Winston and I apologize for not writing, but believe me we have been busy; Abby Lu requires a great deal of help, she is currently getting physical therapy, but Winston keeps her going and she in return manages to boss him around like you wouldn’t believe. It really is funny, she doesn’t want him on a rug at certain times, she wants him out then in; she is constantly in his face, and this lovely kind dog is responsive and obliging and tries to help.

He had a wonderful Christmas, which he spent in Bolton, MA along with a Jack Russell and a standard poodle. Loved his presents and was such a great addition to a lovely, family Christmas. He minds well, and is very responsive, he takes care of the door and the telephone and he is right at Abby Lu’s side if she needs help. I simply cannot tell you how fortunate I feel I am to have him on board. He simply is one wonderful dog.

Here are my two boys (and D. in the snowshoeing picture)… They’re totally hysterical together. Cosmo still eats poop… but we really love him (just not his breath). :)

Just a quick note to say hello. Miss Rayna is doing well. We have spent the
days playing in snow, taking naps, snuggling, and taking long walks through
our new neighborhood. We are settling to our new house. It took a bit to get
comfortable but now we are doing well…things are great.

Rayna has been enjoying traveling…she has become a Brooklyn dog and enjoys
visiting the grandparents in Pennsylvania.

It has been a year and some months that rayna has come to live with us. She
completes our family in so many ways. Thank you again. I am attaching some
photographs for you as well.

It is hard to believe that it has been 2 years since we adopted and fell in love with CeeJay. Time flies!

CeeJay is now 11 years old and we finally have him down to what his vet considers his ideal weight - 82 pounds. The secret to his weight loss has been his daily walks/runs, his diet of IAMS weight maintenance food, and having Abby to play with whenever he wants. He adores all three, so weight maintenance at this point is not a struggle.

In June, when we had talked about getting a puppy, there were some who had reservations about how CeeJay would handle a puppy at his advanced age. We will be the first to admit that the first couple of weeks were tough for him and us, but now the two dogs are inseparable. CeeJay has been instrumental in helping Abby to know the rules of the house and her place in the pack. By his example, CeeJay has helped us teach Abby the basic commands of sit, stay, and come. Whatever CeeJay does, Abby imitates. When we come home from work or an evening out, CeeJay is usually waiting in front of the slider next to Abby’s crate. Of course, CeeJay is one big marshmallow who lets Abby get away with more than he would allow any other dog. When they play together, CeeJay will roll to the ground and let Abby straddle his chest and nip at his face. He likes it when she cleans his ears for him, too. This amazes us because he has growled at other dogs who even sniff his snout or tender ears. It is funny to watch the two of them play tug-of-war with their special tug toys and chase balls in the yard. It is obvious that CeeJay loves Abby. He gives up his bone or bed whenever she seems interested in either. He has even let her take the bone from his mouth without so much as a snarl or growl. At night, CeeJay used to always have the dogbed of honor at Donna’s side of the bed. Sometimes he’ll sleep in Abby’s bed instead so that she can be close to “mommy.” He just is so kindhearted and agreeable.

CeeJay likes to have the humans in his life hold his paw while they watch TV or read or visit with other humans. Mary, our neighbor, is afraid of most dogs, but not CeeJay. His gentle demeanor quickly alleviated Mary’s fears to the point where she recently spent a half hour holding the paw that CeeJay offered while we sat and visited.

We are so happy to have CeeJay as a part of our family. Thank you, NEARR!

One year with Luke, and he is doing very well. Even after a full year, we see changes for the better in his behavior with other dogs, and with us at home, which is great. He is more playful and confident at the dog park, and is more apt to ’show belly’ and sit on our feet at home. He adjusts slowly but steadily, it seems. He is wonderful on trails and off leash, and loves the woods behind our house.

Luke sees his role as the family protector, yet he is very friendly with everyone we welcome into the house or meet along a trail. He makes a final round of the downstairs before going upstairs to retire each evening, then pushes open the door to both kids’ rooms, and checks on them in bed before he lies down in his bed. It is quite endearing!

