06/27/04
Well, I checked the site, and you already have my input about Juneau (she's "Juniebug" to me...). I just had to write and at least tell you that everything is going absolutely wonderful with both Junie and Rory (an earlier adoption). Thank you for all your work in this area, and thank you for our "kids" !!!

06/27/04
Doing great as are the boys.  We hike a couple times a week and they get to run and swim. Matt and Jody were by, just before moving to Austin TX. to see them again.  I sent some pics to Matt, just after that, so I think we're up to date.
I've been trying to get back to Centennial on Tues evenings, but haven't made it.  I did check out the web site to see what Thunder looked like, so I'd know who I was looking for. He's awesome.  I've never seen a white mal.  Even if that doesn't occur and there's some mix involved, he's beautiful. I have both kennels usable now, with some roof and deck repairs still needed.  They are functional. I was thinking he might be able to spend some time here and do some hikes. Just not sure about 3 and the male mix.  His bio says he cool. I do a mix of on and off leash and always on leash in the neighborhood.  Three is tough. Sometimes I have a hiking buddy, but not always, so I can't count on an extra hand. If I know in advance a friend is available, maybe we can do a test hike.
While Taku is very affectionate and clingy, Jordan comes over after every hike/swim outing and puts his head in my lap.  It's probably something else, but it sure seems like "Thanks for getting me out of Centennial.  I got to run and play and can snooze now."
The boys spar a bit and tease a lot, but no trouble.  Neither ever get mad, just a bit rough on old dad when I get swatted.
Take care!

06/26/04
Cody has adjusted really well to his new family and we are so glad he found us!  He spent a few weeks testing us - he expected to be hit whenever he broke what he thought was a rule.  He would cower and run away when we called him.  After five months, he's a changed mal!  Talks a blue streak and absolutely adores our Gordon.  He's the sweetest boy.  He loves to cuddle and just last week rolled over on his back for the first time for a thorough tummy scratch!  The Gordon has taught him the joy of bird watching.  They both sit in the back yard under the holly tree, staring up, hoping a crow will slip off a branch and fall right into their mouths.  
Thanks to all the folks who helped us find Cody and give him his forever home.

06/16/04
      I think we can make it official; Sitka has found his new home for sure!  Feel free to submit the check for processing. I have submitted the paperwork to shift the microchip registration.
      Sitka has been with me 24/7 since I picked him up, and he has bonded strongly.   He gets a little anxious when I get out of sight of him on the jobsite.  When we get home he heads to the back door and waits for me to open it for him.  So, at this point, he knows who Dad is, and he knows where home is, and he seems very content with both!
      I can report that he has some serious issues with horses.  It doesn't seem to be aggressive; he has had close contact with a couple on the lane.  But he gets agitated when he sees them.  He even got agitated in the house last Saturday when someone drove by in front pulling an empty horse trailer.  It leads me to believe his first owner had horses.  It also leads me to believe they drove off and abandoned him, possibly after a trail ride somewhere. 
      He is a joy.  He socializes well with other people without being a nuisance (okay, he's a little pushy when there's food involved). And Cindy K will be interested to know that he is developing a more alpha stance.  He hasn't got in any fights, but he definitely lets other dogs know who is going to be in charge, and it is he, not them.
      My thanks again for all your help.

06/06/04
      Sitka and I had an uneventful run home Friday.  He rides well in the truck and seems to enjoy it. We went for a walk that evening and met most of the neighbors.  I wanted everyone to know him in case he gets away from me.  After introductions (and adorations from all) we completed a three-mile hike down the trail nearby. After a late dinner and a last minute toilet walk, he crashed by the bed and slept till I awoke in the morning.
      Yesterday was a wonderful time for us.  A neighbor about a quarter mile away had asked me to do some tractor-work for him, so Sitka and I went over late in the morning.  The neighbor has a male golden-retriever/golden lab mix about Sitka's age, and a 1/3 acre backyard completely surrounded with a 5-foot cyclone fence.  The challenge lay in the height of the fence and what lives on the other side.  A horse and a dog on one side, a dog, chickens and three cows on the other, and a cow behind!  Sitka showed strong interest in all of it, but he never attempted to jump the fence.  After awhile he settled in to playing with his new-found friend, Beau, and they chased each other around for hours.  He slept like a log last night!
      We started the day out with a walk this morning, but have stuck around home, as I was waiting for Sally to show up. She was here a couple of hours ago and nodded approvingly at his kennel.
      It has been interesting to observe the differences between Sitka and Dar.  Sitka communicates with his body less than his voice.  He is also less obedient, but I suspect that part of that is confusion. When he does come to the "come" command (which is not often), he does so submissively with his ears flat and head down.  I suspect he came reluctantly or late for his first owner, and got scolded for poor performance, which left him anticipating the scold with that command.  I think he may have confusion with his name and the "sit" command also.  I am either going to change the "sit" command or his name, I haven't decided which yet. Lots of biscuits too!  I think he needs a lot of positive reinforcement, and as Cindy has noted, he's a sucker for snacks.
      I can't thank you all enough for making this happen and for the incredible job you've done for Sitka and the other Malamutes that have come through your services.  I will keep in touch on Sitka's progress. Take care for now.