Hi Peg! Sorry it's taken me so long to get some pictures to you . . . I guess we've just been having too much fun!

Remi seems to be pretty happy here, he likes the big back yard and is eating very well. He does this funny little "ah-roooooo" when I'm getting their food ready and because I stay in the kitchen with them when their eating, we've had no problems with food guarding.

The two week "honeymoon" period went pretty smooth. Remi had the growlies for a few days, but knowing how stressful this has all been for him, it was to be expected. He was definitely leery of Cedwick (our other setter) which seemed funny to us because Cedwick is so mild mannered and quite yielding to all other dogs.

He's kept his distance though and hasn't pushed Remi at all. Every day things are getting more and more relaxed, and today they did some barking and play bowing! And you were so right about Remi still having a lot of life left in him! For an older guy he's in great shape! I'm happy to report too that we haven't had to get him any medicine at all. His skin is looking great . . .no hot spots and only a little itching. Now all he has to do is grow a little more coat for winter!

Remi is such a loving dog! He just melts when you give him attention which could be 24/7 if it were up to him! My husband is such a sucker for that kind of dog that there is no doubt he has found the right master.

For me, he is working his magic to help lift the grief of losing our other dog. One day it all surfaced again, and I just sat down on the floor and cried. Remi quietly came over to me and rubbed his head against my neck, and I could almost hear him say "I too have lost a lot . . . I know how it feels . . . maybe we can help each other".

I also want to tell you how much I enjoy your Happy Tales in the Columbia Magazine. Not just the one about Remi, but ALL of them.

I have read past ones as well as every new one and they are all so wonderful!!!! Writing as you do is not just a talent, but a gift. I now understand how important Brutus is for Chip, and I truly hope that it is a match made in heaven.

Sometimes it's hard to know who needs who more, and sometimes it hard to open your heart up again.

But if we humans were able to just live in the moment as animals do, the decision to love another again would always be a no-brainer!

Janet

P. S. Remi says that he was a bit upset there was no pool of dog food to sleep in here, but as you can see, he managed somehow.