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Kylie (Star) 06/04

We have taken her to Michigan with us several times this summer, and she has a great time up there. She learned to swim quickly, and even though I don't think she is that crazy about it, she will swim pretty far to get her precious tennis ball. There are a couple of dogs that live next door up there, a chocolate Lab and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. She is learning to play with them, but she plays selfishly. You need to have at least 2 balls--one to throw for the dogs, and one for her to keep in her mouth at all times. She runs out to chase the ball with the other 2, but she can never get it because she won't let go of the one she has in her mouth.

Fletcher 06/04

Fletcher is doing wonderful. We are on our fifth week of obedience class. We go every Wednesday night. He now walks on a leash really good healing and when I stop he stops and sits right away without me even telling him. We have about four more classes then graduation. He has to lay down and stay for 3 minutes (thats the only one I'm not sure he's going to cooperate on) and a few other things to pass. It's been fun. I want to continue to the 2nd class after this one. I've have just started having a problem with him running after people walking by the house. So far everyone has been very nice about it except one older guy that rides his bike while his dog runs next to him. I'd probably get scared too if I'd seen a dog running full force at me. The first thing I tell people is hes friendly. Other wise no problems what so ever. As you can see in the pictures I attached cats and dogs are great especially these two. The other two are upstairs alot more now. It just took a little longer. The orange cat has taken a liking to dog food (canned and hard). He even tries to stick his nose in the same bowl while Fletcher is eating. Fletcher isn't too sure about that one, so he gives a low growl and the cat walks away. I found something he likes to play with: he loves to play tug of war with an old towel.

Dera 07/04

We are so happy to have her as part of our family. What a good girl! Marissa, our toddler, was quite a little "crabapple" yesterday, refusing her nap, and then even her regular bedtime. Sometimes, when you know a baby is safe and clean, secure in her crib, you just gotta let 'em cry a while. We gave her a few minutes, then I went to check again to see if I could sooth her to sleep. Marissa was making quite a racket, and throwing everything out of her crib. Who was there already when I arrived? Sweet Dera was curled up next to the crib, keeping Marissa company! She always gets worried when Marissa cries, and gives her lots of kisses. The first thing Marissa says when we pull out of the driveway, is "Bye, bye Puppy", and greets her with "Puppy!!!" when we arrive home, and each morning when she wakes. Dera is so good with the kids. Very, very patient, and always happy to see them. She is still a little mouthy when we play, but she's always gentle.

02/12/2006 Jessie- now Jessie Joy- came to me from Leonard, who put a lot of time, thought, and heart into her foster care. She was a sensitive, sweet, smart and energetic dog with some shyness and fear issues (men, joggers, bikes). She has blossomed into the most amazing dog, and entirely changed our lives in the process! Jessie Joy's achievements read like an impressive resume.

In the eighteen months since Jessie Joy came to live with us, she has done spectacularly well at obedience training- taken beginning, intermediate, and advanced Family Dog training, passed her Canine Good Citizen, and is now finishing the first class in the sequence for competition obedience work. We are already enrolled in the second competition level class, which starts late March 2006.

Jessie has also taken agility courses (we now have our own home made set up for the yard and indoor playroom), and tried fly-ball (I am trying to get over the noise factor...). Jessie Joy has helped me for two seasons to do children's art and reading programs at a local Farmer's Market, which she loves very much. She is kind to children, and she also loves visiting all the vendors and being treated to their unusual veggies.

Jessie has a special appointment to be the goose chaser for the parks for the Town of Madison, WI. This is one of her favorite things to do, as she is an absolute bullet when she runs! She lowers herself, focuses, and goes like the wind- a sight of beauty and strength that I never tire of watching. She never injures the birds, and gets a thrill out of dashing back to me, just as fast as she took off.

Jessie's last and probably most important "job" besides being our beloved is her role as doggie foster Mom to eight other Border Collies since Thanksgiving 2005. The world opened to me in new ways with Jessie's adoption last July, and our family has become deeply involved in Border Collie Rescue. Many- but not all- of our rescue dogs have been sick, seriously abused, neglected, or had special needs. Jessie has been a gentle mother, teacher, friend, and role model for them all. She (and we) loved one of them so much- Louie is his name- that he has stayed as her baby brother. Our home has a lot of life, activity, and fur, but we would not change it for the world. We are everlastingly grateful to you- and especially Leonard- for bringing this fantastic dog into our lives and home.

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12/4/2004 Maggie and Rudy get along so well! Maggie is starting to really get along with the cats. Maybe I should say the cats are getting along with her (HaHa). Rudy has had terrible allergies this year. He currently is wearing a cone around his neck to stop the licking. Unfortunatley Maggie licks him in his ears when were not looking. (What are sister's for?). As you can see she is sooooo beautiful and they get along well.