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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Lucy Update (March BRLA/WBBR adoption)

Hi Chantelle,

I made a little scrapbook of Lucy, not sure if your able to post this on the website as a testimonial but I thought it was a cute set up and was appropriate for Lucy and you can also see the updated photos of her. Just a little something I thought you would all enjoy. I want to thank you once again for sending me my perfect match. She is the most awesome dog, and I will definately be rescuing from you again in the future. Thanks so much! 

Kendra & Lucy

Check out my  Smilebox pictures:
http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4e4467784d5459344f5877354e4449794e6a63790d0a&sb=1

Monday, September 29, 2008

Tess (WBBR adoption) Preparing for Halloween!


Hi my name is Tess!  I am deaf but you'd never know it.  My mom and dad have been working really hard with me and I am now trained to hand commands and am reliable off leash!  Yup a deaf dog reliable off leash!  I'm a very special little girl, my family just adopted my new brother Rex from LA this month!

Kiana (AKA Tita) updated (WBBR/BRLA Sept Run)



Hi Chantelle, I'm sorry I missed you when I picked up Kiana (formerly Tita) She is starting to know her name which means moon goddess in Hawaiin. She and Winston have gotten along amazing since her arrival and not one fight or growl even.

I wanted to make sure that you know how much we appreciate your work.

We absolutely loved all the dogs at your house. there's an older darker female boxer that looks so much like Bubba, our male that just passed away a few weeks ago.

Anyways, Kiana is fitting in very well and is extremely loving. Loves to chew on bones, I think she has been debarked though...We are teaching her not to jump and have taken them both on several hikes. She has WAY more energy than winston!

Charmaine

Friday, September 26, 2008

Jax update (BRLA/WBBR Sept run)

Hi
 
Thanks for your help!!  I'm happy that I got the pup that I did.   He's a great boy and settling in very nicely.  He's learning the rules around the house quickly and easily.  No accidents yet and he's had free run of the house since day one.  For the first week I was leery but just kept telling him he was home and guess he realized it.
 
He's like a energizer bunny with  a super-charger on and no off button.  But wouldn't have it any other way.  He's awesome in the house when it's just us but gets really, I mean really excited outside and forgets his doggy manners.  He wants to go see anyone and any dog even if they're obviously not willing to play.  Silly boy.  So we'll have to work on that. 
 
We go to visit Allan and Barb (they did house visit) about once a week since they just live literally just up the street.  Their gang is awesome and Jax loves to play with them, it seems that's the only thing that tires him out and not all the time.   It's great that we can do this since Jax seems to scare most people and dogs alike with his rambunctious-ness and silly grin.  
 
Thanks
Kevin

Henry Update (Sept. BRLA/WBBR Run)


Hi Chantelle,
 
How are you doing?  I hope all is well.  I just read your e-mail and wishing I read it earlier.  Our flight was good and we are all safe.  Well it sounds like Henry has lots of quirks but not the same quirks in different homes.  I have found that he does not mind Stainless steel bowls or the rice and beef I have been feeding him.  It has been a scary, interesting, funny week and a half but I am happy to say that Henry is starting to feel at home.
 
The scary part of the week was he escaped out of our yard to do his business and then comes back.Henry had blood in his very runny poops so I took him to our vets and we put him on some meds to help tighten up the stools.  The blood is a high possibility of stress. I also had him weighed and found out he lost 2 lbs which blow me away especially with the amount of food he eats.  I was hoping that the weight difference was the differences of the scales so I took him in again today and in four days Henry has gain 1.9 lbs which was awesome, Henry now weighs 46.3 lbs.
 
I have attached some pictures of Henry and Dexter's first day together and Henry making himself at home.  I find the only quirks Henry has is all in his personality.  The two boys are doing great and playing well.  Henry cheats alittle by running in circles and hitting Dexter with his back end it's quite funny to watch.
 
It is really great to see Henry's eyes full of life instead of sadness.  Thank you so much again.  I'll keep you updated.
 
From Catherine

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Latif now Kaymin Update




Hi Jennifer,
 
First thing Laftif has had another name change to Kaymin, poor guy so many names. He is doing really good we just had him at the Vet & he weighed in at 55lbs, 5 more to go said the vet. Him an Kaizer are getting closer as the days go on, we went on our first camping trip and he had so much fun getting into mud up to his chest. He are a few pictures of Kaymin & Kaizer...
 
