Skip Barcy writes: "Well, last night was a biggy here; I gave up my recliner and the OSU/Det Titans NCAA game to introduce Piper to her new family. Annette Hall contacted me and indicated a transplanted English family, with older elementary and secondary age kids, and an ADT named Angus (four-year-old neutered male) were interested in Piper. The family wanted to spend their Sunday at the Cobo [Detroit, Michigan] Bench Show, so wondered if they could come and meet Piper last night.

"To make a long story short, all got along famously and they hope to pick up Piper next weekend after they move into their new home. Piper's new mom was absoloutely aghast that such a sweet dog could have been the object of training in a vet tech school.

"As I write this, there are three contented Airedales working desperately to get their tongues into the Kongs and the second bone out. Earlier they each got a cow ear as a special treat. Bilbo & Frodo immediately sat down and began Woofing the treat down, but not Piper -- she had to toss hers in the air a couple of times and play bow to it before finally deciding it was OK to eat."

On Sunday, 21 March 1999, Skip writes: "Piper just left for her new permanent home withAngus the ADT and the Clarke family (originally from the UK; two adults and two kids) and a large fenced yard.

"Piper decided she favored several of the multitude of Airedale toys bestowed upon the boys over the years, so Bilbo & Frodo sent her on her way with a tug-of-war rope, sterilized bone, a Kong, a chew football, as well as several digestable treats.

"She looked super in her new Mrs Bones Collar! We sent a list of tips along as well."

Becky Barcy with Piper, Frodo & Bilbo
[PLEASE WRITE ME TO CORRECT THIS CAPTION, AS I AM NOT SURE WHICH DOG IS WHICH]

On Sunday, 21 March 1999, Annette writes: "I couldn't have hoped for a better match than Piper, Angus (six-year-old neutered male Airedale), Nadia (nine-year-old girl), Louis (16-year-old boy), Linda & Steve Clarke (early-to-mid-40's). This wonderful family just moved into their new home yesterday yet wanted to take Piper in right away so Angus wouldn't have the upper hand. Ha! Angus is very sweet-natured and not at all aggressive over anything. Nadia was my only worry but she took control of Piper right off the bat. It was Nadia who kept hold of Piper's leash inside and kept her from jumping up on all the rest of us. We witnessed Piper trying to gnaw the corner of a wood table, Nadia corrected her; Piper trying to steal Angus's food, Nadia corrected her, on and on. Nadia seems to have the right tone (not shrill like most kids) and is quick so the dog knows what¹s O.K. and what's not. The back yard is lovely and Louis gets home from school by 2:30 p.m. so Piper will only be crated from around 9 a.m. to then. Linda gets home at 3:30 with Nadia following. I think this will work out fine.

"Dear Angus is well-trained and the Clarkes will lose the crate just as soon as possible. Linda refused to use one when Angus was a pup. Piper now has three Kong toys - one from Skip & Becky and two from the Clarkes. Skip sent her with an assortment of goodies and her own brand of dog food. The Clarkes have our book 'Second Hand Dog' to refer to, all of our numbers, and best of all I'm just ten minutes away!

"I took some photos which I will develop tomorrow. It was a very gloomy day so I hope they turn out all right. The crate is in the family room near the doorwall and TV so I'm sure it's the busiest spot in the house. Nadia wants Piper to sleep in her room but I advised they crate for the time being! I offered to bring them a second crate for the upstairs bedrooms tomorrow if they want it. Both Angus & Piper should sleep well tonight. They were playing like old friends for the hour plus I spent there. Linda just gushed 'this will put some new life back in Angus' and seemed very pleased with Piper. I'll forward all the good and bad updates as I get them from the Clarkes.

"I think this will be a happy ending for all. There were no growls at the Clarke residence. Just lots of tail wags and big sloppy wet Airedale kisses.

"Thanks so much to Skip for the complete package with special notes on Piper. He & Becky did a fantastic job with this big girl."

On 14 Apr 1999, Mary writes: "I just got this update from Annette, rescue person in Michigan, regarding Piper, and her new parents the Clarkes. It's always wonderful to share great news!!

"'Piper is really a very good dog in the opinion of the Clarke family. Linda has said that since she is a female that you must deal with her differently than a male dog. Approach her gently and use distractions not yelling or harsh measures to stop her from doing naughty things. I wish you could hear her explain her theories with that lovely British accent! Piper has been digging enormous holes in the garden (they mean back yard!), so Steve has been burying crushed red chili peppers to keep her from digging again in the same place. Piper still takes everything outdoors and buries it immediately. Linda digs up the fresh holes, takes the toy or chew treat back inside and washes and dries it for another day!

"'It was too crowded in the master bed for two humans and two ADT's so now they pet gate both Angus & Piper in the family room at night for sleeping. They abandoned the crate (it's in their garage) weeks ago and Piper is on the honor system in the house when they are home - pet gated in Family Room with Angus when they go to work/school. I will go by and video soon. Linda was under tremendous stress trying to finish her thesis and now it's being typed. She sounds exhausted but even so not at all stressed out over Piper.

"'Angus & Piper have been bonded like two peas right from the start. Linda said Piper really wears the poor old boy out! They are eating together-Adult Science Diet Lamb & Rice and prescription canned dog food. Piper has had no tummy trouble or diarrhea. The kids say she's wonderful. Linda & Steve are already worrying about their vacation in August. They want the two dogs boarded together in a kennel but worry that Piper might feel she's being abandoned so they may try and get family to stay in the house with both dogs. They keep repeating that Piper is a very lovely girl and they love her! I wish we had more applicants like the Clarkes!'"

Barcy Party 1999. On 22 August, Skip writes: "We had the party/picnic at the HobbitDales house in Ann Arbor today and we had a grand total last count of 72 Airedale paws (18 four-legged wonders) and the wonder of all was everyone got along. The grandest thing was to see Piper, in her Mrs. Bones Collar finery, acting like the most gentle and HAPPY airedale around. She has largely lost her ham-hocked appearance and clearly the love of her family has made her forget her days at the Vet School!"
[PLEASE WRITE ME TO EXPAND THIS CAPTION BY IDENTIFYING ALL THE DOGS]

Continue with the story of Piper HERE