Luke was almost one year old when we got him. He is a standard sized American Eskimo puppy from New Jersey. He moved in with us just 2 days before Christmas. Here is his UKC Pedigree and Registration Papers

How did I find him? Believe it or not I found him right here on the Internet! While researching many Eskie web sites I ran across an announcment on a message board by a couple in New Jersey. Due to some major changes in their lives [career and re-location] they decided it would be in the dogs best interest to find him a loving home where someone had the time neccesary to train and develop him to his full potential. I inquired to the owner and after several question and answer sessions we agreed to Luke (ex-Downy) becoming a part of our family.

He arrived by plane here in Grand Rapids, Michigan just before Christmas. I know his previous owners was teary eyed when they had to say goodbye at the airport. I've been taking lots of pictures (Obviously :-) to share with them... I think they know that he is in good hands. I am a work at home mom which gives me the flexibility needed to care for him. At this moment he is under my desk, content with me reaching down and petting him randomly... at least until Princess wakes up *grin*

I discovered that he was bought from a pet store and given as a gift from a relative. I know... "Puppy mill" horror stories come to mind right? I don't think that anything bad like that happened to him... at least i hope not. Judging by his personality he seems to be a happy and pretty well adjusted little guy and we fell in love with his cute little face.

Luke became part of our family just before Christmas, making our holiday season even more special. Needless to say... Princess, our female eskie was the most excited about his arrival. They hit it off from the moment that they met and have been almost inseparable ever since. It is easy to see the positive effects accomplished by bringing them together. The increased physical excercise that they get just by romping around together has to be good for them and so does the emotional and social bonding taking place. They seem to get along great! They have the same birthday Dec. 23rd except Princess is 2 years older.

Luke appears to be a little smaller than Princess but actually he is very close to the same size that Princess is... she just has a lot more fur. He's still a puppy though and his coat has not grown to maturity yet... making him appear a bit smaller. Generally Male Eskie's have a thicker coat than females. His coat is starting to thicken some already ... maybe the recent 16 inches of snow triggered a "hair growth spurt" *grin* I don't know, we'll have to wait and see.

Luke has a very sweet disposition and is eager to learn new things. He emediately let Princess know that he was not going to take a back seat in this family and indeed he has proven to be her EQUAL.

Luke does have a "naughty puppy" side though. For instance, chewing things up! Even with all of his dog bones and toys he still finds "other" things to chew on such as socks, shoes, milk jugs, 2 litter pop bottles, stuffed animals, and even an a electrical cord!! (time to spray some bitter apple:-) All in all, we just love having him here!