For a year and a half I had been interested in getting a dog. I had looked through online classifieds and in the paper everyday to see if there were any ads about dogs in need of a home, but nothing really stood out. I had phoned the Humane Society and also Lakefield Animal Welfare Society numerous times to get descriptions of dogs they had. But the dogs they had at the time either weren't good with other animals….or they weren't good with kids. So this continued disappointment went on for months until one day I phoned back to the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society and spoke to a lady named Cheryl. I had told her I was interested in a dog that was older, gentle and not very hyper, and that was also good with cats, seeing as I had 3 at the time, and also good with kids because I have a 5 yr old son and I run a home daycare. She told me that she had the right dog for me. Her name was Kina and she was a 7yr .old border collie mix. She began to describe the most amazing dog, and the dog's description matched everything I was looking for. Very excitedly I told her I was interested in coming out to see her. So I made arrangements for a ride and off I went. When I arrived I told Cheryl who I was and that I was here to meet Kina. She asked me to meet her out back where there was a fenced in yard where Kina could be let off the leash and be more comfortable. Cheryl brought her out and I visited with her for about 20 minutes. She was so sweet natured, I don't know how anyone could have given her up. She was obedient and gentle. I had decided this was the dog for my son and I. It was August 26 th and we were not able to get her until the 27 th because LAWS wants to make sure people have time to really think about their decision about taking in an animal. I went inside and filled out some paperwork, to let them know what kind of environment she was going into and also an application to see if I was suitable for Kina. We came back the next day to pick her up. It was really sad for Cheryl because she had really become attached to such a wonderful dog. They had gotten to know each other for 2 months while Kina awaited a new home. But at the same time I knew Cheryl was so happy Kina was going to a great home. We loaded her up into the car and drove her to her new home. She was a little leary at first due to the fact she didn't know where she was. But it took her no time to realize how good HOME was. We are so happy to have her as our pet, although my cats could disagree. She tries to play with them but they do not want any part of it. So Kina makes them play with her. She will paw the floor to get them to move. Then she crawls about 2 feet towards them, stands up, goes on her hind legs…and slams her front paws in front of them…this of course making them run and she chases them. This is a little stunt she pulls about 2 times a day. She is quite the character. Another thing Kina does which we find amusing is, whenever we went out for a bit then came home we would be greeted by a stretching tired looking Kina. We knew she had just awoke from a nap but didn't ever question as to where she was sleeping, until I began to notice a profound amount of dog hair on my bed. In our house the pets aren't allowed on the beds due to our allergies. So one day I had forgotten to close my door when I went out. When I pulled into the driveway with my friend I noticed a black little nose sticking out through my blinds in my bedroom then all of a sudden disappear. And when I opened the door, there was Kina as usual stretching in the hallway looking as innocent as ever. I went down and felt my bed and low and behold, there was a huge warm spot where she had taken her afternoon nap. All I could do was laugh, she is priceless. Now I close my door when I go out.I am so thankful to have her and I know my son feels the same way. She is so good with him as he is to her. All my daycare kids adore her and I imagine she adores them for all the crumbs they leave on my kitchen floor at mealtime! Anyways this letter is a great big hug to LAWS for introducing me to the worlds most wonderful dog. (thank you Cheryl)

Sincerely,

Jen Pike