Emma

My name is Heather and I am Emma's mom. Let me start by thanking you both sooo much for the very obvious love and caring you gave Emma while she was in your care. Shs is AMAZING!!!!! Due greatly in part to the first mommies she knew I am sure.
We had a long ride home to Vermont after a 4 hour car ride from Deerfield where we met. After seconds of eye contact while she was unloaded we were hooked. There was a connection so strong that I can't put it into words. I had that connection once before with my former soulmate Max (he passed away over 10 years ago)...it was amazing to feel that with another dog. Max was a shepherd mix as well.
Emma was so well behaved on the car ride home, I had taken the back seat out of my Jeep Wrangler and set her up with a small crate (that she opted not to use) and several new fluffy pink blankets and a new pillow and some new chew toys. After several attempts at sitting in the passenger seat (yes, I agree a VERY strong will) she settled in nicely for the trip. We stopped often for water and Iams large breed puppy food (thanks to Megan for the tip!)...and of course bathroom romps in the snow. She LOVES the snow!!! So happy to see that because I enjoy snowshoeing, hiking and being outside....so she will most definitely be accompanying me on many adventures. My best friend lives on Lake Champlain, and we canoe and camp alot....she has a 2 year black Lab named Elli....the two will be meeting for the first time Wednesday. I will send pictures as I take them!

Lego

I wanted you guys to have an update on Herbie. We have decided to call him Lego because my fiance is Danish and it is a Danish word that means "play well." We actually got the idea from the other black puppy on the website that was named Lego. He has transitioned to the name very well and comes running when you say his name now. He is so funny and always underfoot, what a character!
Anyway, he is doing great. He has really settled in here with us and seems really happy. We go for long walks and he is doing a great job staying with us and saying hi to everyone. He hasn't had an "accident" in the house since the 2nd day we got him and loves his crate. He naps in the crate with the door open when we are home. The cold and snow have definitely been an adjustment but his coat is very thick now and he loves leaping around in all the snow we have gotten.
Lego has made a huge difference in both of our lives. We feel so lucky that we found him and have you two to thank for that. I am spreading the word about Homeward Bound around because everyone who meets him says, "I have been looking for a dog just like that! Where did you get him?" He is a terrific dog and already a part of the family. He loves all of the people and dogs we have introduced him to and the fact that he is so well socialized is amazing. We have been doing our part to keep him exposed to new experiences but it is easy to see that he got a great start with you

Ella

Just thought you'd like to see how Lulu (now Ella) turned out. She's
such a smart dog, and a wonderful (if crazy) companion, and quite the
cuddlebug. Anyway, here's a shot of her I took a week or two ago in her
usual place. Enjoy :)

Sadie

Hey Meg! I just wanted to drop a few lines about Sadie and how she is adjusting to her new home. When I picked her up she was so shy and scared and I felt so bad. I can gladly say that she is no longer that shy, scared girl. Sadie (formally Wanda) has come around so much and is getting better everyday. She instantly took to our other pup Eli and they have now become the best of friends.
She is just now figuring out that this is her new home and it's a lot nicer than the shelter (minus the awesome staff of course). In the beginning she was kind of a loner and would go off by herself and lay in the other room. Now she jumps on the couch and tackles you for a kiss. She is no longer shy with strangers. Her butt and tail shakes from side to side when she sees someone new and she sits patiently while they come meet her.
I think that she loves Eli so much that she follows his lead. She knows that if he isn't scared to meet new people she shouldn't be either. I would definitely not use the word shy when describing Sadie and that is awesome considering that she shook like a leaf the first 24 hours we had her. She is quiet compared to Eli but a bomb is quiet compared to Eli so I think she is just developing her own personality. She is the prettiest little thing and she loves to wake Mike up in the morning by kissing all over his face. She also loves to sleep at the end of the bed on top of his legs.
She comes to you when she wants to cuddle – you can't make her cuddle – that is the big difference I see in Sadie and Eli. Eli you could pick up and twirl him over your head and he would love it because it's a form of attention. Sadie likes her attention to be on her terms. You can't hold her or pick her up if she doesn't want it she will let you know. But if she is in the mood she will be all over you. We are just so used to Eli being our shadow. Sadie likes to observe rather than be the center of attention.
I wanted to thank you and everyone who runs Homeward Bound. If it wasn't for you all our family wouldn't be complete. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that Santa is especially good to you guys because you deserve it!
Here are some pictures of Eli and Sadie resting after playing. I hope you will add them to your success page! I will make sure to keep sending pictures as she gets bigger and bigger.