December 7, 2002
The photo above was taken the day Abner officially became a permanent resident of Golden Acres.  This funny boy stole my heart, and my sweet husband let me keep yet another special golden.

Abner had an interesting life.  He and his son, Wiley, were chronically at large and custody had been taken away from the dogs' owners.  They were impounded in the "Dangerous Dog Division" of the San Diego animal shelter, and both were to be put to sleep unless exited by a rescue.  My husband and I were taking a weekend vacation in Coronado, and when the shelter called, we went and visited them.  Abner promptly greeted me with his characteristic bark.  They came home with me the next day, and were placed for adoption through our rescue, RFSC.  Abner's son was quickly adopted, but Abner stole my heart.  Although I'd promised my husband I'd cut down on the number of personal dogs I was keeping, I knew I was in trouble.  Abner reminded me so much of Wilbur, my heart dog, who'd been put to sleep due to bloat a few months earlier, and I knew I couldn't part with him.  Sweet Ed let me break my promise and Abner was added to our family.

Ed & Abner, couch potatoes, January 27, 2005.

In addition to barking, Abner was well known for his appetite.  He ate anything he could find - large bags of dog food, rocks, decomposed granite, chewing gum, you name it.  He wore down his teeth to little stubs.  Once Abner tore the metal framing off an automobile wheel well in an attempt to retrieve an animal that undoubtedly was hiding in the engine compartment. 

Abner & Jeremy - did you notice Abner likes the couch too?
August 8, 2005.

Abner and his treasured woobie!