Feb 15/02  This is Ryan (now Samson).  He is an approx 2 yro neutered male with natural ears and docked tail and a lovely brindle coat with fawn stripes - he weighs 72 lbs. Ryan gets along well with small dogs and female dogs - is very unsure of dominant male dogs.  He loves everyone and is very friendly - he learns quickly and is very bright.  Ryan knows sit, down, shake a paw and speak.  His shots are utd and he is microchipped.  Ryan would do best in a household with someone who has the time to devote to training - he would excel in agility or obedience - and would prefer to have his owner home most of the time.  He travels very well and loves to go for car rides. For further info pls contact Margo Illing at pitabouv@sympatico.ca

Mar 19/02  We took Ryan (now called 'Samson') to his new home today.  Barbara was waiting patiently for us to arrive and he seemed so excited when he saw her again (she had come to the house to spend some time with Samson to make sure it was a perfect 'fit'). He gets to go to work with his new 'mom' most days, they go walking everyday and spend weekends at Barbara's cottage. As he is her first dog, Barbara will be attending obedience classes with Samson to get started off on the right foot. What a great pair these two are!!

Jan 5/03  I rec'd the below email updating me to Samson's progress - with my computer down, I was only just now able to post it....

Nov 22/02  Hello Margo, Long time no write.  I have been thinking of you and the idea of writing but have just got around to it now.  I have referred many people looking into Bouviers,  to your website

Well, it has been eight months for the two of us and we have come a long way.  Samson enjoyed a wonderful summer at the cottage.  It was not until Labour Day weekend that he actually whole heartedly swam out to the floating dock without hesitation.  It basically took the entire summer to learn how to and to gain the confidence to swim.  He just loves the cottage. We have had our ups and downs and learned plenty.  We are still working on a low grumbly growl that Samson test on a few people.   My fantasy of having this casual clinic dog fizzled out.  It was too stressful to have him there. His instinct to protect and bark at anyone walking in has been hard to break.  I now come home for lunch or have a dog walker - who takes him for three hours out to Sunny Brook Park with a bunch of other dogs. 

Samson is socializing very well.  Better off leash than on.  We just started off leash two months ago and it is going very well.I have lost about 10lbs and Samson has gained 10.

He is getting lots of love'n and I keep his hair shorter - groomed every three months. He is very dedicated and protective of me but will easily go with anyone that is willing to walk him or take him for a car ride. We have evolved to a wonderful relationship and I look forward to more. I hope things are well with you.  I would love to forward some photos to you if I get in touch with a scanner.  There are some beauties of Samson - how could they not be.  He is so adorable.

Take care,
Barbara