Monday night was Charlee's first night back to work since my car accident two months ago. She does a great job helping to get people excited about positive reinforcement and clicker training and I have truly missed her at my side during orientation classes. It was apparent to everyone in attendance at Monday's new class, just how much Charlee loves her job. What's not to like? She gets lots of butt scratches, from wonderful people, and as a bonus, she gets delicious treats for a job well done.

This time last year I wrote that my birthday gift to her was to help her shed more than a few pounds, and that she was going on a strict diet combined with lots more exercise. I did follow through as promised, but despite my best efforts, Charlee continued to gain weight. I brought this up at her spring Vet check, and we did a complete thyroid panel where she tested low. Once on the thyroid medication, her weight dropped, and her coat improved, as well as her over all demeanor with other dogs. To learn more about thyroid, click here.

For her birthday this year, I will continue to provide her with an excellent diet, and with a new puppy in the house, the exercise part is a breeze. After 6 years, we have decided to get her a new collar. Charlee won her current Lupine collar at The Angell Memorials annual pet walk for best trick when I had her for only 5 weeks. She did one heck of a break dance!
After six (yes 6!) years, the metal loop on her otherwise still great looking collar has started to rust, which in turn is turning her white scruff brown. I contacted Lupine and their wonderful products are guaranteed for life, (even if chewed!) and they are replacing her collar - no charge.
There will be no cake and no party for Charlee, but she will get an extra special walk in the woods later on today to splash around in her favorite mud hole.

It is extra sweet to have Charlee with us and doing so well, especially after we came so close to loosing her. This is a good day (as is every day!) to give extra hugs all around to those you love, both human and animal.

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