Sandi had packed a box full of cookies, dog food, medicine, collars, his lead, medical records, a lovely blanket and a towel with familiar scents of his foster brothers on it. He came with us like a little soldier and slept and snored all the way back to Toronto.

Lester & Lance were introduced on neutral territory in our neighbourhood park and then we brought them both home. Lester is a wonderful dog. He is generous and kind and is very good with his new brother. Although Les is twice the size at 92 pounds (Lance is a tiny 48 pounds), he is very gentle and generally ignores Lance, but they do have their playful moments together.

Lance checking out the neighbour's dog through the fence . . . or is he just "stopping to smell the roses"?

Cam kisses Lance, who says, "Eeew! PEOPLE GERMS! Get the hot water! Get the iodine!"

Lance walked around the house a couple of hundred times to familiarize himself with where everything was and then quickly made himself at home here. He had been through so much in his little life and yet seemed to trust us immediately. He is such a loving, playful boy, just like a puppy but better. He is house-trained and doesn't chew shoes or furniture, loving to rough-house with his dad and roll around on the floor, kicking his legs in the air. A typical goofy Airedale, he has fun flipping his toys around and getting into the bathroom waste basket, spreading tissues all over the floor. He is so full of life and love, and will cuddle forever.

At first, we had to carry him up and down the four steps to the back yard, but in just two weeks his legs are getting stronger. He is finding it easier to get up from the kitchen floor, and is now walking up and down the steps by himself. When we walk the boys, everyone thinks he is a puppy. He is already known and loved in the neighbourhood, and loves to sniff and mingle with all the other dogs in the park.

"Two ways I can stop burglars: I can lie here so they'll trip over me, or . . ."

" . . . I can look so silly they'll start laughing
and Lester can bite 'em!"

Our veterinarian put Lance on Metacam for his arthritis, and did x-rays and an electrocardiograph as he was concerned about Lance's murmur. Good news, it isn't severe enough for him to go on heart medication, and he can still go for walks, we just have to not overdo it and watch for any signs of his tiring out. He will need to have his heartbeats monitored every few weeks to make sure that the murmur is not getting worse. His eyes were tested and the vet thought that he could make out some light and shadows as his pupils dilated very slowly under bright light. We are amazed at how well he gets around; his other senses are very keen and most people don't even know that he has any special needs unless we tell them.

I know I asked for a new squeaky toy,
but I didn't ask for one THIS big!

I can't say enough how happy we are to have Lance. We love him dearly, and although he has not replaced Lucy, he has found a special place in our hearts and lives. I finally feel at peace. It is as though by taking care of this little guy I have found redemption for not having been able to save Lucy.I think that in some way, she led me to Lance because she didn't want me to be unhappy.

For anyone concerned about adopting an older or special needs dog, I can tell you that the rewards are well worth it. Lance is absolutely no trouble at all, and has been a pure joy. I don't know how long he has left in his life, but I do know that he will have the best possible life here in his new home, and will make our lives better for having him here. Cam insists that from now on we are only getting rescue kids; this is Lucy's legacy.

Lance cuddling with the neighbor lady - after eating her roses, perhaps?

I can't say enough about ATRA.Lance has a bunch of special needs, and without the help of this wonderful group would surely have been put to sleep.He is so smart and loving, and has helped to fill a massive hole in our lives from the loss of our beloved Bouvier, Lucy this past December.

We have previously always had puppies, but I would recommend to anyone to adopt a senior.We can't believe how lucky we are to have two such wonderful boys.Special thanks to Annette Hall & Sandi Sprankle of ATRA for our little Lance.