Talk to you soon
Dwayne & Samantha


Sunday, September 21, 2008

An informal Tribute to Luna and the strength of her amazing family

Our little girl Luna had her share of health issues throughout her short life. In March of 2007, Luna was taken down to Washington State University for the ligation of a Portosystem Intrahepatic Liver Shunt. The surgery went extremely well and was successful. We brought her home and for the next year she thrived. She put on weight, her energy levels were amazing and she ate like a horse! Unfortunately things took a turn for the worst. Luna started to develop complications in May of 2008. After many many blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays & ultrasounds, it was determined that the shunt that was supposed to have closed off over the last year, was still open and her Liver was not thriving. Blood was still by-passing her liver and being circulated into her system. Although it looked as through she wasn't showing the typical clinical signs of "shunting",  Luna's liver was failing. The blood tests showed it. That same day, Luna was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. With the information that we had, we knew that dogs that only had mild shunting could live perfectly normal lives when medically managed on a protein restricted diet. We had high hopes for Luna and honestly felt that we could control this and make her the same happy healthy little girl she was early this year. We managed to get the Inflammatory Bowel Disease under control and all her abdominal pain stopped. She was not however, gaining any weight. She was losing weight, rapidly. It didn't matter how much we fed her or how often, she would not gain weight. We tried different foods but had to be careful with protein levels. We hadn't lost hope though because she was happy and was still bouncing off the walls. Approximately 2 weeks ago, Luna started to have dark urine. At first we thought she may just be dehydrated because it was so hot outside and she may not be drinking as much as she should but after taking a sample of her urine, we quickly realized that it was colored with blood. Her intake of water decreased and her frequency to urinate also decreased. Her urine seemed to get darker & darker and after another urinalysis test, it was determined that there was in fact blood in her urine as well as a large amount of protein. The Hemoglobin in her blood was breaking down and being passed into her urine. She refused to eat the next morning. Totally NOT like Luna. Normally she inhales her food. I panicked and rushed her to the vet where they found that her bile acids were even higher than before and she was extremely dehydrated. She was lethargic as well and became restless at night. Two days later we rushed her down to Washington State University in Pullman, WA to have a second Shunt surgery performed. It was thought that the small amount of blood flow that was still by-passing her liver was wreaking havoc on her body and we needed to get it fixed asap. She vomited twice on the way down and was very restless. I cuddled with her the entire way and prayed like I've never prayed before. When we arrived we met with the surgeons and went over what was to take place during surgery. They said that there was a chance that her problems were not simply generated from this small opening in the existing shunt. There was a chance that her body may have grown other multiple acquired shunts in its place to avoid passing blood through the liver. We cried and prayed that that was not the case. They said that if they went in and found that, there was no surgical procedure that they could do to fix her and we should have her put to sleep while she was in surgery. I cried and cried and cried and prayed that this was a simple fix. Surgery was to take place the next day so we spent half the day with Luna and just loved her over and over and over again. We each took her for little walks and the last walk that Wade took her for, we saw that the toxins were affecting her brain. Her balance was completely off and she was tripping over herself. I noticed it a few days before but wanted to believe that she may just have been over tired. It was so sad. At around 1:30pm we walked her into the ICU where she would be staying for the next few days. We held her and cried. She then hopped right into her crate and looked at me with those big beautiful brown eyes while I stuck my fingers through the gate and let her lick them one last time. I put her blankie in there so that she would have our smell with us and would feel some comfort. I had no idea that this was the last time that I'd be seeing my little girl. We walked out in tears and left for the long painful drive home. The following day at work, I watched the clock endlessly. At around 10 am I received the dreaded phone call. They had bad news. They had found millions of acquired shunts inside Luna. Her liver simply could not accept her blood and thus, compensated by growing all of these other vessels to bypass the blood around the liver. She had end stage liver disease and it was terminal. Her liver was failing and so was she. It was time for my baby girl to go to heaven where she would feel no more pain. Luna was already under anesthetic so the decision was made to put her to sleep while she was already under. When dogs have liver disease it is extremely difficult for them to recover from being under anesthetic because the drugs are floating around in their system and not be filtered out by the liver. We didn't want her to suffer any more. We didn't want her to feel the pain from her 4 inch incision. We didn't want to wake her up, to say goodbye. Luna went to the rainbow bridge at approximately 10:30AM Friday morning at only 3.5 years of age.
 
 
I think of her every minute of every day and I can tell you that I miss her terribly. I miss her so much, sometimes I physically feel ill. Are there really any words to describe this pain? I'm not sure. All I'm sure of is that she is not in any pain any more and she's up there romping around in Heaven. I only wish that I could feel her silky soft fur once again and look into those beautiful brown eyes. I miss her hugs, I miss her kisses, I miss her everything.
 
