Hi Judy- 1/12/08
Sully turned 1 on 12-18-07 and what a great dog he is.  The twins love him and at times they think he is a pony, he is gentle and best of all he tries to sit in my lap.  His favorite food is bacon and of course whatever the kids toss him from time to time, he sleeps outside the crate at night but if we are gone he is crated.  He loves to be outside, and now with the snow he thinks he is king and sits on the tallest mound for hours.  He has a big dog house full of straw incase he needs to get warm.  I am very greatful for you for allowing us to bring Sully home with us and make him a great part of this family. Our friends find him a bit scary, but once they meet him they realize that looks aren't always what they seem.  He loves kids and adults, especially when you come to visit!! :) He weighs about 102-105 pounds and as you see still that nice black coat, which we get groomed every 6 weeks. I think in a year or two once the twins are in kindergarten I would love to get Sully a playmate :)
-Jenny

   Hi Judy- 11/24/07
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how Maggie is doing. I’m sorry we haven’t written in a while, I broke my ankle and have been hobbling around for about six weeks.I took Maggie to the vet a couple weeks ago, and our little baby, weighed in at 50 lbs. The vet said she’d probably top out at 100 lbs. My little girl isn’t going to be little. Maggie is so fun to be around. She is so animated and so much fun, I just can’t imagine our lives without her. She’s become accustomed to waking the kids up in the morning by jumping on their beds and licking them out of sleep (which of course each of them loves). She’s super playful and can’t get enough of fetching balls and toys around the house and outside. She’s used to her bedroom (crate) now, and goes in there for quiet time whenever she wants. But, her favorite place to sleep is the hearth by the fireplace. She loves it – we call it Maggie’s throne. The best thing about her is she is always by my side. I’ve grown used to her being right next to me whenever I’m doing something – even laundry. Here’s the picture that is becoming our Christmas cards! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Debbie, Pete, Lucas and Bella

   11/01/07
Hi Judy-
I thought I’d give you an update on Roxy. First of all, she is a sweetheart! A sometimes wild and crazy sweetheart, but we’re just loving having her with us. She just completed her basic obedience class and we are looking for an intermediate class that fits into our schedule. My five-year-old has been really getting into training too and Roxy is happy to listen to her as long as there might be a treat involved. I don’t know her current weight, but I’m guessing about 60 pounds. She’s full of life, loves to fetch anything I will throw for her (and, unfortunately, the cats) and loves, loves, loves playing with other dogs. Her coat originally seemed like it would be on the long side, now it’s closer to standard shepherd length, but along the top of her back it’s all wavy. So it will be interesting to see how it grows in. We’re still waiting for her to grow into those ears, though!I’ve attached a picture of just her, as well as one of her with my girls in their Halloween costumes. On Halloween morning I stayed home in the morning to get them in their costumes so they would be ready for the school Halloween parade. When I dropped them off at school Roxy came along for the ride. When the girls got out of the van and I pulled away without them, Roxy went into hysterics. She leapt from the middle seat to the back seat, barking frantically, keeping her eyes on the girls until we drove out of sight and continuing to bark at me half the way home. Clearly she thought I had forgotten them! I never knew she was that concerned about them before. Maybe she will be protective of them after all.It’s funny to hear her different voices. When she is happy or just barking for attention, she has this high-pitched yelp. But when she sees a stranger outside, she breaks out the deep shepherd bark that has people jumping back. Anyway, we are loving her to pieces and I want to thank you for bringing such a wonderful dog into our family!
-Christine

   10/27/07
Well Hello!
I know it's been forever since you've heard from the world of Buddy. He's getting more and more beautiful everyday and I thought I'd try to catch you up on his life these days. First of all he's doing great. His vet thinks he's the best thing ever, Shepherds are her favorite breed, and because she went through the whole process with my dad when his dog Andy got cancer, she is so great with both of them. I go over there and Buddy and I go walking several times a week. His energy level as you would know, is incredible and even though my dad has figured out all kinds of ways to keep Buddy busy and occupied, there's always lots of energy left when I get there. I welcome the opportunity to see them both and spend time together and so it's working out fine. We have quite a menagerie including two Golden Retrievers, and Buddy gets along with them just fine. In the summer he would come over and share their wading pool, and he let them know from that point on that he is his own dog and even if he was (WAS) smaller, he was getting his turn and they would just have to wait. It was all very civil and remarkable! His coat is really changing right now, he's lost his 'blanket back' and appears to be donning a more 'saddle back' appearance. He is so incredibly alert and nimble and attentive. And smart...did I mention smart? And good, my dad always looks at him and with the most sincere expression says "You really ARE a good dog, aren't you Bud?" And just as sincerely, Buddy looks back at him and does his little tongue-air kiss thing. And life is good for both of them!
-Karen

