Life with Roxy is fun yet challenging. First, she’s a real sweetheart. Just wants to be loved and frequently looks for reassurance which she gets. She’s also smart. When she first arrived she would sit on command maybe 30% of the time and forget about the wait/stay command. Now she’ll sit on command about 85% of the time and nearly 100% for the wait/stay command. She loves her tennis balls, understands what “ball” means and will go find one when we ask her.

She is still very interested in the cat. The weird thing is that there does not seem to be any consistency. Sometime she ignores the cat and other times she obsessed. As a result we’re trying to be more aware of what’s going on and when.

Other dogs, people, cars…oh boy! She barks, barks, barks and it sounds awful. I’m not sure what she’d do if she came nose to nose with a car but with people and most dogs the barking is just for attention although most people shy away because of it. I’m not an expert but I’d say she lacks seriously socialization skills which we will address in obedience class. Also, she wants to be boss so with some dogs she become aggressive. Another issue to be address in obedience class.

We spent this past week in NH with family on vacation. Roxy did exceptionally well with all the kids. Attached are some pictures.

Baxter has now been with us for 4 years, and Taylor has been with us for almost a year and a half. 8 months ago, we adopted a puppy from a pregnant lab who was left at a shelter. She has thrived with the boys, and is doing great! The whole pack gets along so well, and they have all settled into their respective roles: Baxter is the granddaddy who reminds Taylor and Paris of the rules…he’ll tussle with Paris but won’t let Taylor in on the fun…he’s still establishing dominance over Paris who has a VERY strong personality. Taylor will also wrestle with Paris, meanwhile Baxter watches from afar, and butts in when he thinks it’s getting too rough. Taylor is the ultimate cuddlebug…he just can’t get enough of snuggling with his mommy, and gives hugs whenever we walk through the door. Paris is the independent puppy spirit, and the self-proclaimed protector of the household. She LOVES to fetch, and is starting this monday on “Obgility”, a cross between obedience and agility training. We can’t wait to see how she takes to the agility!

Well, that’s our update for now…we really want to thank NEARR for completely changing our lives with these 3 bundles of joy…as I’ve read before, and I will be painting on the wall in the “dog room”, our finished basement; “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

It hardly seems possible that it was three years ago that CeeJay became our forever dog. Today he is still the same sweet, lovable fellow that we fell in love with at first sight.

Although CeeJay is a senior citizen, he still enjoys participating in all kinds of activities. His veterinarians credit his very young “sister” with helping to keep the puppy spirit alive in him. He enjoys going for walks, riding in the car, chasing Abby in the yard while she is chasing the balls we throw, going to the dog park to play with new friends, chewing bones, playing tug-of-war with us or Abby…. Although CeeJay does not always have the endurance of his younger sister, he still enjoys her company and playing with her and us.

Recently CeeJay took an advanced obedience class with Abby. We felt bad that she was getting lots of attention and asked if he could take the class for the mental stimulation. The trainer was the same one we had three years ago when we took the basic class right after adopting him, and C. was thrilled to see him again. She helped us teach CeeJay visual commands so that we can continue to communicate with him if he loses his hearing altogether. He was the star of the class and thrived on all the attention he received from C., the other participants, and us.

We can’t wait for the NEARR picnic this spring. We know CeeJay will be happy to see all his old friends.

We haven’t had quite enough snow for winter pictures. Seems that by the time we dig out, it melts! When it does snow, Fenway is like a ten year old boy, he sees it and is very anxious to run around. He loves it, it makes him a little crazy. When it’s warm out, he doesn’t want to come inside and will sit on the deck and sort-of refuses to come back in. He has, however, swum this winter. The lake hasn’t really iced over, something we have to be careful with him about, and he did swim for several hours one warm day.

He is a real routine dog and becomes a bit worried when it changes. He knows what the backpack means, certain coats, he knows when it’s bedtime, he knows when it’s time to eat, he knows when R. should be arriving home from work. After dinner each night he will wait at the door for R. to come home. On nights when he comes home late, he still waits at the door for him. The other week he waited until 10pm before he finally came into the living room and settled down, slightly depressed. He is really R.’s dog, they are great pals.

He’s made so many improvements over the past year. He is no longer afraid of hikers and older folks when out on the trail. He knows and responds to all commands. He is fine on a leash though we still used the Halti. He and Baxter are pals now, they love to chase each other around and play tug (Fenway pulls Baxter across the tile with a toy and Baxter becomes so incredibly mad, it’s so funny). He likes to lick the cat’s face and sometimes will chase her to play, but would not deliberately hurt her.

Fenway is great, sweet, well-behaved (mostly) and always making us laugh. We will be taking him to the vet soon for his yearly appointment. He had some dog acne on his chin, but antibiotics cleared that up. We found out he has food allergies and so he is still on Wellness Fish and Potato and is staying on it. His ears got pretty bad, so we had to medicate them and he hates having his ears medicated. He is good while doing it, but I have to catch him and then he acts like I abused him. After doing it (or clipping his nails) he likes to go outside for five minutes and then come back and act normal. It’s like a reboot button.

So, we love him, he loves us. He is a great dog!

(Macfarland was adopted July 2004)

On this Valentines’ Day, Macfarland sends his love and thanks for all you did to fill his life with love :-).

