5/11/13:

Rest assured Tatonka is one of the greatest blessings I have ever received. Actually the whole family agrees. He is the smartest, happiest dog I have ever seen. He has been so easy to train. We have been real consistent with our routine and I'm sure that makes all the difference. Plus being showered with constant love. He has slept through the night from day one. That was a real pleasant surprise. We take him to his potty spot immediately every time he comes out of the crate. And about every hour when we have him out and about.

I take him on a pretty good walk every morning and evening (with plenty of time to stop and smell all the critters that were there before him, raccoons, bunnies, squirrels and who knows what). Then the girls wear him out when they get home from school. So his energy isn't built up all the time and he listens well to be trained.

He will sit, lay down, stay, come. Fetch and heel he will do but doesn't know them yet really by verbal he just does it. His favorite toy is a big bouncy ball. He entertains himself for periods of time with his toys. He loves raw fruits and veggies. Are there any that are bad for puppies? When I feed him his puppy food the last couple days I make him sit and stay after I put his bowl down, for about 30 seconds, and he does it. Amazing! He is such a joy.

The first week my 9 year old daughter, Michelle, said, she just kept saying in her head all the time, 'is this real'? 'Is he really here'? And I still feel the same way. He can't wait for her to get off the bus while we wait at the bus stop. It's so cute.

His greatest discipline is our cat, Angel, she is something else, five pounds of rules the universe and fearless. Tatonka is not allowed to bite her or squish her. He knows well the words 'no bite!' Angel will rub all over him or sit right outside of his reach and just taunt him. They are becoming best friends.

Michelle and I walk him next door to the senior center and he has already made so many elderly people happy. That just really warms my heart and we will look into therapy work. He is soooo smart. He looks at you and almost looks like he's gonna say something.

Well I'll stop now and write book two next time haha. I have lots of pictures and videos. I think I'll have to send separately though. Thanks for making this amazing blessing happen.