Dogs

Andy and I have been having a difficult time finding a new place to live. Apparently, while everyone owns dogs, no one rents to people that have them. I'm still not really sure how this works but it hasn't been in our favor. We finally managed to locate a house (not an apartment or condo!!) that was in a great location, great space, good price and advertised that they would house dogs. We were super excited until we talked to the current tenants who mentioned there was a problem with their dog and the mailman.....Apparently, mailmen can stop delivering your mail out here without giving you a reason. You get two warnings and then they can stop delivering mail to you FOREVER. The house we were looking at already had a warning so the owner was hesitant about having new tenants with dogs. We decided to apply anyway and Andy volunteered to write a strongly worded letter in support of why they should rent to us (and the dogs). Andy is quite verbose, so the letter is pretty entertaining and I thought I would share.

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my understanding that the potential leaser has experienced hardship in terms of mail delivery through the inattentiveness of a previous tenant coupled with skittish mannerisms of the mail carrier regarding the presence of intimidating animals. The purpose of this letter is to communicate the demeanor of Elbe and Gracie Edmondson, two 8 year old dogs, owned and cared for by potential tenants, Andrew Edmondson and Laura Heedick.

Laura and I are gainfully employed and take great interest in Elbe and Gracie. I am a Systems Engineer for a software company based in San Diego, while Laura is a Retail Professional with a prominent women’s clothing and accessory chain. As a former homeowner in Richmond, VA, I am sensitive to the impacts pets and their owners have on the world around them. As such, I take every precaution to reduce those impacts to the structures, landscaping and people. Knowing that landlords and managers can be hyper-sensitive to issues with pets, I strive to leave a property in better shape than when initially occupied.

Elbe, then Gracie, entered the Edmondson home during the fall and winter of 2002 as lab-mix puppies. Elbe was an abandoned puppy (<> Both dogs were immediately crate trained and house-broken. Crate training acclimates a dog to being closed into a crate that he or she can safely be left in it for a few hours at a time. This greatly reduces the opportunity for mischief and provides a ‘personal space’ for the dog. Elbe and Gracie have unique personalities and docile demeanors. Both animals are child safe and have been requested to serve as ‘petting animals’ for kindergarten classes. Currently, Elbe and Gracie are approximately 8 years old, 40 lbs, obedient, and sleep a lot.

Elbe and Gracie have a standing history of good behavior and positive rental experiences, with references available upon request. Additionally, character references are also available.

I appreciate your time and hope to conduct business with you in the near future.

Thanks.

Andrew D. Edmondson