Logan appears to be settling into our home very comfortably. Still not trustworthy off leash and seems to be a little less nervous. We are thinking of changing his name to Shadow because he never leaves our side. T/E were great foster parents and Logan is still most comfortable on the blanket they sent with him.

We welcomed Bear & Sadie into our family March 1,2001. They are now 12 & 12 1/2 and doing great. Everyone who meets Bear thinks he is 2. He is full of energy and still loves to hike and swim. Sadie was never one for exercise and prefers the social aspects of life! She took up fishing for a summer, but didn’t have any luck.

We now have 2 children who absolutely love them. Bear and our eldest have an amazing bond. We have been so fortunate to have them in our lives!!

I cannot believe it has been a year since Polly came into my life. She’s kept me active with walks and I’ve made good friends (there’s nothing like a beautiful, friendly, happy dog to attract conversation) through her. She’s come a long way in a year; she’s much calmer because she knows our routine and doesn’t get frantic worrying about what’s going to happen next and because she has play dates almost every day to burn off excess energy.

She’s learned a long “down,” to go into her crate on command, wait, stay, sit, go in the car (she loves that one). She recognizes routes to her favorite walking and swimming spots and lets me know it by a crescendo of yips the closer we get.

There are numerous rabbits around here (where’s a coyote when you need one?) and she would be supremely happy to catch one.It’s a personal affront when one comes near a window she’s looking through.

We’re still working on not pulling when on leash. Prong collar is only thing that works so far. She still gets excited on walks; wants to see and smell everything. Plan to hire a trainer for a couple of one-on-one sessions.

Its hard to believe but seven years have gone by since Bailey found her forever home through NEARR. She is now almost 13 years old and in good health. She’s had a few minor issues but despite sometimes showing her age, she still loves to fetch her ball (especially red fetch-n-flash balls), wade through chest-deep water and chase cats around. Her favorite past-time, being a Lab, is eating anything remotely resembling food. About one year ago she had a bout with pancreatitis, she recovered fully from that and has since been on a low fat diet. The diet has keep her in great shape and I hope she has many dog years left. I am so thankful for the work NEARR did for Bailey and continues to do for these dogs and the people with whom they find homes.

Maisy is doing very well. We just got back from vacation in Michigan. Maisy had a great time running and swimming with the 6 other visiting dogs (4 goldens and 2 labs). She became fast friends with a redheaded golden, Casey. She was an excellent traveler and house guest. The Customs guards at the border crossings remarked on how well behaved she was. Just before we left Maisy graduated from obedience training. She did well but needs more work on “stay” and “wait”. Maisy has really come a long way in just over two months. She is a pleasure to have around.

Koal has really accepted me as his Friend and master. He comes to me and snuggles, which he didn’t before. I think we both realized that we had lost something that was very important to our lives and had to take time to let it go, but not forget. He has the best life possible. Attached is him inside after a morning of fun and exercise with the two labs next door.

Logan has had an exciting two weeks with swimming in the Atlantic on Cape Cod, meeting new friends at the local doggy park in Dennis and going to Weymouth where he met more friends at a beautiful park. He also attempted to hunt birds and was quite unsuccessful. I went to town hall today and licensed him so he is now a legal resident.

Koal is adapting so well. I took him on a long walk last weekend to teach him to stay with me and not walk me. He did so well, in just a few blocks he would slow down to my pace with just a small wait command. Attached is his chilling out on my deck after a good workout with me and his two playmates next door. The stairs going down are blocked so he can go on the deck without being tied up and feel some freedom. Both our lives have been improved so much.