ALL COMMENTS ARE QUOTES
FROM LESLEY MATTUCHIO

This was the first of what we hope will be many get togethers with local ADT-L members. We met at Middlesex Fells, a large preservation where people hike, jog and run their dogs. Nan Hamilton and her two ADTs, Dinah & Hazel were our fearless leaders. Nan has been here many times so she was the tour guide.

Susan Metcalf travelled from Maine with her ADTs, Kelly & Roger, and Shirley Sanborn joined us from New Hampshire with Otis & Milo. Since it was Otis' birthday, we celebrated back at Nan's house after our hike. Also with us were Susan Sheehan with her husband John, who, I might add, is a good sport for being the only man with us, and their daughter Caitlin, who is six years old and quite a grown-up young lady. The Sheehans brought their ADTs, Bailey & Daisy, and Bailey was a perfect gentleman.

We also had a newcomer named Shawn . . . I didn't get her last name, but she is a lurker and has had her rescue ADT, Annie, for a month now. Shawn also brought her daughter.

(LEFT TO RIGHT): An AIREDALE LIST lurker named Shawn's daughter with rescue ADT Annie - Shirley in blue with Otis & Milo - My daughter, Susan crouched and I don't know which ADT is to her right (probably my own) - in back is Susan Metcalf - Nan Hamilton with her Dinah in front & Hazel next to her on rock - Caitlin Sheehan with puppy Roger - Susan Sheehan with Daisy & Bailey. Now that's a mouthful!

Then last, but not least, I came with my entourage - my daughter Susan and the crew . . . ADTs Bonnie, Cameron & Karl the Rottweiler.

We had 11 ADTs and one Rottie. Nine ADTs were off-leash and it was like watching a comedy one moment and then it was pure poetry the next watching all these dogs run free with great enthusiasm and unadulterated joy. They splashed in brooks, dug in leaves, tried to carry tree trunks, and welcomed strange dogs also running there with a warm "Come join us . . . ohboyohboyohboy!"

We walked for an hour-and-a-half and it was too short for most of us. We hope other local listers will be inspired to do this with us next time.

Then we went back to Nan's apartment and had those dogs milling around and they all got along perfectly fine.

Karl & Bonnie settle in for the night with a chewie.

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Thanks to Jamie Hare for the Animated Airedale Graphics