tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11849204546996724162024-03-12T19:38:03.190-07:00Brewhouse puppy raisersMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-78851354666282511322012-06-16T13:08:00.001-07:002012-06-16T13:08:09.222-07:00Puppy pickup day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Saturday, Mar 3, 2012 - 4pm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Yay! It's finally time for Stross to be checked out of the puppy kennel and into our care for the next 12 months. There is a detailed puppy pickup-up process that ensures that the right pup goes home with the right family. There is also paperwork to sign, contracts to sign, and other legal stuff - which protects Southeastern so that nobody runs off to Canada with their puppies! LOL</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So many people ask us if we get to pick out the pup that we want to raise. The answer is no, but you can specify if you'd rather have male or female (sometimes this is important if you have family pets at home). You can also indicate what bred or color that you'd rather have, but it really is up to the school to make assignments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jGDTI51xd2ePASbYEv7RTvqsj_AtKBbWk46O3e8F41kG2k_ktRgjhiqrxpDBYAfdV4oym1CDNDsi7iapJPrdSDapNr-NNyy2wJufnXsao7TgukCzpMF5BIq6hpNh2vXQDeY_2TSs2ro/s1600/P3020066+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jGDTI51xd2ePASbYEv7RTvqsj_AtKBbWk46O3e8F41kG2k_ktRgjhiqrxpDBYAfdV4oym1CDNDsi7iapJPrdSDapNr-NNyy2wJufnXsao7TgukCzpMF5BIq6hpNh2vXQDeY_2TSs2ro/s400/P3020066+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Did I already mention how colorful and cute the puppy kennel is? It looks more like a day care center than a puppy kennel! This is just one of many kennels that line the hallway of the building, and this happens to be Stross' kennel. See all those blue tags clipped to the kennel door?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq9PKqdf4Z0JHhSpfPcmpYEEOJrzZA9YEXgozZJR4Zbk3AwvLkJrfCv50U6dO7GipbbW2FU5P5zTPa1HpONawpj9GqhvleJAKEKOvewNqRZSo7ni0xQ1ZeP_ARFdFGQv46zW0i8fciX8/s1600/P3020065+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq9PKqdf4Z0JHhSpfPcmpYEEOJrzZA9YEXgozZJR4Zbk3AwvLkJrfCv50U6dO7GipbbW2FU5P5zTPa1HpONawpj9GqhvleJAKEKOvewNqRZSo7ni0xQ1ZeP_ARFdFGQv46zW0i8fciX8/s400/P3020065+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
There is a tag for each pup housed in each kennel. The tag pictured above is for Stross. These tags are clipped to the cage so the canine care technicians and volunteers can keep track of each litter. However, Southeastern microchips all their pups when they are born so that the techs can keep track of who is who. With so many pups of like breed and color in the kennel, this is a requirement! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXbs-cUTQYNHt2B3sUHzQAUv6Qy8S5SZALjceqAQ3d7Cn7_377QA3k_XhwmJmLBE__z5-_uO-rIlILYCFrmCSPr9KjeBRf891-aLx0etXihV871zf7YWZcbIu98VWR1My0hXWZFSxSUo/s400/P3030195+sm.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<br />
At long last, after all contracts are signed and other requirements met, a canine care technician goes to get Stross. And here she is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPxJCPR51txnR3N8nHMErBPcD1OblIe-lNFZMI7FQUGPae6ssnUdj_dhRjczskr4x1DUPKwPVxLlydLnZPLqfkcxA4lYeQ9BB0F9jOGnqZihDh7NtqZ99nc7pfDJA1szezx94mMW7pqY/s1600/picking+up+stross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPxJCPR51txnR3N8nHMErBPcD1OblIe-lNFZMI7FQUGPae6ssnUdj_dhRjczskr4x1DUPKwPVxLlydLnZPLqfkcxA4lYeQ9BB0F9jOGnqZihDh7NtqZ99nc7pfDJA1szezx94mMW7pqY/s400/picking+up+stross.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stross greets us with a kiss and we are instantly in love!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gcBOKywL47G09RF6qyy9LBkEbcjq3R1ufxwaknvQj71jCYjnej8OekVJbP8_-8i-mazhMnkx9visQ_LVn1VnaMwCzEeRogg4-q-zqvSH66Tl2wCipHzDytup9jwRcUlC5T5KbPyTgEY/s1600/P3030196+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gcBOKywL47G09RF6qyy9LBkEbcjq3R1ufxwaknvQj71jCYjnej8OekVJbP8_-8i-mazhMnkx9visQ_LVn1VnaMwCzEeRogg4-q-zqvSH66Tl2wCipHzDytup9jwRcUlC5T5KbPyTgEY/s400/P3030196+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is such a beautiful baby girl. So much to learn and to experience.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EE84f7qc7hWnnz9It-XbXEKgFQ-JAzkXsRgeXBhyphenhyphen9peY4YJogJbpT2pz0vFVQIVQmT3j4CVUU3q7ydc7bK_pLqX6xs63-PcQGjy-fe4rSPqT9L1EBCu0-9Po4jYZ0_YQ7Ii89I9zhe0/s1600/P3030199+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EE84f7qc7hWnnz9It-XbXEKgFQ-JAzkXsRgeXBhyphenhyphen9peY4YJogJbpT2pz0vFVQIVQmT3j4CVUU3q7ydc7bK_pLqX6xs63-PcQGjy-fe4rSPqT9L1EBCu0-9Po4jYZ0_YQ7Ii89I9zhe0/s400/P3030199+sm.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you ready to move to Texas little girl?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1WyfVIIcL5g_EIhBIKSz_VNPPuDvcaIghK2d_Z5TdgDiYxe2AGdot1M91qIGSgP_7doTPuhYyvQaS8QEgozKXz_3L6XtGPWxPecvFGGNHs2_benctG-mab_CBm0O0g6-Fil2UHu7hIM/s1600/P3030207+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1WyfVIIcL5g_EIhBIKSz_VNPPuDvcaIghK2d_Z5TdgDiYxe2AGdot1M91qIGSgP_7doTPuhYyvQaS8QEgozKXz_3L6XtGPWxPecvFGGNHs2_benctG-mab_CBm0O0g6-Fil2UHu7hIM/s400/P3030207+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girl-pup twins, Wheeler (L) and Stross (R)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQ4qYZJm-RitGOTMjer9l5p5-DXk3Gl76YCXs9LiqOImra2h4PutfypHZI-Gdm68pfB9lQ2Vmy7HOIUJu2cCF1Yx5cqAk7CtiCDzVI3DzC4gTGPQ05CeYJmipyhoUvteZyN0oo3AbZGI/s1600/P3030206+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQ4qYZJm-RitGOTMjer9l5p5-DXk3Gl76YCXs9LiqOImra2h4PutfypHZI-Gdm68pfB9lQ2Vmy7HOIUJu2cCF1Yx5cqAk7CtiCDzVI3DzC4gTGPQ05CeYJmipyhoUvteZyN0oo3AbZGI/s400/P3030206+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both Wheeler and Stross were sponsored by The St.Petersberg Chapter of the DAR, and were named to honor 2 very special members of their organization. Wheeler and Stross are both going to be raised in the Houston, TX area. Shown with Wheeler (L) is her raiser, Lisa. And Greg is holding Stross (R). Wheeler and Stross are very similar in looks and in personality.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5j-91F73r7kaj0rp4s2vUSPl0fsgByBW3uBIy2F0YAJ9KrAlJ_kOudekAM6Rk2qaoY05LV-KVd825MbpiUsOh6Pf6dcpocvshEGAH8kI281XXEmqr0CvBnTbgyenwQYVaEElNyvZdTc/s1600/P3030211+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5j-91F73r7kaj0rp4s2vUSPl0fsgByBW3uBIy2F0YAJ9KrAlJ_kOudekAM6Rk2qaoY05LV-KVd825MbpiUsOh6Pf6dcpocvshEGAH8kI281XXEmqr0CvBnTbgyenwQYVaEElNyvZdTc/s400/P3030211+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We get a quick photo at the kennel before taking off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTafQv9SMx_PHPvPab4Jm71ZWib8PuzJXwurGTc9zSE9qR1zZiRLSQId8d5Q8mTeZU1Yxlp1-oJsG3VyhWgiz2UaIQHsRu7q6xoEQI09TY0ww7u6TPs0OymhPtPRZMXsjzvweOGQNTNWM/s1600/P3040276+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTafQv9SMx_PHPvPab4Jm71ZWib8PuzJXwurGTc9zSE9qR1zZiRLSQId8d5Q8mTeZU1Yxlp1-oJsG3VyhWgiz2UaIQHsRu7q6xoEQI09TY0ww7u6TPs0OymhPtPRZMXsjzvweOGQNTNWM/s400/P3040276+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stross accepts her first collar and leash like a pro!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jwBecCjJ7JkVyWu5S6a6b7srP-793-bBgFN2qrFAg7zYE47qW_ZZ9DCZ6eIMtoWMiOvxEBjTl4_LgG1f8xfB65wW2zaN6l71rNiQCVGzgQdA_UwoxC76SrpfoGRF0aY7VbKmvwe60HE/s1600/photo+by+SEGDI+after+puppy+pickup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jwBecCjJ7JkVyWu5S6a6b7srP-793-bBgFN2qrFAg7zYE47qW_ZZ9DCZ6eIMtoWMiOvxEBjTl4_LgG1f8xfB65wW2zaN6l71rNiQCVGzgQdA_UwoxC76SrpfoGRF0aY7VbKmvwe60HE/s400/photo+by+SEGDI+after+puppy+pickup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A group photo of the pups that are going to be taken back to Texas to be raised by families in either Dallas or Houston. It's a lot of Texans with a lot of love to bring to each of these special pups. Six of Stross' littermates are going to be raised in Houston - Sully, Barb, Wheeler, Jonah & George. So, saddle up boys and girls...it's going to be a looong drive home!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-57557339301401574642012-06-15T16:13:00.000-07:002012-06-15T16:13:23.864-07:00Introducing..... Miss Stross!<div style="text-align: justify;">
While at Southeastern's main campus in Palmetto, FL, we had an
opportunity to take a tour of the 23 acre campus and facilities. We got to meet many of the staff to whom we had been communicating with over Facebook, telephone and email. It's always
nice to put a face with a name! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everything at Southeastern is top
notch. The grounds are landscaped and well manicured, with plenty of shade and garden benches. It is immaculate and very serene. The entire operation
is run with a priority to service -- and it is 100% funded by private donors. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Countless numbers of volunteers help to power this organization and contribute hours of hard work to make it successful. The day we were there, we saw volunteers
running around everywhere! And we couldn't help but notice that they are all happy, friendly, enthusiastic supporters of the program who are enjoying themselves and their work. They are eager to talk about the guide-dog program.<span class="blue14"><strong><em> </em></strong></span> They are driven to make this organization successful and are proud to be part of it's mission.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="blue14"><strong><em>All of this is important because Southeastern provides guide dogs at no cost to their students! </em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our tour included the office, the training kennels, the vet clinic, a tour of the grounds, but THE most POPULAR stop on the tour was the puppy kennel! <u><i>Puppies! Who doesn't love puppies? </i></u></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO4WHNd7i_hCH_34VnuQ0xKXL21BWazDfyrOfYoU_p-pfJ_uoUakjdEUkw_Ovmusda0lHdP28q1-YzBljq9IRTRpF5d690enbl6ZXpGZFyQPpw-rHfpgtOmAXLyUWiRvyjt-7EWQyhwY/s1600/P3020090+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO4WHNd7i_hCH_34VnuQ0xKXL21BWazDfyrOfYoU_p-pfJ_uoUakjdEUkw_Ovmusda0lHdP28q1-YzBljq9IRTRpF5d690enbl6ZXpGZFyQPpw-rHfpgtOmAXLyUWiRvyjt-7EWQyhwY/s400/P3020090+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last stop of our tour allowed us plenty of time to tour the puppy kennel and experience what is called "puppy hugging". Southeastern has a wonderful puppy kennel where their new pups are born and housed for the first couple of months of life. The facility is spotless, super bright, and well-ventilated. After a walk through the kennel and peeking in at all the adorable puppies, we were escorted into the colorful and spacious puppy-hugging room, where early socialization helps puppies learn to love humans and feel comfortable with movement and people;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6LtU28YQtv0c6hepi-YD5cTbX9-oa3TFmKt2unEpjdBIVFjqne_QB_bGwqQZz9sJHEWVvY4VYLZPeQ92J3Kzr23MpJOkitX9FskdT0KvxRWFIel_JWMUhLd5sk-fo3e05yqCdNFatcs/s1600/P3020079+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6LtU28YQtv0c6hepi-YD5cTbX9-oa3TFmKt2unEpjdBIVFjqne_QB_bGwqQZz9sJHEWVvY4VYLZPeQ92J3Kzr23MpJOkitX9FskdT0KvxRWFIel_JWMUhLd5sk-fo3e05yqCdNFatcs/s400/P3020079+sm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Upon entering the puppy kennel, a requirement is that you thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial cleaner. But before we entered the puppy-hugging room, we had to clean our hands AGAIN. Everybody sat on the floor in a circle and the volunteers let the pups loose. It was like the running of the bulls in Spain. Puppies scrambled everywhere!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNaa2HkMCL0hcsv3kmLj62P6tm2kbdrEsZQuhnXuXZVYysCdvDHEr887KyTJnEOzoiviXStF32EYFBV3Y-4RYTHqraGpqKhyphenhyphenrC_JJGT4MRhUpis6UPJ-4PwETaq7XidAzTcmkygH-BXU/s1600/Photo03021538+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNaa2HkMCL0hcsv3kmLj62P6tm2kbdrEsZQuhnXuXZVYysCdvDHEr887KyTJnEOzoiviXStF32EYFBV3Y-4RYTHqraGpqKhyphenhyphenrC_JJGT4MRhUpis6UPJ-4PwETaq7XidAzTcmkygH-BXU/s400/Photo03021538+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The puppies ruled the roost. They loved being the center of attention and were well aware of all the humans vying for their attention. They teased, they tumbled, and they frolicked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_Z5QXmmbg_-S-PxQ7xrVUZI85gmhKZ4FeWBfC-ZDi6VN1737JWEq795rJQP5T90GqaJ3bzfVZt2woeZn-9PanW2-UaPyd-ELik_VFrkbePgAo02gIygjxJMpaqHygVsI8-m2iKXn-4c/s1600/P3020083+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_Z5QXmmbg_-S-PxQ7xrVUZI85gmhKZ4FeWBfC-ZDi6VN1737JWEq795rJQP5T90GqaJ3bzfVZt2woeZn-9PanW2-UaPyd-ELik_VFrkbePgAo02gIygjxJMpaqHygVsI8-m2iKXn-4c/s400/P3020083+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Toys were laid out everywhere and we became kids again, captivated by the cuteness of these little guys and gals. These little pups knew their audience, and promptly filled our hearts with love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7c4KND1-ZBuEs1bDIj0k5iBxJou-f1P_0Tp-x4dQnnG61oUk6bdW516ovmE6a-8GglKP5Us2woAq9oo5yhuIeI4Bv_3H2Gy5D3PD-4VZYnqDO7WQqwYKP9FV-yxSIzyFRdpf0DnI94Y/s1600/P3020068+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7c4KND1-ZBuEs1bDIj0k5iBxJou-f1P_0Tp-x4dQnnG61oUk6bdW516ovmE6a-8GglKP5Us2woAq9oo5yhuIeI4Bv_3H2Gy5D3PD-4VZYnqDO7WQqwYKP9FV-yxSIzyFRdpf0DnI94Y/s400/P3020068+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And guess who we get to finally meet? Our new pup to raise, Stross. She is a beautiful female yellow lab. She is 14 weeks old. The St.Petersberg chapter of the DAR contributed a sponsorship donation to Southeastern for the naming rights of our little pup. Stross is named for John Stross, an entrepreneur and business owner in St.Petersberg, FL. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRmINLv_4jq9N-2iHcbDlpvrLjfrk9mto8DyfgVHEDiHtCGRMSSXhyphenhyphenJyNG_MoCsm4AdXWB89y1JV8MsPG0R7tpH-tWIa_Bh3EB-ubV1a8wohHA6TlySlMhmH0noPAHimScW4sRi9AwPI/s1600/P3020072+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRmINLv_4jq9N-2iHcbDlpvrLjfrk9mto8DyfgVHEDiHtCGRMSSXhyphenhyphenJyNG_MoCsm4AdXWB89y1JV8MsPG0R7tpH-tWIa_Bh3EB-ubV1a8wohHA6TlySlMhmH0noPAHimScW4sRi9AwPI/s400/P3020072+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stross is precious!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSjK_cm4CY2lmgB72R-O7OtwSncoMT-RUIBCPXdxwWrA20ELIPiEjeRbSmFvEgLy7rjyTa5MU9p7NJSNHQPl_lLn_99YSAe0jz7GI_zlNhxV3zA_f1hR_wXAvKWHwCMatFoytUtawrYM/s1600/P3020071+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSjK_cm4CY2lmgB72R-O7OtwSncoMT-RUIBCPXdxwWrA20ELIPiEjeRbSmFvEgLy7rjyTa5MU9p7NJSNHQPl_lLn_99YSAe0jz7GI_zlNhxV3zA_f1hR_wXAvKWHwCMatFoytUtawrYM/s400/P3020071+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can tell right off the bat that she is a bit of a DIVA..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfKH0_ftRVq1xM-Vtfz2yA60OfNk9RVQ01nJKhxi66vJ9xpzogCHu0AGKOrF5lyGWZkEgSXpMnOGWYEYCL-LVB6zX9JE9-NX7P8iPfGJ08mf3ga8piV_SA0sYhMKnlDTKRvmsXUxN2ds/s1600/P3020073+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfKH0_ftRVq1xM-Vtfz2yA60OfNk9RVQ01nJKhxi66vJ9xpzogCHu0AGKOrF5lyGWZkEgSXpMnOGWYEYCL-LVB6zX9JE9-NX7P8iPfGJ08mf3ga8piV_SA0sYhMKnlDTKRvmsXUxN2ds/s400/P3020073+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..and that she is going to be a blast to raise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7gAjQpp3eHGtiYQDinTj3Qdw9ndz1gs7EqIA9mIKGn2smuvoQ89BgniSpetPe4LpAugbGV7Rd5b-edzfST3P_zarvElqmdULjC2NDXYrED9_W1SFr_e8oYeR3FfjtTCN7u-YnpYYFwY/s1600/P3020074+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7gAjQpp3eHGtiYQDinTj3Qdw9ndz1gs7EqIA9mIKGn2smuvoQ89BgniSpetPe4LpAugbGV7Rd5b-edzfST3P_zarvElqmdULjC2NDXYrED9_W1SFr_e8oYeR3FfjtTCN7u-YnpYYFwY/s400/P3020074+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stross The Boss.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzHAU-4rOcIACFiDdm0FU0o-rM-Vw8axN75PCQ2PyJokfZSURsEvtFyd9hdxXkfvsyJm2AWvNBQJ4iliZTjLCNmtNpcIvi2tua-czPPuaVI3AecIC-Sq7vzBio3svB9hwPg9ad1T_FBU/s1600/P3020076+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzHAU-4rOcIACFiDdm0FU0o-rM-Vw8axN75PCQ2PyJokfZSURsEvtFyd9hdxXkfvsyJm2AWvNBQJ4iliZTjLCNmtNpcIvi2tua-czPPuaVI3AecIC-Sq7vzBio3svB9hwPg9ad1T_FBU/s400/P3020076+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are full of beans..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o9xX30_oitcHJgmY76n5jcfxh0Gz6OzeywYaUgvcAE36TsPH3XDF6V-6JcLjfzbRiWrrUg4VpThAcr0-iuDw5_cwGPji7_hlwM2AHVv_Lc2I7ev8alqApanjBX5d2ksJuXiqK-cSoGk/s1600/P3020078+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o9xX30_oitcHJgmY76n5jcfxh0Gz6OzeywYaUgvcAE36TsPH3XDF6V-6JcLjfzbRiWrrUg4VpThAcr0-iuDw5_cwGPji7_hlwM2AHVv_Lc2I7ev8alqApanjBX5d2ksJuXiqK-cSoGk/s400/P3020078+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a drama queen!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But you are just what we need to fill the gaping hole in our hearts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome into our hearts, little girl! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love you already!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-83857461027503254002012-06-14T17:21:00.000-07:002012-06-14T17:21:33.589-07:00So...What happens now?<br />
So many have asked us -- "so now what -- what happens to Smokey?".. Well, Smokey is now back at Southeastern Guide Dog's main campus at Palmetto, FL, attending "Guide Dog University". <br />
<br />
We spent many hours training Smokey on basic obedience, how to navigate stairs and doors with a visually impaired person, as well as the necessary social skills to be a service dog out in public places. Now comes the difficult training and Southeastern Guide Dogs has the certified dog trainers and the process to accomplish it. <br />
<br />
The first hurdle that Smokey had to face was life in the "Freshman Dorm". He was paired up with 3 other male dogs as his kennel mates. Remember Smokey was "an only dog" at our house and had his own crate, pillow, water bowel and toys. So he had to adjust to living with other dogs and learn proper kennel manners like waiting for all kennel mates to be served their food before being released to eat, sitting at the kennel entrance while accepting the leash etc.<br />
<br />
He was housed there in the Freshmen Dorm for about 3 weeks while he was evaluated for heath, manners, aggression, etc. We were happy to hear that he successfully passed all of those evaluations with no issues noted. We were fairly sure aggression, temperament, and social skills were not going going to be an issue, but you never know what can be hiding in those hips and elbows that can prevent them from being a working dog. During this time of transition, the pups are given lots of time to run together, go for walks with volunteers and be loved and petted by Canine Care Assistants and Trainers.<br />
<br />
