Meet Missy: The Second of Our Three German Shepherds
When we first decided to get a German Shepherd, my wife was hesitant about bringing a new puppy into our lives. That all changed the moment she laid eyes on Maggie. We found Maggie through a Craigslist ad when she was just 8 weeks old. The people who had the litter brought all nine puppies to us in their car, and my wife fell in love with Maggie instantly. With her large floppy ears and sable-blonde coat, Maggie was irresistible. Although she has hundreds of nicknames—like Blondie, Mags, Magoo—we settled on the name Maggie, after the magpie bird. This name is special to me because my dad once rescued an injured magpie and nursed it back to health, so naming her Maggie felt like the perfect tribute.
From the start, Maggie was a feisty little pup. She had a strong will, which we noticed whenever she would get “growly” when picked up. Recognizing her spirited nature, we enrolled her in basic training classes at PetSmart when she was 12 weeks old. Maggie excelled in her training, so much so that we often joke she went to college and learned a bunch of useful things.
To ensure she grew up well-rounded, we made sure Maggie had her own space and crate during her first year. We had read that keeping littermates together can make them difficult to train, so Maggie didn’t meet her sister until they were both a year old. During that time, Maggie developed a love for playing ball and visiting the dog park. At first, she was possessive of her ball, but with patience and training, she learned to share and play nicely with other dogs.
Maggie’s absolute favorite activity is playing with the hose. We set it to JET mode, and she will eagerly try to “eat” the stream of water. It’s hilarious to watch her snap at flies, too; her loud snaps always make us smile. Early on, Maggie also loved riding in our Jeep. She had her own spot and seatbelt, although we had to carry a “Maggie cleanup kit” because she would get carsick. Thankfully, she outgrew that, and now she enjoys riding in the back of our Jeep Gladiator, safely secured by an iron rack.
Maggie has a best friend in our little Min Pin, Rocko. Whenever we take Maggie for a walk, Rocko has to come along too—he just adores her. All in all, Maggie is one of the best German Shepherds I’ve ever had. She’s smart, playful, and has truly enriched our lives.
But now, let me introduce you to Missy, Maggie’s sister and littermate. Missy came into our lives a little later, and she’s quite different from Maggie. While Maggie is bold, outgoing, and loves to command attention, Missy is on the quieter, more reserved side. She’s not one to bark or cause a scene. Instead, she’s thoughtful and observant, always watching her surroundings with her big, soulful eyes.
Missy also loves car rides, just like her sister, but unlike Maggie, who used to get carsick, Missy took to car rides immediately. There’s something soothing about the hum of the engine and the sights whizzing by that she finds calming. She often lays her head on the center console, her eyes half-closed, enjoying the ride with a serene expression. Missy especially loves truck rides—there’s more space for her to stretch out, and she seems to enjoy the gentle bumps and vibrations of the truck bed.
One of Missy’s most endearing qualities is her love for playing ball. She doesn’t have the same competitive streak as Maggie; instead, she likes to play at her own pace. She’ll trot after the ball and bring it back, but if you’re not quick to throw it again, she’ll patiently wait, sometimes even dropping the ball at your feet and giving you a gentle nudge with her nose. She’s incredibly gentle and has a sweet habit of holding hands—or more accurately, paws. She’ll come up to you, sit by your side, and place her paw in your hand, looking up at you with those trusting eyes. It’s her way of asking for a bit of love and attention.
Missy has a unique bond with each member of the family. While Maggie is more of a “daddy’s girl,” always eager to play and roughhouse, Missy has a special connection with me. She’s more reserved, often found quietly lying by my side while I work or read, always there but never intrusive. Her calm demeanor brings a sense of peace to the household, a balance to Maggie’s playful energy.
One of our favorite memories with Missy is the first time we took her to the park. Unlike Maggie, who darted straight for the ball, Missy took her time exploring the new surroundings. She sniffed every corner, carefully observing the other dogs and people, as if taking mental notes. When she finally decided to join in the play, it was with a grace and gentleness that charmed everyone around.
We feel incredibly lucky to have both Maggie and Missy in our lives. They balance each other perfectly—Maggie with her vibrant energy and Missy with her calming presence. Both bring their unique personalities to our home, enriching our lives in different ways. We often joke that they are two sides of the same coin, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Stay tuned for more stories about our German Shepherd duo, and if you’re a fan of dog-themed T-shirts, don’t forget to check out CyberMUTZ for designs inspired by our adventures with Maggie and Missy. Visit CyberMUTZ.com for more stories, updates, and fun merchandise!