Back to School – It’s Not Just for Kids
Full Circle Moment
Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix Mouse was four years old when she arrived at Baypath with eight seven-week-old puppies in tow. When our team scanned for a microchip, they discovered Mouse was still registered to her original family! Manager Nikki Baltas contacted the Bernard’s to learn more about this sweet pup’s background.
Due to the life-altering effects of the COVID-19 shutdown, the Bernard family were unable to care for Mouse, whom they called Foxy. They couldn’t give her the support, attention and training she required. Believing they were doing the right thing, they returned her to the breeder so she could be properly rehomed. For three years, Foxy’s former family thought she had been lovingly placed in a new home where she was living her best life. They never forgot about her, always wondering where she was and how she was doing. Imagine their shock upon learning that Foxy had been bred multiple times and may have endured multiple home placements before being surrendered to Baypath.
Soon after arriving, Foxy and her puppies went to foster with the Dahlstrom family for several weeks until they were ready to be weaned. Once mom and puppies were spayed/neutered and vaccinated, they were ready for adoption.
Although the Bernard family had adopted a two-year-old Golden Retriever named Maximus, they were looking for a second dog to add to their family. The moment they received Nikki’s call, they immediately knew they wanted to bring Foxy back home.
As the family drove to Baypath to be reunited with Foxy, the Bernard’s worried about whether she would remember them after three years apart. Turns out, they had nothing to worry about! Foxy began to cry after a quick sniff of mom Andrea’s hand and upon hearing Andrea’s husband’s voice. Almost instantly, Foxy continued to shower them with kisses. Andrea shares it is a moment they will remember forever.
Foxy’s New Life
Today, Foxy is thriving! When she isn’t updating her Instagram page, WhiskeyTangoFoxTrot, she’s working on treat puzzles or running in her fenced-in yard with Maximus. Foxy loves long walks, playing fetch and being spoiled with an endless supply of love and toys. The Bernard’s feel incredibly blessed that she has rejoined their family, so much so that Andrea says she often becomes emotional thinking about all that Foxy has been through. She sheds tears of joy knowing she found her way home again.
Checking In on Foxy’s Puppies
As a year has passed since Foxy’s puppies were adopted, we wanted to share a ‘pupdate!’ Named after the iconic Beverly Hills 90210 cast, these clever pups are excelling in their training and education. Baypath staff paid careful attention when placing the puppies, given that Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are intelligent, highly active breeds. Each family was required to have breed experience and commit to training, making sure these pups had the best environment to thrive academically and physically.
Now, let’s see how these furry students are progressing! Their families happily share updates of their young scholars as they continue to ace their training and enjoy life to the fullest.
Andrea
Andrea, now called Nova, has brought endless joy to the Posell family since they welcomed her home. A true social butterfly, she loves spending time with both her human and dog friends, whether swimming, hiking or snuggling up for a nap on top of her buddies. The Posell’s report that training Nova has been a delight, as she’s incredibly intelligent and eager to learn. Excelling in obedience, Nova puts her sharp instincts to use in both Happy Ratters and Nosework sessions. With her natural hunting abilities and keen nose, she’s shown great promise for potential search and rescue work, which the Posell family is excited to explore. Each day, their love for Nova grows – and they can’t wait to see how much she will achieve!
Brandon
Broly, originally named Brandon, has become the star student of the DiSilva family. Full of energy and always up for an adventure, like Nova he’s incredibly smart and eager to learn. As their first Malinois mix, Broly has taught the DiSilvas more than they ever expected. Not only has he completed intermediate obedience training, he is now working on dog sports, building strong foundational skills with the goal of entering competitions. Whether it’s hiking, camping or swimming, Broly is always on the move, keeping the DiSilva’s entertained and excited to learn new things together. They say they truly couldn’t ask for a better companion!
Brenda
Arya, formerly known as Brenda, has truly blossomed with the Quinlan family. A sweet, cuddly and spirited girl, she also has a touch of wildness that’s typical of her Malinois and Dutch Shepherd roots. Despite being just 50 pounds, she loves pestering and chasing her much larger brother, Ghost. Arya enjoys playing ball, running through the woods, splashing in the river by their New Hampshire home and of course, lounging on the couch.
When she’s not keeping Ghost on his toes, digging holes or chasing balls, Arya receives regular training to provide mental stimulation and to help manage her mischievous (and adorable!) tendencies. With guidance from her adopter, a certified positive reinforcement trainer, she’s developed strong obedience skills, though her stubborn streak shines through at times. Arya certainly packs a lot of personality and spirit into her small frame!
Donna
Donna is thriving with the Consiglio family and has been excelling in her training! After completing initial sessions at MasterPeace Dog Training, the Consiglios have continued working with her at home, fitting lessons into their busy schedule to help keep her sharp.