After all of the evaluations were completed, Smokey along with other pups that went In For Training at the same time were assigned to a training team and moved to the training kennel. We have gotten a few pictures and reports via Twitter (which is checked at our house at least 10 times per day), and we get monthly training reports from the trainers. The reports so far have made us glow with pride. We continue to hope and pray that Smokey's health continues to be good and that he can continue to absorb the training at the school.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb_Q9WU0yBQHCZcR7jpv0OpyWYwbhMOy8hnUYjtCOU16rLcPiVnmCpRHHQw6l0lS2iSARYa2aBll6RZ9JQ6R94DV9II56omeby4E4q3mp_UB2j7FR5mkeulqZsAekAB3lno4xk_fxWEk/s1600/Ready+for+Work+-+April+5+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb_Q9WU0yBQHCZcR7jpv0OpyWYwbhMOy8hnUYjtCOU16rLcPiVnmCpRHHQw6l0lS2iSARYa2aBll6RZ9JQ6R94DV9II56omeby4E4q3mp_UB2j7FR5mkeulqZsAekAB3lno4xk_fxWEk/s400/Ready+for+Work+-+April+5+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweet photo on April 5: Smokey is Ready to Work!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmNGcCwKW6vttaR2nfEs35_nD7o0GCeulybfCZAKnbMIKMyDqshNE_GfBLb8U1xS_GfhbszGWu5qrx1E4_UePCMiZH1rVoBAiYleVM8sgc7uMXE6XOSCf-UcRAgUVfCcd93s09XOu6c/s1600/Will+Pose+For+Food+-+April+17+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmNGcCwKW6vttaR2nfEs35_nD7o0GCeulybfCZAKnbMIKMyDqshNE_GfBLb8U1xS_GfhbszGWu5qrx1E4_UePCMiZH1rVoBAiYleVM8sgc7uMXE6XOSCf-UcRAgUVfCcd93s09XOu6c/s400/Will+Pose+For+Food+-+April+17+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweet photo on April 17 - Smokey will pose for FOOD!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmN_5AaPrvxQwhAdHBuZr9YywZc1wVmBlrdsk96ZLKrdMAmQty6mjUpDcEYmDf3iyVE72z8P5IpElJJbFZOjvh7-eh_gg8fv0B7tX2RBXyg-R7g_YT97AhJDj2x1Gl8T-qB4IVv3Di88/s1600/Surveys+the+library+May+3+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmN_5AaPrvxQwhAdHBuZr9YywZc1wVmBlrdsk96ZLKrdMAmQty6mjUpDcEYmDf3iyVE72z8P5IpElJJbFZOjvh7-eh_gg8fv0B7tX2RBXyg-R7g_YT97AhJDj2x1Gl8T-qB4IVv3Di88/s400/Surveys+the+library+May+3+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweet photo on May 3: Smokey surveys the library</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many people have asked us if we will know if Smokey gets matched with a visually impaired person and if we will know who gets him. The answer is Yes. If Smokey get's matched with a visually impaired person, we will go back to Florida for what is called "Puppy Raiser Day". During this day we will get to see Smokey and his "forever person" work together. We will also get to eat lunch with them and get to know them. After puppy raiser day there is a "no contact" period of 90 days to allow the new team time to focus on working together. Then communication between us and the new handler is allowed. <br />
<br />
There are 3 phases of training and as of today (6/14/2012) Smokey is in Phase 2, learning how to travel on escalators. Southeastern has been SO GOOD to keep us posted on Smokey's progress, even sending a personalized postcard and letter to "mom and dad" to let us know how he is doing. We love it! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgjuQlp00q9MkM4YgzyPTRT8448PHDNlerhyphenhyphen6l0NOdqrqdVdaHp1jmb3CB7seGx2p0J7IskZom7vVcXRtthVlMmANgEdZPqvA9tntq-0IaEpLSszVmc_y0cBRUTWoa1qhJ7rwJ-72Pmc/s1600/letter+from+smokey0002+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgjuQlp00q9MkM4YgzyPTRT8448PHDNlerhyphenhyphen6l0NOdqrqdVdaHp1jmb3CB7seGx2p0J7IskZom7vVcXRtthVlMmANgEdZPqvA9tntq-0IaEpLSszVmc_y0cBRUTWoa1qhJ7rwJ-72Pmc/s400/letter+from+smokey0002+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey's postcard</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNY9TMqZQikj7Qu7UPOgM8EXRkcWusY1R37OCgmdcGm_QifswTJjG_sV1bputz2WQR2MNSfWtFAxn1J1QeSiZFKXNBnMq4H5T0tdrnLfgK2Q_c70srcsE67rvxpKn3WVgIGy9TZfhUIg/s1600/letter+from+smokey0001+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNY9TMqZQikj7Qu7UPOgM8EXRkcWusY1R37OCgmdcGm_QifswTJjG_sV1bputz2WQR2MNSfWtFAxn1J1QeSiZFKXNBnMq4H5T0tdrnLfgK2Q_c70srcsE67rvxpKn3WVgIGy9TZfhUIg/s640/letter+from+smokey0001+sm.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So now we are waiting as patiently as possible for the day when "THAT CALL" comes to tell us his training is complete and he has been matched with a person who needs him. We know that person will grow to love and appreciate him as much as we do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxH1N8FDlTgnznZsiQ_edBvxz728hABgZVRp2JqHQ0BmlhpuYVSXClOSex9-ei9RMDPX_6XCPSxNF4VV6kLKfxtRPXaVRF9ciBw7oN1dgHMrk49HYXhT1ODte1juKyjV_GBoxa0VlrIQ/s1600/Smokey+April+2012+Guide+Dog+U+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxH1N8FDlTgnznZsiQ_edBvxz728hABgZVRp2JqHQ0BmlhpuYVSXClOSex9-ei9RMDPX_6XCPSxNF4VV6kLKfxtRPXaVRF9ciBw7oN1dgHMrk49HYXhT1ODte1juKyjV_GBoxa0VlrIQ/s400/Smokey+April+2012+Guide+Dog+U+sm.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
April 25, 2012 -- Smokey in harness</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-77465357699584202032012-06-14T16:24:00.000-07:002012-06-14T16:24:41.440-07:00It's oh, so hard to say goodbye...<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
It's Oh, SO hard to say goodbye.</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
I'll take with me the memories </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
To be my sunshine after the rain<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The moment has come to surrender Smokey back to Southeastern.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's 1pm on Saturday March 3, 2012.</div>
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLvvLqy2-b24JrI50MjBqIc9RS7JkNQImCwgHPAYMG_pxC6HRtB0NHvr8mwg2Pvm5BHfECIAu3089fZ9Ip42yP2L3Z5EVEOBEdk97kS9JYF4Zb_-rs2ROUxYot2urhnVU14iEuY7C4MQ/s1600/P3030161+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLvvLqy2-b24JrI50MjBqIc9RS7JkNQImCwgHPAYMG_pxC6HRtB0NHvr8mwg2Pvm5BHfECIAu3089fZ9Ip42yP2L3Z5EVEOBEdk97kS9JYF4Zb_-rs2ROUxYot2urhnVU14iEuY7C4MQ/s400/P3030161+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The school has a special ceremony planned. </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
These pups are "graduating" and moving on to final training at Guide Dog University..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFT964YVyuuDjjfC09Laee9tE0ktDsq2Y56o1lWj-ztxB8jScfKqstHtOxD4vaySz2DKsa5u0sOL_ZYXz_rgAYLQGzyAVQPxE9hM_rfE5kLxZvgmtebhY2i5JFpqbELJKpxKcbsFxrS0/s1600/P3030158+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFT964YVyuuDjjfC09Laee9tE0ktDsq2Y56o1lWj-ztxB8jScfKqstHtOxD4vaySz2DKsa5u0sOL_ZYXz_rgAYLQGzyAVQPxE9hM_rfE5kLxZvgmtebhY2i5JFpqbELJKpxKcbsFxrS0/s400/P3030158+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Each pup has a sign with their name and baby picture on it. The entrance to the school is lined with these signs...there are around 25 pups graduating today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu44IaF3fVlqsCFvAXKaF011-GoPOUd7o3Yf2MhZsj-46jFcyNuTHpZZn2gMNv2gZKV1NWK2t0N9xHMpYaFFbmsXM0910TztobtcThCrk5UxnOYQAhEAJECuL1k3YpUejGgXUyOfi-CyU/s1600/P3030159+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu44IaF3fVlqsCFvAXKaF011-GoPOUd7o3Yf2MhZsj-46jFcyNuTHpZZn2gMNv2gZKV1NWK2t0N9xHMpYaFFbmsXM0910TztobtcThCrk5UxnOYQAhEAJECuL1k3YpUejGgXUyOfi-CyU/s400/P3030159+sm.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
<br />
Smokey boy is going to college!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7QZqXTv-_-_GdoQVrio2PFIj_LApP3QatqmvrL_hAjbYrow04HoN5G6iabzL-x3jrvsT9fJMQi8we54Jm3MDCojg-_-8WueBL6bD0GR9yRA2bb4HlLo3_zNfhm6XcaGAfh3PG9g_3B8/s1600/P3030164+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7QZqXTv-_-_GdoQVrio2PFIj_LApP3QatqmvrL_hAjbYrow04HoN5G6iabzL-x3jrvsT9fJMQi8we54Jm3MDCojg-_-8WueBL6bD0GR9yRA2bb4HlLo3_zNfhm6XcaGAfh3PG9g_3B8/s400/P3030164+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This sign is for Suzette - Smokey's sister.<br />
Suzette was raised by Sharon Vollers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY7LN_hsVsyAjrqG4kjgUK6FOeN7-q2xhEPRy5Rvh7omqVWWD7IrccaGe3DBPFWs8fml0wuljnObedqRgz-on_2cLYxYvYi17AM3WRpSAmKrJMf6k2A0uT-IJpksRN84395d0txBRWWA/s1600/P3030165+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY7LN_hsVsyAjrqG4kjgUK6FOeN7-q2xhEPRy5Rvh7omqVWWD7IrccaGe3DBPFWs8fml0wuljnObedqRgz-on_2cLYxYvYi17AM3WRpSAmKrJMf6k2A0uT-IJpksRN84395d0txBRWWA/s400/P3030165+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And here's Hannah's sign. Hannah was raised by Carol and Bob Rone.<br />
(We didn't have time to photograph the other Houston pup's signs, but also going back today were Addy and Lou-Lou.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyT6EgWVyGBcdAshXZB3mUF4yDFMFm62cNPyWq4PCzWtdyCBSTjmbvMgTmH8xw_Jla3YZ-92I_6v2HZfe8Bg2kWoNI6q4vFQFi7py48Lm2PE4K0JthG9IkVKFprQdV4NXKXEN-uUp4hE/s1600/P3030169+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyT6EgWVyGBcdAshXZB3mUF4yDFMFm62cNPyWq4PCzWtdyCBSTjmbvMgTmH8xw_Jla3YZ-92I_6v2HZfe8Bg2kWoNI6q4vFQFi7py48Lm2PE4K0JthG9IkVKFprQdV4NXKXEN-uUp4hE/s400/P3030169+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We get a brief couple of minutes to pose for a last photo with Smokey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFZLOSn0UUeOVMweOqLr8_OHgHfLHJhLc6ZOwHlpjoOnOYjyeOmh02Rtc7MzaSE73yn9eZrwQVd-vMk2_cDjBMZ0RaPDGrr207fiLYexGCVLN5utFHlBEOXlCxTdKb2gtg9kQ6ymwzNE/s1600/P3030174+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFZLOSn0UUeOVMweOqLr8_OHgHfLHJhLc6ZOwHlpjoOnOYjyeOmh02Rtc7MzaSE73yn9eZrwQVd-vMk2_cDjBMZ0RaPDGrr207fiLYexGCVLN5utFHlBEOXlCxTdKb2gtg9kQ6ymwzNE/s400/P3030174+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This engraved rock is the sight of many photo ops!<br />
So many photos have been taken here that it's now been dubbed The Photo Rock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN7GMjEY96CGUU_XEJpHNNbbT5GimXTVleXxzrmPYMj35TU-qh99k8SDu0sZlPcLfxAz4KAn4ArdAk20M0fcVsj69hiFRFXw1gv1E3uFemj2g4ioPGbc4iekIVDSCFmU87sBdGkQUrqU/s1600/P3030175+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN7GMjEY96CGUU_XEJpHNNbbT5GimXTVleXxzrmPYMj35TU-qh99k8SDu0sZlPcLfxAz4KAn4ArdAk20M0fcVsj69hiFRFXw1gv1E3uFemj2g4ioPGbc4iekIVDSCFmU87sBdGkQUrqU/s400/P3030175+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We all gather at a central pavilion to await the start of the ceremony. There is a large audience of pups, raisers, and families along with Southeastern employees and trainers who are coordinating the afternoon's events. This is our tearful self-portrait...just minutes before surrendering Smokey. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iJP1DKc7yNVkIkmmw7ioyHLjQoP-Se7V8nUVAIOBpiaTs7GG3qVIEGYh8pLAFewzY3xmNMFRAJ6KZzAFolwymnNjESrFDNFWDVzvqUCpaz73i7iZdVrs93QfQnqIj5VY8NfVsBWo_n0/s1600/P3030176+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iJP1DKc7yNVkIkmmw7ioyHLjQoP-Se7V8nUVAIOBpiaTs7GG3qVIEGYh8pLAFewzY3xmNMFRAJ6KZzAFolwymnNjESrFDNFWDVzvqUCpaz73i7iZdVrs93QfQnqIj5VY8NfVsBWo_n0/s400/P3030176+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
One by one, each puppy was called to center stage under the gazebo to be honored and surrendered to a Southeastern trainer. Pictured above is Doc, and his raisers the Densons (from Dallas, TX), being called to the stage. It's only moments until we hear the call for Smokey....</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCW1R_tbwZaHQXplcVTKcKy28N0JqcjA8R_d9Gf6cfKYc9R-QCx9CdhyUxr4rSwp1mJTL1Kov6FGDmEOQuC7Jzdnz241lVToEk1QbbciZrqxLuSDImOsq-MN71bu-bNWsc4fu9p2725A/s1600/photo+by+SEGDI+smokey+surrender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCW1R_tbwZaHQXplcVTKcKy28N0JqcjA8R_d9Gf6cfKYc9R-QCx9CdhyUxr4rSwp1mJTL1Kov6FGDmEOQuC7Jzdnz241lVToEk1QbbciZrqxLuSDImOsq-MN71bu-bNWsc4fu9p2725A/s400/photo+by+SEGDI+smokey+surrender.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally, we do. Here we are walking Smokey up to the gazebo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUjOcWhs6rEEIvD08ngSWTW3YKOSyrYpfa6wDhRlDCqIvqQuCWuATVCPpTsnwPh6yphIPl3TfUPbs3nmPLb-x7AoU7i7XI_1lMKPEr0w9OjOOwUPJ5uSXJrx4eqzER0E6waIIyczWjss/s1600/photo+by+SEGDI+goodbye+smokey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUjOcWhs6rEEIvD08ngSWTW3YKOSyrYpfa6wDhRlDCqIvqQuCWuATVCPpTsnwPh6yphIPl3TfUPbs3nmPLb-x7AoU7i7XI_1lMKPEr0w9OjOOwUPJ5uSXJrx4eqzER0E6waIIyczWjss/s400/photo+by+SEGDI+goodbye+smokey.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
A trainer greets us at the gazebo and slips a new collar and leash on to Smokey's neck....and we remove our collar and leash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N5iuLvygJYWlznpSgFLhuYDowPlLFV_fEssM5bzkfOxNlMu0ppYIv_oC8JfGtHUhaBEQ26KF9IXOaIkNUi4VmawdHnWhi8s65LTYtcjkGtjdUQ85gm46l144kxYLs1OvR6zzTwxFwP0/s1600/P3030178+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N5iuLvygJYWlznpSgFLhuYDowPlLFV_fEssM5bzkfOxNlMu0ppYIv_oC8JfGtHUhaBEQ26KF9IXOaIkNUi4VmawdHnWhi8s65LTYtcjkGtjdUQ85gm46l144kxYLs1OvR6zzTwxFwP0/s400/P3030178+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Smokey has no clue what is happening, but he is eager and accepting of the trainer's new collar. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_EtOMp8mrTJ3MVFDaxeCFA62tv-0TgdIaDyD8GcZN19lzCRgeqfKwrzIPYQ0snN2UoiaBN-TL3CaB3CKdcVQmxR-_Y5BwSoprpd8q19KApUGJAsrj_IRPRj50I8RsUM5sr2LZoTiJ90/s1600/photo+by+SEGDI+Greg+last+kiss+goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_EtOMp8mrTJ3MVFDaxeCFA62tv-0TgdIaDyD8GcZN19lzCRgeqfKwrzIPYQ0snN2UoiaBN-TL3CaB3CKdcVQmxR-_Y5BwSoprpd8q19KApUGJAsrj_IRPRj50I8RsUM5sr2LZoTiJ90/s400/photo+by+SEGDI+Greg+last+kiss+goodbye.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Okay - time for a final kiss...with a photographer on hand to memorialize the moment for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2wf3mJIwCnj7Afhg_Jl720T-eSHz8l_dpvbrtd7ZrQHQ9pGy6FuJAbs05128Ijs-5nMsmB-BINrQNIncTFPMGrPQ2IlFtgfqpu81CV3ClK0n70CTsyCMhhnrySls-iOF9SlIKfNuzio/s1600/last+kiss+goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2wf3mJIwCnj7Afhg_Jl720T-eSHz8l_dpvbrtd7ZrQHQ9pGy6FuJAbs05128Ijs-5nMsmB-BINrQNIncTFPMGrPQ2IlFtgfqpu81CV3ClK0n70CTsyCMhhnrySls-iOF9SlIKfNuzio/s400/last+kiss+goodbye.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I remove Smokey's bandana and give him a final kiss..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY-rpYL1WcvTYwaYt8qqbs6HDhoAeYqCSPxA6buTjlakD3zJlYTC2DEwAMfKiXNHrO_Qvbyg6ZdS22olc61-co6eoCoiXn9Vuo1YicQA2psY0CPyjSpDO0G8DzNOG24KvZWyPU9e5kBQ/s1600/P3030179+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY-rpYL1WcvTYwaYt8qqbs6HDhoAeYqCSPxA6buTjlakD3zJlYTC2DEwAMfKiXNHrO_Qvbyg6ZdS22olc61-co6eoCoiXn9Vuo1YicQA2psY0CPyjSpDO0G8DzNOG24KvZWyPU9e5kBQ/s400/P3030179+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And away he goes...never to look back. He is ready to take off on his new adventure <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><br />
Our leash felt so empty then...and even now, as we write this article months later, we are both crying. It's impossible to describe the hole that is left in your heart when you see your pup walk away. But at the same time, you know that you have done all you can do to help your pup get a successful start to it's future of service. What a blessing this experience has been. Now, the rest is in his paws!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-g_DGXvo3Q-Kf3133a3aNfvPXKWJqSEhZrhsAIWEpfrnS1JvCAYWlGduXh147HSgWnWPOJVBmOQ2TfljCajo-CLA2Rnzixfnf5TxM_GE9aGx70-cyBN7fecQ85sGC3cPKadRpcRnTGZU/s1600/photo+by+SEGDI+volunteer+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-g_DGXvo3Q-Kf3133a3aNfvPXKWJqSEhZrhsAIWEpfrnS1JvCAYWlGduXh147HSgWnWPOJVBmOQ2TfljCajo-CLA2Rnzixfnf5TxM_GE9aGx70-cyBN7fecQ85sGC3cPKadRpcRnTGZU/s400/photo+by+SEGDI+volunteer+award.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The staff at Southeastern was so warm and gracious to us. They appreciate their volunteer puppy raisers and it is obvious to us by the way they treated all of us this afternoon. Above is a photo of us with Tara and Leslie, members of the puppy raising staff, and the CEO of Southeastern, Titus Herman, at the awards presentation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFREOzjlnid-t7Dpl0zG1Z9eX0mG4sSruJy5Sz_hre6paa6CtZzSpNpQZueCJlG4HutOgzkCbelezkvfHjk6Xs-wifZAZqnAyMapbdeGalTaAb02WJ3h2sQROz3_gURzls3tmoRUajAw/s1600/president+call+to+service+award+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFREOzjlnid-t7Dpl0zG1Z9eX0mG4sSruJy5Sz_hre6paa6CtZzSpNpQZueCJlG4HutOgzkCbelezkvfHjk6Xs-wifZAZqnAyMapbdeGalTaAb02WJ3h2sQROz3_gURzls3tmoRUajAw/s400/president+call+to+service+award+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Each puppy raiser received a Certificate "The Presidents Call to Service Award" signed by President Obama.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1abpgGv9aDrLolzIpHFYeEUIM2KQ1ipi3HY5fyEFSEezSu6AbD2c65ix0Q7DCK3kd53_ZxvBDfNQexHpm-DPnkGa1I5-35ytbKFAJex9rxyOqtcQXMl1FgLwBZITfTDfidzPGrME5pwg/s1600/P3180002+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1abpgGv9aDrLolzIpHFYeEUIM2KQ1ipi3HY5fyEFSEezSu6AbD2c65ix0Q7DCK3kd53_ZxvBDfNQexHpm-DPnkGa1I5-35ytbKFAJex9rxyOqtcQXMl1FgLwBZITfTDfidzPGrME5pwg/s400/P3180002+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
...and this beautiful service award pin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQJiFXexCR3-x0KTIjUycWB1tQ5rXE__UAv38sbcGqt_JlgHURXZwk0DDY5QqFAogO5ceNAC4l11bwNMc6FhFqc9aUj9saH6akEO7lwRdr3G_UbeaVAEtVaL1u3QAmOVgybgaEBuFns0/s1600/scan0017+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQJiFXexCR3-x0KTIjUycWB1tQ5rXE__UAv38sbcGqt_JlgHURXZwk0DDY5QqFAogO5ceNAC4l11bwNMc6FhFqc9aUj9saH6akEO7lwRdr3G_UbeaVAEtVaL1u3QAmOVgybgaEBuFns0/s400/scan0017+sm.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Smokey's first photo, taken with the harness, when he is just about 6 weeks old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7zGpOzDnV7mMQrH0zDzNoGYL_nN3VtgDh-0HYOC6Sh4raNhyphenhyphenLo-JBiSlnkvfBKQDikIP-Pk3L7hUvOsYLMoI35TDnuRlSDVrSJGfIpOkse33LWxaeunvgD1AVcKGthx2pm0wK-fVzko/s1600/smokey+graduate+sigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7zGpOzDnV7mMQrH0zDzNoGYL_nN3VtgDh-0HYOC6Sh4raNhyphenhyphenLo-JBiSlnkvfBKQDikIP-Pk3L7hUvOsYLMoI35TDnuRlSDVrSJGfIpOkse33LWxaeunvgD1AVcKGthx2pm0wK-fVzko/s400/smokey+graduate+sigh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi9QRotIxRphrHejgiuWTHH76_29-Fn3VYnS6edhPfNKokB7GZyXodS0XvVEBSCzhU7Q1-P5vyo71_Y4wv9X5ygqAEsXuZMGCm8ZXASpdfR1pe7R_t7H6pWitb3TylsuBYSjl0kLmj10/s1600/P3030174+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi9QRotIxRphrHejgiuWTHH76_29-Fn3VYnS6edhPfNKokB7GZyXodS0XvVEBSCzhU7Q1-P5vyo71_Y4wv9X5ygqAEsXuZMGCm8ZXASpdfR1pe7R_t7H6pWitb3TylsuBYSjl0kLmj10/s400/P3030174+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
..and now at 14 months old..what a beautiful boy you have grown up to be...<br />
<br />
Smokey. <br />
You are our hero.<br />
We love you forever.<br />
You will always have a special place in our hearts. <br />
You are in our prayers to become all that you are meant to be. <br />