How do people get through this? Do they see grievance groups or counselors? I know there's a way to heal, I'm just not sure how. I've never been faced with any loss before my beautiful girl. My Angel.
 
 
Tina

Monday, September 15, 2008

Winston Jr. & Lilly (BRLA's Lucas & Layla) Update (Sept Run)




Here are the first pictures of the new kids on the block.  They were both very excited especially the boy who will hence be called Winston ( Jnr.)He is the spitting image except he doesn’t have Winston’s cute little turned up nose.  You will note from the pictures, he checked out his New house in short time, racing up & down the stairs, whereas Lilly is a little more refined as she explores new territories. Already she has latched on toLena & is by her side all the time. She likes to come to me for protection from the occasionally excitable Winston, but they are getting along very well.

  The girl ( Lilly) is very mellow and just wants to be loved.  She is really gentle and almost a mini boxer.   They are both passed out on the floor next to us showing very little sign of stress after their long journey fromCalifornia.

 

Thank you ( & all the other wonderful people involved in without borders boxer rescue )so much for the time, Commitment, understanding of our needs & professionalism you have shown over the last few weeks. If you ever need local references as to the organization, please give them our phone numbers to call.

 

Please stay in touch Jennifer, & we will forward pictures as we have them. You have seen many dogs go through the system I am sure, but  you dealt with us, like we were the only people adopting. I understand from Andrew, there are 19 dogs coming up fromCaliforniathis week end. All I can say is I am so glad there are people like you & the staff at WBBR to help the needs of people like us. IF there is anything I can do ( Part time for a few years yet ) with respect helping you interview adoption candidates, or picking up dogs from the airport for those who don’t have transportation, I would be happy to help.

 

Thanks again

 

Bob & Lena

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Cami (WBBR/BRLA Sept Run) Update

> Hi Sheri, just wanted to drop you a quick line and let you know how
> Cami's doing.  Last night was great!! We took her for a walk around
> the block, then came home and had a bbq and played with her in the
> backyard for a couple of hours.  We then brought one of the cats in
> the house also and did what you showed us to get her used to them.
> That went very well too.  She finally went to sleep about midnight,
> snored like crazy, lol and woke us up bright and early by licking our
> faces at 6 am.  She is such a joy here and we love her to pieces. I
> couldn't have asked for a better dog.  I have already taken pics of
> her but our dig cam won't download the pics to the comp for some
> reason.  Once we get that fixed we will def send you photos and keep
> you guys updated.  Thanks so much again for everything.
>
> Jody and Devin

Izzy and Marley Update (Sept WBBR/BRLA run)



Hi Kerri,

 

Well we all just absolutely love them.  They were incredibly hyper when they first arrived and would not listen at all so I was a little concerned.  We were working in their new kennel (they seem to be comfortable in it its about ¼ acre fenced) and let them have a run to make sure they would come when they were called.  They calmed down a bit and we took them out for a bit of fetch and to burn off some more energy.  Izzy is a total little licker he just doesn’t stop it is so adorable.  My 2 year old didn’t like it much at first as she is right at mouth height but he has learned to recognize her personal space.  Marley is such a cutie and smart as a whip she reminds me a bit of Halley our female who passed.  They are both great with the kids (don’t jump too much) and they try to be gentle (unless really excited).  There has only been one accident in the house (the kids took the dogs downstairs and didn’t recognize that they needed to go out).

 

There was a bit of a spat between them in determination of pack heiarchy but it seems to be worked out now, Izzy appears to be the alpha dog.  I have to get after him a bit thought as he will eat all of his food and then try to eat all of Marleys and she is not eating much yet.  I think it is still an adjustment thing (she eats treats and small amounts of food 1-2 cups in a day and is drinking ok.)  

 

Now that they have gotten the pent up plane ride energy out I can tell that they are both very eager to please.  Especially Izzy he is just your typical loyal faithful best friend.  Marley definitely has a bit of an independent streak and runs when you try to put her in the kennel or in the crate.  They seem to be used to our routine up early (5 am) for bathroom and into the kennel for breakfast.  Then out for an morning visit and afternoon play with the family in and out of the house.  Into the crate or kennel for an hour when I bring the kids home from school and get dinner started.  Then out side for an hour or so of leash work then inside for the rest of the evening with the family.  They both appear to know their boundaries and where the toilet areas are but I would not trust them alone outside the kennel unless we were home.  Marley is becoming a bit adventurous and definitely needs a bit more work on recall but she tends to follow Izzy so I’m comfortable this will come.  When I am outside both of them follow me around and Marley is stuck to me like glue (I think the rest of the family is jealous).  Marley doesn’t appear to trust men all that much she has definitely attached herself to me and is a bit skittish around my husband (perhaps a result of her previous owners)?  I am a little concerned as Izzy still has the runs and Marley is constipated (I am using the Canidae food), I suspect it is still from the travel and separation anxiety.  If it continues however I will be taking them into the vet and possibly trying another food.