It’s time for our yearly update on Allagash and she’s doing wonderfully!! I must confess that we’ve created a bit of a monster, being the only child she’s a little bit spoiled! We’ve had her for two years now and can’t imagine life without her! We just took her for her yearly checkup and the Doctor couldn’t believe she is 11 years old!! She has slowed down a little but still only has a little bit of grey on her chin.

She is just as loveable as ever and puts up with the nieces and nephews who think she’s a big stuffed animal! She has such a great temperament and the tail never stops wagging! She still goes to doggie day care a couple of times per week, the owner has become very attached to her! She is the favorite of course and the elder of the group! I think it helps keep her young.

Please feel free to pass this on to her original owners, and tell them she is doing wonderfully! Here’s a photo of our girl!

Hey Everyone!

Its me, Dallas, reporting on the last 6 months…I have now been in my forever home for only six months. It feels like I’ve been here forever already. No one can remember a time when I wasn’t here – I think that’s pretty cool. Mom & Dad love me so much, I love them too; of course I love Lucy, too – and the kitties – but, that Angel, she’s still not really into me –I’ll just have to work harder with her! ;-)

Lucy just started going to school at Gemini just like I did. Now Mom is training with both of us at home– she says “someone” could stand to have a bit of a refresher. (I wonder what she means by that – I hope she’s not talking about me!). Anyways, I’m getting lots of treats because I’m doing really well. Lucy gets lots of treats, too, but she doesn’t know as much as me yet. Its kind of crazy, but Mom says that’s a good thing…I’m going to get a complex if she keeps making those kinds of comments about my training skills.

I went to the MTD event today – I got to see lots of the people who helped me find my forever home. I was really happy to see them and tried to be on my best behavior. I had a lot of fun. I loved seeing all the people who were involved with my adoption…they are all really nice. Mom & Dad said that those people are very special and that I should thank them myself, so…THANK YOU EVERYONE AT NEARR!!!

I’ve attached a couple of photos that I hope you enjoy! I’m having lots of fun. I forgot to mention how much fun I had in the snow during the Blizzard of 2005 – how cool was that!? I still roll in the left over snow…but Mom’s not fast enough with the camera to get any good ones of me playing in the snow…maybe its just that I’m too fast. For anyone who knows me well, they know that isn’t often the case – but its sure sounds good! Talk to you all soon!

Just a quick update on Ringo. We’ve started Post Graduate training last Sunday. It was the first time he was in the same room with 5 other dogs off leash. He behaved very well and I believe he had a great time. We’re looking forward to this Sunday - the obedience school also offers a Romp time that happens to follow our training class so I’m thinking of staying on for that just to give Ringo more play time.

Things are going very well. We’ve established good friends in the woods and find we are there with lots of company. All and all it’s just a love fest here .

It is hard to believe it has been a year since we got Mocha. She has been the best Valentines gift my wife and I have ever given to each other. Mocha has been a joy from day one. Her ability to love and be loved is incredible.

Once she got over the initial confusion of being placed with strangers her true personality has come out. For a nine year old dog her playful nature mimic’s that of a puppy. She loves to run but not play fetch (she will run the ball down-but we have to fetch it). She also loves long walks sniffing and going for car rides. Her favorite activity is napping and having her belly rubbed.

She has been a joy and has had the run of our house since day one. Mocha has adapted to the neighborhood very well. She has made friends with a Wheaton terrier puppy down the street and will go to run with her regularly.

Mocha survived her obedience class well for a nine year old dog. I think she did it to make us happy. Mocha is truly the perfect dog. We never knew that a dog could have so much love in our hearts.

Just wanted to let you know that Thunder is doing fantastic and I love him to pieces. Here’s a few pictures of him from the recent blizzard (he absolutely loves the snow) and one from this past weekend. I bring him into work with me on the weekends and he literally sleeps on my feet under my desk!!!