With God's help, we will see you again on Puppy Raiser Day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-25577223903736181912012-06-14T14:36:00.000-07:002012-06-14T14:36:38.824-07:00Walk-a-thon Saturday<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday, March 3rd.... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Walk-A-Thon!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is the biggest annual event and fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It just so happens that today is the day that Smokey will be surrendered back to the school for final training. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpoA4CI9HGQzmry0HGenlSv3GOyXNh46f8isJ3sTNamUjYuxfKrBQjkQ2WEM7qXU8oRC-iu4iCLuXMwR-9aMW1OCTMu3Ch3gidGuCx-obDtel1vg1IB_RIBJMKw_5px4jj5_gVCc3bpw/s1600/P3030105+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpoA4CI9HGQzmry0HGenlSv3GOyXNh46f8isJ3sTNamUjYuxfKrBQjkQ2WEM7qXU8oRC-iu4iCLuXMwR-9aMW1OCTMu3Ch3gidGuCx-obDtel1vg1IB_RIBJMKw_5px4jj5_gVCc3bpw/s400/P3030105+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We are ready to leave the hotel for Walk-a-thon. Today is bittersweet for us because we know that this is our last day with Smokey. Doesn't he look spiffy in his bright green Southeastern Bandana? The pups don't have to wear their service jackets today - it's a fun day for them, and they are officially OFF DUTY...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKPbKTvVOaUkmdKz3Ejwr5LKBlokDGViixhHqcjBCdoPRhDVwPIo9q9ASrt1zQomPuFZnGdBBTZHV5JMpbVwe7GhdZL6PwjJ3LUJm8u4plKmvuC4clbA_tZ1nKAST4MTJ0lgmi0QsI2A/s1600/P3030106+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKPbKTvVOaUkmdKz3Ejwr5LKBlokDGViixhHqcjBCdoPRhDVwPIo9q9ASrt1zQomPuFZnGdBBTZHV5JMpbVwe7GhdZL6PwjJ3LUJm8u4plKmvuC4clbA_tZ1nKAST4MTJ0lgmi0QsI2A/s400/P3030106+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These are the buses from Southeastern that provide transportation from the host hotel to the Walk-a-thon event a few blocks away. Great advertising - and pretty cute pictures too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdINi2ANnZgbdU8KGrEATHOW8uCRYRYLv5qrK8qptSGgGXy0vnSuKQVblw_aLowgFLSDvUDzcF2JCBIzS0uUNPRrXM0UITcz-dSSMq-Tiaj0AzqgUk8lgCSptKvHcVT6HHWKEFDRKohw/s1600/P3030108+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdINi2ANnZgbdU8KGrEATHOW8uCRYRYLv5qrK8qptSGgGXy0vnSuKQVblw_aLowgFLSDvUDzcF2JCBIzS0uUNPRrXM0UITcz-dSSMq-Tiaj0AzqgUk8lgCSptKvHcVT6HHWKEFDRKohw/s400/P3030108+sm.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg and Smokey relax at a beach-side cafe for a cup-o-Joe and a bagel. Smokey tries to find some shade. It's only March but it's already getting hot and humid in St.Petersberg...and it feels just like home!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_h9BfxtIyVnrfOervZzeVDA6gEjQ2n29bITEcf6l5H5Yi370S5jC_1vt6cWMGeyF7HjiGXAQoF2YugJk_9dr-dRRCzHosXCvSwwrEBD2rf5Xpc4n53u_rL1-ppmMJQUGOyoXx1l3qwc/s1600/P3030109+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_h9BfxtIyVnrfOervZzeVDA6gEjQ2n29bITEcf6l5H5Yi370S5jC_1vt6cWMGeyF7HjiGXAQoF2YugJk_9dr-dRRCzHosXCvSwwrEBD2rf5Xpc4n53u_rL1-ppmMJQUGOyoXx1l3qwc/s400/P3030109+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smokey...he always knows where the food is.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFnOE-XNT9Md5wKSdFfPuhDFpFbbtpumoUoJBwSXs-yR1qAeNbT7vDcCK14RhBZyNhtQJoCOKJh6TcnwOHzUYjos4bSdEtS3ln8e95p2enP0GvO-qssrkPUGa7juQmPeGxoitlpdBUEE/s1600/P3030111+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFnOE-XNT9Md5wKSdFfPuhDFpFbbtpumoUoJBwSXs-yR1qAeNbT7vDcCK14RhBZyNhtQJoCOKJh6TcnwOHzUYjos4bSdEtS3ln8e95p2enP0GvO-qssrkPUGa7juQmPeGxoitlpdBUEE/s400/P3030111+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A quick photo at Vinoy Park. It's a beautiful location, right on the water.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03j-_7-7fVPFb8g9ZgSukWT1jxjDi_qBhShOPJtAwFKMSQQwagP6XriPgL5HSyi91SyVWhl40hkW0NiKp7LLIwiR3zU4FrqmKc_1fKMgfh86h-sk-2ADEJQzyCDpTjGVvXfb3G6isPDA/s1600/P3030136+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03j-_7-7fVPFb8g9ZgSukWT1jxjDi_qBhShOPJtAwFKMSQQwagP6XriPgL5HSyi91SyVWhl40hkW0NiKp7LLIwiR3zU4FrqmKc_1fKMgfh86h-sk-2ADEJQzyCDpTjGVvXfb3G6isPDA/s400/P3030136+sm.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The marina that is adjacent to Vinoy Park. It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining and people are gathering for the day's activities.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1T7K0S997zBdWCHfbzixopU2W_byX20RmNMtY7Egf-pvembc5ASiWuzSw8D9NbTLnObqJFurZ55TzjlmctN-KcU8TwznK8hXehTGCdiF38z76RewwMniX_KfZVIwZru6V-Kieo_Q5GE/s1600/WAT+photo+by+Cindy+Weatherby+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1T7K0S997zBdWCHfbzixopU2W_byX20RmNMtY7Egf-pvembc5ASiWuzSw8D9NbTLnObqJFurZ55TzjlmctN-KcU8TwznK8hXehTGCdiF38z76RewwMniX_KfZVIwZru6V-Kieo_Q5GE/s400/WAT+photo+by+Cindy+Weatherby+DAR.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Getting ready for the walk. This photo is by Cindy Weatherby, a member of St.Petersberg chapter of the D.A.R.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKZQPv06dnxq9inlcBLdFOUZYcMMM97ZxbupZQdNjkegJZ2ZZy3vWY3gkbViDEA7J7R0IqPdos4iuMTWco_7oK2FFR1HMUI9NdrYp_BzJ5C96jrv6I9p-xPn-ltN6I5r0RNCrTXjV9Bk/s1600/P3030113+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKZQPv06dnxq9inlcBLdFOUZYcMMM97ZxbupZQdNjkegJZ2ZZy3vWY3gkbViDEA7J7R0IqPdos4iuMTWco_7oK2FFR1HMUI9NdrYp_BzJ5C96jrv6I9p-xPn-ltN6I5r0RNCrTXjV9Bk/s400/P3030113+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A few of our Houston bunch with puppies that are being turned in today. From left, Carol and Ellie Annatrella (with Addy), Eileen and Jenni Scamardo (with Lou-Lou), Melissa and Greg David (with Smokey).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia43Ez1N0Me8IngD-TYCbGeUmLgOhnXb8zrNJGJKH4f_qtI7vxckz-bEUf6I5l8XxNiQv94cRSsI245uQzKnNMA3kxOARRzehNjrvYD_Xm_Pyl3IL8mHZez6qogxcrK0ox4nk64kxP0c/s1600/P3030114+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia43Ez1N0Me8IngD-TYCbGeUmLgOhnXb8zrNJGJKH4f_qtI7vxckz-bEUf6I5l8XxNiQv94cRSsI245uQzKnNMA3kxOARRzehNjrvYD_Xm_Pyl3IL8mHZez6qogxcrK0ox4nk64kxP0c/s400/P3030114+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And the walk begins. With all the people and dogs present, Smokey is beyond excited... and foaming at the mouth. Here, he is sporting a full beard of foam. There are thousands of people that turned out for this event, and almost a thousand dogs. Southeastern raised about $450K over the weekend! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4onQU4MVkXUcIIGFkRcUl7455dU6fJcoz-EROPYAEbKPn38ihMvmRCt76kFkyOEnjGMfxAobXwzPhvcaWRJU4NBD_e9ZBMz1K5RcsZUIBUiUJFaHR9cRZnsdZGHkG95y95FBwSanMaFg/s1600/P3030116+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4onQU4MVkXUcIIGFkRcUl7455dU6fJcoz-EROPYAEbKPn38ihMvmRCt76kFkyOEnjGMfxAobXwzPhvcaWRJU4NBD_e9ZBMz1K5RcsZUIBUiUJFaHR9cRZnsdZGHkG95y95FBwSanMaFg/s400/P3030116+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhlt4iAP9uV47EZ5IoKbPjB8BV8zh1LH7VbaEPBV9vVuTboOMa7Kf8g3350gE5Fpb4N7fIAknDY4SWi8zQBp7EQMNcKN5GWJ3U2dUtwp5h9PdacmfwHzNYOMM391uJ2jkJbHGIJsAZQE/s1600/P3030115+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhlt4iAP9uV47EZ5IoKbPjB8BV8zh1LH7VbaEPBV9vVuTboOMa7Kf8g3350gE5Fpb4N7fIAknDY4SWi8zQBp7EQMNcKN5GWJ3U2dUtwp5h9PdacmfwHzNYOMM391uJ2jkJbHGIJsAZQE/s400/P3030115+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAoUE7N_jenLdynixh5-ecbNAJjWWXoyyvIt21_m0OWdEGTN3wKxnQDIkGKfCBheHOxEgseu6L-Cs9_AYI7Ab4spAvM1_lcc7CMD0FH6sp9kivAhw8cNwEQRDbA02ExnHxy3I5Gysxfs/s1600/P3030118+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAoUE7N_jenLdynixh5-ecbNAJjWWXoyyvIt21_m0OWdEGTN3wKxnQDIkGKfCBheHOxEgseu6L-Cs9_AYI7Ab4spAvM1_lcc7CMD0FH6sp9kivAhw8cNwEQRDbA02ExnHxy3I5Gysxfs/s400/P3030118+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Above are some more Houston friends --- Hannah Kelly and her mom Amy are new raisers that are picking up their first puppy after the walk-a-thon today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB6YF6unpE1Xn2E6TfraieBuEMbzDVa5U6tD6QOiW7arBvsA_fdm4wSiiMFJtd5mUXHHqakdvcR88HdZpvQ4I8b4Karzekd3J3vuCcvZi_ug-42cjKPWg7O54k_9w8lx13a965XnTVD4/s1600/P3030117+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB6YF6unpE1Xn2E6TfraieBuEMbzDVa5U6tD6QOiW7arBvsA_fdm4wSiiMFJtd5mUXHHqakdvcR88HdZpvQ4I8b4Karzekd3J3vuCcvZi_ug-42cjKPWg7O54k_9w8lx13a965XnTVD4/s400/P3030117+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qthvSo7neNHHuCt7TxL1WNLGGdzt-oqkIDuGdNrMXqX2s4TZf_AlxCeY0_jf5h2WusQHYLjvT7_QRKIcTHmNEDse-1z2smqv9tcRN_EJ9X4wq7ua0Ali3ty39RBrVfRxdXsap2YYzb0/s1600/P3030119+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qthvSo7neNHHuCt7TxL1WNLGGdzt-oqkIDuGdNrMXqX2s4TZf_AlxCeY0_jf5h2WusQHYLjvT7_QRKIcTHmNEDse-1z2smqv9tcRN_EJ9X4wq7ua0Ali3ty39RBrVfRxdXsap2YYzb0/s400/P3030119+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a beautiful venue walking on the paved sidewalk alongside the water. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here, Greg walks with Eileen and Jenni Scamardo.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPiXBLj__3Rwck2lOUK6pQW1xOyJ574N8fOj2SaCCEOvkqtQgZvtmV1nArQWvwWSf8IWED6CjPmYRpJWConoEscS-7NF0MOZ2cGZliL8wv_t3K30QyRD0doh3WKgkGnBXsNtE7Gr7lQk/s1600/P3030122+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPiXBLj__3Rwck2lOUK6pQW1xOyJ574N8fOj2SaCCEOvkqtQgZvtmV1nArQWvwWSf8IWED6CjPmYRpJWConoEscS-7NF0MOZ2cGZliL8wv_t3K30QyRD0doh3WKgkGnBXsNtE7Gr7lQk/s400/P3030122+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The finish line! The pups are thirsty, as are we.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNvqJT0otlhm8ejs4Gl5Zm7mzjNDBKatB8JqLOJEaqPSFYNogSZwUG6FrIZQ6wO0aQRwOPPq8eK-6yBWf2tBnKUXPs_rKG0HsNLH6viSpjMLmmQDOb-BcxfuXYm-Rsdhcz6SgYHtHlBc/s1600/P3030121+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNvqJT0otlhm8ejs4Gl5Zm7mzjNDBKatB8JqLOJEaqPSFYNogSZwUG6FrIZQ6wO0aQRwOPPq8eK-6yBWf2tBnKUXPs_rKG0HsNLH6viSpjMLmmQDOb-BcxfuXYm-Rsdhcz6SgYHtHlBc/s400/P3030121+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We finally got to meet the family that sponsored Smokey. Toni and Jim Turner, and their grand-dog Bella, came out for the event and we were delighted to finally get to meet them. Toni and Jim's son, Parker, and his wife Emily were the donors of the funds for Smokey's naming rights. Smokey's namesake was Toni and Jim's chocolate lab, Smokey, who passed away in 2010.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtKveDKd09bsm3ZHue5ma-0nzxyiwvFEWvONMuvDMMQME-i0U9Rvc5tSM2hI00z_CZYDLy1re5Fi9G-51KaEjHJ_MORF0WLI5QCREJ01tGnl3pR4WckADyyGeMVeu2DmEp_Zf1d2dg5U/s1600/P3030130+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtKveDKd09bsm3ZHue5ma-0nzxyiwvFEWvONMuvDMMQME-i0U9Rvc5tSM2hI00z_CZYDLy1re5Fi9G-51KaEjHJ_MORF0WLI5QCREJ01tGnl3pR4WckADyyGeMVeu2DmEp_Zf1d2dg5U/s400/P3030130+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Toni gets some time to snuggle with Smokey. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h27FCk8p0g40qqtue7SB2D_aD0JdopAgLtQSVGtt78YX2Rc5UBN8jD42m3LBpJFfqxIrZcsmAy8zbCI5Ke6XkVcUv9RUEhbuS3IE4VXiGhtvBhRDJx_fkfkthn4mF3jn2QRlv2IEUD8/s1600/P3030128+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h27FCk8p0g40qqtue7SB2D_aD0JdopAgLtQSVGtt78YX2Rc5UBN8jD42m3LBpJFfqxIrZcsmAy8zbCI5Ke6XkVcUv9RUEhbuS3IE4VXiGhtvBhRDJx_fkfkthn4mF3jn2QRlv2IEUD8/s400/P3030128+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smokey, Toni and Bella relax after the event. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoNXleY90NMUwiChd0xe3lEi0jIaodm-3EP-JT5cji8Y_rxkCeFJfWar5QbrP_2AlpAGzHmQ_2AKmucJLYZXXos6bmZ_uxcAac7zaWktLvNJ2QOodq01LRIecZ8l5mMpcAz8K81x0oSM/s1600/P3030126+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoNXleY90NMUwiChd0xe3lEi0jIaodm-3EP-JT5cji8Y_rxkCeFJfWar5QbrP_2AlpAGzHmQ_2AKmucJLYZXXos6bmZ_uxcAac7zaWktLvNJ2QOodq01LRIecZ8l5mMpcAz8K81x0oSM/s400/P3030126+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4fs4LN2a-X05rOMU3h2gzLvYsTRL56Eq-svymaC-dXFrsCCK3_LP8UcTqcLe6BOlHBFPOxLJtS2PC-17AqWrI1KFZqWebvO3KKq60x9TItzh6BzDhBu1TlexhET8k6ODSEQawJfnHdc/s1600/P3030129+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4fs4LN2a-X05rOMU3h2gzLvYsTRL56Eq-svymaC-dXFrsCCK3_LP8UcTqcLe6BOlHBFPOxLJtS2PC-17AqWrI1KFZqWebvO3KKq60x9TItzh6BzDhBu1TlexhET8k6ODSEQawJfnHdc/s400/P3030129+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Find me some shade! Please and thank you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUPBNY-Af38-fjC8V3Qs7Wv5xGypccy4GTkC0Ys-inuwBhZ1UwsYIzvKGsFOskqWpCJbH4oLjwV9L3ADGS1xj63M7UexC6RH5ByF0-lrkm8knmNOmiCCKa_3HlQ1n0BEBz_wrMLTF_00/s1600/P3030131+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUPBNY-Af38-fjC8V3Qs7Wv5xGypccy4GTkC0Ys-inuwBhZ1UwsYIzvKGsFOskqWpCJbH4oLjwV9L3ADGS1xj63M7UexC6RH5ByF0-lrkm8knmNOmiCCKa_3HlQ1n0BEBz_wrMLTF_00/s400/P3030131+sm.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this photo. I wish it had turned out clearer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dad tells Smokey what a GOOD boy he is! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWyjSsfGtXoiuTWb0iHW-bNaU5geTvAEZBkZpzcugNmvK4pUsR1U6jf9wxWgcHJ90A9YR3i8UrjDkK1xzrTY7y2ZwdPOEGmzcsVpAYKoLXDaRTfukAOJS2FEOdMNLdYqH1IJRdWSYwvU/s1600/P3030137+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWyjSsfGtXoiuTWb0iHW-bNaU5geTvAEZBkZpzcugNmvK4pUsR1U6jf9wxWgcHJ90A9YR3i8UrjDkK1xzrTY7y2ZwdPOEGmzcsVpAYKoLXDaRTfukAOJS2FEOdMNLdYqH1IJRdWSYwvU/s400/P3030137+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Posing at a very cool tree in Vinoy Park.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwNZcGVoLWFHQ0ljEFhQeH0UeOSoSmqfpLQ47vui9G-JXGls-9wpCqnvcLI4OkgcMzIufjKnOUIAbsfX5xeajE1b8P4pteNraJUz0oxUwvpt_Sux546p4JIndeLJz3FLgsv46hq4UmQQ/s1600/P3030138+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwNZcGVoLWFHQ0ljEFhQeH0UeOSoSmqfpLQ47vui9G-JXGls-9wpCqnvcLI4OkgcMzIufjKnOUIAbsfX5xeajE1b8P4pteNraJUz0oxUwvpt_Sux546p4JIndeLJz3FLgsv46hq4UmQQ/s400/P3030138+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's still hot!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc65zQBm1G5H6TLPjPuMPEZGPnvkuT5srcoGTCYmPg0FPWiSXFN065hOnHtC3H-33gIX7GjFe9fS4qmDH3FtQ53GRCQ33y9jVisgCfjsJX6mJl_AeP0fs-kq74mZRrSfEWjZ45bD9aQ0/s1600/P3030156+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc65zQBm1G5H6TLPjPuMPEZGPnvkuT5srcoGTCYmPg0FPWiSXFN065hOnHtC3H-33gIX7GjFe9fS4qmDH3FtQ53GRCQ33y9jVisgCfjsJX6mJl_AeP0fs-kq74mZRrSfEWjZ45bD9aQ0/s400/P3030156+sm.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
<br />
Back at the hotel, we spend a few minutes taking some last photos with Smokey. In just minutes we'll be leaving St.Petersberg to drive over to Southeastern's campus in Palmetto. It's surreal that in just a few hours, he will be gone...and a big chunk of our hearts will go with him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBstVjV36-AFEBatAcsg3vNSzy1AE42XtG-a_0F9_nAtJhhw9c26H7Z9q9ySeNJGq8nZwv0vm9PL8w1SbL5X3pk9n4QK9GSEENDjCfu0gl2VdhK36s6H82SgyT13xfB7EvDP6oC3m2lI/s1600/P3030145+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBstVjV36-AFEBatAcsg3vNSzy1AE42XtG-a_0F9_nAtJhhw9c26H7Z9q9ySeNJGq8nZwv0vm9PL8w1SbL5X3pk9n4QK9GSEENDjCfu0gl2VdhK36s6H82SgyT13xfB7EvDP6oC3m2lI/s400/P3030145+sm.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our last self portrait. I love this picture too. Just look at that face...Smokey knows something is up. He is a beautiful boy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4T4R9Cwe73haSyWfJOQPXD7OgUAzx8RW0tbXgtD-S_mTUE7aLx1OfyVHuPK9WA_pbHmJdkRqd5nL-J020jFnzE1SWrsYmWHjN3hMPKlhX-di-hp1a4j1-pI8ukZ3uALQOs07mbbkXBY/s1600/P3030144+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4T4R9Cwe73haSyWfJOQPXD7OgUAzx8RW0tbXgtD-S_mTUE7aLx1OfyVHuPK9WA_pbHmJdkRqd5nL-J020jFnzE1SWrsYmWHjN3hMPKlhX-di-hp1a4j1-pI8ukZ3uALQOs07mbbkXBY/s400/P3030144+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Too big for mama's lap now, but we get a photo anyway. Tears are welling up in my eyes as I try to smile for the photo. I wonder, will giving up the next pup we raise be this hard? My heart is breaking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBXcj8wqT7GDgC9jRJ0UYUSACAdBLIr9mJQiRu8UU2wFo4_Q2nWouKIKMqwHJMQvDpgvAfZUOFBR_zd9W_r3Ksso86vPhqfjF9VpSq3jEJesZ8_3pAZDWOXsd3ELgOX0Nyayqr8IG99c/s1600/P3030149+sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBXcj8wqT7GDgC9jRJ0UYUSACAdBLIr9mJQiRu8UU2wFo4_Q2nWouKIKMqwHJMQvDpgvAfZUOFBR_zd9W_r3Ksso86vPhqfjF9VpSq3jEJesZ8_3pAZDWOXsd3ELgOX0Nyayqr8IG99c/s400/P3030149+sm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love you Smokey boy...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0driB78b9jpamntwIRHJzxR8rVrhlKHeU4etzprWxisJYmSP4ELB5A3hnLaHil8zN_4WL7x1falPttd-vVMepRjCo6Vo_ben67JR8c4DTsarXRj2Pr77ndP8JZJcV_DS_HtZ_4qnjnQ/s1600/P3030151+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0driB78b9jpamntwIRHJzxR8rVrhlKHeU4etzprWxisJYmSP4ELB5A3hnLaHil8zN_4WL7x1falPttd-vVMepRjCo6Vo_ben67JR8c4DTsarXRj2Pr77ndP8JZJcV_DS_HtZ_4qnjnQ/s400/P3030151+sm.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever and always...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVaKAAXnZghNtakswU9iCQPJxE8QfXxPdsiTP8rGajkDavdW6Vb87zjqnJuAWnPizynTy1YPDAkf-CTsy9g-A9qLSen9Vzrxa_ESHRsMULQUr64oZ57Y5g4Beby5vRPlyGVF_2bMbjSg/s1600/P3030153+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVaKAAXnZghNtakswU9iCQPJxE8QfXxPdsiTP8rGajkDavdW6Vb87zjqnJuAWnPizynTy1YPDAkf-CTsy9g-A9qLSen9Vzrxa_ESHRsMULQUr64oZ57Y5g4Beby5vRPlyGVF_2bMbjSg/s400/P3030153+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are going to make us proud. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-73482649078746803112012-04-01T22:23:00.010-07:002012-04-01T22:29:19.467-07:00Friday - Open House at Southeastern's campus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Friday - March 2...St.Petersburg, FL<br />
<br />
After driving all day Wednesday and Thursday, Smokey needed to burn off some energy and stretch those long, spindly legs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP91fFsbzhnRiy8u8R2uFUTsKPm2urYZ_3GgRAApuImjy2R6fgdjnZ04kV4bG1BwiqWXQRGvP-cQFpPQNeZL6_j48Ak-WrrZcPiSDtaeHMngdJpcxZroQJWpi0-bOdYRA8cNyFA8DB13k/s1600/P3010048+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP91fFsbzhnRiy8u8R2uFUTsKPm2urYZ_3GgRAApuImjy2R6fgdjnZ04kV4bG1BwiqWXQRGvP-cQFpPQNeZL6_j48Ak-WrrZcPiSDtaeHMngdJpcxZroQJWpi0-bOdYRA8cNyFA8DB13k/s400/P3010048+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
