When it comes to other aspects of public life, such as taking her to the vet or groomer, remember that sensitive heart of hers for the powerful organ it is. She will probably be sweet as honey to all the nice people who feed her treats in the waiting room, and butter in the hands of the professionals she meets. But she could also take that sharp object in her shoulder or stick in her rear end really personally, and react with the intensity of a soap opera diva. Go out of your way to counter the uglier things with really fabulous ones (like feeding her peanut butter while she’s getting her exam or bath), and you should earn some positive points for the future.

As long as you do the work to develop her coping mechanisms for excitement and stress, you will most likely find her to be a charming character in your neighborhood and other circles, one whom all wildly adore. Getting a grip and keeping that grip (remembering that you would be wise to never unleash her outside of a fence) on her impulses is the smart thing to do in order to maximize the benefits of having such a fabulous personality at your side.

PERSONAL LIFE—Your cup will be full in life and love with your scent hound . . . so much that it could inevitably overfloweth and spilleth all over the place. If you can see yourself handling all of that excitement, and are prepared to embrace the character of your hound, you will enjoy a truly unforgettable relationship. You will laugh hard and often. You will never run out of stories to tell about her. You will learn many lessons from this type of dog—about the importance of being in the moment, about going after what you want with determination, and about passionately enjoying all of the good things in life.

In this relationship, you will have to surrender any need to be in control. This kind of bond isn’t made for those of us who are type-A, unless we are looking to grow and expand outside of our comfort zone. She will hang on your every word, sure. Until something more exciting catches her interest. You can’t take any of it personally—the ignoring of your commands, the running out the door and through the neighborhood, the barking (again) at the squirrels, the masterful acquisition of yet another sandwich from the counter despite your efforts to place it out of reach.

If you can roll with a dog like her, she will go with you just about anywhere, with a positive and jolly attitude. She won’t be able to make any promises about her behavior once you get there, but she will try to be all-in at all times. You’ve got to love her for her renegade spirit and childishly innocent gun-slinging vigor. Her heart is always in the right place.