This pretty pup has made plenty of friends (both human and canine) around the neighborhood and adores her daily walks. Though she’s NOT a fan of the rain, she absolutely loves swimming, spending much of the summer in the water! A true scholar in and out of class, Donna has become quite the bookworm!
Dylan
Dylan, now known as Alfie, has found a permanent home with his foster family, the Dahlstroms, who couldn’t imagine life without him. Puppy training at MasterPeace has benefited both canines and humans alike, and Alfie has become a positive role model for the foster brothers and sisters who come and go in the Dahlstrom home. When he isn’t being a role model for fosters, he enjoys spending time with his 5-year-old chocolate lab mix brother, Stone. The Dahlstrom’s share that Alfie is the most affectionate dog they’ve ever had, cherishing every moment with his furry and human family members.
Emily
Emmy, formerly known as Emily, is thriving in her forever home, enjoying endless playtime with her three human sisters and neighborhood dogs. She’s a bundle of energy, spending hours chasing soccer balls, playing tug of war and pouncing at the ground, convinced she hears moles! Emmy’s favorite activity is swimming – the second she hears the pool gate open, she dives in, swimming with such grace that it’s clear she’s in her element.
Emmy’s training has ensured the smoothest transition possible into her new family. She still finds her own fun when bored—whether it’s barking at the ground or swinging from a tug rope—but she’s made noteworthy progress since first arriving. Her goofy personality keeps everyone entertained, and when she’s not being active, she’s snuggled on top of someone, convinced she’s a small lap dog! The Bitto family couldn’t be happier to have Emmy, and it’s safe to say she feels the same.
Kelly
Ruby, formerly known as Kelly, packs quite a lot of exercise and training into her small but mighty body. When she isn’t playing with her sister Kanela or hiking as a family, she is ‘working’ to keep her brain active and her endless energy utilized in a positive manner.
Since joining the Karageorgiou family, Ruby has been working diligently on both basic and advanced obedience skills. She excels at dock diving, a competitive sport where dogs jump into water to retrieve toys or bumpers with the goal of jumping the farthest, highest or fastest. She also enjoys Fast CAT, a timed 100-yard dash for dogs, earning a B CAT title award!
To satisfy her innate herding sense, Ruby enjoys sheep herding classes. She will also be enrolling in Nose Work classes to put her incredible scent to good use while burning off mental and physical energy.
Her passion and skills in trick work is evident in her 2 AKC Trick Dog titles: AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN) and AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI). Ruby has also aced the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program (Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility). The next challenge the Karageorgiou’s want to tackle with Ruby is helping her earn the Advanced Level Canine Good Citizen. There’s no limit to what she can accomplish – especially since her owner is working toward becoming a certified dog trainer!
Steve
When Tucker, previously known as Steve, joined the Dignazio family, it was seamless. He quickly became inseparable from Jasmine (sable coat), engaging in countless tug-of-war games before settling down for naps together. Meanwhile, black-coated Callie keeps a watchful eye, ensuring everyone behaves!
With strong instincts to chase and pull, Tucker is a typical “maligator.” Instead of resisting these natural breed instincts, his adopters help him channel them through games like tug-of-war.
With a genuine eagerness to learn, the Dignazio’s have experimented with various activities to discover what Tucker likes best. While Jasmine excels in scent detection and Callie in agility, Tucker enjoys running.
Both Jasmine and Callie are trained in bikejoring, a sport where you ride a bike while your dogs pull you along, secured by a special harness. Given Tucker’s enthusiasm for running, they believe this sport will be a perfect fit for him as well. This smart boy has already grasped the bikejoring commands, and the family plans to hit the trails this fall with all three dogs!
Training Tucker has inspired his adoptive mother, Kayla, to seek a certification in dog training with ABC. Kayla acknowledges that “he has certainly tested my knowledge as a trainer at times, but I have loved every moment with him.” Kayla understands the importance of tapping into a dog’s natural instincts and directing their drive – rather than stifling it – is the key to a fulfilling and effective training journey.
The Key to Unlocking a Dog’s Full Potential – And a Happy Home
Foxy and her puppies’ amazing stories illustrate the transformative power of love, dedication, learning and training. The back-to-school season reminds us that education is vital for kids – and equally important for dogs. Structured learning is crucial, strengthening the human-animal bond while shaping well-rounded, happy dogs.
Proper training facilitated by their adopters resulted in these highly intelligent, energetic canines reaching their full potential. Whether mastering basic commands, excelling in dog sports or engaging in mentally-stimulating activities, each dog was given the best opportunity to succeed in a loving home. The Bernard family’s reunion with Foxy, and the incredible progress of her puppies, serve as powerful examples of how education and growth can turn second chances into extraordinary success stories.