We got up early Friday morning and took a walk in the big city. It was good exposure for him. Stopping at the cross walks and waiting on the Don't Walk/Walk lights. We don't have a lot of the Walk/Don't Walk lights where we live, and it seemed like he was actually watching the traffic flow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzZOE9j9ZZjnVqPvVeBgB0ZwzTspjXCGG4dDHRXV_UMS0VIcOhWZ9xV0o9wWdDVfVBLeLmHDjjil1rNRlFotFq18QBEKJQVzV5fx04eBcR9G3zYcHLJMDFtxouDZKSo6ly0sIXshbjE8/s1600/P3020005+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzZOE9j9ZZjnVqPvVeBgB0ZwzTspjXCGG4dDHRXV_UMS0VIcOhWZ9xV0o9wWdDVfVBLeLmHDjjil1rNRlFotFq18QBEKJQVzV5fx04eBcR9G3zYcHLJMDFtxouDZKSo6ly0sIXshbjE8/s400/P3020005+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On Friday Afternoon, Southeastern had an open house for raisers and Walkathon folks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeGG4IyZgeU9cdGiNXrGVd0hyphenhyphenuDazjtLq3LZOmTIatvstw3aRxc2WbiyB6VGWazpy7yh17kFnGv7JjNcgFE-aHrCgSOR96VE9y8EMPnxZvixiqH416P1hLyE3ZB_ZrJwYq-1Z2yH5ALk/s1600/P3020006+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeGG4IyZgeU9cdGiNXrGVd0hyphenhyphenuDazjtLq3LZOmTIatvstw3aRxc2WbiyB6VGWazpy7yh17kFnGv7JjNcgFE-aHrCgSOR96VE9y8EMPnxZvixiqH416P1hLyE3ZB_ZrJwYq-1Z2yH5ALk/s400/P3020006+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was our first time to see the campus. This is a very impressive operation. The grounds are meticulous, and the layout is perfect for training guide dogs and the visually impaired. Everybody we met was so friendly, helpful and proud of the campus and the work they were doing. It didn't seem to matter if they were trainers, administrative folks, canine techs, employees or volunteers. They enjoyed their job and were proud of their mission.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nQFROY27nhMGz7o91sDfinFI5Af4aCqDkOGUmPZgrTmWvETXBUUyCNlGiIibz8Kb5krpLLWo5tYOOahKL00R4vbTmtQaiLnyoIISG5dpkw44iwqruqNAAQTlqv12EukDZiVM4Au70-w/s1600/P3020002+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nQFROY27nhMGz7o91sDfinFI5Af4aCqDkOGUmPZgrTmWvETXBUUyCNlGiIibz8Kb5krpLLWo5tYOOahKL00R4vbTmtQaiLnyoIISG5dpkw44iwqruqNAAQTlqv12EukDZiVM4Au70-w/s400/P3020002+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The photo above shows a walkway through a beautiful garden full of tropical type plants. The walkways wind around and come to cross walks, rail crossings, and curbs. These areas are used to train and test dogs and students.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgKXi02nvlec3U4_HPCKYNNr3T7CSnpjKhxtYon3_3x18xQG3nYOecApAneM7BtzB9UO5bw5N8EVuZN8tY894oza061GFAgVms-D9Ze6X6JJGjrZEXpLnlry6IuL_F4zlw3DhEwZ5fIU/s1600/P3020003+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgKXi02nvlec3U4_HPCKYNNr3T7CSnpjKhxtYon3_3x18xQG3nYOecApAneM7BtzB9UO5bw5N8EVuZN8tY894oza061GFAgVms-D9Ze6X6JJGjrZEXpLnlry6IuL_F4zlw3DhEwZ5fIU/s400/P3020003+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we have stated before, Southeastern Guide Dogs is totally contribution and volunteer driven. The bricks in the sidewalk are etched with names of contributors. The benches along the way also have a plaque of major contributors to the cause. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5vXND6681DoPJR8KD4BO5l3SKjS-KT_KoWWhsdaZ3Ww4vUQokMHjvu3NvUfBm-y1HSDhtUKgfXNuDMF_O3U8Cow34vJuEYtCgRxuxhMxagCZmP_bUzDKajBG8iaxy1QKrxEfeIXGNnU/s1600/P3020007+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5vXND6681DoPJR8KD4BO5l3SKjS-KT_KoWWhsdaZ3Ww4vUQokMHjvu3NvUfBm-y1HSDhtUKgfXNuDMF_O3U8Cow34vJuEYtCgRxuxhMxagCZmP_bUzDKajBG8iaxy1QKrxEfeIXGNnU/s400/P3020007+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The campus is about 25 acres. The campus has an administrative building and a dormitory for the students during their 26 day stay. There is a kennel for the puppies and new moms. Another kennel us used for isolation of new pups coming in for training, and a larger kennel is used for the dogs that are progressing through their stages of training. The kennels were all clean, and the dogs had large runs. Several times while we were there dogs were let out in their runs for exercise. They were zooping around and playing what looked like a game of chase or canine tag. They looked like they were having a ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLcj-u8QNV1q_VDIk183IHPNMxOjCCKwUepfOAm5hexEXn2pLsUEntZFW77F-DhIL4ITtSlpOiTbjm0PeGL0EmMno7sSjNjlmGCNZ3qo5k1KjWQo7b_0W2kiyNuGy-lmGKWCVopAb9EQ/s1600/P3020008+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLcj-u8QNV1q_VDIk183IHPNMxOjCCKwUepfOAm5hexEXn2pLsUEntZFW77F-DhIL4ITtSlpOiTbjm0PeGL0EmMno7sSjNjlmGCNZ3qo5k1KjWQo7b_0W2kiyNuGy-lmGKWCVopAb9EQ/s400/P3020008+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These vans are certainly eye catching. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8guUH-m1gvagEyYFfmkXGTXzX31dzYvwAadzNOH0IcLeoMifb4dQr75u3Lfygg5-CC6Vy3xJFKNqWmoy9EnTgipZ5OocFt2zaoxvVQjey4irxC9g07OMfVFM3EXZnMWibfu8VufOnY4/s1600/P3020009+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8guUH-m1gvagEyYFfmkXGTXzX31dzYvwAadzNOH0IcLeoMifb4dQr75u3Lfygg5-CC6Vy3xJFKNqWmoy9EnTgipZ5OocFt2zaoxvVQjey4irxC9g07OMfVFM3EXZnMWibfu8VufOnY4/s400/P3020009+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> A rolling billboard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eZyruqWUkFHs0-y-qf08oLx-KQiqFUy9nHYMyFVqypmFmF4coJwMdeXdZXe17LLUvooJQv4vIIjMVqKoOtnMhWgP2xM3MFkAYk2FKtQ_JIQO1EACUj3OXbGyAiLLmEdpxSMjw-UVlDE/s1600/P3020011+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eZyruqWUkFHs0-y-qf08oLx-KQiqFUy9nHYMyFVqypmFmF4coJwMdeXdZXe17LLUvooJQv4vIIjMVqKoOtnMhWgP2xM3MFkAYk2FKtQ_JIQO1EACUj3OXbGyAiLLmEdpxSMjw-UVlDE/s400/P3020011+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
This rock has been the site of many "last photo op" for many a raiser and puppy going back for training and is in front of the administrative/dormitory building.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G4wAC0hyphenhyphenS3dpzs1rxXJ_aBaD2pAHrWnpMD0RFagOuavHpxXeTuaqpiP3mTJhunpl48dc56gKtHrqLPBke88RT9qt1L09cPH4Er5sIcXuom_ccW_POqj1XqWBhPek0rqYKtWoKjP4_D4/s1600/P3020061+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G4wAC0hyphenhyphenS3dpzs1rxXJ_aBaD2pAHrWnpMD0RFagOuavHpxXeTuaqpiP3mTJhunpl48dc56gKtHrqLPBke88RT9qt1L09cPH4Er5sIcXuom_ccW_POqj1XqWBhPek0rqYKtWoKjP4_D4/s400/P3020061+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The area in the photo above is a courtyard type affair with a gazebo. This area is relatively new and is used for training sessions, a gathering place for tours and presentations and the site for "Guide Dog U" when dogs are surrendered back to the school for final training. Our experience with Guide Dog U will be discussed in a later post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQDisLDOwExxrX0d347NA8lzgm2JQXA8HNTExjkZn13DoM7niCOJqKjHAt8b-tYXIaan2Vg7GKUE-Al-NV48Fd9OnrnT7FtLGeb8flpFqpcRBJfrQQYWWthgZxxofhDYoCAlY0I7bRD4/s1600/P3020059+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQDisLDOwExxrX0d347NA8lzgm2JQXA8HNTExjkZn13DoM7niCOJqKjHAt8b-tYXIaan2Vg7GKUE-Al-NV48Fd9OnrnT7FtLGeb8flpFqpcRBJfrQQYWWthgZxxofhDYoCAlY0I7bRD4/s400/P3020059+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As part of the Open House, we had an obedience seminar for raisers. We have come to realize there is an unwritten rule somewhere that says "anytime there is more than three puppy raisers in one place there shall be an obedience session". Seriously we love these sessions, and always pick up some tidbit that we didn't know or forgot about. It is also good for the dogs because they get to work around other dogs at times like these. It is good practice because they will train together with other dogs when they return to the school. Also, eventual guide dog users have friends that are also visually impaired so chances are they will come in contact with other guide dogs and need to know how to work without being distracted by them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67Vn4bT52xIgIYtub8bBj0s9aW__-he6-zQIUrI2rH0uzXMjIsoCg5GvATdA3LxRziD-PnY-H9ACu6ouTzZ27SjzAZHKsSf4pYPAmQcBHQVIKeyT0I_TJzn8rS9pNT-eSojE6GnXovPU/s1600/P3020056+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67Vn4bT52xIgIYtub8bBj0s9aW__-he6-zQIUrI2rH0uzXMjIsoCg5GvATdA3LxRziD-PnY-H9ACu6ouTzZ27SjzAZHKsSf4pYPAmQcBHQVIKeyT0I_TJzn8rS9pNT-eSojE6GnXovPU/s400/P3020056+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Greg and Smokey working on the "Come" command.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MmfjkxREFaYo7qOSiMuyERhKWgfrs-2WqQjFA_kLMia7n75tB4Y7GjVySFAa_gMVvxT642tdMWYWDSNyR-yOaz8PV29Z322CbbEF1gBLEePSy8qbsyyR67DYXlzHTpQFo57EnjyEOBo/s1600/P3020051+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MmfjkxREFaYo7qOSiMuyERhKWgfrs-2WqQjFA_kLMia7n75tB4Y7GjVySFAa_gMVvxT642tdMWYWDSNyR-yOaz8PV29Z322CbbEF1gBLEePSy8qbsyyR67DYXlzHTpQFo57EnjyEOBo/s400/P3020051+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Various raisers working on "sit/stay", "down/stay", and "heel" commands in the courtyard. To give you an idea of the size of this area, I would say there were probably 30 folks working with their dogs during this time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4ekIpHwBpwCHQlc9eVz4n9LWmh8GFI14wAONc3MyWJgI_caWQK96-Vrt6bCT2Y9qroeiZ_eEVLLd9XiY-Xl5ieq9JlvFcF_g01_zN298vzQExplC5TlUZa6tauEbdAJtQbkVdUjDSfM/s1600/P3020063+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4ekIpHwBpwCHQlc9eVz4n9LWmh8GFI14wAONc3MyWJgI_caWQK96-Vrt6bCT2Y9qroeiZ_eEVLLd9XiY-Xl5ieq9JlvFcF_g01_zN298vzQExplC5TlUZa6tauEbdAJtQbkVdUjDSfM/s400/P3020063+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
That was fun Dad, what is next ? I'm a little hungry and a lot thirsty after all of that training. How about a kibble ?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDpw7pOzsLinNaRsmcCpDx3nKK25Hg8sRwP2_-NDLqXaiwqiqMk_3xZZarP0h4lelqoAq8TFoJrHZvug4iLxrH9ldWg8u8ueMdXwtTXtFHSbU0SoyAoHA9aD0cYGjk_E5XMhmtt9b6nQ/s1600/P3020064+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDpw7pOzsLinNaRsmcCpDx3nKK25Hg8sRwP2_-NDLqXaiwqiqMk_3xZZarP0h4lelqoAq8TFoJrHZvug4iLxrH9ldWg8u8ueMdXwtTXtFHSbU0SoyAoHA9aD0cYGjk_E5XMhmtt9b6nQ/s400/P3020064+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is the training kennel. Dogs that go back to the school for training first go to a smaller kennel where they learn the basics of kennel life, and go through health and temperament testing. After a clean bill of health they will come here to the training kennel. Trainers and techs work with the dogs almost daily. They get chances to exercise during the day. Volunteers some times come and walk them on campus. Dogs that don't happen to be training on a particular day will sometimes spend time in one of the administrative offices. In the offices, they get needed people interaction and get to practice their inside manners. Some of these dogs may get placed with someone who works in an office, so practicing inside manners and becoming re-familiarized with tie downs etc. is a must.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z6NW4gY4dQEWGh80BOrBEtj0wvORbeJ5vxC5QM_01FzIO50jEFtTJmmtL-T1asB_uxi1TAgF-mg2rfZU-t4Odmfi8TbtKtDbhmFzNVRiBV06e2dVu1lqSVdqfF0p-yzf0hjpeRrJ-mo/s1600/P3020098+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z6NW4gY4dQEWGh80BOrBEtj0wvORbeJ5vxC5QM_01FzIO50jEFtTJmmtL-T1asB_uxi1TAgF-mg2rfZU-t4Odmfi8TbtKtDbhmFzNVRiBV06e2dVu1lqSVdqfF0p-yzf0hjpeRrJ-mo/s400/P3020098+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Above is a picture of a Smooth Coat Collie. I think at this time there were only two of this breed left at Southeastern. I believe one has since been placed with a graduate, and the other is still in the training kennel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ9ULNzinwVUssqQoEjShJKMNJCmxi_CZLSep05D1YsXcImdDQF3Y8fZtFbJQMXWHwpBdwnHHBFf15dxgth5tFSyvCeWIQfV6a_7Zcmwf0M2EFoqjkrO4ikTIIQ3RAFJ-5omNLBMOHJI/s1600/P3020066+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ9ULNzinwVUssqQoEjShJKMNJCmxi_CZLSep05D1YsXcImdDQF3Y8fZtFbJQMXWHwpBdwnHHBFf15dxgth5tFSyvCeWIQfV6a_7Zcmwf0M2EFoqjkrO4ikTIIQ3RAFJ-5omNLBMOHJI/s400/P3020066+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is in the Puppy Kennel. Each run has a card for the pups in the run along with important info like Dam and Sire, birth date, .... most importantly it has their micro-chip information. The techs have hand held readers, so they know they have the right pup when they take them out for shots or other vet care.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pZgFxMUHcyMJBJPB2naE_uexEGKyGLUHhDdjqp6gH7nzzZZUGJsyZXtvfKjepOtyi5W3WxL-7L4Oq-cTHA3dgxvoSdq0kQQuAYNNxMPmxlNhJfnb-VdC1CqP-ZbijC7DOLEhV6PQ2hA/s1600/P3020090+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pZgFxMUHcyMJBJPB2naE_uexEGKyGLUHhDdjqp6gH7nzzZZUGJsyZXtvfKjepOtyi5W3WxL-7L4Oq-cTHA3dgxvoSdq0kQQuAYNNxMPmxlNhJfnb-VdC1CqP-ZbijC7DOLEhV6PQ2hA/s400/P3020090+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You can see why a micro chip reader would come in handy. Which pup is Suzy? The yellow female you say? Still leaves a few possibilities.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-1iPCbfkNOTjd_6Z1UsZE0oueie9-Q7bPGStykyHKwRsoJgY4KTd5pnaOl4eJbG_FoSfeVYx1D72YZghwZPWLTxsVhViKljGTzWTPgOd0WVl2jfz8EL-sfmCyLWA84wXiBgHnIubFao/s1600/P3020079+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-1iPCbfkNOTjd_6Z1UsZE0oueie9-Q7bPGStykyHKwRsoJgY4KTd5pnaOl4eJbG_FoSfeVYx1D72YZghwZPWLTxsVhViKljGTzWTPgOd0WVl2jfz8EL-sfmCyLWA84wXiBgHnIubFao/s400/P3020079+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is a "puppy hugging" session in the puppy kennel, which is an almost daily occurrence. It must be a local favorite also. A couple of times were told by locals that they go down to the school every couple of months to get in some "puppy hugging" time. Everybody has to use anti bacterial gel on their hands to cut down on the possibility of an outbreak of some sort in the kennel. You get down on the floor and they open the puppy flood gates. They come charging in like the running of the bulls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCYCjlQvUFljQeXpzzubm6CQ_c4Z54mMdJHydoUwblMI2pBVxgJXysueM9xcTy1ZiOIqUs8X3f588ebp9QIHzLDHa4wvUPrDiXaCIPMXyxHg4h2MNl2qu_Pzp3YDu8Hau2aAeh7NGp2c/s1600/P3020083+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCYCjlQvUFljQeXpzzubm6CQ_c4Z54mMdJHydoUwblMI2pBVxgJXysueM9xcTy1ZiOIqUs8X3f588ebp9QIHzLDHa4wvUPrDiXaCIPMXyxHg4h2MNl2qu_Pzp3YDu8Hau2aAeh7NGp2c/s400/P3020083+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Like two kids after the same toy. They were healthy little guys and gals.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lNcQOdQOXX-woBYKQngsCzL9ZcJXgHIq0u_vnJskL1P8qyPdT9AV7kmxXyHPkV9Zb1rUFhfrV12QPc1ncL6iukBRpiOGeK9k8154JXz8t4a9myUQBH4yt6hfATUXkOMs4HVsGLq0h_k/s1600/Photo03021538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lNcQOdQOXX-woBYKQngsCzL9ZcJXgHIq0u_vnJskL1P8qyPdT9AV7kmxXyHPkV9Zb1rUFhfrV12QPc1ncL6iukBRpiOGeK9k8154JXz8t4a9myUQBH4yt6hfATUXkOMs4HVsGLq0h_k/s400/Photo03021538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Okay, who wants to pet me now. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I know I'm cute, as a matter of fact I am the cutest.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF5zGzcajVV6-1wybJyA7oM2x98shU36TOv5l178TqyyyEqOI33kbrC_CLP6ThRvERFGEjbRP7DuYdbSK4eLOFijskMYDf6Pbc1iJ2MIgnYeJZqczbLNvioIrY9LFecd-o2clMktqIbs/s1600/P3020065+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF5zGzcajVV6-1wybJyA7oM2x98shU36TOv5l178TqyyyEqOI33kbrC_CLP6ThRvERFGEjbRP7DuYdbSK4eLOFijskMYDf6Pbc1iJ2MIgnYeJZqczbLNvioIrY9LFecd-o2clMktqIbs/s400/P3020065+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While at the puppy kennel, we saw Stross' tag. She wasn't in the run, but was outside exercising with her litter mates. At this point, we had already been told she would be our next pup. We were to pick her up the next day. We had seen pictures, but were dying to meet her. Stross's Dad is Sparky. Sparky was raised a couple of years ago by one of the Houston raisers (Cindy). Cindy is really excited, because 6 out of 7 of this Sparky liter is coming to Houston to be raised.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPH_Gj1IAugfV30Nc_EOIUHBZgEYG3DARBrMEkkhw_yH5EO8NgL8mtbah4_chay6Tx07lOLUM7vzxA63Ncgzaa4d47x6Sm9SQ1H46peasWyfkBLZowpiW88RFNxMsmCG4ZFalXvq6E98/s1600/P3020068+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPH_Gj1IAugfV30Nc_EOIUHBZgEYG3DARBrMEkkhw_yH5EO8NgL8mtbah4_chay6Tx07lOLUM7vzxA63Ncgzaa4d47x6Sm9SQ1H46peasWyfkBLZowpiW88RFNxMsmCG4ZFalXvq6E98/s400/P3020068+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Melissa sweet talked one of the puppy kennel techs into letting us meet Stross. She is a real cutie, and must have had a reputation in the puppy kennel. The tech indicated Stross was a Diva in her own mind. We have since nicknamed her, Stross the Boss, Drama queen and full of beans. (we will explain THAT in a future post, too).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP547E5dFUStz9UISzxTIvHNusEpEDwAMN-2O-tqfYUrsIevCx5AOQsBP3PE5MwozZR6VkvG5nqYkd15S7Zvec72VwNp8yy3l6pxESjX9kLKMG281aaVOL2xgBdxJefWVfyRep9OA5ZZ0/s1600/P3020073+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP547E5dFUStz9UISzxTIvHNusEpEDwAMN-2O-tqfYUrsIevCx5AOQsBP3PE5MwozZR6VkvG5nqYkd15S7Zvec72VwNp8yy3l6pxESjX9kLKMG281aaVOL2xgBdxJefWVfyRep9OA5ZZ0/s400/P3020073+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She is a little wiggle worm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1nyFjqJ8RJBIAgMOng6VXHAAVrpQacKh6sEhKQpYtyrQC6vzljphB_tkUHKxyxlOjSlhx0DzKq6mKnqPUJ88kPj-gObR24P3GJ3C0VJwy4ud9TPI4IcjUOzUoVjB-Y2u1NwxqmFy43Q/s1600/P3020078+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1nyFjqJ8RJBIAgMOng6VXHAAVrpQacKh6sEhKQpYtyrQC6vzljphB_tkUHKxyxlOjSlhx0DzKq6mKnqPUJ88kPj-gObR24P3GJ3C0VJwy4ud9TPI4IcjUOzUoVjB-Y2u1NwxqmFy43Q/s400/P3020078+sm+DAR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you hold her, she likes to hang her head sideways or upside down.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhabE37QDzAbxiuCb-dNllKOGJ2zbm89rQvbh8XCfSanWWCkhdu6naFQh3tGO1NTnLVg4b9oz_Y35QA2zPYNIXS3Qh-Skyw4JlU5mBHIIJ6uc8WEE7HCPgWriSBq7kC5GEti-NfdKdRU/s1600/P3020076+sm+DAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhabE37QDzAbxiuCb-dNllKOGJ2zbm89rQvbh8XCfSanWWCkhdu6naFQh3tGO1NTnLVg4b9oz_Y35QA2zPYNIXS3Qh-Skyw4JlU5mBHIIJ6uc8WEE7HCPgWriSBq7kC5GEti-NfdKdRU/s400/P3020076+sm+DAR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then out comes the tongue. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(We think she is really just making faces for the camera!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNg1q7dBGzeWq9o60dPYsBw52b3zOXo9NAiwlHZf0mGH7hgSb_UFY4loGO-0yImaeVpdCYzcvbuILcHrQp14MEZ7hmb6gObr3VkBXtPV9OKntc__508xfmAKg8U5Zn_OELYOwfZht1Hs/s1600/P3020015+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNg1q7dBGzeWq9o60dPYsBw52b3zOXo9NAiwlHZf0mGH7hgSb_UFY4loGO-0yImaeVpdCYzcvbuILcHrQp14MEZ7hmb6gObr3VkBXtPV9OKntc__508xfmAKg8U5Zn_OELYOwfZht1Hs/s400/P3020015+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After the tour of the campus, we went back to St. Petersburg for the night. Our last night with Smokey. We went out to dinner with several puppy raisers. The Houston group was well represented, and we met some raisers from other areas of the country. Again, all good people doing good work for a great cause.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTqm-TGaHcpFlH8bX2PnC5jwt9POSrmhyphenhyphenfl5wdYNmTyYo9R3LwL9Ubkj31SKwVjUtbfI7WKJRHBD8btEjUe-xdWIUixISd52RRBoqfnK1PMU5_j2vJPHYcjWvOiXDbK-Ko54i998jpKk/s1600/P3020012+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTqm-TGaHcpFlH8bX2PnC5jwt9POSrmhyphenhyphenfl5wdYNmTyYo9R3LwL9Ubkj31SKwVjUtbfI7WKJRHBD8btEjUe-xdWIUixISd52RRBoqfnK1PMU5_j2vJPHYcjWvOiXDbK-Ko54i998jpKk/s400/P3020012+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The view from our table at Cha Cha Coconuts...on the Pier</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsPU6i5-l02ROyN9Z0i5e7fPsduijKU0cv7eAkV9raIqk8ZIz3uiD31TwpGdf9ZLsewEV8s1wkBDuWF_0BNnkIjYKzZc5yKZfPU-V4zvmHoilixsfvwkk0xxtcqmvy-37DfY0eVEMpac/s1600/P3020099+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsPU6i5-l02ROyN9Z0i5e7fPsduijKU0cv7eAkV9raIqk8ZIz3uiD31TwpGdf9ZLsewEV8s1wkBDuWF_0BNnkIjYKzZc5yKZfPU-V4zvmHoilixsfvwkk0xxtcqmvy-37DfY0eVEMpac/s400/P3020099+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Smokey had another big day. He saw lots of folks, lots of dogs, and saw what will be his temporary home. He crashed pretty quickly back at the hotel. Unbeknownst to him, the next day, his world was about to change <u>big time</u>. He would be leaving us. We knew this was what Smokey was born and bred to do. We were just hoping and praying that he would be healthy enough to carry on with training and that he responded well to the great trainers at Southeastern. As he goes off to Guide Dog U he will take a big piece of our hearts with him. It's been a fun year and he is a great pup.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Our next blog post will be about Walk-a-Thon Saturday...so stop back by again soon!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-6719821292910558682012-04-01T18:11:00.053-07:002012-04-01T22:31:37.589-07:00Hi Ho Hi Ho..it's off to Florida we go!<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi yall. Sorry it's been so long since we've posted. The past month has been FULL and we have SO much to tell you about!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">First off, our year as first-time volunteer puppy raisers for Smokey, the guide-dog-in-training, came to a tearful close on March 3rd at 1:30pm. Yes, we will remember that moment... always! We knew when we decided to become puppy raisers that our time with Smokey would be all-too-brief, but the allotted year went much faster than either of us could imagine. As much as we tried to prepare ourselves for his send-off, it was very sad to see him go. At the hand-off, tears were shed and big hugs were given, then Smokey turned away and trotted off with a trainer to fulfill his next journey of life. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal">The final, and most difficult duty of a volunteer puppy raiser is to return the puppy they have raised to the Southeastern Guide Dog campus in Florida for final training. The staff at Southeastern calls this final stage of training "Guide Dog University".</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since Smokey's return was scheduled for the same weekend as Walk-A-Thon, we were excited about a fun and very full weekend of events. Our next few posts will tell the story of our final days with our precious boy...all grown up...and ready to go off and serve. Please share in our happiness as present you some photos and a few stories of our final weekend with Smokey.</div></div><br />
