tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87611218566636977892024-02-20T09:59:35.061-08:00Laura Ling Yi and 4 Paws For AbilityPsalm 139:13 - For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-3357267326400305592010-03-18T16:57:00.001-07:002010-03-18T17:00:00.927-07:00Friends<div align="center">We are becoming good buddies. </div><div align="center">Ruffey even shares his bones with me. </div><div align="center">Mommy's very glad that I'm not chewing on it!</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S6K-NaYOEpI/AAAAAAAABYU/-f7FKuYnbt0/s1600-h/mar10+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450127636700205714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S6K-NaYOEpI/AAAAAAAABYU/-f7FKuYnbt0/s400/mar10+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-40925300047106520902010-03-13T16:10:00.000-08:002010-03-13T17:52:23.571-08:00Final Day of Training<div align="center">Today was our final day of training at 4Paws. </div><div align="center">I think Mommy will be glad to no longer constantly</div><div align="center">smell like a dog, but we're going to miss our new</div><div align="center">friends, watching the dogs bond with the kids,</div><div align="center">and all of the staff at 4Paws.</div><div align="center">They are so friendly and knowledgeable!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It was really, really raining this morning.</div><div align="center">That made me really glad that I have an in-home</div><div align="center">companion dog rather than a tracking dog.</div><div align="center">The families had to track in the rain and mud. </div><div align="center">They came in soaked!</div><div align="center">But for those families, it's worth every raindrop!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So, Mommy, Daddy, and Ruffey worked on more </div><div align="center">obedience skills, specifically off-leash.</div><div align="center">That means, Ruffey had to obey commands without</div><div align="center">wearing his leash for correction.</div><div align="center">He does well, as long as he knows there</div><div align="center">are lots of treats ready for his good behavior!</div><div align="center">Mommy and Daddy will be stocking up on</div><div align="center">pupperoni treats!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This is Ruffey and me before dinner on Thursday.</div><div align="center">I like to play with his leash and tags.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqkLa7tEI/AAAAAAAABYM/InoWmhgPi6w/s1600-h/4paws+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276450240869442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqkLa7tEI/AAAAAAAABYM/InoWmhgPi6w/s400/4paws+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> All the dogs were practicing "heeling" at</div><div align="center">the same time. They were using one another </div><div align="center">as distractions. They are all doing well!</div><div align="center">You can see Ruffey's friends Fizz (left) and</div><div align="center">Mammoth...both golden retrievers.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqj6rpHjI/AAAAAAAABYE/dPit5_mP8ag/s1600-h/4paws+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276445747551794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqj6rpHjI/AAAAAAAABYE/dPit5_mP8ag/s400/4paws+012.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mommy is giving Ruffey a treat for good obedience.</div><div align="center">4Paws dogs are trained with treats and praise...</div><div align="center">never with punishment.</div><div align="center">Families have to agree to follow</div><div align="center">this type of training in order to</div><div align="center">receive a dog.</div><div align="center">And this kind of training must work well</div><div align="center">as some of these dogs are not even one year</div><div align="center">old yet...and they can follow commands, do tricks, </div><div align="center">and search and rescue!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqUtR8XbI/AAAAAAAABX8/fQNqmO-WcCE/s1600-h/4paws+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276184452062642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqUtR8XbI/AAAAAAAABX8/fQNqmO-WcCE/s400/4paws+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> My brothers decided to relax with a movie</div><div align="center">during training.</div><div align="center">At noon, they went back to the hotel to swim</div><div align="center">with Grandma.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqUIsz8gI/AAAAAAAABX0/aGsuwPm2nb0/s1600-h/4paws+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276174632645122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqUIsz8gI/AAAAAAAABX0/aGsuwPm2nb0/s400/4paws+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I stayed at 4Paws to finish training,</div><div align="center">and spend some more time with the puppies.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqTwvxAhI/AAAAAAAABXs/7ZFVn-ZckNw/s1600-h/4paws+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276168202584594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqTwvxAhI/AAAAAAAABXs/7ZFVn-ZckNw/s400/4paws+030.JPG" border="0" /></a> And that's the beginning of our story as best friends.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqTS4TtiI/AAAAAAAABXk/OJ1oPRV6E_o/s1600-h/4paws+040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276160185349666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqTS4TtiI/AAAAAAAABXk/OJ1oPRV6E_o/s400/4paws+040.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stay tuned for updates!