Out of town, but not out of touch

Clay and I are in New York for about 10 days of vacation. We are staying with Clay's brother, Hugh, in NYC, but this first weekend are at Hugh's second home north of the city. However, thanks to the wonders of lap tops and wi-fi networks, we are not entirely out of touch. I don't have the ability to upload pictures, but fortunately there have been a few update emails with photos lately.

Bear is a beautiful German Shepherd adopted by two guys who already had two, much smaller, female dogs. Bear is a gentle soul, however, and has fit in very well in his new home. Here's the news that came along with this picture of Bear on a boat:

It has been almost six months since we adopted Bear on February 1st. I can honestly say that he is fully integrated into the pack, both human and canine. Bear is thriving in his new home and is bonded with both canine sisters. He still loves all toys, especially tennis balls, often two in his mouth at a time. He loves his corner of the bedroom with both a large padded crate and XL luxury dog bed beside it and he uses both. His only bad habit is trying to chase the many deer and foxes (while on lease) on daily neighborhood walks in Potomac. He loves car rides to his almost daily excursions to the Shirlington dog park and C&O Canal towpath. He is also becoming very well traveled...one trip to the beach at Kiawah Island, SC; two trips to Pittsburgh, two trips to Michigan, and all over metro DC. And he has learned to swim...very quickly...and loves it. With regular food, grooming and exercise, his coloring is improving with less Tan and more Red. Bear is a fantastic dog and we love him dearly!!!

Victor is a long-haired shepherd that initially had a bad attitutde towards other dogs. That pretty much got sorted out when he lived with Hercules for quite a while. Victor adored Herc and followed him everywhere. Victor wasn't the easiest dog, but he found a home with a young D.C. couple. They had this to say about him:

Just wanted to give you an update on how much we are enjoying Viktor.(He had a minor name change thanks to a German-speaking friend). Hehas really settled in now and is just about the most fun GSD you canimagine. He has quite an intense ball drive and is always up for agame of ball... he loves to practice his Willie Mays over-the-shouldercatches in our unfinished basement. He is also very affectionate,gives kisses with abandon, and will cuddle and wrestle as well. He isquite a talker and loves to proclaim his excitement, happiness, youname it, with different intonations. His bark adds quite a sound tothe doorbell.His health is great and he is quite athletic and trim at 80 pounds.His fur gives the impression of a much larger dog. His coat is lovelyand lustrous now and his striking appearance is always attracting moreadoring fans as we walk through the neighborhood. I always tellpeople that this gorgeous, well-mannered dog is a rescue from VGSR.He usually gets 4 walks a day and has excellent leash manners. Aneighbor told me that his midday walker proclaimed him her "favorite"and usually they run for a few blocks, which he loves.Viktor also has fans in the dog world, but will respond to anyaggressive dog in kind and frankly thinks it would be a blast to playrough at all times... not really out of malice, but for the fun of it. But, he has learned to turn the other cheek, either strolling calmlyby a barking dog or waiting in a "down" whether they pass or staynearby. (We have a lot of "assertive" males on the block so he getspractice at this.) He has learned to sit before all new introductionsand that helps him get started on his gentle side.Viktor does have a serious side and is obedient and very protective ofhis home and people. But as he's settled in, his goofy and playfulside have really come out. He is a tons of fun!We appreciate all the good work you do for GSDs and thank you forbringing Viktor into our lives!

Finally, here's a video of Tippy and her new big brother, Mo, sent in by Tippy's new home. The video isn't the best, but it clearly shows two happy dogs at play.

That's it for now, folks. Send me your pics and stories so I'll have something to post for the next week or so. I can't promise I'll be able to use them all, but I'll love hearing from you anyway.