Dear Suzi,
We think Fudge is the ideal pet. He is always a pleasure to be with. He wants nothing more than to be with Alice and me. His disposition is always positive. He is very curious and needs to sniff each new thing. When we are in the yard, even for hours, he follows, watches,
and stays close.
He fetches a Frisbee for me. When friends are in the yard to throw the Frisbee, he brings it to me.
We still have the small rug you sent with him. We refer to it as the "Suzi rug." We keep it in his dog house (about the size of your crates).
He will only drink very fresh water. The water must not be in his bowl more than one hour or he will wait for hours until he again has fresh water before he drinks. Alice says he is her "spoiled rotten dog."
He seems to love small children. A three-year-old girl stepped on his paw and later took from him his favorite toy. He wagged his tail.
He continues to catch and eat rabbits. Big ones, even babies, he likes them all. He likes to eat anything he can catch, including a grasshopper. If he gets a chance, he will even eat a minnow.
If we say "no" when he starts to do something, he never attempts again. When I tell him to "stay," as in a place in our house, he remains for long periods, even an hour, until I return.
In short, we love this animal. He charms everyone who has contact with him. We leave him in a clinic when we travel. They call him "Fudgee." I believe he is their favorite. They refer to me as "Fudge Shelton's owner."
I think that your technique of having your puppies handled may have conditioned Fudge to be so accepting to a human touch. He even likes to be petted while he is eating, drinking, or awaking. I have never seen this in another dog.
When Fudge's time is over, and I hope that won't be for a long time, I expect to contact you for a replacement.
I wish you well with your Dalmatians.
Jack, Alice, and Fudge Shelton