Hi to all the folks at the Burnett County Humane Society,

I adopted Birkie (formerly Rennie) last April and have exciting news to share! My dad was incredibly curious about what kind of dog she is - she's so smart and determined and very silly - and he ordered a DNA test for her. The test recently came back - Birkie is a boxer/bulldog/Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Birkie is a great girl and loves to play, chase squirrels, and walk around the lake. She's the first dog I've had that has never destroyed or chewed anything that wasn't hers to chew, and she picks up new words after only a few repetitions. She can even retrieve her toys by name! Winter was a little tough; she doesn't exactly have a thick coat, and was very upset about the idea of wearing a coat. But with spring on the way, she's loving the mud and is back to playing fetch. She really is a fabulous dog. Thank you so much. Best, Caitlin Williams

I've attached a picture of Birkie with my dad's golden retriever, Bailey, playing in the snow.

Phoenix, who we adopted on Jan. 31st. "Pheeny" as we call him, has completely adapted to his new life. He follows my mom around and she can't sit down for a moment without him crawling into her lap. His hair, where it was shaved, is starting to grow back now.

He is full of vim and vigor, plays and entertains himself. We manage to clip his claws when he is very relaxed and half asleep. Mom strokes him and I clip. He doesn't seem to mind. Sometimes it seems like Pheeny thinks he's died and gone to heaven, he's so happy.

He is also very talkative -- which is sometimes annoying at 6 a.m. when he wakes mom up. He has also now started to go outside. He doesn't roam far and comes when called (amazing!). He and Bootsie have reached what appears to be a somewhat friendly understanding. They've touched noses several times without Bootsie hissing or arching her back. We are making progress.


Cheers,

Harriet and Eva

Thought you might enjoy this picture of Bailey(formerly Tiny) napping in the window in the afternoon sun. Nice quilt. Love, Lois

Rory

Hi, Our dog Rory. (formerly known as Aurora) asked us to key in her e-mail thoughts to you...she still has trouble using a keyboard. (She's able to unlatch a locked window and jump through it to make a glorious romp around the neighborhood but she can't use a keyboard yet. She's scary smart, I wouldn't be surprised if she learns.) Also, thanks for making adopting her such a nice experience. She's a wonderful dog. Tom and Faith Billings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Everyone! It was nice to stop by the Humane Society and see old friends when we were up in Siren last week. I still don't have my human units trained to the standard I expect from them but they seem willing to learn (they keep saying that annoying 'NO" word a lot and don't seem to understand that I prefer my walks always be more than a mile). How 6 weeks has flown by since I was adopted! I had some issues with separation anxiety until I settled into my new routine (and home) and I must admit my new human pack members recognized that and gave me some help to deal with that. Things are much better now. My new vet said separation issues aren't uncommon with adopted pets and owners who work through it with their pets generally have pretty good outcomes. My owners seem to be big blues fans because my shelter name--Aurora--was shortened to Rory. Something about a late Irish bluesman named Rory Gallagher, I don't know. I mean, I'm a dog. I've started obedience training at the local Humane Society here in Minneapolis and of course I graduated to Level 2 in record time. Although my puppy cutes have carried me this far I find that I'm liking the training classes: I get awesome treats, get to hang with other dogs and I find that I'm a lot more confident. I mean, who knew? I suspect my new human pack mates have other things in store for me. I've heard them discussing agility training, field training and water retrieving. As a chesapeake/springer mix I am SO down with anything having to do with water or being in the woods! I've gained 6 pounds but I've managed to keep my girlish figure. Although I have chew toys and soft toys I still like to indulge in a bit of mischief, chewing-wise. As a mater of fact I see a dish towel with my name on it! Gotta go! Rory (the dog formerly known as Aurora)

Chopper

Well, first of all, I would like to thank you all for the commitment and time you put forth for the animals that come through your shelter. The telephone calls with the shelter; for additional info. on Chopper, the call about our application being approved, and the follow-up call a week after the adoption were all very friendly. It was also very meaningful to us that when we requested some additional pictures of Chopper be sent to us by email before our visit, that the time was taken to do that! Also, the suggestion to bring our Golden Retriever with so the 2 dogs could meet was also a wonderful idea - as well as you giving our children a chance to meet and play ball with Chopper beforehand - all was appreciated! He walks very well with the use of a pinch collar and we notice improvement in his manners daily! He LOVES to play catch and tug! We are truly loving the new addition to our family!! Thank you again,(Scott, Sonja, Blaine, Kole, and Alex)

Jazzy aka Charlotte

She is a great pup. Gets along great with her big brother Jake and the rest of the family.

Thanks Again!
- steve

Kobi

Hi guys!
Here are some photo’s of our dear little love we call Kobi and you all once called Wuzzy. He is one of the sweetest, curious and loving little guy. We truly love all of our adopted babies! I am sending pictures of his whole cat family, all 3 of his loving brothers!
I hope you enjoy the photo’s! As you can tell I take LOTS of photo’s. I think the boys believe I am the paparazzi!

LuAnn