You kind of summed it up, lizbud - thank you. Although we've had Jake for almost 7 years, there actually isn't a deep attachment. Don't get me wrong - we have taken good care of him. He gets good food and good vet care and I brush him at least every 2 days, and take him for walks. But he certainly doesn't run to meet anybody when we come home. He's sweet and sometimes playful, and I play fetch with him in the house. He's a very nice dog. There's just never been a time when our hearts were filled to almost bursting with love for eachother - like it is with Max.

On the other hand, Max is just way too much for Melissa and the kids. His exhuberance (sp?) makes them nervous. Melissa loves Jake's gentle quietness, and the kids feel comfortable with him. The only question is whether or not her husband will agree - he's really good with Monroe, so I'm sure he'd be good with Jake.

I guess it's a personality thing - I'm a high-drive, adventurous type of person (like Max) and Melissa is a quiet, reserved, shy person (like Jake).

Still it sounds bad when you say it out loud, you know? "I'm giving my 7-year-old dog to my stepdaughter and getting a new dog". Kind of like trading up to a better model.