The way Rocky runs, swims and navigates stairs, you would never know he has hip dysplasia. He gets 50 mg of Novox in the morning and evening. Our vet suggested keeping him below 93 pounds so we’ve reduced his food a bit and added canned string beans (which he loves!) for bulk. (He was just a couple of pounds over the vet’s recommendation.)

His favorite outdoor activity is to play with TWO partially inflated soccer balls. This year he swims well without having to use last year’s life-preserver! He stays on our property and walks reliably along the shoulder of the road with us without his leash. Rocky comes on the first command and is the smartest, best-behaved of the four yellow labs we have rescued over the past 30 years!

He can be a bit of a devil though, occasionally sneaking into our “dog hair free bedroom zone” and emptying the waste basket, shredding up tissues.

Rocky has made two road trips to Philadelphia to visit his yellow lab cousin. Both times he was a good traveler and adapted well once he arrived.

Rocky’s vocabulary includes the following: sit, stay, come, ball, toy, walk, go, “eh-eh” (means “no”), swim (either in the lake or pond), pool (as in his plastic wading pool), food, no more, dinner, peanut butter, go out, go in, go to your bed, go to the den,we’ll be back, good boy!, let’s get the mail.

Bear, the 3 year old chocolate Lab that came to us on Memorial Day this year has settled into his Forever Home and is doing very well. He has a very sweet disposition and thrives on praise and attention. His tail is apparently attached directly to his heart as it is constantly wagging and banging on everything in sight. Bear’s favorite activity is retrieving his “duck” in the lake where we live. He has enormous front legs and paws and is a very strong swimmer. He also enjoys riding in Boss’s pickup truck to one of his favorite hiking trails by a brook where he is always on high alert for squirrels, birds and chipmunks. Bear has to remain on a leash or a flexi for now except when he’s doing his retrieving in the lake. He’s so focused on bringing back his duck that nothing else matters. Even if he gets loose he just goes straight to the pickup to wait for a ride.

Bear loves people of all ages and also children. Boss has a one year old and a four year old granddaughter and Bear is just great with them. Bear had some anxiety issues when he arrived but is starting to settle in very nicley now that he knows he’s home for good. We are so thankful to all the NEARR folks who helped Bear and us find each other and for helping with the adoption. You folks make such a difference in dogs and peoples lives and are just incredible in that you are all volunteers.

Bear and Big Boss are spending quality time with a new trainer named Dee Ganley, author of “Changing People, Changing Dogs”. She is helping Bear and the Boss learn how to cope with stressful situations such as meeting other dogs, especially while on a leash. Dee has a website, “deesdogs.com”, if anyone is interested. Her knowledge of dog behavior is amazing.

Hello to my friends at NEARR!

It has been an amazing nine months. I have made so many new friends and my Mom and Dad love me dearly. I have completely accepted that this is my forever home. This means I only jump up into the bed when I feel like it. After all, a girl needs her rest! I still protect Mom when she goes into the basement to do laundry. Now, my brother Winston D. Cat has to come along. He’s my buddy and we still like to get into things. Did you know he can even open the fridge? Talk about a good friend to have!

Speaking of friends. I have made a few really great canine buddies. My grandma has a mastiff puppy. I remind him of his size and show him how to be respectful while still having fun. In the summer heat, we mostly spend our time together in a baby pool. I also have a great pug best friend named Trixie. Sometimes, all three of us get together. Good times!

A month or two ago, Mom and Dad found a little growth on the bottom of my paw. They were very worried for me. Thankfully, it was no big deal. I had surgery to have it removed and life went back to normal. Mom and Dad had to be very creative to keep me from jumping up into my favorite chair, onto the bed, or even the couch. I’m the kind of girl who goes where my family goes. And a few stitches were nothing I couldn’t handle.

Lately, I have been going on outings with my parents. They got me my very own backpack! I carry my own water, water bowl, and some snacks. I love sniffing everything that comes my way. I’m looking forward to our first camping trip next week. I plan to sleep right beside Mom in the tent. I love sitting outside and I know I’ll love some sausage or burgers cooked over the open fire. Even though I am very excited, my parents said we would only try it for one night to see how I do. I think they will be happy to see that I am a true adventurer!

Mom and Dad are still so thankful that NEARR rescued me! I am one of the best things that has ever happened to them. I’ll check back again soon!

We’ve adjusted to Missy and Missy has adjusted to us, rather smoothly I may add. She has settled into a routine quite easily-5:30 am morning walks, followed by ear cleaning, brushing and play before she gets her first meal.

Like most of my dog owner friends, we’re dealing with shedding. The vet recommended Omega 3 oil which we’ve added that to her diet.

After a couple of misfires, we found a groomer who uses organic products and with whom Missy is comfortable. She gets a “spa-like” treatment at this establishment and we find the service reasonable and accommodating.

During the recent hot spell, poor Missy looked so uncomfortable that we shortened her morning and evening walks.

Our next door neighbor got a puppy and, at first, Missy ignored little Dash. But we share a yard with the neighbor and, after 6 weeks, Missy has started to explore socializing with the puppy.

Neighborhood kids are drawn to Missy. They call her doggie and the kids under 5 tell me she is the biggest dog they’ve ever seen. I’m not sure if the photo is clear enough to see that Missy has trimmed down some. By walking Missy, I’ve managed to meet more neighbors. She is a magnet. I think her slow gait, furrowed brow and general “happy” demeanor is inviting.

Occasionally we deal with a stubborn streak which I find quite amusing. She likes to sit right behind me while I’m working in the kitchen, hoping, I’m sure, that a rogue carrot or Cheerios fall to floor. She understands that when I say LEAVE and point to the kitchen entrance, she exits, doe eyed, of course. That look is so hard to resist.

Our lives are forever changed thanks to Missy and to NEARR.