</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqS4W2HdI/AAAAAAAABXc/6ydokZmAkhM/s1600-h/4paws+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448276153065676242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5wqS4W2HdI/AAAAAAAABXc/6ydokZmAkhM/s400/4paws+043.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div><br /></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-13362062444740852412010-03-12T14:02:00.000-08:002010-03-12T14:24:21.527-08:00Training Day Four<div align="center">Today was another private day of training from 10AM </div><div align="center">to 4PM. The other dogs were out tracking and </div><div align="center">learning how to move through malls and</div><div align="center">stores. So, Daddy got a lot of training with Ruffey,</div><div align="center">and both he and Mommy practiced all day.</div><div align="center">Tomorrow is our last day at 4Paws.</div><div align="center">We sure will miss our friends when we leave!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Last night, my daddy and brothers arrived.</div><div align="center">Boy, Ruffey was not happy.</div><div align="center">He was a nervous wreck.</div><div align="center">Can you see him backed into the corner</div><div align="center">as far as he could scrunch?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This is part of the reason he is a home-companion</div><div align="center">dog. He doesn't really like to be around a lot of people</div><div align="center">or around busy social situations.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Mommy was a little stressed.</div><div align="center">All that work she did over the past few days</div><div align="center"> and Ruffey didn't want to obey.</div><div align="center">He was too nervous.</div><div align="center">But...</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q78hso4-I/AAAAAAAABXU/lf8Tfy5-bOs/s1600-h/4paws+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447873347770180578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q78hso4-I/AAAAAAAABXU/lf8Tfy5-bOs/s400/4paws+003.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">he did take a treat from Charlie...</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q78DQkcwI/AAAAAAAABXM/P-1fPQEItr4/s1600-h/4paws+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447873339599385346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q78DQkcwI/AAAAAAAABXM/P-1fPQEItr4/s400/4paws+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> and a treat from Amarin (which is HUGE for Amarin because he </div><div align="center">was very afraid of dogs. He thought dogs would eat him),<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q77-T0VZI/AAAAAAAABXE/E1ATIOWskug/s1600-h/4paws+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447873338270832018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q77-T0VZI/AAAAAAAABXE/E1ATIOWskug/s400/4paws+006.JPG" border="0" /></a> and a treat from Jacob.</div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447872770170016850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7a5-B1FI/AAAAAAAABWc/aitk6xCGZJA/s400/4paws+044.JPG" border="0" />Ruffey and Laura are good friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7cMB1NBI/AAAAAAAABW8/37o933003d8/s1600-h/4paws+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447872792197674002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7cMB1NBI/AAAAAAAABW8/37o933003d8/s400/4paws+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Charlie used to scream and cry around dogs.<br />Now, he's cruising all over 4Paws looking at all the dogs.<br />He really likes them now.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7bxxr4UI/AAAAAAAABW0/lDVjcQ4BV3I/s1600-h/4paws+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447872785150632258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7bxxr4UI/AAAAAAAABW0/lDVjcQ4BV3I/s400/4paws+013.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kayla, one of the trainers, was teaching Jacob<br />how to do a "down."<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7bmL6EnI/AAAAAAAABWs/SXlyrAqHr9Q/s1600-h/4paws+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447872782039388786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7bmL6EnI/AAAAAAAABWs/SXlyrAqHr9Q/s400/4paws+018.JPG" border="0" /></a>Charlie's turn to learn "down."<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7bMtRxJI/AAAAAAAABWk/ARXTIZrjHxo/s1600-h/4paws+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447872775200031890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q7bMtRxJI/AAAAAAAABWk/ARXTIZrjHxo/s400/4paws+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> Charlie thinks he's very important leading </div><div>Ruffey on the leash.<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q6tCQQcqI/AAAAAAAABV8/cnZMZokW-OM/s1600-h/4paws+067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447871982119973538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q6tCQQcqI/AAAAAAAABV8/cnZMZokW-OM/s400/4paws+067.JPG" border="0" /></a> Jacob really wanted to hold a puppy.</div><div>So, Kayla brought out one of the smallest puppies they had.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447871990285594562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q6tgrF78I/AAAAAAAABWE/XrcAGoVFun4/s400/4paws+063.JPG" border="0" />Both Ruffey and I were very tired after working so</div><div>hard all day.</div><div>Ruffey stayed in an "over" for a while...I think he was</div><div>too tired to move.