Wednesday, Feb 29....Head out on the highway....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qlPXlBBJgg1y5DaA6TjpoomBFQ3zxvtJvY7BbX5XpVTexmPQQ9YmpPzIsXJOSK91Oei3k1-m-ybZ0o0upqUBegQB3SZte6sL-xXvQAnzhF3EhnTfDhAwP5-0uS69OQGrlBoz-BtaLio/s1600/P2290004+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qlPXlBBJgg1y5DaA6TjpoomBFQ3zxvtJvY7BbX5XpVTexmPQQ9YmpPzIsXJOSK91Oei3k1-m-ybZ0o0upqUBegQB3SZte6sL-xXvQAnzhF3EhnTfDhAwP5-0uS69OQGrlBoz-BtaLio/s400/P2290004+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">We got up very early to start the 17 hour drive to St.Petersburg, FL. Smokey was very curious about all the packing the night before...and watched our every move as we were getting ready to leave. Smokey boy had NO idea our journey would be so long....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMxMakl1iRuOiip96Y3uBkBqwm3XA7etWX096wzsIO8sKCjN_GqueV7ZXGfnCl2q8xIkHe9u2Po5qL7hKHFhXNkT-yYl4wq78TL26ZRK-vPgF6JxNIBiZx7rHdRoZPVuQplMA6ZbfoYk/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMxMakl1iRuOiip96Y3uBkBqwm3XA7etWX096wzsIO8sKCjN_GqueV7ZXGfnCl2q8xIkHe9u2Po5qL7hKHFhXNkT-yYl4wq78TL26ZRK-vPgF6JxNIBiZx7rHdRoZPVuQplMA6ZbfoYk/s400/photo-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Smokey is a patient traveler as you can tell. We let him sit on a tie down in the floorboard of the back seat so he could stretch out. FYI, Guide dogs are not allowed to ride in the car seat, or, to roam free in the car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwW1s1Yyy0O0h1TZf9whCJU0tTV8NjpHxm27Yl3jq7I0ZLxUMKJCKWtvSxtkOgSDIP3uSa_z3NfQHm-kK_KEwgAKklsD-toxkFCUjk56E8HxNbzJc-1tLWivDp2Zs1ruLWZ1c2kQ1Y1o/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwW1s1Yyy0O0h1TZf9whCJU0tTV8NjpHxm27Yl3jq7I0ZLxUMKJCKWtvSxtkOgSDIP3uSa_z3NfQHm-kK_KEwgAKklsD-toxkFCUjk56E8HxNbzJc-1tLWivDp2Zs1ruLWZ1c2kQ1Y1o/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Are we there yet?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuLfkpl8DtEWCVGaR5zc4bPgUPL9WgRheAhSDM8UpE5AxfiU38o9JCfUBrlKM9XwKh4nzqY8YwW1YiNkkcGbSci2M0K3-taEzLTZzyAtgozhJn1AAEZv6tWW80Fbn1NmtpHgISPhpRTY/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuLfkpl8DtEWCVGaR5zc4bPgUPL9WgRheAhSDM8UpE5AxfiU38o9JCfUBrlKM9XwKh4nzqY8YwW1YiNkkcGbSci2M0K3-taEzLTZzyAtgozhJn1AAEZv6tWW80Fbn1NmtpHgISPhpRTY/s400/photo-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Several hours and several hundred miles later, we moved him to the front passenger seat floorboard, where he could snuggle with mom. Smokey has gotten so big that sitting in this position for too long proved uncomfortable for both him and for mom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro-qqFcaeD69vKaa93INeyJhkVO_xmpiYd1aJm9ajO8DxaIoIoYap3XBtuHAKKsToshZznKtWUAt82cR_m1_slU2-CnsHYy_s-8dU2TzX24m9xKqQxcWRzGnma-8azxTuXzVsOpMKh9k/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiro-qqFcaeD69vKaa93INeyJhkVO_xmpiYd1aJm9ajO8DxaIoIoYap3XBtuHAKKsToshZznKtWUAt82cR_m1_slU2-CnsHYy_s-8dU2TzX24m9xKqQxcWRzGnma-8azxTuXzVsOpMKh9k/s400/photo-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We gotta stop now, mom, or else!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzms_iP2_YiKbEccGPpdJEdoW35YHUMGwF7eK-5euw58_5QvsHL3BdqT_LWsnug3gIr3HHZbcZ9Ir2ESCZESqzDpvs0iMtOuoQj9ecnsawUZ4qciUhWjEUVAQM_l8iyvV6_XCoZzN57U/s1600/P2290008+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzms_iP2_YiKbEccGPpdJEdoW35YHUMGwF7eK-5euw58_5QvsHL3BdqT_LWsnug3gIr3HHZbcZ9Ir2ESCZESqzDpvs0iMtOuoQj9ecnsawUZ4qciUhWjEUVAQM_l8iyvV6_XCoZzN57U/s400/P2290008+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">"..Takin care of 'bidness...." (or as we puppy raisers call it, BUSY and BUSY BUSY) and a few minutes to stretch our legs...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a2bc0Zde7RrnOnpZkqrEiBBvk-t3ow3MJ1TnkfYuX9yjvGBa1_IMTulSqQOodPzfa9fOjX1V_AQ9ELJWwRN5xhComllTo20J2AdeQHhSx17tAuU6mraDZReMSRXC0VTPQoildb1Yo9A/s1600/P2290010+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a2bc0Zde7RrnOnpZkqrEiBBvk-t3ow3MJ1TnkfYuX9yjvGBa1_IMTulSqQOodPzfa9fOjX1V_AQ9ELJWwRN5xhComllTo20J2AdeQHhSx17tAuU6mraDZReMSRXC0VTPQoildb1Yo9A/s400/P2290010+sm.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Smokey says, "seriously? You're kidding me - right? We're not gettin back in that car, are we?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0R3BFYglDuS7wyaw2uqFU2dAwWKehTiFJQwfk4xUSzGO11qRknmROelBBeUGCWRJksuJK5uqMEVAVD-cNO_hvnapTBLWKtNlVQHM7Ijg1w4zT6_Ev6ysthF22wmHhYvuzDLgGyULqvk/s1600/P2290015+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0R3BFYglDuS7wyaw2uqFU2dAwWKehTiFJQwfk4xUSzGO11qRknmROelBBeUGCWRJksuJK5uqMEVAVD-cNO_hvnapTBLWKtNlVQHM7Ijg1w4zT6_Ev6ysthF22wmHhYvuzDLgGyULqvk/s400/P2290015+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi Ho Hi Ho, Back in the car we go..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3K7b68C1PKxyTCj3k1tyTklqhL8vIpbHgOfU1aWiqW8TqkAN1UQIlp-EeBSuNWGBIdnQnUARL8eD6ZoFeNH0uzCh2Gq7IjVy3s8jbIRmZ2cY3_hFwRiqE4PViKASR3qcxD9y3cnutEs/s1600/P2290012+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3K7b68C1PKxyTCj3k1tyTklqhL8vIpbHgOfU1aWiqW8TqkAN1UQIlp-EeBSuNWGBIdnQnUARL8eD6ZoFeNH0uzCh2Gq7IjVy3s8jbIRmZ2cY3_hFwRiqE4PViKASR3qcxD9y3cnutEs/s400/P2290012+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just how much is a fella 'supposed to take?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh my, can it be? Is it true?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpwhTUmRfWNZK7pcNYZ4VZ8HA988yHkCqBeFU-gxpd9IaFI7Y9FXtG0pLY8qHhYCgC6y5rt4SqHxFBglEnhvL42JboRxxfZ_Rn0efG3YMQxG9ZwuSesW7Wb7TWGdyNnmvl6pBMT2WYXE/s1600/P2290017+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpwhTUmRfWNZK7pcNYZ4VZ8HA988yHkCqBeFU-gxpd9IaFI7Y9FXtG0pLY8qHhYCgC6y5rt4SqHxFBglEnhvL42JboRxxfZ_Rn0efG3YMQxG9ZwuSesW7Wb7TWGdyNnmvl6pBMT2WYXE/s400/P2290017+sm.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We made it! Time to find some Florida Orange Juice!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3KwzZzLtxosJAXyHW_G585c3cTltsDJ4C9X756Dpj8FBgYwCOiJ0VL5LmgBz-_7H2M0Gv4ifnmFz2hzseIDSqaGiO68K4xs6Ne2mjrxrdwn3ZpzReJenfp1lnLPYu-S_4wJut1SJH9o/s1600/P2290020+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3KwzZzLtxosJAXyHW_G585c3cTltsDJ4C9X756Dpj8FBgYwCOiJ0VL5LmgBz-_7H2M0Gv4ifnmFz2hzseIDSqaGiO68K4xs6Ne2mjrxrdwn3ZpzReJenfp1lnLPYu-S_4wJut1SJH9o/s400/P2290020+sm.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In addition to a lovely welcome center with lots of fresh OJ, Pensacola is home to the amazing Blue Angels! Believe it or not, this is mom and dad's first visit to Florida. We would have loved to stop and spend some time here, tour the naval base, etc. but our time would not permit. So, we pose for a quick photo, and hit the road again... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn37ljFK2HjRyro3xLTNL6iEE2OK78c-HRj37WYzUqjCU9lbI0Ijc9IkVGdLw0sr9rZRbYvokQINpPDklsFW9_v-Qty1DAtktPUz62DPK0pTpyL5F2jMw8ATf4_jy54F4aNx93lcvhzKU/s1600/P2290030+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn37ljFK2HjRyro3xLTNL6iEE2OK78c-HRj37WYzUqjCU9lbI0Ijc9IkVGdLw0sr9rZRbYvokQINpPDklsFW9_v-Qty1DAtktPUz62DPK0pTpyL5F2jMw8ATf4_jy54F4aNx93lcvhzKU/s400/P2290030+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We stop just north of Destin for the night. Dinner at Cracker Barrel for the hungry travelers..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl3c-TyreXzOosVnEiIdPXXVH7_m3DLxLTi12KwJaFcWtmODWBecTdSnnq3-WNi5EYWgD7lI9fW3c6BDqn-4H7wqq_CiESOrq5294bp31IwoaURYMcaeKz4mjeCJNpuy97qFGycls-aY/s1600/P3010035+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQl3c-TyreXzOosVnEiIdPXXVH7_m3DLxLTi12KwJaFcWtmODWBecTdSnnq3-WNi5EYWgD7lI9fW3c6BDqn-4H7wqq_CiESOrq5294bp31IwoaURYMcaeKz4mjeCJNpuy97qFGycls-aY/s400/P3010035+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now this is another first for Smokey -- an overnight stay in a hotel. He was quite smitten with the situation...the smells...the neighbors in the room next door, etc. But the staff..not so much! Greg and I are RV'rs and prefer driving own very "apartment" to our travel destinations, so this was a change of pace for us as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J12TgaS9DUoM6gtGrvShHULcKdb7hyphenhyphenkQg7cODz1ZEcOfuwvwIT1swC3t0CEbfwvQVT2lUIM-X-RHCheo-dfT7eMa8SfIkFfWAJ_thnW99H2Hnc-S9XEPu5RUAoaJtGbCaASr4-mpgYQ/s1600/P2290033+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J12TgaS9DUoM6gtGrvShHULcKdb7hyphenhyphenkQg7cODz1ZEcOfuwvwIT1swC3t0CEbfwvQVT2lUIM-X-RHCheo-dfT7eMa8SfIkFfWAJ_thnW99H2Hnc-S9XEPu5RUAoaJtGbCaASr4-mpgYQ/s400/P2290033+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner, and getting a chance to sniff the place from top to bottom, Smokey was quite happy to climb into his bed for the night... although he knew something was up!<br />
<br />
Thursday...March 1.. St.Petersburg or bust!<br />
<br />
After a good night's sleep, we hit the road early, hoping to make it to St.Petersburg by 3pm..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4Ch9n-AcGcS9XMq1WBdvZRDlAPpo5L6puR4T9m9_6CIc8IngqFkX1zAhTqDWKUKDty2SEpItfPfXhyphenhyphen2XpiwlEH1wvOfFvOo_uKWikqyVEP_a1JgNw9B5mypZ1tzLc3iLMq92r2jtuFU/s1600/P3010041+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4Ch9n-AcGcS9XMq1WBdvZRDlAPpo5L6puR4T9m9_6CIc8IngqFkX1zAhTqDWKUKDty2SEpItfPfXhyphenhyphen2XpiwlEH1wvOfFvOo_uKWikqyVEP_a1JgNw9B5mypZ1tzLc3iLMq92r2jtuFU/s400/P3010041+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
After a few hours on the road, a vehicle passed us on the interstate bearing a Southeastern Puppy Raiser Paw-print placard on the back of their car. When we saw their Texas license plates, we felt sure that these folks were returning a puppy to Southeastern just like we were. We sped up and moved into the adjacent lane so I could motion to them and wave Smokey's blue service cape in the window. The driver smiled back and responded with a big thumb's up and pointed to the back seat of the car. Just a few miles down the road, they pulled into a rest area and we followed in behind them so we could meet them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqRIkf7eBNWtJxCdwz_7V2x7OfT-Rtmv25oIblXRNY7NASvcTpStx1KJkQ2KeaXNpCZn2XyWiTPolb5puzFmI0JQlJprCWboKYDSKZ4twlH_U4jO0bkQtztrdP7823_XlzEBP7EgzZUE/s1600/P3010044+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqRIkf7eBNWtJxCdwz_7V2x7OfT-Rtmv25oIblXRNY7NASvcTpStx1KJkQ2KeaXNpCZn2XyWiTPolb5puzFmI0JQlJprCWboKYDSKZ4twlH_U4jO0bkQtztrdP7823_XlzEBP7EgzZUE/s400/P3010044+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Meet Doc! And Doc's raisers, Lynn and Pam Denson, of Dallas. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWEznNXJaPhyphenhyphenls0zhPCJc7Wngf5EuT0HAeEnRiC7V_o9VryL67xIQeiPNekDhzqYdFVNoiXRDZaVzlTT_M92cKx6UR8I0wIp1di6BWywZRTJACG6UwoTFHvJlyCCzNYWKxHB4aVSrpkU/s1600/P3010039+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWEznNXJaPhyphenhyphenls0zhPCJc7Wngf5EuT0HAeEnRiC7V_o9VryL67xIQeiPNekDhzqYdFVNoiXRDZaVzlTT_M92cKx6UR8I0wIp1di6BWywZRTJACG6UwoTFHvJlyCCzNYWKxHB4aVSrpkU/s400/P3010039+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">As it turns out, Doc was also being returned to Southeastern for final training. Doc happens to be a litter mate of Addy, a pup raised in Houston who was also being returned to Southeastern by her raisers, Ellie and Carol Anatrella. We enjoyed our brief visit with Pam and Lynn at the rest stop. They have been volunteer puppy raisers for Southeastern for almost 2 decades. Doc was their 16th puppy to raise..and they are picking up puppy #17 to start the journey again. Great job guys!! </div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTEtwueZpbWukobHEXDCG0VJ-GilNy_s2Kvjx3pXV60I7N8W8TOe-G-pb1sRbkCl5fcHfEBtBoZ0tXMqzc175Giok59tqLUxbhBjxDKhs6y6LDp2YNGnN5iTBOIp1QzFxLKPLQpf5hOA/s1600/P3010047+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTEtwueZpbWukobHEXDCG0VJ-GilNy_s2Kvjx3pXV60I7N8W8TOe-G-pb1sRbkCl5fcHfEBtBoZ0tXMqzc175Giok59tqLUxbhBjxDKhs6y6LDp2YNGnN5iTBOIp1QzFxLKPLQpf5hOA/s400/P3010047+sm.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br />
We finally arrive at the Hotel Indigo in St.Petersburg late Thursday afternoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2-WBbEu6If5oGCFfj-yIudB-ZVVrlmGMxbVsxbnhoAGia2emyoqlX7UzjzUejeXJCN8JpMaY9PM6kl_NBonzDhpVHW9XzffYgpIviVZ1iVbKRYnDvxdERtyjRPERhI_6WI1Uu1rVIgU/s1600/P3010046+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2-WBbEu6If5oGCFfj-yIudB-ZVVrlmGMxbVsxbnhoAGia2emyoqlX7UzjzUejeXJCN8JpMaY9PM6kl_NBonzDhpVHW9XzffYgpIviVZ1iVbKRYnDvxdERtyjRPERhI_6WI1Uu1rVIgU/s400/P3010046+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
We are one of the first ones to arrive at the hotel. But before long, the hotel had...well...gone to the dogs! The Hotel Indigo was the host hotel for this year's Walk-A-thon, which is the biggest fundraiser for Southeastern. It is held every March in the Tampa Bay area. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus4VSPc6v8FdextJQmC1QZ3K5CBOIIkup7WlvijSkDstJVmjzsdbCaU21Cj9YHdu7wlyak3y0BeEZKFCzVBduagwieYiXcsGRQooYAMzxT0hkLLDkKetinslWaT_gMy9EZYCdOhtCHus/s1600/P3020016+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus4VSPc6v8FdextJQmC1QZ3K5CBOIIkup7WlvijSkDstJVmjzsdbCaU21Cj9YHdu7wlyak3y0BeEZKFCzVBduagwieYiXcsGRQooYAMzxT0hkLLDkKetinslWaT_gMy9EZYCdOhtCHus/s400/P3020016+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We quickly check into our room and decide to take a walk on Beach Shore Drive. St.Petersburg is a beautiful city and our hotel is just a few blocks from the water front of Tampa Bay. We enjoyed a yummy dinner right on the water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCzTrfusp1FBtxygGLDQKVPhcNkvLmRrVcXcdaNPiRcpOl7NN5jyQdTQuG9eQq4zDEhrT4SoAYZg5rM4czycCiabcVANu6Z20T_hI58AABIU2sa4AZCOeTWt-JGCOkowxx0CZTjoxH98/s1600/P3020100+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCzTrfusp1FBtxygGLDQKVPhcNkvLmRrVcXcdaNPiRcpOl7NN5jyQdTQuG9eQq4zDEhrT4SoAYZg5rM4czycCiabcVANu6Z20T_hI58AABIU2sa4AZCOeTWt-JGCOkowxx0CZTjoxH98/s400/P3020100+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After a long walk and meeting some fellow puppy raisers at the hotel, we settled down for good night's rest. Tomorrow is gonna be a big day! Check back for the next part of our story....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-45000815195899050252012-02-25T21:45:00.000-08:002012-02-25T21:45:18.387-08:00Last Chance PlaytimeJust like Biggest Loser's Last Chance Workout, and Top Chef's Last Chance Kitchen, Smokey is getting his Last Chance Playtime before he makes the long trip back to Florida for IFT. Here's a gallery of recent snapshots. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun at the ball park </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-ReK8rTt22Lqnkib0_tIuC-VZqBki3sIunGl_iusRLcgEz35onwYB-H5zMeR0EZ_-F1kdGduknCAenTyEGrFiwRSWt4cNRBdgw0S0f0PJ4RQ4DbfcvKEoAd28niJ2g0Wyis2yDF8Jqs/s1600/P2090122+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-ReK8rTt22Lqnkib0_tIuC-VZqBki3sIunGl_iusRLcgEz35onwYB-H5zMeR0EZ_-F1kdGduknCAenTyEGrFiwRSWt4cNRBdgw0S0f0PJ4RQ4DbfcvKEoAd28niJ2g0Wyis2yDF8Jqs/s400/P2090122+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> burnin off some energy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_P7hyCLv6TBiuwxKY8r4Xa10h7q_NxSCySSQRPtD98WfkR8ZQ5YGdo3vgpXAenrX7hxsSX-H868LMURK58IGjXtxuz5g-MITCZqzzkgQZ38AVs4KkLVLK_nFEbHhieAxF_iESuHGTJg/s1600/P2090118+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_P7hyCLv6TBiuwxKY8r4Xa10h7q_NxSCySSQRPtD98WfkR8ZQ5YGdo3vgpXAenrX7hxsSX-H868LMURK58IGjXtxuz5g-MITCZqzzkgQZ38AVs4KkLVLK_nFEbHhieAxF_iESuHGTJg/s400/P2090118+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> how bout running the bases with me, dad?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D2qgIaQcBMMgd-Iwcw8qanyBqimSptOspdY5QJE2gmoKULU0pQhvoXrnXkfpkGANjVdl3wtm3R5jopIMi4LO9mllbyaoiPIdS0Y4WvuaJPL4f4QkBLdUFRRLBjdiNuQwZEXcoH4LHqY/s1600/P2090115+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D2qgIaQcBMMgd-Iwcw8qanyBqimSptOspdY5QJE2gmoKULU0pQhvoXrnXkfpkGANjVdl3wtm3R5jopIMi4LO9mllbyaoiPIdS0Y4WvuaJPL4f4QkBLdUFRRLBjdiNuQwZEXcoH4LHqY/s400/P2090115+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yessss.. that feels good dad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaicomgoyxybXA8k78BDPzbqOCLpthFzjiKv_giBQc6raN7Ab6AaiWWW7zQduVA69J_rtA5grZ4fpXdFwXWmAX3cAuJO6xZJrZkNEotlNZYZ1x_Di6nQKHSIMUucFzJXPsNfzgVcwNO4/s1600/P2090126+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaicomgoyxybXA8k78BDPzbqOCLpthFzjiKv_giBQc6raN7Ab6AaiWWW7zQduVA69J_rtA5grZ4fpXdFwXWmAX3cAuJO6xZJrZkNEotlNZYZ1x_Di6nQKHSIMUucFzJXPsNfzgVcwNO4/s400/P2090126+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hi mom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHAxgAHVm7hDHeJxaphfpp3Lbm_RPf_Tjz-2IURv7nfC4UzwpMqXW2O4YLl6DQoWn9-TtGr1FoFw-s7k94kEDNjoV2eIHdW81nky6ouErNCFfnRc1cSQ6PO0zfx5LDpDPce4LyCVupws/s1600/P2090120+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHAxgAHVm7hDHeJxaphfpp3Lbm_RPf_Tjz-2IURv7nfC4UzwpMqXW2O4YLl6DQoWn9-TtGr1FoFw-s7k94kEDNjoV2eIHdW81nky6ouErNCFfnRc1cSQ6PO0zfx5LDpDPce4LyCVupws/s400/P2090120+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Life is goooooood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweQW-usnJFWk6G6KWMaG0XeJkTB28sq1K2XFnE5L_vvcjBD_rA8pyXyKN07rrLeVmIFy622wd9IgJV6zKDuMjdYc0TwuUf8nVr0E3LJujOx-PMpHeHvWnLTZHfv-LM2wBUA8bAXetPw0/s1600/P2020213+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweQW-usnJFWk6G6KWMaG0XeJkTB28sq1K2XFnE5L_vvcjBD_rA8pyXyKN07rrLeVmIFy622wd9IgJV6zKDuMjdYc0TwuUf8nVr0E3LJujOx-PMpHeHvWnLTZHfv-LM2wBUA8bAXetPw0/s400/P2020213+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Puppy crazies...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCUqUbpAhxrGT8iBx4ZSKlWtfGFSNeWPGugS-UeCeCgN_bpJjVRZWoNW8-gK1163dT2InZBzIXORfpd_MTzEGRu17HwgIC0VNfQhV9KyGvPWGjt1xifTA8gwK5yybs86WMxvUL8dW7Dk/s1600/P2020214+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCUqUbpAhxrGT8iBx4ZSKlWtfGFSNeWPGugS-UeCeCgN_bpJjVRZWoNW8-gK1163dT2InZBzIXORfpd_MTzEGRu17HwgIC0VNfQhV9KyGvPWGjt1xifTA8gwK5yybs86WMxvUL8dW7Dk/s400/P2020214+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The sand and gravel is fun to run in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAXjCC99kAXeyOsbRVV-AQPUy-fYWDYuzDGhC5WnxbuEdJVHnvuuctnRSIgnJ7oHE67X686dZVJ6QKK8riQWS64epKwV6n3SDEE1NdNBErrx3tOWl8Shn2IbNU8gJBWx9Gh0Wt7mauVM/s1600/P2020215+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAXjCC99kAXeyOsbRVV-AQPUy-fYWDYuzDGhC5WnxbuEdJVHnvuuctnRSIgnJ7oHE67X686dZVJ6QKK8riQWS64epKwV6n3SDEE1NdNBErrx3tOWl8Shn2IbNU8gJBWx9Gh0Wt7mauVM/s400/P2020215+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Ease up buddy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABi1dIvQoOMUKmxVrrcdLIB27BDJ1rvC52BFPxuLlF7UiBSQwUGx6zdf0L6JieY-2E-qUDcRyqxlo68hoXS0O4wxRxHWiw7KbLq2gZMOKRL1LKUdQO_OcZTyuysB8E9TkzWB8SpgLZjM/s1600/P2020225+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABi1dIvQoOMUKmxVrrcdLIB27BDJ1rvC52BFPxuLlF7UiBSQwUGx6zdf0L6JieY-2E-qUDcRyqxlo68hoXS0O4wxRxHWiw7KbLq2gZMOKRL1LKUdQO_OcZTyuysB8E9TkzWB8SpgLZjM/s400/P2020225+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hey mom, where are the treats? