Miley

Last August, we adopted 9 week old "Viper" from the litter of puppies that had been brought down from Lake County. While his sister and brother each had a number of holds, little Viper had no interested parties. My boyfriend and I quickly changed our mind about wanting a girl, read his wrap sheet of a profile, and decided that if anyone could turn this anti social, insecure little puppy around, it would be in our tiny house with our three gregarious cats on the 80 acre horse ranch we manage in West Marin. By the time we made it home from the humane society with a crate in one hand, puppy in the other, his name was changed to Otis.

A year later we could not be more happy with what we think is our lab/pit mix. Through your wonderful training classes, a lot of exercise, consistency, and love, Otis is our ideal dog. At 65 lbs, sleek, and shorthaired he's perfect for our active lifestyle; he works in the barn with me each day, goes on hikes, runs, hits up the local dog parks, LOVES children, is polite of the horses is a cherished member of our family and a favorite at the vets office. The cats routinely keep him in line and in return he opens the door for them to go out and hunt mice each morning. He has the energy to keep up with us, but appreciates laying in the sun and sleeping in on a rainy day. Through plenty of outings and interactions, he is now a polite greeter, confident leash walker, and capable in most any situation. I am working towards nursing school, and have plans to turn this mellow guy into a therapy dog so that he can visit patients with me in hospital.

Thank you Thank you for your services, your excellent training classes (we love Patty, Anni, and Jane!), and for providing us with such a wonderful companion!

The Mulligan Family

Boy, did I score! When my parents first met me at MHS, most of my hair was missing and, according to my scratch sheet, I'd been neglected by my first owners. Thanks to my wonderful foster mom, I'd become much more social and won my new parents over right away.

Now I live in a huge house, stock full of toys and treats, yummy regular meals, and get lots and lots of attention. They spoil me a little, but I'm still learning my manners. So far, I've learned sit and down, sit pretty, and wait. Now we're working on come, but it's difficult to pay attention, what with all the great things going on around me. I start school next week.

Every morning, I walk for an hour with my new neighborhood dog buddies; Mom also plays fetch and tug-a-war with me; and I often get an afternoon walk when we all have the time. At night, I curl up in my fleece bed tucked up in a blanket and sleep soundly the whole night through. Mom even bought me a sweater for the coming winter mornings!

Best part is, I also have a vacation home at the Russian River. Going there makes me feel relaxed and in my element, like a real dog should. My hair is growing and I'm more and more confident with each day, because I know someone will take care of me right.

Thank you MHS for helping me find my way home!

Puck