Three breeds and one big heart
The Fudjack family enjoying a fall day at Daniels Park. The couple took their engagement photos at this spot and plan on making it a family tradition for annual photos. Left to right: Mike, Brenna, Sylvie, Marty and Iris.
In the cozy Serena neighborhood home of Mike, Brenna and 5-month-old Sylvie Fudjack, lives Iris, a lovable, one-of-a-kind pup. A mix of German shepherd, poodle and golden retriever, Iris brings together the best traits of all three breeds to her family.
Iris has a soft and wavy, low-shed, apricot-colored coat, slightly pointed ears and the distinct hips of a German shepherd. She is the kind of dog who turns heads on walks and melts hearts at home. Smart, gentle and fiercely loyal, Iris is a natural guardian of her family.
Iris was one of three large breed pups rescued by a young couple in Texas. The couple had to move and drove the pups to Mountain Pet Rescue, a foster-based rescue facility in Grand County, Colorado, that specializes in large breeds. Mike and Brenna, who both grew up with dogs, wanted another dog, a large one. That is when Iris came into their lives at just under a year old.
At home, Iris shares life with Marty, a spirited, small but mighty Dachshund who keeps everyone on their toes. Iris, who is now 4, and Marty are inseparable.
“Iris is the sweetest of dogs,” said Mike. She is gentle with Sylvie, wrestles with Marty—often giving him the win—and looks at everyone with deep, soulful eyes.
Despite their size difference, Iris loves small spaces, beds and often drinks from Marty’s tiny bowls, while Marty, with authority, sips from Iris’s oversized dishes.
The Fudjacks are a family who love the outdoors. They enjoy exploring Daniels Park and its surrounding trails and road trips, bringing Iris and Marty. A few favorite trips have been to Lake Tahoe and Lake Glendo, Wyoming, where both dogs took to swimming, but not so much to riding in or staying on the kayaks.
In a world full of dogs of all sizes and pedigrees, Iris is a joyful reminder that love, loyalty and personality are truly what make a dog special. For the Fudjack family, she is the perfect fit. “We call her our floppy puppy. She is definitely a puppy in a big dog’s body and a complete goofball a lot of the time. We love her so much,” said Brenna.
Four-year-old Iris looks into the camera with her deep soulful eyes.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Brenna and Mike Fudjack
