"JOE PUP"
Joe -
He is so smart.  He is always up to something.  
Lately he likes to take ornaments off the
Christmas tree (and drink the tree water).  He
uses his paws to push open doors and figured
out how to get into our bathroom cabinet.  He
has also figured out that he can knock over
glasses so he can drink whatever ever spills
out. It really is like having another toddler
around.  He is so loving though that everything
he does is cute to me. (the kids think its unfair
he gets away with everything!)  He has learned
to "sit" and "shake" and we are starting to work
on "down".  He seems to pick things up quickly.  
One of our local hospitals offers training for
therapy dogs but the dog must be at least one
year old before they can train.  I am considering
taking this class with Joe next fall.  
Joe absolutely loved his first snow a couple of
weeks ago.  He was so amazed and ran circles
all over the yard.  Of course the kids had to join
him in all the excitement (in their pajamas).  Joe
likes to try to climb up the slide but never makes
it all the way before he slides back down but he
enjoys it. Lately he is also fascinated by the
geese that fly over the house (we live near a
river so they seem to hang around )  The first
thing he does when he goes outside is look up
to see if they're there.  I am sending you a few
new pictures.  He is getting so big and tall.  His
fur has really thickened.  I hope you and your
family have a  Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year and once again thank you for the
wonderful gifts and the time you put into them.    
-Jamie Spiese and Family