It’s February and tomorrow is Sadie’s birthday. She will be 11. She doesn’t seem that old nor does she think she is that old. She has lots of energy, especially at the beach. She doesn’t have the stamina that she once had but - hey - at 77, I doubt that I will either. She is most healthy, physically and mentally. She is absolutely beautiful. Her coat is thick and wavy, curly at her hocks. She eats well. Sadie loves the dog park and the beach. She’ll still fetch and loves the water. She also loves snow but not rain. Most pertinent is that Sadie has learned that dog love is special. This once shy and fearful animal now pesters for loves, belly rubs, head massages, and any other affection that she can get - and give. She is a devoted companion for me, almost always by my side when I’m working at the computer. In short, she’s wonderful.

Skyler is still goofy! He’s been with me for a year now, less the two weeks that he took a ‘vacation’ in Massachusetts. He’s made a lot of progress with his behavior, too. He’s learned to sit for treats and his meals (although he does drool). He’s responding to some ASL signs, too. He is very healthy now with a gorgeous coat. He doesn’t have ear infections any more. Skyler still takes thyroid medication and fish oil twice a day. He’ll eat anything but he doesn’t counter-surf or steal food. His passion is paper!!! Skyler still suffers from separation anxiety but he’s getting much better at being left alone for a couple of hours. He, too, loves the dog park and the beach. It’s a real treat to watch him run at full speed on the beach!!! Though he knew nothing about oceans and ponds when he came here, he has learned quite quickly that they are great places to play. He gets along with all dogs, even the 160 pound bull mastiff next door. Skyler is a snuggler. He must sleep touching either Sadie or me. When he’s tired, he’s often found on my bed sleeping where I sleep. Bonding isn’t a problem for Skyler; I’m the Mom! He’s a very funny animal, certainly not the dominant dog in my household. Now, if I could get him to stop barking when he rides in the car (every trip should be one to the beach).

So that’s the update. They are healthy, happy dogs, loved by everyone in the neighborhood - and me. While they have benefited from being in my home, I must say that I am a much better and happier person with Sadie and Skyler.

Here is my update on Bailey. This past week we did some different things. Monday she went to the vet. She was so good. She was all wags and wiggles. No growling and very well behaved. They sized her for a “gentle leader.” What a difference in her behavior when she is wearing the leader. She doesn’t like it but it is working.

The week went very well. She still counter surfs, gets on the furniture (except now she’ll get up on the sofa and watch me in the kitchen and just wait for me to go over and tell her to get off), and goes through the trash in the powder room. She is getting much better at leaving those stolen items for a cookie and she’s not running to hide behind the table. Now when she gets off the window seat and sofa she gets praise and then her cookie in the kitchen after a sit and down.

Friday when we went to the kennel. The kennel weekend worked out really well. By the end of the weekend, Bailey loved A.’s husband. Bailey was well behaved. The bath part also went well with the exception of the dryer. A. said that since Bailey had not been crated they had a difficult time getting her into the small drying space. Since she has come home she seems more relaxed. When she’s tired, she’ll either lay on the floor or go to her bed. She is such a sweet girl and we are really enjoying her. She is also wagging her tail more and is starting to enjoy the attention and petting. She is also more willing to leave a toy for us to throw for her. She’s learning not to jump up on the back door when she wants to come inside. She and Holly either stand there and wait or one will bark.

It’s been a while, but Mac hs settled right in to his new family. It’s coming up on a year next month, and the big lug is doing well. We had some issues when confining Mac to just one area, but w/ the run of the house, he’s adjusted well. No major health issues, aside from being a chow hound. The first couple months we learned how quickly Mac was able to move chairs around and get a counter top view (taste) of what I thought were safely stashed treats…bag of rolls, easter basket, etc. Mac was starting to pack on the pounds and after some adjustments w/ his feedings, he’s slimming down.

Working in the city I am able to stop by and check on Mac during the day, but even if left alone he does fantastic. He’s great w/ the kids and enjoys just laying around as well as running, chasing balls, animals etc, and other adult company. He’s a great big lovable baby.

Thanks again for all you guys at NEARR have done.

Mort is doing great! He has really settled in and become part of the family. He’s presently enrolled in Obedience Training, and nearing the end of his classes. He’s a great student, and has calmed down alot at home and out in public. We walk 2-3 miles per day (even in the snow), and he loves to swim in the lake (even when the water’s cold). He LOVES to go sledding with the boys. He climbs the entire 500 yard hill, and then chases them down, and runs all the way back up, again and again. He also loves to stick his head in the snow and leave it there, as well as roll around in it. I guess he likes winter sports as much as we do. He is a trusted companion, who enjoys lounging on the couch as well as running at warp speed. He loves to sleep with the boys, and chooses his bed each night.

Mort and Heidi the dachshund continue to be fast friends, or partners in crime, depending on what they’re doing. I’ve attached some pictures of Mort with some family members. Hope you enjoy them.

Thanks again for choosing us as Mort’s forever family.

Just a quick update on our Jackson… She is continuing to be in good health. Her cataracts haven’t grown much in the past year. She’s getting around well and can spot things like the waterbowl. She has become a big figure in our puppy’s life. She’s really taken to step-motherhood. She tolerates his brattiness, but puts him line when needed.

Well, Mikki is on the way back. Think the last time I talked to you, she had lost weight and we were going to Vets. Well, she is on thyroid medication now. The vet took her of the Bendaryl and she is doing just fine! Thyroid medication has improved appetite,which she had temporarily lost. He also gave me medication shampoo and coat is wonderful.

Mikki has finally gotten used to me and me to her. She did bolt on me a couple times but now waits for me everytime and she is my shadow!

Got a new car with seat covers for her and she loves rides and going for walks.