Cole (formerly Lenny) and Tootsie

Dear LRR,

I have been meaning to write for some time now, to thank you and all those who helped bring Cole a.k.a Lenny, into our lives. He is such a joy and the sweetest little boy! Originally we wanted a little girl around 8 months to a year for Bailey to play with, but you knew better for all involved and surprised us with Cole.

Coleman "Cole" Aaron, is around 100lbs now. He is thick but not over weight although we are keeping an eye on that, so it doesn't become an issue. We took Cole home on the 2nd of June, several weeks later we went to Wva to visit friends and family. They along with neighbors wanted to keep Cole. He is so loveable, I am sitting here trying to put into words what Cole has given us in the short time he has been here and there isn't enough I can say.

The match with Bailey Nicholas, his little brother is so touching to see at times. Cole is so patient with Bailey, even though there is around 3 years difference in their ages Cole is always there for Bailey and Bailey for Cole. It is truly amazing to watch them, but then you were able to see a little of that play when we came by for our initial visits. The play is still there only louder as Cole is becoming just as vocal as Bailey. And yes they do rearrange furniture every now and then when they really get wound up! We have also found that Cole tends to act like a puppy at times, doing things you would expect from a puppy such as chewing. I have lost a pair of rain boots to Cole - ha! But I wouldn't give him up for the world.

I am very pleased to say that Coleman was enrolled in and graduated basic training, he is now enrolled in advanced training and we are hoping that in the weeks to come Cole to will pass his Canine Good Citizen test.

I have attached a couple of pictures of the boys together - that is how we usually find them where there is one the other is not far behind. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Thank you again for all your help and support of a wonderful rescue in bringing Cole into our lives.

Best wishes

Update, May 2003

Hi LRR,

I have been meaning to write and give you an update on Lenny/Coleman for some time now. Last we spoke, Coleman was in advanced training which I am proud to say he passed with flying colors he then went on to get his CGC just like his little brother Bailey.

The boys still play like they used too, chasing each other in and around furniture and yes even sometimes over the furniture. They are still inseparable where you find one the other is not far behind.

As you know our little family has gotten bigger since last year with the adoption of Tootsie. Tootsie wiggled right in to our home and hearts including the boys. I have attached some pictures of Tootsie with her brothers they get along so well together and as with Bailey; Coleman has all the patience for Tootsie too.

It didn't take Tootsie long to figure out she was here to stay and not long after she figured that out she decided to take control of the boys. Coleman is the oldest and biggest but that didn't faze Tootsie a bit she has him wrapped around her little toe. Bailey on the other hand is just a year younger then Tootsie and he was the alpha until Tootsie entered the picture. They have little discussions on who is the boss every now and then but in the end, Tootsie lets Bailey THINK he is the boss. We all know she is! ha

Little Miss Tootsie Rose has graduated basic obedience training. She was a little stressed to begin with, but the other dogs in her class tried to make her feel right at home. As you know Tootsie had it very hard in the beginning coming from a puppy mill in the condition she was in when LRR rescued her. It is so amazing now to see my little girl running and playing in the yard either with one of her brothers or with an imaginary friend. She is so amazing! When I am having a rough day, all I have to do is look at Tootsie and realize what a strong little girl she is, what she had to overcome and I have to smile as all my worries slip away. You can't help but laugh when you see that little chocolate body wiggling up to you and the smile on her face when she reaches you for hugs and kisses, makes my heart melt.

We just want to thank LRR and your volunteers for all your hard work and dedication. We hope you enjoy the pictures. Thank you again for another wonderful rescue.

Update, March 2004

Hi LRR,

I just wanted to send in an update on the kids and what has been happening with them this past year. We have moved and the kids seem to be settling in nicely. They love the fact that the house has carpet everywhere - no more wood floors to contend with. The boys are still the same they haven't changed a bit, where you find one the other is not far behind. And they still play like they used too, another year hasn't slowed them down a bit. Tootsie doesn't like to be left out of the fun and will jump in at anytime to play with her brothers. Bailey knows which babies are Colemans favorite and will grab them walking in front of Coleman just far enough out of reach that he has to get up and go after Bailey or just lay and wait for the opportunity to get his baby back. If he does get up this only pleases Bailey more and the chase is on! Tootsie will come up behind one of the boys grab their ankle then take off to start a game of chase or stick around for a wresting match. Coleman has been know to charge his two siblings although they love the fact that their brother is playing with them they move out of the way. There have been a couple of times Coleman hasn't been able to stop himself before getting to either Bailey or Tootsie. Ha! Coleman is our little Ferdinand the bull, even with his size he is so gentle and caring. Bailey is our baby Huey, he still can't figure out how Tootsie and Coleman catch him sneaking up behind them. Then there is Tootsie - she is our little wiggling piranha ha! They are all amazing each with their own character and personality, their own likes and dislikes, making our house a home.

Coleman is such a wonderful boy - I watch him everyday, sleeping or awake and can only thank you again for bringing him into our lives. He is so patient with his siblings even with his new feline brother Aubrey Jacob, he too is a rescue. Aubrey (AJ) was found by friends of ours and in turn found his way to our home. Since his adoption Aubrey has gained a couple pounds, his fur has grown back in nicely. Of course there is nothing we can do about his missing teeth and the little nic out of his ear due to years of his defending himself on the streets. He is now an indoor cat and loving life, well as much as he can living with three dogs . AJ has been know to get into the catnip at times totally loosing all sense of reason and attack Coleman's tail. I laugh now just seeing the expression on Aubreys face when he suddenly realizes that the fuzzy thing he is playing with is actually attached to his BIG brother and he is watching him ha! We are very proud of Coleman he has been accepted into LRR's LOL, his certificate will be hung on the wall next to his training and CGC certificates.

Tootsie has come a long way since her first steps through LRR's door. We are so proud of our little girl. She will follow us everywhere and always brings a smile to my face when I see her running behind me to catch up or with a toy in her mouth to play. Tootsie has been helping with house work, all we have to do is back her up to the furniture and talk to her. That gets the tail going and in turn the wiggle soon follows dusting off shelves, papers, books etc. sometimes the wiggle works overtime and objects need to be put back into place ha! I am still truly amazed with Tootsie! She loves to run and play, chasing one of her brothers a leaf or anything else that may catch her eye and yes even sometimes Aubrey. Often when people meet Tootsie they think she is a puppy. We believe it is her youthful puppy playfulness that keeps her young at heart. Not to mention that adorable little kissable English face. As you can see she isn't as camera shy as she used to be, the trick now is to get her to hold still long enough to get the picture taken without it turning into a blur, she is such a wiggle worm. Another exciting thing that happened, Tootsie was in an article featured in Just Labs magazine, topic of the article was Second Chance.

We just want to thank you and all your volunteers again for the wonderful work that you do. After all without LRR neither Coleman or Tootsie along with so many others would have had that second chance.