Hello CacciatJocund, welcome to the forum! 
Since you have the warm hello from California, I will give you back a chilly hello from northern Michigan. Haha!
Personally, I do not have much experience with dogs since I have never had one. I'd like to hear more from your experience. Perhaps share a photo or two with us. ;P
It is so nice of you to get a dog from the local refuge. We need more people doing it instead of supporting the puppy mills.
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