The kids and Doug and I had a major discussion and we've very cautiously and reluctantly decided that we're willing to place Bronte once she is fully recovered.

This is not about the fact that she's spayed or is "no use" to us anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's because she lives in a house of very pushy dogs and she is the ultimate non-pushy bitch. She'll be sitting on the couch and one of the other dogs will walk over and give her the stink eye and she'll slink off the good seat and go sleep under the dining room table.

Having her in recovery here, which means she's alone with me much of the day, has showed me how much she ADORES being the only dog in the house. Once the first few days of pain and sorrow were over, she decided this was the best thing ever. She luxuriates on the couch, she talks to me, she wags her tail and woo-woos whenever anyone walks in the room. She's silly and responsive and affectionate in a way that she feels she can't be when the other dogs are competing for her space.

So we would like her to go to a home with at most one other dog, because she does LOVE dogs, but we'd really prefer that she be the only dog in the home if possible.

Bronte, who just turned three and should have another ten or twelve healthy years to give, is the ultimate, ULTIMATE "good dog." In the house she's quiet, happy, and undemanding. She adores kids, loves other dogs, will stand back when new people are introduced but once you tell her they're OK she'll gently approach and give a little kiss. She's a bit of a worrier, as many Cardis are, but she's not spooky or shy. Outside she is a ball nut who will play for hours.

She's super obedient, knows her basic commands, and loves training. The other dogs will get bored and wander off and she'll still have her eyes fixed on me and be throwing me sits and downs every time I glance at her. I could walk her on dental floss and she wouldn't break it. She would be an unbelievable rally dog. She's also shown a strong understanding of tracking and she has herding instinct.

I would prefer to not have her go to a serious agility home because she is built very low and has huge bone. She's not a heavy bitch but she's "too much" for me to be comfortable with her jumping repeatedly. Also, she had Lyme disease very seriously a year ago; she is fully recovered from that but has some stiffness in her stifle joints (not enough for anyone but me to notice, but I do see it) and she should stick to work on the flat. There's no reason she cannot work hard and be athletic for many years to come, however.

If she is placed, she will go with an ironclad contract and MUST be returned to me if for any reason she cannot live out her life with you. ANY REASON. I want to hear nothing but glowing reports about how much you adore her and how well she's fitting in; if there's any hesitation or problem I want to be immediately involved and I want it solved. This dog deserves so much and she will give you so much in return.

If you are interested in inquiring about her, drop me a line. She needs to stay here for at least another couple of weeks to ensure that her recovery is complete, and I am in no hurry to have her leave. If I thought I could give her as happy a life as she'd enjoy being the queen bee at someone else's home, I'd never let her go. Her placement fee would be negotiable – which means that I do ask a small amount in order to weed out people who are making an impulsive move, but if I know you or you have someone to vouch for you and the placement is ideal that's the important thing to me.