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Easily entertained... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIQxdTL3gEyylTzCy-Kn0SDp4Qt1IMnxQQXdFYUXInYb2jpf_k0_oSN8DCkluVKCPR5gsXOIf_FjDvMDA4MUw3q3hTA0yk21hYRm0-MW2Z1MSxmntOrnKvhWajPLgXSC0UkG6KhDfZwE/s1600/P2090140+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIQxdTL3gEyylTzCy-Kn0SDp4Qt1IMnxQQXdFYUXInYb2jpf_k0_oSN8DCkluVKCPR5gsXOIf_FjDvMDA4MUw3q3hTA0yk21hYRm0-MW2Z1MSxmntOrnKvhWajPLgXSC0UkG6KhDfZwE/s400/P2090140+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Smokey likes to watch these things flying around outside our back door at night...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHiR4H7HVrsz4gV8Rlfa2L-9sFAV9vSbbu8rdGW-6F2lMFuyKUTt7CUE4Osgzxfenj8rEIIieGDwJWcso06hVdYQlH-mcV6TQ2RJLOXvZmxNgI5LnUWTdJK1UGeuFvcvdNjCBLk3GJCI/s1600/P2140008+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHiR4H7HVrsz4gV8Rlfa2L-9sFAV9vSbbu8rdGW-6F2lMFuyKUTt7CUE4Osgzxfenj8rEIIieGDwJWcso06hVdYQlH-mcV6TQ2RJLOXvZmxNgI5LnUWTdJK1UGeuFvcvdNjCBLk3GJCI/s400/P2140008+sm.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are attracted by the light. Greg calls them Gallinippers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some people call them Mosquito Hawks, but they don't bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DGUneLp1tHdgfxtQTT5KQ4vZGq8okZZBt_BOhq19bhrKBgBrtGqPP1ZUhJcs-3BBOit_m2PZghPF04JV5c_xLsFNR8bQAomOr7YSAuO3jMAiUevd5Pu9kf_PPEsBdmKhtwAM8hJb8J8/s1600/P2140001+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB4LuwNwuX9-QLopQFssvfm9S5CQVTSpiV5NITed_ddIf7DOZyPV19wKnLLa-xP4QvGM40ktzTrhG7ZffwNNovm9iQCbmsKgavimd12NBwCJ_OdsaCvFdXd3ZLTi8-2QaKueZbJDObQ4/s1600/P2140001+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB4LuwNwuX9-QLopQFssvfm9S5CQVTSpiV5NITed_ddIf7DOZyPV19wKnLLa-xP4QvGM40ktzTrhG7ZffwNNovm9iQCbmsKgavimd12NBwCJ_OdsaCvFdXd3ZLTi8-2QaKueZbJDObQ4/s400/P2140001+sm.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">what do you mean they don't bite?</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Staying warm on a cold winter's day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwdxx_FGyWsVET7SGAQ7Ud3lA7WKn7aIVgw-D91GxVhuVMa7iH-c6JVz-JuYPf_d_lU2P2Az9I4pn1ZjVQFNW84fJTR_QzS_tcVclJZ9UWNRXvu8URkwdjX1DTF3cvxNvsaCNueI3wCI/s1600/P2070001+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwdxx_FGyWsVET7SGAQ7Ud3lA7WKn7aIVgw-D91GxVhuVMa7iH-c6JVz-JuYPf_d_lU2P2Az9I4pn1ZjVQFNW84fJTR_QzS_tcVclJZ9UWNRXvu8URkwdjX1DTF3cvxNvsaCNueI3wCI/s400/P2070001+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Have snuggle wrap..will travel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o8urFs0AwqdlpYAoMYbn1Mv405C6E5QnzdzrRwdw_6br-JJC3ob3p4BChzQY_RTDCOEKL8hCSsJ0IKfA2D66gVLNDxeDAGrytSJgCQjnGMMU6rFkYHKZSnRP4oa3WwDMMjK-W_X9B-Y/s1600/P2070004+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o8urFs0AwqdlpYAoMYbn1Mv405C6E5QnzdzrRwdw_6br-JJC3ob3p4BChzQY_RTDCOEKL8hCSsJ0IKfA2D66gVLNDxeDAGrytSJgCQjnGMMU6rFkYHKZSnRP4oa3WwDMMjK-W_X9B-Y/s400/P2070004+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This blankie stayed on for several hours</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MTAPd_h06tuMR7IEYZWJiVJBxwGyoqhZHkwRuWuFrrdKZscQDb_ITqKZgMebHMS6XxR6mJSinfpSwnmANZJ0g7quM8PZHOeefagSbH554cck7Obm0gY-8AGcTcZgJebW3uYYUJiP3sg/s1600/P2070007+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MTAPd_h06tuMR7IEYZWJiVJBxwGyoqhZHkwRuWuFrrdKZscQDb_ITqKZgMebHMS6XxR6mJSinfpSwnmANZJ0g7quM8PZHOeefagSbH554cck7Obm0gY-8AGcTcZgJebW3uYYUJiP3sg/s400/P2070007+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Snug as a bug.. or a Gallinipper. </div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Frolicking with dad</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEHj3munQGY066rFazr2xZe_5DCTCduqTxk8RpniH5HRGGjpZFUF-HSQr717dD536FsMDilupndBOBQalY2kBqgwDLNJUev0giHY5vbH4K62pJ3LnioWiYSUTMLRU_sk7GGmsdxhXYYA/s1600/P2110003+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEHj3munQGY066rFazr2xZe_5DCTCduqTxk8RpniH5HRGGjpZFUF-HSQr717dD536FsMDilupndBOBQalY2kBqgwDLNJUev0giHY5vbH4K62pJ3LnioWiYSUTMLRU_sk7GGmsdxhXYYA/s400/P2110003+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes watching Golf can get a little boring... and dad falls asleep</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeWCGq4lW3JZha3dGxD_4UVpWn5TZyqZkx8WbyRvnPGvEcm32VFuYO6DVmGLFpfv4-wjszff2gMT4OlrTjbIRExqfnL15AQ21VnyuP9oqcs5TByoLu69KwVlGJD2sWft-0v3odj7CPdI/s1600/P2110008+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeWCGq4lW3JZha3dGxD_4UVpWn5TZyqZkx8WbyRvnPGvEcm32VFuYO6DVmGLFpfv4-wjszff2gMT4OlrTjbIRExqfnL15AQ21VnyuP9oqcs5TByoLu69KwVlGJD2sWft-0v3odj7CPdI/s400/P2110008+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> it's my job to wake him up to play!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My home away from home... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i_MBFwPvDKPR2XJJPMAShCi8kVodTMT3pxJnVNFtI_8kvlOTVUTZXlSlWgSV8x3oX5BF4lhTiLGP7IwmalHOUGTejC_7RbT3B4mFDO6YwdIGm2gLKplG2Wv8zctY8vCO03pvjBscnTg/s1600/P2090134+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i_MBFwPvDKPR2XJJPMAShCi8kVodTMT3pxJnVNFtI_8kvlOTVUTZXlSlWgSV8x3oX5BF4lhTiLGP7IwmalHOUGTejC_7RbT3B4mFDO6YwdIGm2gLKplG2Wv8zctY8vCO03pvjBscnTg/s400/P2090134+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the car! It means I'm going somewhere fun and I love to GO!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Goofin around on Valentines Day:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPGqp9NlL6cToqvziOljNJeSVjvpcDYHzTekroW-aj4u_HlhN-fnvEb9VV-QQMWQBqBpqqXR3qJlDbWAROl0hyH6sT0KyvTLINHjigpMZN4zhh2zxwsgBKBtOg_9i17ndhijS4nUSnYY/s1600/P2080039+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPGqp9NlL6cToqvziOljNJeSVjvpcDYHzTekroW-aj4u_HlhN-fnvEb9VV-QQMWQBqBpqqXR3qJlDbWAROl0hyH6sT0KyvTLINHjigpMZN4zhh2zxwsgBKBtOg_9i17ndhijS4nUSnYY/s400/P2080039+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Won't you Be Mine?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love my toys...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxcmDtGFIrXXSR_GyKRjA1K1F29Oq9NTsxu91QZoqUnNPHd6OURqml0hElBRWovXtp2qw2e_664q7kniVqtaopNM7IRTsMd9NIR8EW54U5aKOSahAoPFRHbFdCt8k409n5IRKrd4b6qE/s1600/P1270003+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxcmDtGFIrXXSR_GyKRjA1K1F29Oq9NTsxu91QZoqUnNPHd6OURqml0hElBRWovXtp2qw2e_664q7kniVqtaopNM7IRTsMd9NIR8EW54U5aKOSahAoPFRHbFdCt8k409n5IRKrd4b6qE/s400/P1270003+sm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I sleep with them..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN6FMkaSX9ojHGNRsu_iTy07SzJsUYbGdo6xxk-npVHYESs2CmI9tYG5kuHSstOm_do_Oe27s8Cl2orAeTJa9mzobKhmm1lHJazC0fXoUYrDNMupktEYS7FT0-q0FaLrbKPkJpxzkFq4/s1600/P2030249+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN6FMkaSX9ojHGNRsu_iTy07SzJsUYbGdo6xxk-npVHYESs2CmI9tYG5kuHSstOm_do_Oe27s8Cl2orAeTJa9mzobKhmm1lHJazC0fXoUYrDNMupktEYS7FT0-q0FaLrbKPkJpxzkFq4/s400/P2030249+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I play with them...I chew them...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5kdUWvWKuTmBKMOG8AtNlbYTZMCKsjISmiBfwf1fCVKeuvr6Yd-zhdBgIgG5UkBhEXgFgxtBXwJSI1Rk8CLIYf637VYQzWXs3s-_dYS5FptVaw9cBFS1N3SebhsLzZHsIe_h4mMEsA/s1600/P2090143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu5kdUWvWKuTmBKMOG8AtNlbYTZMCKsjISmiBfwf1fCVKeuvr6Yd-zhdBgIgG5UkBhEXgFgxtBXwJSI1Rk8CLIYf637VYQzWXs3s-_dYS5FptVaw9cBFS1N3SebhsLzZHsIe_h4mMEsA/s400/P2090143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hey mom, come play with me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluPG4iv5B6Z9csxVBh6OgodyR5axi8DSmj1ytWpN13iG2cOCZoUXmANnq52dpWwi_AsIf9_KvQHHUZJCr9DY8WccCBg-G59-deqpp2sEYL0a7exbjjA4FHbgMamnLbQF2MVAn8wSAmhQ/s1600/P2090142+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluPG4iv5B6Z9csxVBh6OgodyR5axi8DSmj1ytWpN13iG2cOCZoUXmANnq52dpWwi_AsIf9_KvQHHUZJCr9DY8WccCBg-G59-deqpp2sEYL0a7exbjjA4FHbgMamnLbQF2MVAn8wSAmhQ/s400/P2090142+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Smokey frequently plops his toys up in the chair with me to summon me to play. Or, maybe in this case, he's just hinting around for a gnawhide ring refill for his Busy Buddy Bone? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-57137144576398457762012-02-25T18:04:00.000-08:002012-02-25T18:04:15.065-08:00The best medicine ... puppy dog kisses!Every month, volunteer puppy raisers for Southeastern Guide Dogs are expected to gather together with our pups-in-training for an outing in a public place. We are always looking for opportunities that will be good exposure for our puppies which will benefit their training to be successful guide dogs. <br />
<br />
In February, The Houston Puppy Raisers - south team - chose to visit a nursing home.<b> The Colonnades at Reflection Bay</b>, a skilled nursing home facility in Pearland, TX, welcomed us into their facility on Sunday, Feb 12th. This visit meant alot to us. It was a blessing to the residents we greeted and it was a good learning experience for our puppies.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos from our outing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaLlHu1JovMB_0zCPAaeI-jO5ogov1B577vf-uaF_uCLTFp4tYehYqVkvOcvE3TkTY96fcC1VZ8PXD7an-PB_aoLIAOTW4m0aZDDxlSkcAJ5A_sHy7Pvi_7dF94vfvao8ge_WvQf3sw8/s1600/P2120060+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaLlHu1JovMB_0zCPAaeI-jO5ogov1B577vf-uaF_uCLTFp4tYehYqVkvOcvE3TkTY96fcC1VZ8PXD7an-PB_aoLIAOTW4m0aZDDxlSkcAJ5A_sHy7Pvi_7dF94vfvao8ge_WvQf3sw8/s400/P2120060+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From left, Melissa and Greg with <b>Smokey</b>, Meredith and Michael with <b>Tulip</b>, Abby and Sharon with <b>Suzette</b>, Karen and Chris with <b>Jane</b>, Jenni with <b>Lou-Lou</b>, Bob and Carol with <b>Hannah</b>, and Gabby with <b>Lou</b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbqqtc6X6tMWQFccPUWrmN9GklsiXTCPOUlS92VI095yiZeq2B1XLH3eX9MQsJs5n3tBE-QM5WMrN-El9Fxn1Cl6-ap8cNNwCAPt6rrSy_JuISXFqIxJTfkpQHpIgUOZfFDBRJqKzOA/s1600/P2120046+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbqqtc6X6tMWQFccPUWrmN9GklsiXTCPOUlS92VI095yiZeq2B1XLH3eX9MQsJs5n3tBE-QM5WMrN-El9Fxn1Cl6-ap8cNNwCAPt6rrSy_JuISXFqIxJTfkpQHpIgUOZfFDBRJqKzOA/s400/P2120046+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm7t9qTwe9XjTBeRM6tOJ2k2nQJ8OJHpofIVOq_8z9pqmZrYyjFOEMlFKBVOwz1SczL-hNeZbjgnLl1grO1EDwQ7QN0FE22Gp-tFAkz5CRsUk6dpb3_tOoudSkrByQw4BlUaE5t54Dpw/s1600/P2120025+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm7t9qTwe9XjTBeRM6tOJ2k2nQJ8OJHpofIVOq_8z9pqmZrYyjFOEMlFKBVOwz1SczL-hNeZbjgnLl1grO1EDwQ7QN0FE22Gp-tFAkz5CRsUk6dpb3_tOoudSkrByQw4BlUaE5t54Dpw/s400/P2120025+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">From Left: Jenni with <b>Lou-Lou</b>, <b>Smokey</b> (in foreground), Eileen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Roaming the halls, looking for new friends...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz-i8V1E56NHqAFNjscWBToY-vFqoxQ0recfgdVdmaQY2WNJtrlHd9WlQ9VjQP3zU6paGNR3md9WNj4S18DYDS4yZcC5B1urXknw-FHj8UtTEicE9x4eK9q6FS1Jwm_UdAZaYlPrpZsc/s1600/P2120026+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz-i8V1E56NHqAFNjscWBToY-vFqoxQ0recfgdVdmaQY2WNJtrlHd9WlQ9VjQP3zU6paGNR3md9WNj4S18DYDS4yZcC5B1urXknw-FHj8UtTEicE9x4eK9q6FS1Jwm_UdAZaYlPrpZsc/s400/P2120026+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbWvNZ6eriNzftxYLC6sRZzhO43KUfD5X-aehfwFZelX4SC_h3OM88JjhYLH7q29DL6V_A_5DMZl6eo9lvQq8sRhthyphenhyphenoouqc2HxlPgOqhcBAK3rM0fJ0f0RdrSVfJgZp4z963y1dwC9Q/s1600/P2120027+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbWvNZ6eriNzftxYLC6sRZzhO43KUfD5X-aehfwFZelX4SC_h3OM88JjhYLH7q29DL6V_A_5DMZl6eo9lvQq8sRhthyphenhyphenoouqc2HxlPgOqhcBAK3rM0fJ0f0RdrSVfJgZp4z963y1dwC9Q/s400/P2120027+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3UdEEetLcQ_-GiHtx5RBMXVKMaOvNQzMVAExKHOzXTKTCpAfDJNxeKhT2nQTYBmk5cUFlPU8cGzgtU3nLUFUN3ATnPvjm-YCH0gMj7PjValdRGA18jjHm89msRx_1omx2jCzWAMoVjs/s1600/P2120038+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3UdEEetLcQ_-GiHtx5RBMXVKMaOvNQzMVAExKHOzXTKTCpAfDJNxeKhT2nQTYBmk5cUFlPU8cGzgtU3nLUFUN3ATnPvjm-YCH0gMj7PjValdRGA18jjHm89msRx_1omx2jCzWAMoVjs/s400/P2120038+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Karen and Chris with <b>Jane</b> (in background), Greg with <b>Smokey</b> (in foreground)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Members of The Colonnades Staff were impressed with the pup's good behavior.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhkplu7sknxPvImrRWBdW_lyPVK3KH8JG5AAtROCxjotnrFd8vCrXwWO2BX1T8_mBT6jHY64vt4E5TB2tfi1TaVGodBZMYvepSADHqkGzawcb1FOl93-q8Up7tDQrMmXTiG-vhX0zbAU/s1600/P2120043+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhkplu7sknxPvImrRWBdW_lyPVK3KH8JG5AAtROCxjotnrFd8vCrXwWO2BX1T8_mBT6jHY64vt4E5TB2tfi1TaVGodBZMYvepSADHqkGzawcb1FOl93-q8Up7tDQrMmXTiG-vhX0zbAU/s400/P2120043+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Smokey</b> and <b>Jane</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZbSeTqLojxJ-KqCAyzag0KYxEI-XU-kFobEMZOUD1gj4FgH7ZRNnc7xuPfz8DQ_iUwUXnkVs7vv3dCWD2YSGt5DCSYrUgElC1D9KDJGTvoApADwt3ydIi1gkaF-8ffuxGZD8UyURSGw/s1600/P2120051+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZbSeTqLojxJ-KqCAyzag0KYxEI-XU-kFobEMZOUD1gj4FgH7ZRNnc7xuPfz8DQ_iUwUXnkVs7vv3dCWD2YSGt5DCSYrUgElC1D9KDJGTvoApADwt3ydIi1gkaF-8ffuxGZD8UyURSGw/s400/P2120051+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Eileen, Michael with <b>Tulip</b>, Jenni with <b>Lou-Lou</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnSXxKd8gyY7KE7som2vHlZ7z2kFFaZiIFxy0ngWdnyN56kU1lduve507vxMtWJZKvyK5r_4zL0vMr_wKDWCI4p-L1TUNg09b5kxCUH0ejiXORAjbWeqAX4VGoIbX0h0QrkVG6ajYtCg/s1600/P2120055+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnSXxKd8gyY7KE7som2vHlZ7z2kFFaZiIFxy0ngWdnyN56kU1lduve507vxMtWJZKvyK5r_4zL0vMr_wKDWCI4p-L1TUNg09b5kxCUH0ejiXORAjbWeqAX4VGoIbX0h0QrkVG6ajYtCg/s400/P2120055+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Abby & Sharon with <b>Suzette</b>, Gaby & Gloria with <b>Lou</b>, Carol with <b>Hannah</b>, Greg with <b>Smokey</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfK4LYCI0uXuh6E5yeAU3slgi5h3b-32g-Hbfb1m8j1z9l7dLvaHWpb4qt2MKDgysSTt1rrIksLBTEXn0inWDZDYppCUcpupQL8tTDbxPcCZVmY_0W5oSM7qi4-fWhbELUMnKcDv8in8/s1600/P2120056+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfK4LYCI0uXuh6E5yeAU3slgi5h3b-32g-Hbfb1m8j1z9l7dLvaHWpb4qt2MKDgysSTt1rrIksLBTEXn0inWDZDYppCUcpupQL8tTDbxPcCZVmY_0W5oSM7qi4-fWhbELUMnKcDv8in8/s400/P2120056+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Carol with <b>Hannah</b>, Greg with <b>Smokey</b>, Chris with<b> Jane</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was very gratifying to see all the dogs so well-behaved, especially as we stood visiting in the foyer. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtbRtOR8Nu9P4ZAIQL4DJmKdggEXLWrzzWc5nu7a_lRAx07u0VqHLAMJkRgUGP-zJ06L7JKopuCXH9rXTrYYaym1eHzd_7qtw9HtZoSykIQ4FeJ6DV5qdG4beWBTm0_4oRhs-1tQgIQM/s1600/P2120029+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtbRtOR8Nu9P4ZAIQL4DJmKdggEXLWrzzWc5nu7a_lRAx07u0VqHLAMJkRgUGP-zJ06L7JKopuCXH9rXTrYYaym1eHzd_7qtw9HtZoSykIQ4FeJ6DV5qdG4beWBTm0_4oRhs-1tQgIQM/s400/P2120029+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbS86YCOmdfp_X0l9BvbLjb6vfNCvxf4ae1nXl5ay9mtG6JYobeuZMofeUr3Ba9tTX2LY3D2g4YugnsQXGfStiAKZwromuiXGYC_SvsgifloLouWxCQsC0dojuKIsWaTZU-OYw4U4nac/s1600/P2120030+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbS86YCOmdfp_X0l9BvbLjb6vfNCvxf4ae1nXl5ay9mtG6JYobeuZMofeUr3Ba9tTX2LY3D2g4YugnsQXGfStiAKZwromuiXGYC_SvsgifloLouWxCQsC0dojuKIsWaTZU-OYw4U4nac/s400/P2120030+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The dogs were especially good around all the "moving" wheel chairs. Some pups were invited into a few patient rooms to visit bed-ridden patients so they could pet the pups. Normally, pups-in-training are not allowed pets in jacket after 10 months of age. In this instance, we were allowed to treat all dogs regardless of age, as Ambassador Dogs, so patients could pet freely. What better medicine is there than puppy dog kisses?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWRRV9t1OmOzlpzjTlTCZ30ToR_JvnX1NG_6TpBc5-zGAlMzyMfnPiJenhxo8u8eMaxRsDoT8Z8MpapM8HgI9uCl-y0ej3JKVUsvHtTYPDsmEoi_hOO3bmUpV9bARHWQC9HWE6B8ozS8/s1600/P2120035+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWRRV9t1OmOzlpzjTlTCZ30ToR_JvnX1NG_6TpBc5-zGAlMzyMfnPiJenhxo8u8eMaxRsDoT8Z8MpapM8HgI9uCl-y0ej3JKVUsvHtTYPDsmEoi_hOO3bmUpV9bARHWQC9HWE6B8ozS8/s400/P2120035+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aw5OxBaqVWvSP0e52y8MUS_UDZOXmWVOlBtBhcuaz2mNaC9fOrVC4CMiyEplFoyMQ8bHn6gkMYN5-tPvYn_XTgg9n9MqSXFXLiZ1uXYlbQpxf7_zMvCQ-FELr8JxFjCerxCh6wVvqXE/s1600/P2120049+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aw5OxBaqVWvSP0e52y8MUS_UDZOXmWVOlBtBhcuaz2mNaC9fOrVC4CMiyEplFoyMQ8bHn6gkMYN5-tPvYn_XTgg9n9MqSXFXLiZ1uXYlbQpxf7_zMvCQ-FELr8JxFjCerxCh6wVvqXE/s400/P2120049+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The facility is two story so we spent a bit of time working the puppies to "find" and ride in the elevator.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Going up, anyone? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaLlHu1JovMB_0zCPAaeI-jO5ogov1B577vf-uaF_uCLTFp4tYehYqVkvOcvE3TkTY96fcC1VZ8PXD7an-PB_aoLIAOTW4m0aZDDxlSkcAJ5A_sHy7Pvi_7dF94vfvao8ge_WvQf3sw8/s1600/P2120060+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaLlHu1JovMB_0zCPAaeI-jO5ogov1B577vf-uaF_uCLTFp4tYehYqVkvOcvE3TkTY96fcC1VZ8PXD7an-PB_aoLIAOTW4m0aZDDxlSkcAJ5A_sHy7Pvi_7dF94vfvao8ge_WvQf3sw8/s400/P2120060+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This was the last outing for Smokey, Suzette, Lou-Lou and Hannah who go IFT on March 3.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you always and will miss you. Go forth and make us proud! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Great job puppies and handlers! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the staff and residents of <b>The Colonnades</b>, for the warm welcome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-30702116840536648672012-02-25T14:38:00.003-08:002012-02-25T15:16:17.568-08:00My Number One DoctorI am getting ready to go back to Florida for final training. I need one more shot before I leave Texas. I am bummed at the thought of getting a shot, but happy to get one more chance to see my favorite vet - My Number One Doctor - Dr. Miller, owner of Veterinary Medical Center of the Gulf Coast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CITmNsTrKL02mujwtpNSp75EIzowUgpzQnG5XqU9LAVn2KgxCva79_zkO1JtFGg0sufkqofCEJD2vDuXUGwNj9A9Al8njexZLzzFkLVSezhZZ4ziK6C_lnOAcf5XJZPZ9MZpBb0gzSI/s1600/P2080014+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CITmNsTrKL02mujwtpNSp75EIzowUgpzQnG5XqU9LAVn2KgxCva79_zkO1JtFGg0sufkqofCEJD2vDuXUGwNj9A9Al8njexZLzzFkLVSezhZZ4ziK6C_lnOAcf5XJZPZ9MZpBb0gzSI/s400/P2080014+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Mom took some photos to remember the moment, and we thought it would be fun to show you how much I've grown since I first went to see Dr.Miller in March 2011.