 

 

I started teaching my son how to work with the dogs on leash last night and he just loves it.  He started with Marley as he clearly stated she was his dog and I had Izzy.  (Both of them will walk on leash but need to be reminded that work time is work time and play is play.)  He was having a bit of trouble with Marley and I traded with him.  Well Izzy was an absolute gentleman with him and heeled perfectly.  Now my son says Izzy is his dog and couldn’t stop talking about working with him.  Even telling grandma and his teachers.

 

Neither of the dogs knows sit yet (or at least they won’t for us without a leash and physical placement) but they are getting there with a little encouragement and praise and treats.  Izzy is great with recall but Marley only likes to come if she sees some benefit for herself J.  I have been keeping them in the crate at night and they don’t really like this but we don’t quite trust them with the furniture yet J.  They are both little diggers, just like Halley was as a pup.  I suspect that they may have had a bit of run of the house at one time both of them feel quite free to jump on the furniture, get into the garbage can and Marley insists that whatever is on the kitchen counter is of the utmost interest and must be explored by placing her feet on the counter for a good look.

 

Personality wise they are a good fit, Marley is the smart, quiet (non barker), sneak that wants to love everyone and be loved by everyone but is a little cautious and Izzy is the goofy, protective (barker but not excessive only when warranted), faithful love bug that will give you all the love he has unconditionally.  They remind us of our previous dogs.  Halley was a lot like Marley and Casper was just like Izzy.

 

All in all they are a great fit for our family and we are very happy.  There is nothing that can’t be corrected with a little time a little training and a lot of praise.  I will send pics soon.

 

Charlene, Ed, Dylan, Brynn, Izzy and Marley

 

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Han Solo (BRLA's Hercules) Update (Sept WBBR/BRLA run)


 
Well I finally had time to load up some of the pictures.  Han is having a good old time here.  He finally figured out how to jump up on the bed (as you will see) ...... guess I better get that King size bed soon.  So much for my sleep ins! :)  Han loves wrestling with Luke.  They go crazy and play all the time.  Leia just thinks boys are stupid and doesn't want to get her hair messy!  (typical girl).....she will warm up to him though.  It always takes a bit of time for her.  I bought Han & Leia Easy Walk Harnesses and they are both doing fantastic with them.  Han was pulling my arm off but he doesn't anymore.  Enjoy the pictures!
 
Jen

King Pics (WBBR/BRLA Sept Run) playing with his neighbour Maggie-Lu

Maggie-Lu (BRLA's Molly) Update (WBBR/BRLA Sept Run)


Yes will do right away and thanx again, the first day with Maggie was glorious- she slept with us last night, JUST tonight so I could catch up on sleep and she curled up between us on a little cat bed and slept till I got up, stretched out a couple times like a boxer does trying to take up as much space as possible,lol... tonight, the kennel beside the bed. Oh Sheri she is sooo adorable me and my hubby found us in moments where we were just staring at her like idiots while she looked back wondering why we were staring at her,lol... she is a little jealous of chloe getting attention but are tryinf to correct that as she growls and yips when we do pet chloe or anything- Caesar,hahaha, says to put a very short leach on her, like 6 inches and just tug on it and say, No!- cause if you touch HER it actually tells her the behavior is okay, but you probably know that, hahaha, well I am carrying on and will close- have  a great day! Andrea


Jax (BRLA's Friday) (Sept WBBR/BRLA Run)


Jax (formerly Friday) arrived today and it couldn't have been scripted any better.  It was love at first sight and Jax instantly bonded with Ryan. Ryan couldn't be happier.  Jax was so excited  to be out of the crate and allowed to have free roam of a yard.  It was exhilarating to watch him run and discover his new home.    Thank you so much everybody, and you can be sure I will send you another update once he has settled in more!  You guys are awesome....


Jax Pics (WBBR/BRLA Sept Run)

Radcliff Update (WBBR/BRLA Sept Run)

Good morning! 
 
