On December 3, 2005, when he was 10 weeks old, we placed Newt with a great family in Kalamazoo. They taught him to sit, shake hands, retrieve balls... even to ring a bell to be let outdoors:


Then in January 2007, Newt's first family asked us to take him back.

Over the next several months we found Newt to be a fabulous companion: completely housetrained, very affectionate with us, very smart, quick to learn and to obey, very playful...and very clearly a dog who needed (and deserved) a home and a family all his own.

Midday on November 4, 2007, we updated Newt's web page and announced his availability. That same evening, Sandy Butler called to ask if Newt was still available, and on November 10, 2007, she and her husband, Bill, came to meet Newt.

Within minutes of their arrival, Newt turned from apprehensive and fearful of these strange newcomers, to Bill's new best friend. At the end of their visit, Newt literally dragged Bill out our front door and to the Butlers' car. He now lives near Detroit with Sandy and Bill. Sandy faithfully keeps us informed about Newt, and in her latest note (May 29, 2008) she wrote:

Hello Melody,

Just wanted to touch base with you about Newt. I just love him and he fills such a void. I love having Newt home with me. Bill and I have been up north twice in the last six weeks. Newt loves it there. He runs all day around the cabin and chases the four wheeler. He is so tired at the end of the day. He loves to ride in the car. He has fit right in our family and we are thrilled. He is such a great dog we are truly blessed. Thanks again, I just wanted you to know we are taking great care of your family member.

Love, The Butlers

As much as we will always love and miss this super-special boy, we thank God for bringing Newt and the Butlers together.