BrightStar Dogs' Accomplishments!
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Just wanted to add another of Shane-Wow's (Sham-wow..get it?) accomplishments.
I know it's not much for a normal dog, but being that he's blind, these little things are huge for him.... Besides being totally off leash around the yard, over coming his terrible fear of toenail clipping to now allow me to dremel his toenails (and behave better than Trace when I do it!), and traveling back and forth to North Carolina with me (and everywhere else....), I now find out that he SWIMS!!! Yep, he swims like a darn fish!! Mom and I took off to the 1000 Islands the past couple of days and I already knew I can hardly get Trace out of the water, but for some reason, both Mom and I thought Shane might have some difficulty. I figured the sound of the waves would freak him out quite a bit. He was a little leery at first, but once big brother went in, it was all over!!!! You know, it's funny how much courage one dog can give another. Shane was afraid of just about everything around here when I first brought him home....lawn mowers, air compressor, Dad's exhaust on his old car and truck, gun shots out here in the country, etc. Between me socializing him around these loud noises and him being around Trace and able to feel that Trace is not afraid, has given quite a bit of courage and self-esteem. I don't think Shane would have gone in the water without Trace and me around him - honestly!

Just like a little Tonka truck over the rocks... (You can see the muscle tone in his back leg in this picture..59lbs when I got him, but he's now up to a very healthy 70lbs. Still very lean, but his hind legs have beefed way up now that he gets to run, run, run off leash with his big bro!)

Gotta follow his big brother....

Even gettin' a little frisky and hoppin' in the water!!

This one is just priceless...

I just thought this one was cute..the expression on his face...

Anywho, just wanted to share with you. I know I haven't written nearly as many emails about Shane as I have Trace. I've been quite busy and work midnights now and I'm seldom on the computer anymore. I'm sorry about that and I promise more updates and I'll see you at the picnic this year for sure! Now, Mom and I were discussing the past few days about how Shane actually came to BrightStar. Was he part of a litter that BrightStar took in, was he found somewhere as a baby? I know that he was adopted by a foster that then gave him back, but prior to that - where he was found or came from. If you know, we'd both be curious - or if you know who would know, could you direct me to them please? Shane is truly a wonderful boy and words just cannot express the love I have for this dog. It seems that they both balance each other out, and they both seem to balance me out. I have one that feeds the working dog side of me, then I have the other who feeds the cuddle dog side of me! It's perfect! I look forward to seeing you and Eric at the picnic - could you pass this email on to him too please? I'm sure he'd love to see Shane's progress!!
Hugs to you and the furkids!
Kyla

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Dear Mrs. Rose,
Thank you so much for Watson. I played tuggy with him today. He loves playing tuggy especially with me.
Sometimes I think Watson will freeze himself because when the bus comes he always sits down in the
snow. I feel sad for him because when I get on the bus his tail stopped wagging because I had to stop
playing stick with him. At school I miss him so I created a list of ten reasons to own Watson:
1. He's always ready to play (except for when he's sleeping)
2. He's lovable
3. He always makes you smile
4. His tail never stops wagging
5. He's not aggressive
6. He loves to be your blanket
7. He's always curious and ready for adventure
8. He's easy to train
9. He lets you know when you didn't play with him enough
10. He always follows you
At school I'm getting a calligraphy set. I think I will write that list down.
When we first got Watson I went on mini adventures with Watson. We would run to one place in the yard (like the flowers) and Watson would sniff around.
I love having Watson!
Love, Kendall

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Congratulations to Dr. Malcom Riggs and especially to his BrightStar dog Alex
for achieving his CD TITLE on May 15th 2010!!