coat: I truly see his soul. I can sense when he feels unsure or vulnerable, and I recognize his gentle heart that craves love and reassurance to build his confidence. He tries so hard to be a good boy, and we share special “meetings” each day when he places his paws on my legs, and I pause whatever I’m doing to connect with him for as long as he needs. After our moments together, he happily returns to play with the other dogs. Especially with Ruby. He adores her, and Ruby loves him back with a Vizsla’s passion—fierce, wholehearted, and decisive!
Welcome to the crew, Blue!
You may have arrived with a past that nobody should have had to experience. But you are home now. Sometimes the best things in life come with no paperwork, no pedigree and absolutely no explanation. Just four paws, a beautiful heart and a pair of blue eyes that could get away with murder. And to whoever decided that Blue wasn’t worth keeping, thank you for leaving us the privilege of discovering just how special he really is.
Signed: The human who apparently thought three dogs were enough… until Blue arrived! ❤️
16 Paws and Me – Four Dogs and a Woman.
Four dogs, countless adventures and absolutely no shortage of canine characters.
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