Dear Steve,

You know how special Abby is because you fostered her twice: when she was around four years old after losing her original family in Oklahoma, and then again in the summer of 2007 when she lost her second home in California, at age seven.  Unlike some of the other stories here on Happy Tails, Abby was treated well – spoiled, even – by former owners.  Her pampered past is evident in her wonderful manners and sweet disposition.  It also shows in the fact that she prefers to walk in Oregon’s autumn rain in her new custom waterproof jacket and doggy boots!

Heck, how much rejection (though possibly well-intended and unavoidable by others) can a girl take before finally settling into her forever home?  Thankfully, you selected us to provide that for her, making us her third and final family and helping to create our bond with her that is already deep and joy-filled.

Bonbon, our six-year-old chocolate Standard Poodle, has missed Woofles, her OES companion, since he passed in May 2007.  Because she is regal and of happy temperament we didn’t realize how lonely she has been until her first walk around the neighborhood with Abby.  Forever friends in their forever home, they are lying on the floor now working on their rib bones that you predicted would be a huge hit once a week.  Bonbon extends her thanks for doubly increasing her quality of life with Abby for a pal and the addition of beef ribs to her diet.

Since Abby joined our family “Daddy” has not missed one early morning walk with the dogs before he heads off to work – and “Mommy” has missed only one afternoon walk with them after they have dinner.  Abby was a bit overweight when she arrived here in the small animal delivery van, but she looks much healthier now and so do we!

As our Woofles once introduced Bonbon to the Oregon coast, so Bonbon this last weekend introduced Abby to two of her favorite beaches.  We think that Abby probably had been on the sand when she lived in California; she seemed an “old salt” in quick order.  She thinks that (unlike rain-wet paws) her wet, sandy ocean paws are just fine, thank you, and no boots necessary! 

Just as there is no dog like an Old English Sheepdog, there is no coastline like the one here in Oregon and we have some pictures to share that show our wonderful day together!  We are so glad that our picturesque small town is just a little over an hour’s drive to the beach.  Abby and Bonbon will enjoy many day trips and weekend getaways at dog-friendly motels.