   9/26/07
Heidi (aka B litter's Miss Evy) turned a year today.
Here she is cooling off during the summer.
Thank you for letting us adopt her.
John and Judy

   9/13/07
So I was planning on waiting about a month before sending in an update on Arco, but...when I was approached by Dan asking for one, how could I pass up the opportunity to brag a bit about our new boy? Each week he's been out with some of his litter-mates, walking with everyone and having a blast wrestling with Katie. He's doing great on his callbacks, sitting and we're already working on down, stay, out and leave it at almost 11 weeks. His ability to learn is a little scary, but awesome at the same time. We've managed to keep him chewing on his toys more then our furniture or us, and he has a blast playing with our Sheltie Johnny Blaze. He stays pretty tuckered out between the daily walks, short training sessions and learning his place in the house with Johnny, but our home has already been enriched by his presence. It doesn't matter where Arco goes with us, he draws attention like a moth to the flame. Not a single person passing by him can resist his clumsy and goofy canter, and if its not the size of his paws it's how well behaved his is around complete strangers. The bi-weekly trips out with Judy and the gang are due some credit to that, Papa Bear and Britney deserve quite a bit of credit as well. I think I'd be keeping something from you if I didn't mention his trips to the police department, my parents and my wifes parents house. Its always interesting at the in-laws when Arco not only contends with Johnny, but another Sheltie by the name of Gunner, and 2 yorkies, Mattie and Beamer. When I say contend, if its not playing follow the leader chasing the older dogs around, its learning his place with the yorkies. Arco easily is triple the size of the little lap dogs, but he is a gentle giant with them. Arco starts his training at Common Scents in a short couple of weeks, this first month has definately flown. A huge thank you to Judy for the furball that has shown us how to look at the world through the eyes of a puppy!
- Jason, Julie, Kaleb, Johnny and Arco

   09/09/07
Hi Judy:
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how wonderful Maggie is.  She is just a big bundle of fur and fun, and she keeps changing every day.  Today, both of her little ears have managed to stand up -- and they are super cute, especially when she's dangling her paws over the steps.  She's so smart!  My daughter Bella taught her to sit and down within two days.  She's learning to give paw now. Our little girl has also managed to find her voice.  She's becoming protective of her kids and loves to play with them. She's become quite used to the air conditioning, and we always find her sleeping on a vent -- it's her favorite place to hang out.

 

Thank you so much for letting us adopt one of your fur kids. We love her so much and every day is an adventure.
- Pete, Debbie, Lucas and Bella

   09/01/07
Hi Judy -  Just wanted to let you know that Emma is a joy to have around.  She is a very sure of herself - considering she had 2 other shepherds and 3 rat terriers to receive approval from.   She is eating well.  In fact, she now weighs 17 lbs.  She is sleeping through the night.  From the first time I saw her, I fell in love with her!!  Emma goes to work with me everyday.  She plays with the 2 shepherds, 1 beagle and 6 cats.  At home, she has 3 rat terriers, and 3 cats to play with.  She is a wonderful addition to our family.  Of course, I can't forget to mention how adorable she is.  Those little eyes peeking out from that ball of fuzz is simply irresistible.
This is just a note to thank you for parting with her!!!!
Thanks again, Pam

