I met the entire family last night - dogs, kids, husband and wife....i have a much better grasp of the situation and can now filter out what i was told with what seems to be reality.... I can honestly and truly say that there is absolute hope for all involved!

The tethering is because the fence is only three feet high....even i can get over that!! This can not be changed as it is brand new military housing. (they can't even hang up pictures on the walls according to the rules of the base) However there may be some other solutions that haven't been explored since the people are still adjusting to the area - moved here in Oct.

I saw no aggression in the eyes. shyness and a bit of tentativeness towards this new person (me) from the newfy and some jealousy on her part. The pointer is a goofy looking love. He took to me like glue. he looks as though he has his crotchity moments. I did notice that the owner mom lets them get away with lots.

Just refreshing the training commands will help them immensely. I also got permission to bring them to my fenced yard to let them run a bit and interact there with each other and then slowly introduce them to a couple other dogs to see how it goes. (Maybe in the future they will be able to go to the local dog park - but thats a future dream!)

The kids are older kids and fine around the dogs. One daughter is 12 and she came out and was playing with the dogs and myself. the other daughter has downs syndrome and is about 10 (?) she is more into her music right now than the dogs.

I got good vibes (yes, i'm an instinct person). Although i don't see miracles as to their living situation (yard fence) i do see fun times ahead for all. There is a lot of love there which is a great start.