Bruno’s one year update. Bruno is very happy and healthy these days. He’s about 7 years old now, still loves playing ball and swimming. We go for many walks along with his new partner, a minpin. They get along very well and entertain each other. He loves the couch, treats, and going for rides. His health is good. He hates baths, going to the vet, and getting his nails trimmed. We love him very much. Thanks NEARR.

Dexter is just a regular member of the household now. He really enjoys playing fetch outside, going for rides, and just hanging around with us. There is a park in the next town over where dogs can go off leash. We have gone there three times, and he just loves it there. He just runs and runs and runs. There is a small beach area where the dogs can go swimming. The first time we went there, Dexter would just put his feet in the water and get a drink. I was wondering if he knew that he was a lab! The second time we went someone had a bunch of tennis balls that they were throwing into the water, and there was no question that Dexter knows how to swim! He and two other dogs played fetch for quite a while. We went back today, and he had a great time playing with a couple of other dogs. Looks like we will try to go there once a week!

We finished the obedience classes last week. Dexter did really well. He is excellent with spoken and visual cues for “sit”, “down”, and “stay.” One interesting activity was practicing come when called. Dexter was doing wonderful, and then the instructor decided to put out some distractions (ie, toys and balls). I said that Dexter would never get past the balls and come to me; the instructor said that I needed to have faith. Well, Dexter proved me wrong…he did go up to one of the balls, but he never picked it up; he did come to me. I was very proud of him…because that had to have taken lots of will power to do! At the end of the twelve lessons, the instructor gets out a box of toys from which the dogs can choose a graduation gift. Bet that you wouldn’t be surprised what Dexter picked out…a squeaky Kong tennis ball! Not only did Dexter get a lot out of the classes, we as a family did. The instructor was full of hints that have helped us out around the house.

A huge thank you to all of you at NEARR for all that you do! We are so glad that Dexter has joined us.