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Here is the history on how the names of our dogs came about - a story in itself:

Avi's Kunik Bisitik - named for the 2 polar bears at the Toronto Zoo.  It means 'Gentle Kiss Protector'.  Kunik LOVED Maine, Freeport, and staying at the Harraseeket Inn.  When he got sick in May of 2005, the front staff went out of their way to help us get him to a vet and take care of his needs.

Ebb Tide's Geddy Duex Spot - named for a tavern in Bar Harbor, Maine.  Her picture is still up on their wall!

Clearwater's Freeport Seeket- "memory of a kiss" - named in memory of Kunik and because of the bond we formed with the staff at the Harraseeket.

Avi's Harraseeket's Mr. Cooper - named for the Inn.  Mr. Cooper is a 92 year old gentleman that volunteers everyday at the Harraseeket's afternoon tea.  Such a gentleman!  What better role model for Cooper (or so we hope!)

 

Socialization 101

Socialization, socialization, socialization!  That is the key to start getting your puppy heading for a future as a Pet Assisted Therapy and R.E.A.D. dog!  One of the Berner clubs we belong to is the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley.  In a recent issue of Bernerblatt newsletter they published a list of 12 experiences that a puppy should have within the first 12 weeks - visiting different places, being handled by different people, eating in different locations, walking on different surfaces, etc.

We started Mr. Cooper out right away meeting a variety of people and dogs.

Molly, our neighbor, helps out by watching Mr. Cooper, but her and Freeport are fast becoming good friends too:

Next came the visit to the Vet's

And, the 'piece de resistance' (drum roll please!) a trip to Freeport, Maine to meet his namesake and the staff at the Harraseeket Inn. When we got to Maine, he acted like he had been there before and was in love with it all over again.  Unfortunately Mr. Cooper was out ill, so he didn't get to meet his namesake.  Thanks to Kodak Gallery and their photo cards, he will be kept abreast of Cooper's early life until we go back up at Christmas!

Daily walks to town turned out to be great socialization for both of them!  We felt a little bad for Freeport since people thought he was the mother L.  I think we'll get him a t-shirt that says 'I'm not the mom, I'm the big brother!"

Always having my camera at the ready, great shots were captured of "The Helfer Boys"- the title we gave to Freeport and Mr. Cooper.  I really like the digital camera because I can keep taking pictures and know that my chances of getting that perfect shot will be in one of them.  What do you think of my photographic prowness?

We are working to get Mr. Cooper and Freeport comfortable eating together so there will be no rivalry.  Isn't a picture worth a 1,000 words? 

Same shot, 4 different dogs (priceless):

Kunik and Geddy:

Geddy and Freeport

Freeport and Mr. Cooper:

And, when he gets bigger, Larry and I are going to have a heck of a time trying to use our bathroom!

Cooper is already into his 4^th week in Level 1 Obedience class at Ebb Tide Kennels and Stables.  There are 11 other dogs in his class, including 4 Rottweiler puppies.  Freeport's Level 4 Obedience class is immediately after and I think he's a little jealous of the puppy having my undivided attention for an hour!  Both are doing so good, and it's not just my bias showing through, honest!  They are making friends and learning at the same time!

He's also becoming quite the mechanic, even checking the oil and tire pressure:



And, speaking of Freeport, you must always make sure that you make time for your other dog.  He and I did a special nursing home visit to a friend.  I think he liked it because he got to have the cap of the ice cream that Gloria was having! 

Freeport also start doing the READ program at Lollypop Farm for July and August and he so enjoys those sessions!

We even brought Mr. Cooper out the last time so he could have some more socialization and he got to meet the staff at Lollypop Farm, who absolutely adored him!

As I close out this Blog, I want to let you know that in putting this together, I have viewed hundreds of photos of all of our dogs - prints (scanned from my ESP-7 AiO printer) CD's, Kodak Gallery and files on my computer.  Each photo brings back such vivid memories.  Still makes me cry, laugh, and smile reminiscing!  Thank you for allowing me to share with you! 

Until the next Blog - The End (literally!)