Hobbit: Um, I'm stuck.

I got stuck under the bed last night.

It was 3 am when my mommy woke up and realized I wasn't in bed with Poncho and her. She looked at the dog bed on the floor and was concerned to see I wasn't there either. She got up and looked all over the dark bedroom, careful not to accidentally step on me or wake up Poncho, but I was nowhere to be found. Then she remembered that I sometimes used to hide under the bed. She lifted the bedskirt, stuck her arm under the bed and found me. She called for me, "Hobbit? Hobbit?," but I didn't respond. She tried pulling me out, but I was stuck! She was really worried. Me, I just lay there waiting for Mommy to help me. I didn't even make a sound, but that's not unusual for me. When I'm scared or stressed I pretty much shut down. Just like the first day when Mommy and Poncho found me. I was in so much pain because my eye was terribly injured, but I didn't make a peep. I just stayed still and waited for someone to help me. Just like last night. I  knew my mommy would find me. Well, after a couple of minutes of trying to get me unstuck Mommy figured that if she pulled on my hind legs then she could get me out. It worked! Out I came on my belly! She held me and cooed over me. Then she carried me back to bed and cuddled with me. We both fell right to sleep. Boy, did we have a story to tell Poncho in the morning!

I think I'll stay on the bed tonight.

Signed,
Hobbit

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