Thank you both for your replies! I never even thought of vet records or chips, etc., thank you golddust!!! I think the people had to sell their house and get an apartment so they don't have a choice as no pets allowed. But everything happens for a reason I guess so at least in this case, it's a happy ending. I think they are just so happy they don't have to put him in a shelter and they "got to pick" who takes him home. That will at least help them with the sad part of giving him up. I will have her ask for a receipt, as silly as it sounds! (I was thinking a "bill of sale" when I was posting!). I was thinking of the "stolen" factor too, even though I don't think they'd do that. I agree, you just never know. I am so excited, I can't wait to meet her!! *p.s. It's nice to see you, auntjen! you were missed!!

I think that this post may help so many people, and the fact that the boy was almost 12 is also meaningful. Had he been 5 or so, he would have been down with the dog. Since he is 11, he must have reached down to the dog for the dog to have gotten his face. (Just guessing here) Isn't it true that fingers look like claws to dogs? In our dog training school we are taught to go up to one another's dogs using the back of our hands or even our fists. We go under the chin, not to the top of the head. After so many years, I had never been taught that most dogs don't want their heads petted (by strangers). Frankly I like the content of what so many people here say, but I wish they would be more respectful. When someone tells me that the Forum has spoken, and why don't I listen, I think I am communicating with a child. Truth does not come from the loudest screamer. When someone is so arrogant as to tell me that if I don't listen to him, I should take my dog to the pound, he negates all of the words that he wrote that could have been very informative. When we ask for advice, we get it. I am very interested in this forum, but we don't know each other, and to presume that we could be in another's shoes is not helpful. To me my dogs are almost human. I know that is a ridiculous thing to say, but it is true. I was shocked when my almost perfect puppy grabbed a bird, and wouldn't let it go. Yuck!! But he is a dog, and it is helpful for us to never forget that dogs are dogs. That is why experts who train Goldens (the only dog I am really familiar with) recommend that they not be left alone with young children. They are dogs and cannot be trusted. Also even though they can be trained perhaps better and faster than any other breed, we cannot trust them off lead - outside. It is helpful for us to hear about what has happened to others. We can spread this information, and help so many people. Don't we all think that dog information and education is lagging behind the year 2008? We don't have good publicity. We are concerned with backyard breeders and stray dogs, but we really have no type of education for the normal family that would like to have a puppy around. We have so much to learn from each other, but nice is a way to go on the forum if we want to learn from each other. I know that this is just my opinion, but I am accustomed to a forum where we do meet with each other from time to time, and we know each other's names. This forum is pretty anonymous, but we can pretend that we are friends. Sammy

I realize how my brother was not training Murdoch the good way with all the yelling...and also realize Murdoch was not having the proper exercise. I am a big fan of Cesar Millan and am applying his techniques with Murdoch, as well as with my 2 others and so far so good. When Murdoch was coming over with my brother, he was the hound from hell and the bad energy my brother had with him and the yelling didn't work at all. He is a challenging dog and I need to be at all time calm and assertive and he is doing quite good considering he's been with me, the dogs and the cats since Tuesday afternoon. I took him to the lake yesterday and used a horse lead and he really enjoyed himself. He walks very well on a leash, he heels and rarely pulls. Called the shelter for his eyes (they are much better), they told me he must be fighting a little virus and wait a few more days and come back to see the vet if it doesn't clear but I'm sure it will. Each time I look at Murdoch...he wags his tail. He has yellowish droopy eyes, thick eyebrows, a beard... and my heart flips every time. My digital camera is broken but here's the picture they took of him at the SPCA. He weighs 74lbs and is very muscular with a wide chest. Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.

I don't know. Each state has different laws and requirements. I would think a misdemeanor is not of concern. A felony would concern me. A record involving children would also concern me. DUI/DWI might be of concern but I would think it would matter how long ago it was. Also, in most stepparent adoptions, the case worker possibly would ask about it and if you explain it as you did here, they could note it and decide it's not of concern. Stepparent adoptions are different than any other adoption. You are married, live together and the biodad isn't an issue. I would contact a local attorney and 'inquire' about it. Maybe a free consultation to better understand or to better prepare for what will take place would be beneficial for you. Good luck and congrats on becoming the 'legal' father. Very lucky kiddos!