Letter to Howie's Next Family

Howie is a sweet dog. He was born May 1, 2008. He is very smart and loyal and loving. He doesn’t shed much unless he needs to be brushed, and then it comes off in little clumps. He’s a good eater and likes rawhide chews and peanut butter. Peanut butter is great when he has to take medicine; he doesn’t even notice the pill in the peanut butter. He has a problem with gas that gets better when he eats a high quality, low ingredient dog food like Natural Balance.

Howie completed Puppy Training at PetSmart and did very well. He’s incredibly responsive and can learn new things with just a little effort. He knows to come when he’s called; he knows “sit” and “down;” he will shake if you say “paw” and put your hand down for him; he’s working on “stay” and “leave it” and will do “drop it” most of the time but especially if you offer him something better than what he’s got. He has been working on learning not to jump up on people but hasn’t quite figured it out.

Howie has been an indoor pet. He loves people and other dogs. His favorite things to do are play with the 2 little girls he lived with and go to the dog park. He also enjoys walking on his leash and fetching toys that have been thrown for him. He really likes toys that squeak.

We are heartbroken to have to give him up and will miss him a lot. We know he will be a wonderful addition to your family.


This is an actual letter I wrote to send with Howie when we take him back to his foster mom tonight. I haven't told Pete yet. The reasons to find him a better home outnumber the reasons to keep him here, even though the main reason to keep him is a big one - we committed to him, and we feel guilty and terrible for breaking our commitment. We'll miss him but mostly I think it will be a relief...