We just passed our month anniversary with Snoopy (formerly Freckles Henry) and time has really flown.  He has melded right into our family and has developed a special connection with each one of us.  At first, he was very shy and quiet (we didn't hear him bark for weeks!) but as he's gotten more comfortable, he's coming out of his shell and feeling his oats.  We have had absolutely no problems with him.  He is learning basic commands, mainly "sit" and "stay," and absolutely has to be physically in contact with someone at all times.  If you're home alone with him, not even the bathroom is scared ground!  He just barges right in. 

He loves to be covered up, and loves collecting things, mainly things with family scents on them.  He steals dirty socks from the laundry, any shoes he can find, and even hair scrunchies, and hides them in his bed.  He also puts all his toys in there.  Good thing we got him an extra big bed... he uses it more for storage than sleeping!  Snoopy also has this great way of greeting anyone that walks through the front door.  He goes for the usual head pat or ear scratch, but slowly leans against your legs (thereby preventing you from moving) and rolls himself onto the ground, belly up.  With your feet trapped beneath him, you are forced to rub his belly.  This dog is a GENIUS!

Snoopy has truly been a blessing to our family and we can't imagine life without him.  He came to us in difficult times and has lifted everyone's spirits.  The only problem we have now is... hmmm, should we get him a brother? 

Thanks!

Heather and Ernie

PS: Never to be ignored, Snoopy wanted to include his own letter below.

Dear Everybody,

Well!  This has been quite an adventure!  Remember me, your old pal Freckles Henry?  They call me Snoopy now, and I like it!  I moved into an awesome new house, and lots of funny things are happening.  Like, all these friendly people keep hugging me and kissing me, rubbing my belly and telling me this is MY house now! 

So let me tell you how I've been.  In a word, GREAT.  My day consists of getting everybody up for work and school (I've found the face licking is best), grabbing a quick breakfast and then taking a nice loooooong walk with Grandpa around the neighborhood.  We go all over, into the woods and everything.  Lots of good smells.  During the daytime, we veg out together, watch TV, play around and take naps.  After lunch, I like to sit at "my" window and watch all the comings and goings in the neighborhood while I wait for the mailman.

As soon as my cousins get home from school, it's party time!  We wrestle and play, and they bring friends over to rub my belly.  And they're always the easiest ones to get food out of.  Even though I chill out all morning, I get pretty pooped after playing with those kids, so I usually grab a quick nap before Mom and Dad get home. 

After dinner, I mix it up a little.  Sometimes I want to play, sometimes I'm exhausted.  I collect up all my toys (and any socks and lone shoes I can find), stash them in my bed and take another nap. Soon it's time to put the kids in bed, so I lay down with them for a while (they like to rub my belly when they're falling asleep).  Once they're out, I sneak off to Mom and Dad's room and snuggle under the covers.

My favorite things in life these days are having my belly rubbed (can you tell?), collecting treasures from around the house and getting my ears cleaned (mm-mmm!  I love a good ear scratch!)  When I think of my old life, sleeping out in the cold and being made to hunt rabbits all the time (that I didn't even get to eat!) I feel like the luckiest dog in the world.  But funny thing, my family keeps telling me that THEY'RE the lucky ones!  Anyway, just wanted to check in.  Dig the pictures of me hanging out with my fam.  I think we're a pretty good match!

Love and dog kisses,

Snoopy