Mom and Diane picked Skippy up at the Marin Humane Society in 1970, after Diane had started Pre School. When we brought Skippy home we dropped by San Ramon Grammar School to let her brother, Roger, see him (Roger was in the 2nd grade). The people at the MHS said his mother was the smallest terrier mix they had ever seen. We feel sorry his mom; Skippy was the size of a Samoyed and had a similar coat length and texture. He was the first dog Diane ever trimmed the feet on; looking back we guess she was destined to be a dog groomer!

Skippy was the first dog Diane remembers and he taught us to pick up our toys or he would use them for chew toys. He was very talented and could grab a hose through a chain link fence (surrounding the pool) and pull it to his side to "kill" it. We lost a lot of hoses in his first year or two!

Skippy was a yard dog the first few years of his life. He got in during the times we were awake but was put out at night and while we were away. He started to 'sneak' his way in by barking at the garbage men. Then he was brought in during a few cold winter nights. Eventually he stayed in 90% of the time, only staying out on Summer nights when the fog rolled in (his choice). He loved to sleep out in the cool fog after a hot day.

He had a tough first couple of years. Skippy broke one of his front legs by going down the stair too fast and sliding on the slippery linoleum and hitting the front door. Just after that healed, my Uncle accidentally ran over him in a Jeep. Luckily (?) Skippy just had dislocated hip and re-broke his front leg!

Skippy is greatly missed...