Dear Terry and family,

Thanks for asking me to write you about our little Leo, who gives us plenty of trouble, as a puppy should, but is happy and healthy and even swimming. We have

a cottage by Lake Carlos in Alexandria, as you may remember. Leo decided several days ago it was time to try out the water, and he swam like a pro. He also likes every smelly item around the lake, as you can imagine. He is almost sleeping through the night and is sort of house trained mostly because we're outside most of the time. We kept close watch over him outside when he first arrived because he was so small and we have eagles nearby, but I think he's too big for an eagle now. (We keep close

watch anyway -- don't worry). Leo is growing fast. I bet he weighs 14 pounds. The vet predicted he'd weigh 18 pounds next time we bring him in, which will be next week.

I bet you won't be surprised to hear that Leo loves children. He's had a good time following my nieces and nephews around the yard and into the lake, and I thank Kendra and

Dawson for teaching him how to please a child. Whenever he hears a child's voice, he perks right up. I know he'll love our grandchildren. They're still in California, and we'll be with them around August 19.

All the best and many thanks again for this wonderful addition to our family.

Elizabeth Farnsworth