June 2008   Shortcut
Shortcut, a mostly (we think) Cardigan Welsh Corgi, was born on a farm in western Pennsylvania. When his owner was charged with hoarding, Welsh Corgi Rescue placed him in a foster home on the other side of the state. When Susan and Fran Mardula decided to adopt him into their Alexandria, Virginia home, they were given directions which included several unmarked back roads. At some point they missed a crucial turn, which unfortunately changed a 2-hour, 40-minute drive into a five-hour journey. Hence the name, “Shortcut.”

It was quite an adjustment for Shortcut to go from a rural farm to a suburban home, but Shortcut’s four other adopted siblings (3 dogs and a cat), warmly welcomed their new brother. They taught him how to go up and down stairs, and not be intimidated by the hair dryer, the toaster popping and the vacuum cleaner. Shortcut gets along beautifully with his new siblings since all he knew for the first 18 months of his life were other animals. When he sits or lies down, he always has to be in contact with one of them. Shortcut has even become the guide dog to his 14-year old Schnauzer brother, Senator, who is mostly blind. Because Shortcut is so low to the ground, Senator can easily maneuver the stairs and travel from room-to-room with Shortcut at his side.

Recently, Shortcut’s owners purchased the Wisdom Panel™ Mixed Breed Analysis Test to determine his true heritage. While awaiting the results of the test from the vet, we all tried our hand at guessing. Besides the obvious Welsh Corgi connection, we came up with Dachshund and Basset Hound, with a little river otter thrown in for good measure.

A few days ago the results came back and surprised us all: Shortcut is 100% Cardigan Welsh Corgi, so you’ll find his portrait in Gallery 2 on our Corgi page. Right where he belongs.

Click here to read about a previous Dog of the Month winner.