06/30/04
Java and Zorro (originally Ginger and Zumi) are two very happy campers and so are we. Chris calls them Binky and Bunky. Zorro settled down considerably this spring as it finally sank in that he wasn't going to get bounced around anymore. He's a big gentle boy, knows that he no longer needs to be toy-possessive and he's 100% trustworthy with Jeffrey, the cat. Even when Jeff lay down right in the middle of all Zorro's toy, he was perfectly safe.
Java is such a happy girl! She races into the bedroom every morning to greet me. Zorro usually waits in the kitchen, not wanting to get too far away from potential food. Java likes to retrieve tennis balls (while Zorro looks on saying, "what's that all about?") When we go for walks, Java loves to circle around and gets way more exercise than anyone else. It's a riot how she bounds around in the yard and eggs on Zorro to play. She outwits him in the chase games and then he eventually pins her down to show who's boss. She's such a sweetie and the two complement each other really well.
Every evening they both get rambunctious when it finally cools off. After racing around in the nightly chase and wrestle game, we go for a walk. I'm perfectly comfortable taking the two of them by myself just about anywhere, or Chris joins us. People constantly stop to remark at how gorgeous both dogs are. I'll attach a photo taken this spring in the park.
I biked with them both when the weather was much cooler. Put a springer on each side of the bike, then manned the brakes and kept a lookout for other dogs. Zorro was the turbocharger if we saw anything of interest. Java could probably run forever, but Zorro slows down after the initial few miles.
Now they love to sleep on the cool floors with the air-conditioning on. Java makes it very clear that she wants to stay inside during the day. Zorro's happy just about anywhere and there are plenty of nice shady spots outside. He’s a maniac for walnuts, which are all around our yard with all our trees. Now he's discovered that cherries are good eating, too.
Well, that's more than you ever wanted to know. Cindy, I hope Stella finds a good home. She was the first mal that interested me on your website before originally being adopted out. She sounds like a great dog and I seriously debated whether I could take on a third mal before deciding that would probably be more than I could handle.

12/13/03
In a moment of insanity, I got the dogs pictures taken when a local hardware store promoted free pet pictures with Santa.  This is the first time ANYONE in my family has had their picture taken with Santa!
Java was a little overwhelmed by all the people, but of course perked her ears up with a big smile immediately AFTER they took her photo. Zorro was wild boy in the store, though instantly knew his favorite squeaky toy sound coming from the photographer.  Luckily, the person with a pet goat had already left the store so we didn't get distracted by a potential "goat sandwich".
There's plenty of snow here and we just finished pulling the three neighbor kids up and down our private road a zillion times on a snow saucer.  Hard to say who enjoyed it more--the kids, both dogs, or me!
Jeffrey, the neighbor cats has all but moved in with us.  The dogs know he's part of our "pack"  and Java always runs around the house looking for her little buddy.  He can rub his face right against Zorro's big head.  (incredibly brave cat!)  Jeff's our little "lead dog", since he's brown and black tabby on top with white nose, neck and legs and likes to go for walks with the two dogs and me.
The dogs stay comfy and dry in the deluxe dog house/kennel out back.  I built a metal roof to cover the whole thing with leftover material after our house got a new roof.  Java's a total sweetie--especially now that the ground's frozen and she can't dig holes!  Zorro made himself official guardian of the kitchen--ever hopeful for more treats.
I enjoy checking the WAMAL website frequently and cheer whenever one of my favorites gets adopted.  I hope things are well with you and your mals.  Write back if you get a chance.

10/03/03
Thought you'd be happy to know we continue  to get better all the time here with Zorro and Java.  Hard to believe we've had them for almost seven weeks now.
This evening I took both dogs (together) for a pretty long walk ALL BY MYSELF!!  We'd practiced together a few times previously, but just around unfenced parts of our property.  (typically 1-3 neighbor cats will show up and want to join us--which makes me rather nervous) Tonight Zorro and Java both walked really well with hardly any pulling. What a pleasure compared to those initial outings a month ago when Chris and I got tons of upper arm exercise and the two dogs we're going bonkers!
Zorro has figured out that at least some of the cats are part of our "pack", so no more salivating or intent staring.  Jeff, the neighbor cat, (who lives half-time in our yard) can even walk right under Zorro's nose, brush up against him and Zorro accepts him.  (not that I trust him 100%, but he's definitely getting the right idea)
I love practicing "sit" and "stay" outside with each dog when all 7 cats are milling around and playing nearby.  Then Java makes those other dogs at puppy school look dumb when she can do it and they can't.
They love sleeping in their big apple bins on comfy beds or out in the grass during these warm nights.  I even figured out (finally) how to do mealtime without the pre-feeding frenzy.  Each dog has to wait in the kennel while the other eats.  It's so funny that Zorro goes right in the kennel when it's his turn just so he can collect that extra dog treat. Java exuberantly bounces around like a rabbit, but has also figured out that "sit" usually gets her what she wants.
It took about 3 weeks and a whole tube of antibiotics for that sore spot on Java's nose to heal up.  Between Zorro licking and her scratching it, I didn't think we'd ever succeed, but what a relief when the fur started coming in again.
Well, that's about all for now.  I plan to take them to the weight-pull in Cashmere tomorrow and may let Zorro try pulling.  Sandy, how's it going with your foster dogs and your three?  You always get such good looking fosters!  I enjoy hearing from you if you get a spare moment.
(feel free to send this on to Happy Tails, if you want)

09/06/03
Thought you'd like to see my photos of the happy kids.  Our new fence is finally completed and we love having fresh grass to trample!  It gives them at least 50% more room to run, play and check out what's happening.
Java and I had our first doggy school session with Pat Putman a couple days ago.  We're in a class with 4 big German Shepherd pups and one more dog.  Now I can come home and work on the same things with Zorro, too. He's obviously learned these things before since he catches on so quickly.
All kitties are still safe and intact.  We're slowly getting more accustomed to the sight and sound of cats nearby.  My improvised doggy gate allows the dogs to come inside, but just in the kitchen/family room area for now.  The cat has safe haven everywhere else in the house.  I like the way this keeps the house cleaner, as well.
Sandy, you're right that Teddy and Zorro have similar personalities in their cat interest and strong need to be petted a lot.  He's very patient with Java.  She loves getting brushed and he's happy to sit nearby.
We got a couple free orchard bins for dog houses.  I know wherever I decide to put them, the dogs will want to sleep elsewhere.  Right now they love sleeping with their big comfy pillows on the patio, but we'll need better shelter when the bad weather hits.
That's about all for now.  Once again, we appreciate all you've done to help us get off on the right foot.