Thanks for the best wishes Spartan2.  We did have a good time on LacLaCroix and just returned Tuesday.  We paddled about 70 miles, from Crane Lake boat landing to Bottle Portage at East end of LaCroix.  Then got a return ride back with Anderson's Outfitters. 
This was my new dog's first camping/paddling trip and he seemed to like it very much and took all the challenges in stride.  By the end of the trip he was a pro at sitting in the boat and living in a tent.