08/09/04
Here's a picture of Oso/Aku hanging out together after a grueling walk down the driveway. He's doing very well! The two of them get along great!
Both are learning how to work with the "buzz" collar (editor note:  Oso is deaf, collar is only a training aid)

07/24/04
I just wanted to update you on Oso's progress.
He's learning signs. His name sign is once around his nose with the index finger "O" and up to my eyes forming and "O".  Two O's is OsO - sort of. Anyhow it gets him to watch. He's doing good at Pawsability.  It's a little hard to re-enforce "stand" and he wants to sit but other than that he's quite good at obedience - but much better if it's before dinner and you have a treat. We are going to start training with the vibrating collar now that he has most of the basic vocabulary. This will allow him to go off leash in the back so he can work up to a sustained run (hahaha). I think he's tired of dragging the long line behind so that'll be nice for him.
He and Aku get along. They sleep together on separate beds, and spend portions of the day together in a kennel. We still supervise a little, but they get along great - except we do separate them at mealtime. Oso is a little bit protective of his bowl. He likes his food. They even walk together on loose-leashes side by side - cool! They can't play yet though since Aku is still mending.
Oso gets along good with the Pekes. Silver still barks at him, but I think mostly just for recreation. He's very patient with Monkey and doesn't mind when she runs under him. He does get a worried look if one of them sits on his bed though... then when they get off, he lies down on it.
He's great with the ponies - but he still wants to go in with them and play. He hasn't shown any real interest in the chickens. He looks at them, they run - he doesn't. He does like the cat though it doesn't like him.
His ears are doing better, still rinsing them out daily and applying drops. There's lots of calcification, but we are going to talk to Donna who does alternative treatments to see if we can't stimulate some healing. I swear that some days the swelling is down enough to the point he can hear a little... but you never know - he could just be psychic.
Anyhow - just wanted to let you know that he's doing very well, he's a very very sweet and intelligent dog.
Thanks again for everything!!

04/15/03
Just thought I'd attach a picture of my two handsome dogs. Olaf (the red and white malamute, is doing GREAT! He is so fun and has a wonderful happy go lucky attitude. He is sure clutzy though. We love Him!