PARTEE! PARTEE! 14 JUNE 2009

Dave Kahn writes to FosterMom Katie Kneesel: Just wanted to send you a followup on Stacey now that she's been with us for six months. Her true colors have definitely started to show. She's developed into a playful little girl who loves running in the backyard with Chester, hunting squirrels, rabbits & birds (yup, they bring us presents from time to time). Today's neighborhood block party. Dave watches as the 'kids' enjoy the shade. [Chester on the left; Stacey on the right] Stairs are no longer a challenge and she bounds up them like she's been doing it all her life. She was originally skittish toward me (perhaps due to men in her previous life) ,but she has warmed to me (she & Chester climb all over me in the morning to wake up Christy & me). She absolutely LOVES walks and has taken to the leash quite well. Still has a strong fear of thunderstorms (poor little girl shakes, pants & snuggles close to us), but we're working on that. A definite good little watch dog, she will angrily bark at me if I come to bed late (and she can't see who it is), or if we are in bed and she hears something outside she doesn't like). Stacey also has begun to learn how to play. When we wrestle with Chester on the floor, she likes to come over and join in. She will softly bat her paw and has learned how to tussle a little (she is so smart and has learned a lot from watching Chester and how he interacts with us). Stacey & Chester anxiously try to get a closer look at what's on Dave's plate, as the smells from barbecue grills has piqued their curiosity. The best part is that she is really sharing her smile. She comes in from the backyard and has a big grin on her face as she softly pants or when she curls her lip up when she plays and her bright little eyes twinkle. Thanks again for helping her transition from her old life and helping her to be ready to join our family. We really love having her a part of our pack.

STACEY, A YEAR LATER . . . HERE