Valentin

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="09a00640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Welcome to Shefaro Borzoi and Boer Goats</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |  </B><A HREF="http://www.shefaro.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.shefaro.com"><U><B> </B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.shefaro.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.shefaro.com"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Valentin </B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Baby Mateo</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="17eda7950.jpg" border=0 width="167" height="149" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Big boy Mateo</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="17efa1950.jpg" border=0 width="161" height="149" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Valentin </I></div> <div> <I>Karen Meiswinkel, California</I></div> <div> Valentin was formerly known as Mateo</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.shefaro.com/championskl" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.shefaro.com/championskl"><U>Katy</U></A>'s a Mom <A HREF="http://www.shefaro.com/championsbce" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.shefaro.com/championsbce"><U>Cesario</U></A>'s a Dad </div> <div> <IMG SRC="17aef9ec0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="236" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="17af0bec0.jpg" border=0 width="267" height="236" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> The new puppies were born September 30, 2005. Katy is a wonderful mom. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Seventh born - tri colored boy - Mateo- white and black with tan points</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b090ac0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="428" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Katy ate and so I went to bed after seven only to find one more in the morning! </div> <div> The final count - five boys (R), three girls (L) October 1, 2005</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="17b1902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="17b2902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> Blue is for boys. Red is for girls.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b390230.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="291" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17b490f90.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="249" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 5, 2005, after dewclaws removed. </div> <div> Blue is for boys.  Red is for girls.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b590690.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="361" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Five boys October 5, 2005</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b6903c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="316" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Three boys - Blonde Brunette Redhead</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b7905c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="348" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 7 boys</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b890480.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="328" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Octpber 10</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17b9902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Tri boy, Red girl</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17ba90780.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="376" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17bb901d0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="285" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Katy and her babies - what  a good mom.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17bc90960.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="406" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 12, 2005</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17bd90c60.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="454" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17be902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17bf90590.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="345" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17c0902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c10ff70.jpg" border=0 width="271" height="247" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="17c2f2f70.jpg" border=0 width="242" height="247" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 14, 2005</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c3902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Three boys - tri, blonde, redhead</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c490200.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="288" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Tri and blonde brothers</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c5902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The boys</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c6906d0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="365" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 15 Boys</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c7904f0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="335" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Tri boy - white with black, tan cheeks eyebrows</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17c8cc990.jpg" border=0 width="204" height="153" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="17c917990.jpg" border=0 width="279" height="153" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 17, 2005 - Katy's a great mother.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17ca90430.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="323" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 17, 2005 - Boys - blondes, brunette, redhead</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17cb90630.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="355" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Blue is for boys. Red is for girls. Oct. 17</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17cc90490.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="329" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Tri boy October 17, 2005</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17cd502c0.jpg" border=0 width="336" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Blue is for boys.  Red is for girls.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17ce90fa0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="250" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Tri boy, Tri girl, Blonde Girl, Red boy</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17cf90590.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="345" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Blue is for boys. Red is for girls</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d0907a0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="378" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Sleeping beauties.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d190250.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="293" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> November 27, 2005 Mateo plays with Anatolian Shepherd boy, Panzer.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d290d90.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="217" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> December 26, 2005</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d3902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo enjoys running in the field.