10/20/01
I had a long talk with Russelle this afternoon and it was like two moms talking about their newborns. She and her husband and kids are absolutely delighted with Talla, now named Tasha. Playing with her is the oldest child's incentive to get his homework done (he is the really shy one) and the younger child loves having "someone" to boss around. All are learning obedience terms. They have connected with an obedience instructor who has already gently chastised them about allowing a mal puppy to chew on human hands:-). They are working with her on calming down the exuberance with which she greets anyone new who comes to visit (I guess she has barreled down a few 3-4 year olds and so far all have ended up in a delighted furry pile) and they have already trained her to stay off the furniture. She is a great incentive for the kids to keep their toys picked up as anything left on the floor is fair game--so far the boxing mitts and a few stuffed animals have been claimed by her as dog toys. I kind of liked the fact that Tasha chewed up the boxing mitts. Geez, who needs to learn how to hit people.
Also, Tasha has been trained very well to relieve herself in just one corner of the yard, which makes cleaning up after her an easy task. So far she has shown absolutely no interest in the other side of her fence. There is enough social interaction on HER side of it to keep her pretty busy.
I hope they eventually get around to sending you their own "happy ending" and perhaps a photo or two. I think this rowdy little one will turn out to be a queen with a fun streak.