<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q6s1IoilI/AAAAAAAABV0/fEXzC34CREo/s1600-h/4paws+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447871978598337106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5q6s1IoilI/AAAAAAAABV0/fEXzC34CREo/s400/4paws+069.JPG" border="0" /></a> I gave up and took a nap with Daddy.</div><div>Who knew dog training was so exhausting?</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-73085441991099369132010-03-11T14:15:00.000-08:002010-03-11T14:40:16.834-08:00Training Day Three<div align="center"> Wednesday night, I decided to show Ruffey<br /></div><div align="center">how I like to draw on my little board.</div><div align="center">Doesn't he look impressed?</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lszP-NA_I/AAAAAAAABVk/Nec5lqEd5FA/s1600-h/4paws+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504851997885426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lszP-NA_I/AAAAAAAABVk/Nec5lqEd5FA/s400/4paws+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is how we went to sleep, and this is how we stayed all night.<br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsy4CnLAI/AAAAAAAABVc/tVPOR5Ywk4A/s1600-h/4paws+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504845573925890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsy4CnLAI/AAAAAAAABVc/tVPOR5Ywk4A/s400/4paws+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Ruffey likes to cuddle in the morning. </div><div align="center">Still not sure I like sharing the cuddle time with Mommy. </div><div align="center">Look how Ruffey has his paw over Mommy's arm.</div><div align="center">And he was kissing her hand, too.<br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsyNIYOJI/AAAAAAAABVU/DG35zcxUTjo/s1600-h/4paws+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504834055387282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsyNIYOJI/AAAAAAAABVU/DG35zcxUTjo/s400/4paws+005.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">All the other dogs in this class are search and rescue dogs.</div><div align="center">That means, they're specially trained to track kids</div><div align="center">if they run away.</div><div align="center">Mommy didn't think I needed that yet.</div><div align="center">I'm not too fast for her!</div><div align="center">So, while the other dogs tracked their kids outside</div><div align="center">for 2.5 hours, Mommy and Ruffey received</div><div align="center">private obedience training.</div><div align="center">Ruffey is really smart, and Mommy is catching on pretty well.</div><div align="center">While Mommy got trained, I went for a bike ride...<br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsQQ8kpmI/AAAAAAAABVM/KZZc0J6tmmc/s1600-h/4paws+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504250964059746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsQQ8kpmI/AAAAAAAABVM/KZZc0J6tmmc/s400/4paws+017.JPG" border="0" /></a> and rode a dinosaur...<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsQEjLqVI/AAAAAAAABVE/XlWKP8JG6jQ/s1600-h/4paws+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504247636339026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsQEjLqVI/AAAAAAAABVE/XlWKP8JG6jQ/s400/4paws+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> and a horsey...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsPnxVSJI/AAAAAAAABU8/PCRu2Ppk7Ns/s1600-h/4paws+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504239911061650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsPnxVSJI/AAAAAAAABU8/PCRu2Ppk7Ns/s400/4paws+014.JPG" border="0" /></a> and then Mommy made me do some training, too.</div><div>This is called "over." </div><div>If I'm whining, or just need some comfort,</div><div>Ruffey lays his whole body right across me.</div><div>I think he's heavy...but the pressure feels good! </div><div>I'm thinking this may be a good idea to use</div><div>on my brothers when they get crazy!</div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsPd2901I/AAAAAAAABU0/WtLAS9RMMYE/s1600-h/4paws+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504237250335570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsPd2901I/AAAAAAAABU0/WtLAS9RMMYE/s400/4paws+018.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>I tried to push him off,</div><div>but Mommy had treats so he stayed put.</div><div>I guess treats override my cuteness!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447504224998596802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5lsOwN7IMI/AAAAAAAABUs/_S9wuHXj3Pw/s400/4paws+021.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>And this is called a "lap."</div><div>He lays just his head across my lap</div><div>(or Mommy's in this picture).</div><div>But he did have his paw on my foot!</div><div>Earlier, I was walking by a HUGE bloodhound</div><div>in our training group.</div><div>I mean HUGE...like 150 pounds HUGE!</div><div>I fell down and started whining.</div><div>That dog belly scooted over to me</div><div>and laid his head right across my lap.</div><div>And I'm not even his "new friend"!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447506765376774898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5luin3R4vI/AAAAAAAABVs/hvs3Z-aCK8M/s400/4paws+022.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /></div></div></div></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-4318774143165835902010-03-10T14:11:00.000-08:002010-03-10T14:40:17.883-08:00Training Day Two<div align="center">Today was day 2 of training. We did a lot of the same things today...mostly </div><div align="center">obedience training. Our dogs know the drill, but the parents don't. </div><div align="center">So my mom has to earn Ruffy's respect. </div><div align="center">She said something about her brain being </div><div align="center">fried or scrambled, or something like that.