Editor’s Note: Judi Payne received the following report on a Rescue Giant from the new owner. Since we all love success stories we were sure our members would enjoy reading about Sombra’s life in her new home.

Dear Judi,

Have been meaning to update you on Ginna's and my progress. First congratulations on the newsletter...it is great.

Ginna, now known as Sombra (Shadow in Spanish), answers to her new name without hesitation. As you can see in the picture she loves patrolling the rooftop almost as much as prowling all the winding streets here in our second home across the border. But her real joy is exploring our lot. She has had to stay on her leash when we visit because it is so overgrown, but they will begin cleaning next week and she should have a wonderful playground until construction starts.

Sombra has mellowed somewhat around other dogs. She mostly ignores them instead of trying to prove she is bigger and stronger. There are still a few dogs that she seems to take an instant dislike to, but after a token show of resistance, allows herself to be persuaded to continue our walk. We spend lots of time walking here and her manners are beautiful. Her first family gave her a great foundation. She sits and stays outside the shop while I step inside to purchase tortillas for the day. She reclines regally at my feet in the outdoor restaurants here and generally becomes the center of admiring attention. And she is very good about walking on her leash. She has even learned to let me use her strong back to steady myself on the stairs.

Sombra has been tolerant of the children who want to pet her but remains aloof with most of the men...who typically admire her from a distance. She is either very gracious, or very intolerant of women. And I can't figure out what—if anything—is the trigger.

We have both definitely mellowed and I enjoy her company more and more. She is a joy and a delight and always elicits admiring comments wherever we go. She may not speak Spanish yet...but she must understand that she is being admired because that head comes up a little higher and those ears cock forward, and she is something to behold.

Thank you for all your patience and help...and keep up the good work.

Joanne U. Grieder

San Antonio, Texas

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