Hi Lynn:

I apologize for the LONG time gap between our adoption of Spot and a progress report. Life has been happy but hectic since late summer when our second child was born and we are just catching our breath!!!

We have such high regard for Furry Friends! Everyone involved did a superb job in taking all the necessary steps and precautions to ensure that Spot would be a good fit with our family and that we would be a good fit for Spot. At the time we had two dogs, a cat, and a toddler and were expecting a baby. Any pet we adopted would need to have the right temperament and personality to mesh with other pets, children and a busy lifestyle – a tall order!!! We met Spot four times – three times at a neutral location – once alone, once with our son and once with our dog; and then finally at our house, so we could observe his interactions with everyone together. Without a doubt, Spot decided that he was going to live with us because on his visit, he walked in, looked around, located the couch, jumped up, let out a big groan and proceeded to assume a napping position. Within the week, Spot came to live with us and is a wonderful, cherished addition to our family.

It took Spot almost one year to find his forever home. Some thought he might have been passed over because he was an “ordinary hound”, “nothing special”. Some even commented that he appeared to “lack personality”. Nothing could be further from the truth! I don’t think a day goes by when we don’t laugh at his goofiness, his stoic facial expressions, or his vocalizations every time he lays down or changes position. He is very astute and a quick learner. He learned to say “please” to get a treat in a few quick minutes; and has since taken this skill a step further – vocalizing to get dinner expedited or to go outside. He is also incredibly docile, trusting and loving of his new family – particularly our children. He is a capable playmate (well matched in size, strength, speed and temperament) and best friend to our other dog, Midge (we lost our other dog in August – she was almost 18!). They play with each other several times a day (something Midge never had with her previous canine companion) and keep each other company when we are not home. Spot enjoys a good walk, treats (he’s not picky at all) and in typical hound fashion, a relaxing snooze (preferably on something cushioned where the sun hits him just so…). More than anything, I think he enjoys being a part of a family – no matter how hectic it is on some days!

We frequently comment on our good fortune to have Spot as a family member. He fits seamlessly into our household and lifestyle. We will never know the circumstances surrounding Spot’s arrival at the Mason County Animal Shelter (we heard he was a stray) and we will never know why it took so long for Spot to find a forever home, other than to assume that he was looking for us.

I hope our update conveys our feelings about Spot. Please let us know if there is anything else you need or that we can do – I promise to be timelier in our response! We are always happy to help and will continue to spread the good word about Furry Friends!

Kevin, Amy, Adam, Grace, Midge, Spot and Frisky (the cat) Kehner