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I wasn't sure that I liked sharing my morning cuddle with</div><div align="center">Mommy. Ruffey kept leaning closer and closer.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447132046424521730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gZvG_HvAI/AAAAAAAABTc/f9nsvW_0e4k/s400/4paws+032.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">He even thought he should be in the bathroom while Mom did my hair.</div><div align="center">Maybe she should put a bow in his hair, too. </div><div align="center">Just kidding, Daddy!<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447132050789016050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gZvXPsofI/AAAAAAAABTk/FEPJK4Fchpg/s400/4paws+035.JPG" border="0" /><br />More cuddle time before breakfast.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447132061411311266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gZv-0P_qI/AAAAAAAABTs/3rZhAaNYDPc/s400/4paws+037.JPG" border="0" /><br />Ruffey stood guard.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447132061975705858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gZwA6z-QI/AAAAAAAABT0/j80cJIDpGeo/s400/4paws+041.JPG" border="0" /> When we got to 4Paws, I decided to explore<br />a bit on my own.<br />First, I visited the new lab puppies,<br />just born in January, I think.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gZwkmO4zI/AAAAAAAABT8/7eikW40iRS0/s1600-h/4paws+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447132071553065778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gZwkmO4zI/AAAAAAAABT8/7eikW40iRS0/s400/4paws+069.JPG" border="0" /></a>Then I visited some of the dogs in training.</div><div>This lab is Rokr. </div><div>I tripped over him once today, </div><div>but he didn't seem to mind. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447133152226958226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gavea925I/AAAAAAAABUM/gnJkc6_yLu4/s400/4paws+072.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then I rode the rocking horse for a while.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447133143885449970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gau_WMivI/AAAAAAAABUE/iczwEml4tIU/s400/4paws+071.JPG" border="0" /> Lunch break!</div><div>The temperature got to 69 degrees today!<br /><br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447133160457104402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gav9FL7BI/AAAAAAAABUU/cAsi-Bf5IVQ/s400/4paws+076.JPG" border="0" /> This little boy followed me all around the training</div><div>room. Charlie does this at home, too!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447133166671363954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gawUOx_3I/AAAAAAAABUc/a0c8qE-Ll3s/s400/4paws+077.JPG" border="0" /> After all that work, I needed a nap!</div><div>Grandma was only happy to oblige.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447133475128521074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5gbCRUssXI/AAAAAAAABUk/BYOEGHXZfZA/s400/4paws+079.JPG" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div><br /></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-71499749314426233292010-03-09T17:54:00.000-08:002010-03-09T18:19:00.091-08:00Photos Day One<div align="center">Here are photos of our first day with Ruffey, </div><div align="center">and you can read the story down below. </div><br /><div align="center">Grandma and me by the sign.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446818324758908354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8aGtXzcI/AAAAAAAABSU/SbLWF8vwVZk/s400/mar10+009.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Our welcome sign inside the building.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446818312665845378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8ZZqKToI/AAAAAAAABSM/ok9rUkPSzpE/s400/mar10+014.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Here comes Ruffey!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446818328370147490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8aUKW8KI/AAAAAAAABSc/EZk2M8C6mwk/s400/mar10+070.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Mommy had to take Ruffey's treat bag from me because I tried </div><br /><div align="center">to eat the treats...they looked like little chocolates!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8bDFvy1I/AAAAAAAABSk/cq7zI77L-GM/s1600-h/mar10+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446818340967271250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8bDFvy1I/AAAAAAAABSk/cq7zI77L-GM/s400/mar10+081.JPG" border="0" /></a> I liked hanging on the leash, so 4Paws gave me my very</div><br /><div align="center">own tiny leash to hook onto Ruffey's new red and black collar!<br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446821008139266498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b-2TFGqcI/AAAAAAAABS8/rq7s6YLsu-A/s400/mar10+093.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Ruffey was still a little shy around me. I know I can be very intimidating!</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446821000450848386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b-12cCtoI/AAAAAAAABS0/mZwTWVDrFoQ/s400/mar10+092.JPG" border="0" />Good "sit," Ruffey.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446820996314284594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b-1nBzwjI/AAAAAAAABSs/u7rqwgvGLyU/s400/mar10+089.JPG" border="0" /><br />See...told ya he loved me!