On 4 Aug 2003, Mary Giese writes:

After Charlie's death, I did not want another dog. Three seemed plenty to care for and we were all used to the drill. I was able to leave them uncrated and they did fine. Also, Toggle has needed some extra care and is still adjusting. Nonetheless, things felt a bit out of balance. I have described it as feeling like I had a three-legged chair.

Then this weekend, I had a dog returned. Nellie came into rescue four years ago and we placed her with a family that had a good application and home visit. This family decided recently that they did not want her any more, after packing 40 pounds onto her 50-pound frame.

She has already been started on a weight-loss program. We also have a vet visit this morning because she might be hypothyroid. Anyway, she was fostered in another home for a couple of weeks and then came here. She immediately fit in with my other three and as they were all over her at the back door, not one cross sound was heard. I was not surprised, as she has an absolutely wonderful personality.

I remember her at her normal weight and she was a livewire. In fact, she still has a tremendous amout of energy even at her size. The girls have welcomed her warmly and Toggle seems to feel very comfortable with her around. And she seems to fit very well here. No longer do things feel like I have a three-legged chair.

But I didn't like her name and since I already have a Nell, I needed an alternative. So after thinking about her personality and her spirit, I have changed her name to Starr.

Please welcome Starr, the newest Praireiedale, who will soon be back to her svelte self.

She was extremely overweight at 90 pounds, but even in a week on medication, her body really reshaped itself. She's already lost over eight pounds in three weeks and had her first offleash experience at the dog park this past weekend. We've been walking out there on the flexi but this past week, it was so hot that we didn't get much exercise.

On 18 October 2004, Mary writes:

I can't believe this day has come. Some of you whom I've known for many years remember when Toggle, the fearbiter, came into my life. I saw him in the ATRA newsletter six years ago when he'd been through a few homes and contacted Annette Hall about him. I flew up to get him and was greeted by a defensive guy that went for my wrist in a training session and got my bracelet instead, thank goodness.

I flew him back to my home where he was greeted by Charlie (@RB) & Nell. Since he had been in so many homes and had no reason to believe this would be any different, he was very depressed initially. I would watch him sitting in the yard by himself with his little shoulders sagging. Over time when he realized he was staying he perked up, becoming my constant companion.

We moved last year and he really likes his new home, although we all had an adjustment to the humidity this past summer. He thinks of himself as king of a harem (Nell, Harriet & Starr). Of course, they know he's deluded but keep letting him think that.

He is aging so well and loves to play with toys and bitey face with the girls. He does a classic tuckbuttrun and amuses me running around after meals. He gets his own walk now, which he enjoys a lot, barking at the horses up the road and generally expressing himself to various neighbors. He gives me kisses every day and is currently snoozing in my office near me

We'll be celebrating his eighth birthday with his favorite ground turkey and vegetable birthday cake with the mashed potato frosting.

Please all hug your dogs in honor of Toggle's eighth birthday.