Thanks for the kind words, it's amazing how much our companions effect our lives. I still have Lucy puppy, about 8, PitBull cross, and Viper puppy, 15, God only knows what he is. Also rescued. Looks like he may be part blood hound. The most dangerous part of these dogs is their tail. They're actually weapons. They'll knock you over with their tails, then stand over you giving kisses. I recalled an incident with B.A. today. Here in the mountains of Montana, having a bear roam through is no big thing. Lucy and Viper will just stay in their dog houses or in the house when a bear comes. (Feeding 3 dogs indoors can lead to "disagreements" amongst the puppies). A bear came through the yard while my B.A. puppy was eating, and he didn't want to share with the bear. So here they are, snout to snout, bear growling and B.A. barking. Neither would give in. Finally, the bear had enough, picked up B.A.'s house and threw it up into the trees where it landed about 5 feet off of the ground and upside down. Could always tell when that bear came around, he'd give B.A. a wide berth and just go over to eat the other dog's food while they hid in their respective houses. Funny as how the bears mainly come around when there's food out. I don't think I'll get another dog for a while. I need to get over B.A. -Ed.