My first ATRA foster (I adopted him) was Duke, aged 9. He always had the most mischievous smile on his face. I never could look in a drawer, open a door, a cupboard or the refrigerator without his head pushing and sniffing his way in first. He loved to steal tissues and when you were blowing your nose, you could count on him rushing from whatever room to your side, just in case. Duke struggled to get on his feet because of arthritis but once up, he would jog around the yard and give the squirrels whatfor. Our only struggle was over trimming his toenails. Finally, I decided the vet techs would be the best solution. He was a joy in my life and just writing this short note makes me smile to remember him. Duke was only with us for 2 years but will be remembered for always.

Hannah-Banana ChaCha Dancer came to our family one cold early spring day. She was in deplorable shape and could hardly stand. No one knew how old she might have been but we guessed at 14 or 15 yrs. She responded to love and warmth and good food like a champ. She started trotting around the house with the other Airedales like she knew her pack. She loved to be held and loved on and I gave her everything she wanted. Always before feeding time, she would try to jump up with happiness but could only "dance" a bit with her front legs. Unfortunately, she became blind and succumbed to a suspected brain tumor after 41 days. Way too soon for us. Hannah will always be my ChaCha Dancer.

Rita Ferrer