My name is Hershey.  I'm an eight year old chocolate Labrador retriever who was rescued from a puppy mill, and adopted two months ago by Matt and Christine.  When they brought me home, I wasn't used to living in a house yet.  I would bark at the people on TV, and at my reflection in mirrors.  I chewed up the bath mat, among other tasty household items.  I had a hard time on the stairs at first, and still trip over myself when running down them sometimes!  But, I have all my favourite spots in the house now, and generally run the joint.  Most of the time, I like to snooze on my cushion in the living room, or play with my toys.  I really enjoy a good fuzzy toy, like my stuffed mallard. (Well, it had stuffing at first!) 

Since coming home with Matt and Christine, I've proven that old dogs can learn new tricks!  I've learned how to "sit" and to "come" when they call me.  They have been trying to teach me to "stay" but, so far, I'm winning that battle.  I like to follow them around everywhere, which is hard to do when you're staying put.  At first, I didn't really understand the whole "treats" thing, but have since acquired a taste for marrow bones and chewies.  On special occasions, I get liver treats.  Life's pretty good here.  

Every Sunday, I have dinner with my beagle friend, Taylor, who lives with Matt's parents.  I like to jump in their pool, and see how long it takes for Matt to fish me out.  I also like to go for road trips.  I had a really good time in New York City visiting my cousins, Bo and Abe.  They showed me the best doggie parks in Brooklyn, and took me on a day trip to Central Park, where I had a good roll in the grass. 

Every morning, I go for a stroll in a nearby park, and like to watch the people there doing Tai Chi.  At night, I like to go to another park nearby and hang out with the neighbourhood dogs.  I get along with everyone we meet along the way, but sometimes like to just stop and stare into space.  I'm a very thoughtful dog.  After growing up in a kennel, I wasn't used to getting much exercise at first, and would stop for a quick nap on the sidewalk.  But now, I like to go for long walks, and even jogs once in a while.  People stop on the street and say I'm very handsome and well-behaved, but it hasn't gone to my head.

On the weekends, I really enjoy going to a doggie park at the river to play with the other dogs, or just lie down and snooze on the grass with Matt and Christine.  I haven't learned how to "fetch" yet.  I don't understand why people throw toys around, rather than just chew them.  I like to go in the river, but never learned how to swim far, so tend to stick close to the shore.  I do like splashing all the water out of my water bowl, though, and lying down on the floor with my belly in the water.  I'm not allowed in the shower stall, but that doesn't stop me from trying to get in there every day! 

I am happy that the nice people at the SPCA rescued me, and found me such a great retirement home.  Thanks!

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