Tomorrow is a red letter day! My husband and I will close on the purchase of an historic downtown building here in Colfax. We have been working for and dreaming of this for many months, and it has finally come to pass. This is not just an ordinary commercial building, but the building in which we will create "The American Working Dog Museum" to honor all the dogs who have served mankind from time immemorial. Since the first wolf curled up at the fire of prehistoric man, dogs have been our constant companions and working partners. Dogs are the most versatile animal ever created. I believe that they can and will learn almost anything we ask of them, and perform that job faithfully until they are no longer able. If we treat them with kindness and respect, they serve us with love and devotion.

I have been soliciting donations and loans of exhibit materials in anticipation of this coming to fruition, and have so far secured the support of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA), Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). I am working to find materials representing herding, guarding, police, military, hunting, sledding, carting, acting, therapy, service/medical alert, fire, search & rescue, and other working dogs that deserve to have their stories told.

If you or someone you know might be interested in helping with this project, please follow our progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WorkingDogMuseumTobysSitStay, and let me know how you may be able to help. I will be posting pictures and comments about our work on the creation of the museum and its supporting shop (and a few notes and photos about our own "working dog" therapy work as well). This is a grassroots project, and our Facebook page reflects that homey atmosphere and casual news reporting style. I hope you will visit us there!