Lelo and Stitch

We are so proud of the kids! They graduated from Doggie School this past Thursday. While they are not yet up to the required standard to take and pass the Canine Good Citizen test, they have done tremendously well, and even the instructor said that they improved more than she had hoped for when they first started, Missy is not as shy or skittish as she was although she still frightens easily. Somehow I doubt that "fear" tendency will ever leave her. Even our vet said that he thinks that she had a really bad, bad scare during their earlier days, and now she's wary of everything and everyone. She has improved a lot, though. They are both extremely affectionate with people that they know. Missy jumps onto my lap. I turn her onto her back, and cradle her in my arms just like you would a baby. She LOVES it and will stay there for hours, rocking gently and snoring away to beat the band! Charlie jumps on Lenny's lap, and curls up - then sleeps - often for hours at a time. He doesn't do that with me - I think because my lap isn't big enough for him. Yesterday was Brandy's first anniversary. I can't believe that year has gone by so quickly. It was not a good day. She went through a very rough time during her last hours. We miss her a lot. We are very grateful that we have Missy and Charlie, who have filled that void in our life. They are definitely the hit of the neighborhood. We have met more people and made more friends than you would ever dream of, just because people stop to ask about the dogs. We had a car stop as we were walking down the road a few weeks ago. A lady got out - never seen her before and never seen her since. She apologized for "bothering" us, and said she "just had to stop to pet the dogs". We got into a conversation. Her daughter and husband were also in the car. She asked the names of the dogs - we told her "Charlie and Missy". She burst out laughing and said "You're joking, right?" We said "No, why?" and she answered "That's my husband, Charlie driving the car - and our daughter, Melissa, is in the back seat!" Now who woulda thunk it??? LOL We do still plan on bringing them to see you one of these days. Charlie does not like traveling in the car. He whines and cries and barks the whole time. Not sure why. We are trying to get him more used to it by taking him on short trips, but so far we've had no success. I think the weather is too hot for them right now. They both enjoy their indoor "creature comforts" such as air conditioning! When the weather cools some, we'll plan a day to come over to meet with you. You'd be thrilled if you could see them now. They have filled out nicely - no more counting ribs. Charlie weighs just under 35lbs, and Missy flucuates between 20-22lbs. That's quite a big increase over their original 28 and 16 lbs, respectively. They both had a miserable night on Wednesday with all of the fireworks. They did not like them at all. Missy crawled under the bed but still could not get away from the noise. She ended up pacing around the house, stopping here and there to do the occasional "P" purely out of fear. We ended up putting them both in their crates. I put on some music and turned up the volume to try to drown out the firework noise. It did help some. I just wish that people would have a little more consideration for animals when they shoot off fireworks. And also for people who have to get up early the next day for work. But they don't - so we just havet to deal with it. We hope all is going well for you and for the group. You all truly do good work. I know you will be blessed in the next life for what you do in this one. Take care - we'll be in touch. Kind Regards, Pat, Lenny, Charlie & Missy