I signed the necessary papers, (told them I was one of Sunny's deputies, hehe, guess I am official now) and they let me take him with no cost.  He rode very quietly in the crate all the way home.  First thing I did was give him a bath, he was a perfect gentleman through the entire process including the blow drying.  I think I can honestly say that I have never met a calmer, better manned little guy.  He has what appears to be a fatty tumor on one side, his teeth are bad, he may have some weakness in his hips and I have some concerns about Kennel Cough.  My vet is going to check him out for me this afternoon.  He doesn't normally work with rescue, but he is doing it for me.  He was picked up as a stray, and had no name, so we decided that since he was so well mannered, and older, he needed a dignified name.  We call him Oakley.  I don't know how long I will foster him, but I am already emotionally involved.  I told my husband last night that if I knew he has no ongoing health problems, I would keep him.  He said NO, that two dogs are enough, especially since one of ours does have health issues and our Vet bills are horrible.  I added warm oatmeal and a scrambled egg to his kibble last night, and oh how he loved it.  After a night of perfect behavior in his crate, this morning I fed him Sunny's Miracle mixed with kibble.  My husband is home today, so I left him with him, it's a beautiful day, and he can have a nice day investigating our back yard and soaking up the sunshine and fresh air, with some off and on naps inside in his crate.  I brought my two dogs with me today (I baby-sit my grandchildren at my daughter's house during the day) and there is a "method to my madness" by leaving Oakley home alone with my husband.  My husband is also a "rescue" as he was adopted by an American couple when he was 9 yrs. old, after spending his first 9 yrs. in an orphanage in Italy.  Oakley is so sweet, I just know my husband is going to enjoy him today, and who knows?  When I go home later perhaps they will have connected emotionally too!  But unless I have my husbands full support, I won't keep him.  He needs to go to a quiet home, perhaps an older person, who lives a somewhat sedentary lifestyle if Oakley does in fact have some hip problems.  I have seen absolutely NO aggression of any kind.  I groom Emma myself, and I may give him a haircut tomorrow, but I think I will be shocked to see him when all that hair is shorter.  I can feel every rib and his entire backbone. He will probably look like a lesson in anatomy.  Oakley is a love, I will update you after our visit to the vet this afternoon.
Regards, Candace  grandyemma@aol.com  Chico, California
Friends:
Here is a new picture of Oakley.  He came to us on March 2, 2000, and this picture was taken one month later on April 2, 2000.  Those of you that remember seeing his first picture sent to the list two days after I picked him up from the shelter, will, I hope, see a big transformation.  In spite of his health problems, he is improving daily.  I hope that with TLC and good nutrition his beard and furnishing will again be full and beautiful.  He must have been quite dapper in his younger days, don't you agree?  He is extremely agile, and if it weren't for the heart condition, I would give serious thought about starting agility with him.  But he does not tolerate the heat well, and Chico has extremely hot summers, so we will continue with our morning and late evening walks, and hopefully his short play sessions with Emma will keep him physically fit.  I would again like to thank all of you that sent kind words and encouragement when I shared Oakley's story with the list.  A very special thank you to Nancy Rae Vogt and the SFRA for their help with Oakley.  He has become a very treasured member of our family.
Best regards,
Candace
Emma (When do I get a playmate with MORE energy, instead of these old guys!))
Oakley (Emma is really a pain in the neck sometimes!)
Tanner (If you ask me, you both are a pain in the neck!)