After I grew up in Hershey, returning to Derry Township felt like coming home. In 2020, our family made the move back to the area, and by 2022 we had settled into the heart of downtown. We quickly fell in love with the energy of the town—there’s always something happening, and the sense of community is unmistakable. One of our favorite parts of living downtown Hershey is how walkable everything is. Our kids can easily get to school, visit friends, and stop by local spots, which has made this chapter of life especially enjoyable. We’re the Boblicks: Tim & Lauren, Braden (15), Emerson (12) and Braxton (6).

     Our family grew by four paws Thanksgiving weekend of 2024, when we welcomed Mabel, our silver Labrador Retriever. Mabel was just one year old when she joined us, and from the moment we met her, she brought an infectious sense of joy and excitement into our home.

     Picking up Mabel was an adventure we’ll never forget. We traveled to Northwest Pennsylvania during a weekend of intense lake‑effect snow. Many roads near the breeder were closed, and the conditions made for a challenging journey. Despite the weather, we were determined—and thankfully successful—in bringing our new spunky puppy home. It was a snowy, memorable weekend that instantly became a family story we’ll always cherish.

     Choosing a name for our new puppy turned out to be almost as challenging as the drive. The five of us struggled to agree on the perfect fit. The night before we picked her up, we sat around the dinner table tossing out ideas. It was our son, Braden, who suggested the name Mabel. As soon as he said it, something clicked. When we met her the next day, we knew without a doubt that Mabel was exactly the right name for her.

     Mabel’s personality is the perfect blend of energy and gentleness. She’s full of enthusiasm and always ready to play, whether that means chasing a ball around the backyard or running after the boys as they shoot rubber hockey pucks through the house. At the same time, she’s incredibly sweet and easygoing. She’s just as happy curling up on the couch and letting the kids pile on her during movie night. 

     Like most Labradors, Mabel is highly motivated by treats and toys. She’ll happily accept just about anything offered to her, though she has developed some clear favorites along the way. We love stopping by Doggie Delights at Fresh Market of Hershey to find fun—and tasty—treats for her. Her current favorite is a water buffalo horn, which keeps her happily occupied.

     Mabel loves tagging along for school drop‑offs and pick‑ups, where she enthusiastically greets the crossing guards and anyone else we pass. Her friendly nature makes every outing a little brighter. We’ve been incredibly grateful for the support of Maria from Full Potential Dog Training, who has helped bring out the very best in Mabel. With guidance and consistency, Mabel continues to grow into a well‑mannered and confident companion.True to her adventurous spirit, Mabel loves to dig whenever she gets the chance. Because of that, she has a special fondness for both the beach and the snow. When she was six months old, we took her to Stone Harbor, New Jersey, where she spent her days digging in the sand and joyfully chasing her ball along the beach.

     Mabel has become an irreplaceable part of our family. Her playful energy, gentle temperament, and boundless affection have filled our home with laughter and love. We feel incredibly lucky to have her by our side.