Dear Daisy, My mom has told me about how you’re going to live with a blind person and help them be independent. I admire you. Being a Leader Dog sounds fun and rewarding and very challenging. You must be really smart. My mom says I’m a mutt — part Peke-a-Poo and part Westie. I came from the Mississippi Animal Rescue League when I was six weeks old. It must be hard not to bark. Part of my job description (which I wrote) is to bark at strange noises. I’m a good watchdog. I always manage to make the fireworks on New Years and the Fourth of July stop, but it takes a long time. I let my people know when someone is at the door or when the neighborhood kids are playing nearby. Another job I have is to chase anything on wheels, except cars. Bicycles and skateboards are my favorite. I haven’t caught one yet, but I’d sure like to. My mom says this is the main reason I have to stay inside the fence. I like to run around the dining room table, too. My people can’t catch me. I hate baths. I have to go to the beauty parlor and get a haircut every couple of months. I hate it, but I do look spiffy when I get through. I’m in doggie middle age. I turned 9 in April. I’m glad your knees and hips are OK. I had knee surgery a couple of years ago. My dad took me fishing. I was chasing an armadillo and tore some ligaments when I stepped in a crawdad hole. I’m fine now. My mom is sending something called a donation. She got out the same little book she uses at the vet and the beauty parlor, so a donation might not be such a good thing. She said it would make you and Miss Ami and Miss Jennie and Mr. Steve happy. And help you and other dogs be Leader Dogs. The donation is one dollar for every pound that I weigh. Best of luck in your new job. I’m enclosing a picture of me and my brother from a couple of years ago. Joe is the bigger one with the blue eyes. Fondly, Sparky (Madison, MS)