"Dear Bill:

Please allow me to report on a great success! This being the day after the 4th of July weekend, it is very fresh in my mind.

To refresh you, Fritz, one our three dogs was showing fear of noises, especially thunderstorms. We were particularly dreading the 4th of July. Per your advice, we started the "jolly routine" immediately upon receipt of your booklets. Fritz was showing more and more improvement with each thunderstorm.

Of course, there were various firecrackers set off before the "official" town celebration. Each time we searched out the ball and played catch.

For the "official" fireworks display, which happens to be held no more than 1/2 a mile away, I was fortunate to have my daughter and both of my grandsons present. Between the four of us, we really kept Fritz busy chasing that ball!

Since a carnival is held in our town over the July 4th weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday nights the town provides fireworks displays. So last night we had a display equal to the one on the fourth. Last night, at the sound of the first fireworks, Fritz went and retrieved his own ball and brought it to me! We played catch for about 15 minutes and by the time the fireworks were winding down, Fritz was asleep at my feet! It works! We'll keep at it, of course, until Fritz no longer displays any anxiousness.

Now, if I could just report equal success over the greeting routine! (We're working on it - its better - but we have a ways to go yet!)

M.J.S.