Birthday Continued

Baby Xeena!

Kim sends us this update from Canada:

“What can I say about Xeena … she is sweet and gentle while at the same time sassy and sometimes a bit bossy.

Xeena is becoming the best cuddler, especially with my partner Colin.

Last year he was off work for 6 months after major surgery and Xeena became his unofficial therapy dog - staying near his side and showing much concern. Even now that he has recovered she seems to have become “his dog” and cuddles with him every day. She has made it her job to make sure he stays calm, especially during sporting events on TV - she will bump his arm when he gets too emotional about how is team is performing. It is like she knows he is supposed to stay calm and keep his blood pressure down.

Although Colin is her main cuddle buddy, she looks to me for all her fun.

We play, train and hike. She is a great offleash dog and never wanders far from my side.

She also continues to love nosework and had a really good year trialing. It really is her favourite thing to do and it’s amazing to watch her work out the scent puzzles and grow in the sport.

Xeena has been such a wonderful addition to our family. Thank you Mary-Ann for trusting me with this special dog. 

Happy 5th Birthday to all the Bright Stars!”

Xeena is one lucky girl — a Cuddle Buddy AND a Work Buddy! Thank you to Kim and her partner, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY XEENA!!! 🎂

More Bright Star Birthday

It is so fun to celebrate these dogs!

Kay and Sue start off today party post:

“It’s a little hard to imagine that Sage is now five years old.

I’m not sure his brain has reached that level of maturity just yet but it is fun to still have our puppy.

He has remained very healthy so far and eager to do just about anything.

We participated in Obedience & Rally trials held in a public park this past weekend. Sage enjoyed sniffing his way around the ring which didn’t help his score but he managed to earn a blue ribbon in Rally Advanced.

He was universally acclaimed as being very handsome and wonderfully enthusiastic by judges and exhibitors alike. That’s a good summary of our Sage who is a good companion and just a fun guy.

Happy birthday to all of the Bright Stars and thank you Mary-Ann!”

I feel so lucky to have Sage with my long-time friends 💙 Thank you, Kay and Sue, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sage!!! 🎉

And speaking of lucky — how lucky am I to get to see Atlas and his family so much?! Kira sends us this birthday report:

“Happy 5th Birthday Bright Stars from Atlas and family! (aka “Puppers,” “Big Boy,” & “Mr. Migoo”).

From his happy spirit to his goofy personality, Atlas continues to be the centerpiece of our family and is always involved in everything. 

He loves the snow, daily walks, his family, Onyx and whipped cream!! 

Atlas insists on being a lap dog despite being 128lbs—which is how he earned  the nickname “Big Boy.”

Thank you Mary-Ann for entrusting us with such an amazing guy! We don’t know where we’d be without him ❤️”

Thank you to Kira and her entire family — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATLAS!!!! 🎂

Bright Stars are FIVE!

Let the birthday celebrations begin! Claire’s babies with the fabulous Ferguson are FIVE!

Brand new Bright Stars 🌟

Alison starts the party:

“The palindromic litter! Where did five years go?????????

"A winter wonderland for me?.  For my birthday? 

Oh look, that tree needs pruning!"

Zuber is a sweet, laid back charmer who has kept me busy in the past year, dipping in and out of various adventures. He is teaching me sooooo much about training and showing, in all venues.

In February he earned his CD then, switching back to his favorite sport, completed his Grand Master Draft Dog in March with his Draft buddy, Lindy.

We put Draft away and played in Jumpers Agility, then took a day for damp Farm Dog Tests. The hot summer led us to breed shows in VT and two five point majors!!!!!  He became an exemplary Uncle to baby Jasper on August 1 and the next day completed his CH.

All this was fun and exhilarating and I am exhausted thinking back on it!

This month we returned to the agility ring, in Standard this time, after well more than a year reconquering his dog walk and teeter. My heart sang as he confidently crossed both in all three Novice Standard runs. Hurray!

In the midst of all these adventures Zuber became a BMDCA Working Dog and Versatility Dog. Good gracious! What does his next year hold???????

Birthday wishes to all his siblings.”

WOWZA! Zuber had had quite the year. Thank you Alison and Tom for everything and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZUBER!!!! 🎉

Zuber’s brother, Tobie, also has an interesting and active life. Cheryl sends us this update:

“It is hard to believe that Tobie and the other Bright Stars are 5 years old today!! We are forever grateful for Tobie and the joy that he has brought to our lives. 2025 was another memorable year and one that was full of adventure for Tobie.

This past year included multiple trips to his second home in Idaho and to a family cabin at Odell Lake. He loves these places; in the Winter he loves to play in the snow and in the Summer, he loves to hike with his mom in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho and the Oregon Cascade Mountains and cool off in lakes/streams. He is a great companion and a wonderful hiker. He has learned to hike off leash and enjoys this freedom. His mom also enjoys the freedom from the leash and especially loves that he consistently comes when called!

In his life at home, Tobie has established a comfortable routine of keeping his mom company when she is at home, driving on errands with her, and loves going for his daily walk. People love to greet Tobie on our walks and always comment on how beautiful he is. Tobie has learned to enjoy meeting new people and dogs on our walks which spreads joy to others.

When his mom leaves the house, Tobie becomes a “shop dog” with 3 other dogs who “work” with their dads at Tobie’s dad’s business on our property.

Tobie is incredibly affectionate with “his people”. He loves to snuggle and tries to sleep on our bed but quickly realizes it gets hot and there just isn’t enough room for a big dog who likes to stretch out in comfort and two adult humans!

We love our boy so much! He is so darn smart and has an endearing personality that often makes us laugh. He has woven himself into every part of our lives and brings life, joy, love to our lives. Happy Birthday Bright Stars!!”

I love getting potos from Tobie’s wonderful life — thank you Cheryl (and family) and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOBIE!!! 🎂