Hello:

I apologize for the lateness of my update; we have had a busy week as we just returned from vacation. Ouzo is doing very well and has become acclimated to our family and lifestyle very well. He went on vacation with us for the Christmas/New Years week to Vermont and he had a great time. He was introduced to the rest of my family and fit in so well that many exclaimed that it seemed like he had always been there! He got a lot of attention and belly rubs from my nieces and nephews and loved every minute of it! We went on some great long walks throughout our property, through fields and forests; he behaved very well and had a grand time. When we first arrived at our property, driving down our long driveway, Ouzo started whining with excitement and wagging his tail - it was if he had been there before and couldn’t wait to arrive! We did determine that he does not like bonfires or fireworks (both New Year’s traditions for our family); just like our yellow lab, Wyeth! He was content to stay in the house until the festivities were over.

He has been to the vet twice since the adoption; once with our regular vet for a check-up and one emergency trip this week. He has developed an infection in one of his paws and is under medication to treat it (the emergency trip I mentioned). He will return for a follow up in 5-7 days. Otherwise, he is very healthy. We have decided to keep him on the allergen-free food - his itching has become less frequent, has less red skin/hot spots and he just seems to be more comfortable.

He gets along fine with our black lab, although they really don’t play together that much - he just doesn’t seem interested. However, maybe that’s just how he acts when no one is home! After some initial curiosity/chasing the cats, he now barely acknowledges them and one of our cats is comfortable enough to sometimes lay beside him.

As mentioned in one of my earlier emails, Ouzo seems to have a sad, old soul. I can say that that has changed some in the past month, and really was not evident at all when we were in Vermont. It is apparent to all that he is a true Lab, loving the outdoors, going for walks in fields/woods, and being around a lot of people.

We are enjoying having Ouzo as part of our family!