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d490170.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="279" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17d5902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo plays with Picante and Martina (Fuego in back)</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d6902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Martina, Mateo and Manolo February 28, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d790f10.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="241" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo March 23, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d890ff0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="255" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Flipper, Martina, Sunny the Saluki, Mateo March 23, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17d9902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo and Martina in Shefaro Park April 11, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17da90030.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="259" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo and Lily</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17db90ef0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="239" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> June 1, 2006</div> <div> Mateo with sister Martina and Tigra (back)</div> <div> It rained today and the kids played in it.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17dc90c00.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="448" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> What a face!</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17dd452c0.jpg" border=0 width="325" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> After a day playing in the rain.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17de903e0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="318" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo, Martina and Silver coming in from Shefaro Park June 11, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17df902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> August 2, 2006</div> <div> Playing with Monet</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e0902d0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="301" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo, Freckles and Monet</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e190df0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="223" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Relaxing</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e2902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo's still growing, but what a handsome guy.  August 3, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e3902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> August 8, 2006 in Shefaro Park</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e490300.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="304" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e5902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Running in with his family from Shefaro Park.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e6907a0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="378" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Playing tug of war with Zorro  at Shefaro August 18, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e790090.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="265" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> August 22, 2006 at the airport before leaving for San Francisco</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e8902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mateo is now known as Valentin and lives in San Francisco with his new</div> <div>  Mom, Karin.  They are delighted with one another. </div> <div> <IMG SRC="17e9902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> At San Francisco Bay</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17ea80200.jpg" border=0 width="384" height="288" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> ----- Original Message ----- </div> <div> <B>From:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Karin</U></FONT></div> <div> <B>To:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>shefaro@ev1.net</U></FONT> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Thursday, August 24, 2006 8:16 PM </div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Thurs: </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1012 WIDTH="622"><div> Hi sherry, This is the most amazing dog! He has the temperament of an angel! He continues to thrill me with how exceptionally well he's adapting to such a different world for him. First of all in case you're wondering why I'm calling him a "dog", it's because I want to tell you his new name which he is getting used to already and it fits him. "Valentin" (vah lyen teen) It means strong, vigorous, healthy in the Russian sense of the name....I got it from a Russian friend. I considered many other Russian names, but this is the finalist. I can call him "Val" for short. I know it's a "v" name like Vladimir, but that's what I liked and he has already helped to heal my heart like a "valentine.' I know it's strange for you to hear a new name, but I hope you like it. Everyone else seems to. </div> <div> I have had him 2 days now and most dogs would not do this well in 2 weeks.....He has mastered all of the stairs and does it on his own all the time....quick study. Last night I moved his bed upstairs by ours, also his food and water and he did really well, was basically quiet and sleeping with some eating all night. Rudy was up early as he has to be out of town for 2 days, so we were all awake with his packing. when he left I had Valentin get up on the bed with me as I was still tired and he acted like he'd always been doing it. Went fast asleep and loved the comfort and all. So we both had a snooze with Chloe on the floor as her legs are too short for up on bed stuff. Then up and about, both dogs out for potty and checking the grounds out. After I took care of some business, I took him on his morning walk. This time instead of pulling around, he heeled, but totally leaned into me the whole time. It was kind of funny and I don't know where he got that new idea; it appeared like he was attached to me, which I didn't mind. </div> <div> He is learning to love these walks as he sees and smells so many things. Came in from that and he was ready for another nap. He's eating and drinking well and his stool looks good. Boy, does he have a hell of a bladder! (camel boy) lol </div> <div> He is starting to follow me around the house and if I go up or down he will sometimes stand and cry; I just say "Hey c'mon up or down here, you can do it" and he usually does. Then I took him and Chloe riding in the truck and we went to the Vitamin store where you can take your dogs in. I had both of them on leash all through a parking lot and by a bunch of stores into the H. Food store. While I got and was paying for my stuff, he was just patient and well behaved....he let people pet him and seemed to know just what we were doing. Then back into the truck and into San Carlos, darling little town with a Thurs. Farmer's market thing and Bow Wow Meow, the pet store where I've been going for years. Of course you can bring the dogs in. The people there didn't realize it wasn't Vlady at first glance. Valentin saw other dogs in there and all that was going on. Everybody made a fuss over him. I'm not entirely sure about really little dogs as I don't know if he knows what they are, but he's on leash and under control of course. It's good for him to see some and he did. We got gourmet carob healthy dog cookies and went to the little park in the middle of it all. There was a Blues