Hi Barb- This was Greta’s big social weekend. At 8 weeks old she greets everyone with a tail that wags triple speed. Thank you for all your work in raising a confident dog. We had our first dinner party and she got passed around to nine people after dessert, likely the only time that will happen. We went off to puppy kindergarten and she focused well to follow directions. During the last 10 minute social hour, slept in the middle of the floor while a 12 week old Great Dane walked over her. She was allowed for the first time in the living room for a football party and the Vikings win. Lots of noise, lots of friends, lots of petting and playing. We all laughed out loud as she watched the TV for the first time. She likes Joe Buck and commercials. With our first week together history; she sleeps through the night without problems. We have our crate routine down with no messes during the day. She sits on command with ease and likes to fetch all things. I am living in a puppy parallel universe, having the time of my life and grateful for such a wonderful puppy.  Karen

We have a 7 year old male and a 1 ½ year old male available. When we place an older dog, it is on a trial basis. You would take the dog for two weeks, if it is a good match, you keep him, if he is not a good fit for your family, you return the dog and get your money refunded. If you are interested in an older dog, please email me explaining the kind of dog you are hoping for, and a little bit about your life style. I will call you to discuss details.

We had a wonderful Christmas with our children and grand-children. Maddie’s litter was five weeks old and so fun to hold! We are very thankful for a blessed year in 2009 and talked about the things this year that were significant to all of us. We are very fortunate to all be healthy, and have had three new girls added to our family this year…our new daughter-in law, Missy, and our two grand-daughters. January 6 was Russ and my 31st wedding anniversary! I still remember the first time I met him, when I was 13…he came over to hang out with my brother Glenn. I thought he was so cute, but never dreamed he would ever be my boy friend. When I was 15 he asked me to go to “Jaws” and held my hand for the first time. I can’t explain the feeling, but when he held my hand, I felt like melting! I had never felt that way before, or since…I was so young and had no idea what real love was, but I knew what I felt for him was unique. As time went on, I knew Russ was my soul mate. I couldn’t live without him. By the time I was 18 I couldn’t resist marrying him! We had been married for a year when we went on a mission trip to Haiti with Glenn. Two days before we left on the trip, I found out I was pregnant with our first baby, Christie! That trip to Haiti was life changing. It was just like you see on TV and magazines. So much poverty. So many hurting people. I thought about the child I was carrying, and how she would never go hungry, always feel loved, never know a night without a warm place to sleep. When we came home, as we turned a faucet and hot water came flowing out, or we opened the refrig, or laid down in a soft, warm bed, we couldn’t help but think of all the people we had met, and how they survived on little or nothing. I learned to be thankful for a roof over my head, no matter how big or small it was. I became thankful for the smallest things. Now as I see the Haitians suffering even more through the after math of the earthquake, I can’t help but remember the people we met, and the look of gratefulness in their eyes as we handed them penicillin. We shared the truth of God’s word, and told them of the love of Jesus Christ. We left everything we had brought, except for the clothes on our backs. 30 years have passed, and that trip is still impacting my life!

Barb and Russ,

Thought that we would send you some pictures of Ruby”s first solo hunt. She really gets excited when the vests and the guns come out! Does she look excited in the field???!!! She looks very proud over her birds. It’s so fun to be out with your own dog! We have the potential to be a good team.

Merry Christmas,

Bob

Barb;

This is Reagan again this year. She is beautiful. I am going to get her involved as a therapy dog after the first of the year. I have many compliments on her. She continues to be a wonderful puppy (Jasmine/Captain). She has the run of my house, never jumps on furniture or destroys my belongings. She is a little tough on soft dog toys however.

Marlene and Reagan

Hi Barb - I hope you had a most enjoyable Christmas and will have a Happy New Year.

Attached is a picture of Moxie when we were playing in the woods during Christmas. We were up at the cabin where we had approx 20″ of snow and what you are seeing is a tired little girl. She just loves the snow, however, when there is so much of it, it’s even too much for her.

Happy Holidays
Greg and Brenda

Hi Barb,
Here are photos of 3-month-old, 20-lb., Maiya (Ruby/Captain litter ‘09) playing in the snow with our son, Nathan! She has so much fun with the kids, tirelessly running up and down the sledding hill. Maiya loves everyone she meets and definitely considers herself “the neighborhood welcome committee.” Your early socialization made quite an impact on her easy-going personality—our thanks go out to you, your family, the school children, the seniors and everyone else who held her, and introduced her to a variety of experiences when she was tiny!

Nancy, John, Nathan and Claire

Dear Barb,

I just had to send this recent photo of Olivia! She loves tennis balls! Every once in a while, she brings 3 to me at once.

She continues to bring joy to me every day and is my constant companion! Thank you for matching our personalities so perfectly!

Happy Holidays!
Sue

Maddie’s puppies are doing well and growing! All the puppies in this litter
are spoken for. We are expecting litters in February which will be ready
for their new homes in April!