I saw this thread linked in a post by Meloncollie earlier and thought it was time for a bump and an update on Dylans progress.

It was clear soon after we adopted him that although he was very playful and loved running to chase things, he was running a bit lopsided. He also hops like mad (albeit playfully), a bit like a rabbit. We had him checked over and an X-ray showed a fractured bone in his leg that had caused some other problems, he also has some form of arthritis.

Having said that, it doesn't stop him playing, even if he has pain.

Re training, he's not as intelligent as Kyra but does learn from her, when we lay their food dishes down they are not allowed to eat until we give the command. Dylan will often watch Kyra, as well as me, to see when he can eat.

Once, while I was telling him off (difficult to do as he has such lovable big puppy eyes) I somehow lifted my foot, nothing directed at him, but he cowered away from me, it's clear that at some point he did get quite a kicking, maybe even causing the fractured leg.

He has absolutely no aggression though and will stop any bad behaviour at a call from us. He also has no ambitions to be anything more than bottom dog in our family unit. Visiting friends can be horrified to see the 2 dogs play fighting, jaws locked and growling like a couple of monsters, but I can put my hand between their open jaws and they will both instantly stop "fighting" and will start to lick my hand.

In all, adopting him has been the best thing I have ever done re animals. He is so loving and playful and seems to get so much joy just from being alive. Please, if you want a dog, don't forget the many like him who are desperate for a loving home and a second chance.

Last week we had to take 2 horses to near Toulouse and the dogs shared our 17 hour drive down there, we only stopped 3 times for gas and for the dogs to stretch their legs but not once did they complain. Here's a few photos of them making up for it the next day. Dylan is the one with the floppy ears and docked tail.