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB5khROXofBBRxZKrTgDCJ2EWw4AvRnG1srm6oXaUP6IkxAbHw0P_I1fCohdiJnlrIvb3LfT_scMgTz7Yp6bR6X9tXn3FMlFhwDG9BBwijehdr-_8A2qWTKZexcYD9PV8w9nT2ujFZNA/s1600/P2080035+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB5khROXofBBRxZKrTgDCJ2EWw4AvRnG1srm6oXaUP6IkxAbHw0P_I1fCohdiJnlrIvb3LfT_scMgTz7Yp6bR6X9tXn3FMlFhwDG9BBwijehdr-_8A2qWTKZexcYD9PV8w9nT2ujFZNA/s400/P2080035+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM_18c1dETrMzRnc5BnEfFVZXFJKVXYhhpXfFUh14c9AwcihOYr6gaI2QXnAZdfTyD3I861LupJl017UEDCWEUMM2aUCX4tv2cFg7R10W8sPblRDZrCT3G2DHN0UHByvrNnx6sX-GIDk/s1600/vet+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM_18c1dETrMzRnc5BnEfFVZXFJKVXYhhpXfFUh14c9AwcihOYr6gaI2QXnAZdfTyD3I861LupJl017UEDCWEUMM2aUCX4tv2cFg7R10W8sPblRDZrCT3G2DHN0UHByvrNnx6sX-GIDk/s400/vet+entrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Below are some then and now photos taken at the front desk</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHO1HSw4eTyxsc4o_i69lxSfAobZHXmRvyV594E0l5OFf77E46EPaBRnks4d1dUJhBt_r0MxckJRO8BpBbALDzTCwoLFderyonF7wrnhyfVi5sVOmZL1LT5nNXbg4ksiCpXpV7lLv2kTk/s1600/P2080032+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHO1HSw4eTyxsc4o_i69lxSfAobZHXmRvyV594E0l5OFf77E46EPaBRnks4d1dUJhBt_r0MxckJRO8BpBbALDzTCwoLFderyonF7wrnhyfVi5sVOmZL1LT5nNXbg4ksiCpXpV7lLv2kTk/s400/P2080032+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and me, Feb 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl-LvaJs_vPwdzR-lr_j-4tnJg0-6kGJ8YmPDUT3_K8hsd3GAcMqqU5ClHPLhNAwzVyu6OEe_2AYsv0yZvGQOjZg68xS2a_YhEhVV2WBvEOSmPTqFl8RB9lXavRWF1ctNomxvo3N92rU/s1600/vet+foyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl-LvaJs_vPwdzR-lr_j-4tnJg0-6kGJ8YmPDUT3_K8hsd3GAcMqqU5ClHPLhNAwzVyu6OEe_2AYsv0yZvGQOjZg68xS2a_YhEhVV2WBvEOSmPTqFl8RB9lXavRWF1ctNomxvo3N92rU/s400/vet+foyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These photos below show me waiting in the lobby with Dad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlYk49ocjhtw5WtU1r-DSToem3QT3FHRPrrLw2i2xMQC6oEzvxl-EoDYwtG7q4qvH-4AJ-fMQQWWxJw9qGyfGphkfPBqiuYRRTGU-FKsBNflJIzAxQLQa3EYRoUgsAi3mqzPjxd007PM/s1600/P2090054+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlYk49ocjhtw5WtU1r-DSToem3QT3FHRPrrLw2i2xMQC6oEzvxl-EoDYwtG7q4qvH-4AJ-fMQQWWxJw9qGyfGphkfPBqiuYRRTGU-FKsBNflJIzAxQLQa3EYRoUgsAi3mqzPjxd007PM/s400/P2090054+sm.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFEiSwRu_FGmMaTabVg0TLS0p4wNcdpk24HtZ4GAhTbeLB5rhPJxBgQHu43a4Q1S9VkLWN23BcPdlvbeebVCZw4LmIAyiuQRIYfIx3jf_d1qgXHRnHA-W0fL4dUK2mA1HpG89GwF2lOE/s1600/P3100426+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFEiSwRu_FGmMaTabVg0TLS0p4wNcdpk24HtZ4GAhTbeLB5rhPJxBgQHu43a4Q1S9VkLWN23BcPdlvbeebVCZw4LmIAyiuQRIYfIx3jf_d1qgXHRnHA-W0fL4dUK2mA1HpG89GwF2lOE/s400/P3100426+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I moved from baby scales to big boy scales, as you can see in the photos below.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq0rHoU-0qJOiS8ExvlI3MCq0rBmlUq-0WrTp9aQZ2M3d_h4WlZBdmbwesYq-9dSfB0ngsIleEMTU0lV_z15CMs1xrZsa3ZIFWdJMJpeN7vTfAG-EFGlA7kdFh5vdAJa3NhXFkkhCXEk/s1600/P2080019+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq0rHoU-0qJOiS8ExvlI3MCq0rBmlUq-0WrTp9aQZ2M3d_h4WlZBdmbwesYq-9dSfB0ngsIleEMTU0lV_z15CMs1xrZsa3ZIFWdJMJpeN7vTfAG-EFGlA7kdFh5vdAJa3NhXFkkhCXEk/s400/P2080019+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012... 67.6 lbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVpmZfTONZBhFFspc92n5btej4OEQc-H1gdB6rcpN6aWYPtKYInP-xpXW593Z0wc1cSGosjUalfSdEDum2cIvn7aF4NCGkdXWXhRYH03ml5yXdwy_haMrVGSAWK8zLnX1KgYPAlzahVE/s1600/getting+weighed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVpmZfTONZBhFFspc92n5btej4OEQc-H1gdB6rcpN6aWYPtKYInP-xpXW593Z0wc1cSGosjUalfSdEDum2cIvn7aF4NCGkdXWXhRYH03ml5yXdwy_haMrVGSAWK8zLnX1KgYPAlzahVE/s400/getting+weighed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011.....14 lbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aww, what a little baby I was! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember being scared to sit on those baby scales.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Below, I'm waiting and watching....and trying to sit still. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hard to do sometimes, with all the distractions in a vet waiting room! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFfBrI1CqNvRYr_RYehkDrIrdrsEBR_oAAV4RoKvj5PcvUTaoqU_9wgVcXHhJSzvLxR2FdXpylVX_w7rxM_4M1sCi4lQ74KolUbtz5KAwCa_S5IQyJ5suvr9I6qEtnaIbG1q7IttaV4s/s1600/P2090057+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFfBrI1CqNvRYr_RYehkDrIrdrsEBR_oAAV4RoKvj5PcvUTaoqU_9wgVcXHhJSzvLxR2FdXpylVX_w7rxM_4M1sCi4lQ74KolUbtz5KAwCa_S5IQyJ5suvr9I6qEtnaIbG1q7IttaV4s/s400/P2090057+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO7w19I-D1eGxRTArI_Zls50EpVyWy6BarCqPdOecdNs_oTbkkxZs4glr1mLPEF62yUTjiQDSuwq8UZ7Y1bIcQcVEA8gVufG7z8kadqhWC8q3pbfLcpydSyoFL8HljIgLr1QwnfC6JNI/s1600/anticipation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO7w19I-D1eGxRTArI_Zls50EpVyWy6BarCqPdOecdNs_oTbkkxZs4glr1mLPEF62yUTjiQDSuwq8UZ7Y1bIcQcVEA8gVufG7z8kadqhWC8q3pbfLcpydSyoFL8HljIgLr1QwnfC6JNI/s400/anticipation.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Man, am I brave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting a shot is no big deal, well, that's because I'm a big boy now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It wasn't so easy when I was a baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg848FyyFbgWKbJc3fvP7x1zCqQecIQQbz1BOU1kJSHnCVCGGFT8LQTpRj083T3iik7PF-CSguOgkrQwC4fgrTE_w6H6qVv_sa_8vAE2yP4WABakz2Nl7ewrQhCZUVeRFpCzaS9NAHYwGg/s1600/P2080021+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg848FyyFbgWKbJc3fvP7x1zCqQecIQQbz1BOU1kJSHnCVCGGFT8LQTpRj083T3iik7PF-CSguOgkrQwC4fgrTE_w6H6qVv_sa_8vAE2yP4WABakz2Nl7ewrQhCZUVeRFpCzaS9NAHYwGg/s400/P2080021+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012...big boy shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrnAujxyKDqqslN7YzPhKLhClpqnpSN_87RFpVzUOiAqAsgryO8nM7KuUAe30CO6dyxQph5n8kFg47-NcNcgnng6wyCPaBmEWw1KfZtxFgiWwMHrwLXOtf9tce0_VbgqCpBX4uYCgk3M/s1600/be+gentle+with+me+cuz+I%2527m+sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrnAujxyKDqqslN7YzPhKLhClpqnpSN_87RFpVzUOiAqAsgryO8nM7KuUAe30CO6dyxQph5n8kFg47-NcNcgnng6wyCPaBmEWw1KfZtxFgiWwMHrwLXOtf9tce0_VbgqCpBX4uYCgk3M/s320/be+gentle+with+me+cuz+I%2527m+sick.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011...baby boy </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below are photos taken with Dr. Miller.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm too big to hold now, huh, Doc? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbOpbGqyO1_hI6k-P6rDHgzyJLmI66KzcgNkjTYxVTTjU6AgQev0yCgjko7jAhCqairmHaHSoMJweSHvLWSllrCDUNu6W1uMOUKpQ3STUHsBXeVBcCDDzWcV-tiSKnSLX9Fr6I5i5U1Q/s1600/P2090061+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbOpbGqyO1_hI6k-P6rDHgzyJLmI66KzcgNkjTYxVTTjU6AgQev0yCgjko7jAhCqairmHaHSoMJweSHvLWSllrCDUNu6W1uMOUKpQ3STUHsBXeVBcCDDzWcV-tiSKnSLX9Fr6I5i5U1Q/s400/P2090061+sm.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feb 2012..dad, me, and Dr. Miller</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AEr3aFA1h1ZfNv-LBGoWtp7ljg5F4gLrGe0j88cKUO18k0LD5az-Ww3EGUzVTTCBG3oMoz0_3Kg7Qv9czLDlxDkq8obw_wKfq7rLUFzFxc9wheSeDvobT2Y5gmM5RHIq2pXwoxIxUsE/s1600/my+doctor+and+nurse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AEr3aFA1h1ZfNv-LBGoWtp7ljg5F4gLrGe0j88cKUO18k0LD5az-Ww3EGUzVTTCBG3oMoz0_3Kg7Qv9czLDlxDkq8obw_wKfq7rLUFzFxc9wheSeDvobT2Y5gmM5RHIq2pXwoxIxUsE/s400/my+doctor+and+nurse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2011... me, Dr.Miller, and Vet Tech</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will report that this time I went to see Dr. Miller</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I noticed ONE BIG DIFFERENCE...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5ChAuYc7mOvtKnOrbljZ-B0OU0ej-rQBq2GEDzdFDys95CQPBCekNMcMu4c5DX6tnmsSOXP5gaJutTJPvBcNbIMIoNPP7OM88UfLND4hnL0liT61wfkf9JY-pe0s3QZ0e7lEgpIl7uU/s400/P2080025+sm.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> yep, uh huh, sitting up there on that bench. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got to see the office pet, a cccccat. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxM5iYrwbp2c6B5IK66DgnePK2ELPwQAr1t4NF322YKdt7Cc1Gxe6HpG1Cne9saUq8h5XjRKAZWuFp0j87o1SoMDcZZ0VlI1MhFttnKRXu4ELBsvOnj5cvmErx11uH8XQQDotw2Cdxgg/s1600/treat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxM5iYrwbp2c6B5IK66DgnePK2ELPwQAr1t4NF322YKdt7Cc1Gxe6HpG1Cne9saUq8h5XjRKAZWuFp0j87o1SoMDcZZ0VlI1MhFttnKRXu4ELBsvOnj5cvmErx11uH8XQQDotw2Cdxgg/s400/treat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the <i>LAST</i> time I visited Dr. Miller, I got a <i>TREAT.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hmmm... Cats are O.K., but if you ask me,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd rather have gotten the treat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2wr2oInl5MLurrD6bgSzqUXc4vDapuUPl-iF0Z3KMLTe08yu80AuWtqp6-rzRWzdqahizDogQHxfPKjq9HJ5_H2NrR8y3mUeQKF1-0IdzacdhIRlgSwNKDSHgaZV0e7KDQne_XacWD8/s1600/P2080026+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2wr2oInl5MLurrD6bgSzqUXc4vDapuUPl-iF0Z3KMLTe08yu80AuWtqp6-rzRWzdqahizDogQHxfPKjq9HJ5_H2NrR8y3mUeQKF1-0IdzacdhIRlgSwNKDSHgaZV0e7KDQne_XacWD8/s400/P2080026+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey, Mr. Cat, did <u><b>you</b></u> perhaps get my treat?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thanks, Dr. Miller for taking good care of me during my puppy training year in Texas</b><b>. I know that mom and dad's new puppy-to-train, Stross, will love you just as much as I do.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D9Iqps1JPGbpbsW5qZ9OGG5o1xVBO2MaxImeuh_nJTMsQRV30sC_P7cRflL4yL6pmQOxyOs9CbRgPT2RzhRp7ghq1zXqIQlMOkfrnBUaGObIBw5MHu-qrIuifIo6HrSv1w46OTdQAEM/s1600/vet+logo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D9Iqps1JPGbpbsW5qZ9OGG5o1xVBO2MaxImeuh_nJTMsQRV30sC_P7cRflL4yL6pmQOxyOs9CbRgPT2RzhRp7ghq1zXqIQlMOkfrnBUaGObIBw5MHu-qrIuifIo6HrSv1w46OTdQAEM/s320/vet+logo.bmp" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be sure to visit Dr. Miller on Facebook<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="profileName fn ginormousProfileName fwb"> (Veterinary Medical Center of the Gulf Coast)</span></span> or visit his website at <a href="http://vetmedcenter.net/" target="_blank">http://vetmedcenter.net/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8YTPBOhwa4L1S7ghIBqASEo5DOcBLWwJ99YgnzOfJRG7ZmHbmu33yuGrrZDf3k2dmmWAoQupObGLAo6LBovLEj64Vghc04J3BuwZCt4uYDPLUo06zzhshvXSji38fA8-Nzx_005ennk/s1600/P1150004+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8YTPBOhwa4L1S7ghIBqASEo5DOcBLWwJ99YgnzOfJRG7ZmHbmu33yuGrrZDf3k2dmmWAoQupObGLAo6LBovLEj64Vghc04J3BuwZCt4uYDPLUo06zzhshvXSji38fA8-Nzx_005ennk/s400/P1150004+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smokey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-61722972546503276772012-02-25T12:45:00.001-08:002012-02-25T12:47:36.188-08:00Who's your Caddie, Daddy ?One of my <i>fav-o-rite</i> things to do is to go golfing with dad. I have to get up early cuz dad likes to be the first one on the course. That is okay with me, because that means BREAKFAST comes earlier than usual. Dad loads up my jacket, my bone, my water bowl, and my tie down...and of course some treats and off we go to have some fun. Just us boys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fi2y4d1sSnP7UPy0AX1qxut4C82t9xvVp-IXYYPGXw0n8bjTwVILHhxVFePyjT9Oq5pzGdCJdTl4USVki_pLCs_JIhzGVLsCKfCBvkDON3mzz2_XYlpJiS65L_wkYam0ZrD-pbykQhc/s1600/Photo02101400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fi2y4d1sSnP7UPy0AX1qxut4C82t9xvVp-IXYYPGXw0n8bjTwVILHhxVFePyjT9Oq5pzGdCJdTl4USVki_pLCs_JIhzGVLsCKfCBvkDON3mzz2_XYlpJiS65L_wkYam0ZrD-pbykQhc/s400/Photo02101400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Did you say EAT?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoTgOUJDRXvoUszkqDhsnh9pQJG06d6EOOb-gIV3o0PlN8xwvVYhcoJWwuxEiO1XKJpMP0jbhdNOPyLmQ5tQvxCfBZzrLurocblsYbQRJ45mv5dkUgcFgO4Dqr6rosPbJLPBbovzN5_c/s1600/Photo02250757_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoTgOUJDRXvoUszkqDhsnh9pQJG06d6EOOb-gIV3o0PlN8xwvVYhcoJWwuxEiO1XKJpMP0jbhdNOPyLmQ5tQvxCfBZzrLurocblsYbQRJ45mv5dkUgcFgO4Dqr6rosPbJLPBbovzN5_c/s400/Photo02250757_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Dad uses a tie down (the chain attached to the steering column) so I will stay in the cart while dad hits the ball. But, I am such a good boy, I wouldn't run off anyway, at least not too far from the treats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYXSYyifWdTghVzKJZXLhMh-dxLXCOyGQE-fu30M9XMOEsMYD2TRZIrGqT4Gcr1x1jObeovFIAJX1-E8FyL3xgA__XIql8IXAjwCHDnI-103mjyB7Jh3guH50yafn0fsFSdHq98pmx3s/s1600/Photo02250817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYXSYyifWdTghVzKJZXLhMh-dxLXCOyGQE-fu30M9XMOEsMYD2TRZIrGqT4Gcr1x1jObeovFIAJX1-E8FyL3xgA__XIql8IXAjwCHDnI-103mjyB7Jh3guH50yafn0fsFSdHq98pmx3s/s400/Photo02250817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Wheeeeeeeee! Here we go. I love to ride in the cart. My ears flop in the breeze and my nose is in overdrive. Hey, where are all the other guys, dad? I like to watch the birds, egrets, pelicans, butterflies and more. One time, we even saw an alligator, but we didn't get <i>too</i> close.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEkeWmXMLzJlPj7BbExn3rYuAWcW82Veu0cHm_t4xHRaV5S8B3R6EW5e2bt5yVr3WMbxf4Uuulyf1Rr_yVXvd5wEz0taA3HY29A6Icx0PEhFfLU_kfelJwq5p9FKpkqeVb9PuUChhiZU/s1600/Photo02250927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEkeWmXMLzJlPj7BbExn3rYuAWcW82Veu0cHm_t4xHRaV5S8B3R6EW5e2bt5yVr3WMbxf4Uuulyf1Rr_yVXvd5wEz0taA3HY29A6Icx0PEhFfLU_kfelJwq5p9FKpkqeVb9PuUChhiZU/s400/Photo02250927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Wish I could drive, but the course marshal says no one younger than 16 is allowed to drive. Does he mean 16 months dad? I'm 13 months!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuoG3tDNJIFUqm9XOxxW-LT51S7fRoGdy5_BhtXU6cUUk-UqTekmQ8hIqnEN9Vud2PuhU3t4f3aPpbdrOvJ_JOVYg4B2tMQq9M2s4vZr3O5UUjz7DThummmRjJNvFrSn62sHPZGIOwBs/s1600/Photo02250926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuoG3tDNJIFUqm9XOxxW-LT51S7fRoGdy5_BhtXU6cUUk-UqTekmQ8hIqnEN9Vud2PuhU3t4f3aPpbdrOvJ_JOVYg4B2tMQq9M2s4vZr3O5UUjz7DThummmRjJNvFrSn62sHPZGIOwBs/s400/Photo02250926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes I think I could even be a caddy because I try to give dad advice on which club to use. Here, I am suggesting a 7 iron, but dad picked the 6. Hmmm. Guess what, he missed the green anyway! He shoulda listened to me, right people?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVNkn7DXtcQiYJTRvcMICYEojtBL_i8flRl96V_5XcLx8AeXqaKL6tSU-QMRHii7P0OTJNEmHXp6QtT0Z0GXaZFaN7widXWshEM00U2qdrI21MHSWtCsE1zFBDXhOCcBODRWwORMm0TQ/s1600/Photo02250929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVNkn7DXtcQiYJTRvcMICYEojtBL_i8flRl96V_5XcLx8AeXqaKL6tSU-QMRHii7P0OTJNEmHXp6QtT0Z0GXaZFaN7widXWshEM00U2qdrI21MHSWtCsE1zFBDXhOCcBODRWwORMm0TQ/s400/Photo02250929.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
At the end of the round, we get to relax and unwind. Dad takes off my jacket and lets me get a few pets from the staff. I always get lots of pets from the marshal and our regular golfing buddies. Vard, I will miss you!<br />
<br />
Sadly, this is my last time to play golf with dad. I wonder if the trainers at Southeastern will take me out golfing when I move to Florida? I've heard they have golf carts at the campus! If not to play golf, just a ride or two, to remind me of my puppy-hood in Texas. Please and thank you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Later, yall!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smokey </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-5065528467025480242012-02-13T16:23:00.000-08:002012-02-13T16:23:40.246-08:00Angels are among us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEsv1JpIN3QB6sDSOIi9BG7GmpnR23nj3ItoxuC4GhoynrExhPyELebasw87l-tEn_XXpHrUSrhGzpommPnN-GAM7NBtxEj-c8SFE6NKVVSBPLhSA87qnL_9V3oswEaI_7r3jf8clacE/s1600/P2120064+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEsv1JpIN3QB6sDSOIi9BG7GmpnR23nj3ItoxuC4GhoynrExhPyELebasw87l-tEn_XXpHrUSrhGzpommPnN-GAM7NBtxEj-c8SFE6NKVVSBPLhSA87qnL_9V3oswEaI_7r3jf8clacE/s400/P2120064+sm.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />
We just have to share this story. Yesterday we went to eat dinner at a restaurant in Pearland. As we walked through the dining room, we approached a table where 2 couples were sharing dinner together. As we passed by their table, they commented on Smokey and asked about the service he would ultimately fulfill. We chatted with them for a moment, answering the usual questions that most people have when they see the unexpected - a dog in a restaurant. Most people are supportive, gracious and genuinely interested when they see Smokey and realize that he is in training for a special service. After a few moments of dialog, we found a table and sat down to wait for our meal to arrive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pRIGuSTd6ZmBUOlzWivXnQch5-ApGIbD3OxNCoKiebLajWoAB78FAC4GSNj0tcQk91-nTj7KCtEYdpUl3r4pPoX3Tbt0j0-7KD0BllzvN_VYsOhHNo5xQ28oiCqtBP3JYNjcfs2axUU/s1600/P2120062+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pRIGuSTd6ZmBUOlzWivXnQch5-ApGIbD3OxNCoKiebLajWoAB78FAC4GSNj0tcQk91-nTj7KCtEYdpUl3r4pPoX3Tbt0j0-7KD0BllzvN_VYsOhHNo5xQ28oiCqtBP3JYNjcfs2axUU/s400/P2120062+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
A few short minutes later, the 2 couples got up to leave the restaurant. On his way out, one of the gentlemen came up to our table and he asked, "Are you two volunteers?" and we told him, yes, we are. He then said, "Do you accept donations?", and before we could even respond he handed us a $50 bill and said, "Maybe you can find a good use for this". I think our mouths hit the floor at that point. We were almost speechless (if you can believe that!). <br />
<br />
We quickly collected our thoughts and thanked him for his generous gift. We explained that his gift was coming at the perfect time. March is Walkathon, Southeastern Guide Dog's biggest fundraiser of the year. Southeastern is supported 100% by private donations and volunteers, no taxes dollars or government funding are accepted, and the guide dogs are provided <i>free of charge</i> to their companions in need. This gentleman insisted on remaining anonymous, but he told us he was visiting from out of state and wanted to help out with Southeastern's mission to help others in need. Wow! How great is that! <b>Angels are among us</b>, and <i>this gentleman is one of them</i>.<br />
<br />
We gave this kind gentleman one of our blog cards, and we are hoping he will see this post and realize how much his gift of love touched our hearts. We appreciate his generosity and we are putting his money towards the Houston Puppy Raiser's <a href="http://www.sitstaygive.org/houstonpuppyraisers" target="_blank">"Sit Stay Give"</a> pledge drive. The Houston Puppy Raiser team is trying to generate enough funds to sponsor a puppy 1) to be named by us and 2) to be raised by one of us in the Houston area.<br />
<br />