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446823299316433074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5cA7qYTwLI/AAAAAAAABTU/Cgy3nJtvKz0/s400/mar10+107.JPG" border="0" /><br />All this work wears a girl out!</p><div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8YiT7K5I/AAAAAAAABSE/-8ifUgqLQfQ/s1600-h/mar10+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446818297808628626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S5b8YiT7K5I/AAAAAAAABSE/-8ifUgqLQfQ/s400/mar10+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-59154967368653746712010-03-09T17:35:00.000-08:002010-03-09T17:48:30.834-08:00Day One<div align="center">Mommy's physically tired, mentally exhausted, </div><div align="center">and she smells like a dog!</div><div align="center">But I love my new puppy, Ruffey, (rhymes with puffy).</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My day started at 6:30 A.M.</div><div align="center">We were supposed to sleep in until 7:00,</div><div align="center">but mom couldn't wait.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So, we got ready, ate breakfast, and were</div><div align="center">at 4Paws 45 minutes early.</div><div align="center">I can see my daddy now just shaking his head.</div><div align="center">My mom likes to be early...</div><div align="center">sometimes way early so she doesn't have to stress</div><div align="center">about getting there.</div><div align="center">But we were early enough to get some photos,</div><div align="center">get the best seats in the training room,</div><div align="center">meet some dogs,</div><div align="center">play with some puppies,</div><div align="center">find Ruffey's crate,</div><div align="center">and meet the other families as they arrived.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">At 10:00, introductions began of staff and the facility.</div><div align="center">I could go on and on about this facility...it's amazing.</div><div align="center">There are a TON of dogs here, and a lot of workers to care</div><div align="center">for them.</div><div align="center">They even have "grandmas" that come in just to snuggle</div><div align="center">the puppies. Mommy wants that job!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The next part was the best...watching all of the dogs</div><div align="center">come out, one by one, to meet their new families.</div><div align="center">Mommy had a few tears as some very special kids met their</div><div align="center">friends.</div><div align="center">Some kids were happy, others screamed in fright,</div><div align="center">but I was very calm and brave.</div><div align="center">I let Ruffey come close, </div><div align="center">but I think he was more scared of me.</div><div align="center">He kept hopping backward to get away from me at </div><div align="center">first. But mommy learned from the trainer how</div><div align="center">to "bribe" him with treats, and get him to come</div><div align="center">close to me.</div><div align="center">By the end of the day, he was lovin' me!</div><div align="center">He laid down right next to me and put his paw over my leg.</div><div align="center">I pet him, and grabbed his fur, and patted his back. </div><div align="center">I smiled at him, too.</div><div align="center">The trainer told me that I need to open my hands to </div><div align="center">pet Ruffey, and try not to grab his fur.</div><div align="center">I'm supposed to be gentle.</div><div align="center">I think we'll be good friends.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">He obeys very well when Mommy or Grandma tell</div><div align="center">him "sit" or "down." Mommy learned how to put him in a "down" </div><div align="center">and walk around him without him moving at all.</div><div align="center">He never jumps on us, and hasn't barked yet.</div><div align="center">He laid right down in the van, and </div><div align="center">never moved while Mommy drove back to the hotel.</div><div align="center">He didn't eat his dinner tonight.</div><div align="center">I think he's a little nervous being around new people</div><div align="center">and in a new home.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We have four more days of training.</div><div align="center">We are all having a great time!</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-6169154605692566042010-02-26T17:46:00.000-08:002010-02-26T17:52:32.492-08:00Ruffey!<div align="center"> MEET RUFFEY!</div><div align="center">We have been waiting for weeks to find out about Laura's dog.</div><div align="center">Finally, we received this email tonight from 4Paws...well, er...from Ruffey. </div><div align="center">Ruffey "wrote" this letter to Laura...so sweet.</div><div align="center">Karen, who is the director at 4Paws, has also adopted internationally,</div><div align="center">so the note is a bit personalized. </div><div align="center">We're so thankful to be getting this dog for Laura!</div><div align="center">We leave for training in 10 days!!!