Arizona is a beautiful 5-year-old Australian Shepherd mix. She was 'found' in the state of Arizona, thus her name. Brought to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, she apparently didn't fit into the lifestyle of her first owner. She was given to a neighbor of mine who died recently. Since I was already taking care of her much of the time, she immediately became part of my 'pack' of six.

Arizona is a very quiet dog who rarely barks at people. Instead, she will stand back and warily observe strangers in her trademark stance--one ear standing up and one ear drooping down.

Arizona loves to ride in the car. Whenever she hears my keys jingle, she runs for the door because she's figured out that when I pick up my keys I'm going to the car. She rides with me in the cold months and naps in the car while I work or shop, etc.

She sometimes gets in a wild mood and attacks my feet, biting and chewing. But other times she is very affectionate and loving. I discovered that giving her a rope bone to carry in her mouth when we go for walks helps to keep her from attacking my feet as we walk. It also makes everyone smile when they see her happily trotting along with the rope in her mouth.