My 10 year old daughter and I adopted Hailey on 6-24-02. At that time, the staff at the PHS had named her "Simone". The staff in question, whom Hailey would like to be able to read this e-mail would be: Laura, Karen, Nancy, Ute and Penny. There might be others. However, these are the people who had a special interest in Hailey and who assisted with the adoption process.

Hailey is a beautiful German Shepherd approximately 2 1/2 years old and weighing in at about 71 lbs at time of adoption. It's possible that she might weigh slightly more today, she's a bit pampered. However, she receives no human food and only get's quality dog food and treats (nothing purchased at the grocery stores). She has received her first vet check-up and shots and is in excellent health. She is registered and has her tags from the city where she lives. On her first day with us, she got a bath and plenty of attention. She, of course, gets plenty of attention everyday, however, day one was extra special. Hailey is housebroken and lives inside the house as a member of the family. She has a sizable backyard which is fenced in and is almost entirely concrete. There is a dog run on one side of her house that has a 2 ft X 20 ft planter area that serves as her "special place for her to do her thing". Hailey has taken to this area perfectly and uses it for that sole purpose. I must say that as the one that cleans up after her, I was very pleased to see that she decided this was her spot.

I have installed a dog door for Hailey and she comes and goes as she pleases. She prefers the house, as she is very interactive with the family. However, her food and water are outside and she also goes out in the late afternoons to rest in the shade. Hailey get's walked every day and sometimes as much as 3 times a day. There is a library and a park close to home where she gets to run off the leash and sometimes even gets to interact with other dogs. In her living room, she keeps her toys in a wicker basket. She has about a dozen or all shapes, colors and sizes. Most are fancy toys that cost a few bucks each. However, her favorite is the free tennis ball that she found at the park (figures, huh). Another favorite is her special stick that was found on one of her many walks. Note to self... if my daughter wants me to buy another toy for Hailey... just send them on a walk, Hailey will pick up something for free.

I have enclosed a folder containing several pictures of Hailey, her family and house. Please share them around the PHS as reinforcement that what you all do works! Your efforts have united a wonderful dog into a happy family and both are better off for your efforts.

Best wishes!
Todd, Danika and Hailey
July 18, 2002