<br /></div><div align="justify"><br />Dear Laura,<br /><br />I am so excited! When Jeremy saw how much I did not like to go into all those stores and places full of people I was so afraid I would never get a child to love. Piper, she is my friend here, a small Papillon who is very wise, she told me all the 4 Paws Dogs get families no matter what. Today she came to me and said to me that I was getting a very special family. A family just like hers that is molded from love and brought together across miles of water and land. Piper says her family is made that way too and that it is a colorful family. Well, my family was colorful too! Some of us were Black, and some of us White, and a couple of my siblings had a few colors mixed together sort of. I guess that is what she meant! I can;t wait to meet you. I hope you do not mind that I am a boy! I am a boy but don't laugh, okay but I love tea parties and playing dress up and even wearing bows after a good bath and grooming. I think we can be perfect friend. I can be the prince and you can be the princess and we can play all day! My name is Ruffey and I am a part of the Thomas the Train litter born 10-15-2008. I can't wait to meet you and your family! xoxo Ruffey</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442734297940186146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/S4h6AdOPVCI/AAAAAAAABRU/3mRTqkWtrOQ/s400/Ruffey.bmp" border="0" />Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-45103088331987034362010-01-30T12:17:00.000-08:002010-01-30T12:22:19.145-08:00Pick a dog...any dog...<div align="center">Here's a site to visit: <a href="http://4pawsdogs.org/in_training.htm">4pawsdogs.org/in_training.htm</a></div><br /><div align="justify">This website is part of 4Paws from which my dog is coming. The dogs shown are all in training, or are ready to be matched. Some of them are already matched with a person! So, since I am getting a hypoallergenic dog, that means some kind of poodle or poodle mix. There are a few on here...I really like Kiah! What do you all think?</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-49543763644564888632010-01-21T17:51:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:54:37.170-08:00In The News<div align="center">4Paws is in the news. You can watch the video <a href="http://www.whiotv.com/">HERE</a>. Go to the right side of the screen, and find the video labeled XENIA:Specially-Trained Dogs Help Children.</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-52960837020526646852010-01-17T04:03:00.000-08:002010-01-17T04:12:41.294-08:00Jan./Feb. Dogs<div align="justify">4Paws sent out their letters of greeting to the kids in the January/February class last night. The dogs being assigned "write" short letters to their new human friends introducing themselves. So far, a golden retriever, papillon, white standard poodle, and border collie/pyreness have been introduced. I'm waiting to see if there are any more dogs in this group. What a mixed bunch of breeds, huh? I wonder if Laura is going to be getting one of the standard poodles from the same litter as this one? Honestly, I'm not big on white dogs as they show all the gunk around their eyes and mouth...lots of cleaning needed. But really...that's not the important thing. Most importantly, the dog is just right for Laura and we trust 4Paws to make the best match. And if it's a poodle, I've read and heard nothing more than how smart and devoted they are to their human friends. Perfect!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Next step is to book the hotel. We'll be gone from Monday through Saturday or Sunday. Classes run from Tuesday morning until Saturday late afternoon, when we have graduation. Here's hoping I pass training! Jamie will probably stay home with the boys until Thursday, and I'll go down with Laura for the first few days of training. It's going to be here before we know it!</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-45374015354845131602010-01-16T04:56:00.000-08:002010-01-16T05:05:07.327-08:00Laura's Dog is Ready!<div align="justify">Well, knock me over with a feather, but Laura's dog is ready! Here I was anticipating a 6 month or longer wait when we heard about her dog. But 4Paws sent an email yesterday stating that we are in the March 2010 class! WHAT? I'm not prepared...I don't even know how to start preparing because we won't know anything about the dog until a week or so before we go. (They do this so if something falls through, we're not too attached to our new canine friend).</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">We're excited to hear about the kind of dog she's getting...the gender (oh, please be female!)...the name...the breed....</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I'm really hoping for a doodle breed, medium size. And since we need a "hypoallergenic" dog due to Jamie's allergies, it very well may be a doodle. And that means low shedding...woohoo!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">And we're excited to see what this dog will do for Laura. Now remember, it's not a service dog for out in public. This little buddy will be an in-home companion for Laura...someone to keep her company and help with, what they call, behavior disruptions. So, if she's fussy at night, the dog can help. I'm wondering if the dog could keep her from crawling out of bed at naptime...and if the dog will just stay near her to keep her company. Hmmm....</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">As for the family, I've heard they like the whole family to be there to meet and get used to the dog. This will be especially important for Charlie, and more so, Amarin. Neither boy is very comfortable around dogs, though Charlie has gotten a lot more. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">So, we'll keep you all updated as we get more info. Ohio, here we come! </div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-61822551111020481062009-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:41:52.288-08:00Almost a dog today<div align="justify">4 Paws left two messages on our answering machine last week while we were out of town. When we got home, we were anxious to hear what they had to say. