I wanted to thank you both for the part you played in loving my new friend until he found me.  I just could not be more pleased with my choice.  Saidah is everything you said he was. 

I've settled on Saidah Boy for his name.  That takes the mystery out of his gender, keeps the name I liked, and means exactly what he is - happy boy.  He is really perfect so far!  We went for a long walk last night and he is VERY well-behaved on the leash - does not tug at all - walks with his head right at my right hip, and moves himself back to the right side if he goes to sniff something. I wrap the loop of the leash around my left arm above the elbow, hold it in my left hand, then across my body to my right hand above his neck.  I got smiles from everyone who saw us walking last night.  His table manners are somewhat lacking - he eats faster than a soldier!!!!   But no accidents, no marking, and he's only barked once, when a neighbor knocked on the door and called out "hello?".  He goes right to bed in his crate, and goes in his crate happily (for 2 cookies) when I need to leave (like to go to lunch yesterday or to go to WM last night).  He goes where I go, comes when I call, and really is everything I could have asked for. 

As my neighbor remarked yesterday, "he's exactly like they said he'd be."  I feel confident I made the right choice.  

I went last night to "furnish" my house for Saidah.  He now has a Swedish foam mattress in his crate, topped by fake-fur.  And a pillow.  He has a "lounge" in my office of fake fur over an old mattress pad.  He has rawhide chews.  He has a half-dozen new toys.  He has 3 kinds of treats.  He has a dental chew.  He has 40 lbs of food.  He has a new food bowl and a perpetual water dish.  Uh, let me see, is that all? Oh yes, two kongs, a Frisbee, a grooming brush, and he got a bite of scrambled eggs with his breakfast this morning. 

Can you tell I'm in love already? 

My daughter told me there's a new, fully fenced,  dog park in Rogers where I can take Saidah to run off-lead.  I'm looking forward to that.  He will play fetch (about three times, then he's done! A retriever he's not!)

Thank you again for your work with these wonderful dogs.  Alane, for your efforts with our chapter, and Michelle, for loving and training for me.

If I can ever help spread the word about your efforts, don't hesitate to let me know.  I'd be happy to take Saidah to show him off if the occasion arises.

Thanks,

Judy Harper