I cannot believe that it has been two full years today that we adopted Tonka from your organization. In that time, Tonka has changed from an insecure little dog who didn't understand that he has a permanent, loving home, into the confident beagle who rules the roost! He has grown into a sensitive companion that I rush home to see every day after work. Tonka is intuitive and knows when we are sad, and offers comfort by plopping down in your lap (and he does make quite a thud, as he is a full 40 lbs!) His beautiful, expressive eyes always draw compliments from friends and neighbors, and his distinctive bark (that sort of sounds like a train whistle) always gets a crowd laughing.

Tonka's favorite activities include trips to the dog park, where he tries his hardest to run with the big dogs and play tag with gray hounds and salukis. He is also a regular at Doggie Happy Hour (www.doggiehappyhour.com) in Old Town Alexandria, where he gets to feast at the biscuit buffet. We have also taken him to Pat Troy's Pub in Old Town, where there is a special doggie menu and pets are welcome on their outdoor patio in warm months. Tonka highly recommends the lamb stew! He has also traveled to his all of his grandparents' homes, located in New Jersey and South Carolina. He loves to ride in the car and is a polite house guest (just make sure to hide the laundry basket!)

I couldn't imagine my life without Tonka in it - I hope he knows how much he is loved.

Thanks, BREW, for the work that you do!