Mr. Good Bark (application pending)

Hi Veronica, I wanted to update you on how Charlie and Lucy are doing. They are getting bigger everyday. We are really enjoying them, and Darla has been tolerating them very well. They have been to our vet, and they are very healthy. They are eating a little better, and love dog treats. They start their puppy training on Saturday at Petsmart. They really enjoyed the snow we had over the weekend. At first they were afraid to go out in it, but with a little convincing they went and loved it. I have attached a photo of them so you can see how big and adorable they are. Take care and I will send you some more pictures in a couple of weeks. Margaret Goldhorn

Cuddles

Hi Veronica, Here are some of the most recent pictures of Cuddy. As you may suspect from the wet fur, he is totally fearless in the ocean. We had taken him to the beach in early summer, but he didn't do well; he played so hard and is so unstoppable that he became sick. Our vet said it was the heat so there were no more beach outings for him until the fall when the temperature was cooler. We think he may have a bit of poodle in him as he really loves the water. He is totally unabashed by the waves (Ocean City small waves but big for him) and plows right into them. Our other dog, Marly, who is three times Cuddy's size, had been terrified of the ocean, but Cuddy gave her heart and now she gallops in with him. Cuddy is a terrific pet. He is quite civilized and well behaved; in this whole year he has had only one accident and that was probably our fault for leaving him the house alone for just a little too long. He apparently had some training and we have added a repetoire of tricks including one paw, two paw, high five, bang, bang, you're dead, and speak--once, twice and three times. And all of this while looking extremely cute. He remains in very good health and his energy level certainly belies his nine years of age. It is probably good that he is a picky eater as he does pick scraps up from the street and is totally uninterested in sweets of any kind. He even only eats a couple kinds of treats, but he does love pizza or anything with tomato sauce. He also likes many kinds of veggies--as long as they come off my plate. The bottom line is that we we love our boy and so appreciate the pleasure he has brought us. Many thanks to all of you for the match. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous New Year. Kind regards, Lynn Wall

Kellybelle

Happy Holidays to all of you at HTH. Kelly (we just dropped the 'belle' part) is doing very well....she's much bigger and she's as strong as an ox. Her vet said that she believes that Kelly is half-Pitbull and half-Labrador (a "Pitador", so to speak) and that she has NO Border Collie in her whatsoever. We love her no matter what she is, however, and after some rocky starts, I think we've all gotten into a pretty comfortable groove with her. She was 50 lbs at her last vet appt. She is due for another one, for her annual rabies shot, and I'm thinking she has gained a bit more since then. She is not a bit overweight, though...she is pure muscle!! Dave and Kelly (and sometimes Alex) go for a walk around the neighborhood every evening, also walking through our park, and she looks forward to that. Every evening at about the same time, she starts staring expectantly at Dave, and nudging him with her nose, to get out the door! She is a regular sight in the neighborhood. We love her to pieces and are thankful to you for taking care of her until we could get her. ;) We hope you're all doing well and that you have a wonderful holiday season! LuAnn

Martha

Hi Veronica, Did you receive an email a week ago from me with a picture of Ella (Martha)? I sent it from my blackberry, and didn't see it in sent messages, so I could have messed it up. I just have the more recent pics of her in my phone vs the laptop. I'll send the photo again just in case. She has been a great addition to our family, and is an exceptionally sweet dog. Ella is beautiful and incredibly athletic. She has calmed down considerably the past two months, and I am very happy she's grown out of the phase where she'd bolt out of our front door at every opportunity and explore the neighborhood. My younger son is especially attached to her, and she is a true family dog. We are grateful you and your staff and volunteers helped bring her to us. Happy holidays! Beth Elbon

Betsy

Hi Veronica, Betsy is doing great, and she just turned a year old on the 18th. Thanks so much for the Christmas card! Betsy liked it so much, she tore it in half...I had to tape it. haha. I hope all is well with you and everyone at Helping the Helpless. Merry Christmas! -Amber