Posted November 13, 1997

Boots is an adorable -- and I mean ADORABLE -- pale buff male American Cocker Spaniel. He has a koala bear face and a persistent smile. I have never seen such a happy-faced guy. He is eight years old, but he's very lively and active and such a loverboy.

Boots was rescued from a Maryland shelter, but he finally is living happily ever after with a wonderful woman and her family. Please read her story about Boots.

We went to meet Boots in Fairfax, Virginia. What an adventure. We approached him, and he was the sweetest little thing. He let me pet him, and after awhile, he gave me the softest, gentlest Cocker kiss. What a little sweetheart.

He and Rufus got along great! But it was so sad when we went to leave. We wanted to get a picture of Boots with his foster mom. If only you could have seen him looking up at her with those big brown eyes and his tail going a mile a minute. I felt that we were doing something awful by taking this little guy away from a woman he obviously loves.

His foster mom probably thinks I'm nuts. I cried because I had to take him from her, and I cried because I couldn't take any more of the sweet little ones she had. This woman is truly an exceptional individual. It is amazing how much of herself, her time, and her resources are devoted to these wonderful creatures. I don't know how she does it. And I don't know how she can let even one of them go. I don't know how she can go on, day after day, seeing so much heartache.

If you are looking for a Cocker, I strongly recommend visiting the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center site. I am so happy I found it. You just can't believe all the great dogs that have ended up in foster care.

I can't believe this little guy wasn't snatched up. He is so sweet. And sooo cute! I wonder how he ended up at the shelter where the rescue people found him. I'm just glad they were there for him.

For the first time in what seems like weeks, it didn't rain here yesterday. In fact, it was beautiful. My husband was outside clearing leaves into the street to be sucked up, and as I passed by the front window, there was one of the most beautiful sights I'd ever seen: two buff Cockers -- one big, one small -- sitting in the sun next to each other with leaves all around them on the ground.

We can't thank you enough for bringing us together with Boots. He is truly a wonderful little dog and a terrific addition to our family. Thank you for Boots. And thank you from all of the dogs you have helped with your kindness and generosity.