Moonshadow Porter

Mary-Ann Sontag February 2, 2022

It has been so much fun to get to know Mike and his wife, Patty, who live in Boise. Darn pandemic and winter — I look forward to seeing the Boise crew more once we get through those two things.

Mike sends us this birthday update about Porter (fka Buck):

“We could not have asked for a better kid.

I've had Labs and Goldens that I thought were fantastic dogs but he is by far the best Pup! From day two he sleeps from around 10 pm until 7:30 or 8 am. He was really easy to potty train and is very eager to learn. He loves his people so much as you can see in the photo.

The one where he is hugging I think was a wellness hug because I've been having back issues. He crawled up in my lap like he always does but instead of turning around and sitting between my legs he continued up for a Berner hug. If You notice his legs were over the top of the chair and I couldn't move him until he was done hugging.

He is extremely athletic and out runs and maneuvers my Lab. They have a ball wrestling and running. When he comes inside a switch goes off and he's the mellowest guy I've ever had.

He has his favorite people and is shy when he meets someone new but after 15 minutes or so warms up to them. My wife says constantly that this kid is very special and loves him to death ( me too). Thank you so much for this wonderful "Easy Peasy" addition to our lives.

Thank you, Patty and Mike, for giving Porter such a happy and well-loved life — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PORTER!

A Moonshadow Named Maple

Mary-Ann Sontag February 1, 2022

I have known Lee and Adri since we had the iPups — they live in the same town as me — and was so thrilled that we had the right puppy for their family in the Moonshadows. They send us this happy report about another puppy who is making a difference:

“Maple (first known as Portia) is ever the lover in our family. She openly displays a broad range of emotion, and is quick to come in for a reassuring touch, pet, or hug to make sure we are all still on good terms.

Maple spends the work days at the office with Adri (Professional Counselor) helping the individuals and families seen there with getting comfortable sharing their stories. The most incredible sessions to witness are those with kids, as Maple often stays very close and wants to be touching the kids playing in the office at all times. She is still a little nervous around some folks (mostly strange men she hasn’t met before) but she is adept at setting her own boundaries and retreating to her special corner of the office when she needs space.

Hopefully, after turning one, and helping her get a bit more used to startling noises, she can complete her therapy dog training with a certificate and start going to the primary school with Lee (school counselor) to share her love with the kids there. At home, Maple keeps our old lab (Flannel - 10 years) on her toes with regular wrestling matches, and “cleans up” the kids’ toys whenever they are left out too long. She loves getting out on hikes and runs or pretty much any activity we are all doing together. She’s a pretty attached (slightly codependent) canine!

Maple has many other notable qualities that make her lovably unique:

Strongest tail around, once sending a jar of salsa sailing off our coffee table across the room into our HEPA air filter.

Purrs like a kitten especially when hitting just the right spot for ear scratches.

Outstanding gross motor control as it relates to paw placement on lap when needing a hug (She regularly asks for hugs).

Fastest eater around, mastering most puzzle feeding bowls in under 45 seconds (likely a product of growing up with 10+10).

We all love Maple as much as she loves us, and we are so grateful for the trust and opportunity Mary-Ann gave us to bring a Kaibab Berner into our family. Wishing all the Bright Star cousins and Moonshadow siblings a great birthday!”

Thank you Lee, Adri, and boys! Capella hopes we can have a playdate soon — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAPLE!

More Birthday Fun

Mary-Ann Sontag January 31, 2022

We interrupt our Moonshadow Birthday Bonanza to congratulate Team Lucas (Sparkler) on the completion of a tough obedience title: CDX!

GREAT JOB, Team Lucas. I know well the work that goes into that title — very impressive!

And speaking of impressive, I suspect this boy is heading for great things: Moonshadow Andy!

Jasen shares:

“Andy – Kaibab Moonshadow Man on the Moon

Andy is a happy boy with lots of energy. He has a voice and like to hear himself. Andy is good at making new friends. Andy’s backside is still curly, his freckles are there. His energy level is high and I don’t know what would happen if he didn’t get 3 walks a day.

Andy’s Sister Shasta is 12 ½ years old. They have a special type of play and he is gentle with her.

Andy has been taking a class called Foundation skills 1 since he can home. The class is weekly. We work on Heeling skills, dumbbell skills, turning, sits, downs, stands with lots of training aids.

Andy got to meet his sire and dam at the National Specialty.