We spent a great day with Radcliff.  I picked him up at the airport and after I got his crate into the car I took him for a little walk around the parking lot (20 mins).  Then I took him to Beaver Lake Park for about an hour.  He was so good on the leash!  He sure enjoys running.  Saw a few dogs and he showed interrest in them but didn't bark once.  From there we headed for Nanaimo.  He slept for about 1/2 the trip.  Showed him the whole yard when we got here, then we went inside.  Kerri said he hadn't eaten much the night before or in the morning and that he didn't seem to like the kibbles.  I gave him a small handful, which he inhaled, so I gave him his supper (it was around 3 PM anyway).  He drank a bit of water and ate his food, then it was like a switch went on....he started chasing his tail and became playful.  He also did dog things, like lick himself and scratch a little, which he didn't do earlier.  Took him back outside where he "christened" the back yard.  Good dog!  He got 2 evening walks and a new squeeky toy, which he loves.  He slept really well...not a peep....and he's out for a walk right now with Rick.  Matt has a bunch of pictures already, so we'll send you some.  He is a treasure!  I can't understand how anyone wouldn't want him.  I'm sure he belonged to someone at one time because he knows how to play catch and to bring the ball back.  Anyway, we're glad he's ours.
 

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Rutgers Update (Sept WBBR/BRLA run)


Hi Chantelle,

We want to rename Rutgers, it doesn't quite flow and he doesnt respond to it when we call him that. For now we will say Rutgers in the email. as it feels kinda strange and confusing.  Its still up in the air what the name will be. My son would like Rex, I like Mr. Magoo (you would agree if you had seen him bumping around into everything with his cone on lol) and Ian wants something like Rover or Brewster. We might have to draw from a hat LOL

He is doing SO well! Tess & Rutgers absolutely adore one another! They play and snuggles and it really looks like Tess understands that we brought him in for her. Im not sure how the dogs actually process thoughts or emotions but she sure looks at us with extra happiness since Rutgers arrived :) Rutgers seems to really love us humans too. I swear that rescue dogs just Know that we want them and love them. I know it will take awhile longer for him to settle in fully but Im sure it will happen quickly if we go by how excellent it has been going so far. We sit back and watch them in total awe and feel so blessed that they have bonded so well and so quickly. Ian and I are just SO happy Chantelle! Thank you!  So far no scuffles with them and we monitor when they are eating to make sure there are no fights. We dont think Rutgers needs that right now as he is healing and adjusting. They share toys happily too! We bought them one of those long tug ropes and they play with it a lot. They sleep beside each other and we are seeking a beanbag or something tough that they can easily share. 

Food wise, he has a voracious appetite! Wow! hehe, he eats the same food as Tess (the salmon/oat by Go!). I give him double the daily amount in hope that it will help him lay down some good weight and I add in rice & hamburg to his nighttime meal, he eats twice a day. I heard about doggie vitamins and thinking he needs those as he is so emaciated. Do you have any suggestions or advice? I had heard of someone giving their dog oatmeal as per her vets instructions (a small toy dog that couldnt keep food down and was young pup that was loosing far too much weight) but Ive just done the rice & hamburg. Oh and he also loves watermelon. He is peeing ok and having lots of bowel movements that go from a bit runny to regular, so that seems a good sign. His left eye was quite bloodshot when we got him and I suspected because of a bit of a fever and the infection. Its clearing up nicely, not as red and he sure had a lot more energy today, zipping all over the yard with Tess. He doesn't quite get it though when Tess is trying to get the shadows or lights...he rushes over to 'get them' to but then doesnt 'see' anything and sniffs the floor or wall. I find that quite interesting that Tess see's them and he doesnt. I wonder if he will learn to see what she sees?  Oh and they walk nicely together and he doesnt like the haltie lol Tess has been proudly showing him the 'hood :)

It doesnt appear that he has ever had training, unless maybe in another language?  He doesnt know how to sit or down or off etc. He is so sweet though and we are looking forward to starting training with Sit Happens. We need to get the collars etc. quick from Jeff.  Ian and I feel a little more excited to go when we will each have our own dog to participate with. Tess has really come into her own and is doing great with her training. Im really hoping we go into agility classes but first have to get in the habit of coming to class. I train Tess all the time but Ian needs more hands on in the class and we need help with Rutgers, do it right :)


About Rutgers infection:  Does he need a check up, take stitches out etc? Also, they didnt include his immuniziation tags...Do we need those for getting his license or is the paperwork enough? Not sure what to do.