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">So, mom called Natalie at 4Paws this morning and she said they MIGHT have a dog for me. But, she needed to know if I often pinch. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Well, I don't really pinch. I don't even have that ability to put those two little fingers together yet. But I do hold on to things tightly because that's how my muscles react. I don't mean to hurt anyone or anything, but sometimes my muscles just kick into high gear and I squeeze...and apparently this dog they thought might be a good match is a little sensitive. So, they are going to look for another good match that will not mind my squeezes so much.</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-91776441565756913372009-10-05T11:49:00.000-07:002009-10-05T11:52:53.642-07:00Let the Wait Begin<div align="justify">We just got a note from 4Paws stating that they received our video of Laura, and the trainer will be viewing it this week. He also will be reviewing a form we filled out telling more about Laura and the type of dog we think would be best for her. Once these two pieces are reviewed, 4Paws will let us know the class we will "fit" into for Laura and her dog. So....will we make it for next fall???</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-74368409526412469852009-10-02T07:49:00.000-07:002009-10-02T07:51:09.176-07:00We did it!<div align="justify">We reached our fundraising goal! Yeah!!!! Now 4 Paws will be finding just the right dog for me and begin training. If they can find the right dog soon, I could have it by next fall. But, it could be longer and that's OK. What's most important is that they find the right dog for me, and train it just for my specific needs. We will be very excited to see how this progresses and we will keep you posted. Thank you, again, to all who have helped us reach this goal!</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-19970650475270641842009-09-14T18:33:00.001-07:002009-09-14T18:39:51.862-07:00A Surprise!<div><div align="justify">While I was at preschool this morning, mama got a wonderful surprise at our homeschool co-op. One of the moms said that her (very young) daughters wanted to give her something before she left. Mama was pretty puzzled...</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">So, at the end of co-op, they handed mama a little wooden treasure box. The little girls had decorated it so beautifully! The treasure chest was full of money these little girls had collected over the past few months just for my dog. They did lots of chores, and as one of them said, "We worked SO hard!" She was so cute! What a blessing this is for me, as all the donations have been. And what a wonderful witness these little girls are, demonstrating that one is never to young to make a huge difference in someone's life! Thank you, dear friends!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381502078885369378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/Sq7voNn9FiI/AAAAAAAAA5c/ZyP3voPlyAU/s400/sept09+007.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381502086734454818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/Sq7voq3UoCI/AAAAAAAAA5k/3r9YuVYzhC0/s400/sept09+008.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-2049808470359805272009-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:002009-09-04T11:28:38.521-07:00Drum Roll, Please...<div align="justify">And the grand total for my fundraiser is...$1,331.05. Mom's giggling at the $.05...every penny counts! Mom's sending out specific thank you notes to those of whom she's been made aware. If you didn't send in a check, we don't know who you are, but are extremely thankful for all of your donations. At this point, $1,655.13 has been raised for my dog. That means only $344.87 to go...that's NOT much at all!!!!! </div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-87285640636583547532009-08-26T13:18:00.000-07:002009-08-26T13:21:58.716-07:00One More Week<div align="justify">One more week for the fundraiser at Aunt Shelly's work. Aunt Shelly called today and said that $813.00 has been collected this far, and that does NOT include the $500.00 that will be matched! So, as of right now, the fundraiser total is $1313.00. With the money that has already been collected...we are only a few hundred away from finishing! Yahoo! </div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-38283563832200148512009-08-13T08:53:00.000-07:002009-08-13T08:56:48.080-07:00Fundraiser Update<div align="justify">Aunt Shelly just called and gave me an update on the fundraiser they are doing at her work. So, far, almost $400.00 has been collected. That means, almost $800., because her work is matching up to $500.00. That really puts me a lot closer to finishing my fundraising. Thanks to all who have donated.</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-45785120048842575522009-08-03T20:32:00.001-07:002009-08-03T20:35:14.250-07:00A Step Closer<div align="justify">Another funds update from 4Paws (see the ticker below). Thank you to everyone who has donated. Mama will thank you each when she gets home. Every penny counts for my dog. When Mama and Daddy get home, they will have to start the video of me, my house and my family so 4Paws will know just the right dog for me. We're all hoping for a goldendoodle, but we'll just have to wait and see. I'm very excited for September 1st when the fundraiser through Aunt Shelly's work will cease...I'll be even closer to meeting the fundraising goal!</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-82427089189351314182009-07-23T12:39:00.001-07:002009-07-23T12:47:31.898-07:00Fundraiser Opportunity!