It started with a phone call...don't they all?..but this was the first callI received n New Year's Day.   Carin, who does lab rescue was at a shelterfor a lab emergency and called me about two bonded  female Akitas who appeared to have fabulous temperaments.  Carin, bless her generous heart, was instrumental in getting Romeo out of the same shelter several years ago.  She and her partner said if the girls were as nice as they seemed that they would foster them for us.  They aced the temp test...no food aggression to humans, sniffing noses with friendly dogs they passed, ignoring/ backing away from the aggressive dogs, sniffed then ignored the cats in cages,sitting on command, giving their paw and taking "down" to a new degree...they rolled on their backs for tummy rubs.  Obviously Carin and Anne could not resist and took  them home. They met the neighbor's 11 yr old and loved him !!  Despite having heated dog houses in their runs, they were brought inside with this bitter cold weather. They are very well behved in the house, love to sit on the couch and watch TV, and walk very nicely on lead.  We would prefer to place them together, but will separate if necessary. Shinju is probably mom at about 6 yrs and Rika her daughter at about 4 years.  UPDATE ON RIKA AND SHINJU: They have both been spayed,are doing well, BUT both arepositive for Heartworm and Ehrlichia. We will need to fundraise to get them both treated. I know everyone is tapped out after Xmas, but if you have $5 or $10 to spare, please help us out. Many people giving small amounts adds up quickly !!