LONDON

Dear Homeward Bound,

I took this shot last weekend and I think that it is the perfect photo of London.  (A golden dog in front of a golden gate...)

When London came into our lives, he tipped the scales at 97 lbs and now he is down to a healthy 84 lbs.  He is such a big dog but the vet thinks he is at a great, healthy weight.  His coat has gotten thicker and is just golden in the sunlight.

He is a golden personified.  He is loving and gentle--great with our cats.  One cat in particular has become his buddy and they can be found sleeping on the same bed.  I don't think the cat appreciates the big dog licks London will deliver to the top of his head but does not run or swat at London--just shakes his head.  

He is still learning what it is like to live in a house.  We laugh that he is such a big dog that at times if feels like we have a pony in the house.  He does not realize his size and strength--sometimes causes us minor concern since we also have a fragile senior citizen cat. He would not intentionally harm her but has stepped on her though his bounding enthusiasm. 

We have been through basic obedience training through the SFSPCA--we referred to it as charm school.  London was a very good student--and I think my husband and I also learned a trick or two.

He loves to rest his head on my feet when I work at my desk and is never happier than when he has a ball to chase.  He has a lovely quality that when we walk in the door, he runs to grab any toy as though he is welcoming us with a gift.  We always get comments when we are walking him or in the park.  He always sits, leans against the admirer and converts another bystander into being a golden lover. 

We think that he has come to trust that he is in his forever home.  Although he can be as clingy as a barnacle, he is more comfortable when we leave the room and leave the house.  Every week we can see that he is gaining a sense of security.  He certainly has a place in our hearts and in our home for a lifetime.

Thank you for all of the work you do.  Through your efforts, you have brought London to us.

All the best.

Susan Baranowski and Dale Riehart