Catching up with Gavin - 6 year DK-anniversary

[BG and Gavin]

It has been six years since I joined this site.  When I joined Gavin looked like this:

My friends at DK have been there for us through thick and thin, sickness and health, triumphs and set backs.   We owe a lot to the advice and friendship that we found on this site.  Gavin has gone from an adorable little land shark of a puppy to the most wonderful and best behaved dog I could dream of.  Aside from getting a dental cleaning and a broken tooth removed yesterday, he is in perfect health as his blood profile indicated.  I owe part of that (and perfect poops) to Karen and our Food Group members.  He is also well-exercised and well trained thanks to Jane and our Training Group.  And lastly he is an active Therapy Dog thanks to the inspiration of Charlotte and the rest of our friends in the Therapy Dog Group.  I would like to encourage any new members to join Puppy Madness first and then get involved in some of the other active groups on DK.  You doodle can be even more than you ever dreamed!  I hope that along the way I too have passed on some tips and inspiration.

If you are so inclined, you can Like and Share Gavin's page on FB: 

https://www.facebook.com/Gavin-The-Therapy-Dog-334456143425609/?ref...

It was started by one of my LD students that I was mentoring, who is taking photography classes.  She has stayed on with us this year as a volunteer (Gavin's charms have done it again).  Here are a couple of her pictures of Gavin at work (at the College and at a Stroke and ABI group)

And finally a shout out to F and the Photography group as I was able to get this nice picture of Gavin and my student.

And what were the very first discussions that I started?

1. Housebreaking question

2. Coat question

3.  Loose leash walking question

And who was my first friend?

Joanne and Spud!

There more things change, the more they stay the same ;)

Thanks Adina and DK!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Donna. You know how much I love my fav Newfoundland dog, The Mighty Q!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Yay for you, too.  Your contributions have inspired us to improve our relationships with our dogs.  I LOVED and followed your ' in real places' training and for a while I copied what you did.  I am so glad you are here!

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Nancy. That was certainly a memorable training program for a number of reason the least of which was training outdoors in the snow and below zero temperatures in the dead of winter!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I skipped over that part - being in Southern California.  :-}

[Bonnie and Kona]

Gavin, I loved you at first site! Then when you were kind to the old man with palsy at a family gathering, that was all it took for me to be a permanent fan. I am so glad your mom has employed your sweetness to touch the lives of others. xo

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Bonnie. I wish my heart was as pure as his. I have a feeling that your's is ;)

[Bonnie and Kona]

I don't think any human heart can compare to the selfless, unconditional love of a dog, but you make it possible for Gavin to spread his love around.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

You two have had quite a journey together-and more to come! I'm so glad you are members of DK. Gav has been an inspiration to Tara in the Training Group!  Happy Anniversary to both of you!

[BG and Gavin]

Thank you Ricki. You and Miss Tara have provided us all with many smiles.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Hooray for you and Gavin! I have enjoyed your adventures and your support…and Gavin's very own FB page. Lots of laughs along the way I'm so glad you are both here! 

[BG and Gavin]

Yes Cheryl LOTS of laughs! Thanks.

[Sally M]

Congrats to you and Gavin! I'm glad to be new friends to you both.