Hey everybody, remember me? (My former name was Tru). Here I am with my sister Jessi, the yellow lab. I just love my new home! Mom and Dad take us everywhere with them and when we’re home, we play outside all the time. I really like the woods walks every day (okay, so I run) but playing with the blue ball is my favorite. Even when they hide it and tell me to “find it,” I can! They say I am really starting to use my brain.

I’ve been going to the nursing home with Dad when he goes to visit. I am very calm and gentle with the old folks. I like it when they pat my head. They smile a lot. I brighten their day. Dad says he’s really proud of me.

I’m feeling great. I’m eating 6 cups of food a day, but I’m so active that I still have my girlish figure! Mom says I don’t have sad, worried eyes anymore . . .I have a happy face that says I can’t wait to see what’s next! Thanks to all the people who helped to bring me here!!

This is my 13 month update on Bailey. We’ve come a long way and have made a lot of progress. These days she seems to be wagging her tail almost constantly. I feel she has started to enjoy being a dog. She likes people to pet her and make a fuss over her. She likes to play but still doesn’t understand the concept of giving the toy up to play catch. We’re working on that and she is much better now at play than she use to be. She would rather you chase her for the toy which we will do with them.

Bailey really likes being in the yard. Before she wouldn’t stay out or even go out without our other dog Holly being there. Now Holly comes in and Bailey is still outside. She really loves playing in the snow. It’s so funny watching her play because she appears to be all legs with little coordination. When she comes running towards the door, all you see are her legs and hers ears.

One of Bailey’s favorite pass times is still laying by the fire. Sometimes Bailey will even rest her head on Holly’s chest. She is still unsure when Holly wants to snuggle next to her. Bailey no longer has an issue with anyone touching her ears. The only thing she is a little sensitive about having touched is her tail.

We have started our second canine good citizen class. She is doing very well and the chance for success is looking very favorable. She is much more relaxed. During class, she’ll even lay down when she is tired or bored. She’s had a few dogs come face to face with her and, generally speaking, she has not had an issue. We are still taking private classes and will continue with those as they have proven to be quite helpful not only for Bailey but also for me.

Once in a while, Bailey will counter surf but that is usually when no one is in the room. I’ve been able to leave towels on the kitchen counter and quest towels in the powder room for about three months now. The only time she steals them is when she wants attention or is bored. She no longer runs and hides when she has taken something. She’ll usually drop it where she is.

Bailey is turning into a very loving and affectionate dog. She is very smart and really tries to please. She is a wonderful addition to our home. She has even become so comfortable that she likes to sleep in Holly’s crate bottom which is located in the laundry room. When she started sleeping in Holly’s crate, I figured it was time to move her into the laundry room. So now they sleep side by side in the laundry with the door always left open.

I’m glad you emailed because I don’t think I sent the update email to the right place. Attached please find a couple pics of our little boy! He is such a joy to have around and the boys have formed the most unbelievable bond with him! We are so impressed with the new responsibilities they have both embraced in helping to take care of Biskit.

He went to the Vet Sat. and got a clean bill of health as well as some immunizations that he was due for. He didn’t shy away from the “white coat man” as much as I thought he would but he also didnt move very far from daddy either! Biskit is also enrolled in some obedience classes (not that he needs it) which is the first step to being certified as a Pet Therapy dog. We are expecting him to pass with flying colors as he already knows the basic commands and listens unbelievably well.

He is actually at the sledding park with Tom and the boys now enjoying the snow and the outside. He loves to go to the frozen park and chase blocks of frozen ice the boys throw for him!! The other day I was coming up from doing laundry and Biskit was laying upside down in his favorite chair with his arms and legs straight up in the air! Of course to batteries in the camera to snap a pic!! He does love to be right at our feet at all times but he seems so much more comfortable now when he is away from us.

As those involved in the adoption process know, Biskits coming home with us came at a great time. The night before we had lost my uncle after a long illness following a stroke in December. Once Biskit entered the house feelings and emotions were able to shift to something positive. Upon reviewing his medical records etc I discovered that ironically Biskit and my uncle shared the same birthday!! So Biskits new name is “Biskit Batts” and the boys love that so much!! Thank you so much for bringing Biskit into our lives. He is a wonderful gentleman that brings alot to our family!!!

2007 Update

Today is our fourth anniversary. We have truly enjoyed having CeeJay as a member of our family for these past four years.

Despite his advanced age, CeeJay still has the heart and soul of a young pup. He greets us at the door when we return home - usually with one of his many stuffed animals or bones sticking out of his mouth. If we don’t acknowledge his presence immediately upon entering, he does what can only be described as a Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder impression. He tilts his head back and waves his snout back and forth, back and forth until he gets the attention he craves so much. He also does this same “dance” when he knows we are going to feed him or take him for his walk.

In spite of having a little arthritis in his hips, this thirteen-year-old pup lives to go for long walks. CeeJay enjoys galloping along behind his little sister as we traverse the trails of the conservation areas near us. Of course, he doesn’t have the speed she does, but he does have endurance and that allows him to walk for 2 or 3 miles at a time without needing a rest.

Another one of CeeJay’s favorite activities is to go to doggie day camp. During the fall, winter, and spring months, he and Abby go to day camp one day a week to enjoy the company of other dogs and expend some of the energy that builds up while at home. (He recently received a certificate for being the oldest day camper at this particular facility.) CeeJay loves being scratched by the human camp counselors as much as he enjoys watching the younger dogs cavort around him. From home or work, we can watch him with the help of a web cam set up at the facility and a computer. We enjoy watching him interact with everyone – humans and dogs alike.

CeeJay’s greatest pleasure in the summer is our weekend camping trips. He loves having our company all weekend, and he gets to be outside lying in the dirt. He also gets to take many walks where he can pick up the scents of other dogs and wildlife. We have never owned a dog that is so easily entertained and managed. Everyone should have a dog like CeeJay!