You should know that there has been one problem -- we need to clone Kiley!  I would take a litter of Kileys.  She is beautiful, smart, affectionate, curious all the traits of a perfect dog. 

  Words could never express the thank you to all who were involved in Kiley's rescue that made it all possible to grant me the gift of being able to give her the loving home that she deserves. 

  As unbelievable as it may seem, I knew from the time of seeing her picture that she and I belonged together.  With every mile driving home I fell deeper in love with her.  David said he didn't know if he was happier that we finally had Kiley or the happiness he could feel from me.  

  Our children came over later Saturday evening to welcome her home.  They came bearing gifts and after seeing all her luggage of toys, it was decided to put them away and bring them out at special times.  They too, have fallen hopelessly in love with her.

   Upon coming home she was 'welcomed' home by the cats, Phoebe and Ashley.  The cats have been great with their patience and tolerance.  Kiley only got swatted once, not that it phased her, but the point was made where the comfort line was.

  If you can imagine, our living room/great room, diningroom and kitchen are all open to each other, there are just columns to show room separation.  This is a great way to be able to function daily and still keep an ever watchful eye on Kiley (not that she ever leaves my side). We are using the crate for naps, nighttime and if I leave the home (if being the operable word).  We move the crate into our bedroom at night when we all go to sleep.  She did try to get up on our bed, but being a poster bed it is too high.  We are going to try to keep her off the bed.  I did say try.  

  Since I work from my home, I allow Kiley to pretty much have run of the house.  Again with one floor living she is in view always.  She follows me no matter where I go.  No complaints here!  We give the cats a break to roam and approach Kiley after breakfast when Kiley goes into her crate for her morning nap.  This is working great.  It is Tuesday and everyone has been accepted.  Kiley does want to play with Phoebe, unfortunately Phoebe does not.  David and I have decided that spring will definitely will be a great time to introduce a playmate for Kiley.  You may want to keep that in mind.  We would be looking for another boxer, perhaps a male and around the same age as she will be...give or take a few months.  Since you know the type of temperament that Kiley has, please keep us in mind if you would rescue a dog that might be a match for her.

  I need to brag how smart she is.  Please tell her foster folks that I'm thankful to helping make her training so easy for us.  She knows that when her collar comes off, that it's either nap time or bedtime and goes into her crate without any coaxing.  When we first got home, we took her out the back sliding doors to go potty.  About 10 minutes later she went to the back door on her own and sat down.  I asked if she had to go out and took her out -- what a sweetie -- she went potty.  No accidents!  She sits to have her leash put on.  She knows when she comes in after going potty that she goes to the kitchen cabinet where she get a reward of a cookie.  The cats love this part, because they also get a cookie and for doing nothing.  She has learned to give paw/shake. We are working on the commands stay and come.  I have to share with you that I have been using visual commands also, and she is not only aware of the signal, but she is starting to respond correctly to the signal.

  A big tip to pass along, you might want to buy stock in Kodak, because we will be increasing their production in film making and processing.  I don't think I took these many pictures of my children when they were babies.  I promise I will send you pics of her.  I am going to give Kiley her own web site, when I have that up and running I will pass her address on to you.

  This weekend we also got Kiley's picture taken with Santa.  She also got to visit with so many other animals and people.  She did excellent.  Well, Robin, you asked how things are going, and I've gone on enough for the time being.  You will be getting notes of progress to brighten your day.  

  Again, thank you for all your work.  I know the commitment you have made and the sacrifices you must make to carry on the wonderful work that your rescue performs.  Please share our thanks to all your foster folks and know that you will always be in our prayers.

Lin and Dave

PS We wanted to know who named her Kiley.  We are keeping her name, there is no other name that would fit her.  She is a one and only!  The best part is that she is now our Kiley!