Ahhh wow! that was longer than I thought! lol We are just so excited and things are going really well :)


Diego (BRLA's Chip/Hugo) Update (Sept BRLA/WBBR run)



I spoke with Diego's dad today.  He is loving him so much!  He says that he is so cuddly and wonderful.  Diego is really
getting to know the house and really getting to know the neighbourhood too.  He loves his walks around the neighbourhood.
He loves approaching people and super friendly to everyone he meets!  

Izzy and Marley Updates (Sept. BRLA/WBBR Run)

  
Well we all just absolutely love them.  They were incredibly hyper when they first arrived and would not listen at all so I was a little concerned.  We were working in their new kennel (they seem to be comfortable in it its about ? acre fenced) and let them have a run to make sure they would come when they were called.  They calmed down a bit and we took them out for a bit of fetch and to burn off some more energy.  Izzy is a total little licker he just doesn't stop it is so adorable.  My 2 year old didn't like it much at first as she is right at mouth height but he has learned to recognize her personal space.  Marley is such a cutie and smart as a whip she reminds me a bit of Halley our female who passed.  They are both great with the kids (don't jump too much) and they try to be gentle (unless really excited).  There has only been one accident in the house (the kids took the dogs downstairs and didn't recognize that they needed to go out). 
  
There was a bit of a spat between them in determination of pack heiarchy but it seems to be worked out now, Izzy appears to be the alpha dog.  I have to get after him a bit thought as he will eat all of his food and then try to eat all of Marleys and she is not eating much yet.  I think it is still an adjustment thing (she eats treats and small amounts of food 1-2 cups in a day and is drinking ok.)   
  
Now that they have gotten the pent up plane ride energy out I can tell that they are both very eager to please.  Especially Izzy he is just your typical loyal faithful best friend.  Marley definitely has a bit of an independent streak and runs when you try to put her in the kennel or in the crate. They seem to be used to our routine up early (5 am) for bathroom and into the kennel for breakfast.  Then out for an morning visit and afternoon play with the family in and out of the house.  Into the crate or kennel for an hour when I bring the kids home from school and get dinner started.  Then out side for an hour or so of leash work then inside for the rest of the evening with the family.  They both appear to know their boundaries and where the toilet areas are but I would not trust them alone outside the kennel unless we were home.  Marley is becoming a bit adventurous and definitely needs a bit more work on recall but she tends to follow Izzy so I'm comfortable this will come.  When I am outside both of them follow me around and Marley is stuck to me like glue (I think the rest of the family is jealous).  Marley doesn't appear to trust men all that much she has definitely attached herself to me and is a bit skittish around my husband (perhaps a result of her previous owners)?  I am a little concerned as Izzy still has the runs and Marley is constipated (I am using the Canidae food), I suspect it is still from the travel and separation anxiety.  If it continues however I will be taking them into the vet and possibly trying another food. 
  
  
I started teaching my son how to work with the dogs on leash last night and he just loves it.  He started with Marley as he clearly stated she was his dog and I had Izzy.  (Both of them will walk on leash but need to be reminded that work time is work time and play is play.)  He was having a bit of trouble with Marley and I traded with him.  Well Izzy was an absolute gentleman with him and heeled perfectly.  Now my son says Izzy is his dog and couldn't stop talking about working with him.  Even telling grandma and his teachers. 
  
Neither of the dogs knows sit yet (or at least they won't for us without a leash and physical placement) but they are getting there with a little encouragement and praise and treats.  Izzy is great with recall but Marley only likes to come if she sees some benefit for herself J.  I have been keeping them in the crate at night and they don't really like this but we don't quite trust them with the furniture yet J.  They are both little diggers, just like Halley was as a pup.  I suspect that they may have had a bit of run of the house at one time both of them feel quite free to jump on the furniture, get into the garbage can and Marley insists that whatever is on the kitchen counter is of the utmost interest and must be explored by placing her feet on the counter for a good look. 
  
Personality wise they are a good fit, Marley is the smart, quiet (non barker), sneak that wants to love everyone and be loved by everyone but is a little cautious and Izzy is the goofy, protective (barker but not excessive only when warranted), faithful love bug that will give you all the love he has unconditionally.  They remind us of our previous dogs.  Halley was a lot like Marley and Casper was just like Izzy. 
  
All in all they are a great fit for our family and we are very happy.  There is nothing that can't be corrected with a little time a little training and a lot of praise.  I will send pics soon. 
  
Charlene, Ed, Dylan, Brynn, Izzy and Marley