Huck: I'm a big boy now!

I can't believe it's been ten months since my mama found me on the side of that country road. I was just a scared little puppy. The first time I saw her I ran away. But then she came back and I thought maybe she was the one who would save me. I was weary at first, but then I finally got up the nerve to jump into her arms. That's still my favorite place to be. I love snuggling with my mama and my papa. I even like snuggling with my sissy Abby sometimes.

My confidence has really improved, too. I used to be so skittish and frightened of unfamiliar people, other animals and sudden sounds. I had a real problem with kids riding their bikes, too. Something about watching those little legs going 'round and 'round just got me all riled up. Wasn't too thrilled with eye contact either. Well, thanks to my mama and the nice doggy trainer, Scott Manning, I kept getting better and better. The past few times Mama took me for a walk I walked up to our neighbors and wasn't afraid at all. They couldn't believe the difference in me. I just wagged my tail and sniffed at their trouser legs. My mama was very proud!

I still get pretty rowdy sometimes, but I can't help it, I'm just a puppy. I've taken to grabbing the newspaper off the coffee table and shredding it to pieces. The other night Mama chased me through the backyard because I had an envelope in my mouth. She was sure it was an important bill. Turns out it was just junk mail. She didn't get mad at me. She thought it was funny. I thought it was just plain fun!

I'm now one year old and a pretty good-sized doggy at 55 pounds. I'm also a confident and happy puppy dog and a "bone-a-fide" member of a family that loves me very much. Yup, I'm a big boy now!

Signed,
Huck