Atlanta Dog Scene gives Susan Sheppard the "Compassion For The Canine" thumbs up for her true love, appreciation and companionship for her dogs Cimabue and Giotto.

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What follows is a very detailed interview between Cimabue, Giotto, and Atlanta Dog Scene today and it was a true pleasure.

Me: What are your four legged family members name?

Susan: Cimabue, the Blenheim, is named for a Florentine Master; and Giotto, a Ruby, is named for Cimabue's student who was one of the premier Masters of The Renaissance Era of Art.

Me: What breeds are they?

Susan: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Me: How old are they?

Susan: Both are two years old.

Me: Do you celebrate their birthdays?

Susan: Yes, we celebrate w/ sardines & doggie ice cream.

Me: Are there any special stories that you would like to tell us about your dogs?

Susan: Cimabue, the true alpha-male, when I ask who has committed the most recent poo-poo on the floor, if he did not do it, he will bark while looking towards Giotto, the submissive one, in order to implicate Giotto guilt.

Me: Are they spoiled rotten?

Susan: While both had been raised pretty much the same, Cimabue is so spoiled, while Giotto shows no signs of being spoiled, whatsoever!

Me: What obedience problems are you having?

Susan: We are still having disciplinary problems with their 'doing their business' in the House, especially when it's raining or extremely cold outside.

Me: Have you always been an animal person?

Susan: I have grown up with small dogs all of my childhood life. However, I waited until the age of 40 to own a dog, only once I had the (mid-life crisis) realization that I would no longer be pursuing having my own children. But still pursuing MARRIAGE, mind you!

Me: Can you tell us how your dog came into your life?

Susan: While I have a Tri-Color Cavalier whom I share joint custody with my ex-boyfriend, I knew I needed to get my own on a more permanent basis...divorces are so tough on kids, huh?

Because I did not do enough research the first go-round, I bought a (wonderful) dog, whom i fear, came from a puppy mill. Thus, this time, I decided to do much research in advance so to find those most healthy genetically, no matter what the price! I went to Brookhaven Farms in Madison, Georgia, to see their latest litters & walked away with TWO instead of a mere ONE!:) I did, get a discount for the purchase of two, but could have bought an okay-used car, mind you...

Me: Any Atlanta dog businesses that you would like to recommend to other loving dog owners?

Susan: I recommend Second Life Boutique in Avondale, who is a non-profit Thrift Store for all things animals to which the proceeds also go.

Also, Kudzu Antiques in Decatur, who allows my dogs to antique with me. as they have two Standard Poodles who love the visits!

In addition, Anis Bistro in Buckhead allows (smaller) dogs on their patio dining, which is very Francais, indeed!

Me: How has having a dog in your family made changes to your life?

Susan: Having dogs in my life has made enduring the lonely single life much more tolerable. it also, at times, has been a venue in meeting (male) dog owners at parks, cafes, etc.

They are unconditional companions who know when you are sad & also share in your joys. They do not seem to know what the rest of the world seems to think about you, nor do they care... and THAT'S a GOOD thing!

Me: Are you part the movement of rescuing and adopting dogs?

Susan: While I am not one who actively adopts dogs, I do play a significant role on Facebook with those friends who share the same love of animals as I. I have aided in adoptions nationwide & will only continue to do so in the future.

Those of us who have not had the experience of raising children, can get our own sort of nurturing role with our pets. We, too, can share pictures from our wallets & stories of "our" children, yet WE do not pay for their College Fund!

Love, Love, Love Dogs... is all I can say!!!

Me: How do you feel about petfinder as a service to help dogs find forever homes?

Susan: I believe in anything that can improve the life of animals is a just and good cause! This cause brings many people of different lifestyles, backgrounds, personalities together as united for the Life of The Innocent Animal.

Me: How do you feel about the fact that there are over 4 million dogs in the United States that need to be adopted?

Susan: Those of us who have not had the experience of raising children, can get our own sort of nurturing role with our pets. We, too, can share pictures from our wallets & stories of "our" children, yet WE do not pay for their College Fund!

Love, Love, Love Dogs... is all I can say!!!