From: Michelle
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 12:47 AM
Subject: Update on Casey: Adopted March 2003

 I'd like to submit another update on Casey, the wonderful golden that I
 adopted in March 2003.
 
 Casey has moved very gracefully into his "middle" years. He is now eight
 years old, and he has really started to turn gray. People have begun to
 call him "salty". But in my opinion, he now has so many variations of color
 in his coat that he is getting better looking with age.
 
 While he has started to look more "mature", Casey still has the attitude and
 energy of a teenager. People are frequently shocked to hear his age, and
 they say that he acts much younger. He still enjoys his favorite
 pastimes....chasing squirrels, running with me @ Town Lake, neighborhood
 walks, cats, affection and people...not necessarily in that order!!
 
 Casey has gotten even more affectionate with people as he has matured - if
 that was possible. He seems to sense when it is appropriate to be playful
 and energetic and when to be calm and gentle.
 
 My mother recently moved into a nursing facility and I frequently bring
 Casey to visit his "grandma". Casey has made lots of friends at the
 facility...you should see his fan club line up to pet him when they see him
 coming. He truly loves every minute of it. He is very gentle and
 affectionate...and he steals a few kisses whenever he can. Some of the
 residents don't communicate very much with anyone, but Casey has a way of
 making them smile and happy for a few moments. My mom's new place is one of
 Casey's favorite places to be...it's like he is fulfilling his purpose by
 making people forget about their troubles for a few minutes.
 
 Most dogs avoid eye contact, but Casey has a way of looking deep into one's
 eyes and staring...as if he sees into your soul. I believe that this trait
 really makes people gravitate to him. It's almost like he is saying "I
 understand your troubles and I want to listen and help you feel better". It
 is really amazing to see the affect that he has on people.
 
 Casey is a very happy dog in the prime of his life....and I hope to have
 many more happy years with him. He has brought joy and happiness to many.
 He is truly a special dog.
 
 I have attached a few pictures that I took last spring...please feel free to
 post them.
 
 Sincerely,
 Michelle