Introducing Chief: aka Radar, Rusty, Swamp Thing, Sexy Mother, Golden Boy and Knuckle head All nicknames wrapped in one dog! Originally Donna and I went to Capitol Area Humane Society to look at another dog we saw on Petfinder. On a drive back from Holland Michigan, we made a *quick* stop to see if there was a potential dog. Donna stopped at the cage of the dog we were there to see, as I went three cages down. There was a dog that reminded me instantly of Stiggy. I did not even look at the other dog, we walked out of there with our next recruit!

Meet Navy Chief Jeff Morrison. Who has been patiently waiting for  two years for his dog. Once we knew that this dog was going to pass, I made the phone call. I had Jeff go online as I waited to hear his reaction seeing his new dog …. I held my breath as he opened his Facebook page …. “Ha, he looks like a Knuckle Head” Jeff chuckled. Well, that was not the response I was waiting to hear. This *Knuckle head* was our golden boy!!!

Jeff drove from Virgina the next week to start training. Jeff’s little Knuckle Head met him with heart bubbles over his head, kissing his face, pawing him constantly. Jeff’s smile as big as his dogs. The connection was instant and the training began. Both seemed to have wanted this for a long time, working together learning each other came naturally. Although each morning when we saw Jeff, he had a new *mark* on his face or head. His *swamp thing* (big webbed Catahoula feet) would paw at him and scratch his face, eye and  head. After three days it looked like we had beat him up!!

One afternoon after training, Jeff and Chief were in the next room. Donna heard his phone ring, Jeff answer and mumbled a couple of words. The you could heard him say “Chief .” Then the patter of feet circling around the floor. Donna went in the room to see what was happening.  Jeff still on the phone, Chief pawing at him desperately, circling him. Jeff turned around, with tears running down his cheeks. His aunt had died.  I felt the mixed emotions of sadness for Jeff’s loss mixed with pride for the dog that *felt* his energy, knew something was wrong and trying to help! They were bonded already, this was very good. For Jeff wanted to leave earlier than anticipated to be home for the funeral. After witnessing what we did, we knew Jeff and Chief were well on their way already!

Passing their test and cramming in much over the next two days. We are so proud of both Jeff and his Chief!!! We look forward to following your journey ….