Brownie is doing just great! He has two big soft cushions to choose from, gets to go for lots of walks, is getting loads of attention and petting and praise from Richard and me. He is so incredibly mellow! The only people who are thrilled about this are the cats, but they’ll adjust. He is smart and doesn’t do anything to startle them; eventually I think they will come around. I introduced him to the ferret yesterday, and they sniffed each other and were fine –Brownie just slept on his cushion while Marlon (the ferret) played around.

We took him to Petsmart, where he got a glorious medicated and moisturizing bath (they said his skin was very dry), got his nails trimmed and generally got some pampering. He looks and smells beautiful now, and is quite pleased with himself. I was going to give him a bath in our tub, but he didn’t want to get in and I didn’t want to push him. The person at Petsmart said he looks like a Chesapeake, because his nose is longer. Who knows; doesn’t really matter. Anyhow, they were so happy with him because he was calm and happy through all of this, didn’t mind anything and basically enjoyed himself!

He was really really stiff yesterday, and seemed to have a hard time walking. It looked like he had bad arthritis, especially in his back legs. Is this something you’ve noticed? I’m sure the ride in the car and the cold damp weather didn’t help. But he just limped along slowly most of the time like he was an old old dog. Today he is a little springier, so I’m glad for him. We’ve walked around our neighborhood all different directions; once the weather is better, I’ll take up to the conservation area to walk –lots of great smells there! But I’m being careful not to push him –I want him to build up his strength and stamina at his own pace.

So, I just wanted to let you he is great! We think we will re-name in Bruno –we think he looks like a bear, and it’s close enough to the name he’s used to. He is so gentle, it’s amazing.

Thanks to all of you for all the work and effort you’ve done to keep him together and to get him out of the shelter before it was too late. I’m delighted to know him, and we’re so happy he is with us. I’ll stay in touch and let you know how he does.

Mary