I have learned that Tom is talking, and with this information I am greatly encouraged that his recovery will be very good, if not complete. Bear is a great challenge to me, because Tom let him develop very bad habits, such as lunging out doors as soon as they're opened, running away at the first opportunity, and dragging you with the leash, and I am diligently seeking to let Bear know these things aren't what he should do to be a good dog. He does want to be a good dog. He's not interested in knocking you on your ass, or dragging you into brambles, to hurt you. He just hasn't grasped that those are things he should control.

Thanks for you kind words and good wishes.