Group on the little stage. We sat down on the lawn and he took it all in like a champ. The music, a few other dogs, the booths of produce and people coming and going. Even some little kids and he seemed to calm down about the short people, no growls or anything. He laid on the lawn and just loved watching all the action. How amazing how quickly he socialized in 2 days. He LOVES riding in the truck. No one would ever believe that I've had this boy just 2 days. So then a stop at the Whole Foods store where I left both of them in the truck while I shopped and I came out to a perfectly calm, still in his place on the quilt in the crew cab, and absolutely fine and happy boy. Didn't even get into any of the bags from the dog store. He's getting a real lamb shank bone tonight....yum... so, came in sent them out to go potty and now he's having a big nap next to me. He groans a lot in his sleep. He'll have another walk tonight. I didn't go to B. Creek in the Redwoods today..changed it all to tomorrow, so that will be another great trip for him. Tried to take a few pictures as he was just dozing off, but no good shots or angles.....I'll get some when he gets up later on. </div> <div> So that's the report to date....pretty fabulous! </div> <div> Karin & Valentin.......</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> First ride in Karin's 4x4</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17eb902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="17ad40f00.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="17f690310.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="305" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> ----- Original Message ----- </div> <div> <B>From:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Karin Meiswinkel</U></FONT> </div> <div> <B>To:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>shefaro@ev1.net</U></FONT> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Monday, August 28, 2006 12:57 AM </div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Re: Valentin profile lounging on bed </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 153 WIDTH="622"><div> He did fine on the way back tonight in the front seat and with the windows open and lots of fresh air in his face....was able to drive really slowly and carefully as there was minimal traffic on Sunday night. As Summer is coming to an end here, it cools down quickly especially if the fog rolls in....it was probably about 57 coming over skyline and V. had plenty of quite cool air from outside coming in. I think he's becoming a real road warrior and always loves to go now. He is not only adapting and becoming a total love, he is exhibiting all the versatility to travel and enjoy so many different scenarios of life and people. </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><IMG SRC="17f5902f0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="303" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <B>----- Original Message ----- </B></div> <div> <B>From:</B><B> </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B> Karin </B></FONT></div> <div> <B>To:</B><B> </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>shefaro@ev1.net</B></FONT><B> </B></div> <div> <B>Sent:</B><B> Monday, August 28, 2006 1:32 AM </B></div> <div> <B>Subject:</B><B> Sunday Nite... </B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 743 WIDTH="622"><div> Hi Sherry, </div> <div> Report is really coming in late as I had to pick up Rudy from SFO and a few other things came up. Anyway, as I write, Valentin is relaxing in one of his beds....and seems so confident and pleased with himself and the world around him. EVERYONE that has met him thus far is so impressed with his beauty and his wonderful temperament! This boy has been on a social whirl up in the Redwood area: let's see.....he met lots of people and select dogs friends, went on hikes and walks, went to lunch on an outside deck on the way to the beach, just chilled and settled on his rug that I bring for him when dining out on decks, loves watching all the people,cars, activity, is not noise sensitive at all, i.e. a fire engine siren and such.Is calm and cool with any dog he might see....patient and cooperative with the agenda at the time. Loved the smells and so forth of the beach, but was uncertain about the movement of the water rolling up on the beach as the waves came in.....all in good time. Not a water boy just yet. Shopped in the cool Dog and Pet store in Boulder Creek....was mesmerized by the mice in their cage...and the birds... </div> <div> Picked out some treats for himself and I bought a beautiful soft, pearl gray, bed for him....he liked it so much I ordered another one. </div> <div> Today had lunch on the deck of Scopazzi's , the one cool, and quite nice restaurant in the town. Dined on the deck and he had some chicken grilled just for him and his own water bowl, etc. Beautiful setting there and he settled right into it. The owner does not let virtually anyone bring their dogs on the dining deck, but with his Borzoi predecessor with beautiful manners, Valentin was most welcome and admired. He did me proud too, like he'd always been doing it. Next today, he met Lola a cute German Shorthair, who was Vlady's girlfriend. Her folks have several acres and it's safe for them to run and romp....Lola was smitten with Valentin....she really loved him right off the bat. He exudes a very positive, sweet persona that dogs and people all like.So he got to run and play. He is a doll in a million ways. He has a nice soft mouth when taking food. He is wise and sweet beyond his puppy (almost 11 months) years. He is a gift from the spirit of the Borzoi and the most wonderful boy I could have had come into my life! I normally write quite well and it's my hobby and passion, but when I write about Valentin, I just get all warm and fuzzy and kind of pop around with no attention to format and punctuation, grammer.....have to forgive me.....I'm in love...... </div> <div> Oh, and here I go popping again, but this morning, when he awoke from a quiet night of sleep on his bed,he came over to me in bed and gave me nuzzles and even a kiss or 2....did this for a while and then simply "walked up onto the bed" made himself comfortable and put his chin on my leg....this boy is a real "chin man", loves to rest his chin on anything available. He follows me all around now, but not in a demanding way. He can still be his own dog and cool with that......fabulous boy! </div> <div> Signed, </div> <div> Valentin's adoring Mom....</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 306 WIDTH="622"><div> <IMG SRC="17f2902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> August 29, 2006</div> <div> Today we went to Bair Island, a wildlife preserve area in the wetlands in Redwood City. Miles of trails and it's only about 6 miles away. Again, going in the middle of the day, there's hardly anyone there. The smells and so forth are wonderful....lots of Egrets.... It goes way back so I could let Val off leash and he still sticks with me amazingly well. Did a little running and only ran into one person and another with a Lab and a Chihuahua. Val is not at all interested in birds or what they do, at least thus far. There is one point where you have to cross through just a bit of swamp type stuff.....but he got his legs cleaned off shortly in a shallow few inches of saltwater. Did the store and some other errands, he is an angel in the truck. He got on the bed and dozed with me this morning after Rudy left. I awoke to find my arms around him and his head on the pillow fast asleep.....he's my kind of man....err...dog. I love this boy! </div> <div> K....... </div> <div> Val sends kisses to his first Mom and says thanks, he really is loving Ca.! 75 degrees today....perfect! </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="17f3902d0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="301" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <IMG SRC="17f740f00.