Sam

We had been looking for a puppy for months on the internet, through rescue groups and our local humane society. We never dreamed we would find the perfect dog when we were up at the cabin and stopped at the HART garage sale last August.  There happened to be two litters of lab mix pups up for adoption - both adorable - but one puppy caught our eye  - she had been born with a broken tail and it had healed crooked. It looked like a Z.  We spent some time with her and adopted her that day.

Now, I have never owned a dog before but had read a lot about puppies, training and life with a dog. But nothing had prepared me for the absolute joy this dog would bring to our family and especially me.  This was a dog that was meant to be with me. As a puppy, she was extremely well mannered, didn't chew on things she wasn't supposed to, stayed out of the garbage, didn't bark excessively, slept all night in her kennel and loved to do all the things I loved to do.  I love to walk in the woods, Sam loved to walk in the woods. I love to jog, Sam's walking gait was my perfect jogging pace...she loves to ride in the car and has spent time in the Boundary Waters and up north at the cabin. This was also the most friendly, social dog I have ever seen. Every dog, every person young or old is a potential friend and her tail wags nonstop when she meets someone new. We have been to puppy training classes and she received a ribbon for "most improved".

The one thing that took us by surprise was her activity level - unlimited energy - always ready for the next activity.  But guess what? Active dog =Active owner.  We now walk 3 miles in the morning and 3 miles in the evening every day.   Sam can be off leash and stays right by my side.  We actually went for an 8 mile walk the other day and we both loved it!   Sam has truly been what people refer to as a "once in a lifetime" dog..... I love her so much and am SO glad she is in my life.  Thank you HART!!!  We love our dog.

Barb Swan

A Healthy Dog

Just like their human counterparts, pets need a fitness regimen to keep them on the path to good health.

Most experts feel that a 30-minute routine four times a week is sufficient for a dog of normal health, although daily is even better if you have that much time to give.