   09/01/07

Judy-
I apologize for not responding sooner to the reminder email about puppy training rules - I delayed, and then had a bit of a setback - I broke my ankle, missing the last step to the first floor while wearing my reading glasses. I hear it is a common phenomenon with the glasses, and I was going too fast. I am "on the mend" and am getting around pretty well all things considered. Luckily I have a powder room on the first floor, which was crucial for that first week until I got stronger and learned how to get up and down the stairs, and how to get that occasional but precious hot shower without causing more damage. I also use a "transport chair" to prevent some shoulder pain using the crutches. I definitely am practicing patience. Danke has been a dream through all this - she and my dog walker! I broke it two weeks ago today and that weekend I had great plans to buy a camera and take Danke to the park for more experiences (geese in the pond!) and pictures. Well - no camera yet, but I expect to purchase one "online" soon. As for this darling puppy - she has learned "sit", "down", "around" (with a hand motion - to go from one side of my wheelchair to another), and we are working on "out" (to let go of things she gets a hold of "by accident" like socks, paper, leaves, and things "on purpose" like toys). She waits sitting 2 seconds before going to her bowl, to my "OK". She knows "Yes!" most likely will bring a piece of kibble and will wait for it - so far I can wait to reward her at 3 seconds after a down. She has had only 2 accidents, both my fault of course. She is gentle with two of my cats, will chase if they run, and the cat that "nursed" on my other GSD as a runty 6 week old abandoned kitten LOVES her, and only wishes she would let her snuggle. They lick each other. My dog walker/helper says she is amazing - walks well, stops and sits at curbs. She will stop and sometimes sit when she sees something new - she watches for a while - a squirrel, children on bikes, lawn people. She has met many neighbors, and stays on "all four" most of the time. Physically, she's long, lean and her floppy ear stayed up all day yesterday for the first time. She's precious!
-Karen

   08/27/07

Hi Judy,
Bronc is doing so great. He is absolutely gorgeous!! He really has a phenomenal temperament too. He has NEVER shown aggression other than trying to dominate  someone into playing fetch LOL.
He is learning about jumping on people and doing well enough. Unfortunately, he is overly exuberant about potential playmates.  :o)))) If they throw the stick ( or a plank of wood) , or a pine cone (he really likes to play with those too) he won't let them walk away. Not everyone is thrilled with that and we are working on it.  He is so big that if he says you must play with me people give in because they cannot get away from him. Needless to say he has to be supervised with visitors due to his major play drive. We tell people, whatever you do don't throw anything to him because you will never get rid of him.
He has learned to flip food off his nose and catch it and is very good at Frisbee. He also has a tremendous ability to recognize scents. He would have been an awesome SAR dog. For now he will just have to rescue pine cones and watch over me. He NEVER leaves my side. Thanks again Judy, I would buy another dog from you in a heartbeat.  He is just so awesome.
Jeannie

   08/19/07

Judy,
Roxy has settled in quite happily, is making friends with all the neighborhood kids and our friends, and is getting ready to start obedience classes after Labor Day. She's a joy!
-Christine

   07/14/07

Judy, Things are going well! Mr. Brown (Buddy?) slept through the night, both nights and is learning what the pea gravel is for. Only one accident in the house so far. I went by there today and I can see that the two of them are already bonding. Mr. B. did a growly thing when I walked into the yard, it was cute. He was a little reserved the first day but today he seems to be taking everything in stride, and he seems really smart! He's eating well, napping for fairly long periods and playing with his new baby Kong. He had a bath today and didn't mind at all. I think you made an excellent match and my dad seems very happy to have him in his life Mr. Brown is everything you said he is and more. Thank you a million times for raising such amazing puppies! Kare

   07/12/07

Hey Judy, I named the puppy Colby. He has become a part of the family very fast and is my new love of my life. He is such a great little puppy and I can't believe how quickly he as adapted. He only woke me up twice, once at 1 in the morning and the other time at 4 in the morning to go potty. Also, he is great when he has to go potty-all he does is cry and lets me know he has to go. I just love him to pieces. I'll be taking pictures and weigh him weekly to keep you updated. I'm so glad I've found you and have a new baby in my life. Thanks so much for everything! Elizabeth

   07/12/07
Judy-
She is already looking for me when I leave the room or when she hears my voice she starts to wiggle and get excited she is getting more to a routine with her naps today so she'll be fine. I had gave them some dick vanpatten roll after a potty break but forgot and left it on the counter and then i went to the bedroom next thing i know she is howling in the kitchen, when i come in to see she starts to jump up where the goodies are sitting on the counter. Very smart! All is well.
Mona

   07/12/07
Hi Judy-
  Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how Apollo (formerly Mr. Blue), is doing.  Apollo has gained 3 ounces in 2 days, learned to sit in about 30 seconds, has had only one accident in the house (my fault), and is charming the pants off everyone he meets.  He is extremely confident and although he is goofy and silly, he seems very mature emotionally.  The vet thought he was awesome, easy to handle and a beautiful representation of the GSD breed.  He went with me to work yesterday and will continue to do so.  He is a real momma's boy and will not let me out of his sight...exactly what I wanted.  Thank you so much for letting me bring him home.

   Check these out Judy. This is Roz at puppy class - What a total HAM!   She is so smart and so eager to please, we just couldn't be happier with this pup.
Carl