So here's a formal introduction to Richard in his own words:
I came to the US from Dorset, England in 1990 because my father was ill with cancer and I wanted to spend time with him during his last days. During that time, I managed to have a son who now attends a community college in Missouri, and moved to Minnesota to do comedy in 2006
Sometime after living in Minnesota, I met Erika, who owns a Findell Kennels dog named Sienna. Sienna is actually Shasta's older sister from the same dam but different sire. Erika and I had a relationship for nearly five years, and we bought Sienna together nearly three years ago. We eventually broke up and several months later, Erika moved out, taking Sienna with her. It left a huge empty hole in my heart and in my home so I went online and asked Carole if she had any puppies coming. Much to my pleasure, she did!
After the puppies were born, she lined up the females and sent me a photo. Shasta was at the end of the line with what appeared to be a rather goofy smile on her face. At first I thought she might be retarded, so decided I'd give her a good loving hiome, but she ended up being the best of the lot, in my opinion! There has been no end to her antics, entertaining and sweet personality. If I had to say, Shasta has one of the sweetest, kindest souls of any person or animal I've ever encountered. She loves unconditionally, and is an ambassador at the dog park where we go, greeting each person and dog as if they were a new and exciting adventure.
Not only has Shasta filled the empty home but she completely overwhelmed my heart with love and "rescued" me from such loneliness that I sometimes have trouble putting it into words. I asked god to give me a companion who would love me, one who knew what I needed and wanted, but I hadn't quite Shasta in mind. I don't regret a minute of it. From the time I picked her up at the airport on her trip here from Carole, quiet as a mouse until I left for work this morning, she has been the best thing that ever happened to me.
In December we are planning to breed her for only one litter because she has "told" me that she wants to be a mother. I think she would be a fine one as she grooms my beard and ears and sees to me on a daily basis. We will keep one puppy for her as a companion because I know she must get terribly lonely when I'm away at work each day, and I feel awful when I have to leave her there, but I know she is guarding our house like a pit bull, and when I arrive home, she greets me with such unabashed excitement that she nearly pees herself! Much better than a girlfriend or wife! I will do whatever I can to make her life with me the best possible, even if I have to sacrifice something to make her more comfortable. She is my heart, that little scruffball.