August came to live with Marla Ruhana in Michigan as Marla put her 10yo yellow lab, Duncan down on July 18, 2007, tragically, due to liver/spleen cancer. Marla in midst of her grief, trying to understand why her dog, Duncan was so amazing, did internet search on his bloodline, Skywatch Radar, Skywatch Radar and Cassandra and then stumbled upon Dusty! Marla immediately fell in love with Dusty and as she scrolled through the "Meet Dusty" page on the downtowndustybrown site, she was in awe of the photo of Dusty with two other labs on the bed, Chaz is the spitting image of Duncan. In that moment, Marla knew she needed to have one of Dusty's pups in her family to carry on the legacy, from this amazing bloodline! She has not been sorry.

August Oliver was named after Marla's favorite musician's, (Dave Matthews), newborn son. Marla shipped August via NWA from Portland to Detroit and awaited his arrival in the cargo building as if she was awaiting her lost love to return from a war! Waiting for August felt like a lifetime. Suddenly an employee entered waiting area with a crate, Marla sat on floor opened crate and Mr. Aug Dog came walking out and sat in Marla's arms!

He went potty outside, enjoyed treats and they made their way to August's new home.

Duncan always went to work in nursing homes and hospitals with Marla. He even had his own name page with photo id?! Marla knew once August completed obedience and additional training with Deborah Vitale-Pawsitive Performance Pet Training, he too would go to work with her in her private practice as a psychotherapist. "My patients love August, when he doesn't come to work, they inquire of his whereabouts!" One patient said, "I feel more at ease with August here in session, petting him as he lays on the couch alleviates my anxiety. I smile as he licks my face and gives me unconditional love and positive regard." Another stated, "I feel more relaxed to express my feelings when August is in my session."

August has a very sweet demeanor and is wonderful in the workplace. Marla also facilitates retreats for women and couple's and intends to bring August to all upcoming retreats as a form of pet therapy. The retreat house is a 3600sq ft log cabin up on bluff overlooking Lake Huron in Lexington, Michigan. August has spent many days as a puppy boating out on Lake St. Clair. He loves boat rides with Aaron to sunny destinations where he can fetch frisbees and swim all day! He will bring great joy to retreat attendees, not only with his sweet demeanor but also as they watch his speed and diligence, (obviously inherited from his daddy, Dusty), running on the beach and in the lake fetchin his frisbee! Aaron loves August so much, he too is getting one of Dusty's pups!

Although August looks like Duncan and shares his sweet demeanor of a gentleman, his speed and love of fetching, August has his own unique characteristics.........he loves to talk and tells me when he's hungry, rings a bell to go potty outside, loves to "sit pretty" on his hind legs and put his front paws extended out in front of him, he loves to lay in front of the heat vents and fireplace, loves to go running with Marla's most athletic friends, loves car rides, chasing squirrels and rabbits out of his yard and jumps in the air to catch birds! August love's to go to his Aunt Jodie's 50 acres and run! He loves his friend Joe's island and swimming in his pond! August is crazy about all of his dog pals, Kipper the Boxer, Max the Golden Retriever, Gyspy the yellow lab, Nella the black lab next door and Teddy who lives on the other side of August's yard. August is brilliant and Marla takes great comfort having Dusty's puppy in her family.