Sassy Graduates!

Sassy graduated from her first level of obedience class on May 7th! We have a long way to go, but she is doing wonderful! She is still a puppy and can be a bit naughty at times, but all-in-all, she is an amazing dog and we are so happy to have her in our lives.

Thankfully, we are almost through her teething stage--about a month left or less. I had one pair of shoes take one for the team--it was my fault for leaving them out for the picking! Our next class begins June 11th :)

Speech Therapy Wonders!

Jack has been attending the Speech and Hearing Clinic Program at Portland State University for nearly 2 years now. He attends clinic for one hour 2 times a week with a graduate student clinician who is working on their Masters Degree in speech pathology.

This term, they offered to have Sassy join the sessions as a tool in his speech therapy. While it can get a bit hairy at times, they are all doing beautifully! Here's a shot of them from the observation room.

Autism Walkathon 2008

We participated in the Autism Society of Oregon Walkathon for the first time this year. It was extra special for us because we also were able to walk with Sassy! Our team "Jack's Pack" was made up of our family, Grandmom & Pop, Eileen & Declan, and Bern & Shawn. Thanks to all who pledged our team! It all went to a great cause!

Jack and Sassy at the Beach

Sassy visited the Oregon Coast for the first time in her short life last weekend. She really enjoyed playing in the sand. Jack and Sassy are doing so well together. They both are looking forward to our next trip to the beach!

Sassifactor: Week 4

This marks the 4th week since Sassy joined our family. What an eventful week it has been. We, with our fingers crossed, believe that Sassy is fully potty-trained, as we have not had an accident in over 2 weeks. (Really, it is her people who are now dog-reading trained, as we can now accurately (and timely) read the signs imminent to a doggy elimination.)

Jack and Sassy continue to grow closer, as do Vanessa, Josie and Colette. (Mike and I, too.)
Sassy seems to have learned that her family "job" is to be a friend to her boy, Jack. She has learned to remain calm when he is playing a little bit annoying to her. This week she remained in a calm sitting position while Jack played with a puppet in and around her face without nipping at the puppet or getting angry at Jack. It was a beautiful moment--too bad I couldn't grab the video camera at that time.

Sassy also succesfully learned to fetch this week! It's unbelievable how much more fun it is to play fetch when your dog actually "fetches" the ball and lets go when you ask! So much fun!

Sassy also scored her own "bling" this week. Is this not the cutest dog tag you've ever seen?

I now have another photography subject. She is learning to put up with Mommy's annoying photography habits as well. I will make her a good doggy model yet!

I love this pose:

Here's Sassy, giving me the Sassiest Vogue pose:

A bit of melodrama pose:

If I could photograph every single one of our hearts, you would find Sassy deeply planted inside of them, including Colette, who thoroughly enjoys the Sassy kisses her chubby little feet get on a regular basis.

North Star's Patty's Principals

Finally! As promised--Sassy Videos!

This is footage from the airport when we first met Sassy. It was a bit chaotic especially because we were in the baggage claim area. Sassy also was very stressed from her long trip from Connecticut. It was about 9:30 PM and so it was passed everyone's bedtime, too. (Note Josie)The other family in the airport video is from Beaverton. Their son received "Daizy" Sassy's half sibling.

Here is Jack, Vanessa and Sassy playing around. This video was taken probably about 2 weeks after we got Sassy. I can't remember when I took it.

This is Jack with Sassy just hanging out together. It was last week some time.

Lastly, this is Jack and Sassy yesterday. I think you can tell how comfortable they have become around each other.