A letter from Oscar and his Mom

10 Year Old Chow Chow/Shepherd Mix

Dear Dog Squad,

It's official -- I've been in my new home for four months now!! I still have some shaved patches on my paws and belly where I had to have a little "tune-up," but it's almost totally grown out now and I feel like a new dog!!! Here's a picture of me hanging out in the yard with my new brother and sister.

At first I was afraid to use the stairs at my new house, but Mom put some stuff on them and they're not slippery anymore. Now I go up and down the stairs ANY TIME I want!! I'm trying to learn how to open and close the patio door, but that's still a little scary. My brother and sister do it all the time but I'm just not sure about it. I will figure it out... when I'm ready...

My new brother and sister are pretty cool. My sister, Cleopatra, is older and much more dignified than I am. It's taken her a while, but I know she secretly DIGS me. Now she'll hang with me for a morning sunbath on the deck and let me help dry her off after Mom gives us our baths. I can even lie right next to her while she finishes her dinner at night (in case there are any good leftovers) and sometimes she even lets me lie in bed with her! She doesn't seem to be too impressed by my world class belches, though. I don't get it. Girls are SO weird.

A few days a week, Mom takes us out on hiking trails and I get to run around without a leash. At first I didn't know what to do, but now I hang close to my brother, Max. He has a pretty good nose for adventure and he can run really fast! I keep trying to chase bunnies with him, but I'm not really fast enough... YET.

I do hate baths and I won't play much fetch in the backyard. BUT I LOVE to swim in the ocean and fetch my new red toys from the waves!! I don't care if I am a senior citizen, I NEVER let those younger, bigger dogs get my toys from me at the beach. Of course, I'm not above snatching someone else's if the opportunity presents itself, but nobody takes MY toys!!

The first time we came home from the beach, I was so tired that I could barely make it up the stairs to go to sleep that night! We've been to the beach lots of times since then and now I know what that beach bag means when I see it. I go straight to the front door and wait; I don't want to get left behind for that!!! I even taught my brother Max to go into the waves and fetch. Mom says he never did it before I showed him how!!

I like to hang with my family in the garden on the weekends, I know how to sit or lie down for treats and I've finally discovered the joy of a good belly rub. Life is fabulous, and I owe it all to the Dog Squad. I will never forget you.

Love, Oscar

P.S. Thanks so much for all you did to save Oscar. He has brought so much laughter and happiness to our home and he knows he's a rock star. We've talked about having him certified as a therapy dog, since he loves everyone and everyone loves him. Hopefully, his belching won't disqualify him!

THANKS, Cynthia Linke
Oscar's Mom

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