<div align="justify">Mommy just got a call from Aunt Shelly and her workplace is going to do a fundraiser for me! Here it is...donations will be sent to her workplace and they will match up to $500.00! And, this group is also a non-profit organization, so all donations are still tax deductible. They will collect money until September 1st. Then they will send one big check to 4Paws. So, if you are interested in donating, please make your check out to <strong>Women's Life Club 611</strong> and be sure to put <strong>Laura Miller Fundraiser</strong> on the check. Mail your check to:</div>Women's Life Insurance<br />Attn: Cheryl Babel<br />1338 Military St.<br />P.O. Box 5020<br />Port Huron, MI 48061-5020Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-74777727220240060282009-07-16T10:53:00.000-07:002009-07-16T10:58:33.672-07:00On our way...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/Sl9qKQl8IGI/AAAAAAAAAps/meLGMb65Na8/s1600-h/money.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359118806079512674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/Sl9qKQl8IGI/AAAAAAAAAps/meLGMb65Na8/s400/money.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I received my first donation update today from 4Paws and I have almost $80.00 so far. A good start, but I still have quite a bit more to raise, so if you're interested, please donate so my puppy can start training. </div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-49443959145912291102009-07-08T06:29:00.000-07:002009-07-08T06:35:45.583-07:00My First Donation Jar<div align="justify">My mom finished my first donation jar. Mom and I are very excited. Now mom has to find a home for the jar. We're off later to a local restaurant to see if they will host a fundraising event for me, too.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center">Oops! Too excited in this photo!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356081837358299186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/SlSgDaepuDI/AAAAAAAAApY/m7bYjedmW0Q/s400/jul09+007.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center">Ah, that's better!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356081843778883874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5a8xSuB94PU/SlSgDyZcESI/AAAAAAAAApg/OXaodXJZjhY/s400/jul09+008.JPG" border="0" /></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-69666695623910847332009-07-04T14:53:00.000-07:002009-07-04T14:58:59.587-07:00Vote for Karen<div align="justify">You know the Energizer Bunny, and how he keeps going and going and going... Well, there are people out there like that, too. You have a chance to vote for the 2009 recipient of this award at this site:</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.energizerkeepgoinghalloffame.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.energizerkeepgoinghalloffame.com/</a></div><br /><div align="center">We're voting for Karen Shirk. Karen started 4 Paws For Ability. </div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8761121856663697789.post-87392180286108487522009-07-03T05:17:00.001-07:002009-07-03T05:38:19.845-07:00Welcome to my blog<div align="justify">Welcome, friends, to my very own blog. Why a blog of my own? Well, it's pretty exciting! I'm going to get a dog. Not just any dog, but a dog that is specially trained for me. You see, I have to work really hard to do most things, and lots of things, others have to do for me. My mom found a wonderful place that trains dogs to help kids like me. This place is called <a href="http://www.4pawsforability.org/">4 Paws For Ability</a>. Check out their <a href="http://www.4pawsforability.org/">website</a>...it's awesome what they can train their dogs to do!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">My parents requested an in-home companion dog for me. This dog will be my very own friend, will comfort me when I'm not feeling well, and sleep right next to me. 4Paws will choose a special dog just for me, and have it trained to work with me when I arrive in Ohio, probably next year. I don't know what kind of dog it will be, but our family trusts that 4Paws will make just the perfect match. And I know it will be some kind of poodle mix, since my dad has dog allergies. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">What's really cool about 4Paws is that they do not charge families a fee for the dog...they give the dogs to families that need one. What our family does need to do is fundraise for 4Paws so they can keep providing dogs to families. It takes A LOT of money to train and care for the dogs, and since they are a non-profit organization, they rely upon donations. Our requirement is to raise $2,000.00. If you would like to donate to our fundraising efforts, you can do it in a couple different ways. NOTE: Your donations are tax deductible.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">First, you can write a check payable to 4 Paws For Ability, Inc., and mail it to their address at 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, OH, 45385. It's very important that you put LAURA MILLER in the memo line or your donation will not go toward our goal.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Second, you can go to their <a href="http://www.4pawsforability.org/">website</a>, click on DONATE at the top of their homepage, and pay with a credit/debit card. Again, be sure to put LAURA MILLER in the memo box.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I will keep you up-to-date on this journey!</div><div align="justify"> </div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15521167090058001464noreply@blogger.com