Dartmouth Black Lab Astro Turns Three Years Old

For over a year, I have been updating you on the adventures of my granddog Astro, the black Labrador retriever whose humans are my son and daughter-in-law.

I appreciate your interest in Astro and thought you might enjoy an update. Like any proud grandpaw, I enjoy sharing photos and bragging a bit. For a cuteness overload, check out Astro's baby pics.

For those who may have missed Astro's story, she was born three years ago in the desert in Arizona. My son Steven and then-girlfriend Erica took Astro home when she was but eight weeks old. They were living in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Since then, Steve and Erica got married, and my wife and I joined them for a two-and-a-half-week cross-country adventure as they, Astro, and a cat named Phoenix relocated to Massachusetts.

Instead of a traditional U-Haul adventure, we rented a 30-foot recreational vehicle, loaded their possession in the underbelly, and took Astro and Phoenix out to see the country.

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Astro is probably as well traveled as most Americans – if not better – having visited the Great Salt Lake, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Badlands National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield, and even the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Since arriving in Massachusetts, Astro has seen his humans tie the knot, many sunsets at Horseneck Beach, a couple of Christmas trees, and her grandpaw turn 65 years old.

Most recently, Astro turned three years old. There was, of course, a birthday party complete with hats, presents, and a birthday cake made from dog-healthy ingredients, including dog bones. She devoured it.

We look forward to many more years with Astro, one of the kindest most loving souls you can imagine.

Watch out for further updates.