03/06/05
Just wanted to let you know Willard is happy as a clam here.  I think he figures he died and went to heaven.  He is the sweetest old guy and smart too.  He is so funny...wants to be petted all the time and paws me to get petted and if I ignore him he starts pawing my foot...smart!  Definitely not a picky pooch....feet, hands, whatever, just pet me!!
I'm just amazed his owner did not keep him with her as he is a great house dog, minds, sleeps a lot, wants to be petted, loves whatever you give him to munch, etc.  He would have been a great companion and comfort for her after her husband's death.  On the flip side...he certainly enriches my life as well as Ellen's.

02/21/05
So far things are going well.  He really acts like he has been here forever...just made himself right at home.
He is a funny guy and will go outside with me, but within a few minutes runs back in the house thru the dog door, lays on the quilts on the living room floor and waits for me to come back in.  It will take him a bit to realize there is no chain here.
He also smells to high heaven.  I have brushed him some and tomorrow will make a beauty parlor appointment ASAP.  My friend came over last evening and walked into the house and immediately said...What is that smell!  Too funny.
I appreciate your offer to help if I run into problems.  Linda Benson also wants me to call her too.  As far as I can tell, he is a sweet pooch and I should be able to handle what comes up.  I think Ellen will too as she has politely snarled at him when he is too excited and he immediately put his head down and walked away.

10/20/01
I wanted to let you know how Wakonda is getting along. He is a wonderful dog and a great addition to our "dogpack". He enjoys playing with the Schipperke, and we now have the added bonus of a calm Schipperke at the end of the day! Wakonda and the Schipperke have become incredibly bonded which is amazing considering their opposite dispositions.
Wakonda is extremely well mannered and responds instantly to his name. He responds well both on and off the leash. We recently took him to Bark Around the Park and he was a perfect gentleman - even enduring the attentions of a young mal pup. The sound of car keys sends this huge beast running the the door everyday begging for car rides. I often take him to pet stores with me and he is instantly surrounded by children.
Wakonda has a non-stop grin and a mellow disposition. Thanks to a trip to the groomers and a steady diet, his coat is positively glowing. This is one of the easiest dogs I've ever adopted.