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!