Deb,

I've wanted to send you a note for quite a while, but haven't stopped to take the time until today when I glanced at your Web Site and saw the "success stories" section.

Eric and I adopted China almost two years ago (April 1, 1998), she had been staying with Mary and Phil Marra. I believe for awhile you had her pix on the internet as well. The first few weeks were quite challenging, but I fell in love with China almost immediately, and in time she became the perfect fit for our family. She is the light of my life and she all but runs my house. The only downfall is that I hate to leave her at all, even for a little while. If I'm gone, even if its just for an hour, she greets me at the door like I have been off to war or something!  My friends have a difficult time understanding why I never want to go anywhere without her, but as soon as they meet her they understand. So, more often than not, friends come to our house...

When I think of all the pain and abuse that she suffered, the fact that she held out hope and is as loving as she is completely mystifies me. It's a miracle. She gives so much love and asks for so little in return, I only hope that I have many years to show her love and that the memories of her former life have all faded away.

Here are a few pictures of her from this past holiday. I hope you enjoy them and will post them on the success stories page. If you have an e-mail address for Mary and Phil, I hope you will forward these on to them. We think of you often and are so grateful that you do all you do to give these precious dogs a chance.

Thanks again,

David Beam (China's Dad)