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="17fa90680.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="360" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="17f940f00.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The boy's at home!</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17fc902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> September 9, 2006 </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 326 ><NOBR><div> <B>"I'd rather lie in front of it, than it it!" Val in room under transformation into an office.</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div> <B> <IMG SRC="1802902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> A king and his castle.  September 26, 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17fd902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Valentin in his parlor of the Cypress Inn in Carmel, Ca. Everything is beautiful and wonderful there.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="17fe902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> October 20, 2006 at Tahoe <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Sir Valentin crossing a reservoir on a hiking trail by friends home in Lake Tahoe, Ca. This boy gets around!</FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1800902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> ----- Original Message ----- </div> <div> <B>From:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Karin</U></FONT></div> <div> <B>To:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>shefaro@ev1.net</U></FONT> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Saturday, November 04, 2006 1:37 PM </div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Re: Valentin does Tahoe: Oct. 2006 </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 224 WIDTH="622"><div> BIG KISSES FROM VALENTIN!!! <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#800000" FACE="Arial" >We're just fine, but busy; I was in Portland last weekend and he had a host of people to meet his needs. Football games, sailing, every day planned around Sir Val's outings and exercise. Yesterday in Boulder Creek he laid on his rug in the shop for my whole haircut; then in the Internet coffe shop owned by a lovely Russian girl named Olga. She speaks to him in Russian and lets him come in. He is admittedly spoiled and rather demanding, but simply a super boy!</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I left my camera in Portland and am waiting for them to shop it back to me, so no pictures until then. He now has blonde in his tail, it's very unique!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> All is well!</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> ----- Original Message ----- </div> <div> <B>From:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Karin</U></FONT></div> <div> <B>To:</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>shefaro</U></FONT></div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Thursday, November 23, 2006 10:58 AM </div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Valentin with his new cow: </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 361 WIDTH="622"><div> <B>Happy Thanksgiving to all from Valentin and his Mom. He seems to be crazy about this new stuffed cow cause it's black and white like him! Val will make everything a chin rest.</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1803902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> ----- Original Message ----- </div> <div> <B>From:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Karin</U></FONT></div> <div> <B>To:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>shefaro</U></FONT> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Thursday, November 23, 2006 11:46 AM </div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Re: Still a Chin Man! </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 304 WIDTH="622"><div> Thanks Sherry, his page really tells a story of his Ca. lifestyle. Wait til we hit Arizona in January! </div> <div> We're going to the Tahoe house friends main house in Danville. So Val will have dog company, a hike and lots of TURKEY! </div> <div> All the best to you and all your Borzoi and numerous other Texas farm life denizens from the animal kingdom! </div> <div> One last snippet......a particular dog park in Menlo Park with great people and all nicely behaved dogs.....ok, that sentence didn't work out....ha,ha. but I'm cooking some dishes to take while I'm typing...... </div> <div> Anyway, several people have commented that they have NEVER seen or met a Borzoi with such a fabulous temperament! He is a celebrity there and everyone says, "Oh here's Valentin, oh good!" when we come. Never mind that they also acknowledge that he's gorgeous! He is growing and has gained about 5-6 lbs. since he came exactly 3 months ago yesterday. His coat is coming in and is going to be great. I'm going to fix him a kong ball stuffed with goodies while I cook. </div> <div> That's it for now! </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Val's first Christmas 2006</div> <div> <IMG SRC="180468e00.jpg" border=0 width="360" height="480" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Enjoying his first snow </div> <div> <IMG SRC="1807902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> at Lake Tahoe</div> <div> <IMG SRC="1809902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> January 10, 2007 Val has his own laptop!</div> <div> <IMG SRC="180b8d2c0.jpg" border=0 width="397" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Reunited - Valentin and his sister, Kiska,  (formerly Martina) at Karin's in Arizona March 18, 2007</div> <div> <IMG SRC="180e90310.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="305" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> At the pool.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="180f902e0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="302" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Valentin watches the gardener intently.  March 24, 2007</div> <div> <IMG SRC="181090290.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="297" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Valentin & Kiska chillin' by the pond on a hot Az. day June 2, 2007</div> <div> <IMG SRC="1812902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> ----- Original Message ----- </div> <div> <B>From:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Karin</U></FONT></div> <div> <B>To:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>shefaro</U></FONT> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Sunday, June 03, 2007 1:23 AM </div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Re: Valentin & Kiska chillin' by the pond on a hot Az. day: </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 114 WIDTH="622"><div> Welcome, checked out your website and your girls and their victories in Mexico City.....really happy it all went so well, all beautiful and you know how I love Lily anyway! V & K send their regards. Wait til you see how I've had their room painted it's darling.Valentin has an affinity for feathers & fur and Kiska for books and wood. There's some testimony to that around here as their pursuits,lol </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Valentin and Kiska have a picnic by the lake</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1814f4770.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="375" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> August 19, 2007 Pebble Beach, Cal. </div> <div> <IMG SRC="1815902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Inseparable siblings - October 2007</div> <div> <IMG SRC="1817902c0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>