Wendell's First Day at Doggy Daycare

As we were preparing for our move to Fairbanks, I began expressing my concern about Wendell being by himself all day while we both worked. (Not knowing, but figuring I'd eventually get a job.) I suggested to Ray and Nic that we find a mush family to give him to. I strongly felt that we'd done our job--rescued him and returned him to his ideal environment. As I researched housing I kept coming across property after property that advertised, "No pets."

Ray wouldn't hear of giving Wendell up! In fact, as we'd been driving around looking for a house, we saw a couple of mush farms. They did not look inviting!! We both felt very sorry for the dogs (lots--50, maybe more?) as they were chained up. That wasn't what I had in mind. I thought we'd find a nice family with a few dogs. They'd get "exercised" every day and he'd have a great life. Still, I didn't let go and let God. I continued to fret.

Now for those of you that aren't familiar with Wendell's story--I'll bring you up to speed. In January 2006, while Nic was working at Mission Park South, he watched as this beautiful red & white Siberian Husky ran around the cemetery. It was a cold and rainy day (cold for SA). By the end of the day, Nic was very concerned that this beautiful dog had been out all day with no food or water and he was limping. He had no collar/no tag(s). So, he called me. The first thing he said was, "You'll never believe what's running around the cemetery. The dog of your dreams." He asked if he could bring him home. He tried to get him into his car and couldn't coax him in. I drove over, picked him up and called Ray on my way home telling him, "He's a gift from God." Ray groaned. As soon as we drove up, Ray opened the car door and announced, "We can keep him!" For weeks afterwards, I scoured the Express-News Lost and Found classifieds, watched Websites and never saw a posting for a Lost Husky. I named him after Oliver Wendell Holmes. The Supreme Court Justice. My high school alma mater. Our mascot is a Husky.

A few weeks ago, while I was up at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for a job interview, I overheard a conversation about the doggy daycare in town. Noah's Ark. When I was offered and accepted the position (Sr Administrative Assistant in the Administrative Office) I asked my new co-worker, Jodi, about the facility. She raved about it, telling me her Lab attends every Friday.
A couple of days later, Wendell and I went in for a visit. Turned out he needed a couple more immunizations that are required in AK. He then visited the "playground" and ran around with two of his new furry friends. He passed the screening process and today attended his first day at Muttesori!

We received a note, along with the posted pictures, from his teacher. It reads, "Mr. and Mrs. Torres, Wendell did great for his 1st day. He was very shy at first, but did start to warm up to some of the other dogs. He was a joy to have here! Enjoy your evening and hope you like the pics. Jen"

Jen is the wonderfully warm caregiver. I'm so grateful God brought us to Noah's Ark and Muttesori.
Enjoy Wendell's pictures!

(Take a good look -- like every good child by recess he'd already lost one of his snow booties.)

More news about our house hunting and my job to come...stay tuned.

Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father. - James 1:17

We love you SNOW much!

R, Y and Wendell