By Velia Tarnoff Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jan 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM

Foley is an impressive dog -- and not only because he's 100 pounds. This gorgeous, 2-year-old Shepherd mix has great manners and social etiquette. He's very calm, confident and gentle with strangers and loves to meet new people. (That's especially important since this 100-pound dog is sure to get attention when you're out taking a walk together.)

Foley is also strikingly handsome with a black-tipped golden mane and large facial features.

You might think Foley would be "pushy" simply because he can be at his size. However, my contact at WHS says Foley just sort of "hangs out" and will stand with a group of humans like one of the crowd. He'll likely thrive in a household that includes him in the daily rituals of life: a walk in the morning, getting ready for the day, car rides, dinner preparation, chatting with neighbors, etc.

It's easy to picture him enjoying domestic life with a family that is low-key and loving. Foley enjoys showing off his "sit," "lay down," and "shake" cues, and responds quickly, so he might enjoy being challenged to learn more advanced skills and tricks, too.

Now, while Foley is easy-going, his fur is a little more "high maintenance." Foley has a very thick undercoat, so be prepared for some quality time with a pet brush. But it'll be worth it; Foley's gratitude will bring hugs that melt your heart. Foley clearly just wants to love and to be loved in return.

Velia Tarnoff Special to OnMilwaukee.com

Velia Tarnoff counts among the loves of her life her daughter, her husband, her friends, writing, developing theories, dancing, live music, Southern California, black coffee and red wine. She's happiest when she can put as many of those together as possible. WWith more than 20 years of experience as a radio reporter and public relations professional, Velia is a natural communicator who loves to hear stories, to share stories and to tell it like it is.

Velia earned her B.A. from the UW School of Journalism and is thankful for every moment she spent on that wonderfully wacky campus.

And, in the interest of full disclosure, Velia is the wife of OnMilwaukee.com Publisher Andy Tarnoff.