If you can imagine a boundless bundle of adorable energy zooming around the house with an ill-gotten sock or leaping after his own reflection into a lake or exploring every sight and sound new to an outgoing puppy, then you know right away why Joy and Mike McKay are in love with Trooper.

Click here to read this story in its original magazine format with additional photos .

A dashing pup with a daring outlook on life, Trooper is the McKay’s third German Shepherd Dog. He came into their lives when the house felt too quiet following the passing of their second GSD and it’s safe to say “quiet” is no longer a problem with Trooper in tow.

The couple’s “retirement puppy,” Trooper has life by the tail with his inquisitive nature and ability to win the hearts and affection of everyone he meets. At home, he loves to survey his treasure trove of toys and when the McKays pack up their Airstream for a trip to their lake cottage, Trooper is ready to go!

He loves to go swimming in the lake and doesn’t miss an opportunity to get a quick dip. When it’s time to get serious, though, he has the chops to learn and is excelling at puppy school. In fact, during a recent field trip, he showed great initiative at the hardware store and inspected the paint, rakes

and plumbing aisles with aplomb.

The McKays look forward to not only many years of playing, hiking and camping with their new family member, but also to continuing with his training. People can’t help but fall in love with Trooper when they meet him — and by coupling training and good manners with Trooper’s bubbly personality, it is the McKays’ hope to make dog lovers of them all!