For more information about Southeastern Guide Dogs, go to www.guidedogs.org, or you can find them on Facebook. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL5FyXiSbAz9WCGKffCdVI59-ptyHTaJ-QdOdmtmc4Q-c0dEuQzdNqAMLfl-Wi9FHbSb4tBrglQxwohEvOe6ehw19RVrOw0MUTEfP2qcqC0tX6an9e0oV8OXYrtn8nMVFgftb36BGWf8/s1600/P2120061+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL5FyXiSbAz9WCGKffCdVI59-ptyHTaJ-QdOdmtmc4Q-c0dEuQzdNqAMLfl-Wi9FHbSb4tBrglQxwohEvOe6ehw19RVrOw0MUTEfP2qcqC0tX6an9e0oV8OXYrtn8nMVFgftb36BGWf8/s400/P2120061+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Thank you for your support!</b></u></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Love, Smokey</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-21764252232957305412012-02-06T16:22:00.000-08:002012-02-06T16:22:26.459-08:00It's Yabba Dabba Doo Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZNKmbicfk8g31KupwmYS4CXmOQh_x_-nLkydaC9FtCYXntSbzNnwphykrxxHPyRE_xMrCKtm1C8x7VMS8EtrUOOOA1yEDZ9PEYc8A_haqeTFVGypNixrcThyCMJMOsQ28Lw9MBpMJSQ/s1600/P2050002+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZNKmbicfk8g31KupwmYS4CXmOQh_x_-nLkydaC9FtCYXntSbzNnwphykrxxHPyRE_xMrCKtm1C8x7VMS8EtrUOOOA1yEDZ9PEYc8A_haqeTFVGypNixrcThyCMJMOsQ28Lw9MBpMJSQ/s400/P2050002+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQV7duPadQ1qy3u6xuiyZ2UicDyIsFQEfUEqNMWCWAEfMGx8a7ABvCEKBBRP7_lhtITGLAs8yRktDdtrw7MsMo7gf6qLpBIOzc5AS9nazTg9N2l8JmHQpWJ9CNy1Gjz18yp8r7An1WwQ/s1600/P2050004+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQV7duPadQ1qy3u6xuiyZ2UicDyIsFQEfUEqNMWCWAEfMGx8a7ABvCEKBBRP7_lhtITGLAs8yRktDdtrw7MsMo7gf6qLpBIOzc5AS9nazTg9N2l8JmHQpWJ9CNy1Gjz18yp8r7An1WwQ/s400/P2050004+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchebRRyvK-JhmWHcDTz_atsS-pFTTaIfXo7qvC0FYjpZprmHIYurhFKg7zKAIQMA7ZMGc9cAmTKt3PfuuKoANjqdNdprQ-wbFqg9AHW2KpaUKisEPHthf60GYGvWkgxKhTfcFLd6vhko/s1600/P2050051+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchebRRyvK-JhmWHcDTz_atsS-pFTTaIfXo7qvC0FYjpZprmHIYurhFKg7zKAIQMA7ZMGc9cAmTKt3PfuuKoANjqdNdprQ-wbFqg9AHW2KpaUKisEPHthf60GYGvWkgxKhTfcFLd6vhko/s400/P2050051+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovDtrkgrpo_SprawZL-cTv8WOD1_uUuykYZc0af-8wNmUgl30RO5A5kZPwKfOSmprGBz_S8kv_j3VH5kEjNAV27toegQhxoSo4LXbt1VT1LKBl6u6p8hKvHlBAJMbKdzufSLEYQ_kVuc/s1600/P2050052+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovDtrkgrpo_SprawZL-cTv8WOD1_uUuykYZc0af-8wNmUgl30RO5A5kZPwKfOSmprGBz_S8kv_j3VH5kEjNAV27toegQhxoSo4LXbt1VT1LKBl6u6p8hKvHlBAJMbKdzufSLEYQ_kVuc/s400/P2050052+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ55i5yiwc2obdOF8C9-rOKmjMcxmYOt06TlKoQ8hd-7GeoCPMe-yz38bEo0_MfpuugPnx3bsng580rS8q5SLLDROCYVLHJdFOnNLiziUVXI-1DSY2z5BVen8QYn8MxS23aVkGPRP7C4Q/s1600/P2050064+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ55i5yiwc2obdOF8C9-rOKmjMcxmYOt06TlKoQ8hd-7GeoCPMe-yz38bEo0_MfpuugPnx3bsng580rS8q5SLLDROCYVLHJdFOnNLiziUVXI-1DSY2z5BVen8QYn8MxS23aVkGPRP7C4Q/s400/P2050064+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-24630951148454100502012-02-05T19:48:00.000-08:002012-02-05T19:48:33.036-08:00Training makes perfect!Puppy raisers for Southeastern are volunteers who provide foster homes to young puppies destined to become a guide dog. We are responsible to provide training and socialization, so the puppies become comfortable with home life, learn basic obedience, and begin to experience the world. Southeastern Guide Dogs equips their puppy raiser families with training materials and support, along with an area coordinator who guides and mentors them, sharing the goal of raising a successful guide dog.<br />
<br />
Jen Gerrity, a trainer from Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc in Palmetto, FL made a field trip out to Houston on Jan 29th to meet with the Houston puppy raiser group. Jen works in the Puppy Raising Services Department at Southeastern. She is a BIG help to volunteer raisers when training problems arise.<br />
<br />
This was our first time to meet Jen, although we have corresponded with her via email on a couple of occasions. We were very impressed with her passion for the pups, her enthusiasm, her encouragement and her training experience. Jen taught us ways to set the dogs up to be successful when giving commands. We learned alot in this session!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHGT8NPMksJH9c1RnOaBG7JgYCNbWY4J1GjKRhWRq_C3Xndflt3iOvV3oYhH9IKk-SUOnd9uFk3zW6_o1gS5BLUi1_U5bxcKYPiCysSl5MkoZKDbpsO5_SxEbdoMRUypATOCV55V4imY/s1600/P1290117+smokey+meets+jen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHGT8NPMksJH9c1RnOaBG7JgYCNbWY4J1GjKRhWRq_C3Xndflt3iOvV3oYhH9IKk-SUOnd9uFk3zW6_o1gS5BLUi1_U5bxcKYPiCysSl5MkoZKDbpsO5_SxEbdoMRUypATOCV55V4imY/s400/P1290117+smokey+meets+jen.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Smokey gets to know Jen by smelling her. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Jen says a pup sees the world through it's nose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc3eFKsn6jpiJdfRFOlDiTlAwWs5Cv_xBcc92hU-Op8wyaUtmyg5OWk8bNQe0BWb3a13-q7l4cl6hapNv1b5CZLoPIhs-lTRkZ20DArL17BuUjUVlh8Z1ry6xSxJ0Bo3Df9rOhdRPWok/s1600/P1290136+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc3eFKsn6jpiJdfRFOlDiTlAwWs5Cv_xBcc92hU-Op8wyaUtmyg5OWk8bNQe0BWb3a13-q7l4cl6hapNv1b5CZLoPIhs-lTRkZ20DArL17BuUjUVlh8Z1ry6xSxJ0Bo3Df9rOhdRPWok/s400/P1290136+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Smokey, SIT!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Gooooooood boy!"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir90mDfOciiayyRgG-h-zKe7KV0Spz5Uul5vAKzw5CU3VAEiwRc-RNytQYb3pKFGjFi55P9EcsgWRoWECfma4v6ga09ZShx6bivLXXd3exKBSDp9YanoaGWKNOq5LY9ePtVwizRNd_X9M/s1600/P1290120+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir90mDfOciiayyRgG-h-zKe7KV0Spz5Uul5vAKzw5CU3VAEiwRc-RNytQYb3pKFGjFi55P9EcsgWRoWECfma4v6ga09ZShx6bivLXXd3exKBSDp9YanoaGWKNOq5LY9ePtVwizRNd_X9M/s400/P1290120+sm.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While Jen addresses the group, Smokey demonstrates the "Down" "Stay" command. "Gooooood boy!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ra1VAPKfthQF-xaj51gVC3291bmQYSAotulYTjpVo7jTVjSlJMqzFmz6fy1jSLw43lrxufcDCeFPoXWAlmJnUmyMeL4AsVaUVI_uPmNRuoSyJpIjL3HwtC-CVsYSmDfq7Z6NJCuc12E/s1600/P1290127+jen+and+smokey+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ra1VAPKfthQF-xaj51gVC3291bmQYSAotulYTjpVo7jTVjSlJMqzFmz6fy1jSLw43lrxufcDCeFPoXWAlmJnUmyMeL4AsVaUVI_uPmNRuoSyJpIjL3HwtC-CVsYSmDfq7Z6NJCuc12E/s400/P1290127+jen+and+smokey+cropped.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jen checking out Smokey's leash manners.</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Smokey, FORWARD" </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Gooooood boy!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhqvE7zCkjjtic8QcIP463eoqMcy_fTY1sJKN7yc4utGqmD8JkCpJzxnroG-Cy-DCSNti2Vq7TIW9SF3Ea5LeTs_YYsIt4234sCQDBP05QYoNTTHoqVOHvpZncyooBWiIU_HG8-Bwy64/s1600/P1290128+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhqvE7zCkjjtic8QcIP463eoqMcy_fTY1sJKN7yc4utGqmD8JkCpJzxnroG-Cy-DCSNti2Vq7TIW9SF3Ea5LeTs_YYsIt4234sCQDBP05QYoNTTHoqVOHvpZncyooBWiIU_HG8-Bwy64/s400/P1290128+sm.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Smokey, COME!"<br />
"Goooooooood boy!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPFfc7POnRxJ2my7GBQ6lX3o8PrEKWqh4CG9d00tO05mz8j9BsMPBaOtHGsvWBmpSi0RGxfGeXQgxUuM5WGtZIRjUQurKgKyXUiGyM2lOexUV2Z9g9gkFA6MNY9Dl3X8cmhBd8WCrdE0/s1600/P1290130+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPFfc7POnRxJ2my7GBQ6lX3o8PrEKWqh4CG9d00tO05mz8j9BsMPBaOtHGsvWBmpSi0RGxfGeXQgxUuM5WGtZIRjUQurKgKyXUiGyM2lOexUV2Z9g9gkFA6MNY9Dl3X8cmhBd8WCrdE0/s400/P1290130+sm.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jen's enthusiasm for the pups shows in her exuberant praise when they perform obediently. The pups respond in tune, giving her their full attention; faces beaming, tails wagging, excited and happy with themselves to have pleased her. It seemed so easy when she worked the pups! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkfT2x2TAYc-V7o6hK4UcM7RyjZq5Lp7COnBxWQG3rdOyjbEAQAiTs4dQFI7fVi3NbmJh-4spGbt97d0VEb470UeEEXnTuvD84DSS09vhSpAKmADSDcHpjTeGFT5FGu7rWcmiiQCFAho/s1600/P1290138+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkfT2x2TAYc-V7o6hK4UcM7RyjZq5Lp7COnBxWQG3rdOyjbEAQAiTs4dQFI7fVi3NbmJh-4spGbt97d0VEb470UeEEXnTuvD84DSS09vhSpAKmADSDcHpjTeGFT5FGu7rWcmiiQCFAho/s400/P1290138+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next came time for the raisers to work their pups while Jen observed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here, Lauren is working with pup Suzette (who happens to be Smokey's sister).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11ro7UqVybIjKPWHX-BwnIHOES8j3BxO5DGaaGoIAoc7B3t1wod1IOapUEV121sFfnoE0Ysg-tmxowiPyB_uGA7A0xlt0HA-sAeX9B-snRTPgNm4S3plZC8gQmWMKQFbh5cLTzkKgRaU/s1600/P1290142+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11ro7UqVybIjKPWHX-BwnIHOES8j3BxO5DGaaGoIAoc7B3t1wod1IOapUEV121sFfnoE0Ysg-tmxowiPyB_uGA7A0xlt0HA-sAeX9B-snRTPgNm4S3plZC8gQmWMKQFbh5cLTzkKgRaU/s400/P1290142+sm.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Girl scout Ellie with pup Addy. Looking good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aNKex2t0tVGq9Wygj-epT9AH5EvIiCW5Lt62h8fmZIQYfgwc4YoNQB_KRnJeClpgDcGzP0dZ0PdSMDoj_SIjtWccosJA8DYGmK7IsmF6UObGp75XqjxrrKfdNPPf7uxNCatARqxrKbQ/s1600/P1290146+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aNKex2t0tVGq9Wygj-epT9AH5EvIiCW5Lt62h8fmZIQYfgwc4YoNQB_KRnJeClpgDcGzP0dZ0PdSMDoj_SIjtWccosJA8DYGmK7IsmF6UObGp75XqjxrrKfdNPPf7uxNCatARqxrKbQ/s400/P1290146+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jen gives Meredith a few pointers for working with 7 month old Golden retriever pup Tulip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkO6tb6mYITW9TlmzDoN7n8PpJ32V0WX-ISS-hEKz_P0AA63oSfNc2U7GCpu0oKWAPgTKDY4xGs6ymTyUkDi87yhBBzAGayD5Z_2ySst7io4Rr1t6gtpuRiuBBghyphenhyphenOI_VFvEhmE0wi1Y/s1600/P1290158+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkO6tb6mYITW9TlmzDoN7n8PpJ32V0WX-ISS-hEKz_P0AA63oSfNc2U7GCpu0oKWAPgTKDY4xGs6ymTyUkDi87yhBBzAGayD5Z_2ySst7io4Rr1t6gtpuRiuBBghyphenhyphenOI_VFvEhmE0wi1Y/s400/P1290158+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jenni with her easy going Lab pup named Lou-Lou</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIgKauUBamhvuC2GumAp-ROIx719OdKTs9OtvAJtXqIB7JhwjeDa0hSlApqc6ey0FG2827bfG8SvMVdnOJAKH8ryKKJiwlaMf1O96UFOG8nONcmqEyfjjry0h9RH4GNC0RZwY1uBe52I/s1600/P1290165+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIgKauUBamhvuC2GumAp-ROIx719OdKTs9OtvAJtXqIB7JhwjeDa0hSlApqc6ey0FG2827bfG8SvMVdnOJAKH8ryKKJiwlaMf1O96UFOG8nONcmqEyfjjry0h9RH4GNC0RZwY1uBe52I/s400/P1290165+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Golden Retriever pup Jane enthusiastically demonstrates the COME command!! (Shown here with co-raiser Chris)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyDeKJqfP_JpCnM4LdPzRhzN7_7I9-NHwtUEu_6R5be5Pv8PIWAXy4v4vw1dN0qYIyBG07BmeTs4ktnHr4xak9ymjJBcXcfFaGM7eQi7KTD2JIJB32Tcs-9MLiSHYza2YFqPYiuP7Cow/s1600/P1290166+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyDeKJqfP_JpCnM4LdPzRhzN7_7I9-NHwtUEu_6R5be5Pv8PIWAXy4v4vw1dN0qYIyBG07BmeTs4ktnHr4xak9ymjJBcXcfFaGM7eQi7KTD2JIJB32Tcs-9MLiSHYza2YFqPYiuP7Cow/s400/P1290166+sm.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And introducing our group's newest puppy - a male yellow lab named Jib! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsmSjJ7R4WfoHhgy3kcdHg-T-J_2yMjc-bix1m175w8cqdjfeyqPBh_bQgijhQr4zVh6N5eK34hn2qQDTusdTZK8GF4mCOWy1X5u2NSI3jkGYOZisjIr4whX6u3S-Gx8wpj9s0fzInEM/s1600/P1290177+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsmSjJ7R4WfoHhgy3kcdHg-T-J_2yMjc-bix1m175w8cqdjfeyqPBh_bQgijhQr4zVh6N5eK34hn2qQDTusdTZK8GF4mCOWy1X5u2NSI3jkGYOZisjIr4whX6u3S-Gx8wpj9s0fzInEM/s400/P1290177+sm.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan taking her very first walk with her new puppy, Jib.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Q32m1cKxVrNONtPfm5qkcToJvmE95RL35W3TAyXpsfPyt6gqJqUJARBaP5KPabPsB-nb0VNk6AtkVx6nfFlfYBgf9ugpBPJ1KGb_A0xdHvSX0Pkj7kv2vpfJnxAYJWV7Tjd6u9ZZBs/s1600/P1290169+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Q32m1cKxVrNONtPfm5qkcToJvmE95RL35W3TAyXpsfPyt6gqJqUJARBaP5KPabPsB-nb0VNk6AtkVx6nfFlfYBgf9ugpBPJ1KGb_A0xdHvSX0Pkj7kv2vpfJnxAYJWV7Tjd6u9ZZBs/s400/P1290169+sm.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jen demonstrates the proper way to work with the little pups, pictured here with Payten. Payten is being raised by husband and wife team Sue and Steve. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizztC8vD-8b5F5ae4GsEl4eTJ8YjdPVnCiBENFCy1ChLw_PMUNGqhW40tzSBSGylTOALbiPZ7DAvpJV_ULpE7f8a_M7qDL5bbl0Iw0aHIesfk41VUMjta1qflVSbuTVgp-kii85Obob_A/s1600/P1290182+hershey+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizztC8vD-8b5F5ae4GsEl4eTJ8YjdPVnCiBENFCy1ChLw_PMUNGqhW40tzSBSGylTOALbiPZ7DAvpJV_ULpE7f8a_M7qDL5bbl0Iw0aHIesfk41VUMjta1qflVSbuTVgp-kii85Obob_A/s400/P1290182+hershey+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is our one and only chocolate Lab puppy named Hershey. Her raiser is Wendy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjlcEw0qq-iDGl9YQXfzptZ6h3ztjw8c3beJxJZpT6coWtYGMi2jJTXC_FcqF1tFFNgyES5_JU8xREaDmE3uN10eNN_-Ib1iH4NZ4K7nmmGVMznGSFavDnrTBPdz5WR1NqqtYf8VTKjU/s1600/P1290193+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjlcEw0qq-iDGl9YQXfzptZ6h3ztjw8c3beJxJZpT6coWtYGMi2jJTXC_FcqF1tFFNgyES5_JU8xREaDmE3uN10eNN_-Ib1iH4NZ4K7nmmGVMznGSFavDnrTBPdz5WR1NqqtYf8VTKjU/s400/P1290193+sm.jpg" width="267" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cindy with her new pup, Gumpy. Gumpy is Cindy's <i>grand-dog</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cindy raised Gumpy's dad, a Lab named Sparky. How cool is that?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHpVjWGUV3-cqFRpggxi2L5Am8HGSWqxJ3JfXYuutOsQSWtUXwy-3MFqodRwm1n8x_0c8NPHIiU0xQ7VT0RpZ7OBeoXjYBH2aDRtjttinW-cwyGJvCLad-TRSOSXRcf9FADylHBWriMI/s1600/P1290194+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHpVjWGUV3-cqFRpggxi2L5Am8HGSWqxJ3JfXYuutOsQSWtUXwy-3MFqodRwm1n8x_0c8NPHIiU0xQ7VT0RpZ7OBeoXjYBH2aDRtjttinW-cwyGJvCLad-TRSOSXRcf9FADylHBWriMI/s320/P1290194+sm.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Girl scout Gaby, with her new pup named Lou.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Mn1JTyPmcfxsEMmMAcuOHTvr8U-AodKoDdO8iSpk7qBKTB8gnkgdT15qnfEptsMwv7-kaV1kE38daGxl4iUYlPgio8TE08fehpim8Wzaz-hfOgu1nbKRZQ0h2mRiHnLqXVpVpoQg38/s1600/P1290186+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Mn1JTyPmcfxsEMmMAcuOHTvr8U-AodKoDdO8iSpk7qBKTB8gnkgdT15qnfEptsMwv7-kaV1kE38daGxl4iUYlPgio8TE08fehpim8Wzaz-hfOgu1nbKRZQ0h2mRiHnLqXVpVpoQg38/s400/P1290186+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I was looking over my photos from the day, I found this one of Hannah. Seems she was having a lot of fun rolling around in the grass. We had puppy camp with Hannah when she was just 5 months old, so we have a special affection for Hannah! Hannah is being raised by Carol and Bob. Carol is our area coordinator.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBm5HFbC6v-bp35OI7KDkdn30lGsFUIknqkKT688ExqlNg6wHFA7Y3RFxcava9NdNXBJK5S0wvThaCogI41M46W0Ffs-0j7ELQV1SvY7eZKCq37YesEpB6gjvgh0Gpb-SUEXyKZJAVAc/s1600/P1290178+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBm5HFbC6v-bp35OI7KDkdn30lGsFUIknqkKT688ExqlNg6wHFA7Y3RFxcava9NdNXBJK5S0wvThaCogI41M46W0Ffs-0j7ELQV1SvY7eZKCq37YesEpB6gjvgh0Gpb-SUEXyKZJAVAc/s400/P1290178+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...And Hannah is such a gentle girl...so tolerant of new puppy Jib.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEGKa3wWCI2UA6N5HFXczwHOH-vcnP8CW8fI1-CbDIA_ydHPI9lG9kTd1dy40DRVsPlaDzFv93FVmqXyovAgJYvl90e7yD4KX-EXsUuqqihYDHwtxzNqfGJZYNkmVJ6XdrfplXEnqcVI/s1600/P1290198+jib+and+gumpy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEGKa3wWCI2UA6N5HFXczwHOH-vcnP8CW8fI1-CbDIA_ydHPI9lG9kTd1dy40DRVsPlaDzFv93FVmqXyovAgJYvl90e7yD4KX-EXsUuqqihYDHwtxzNqfGJZYNkmVJ6XdrfplXEnqcVI/s400/P1290198+jib+and+gumpy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jib and Gumpy - trying to show who's boss!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">While we haven't yet been to the school, Jen's representation of the trainers at Southeastern prove to us first hand that pups raised in all locations will be given the best chance to succeed in their program. Southeastern's mission is to create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life's journey with mobility, independence and dignity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">We thank you, Jen, for taking the time to come and work with us here in Houston!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-42084259269549509212012-02-05T17:37:00.000-08:002012-02-05T17:37:50.468-08:00A whole lot of love...<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> ...is pictured here:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> These 5 guide-pups-in-training from the Houston puppy raiser group are going back to Southeastern Guide Dog school in Florida for final training. Over the past 11 months, these pups and their loving raisers have become like family to us.<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZQ16vE_KI9HaZkADKpYhOSsa-Gftm-kkPPgh1wPIScV8RqmmHaOUYoWLi-GL5_HPDfz5uBRpjUClFQhgFQWwtclDT30QDqK23Ze2lBLO9pgnQ2eO8ZY8gH4c2sOlUGTgQtV1G0ClwEI/s1600/P2050030+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZQ16vE_KI9HaZkADKpYhOSsa-Gftm-kkPPgh1wPIScV8RqmmHaOUYoWLi-GL5_HPDfz5uBRpjUClFQhgFQWwtclDT30QDqK23Ze2lBLO9pgnQ2eO8ZY8gH4c2sOlUGTgQtV1G0ClwEI/s400/P2050030+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">(Pictured L to R): <b>Addy</b> (raiser Ellie with mom Carol), <b>Lou-Lou</b> (raiser Jenni with mom Eileen), <b>S</b><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>mokey</b> (raisers Greg and Melissa David), <b>Hannah</b> (raisers Carol and Bob), <b>Suzette</b> (raiser Sharon). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text_exposed_show">This was our last group meeting together - farewell pups - go forth and make us all proud! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show">We love you all.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-26343947222730401022012-02-04T18:22:00.000-08:002012-02-04T18:22:38.025-08:00Then and Now<div style="text-align: center;">We are in the final weeks of our year with Smokey. As volunteer puppy raisers for Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. we only get to keep him for 12 months. We got Smokey at the age of 9 weeks on March 7, 2011. He will be returned to the guide dog school in Florida on March 3, 2012 for final training. Yes, the tears have already started at the thought of the upcoming separation! We are trying to make every minute count of the next 4 weeks with him, and we celebrate this wonderful journey we have had raising Smokey. What a gift it has been! We will be posting more over the days and weeks to come, but here is a quick peek at some "then.... and now" photos" of our special puppy. You can see he has grown up to be a big boy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0tmaHU6Ozda_VLHED_Lk7xPPqH742XM2qCVk58ii8jpynEk9QnFnOfsW9DIK1Nbswx8XIvtWd_zpu8tb0Fb7GJDNEkFn9NDRBeNNJ4gyaRA20EjrEeF0jf_DvsTEHUZarpKqNAPN2yk/s1600/P3190102+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0tmaHU6Ozda_VLHED_Lk7xPPqH742XM2qCVk58ii8jpynEk9QnFnOfsW9DIK1Nbswx8XIvtWd_zpu8tb0Fb7GJDNEkFn9NDRBeNNJ4gyaRA20EjrEeF0jf_DvsTEHUZarpKqNAPN2yk/s400/P3190102+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">March 2011 - 9 weeks - 13 lbs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0337ioV6YcYKzYZpl2EaYSqU-GorX6Y0nltcFU4oLTxBFjxanY4chyh3SnkV77TnuHAPIIR9YlrLbzNqIdTJj_u8LY5BfojB2T6t-bB3v1eXXWYnpXsxpoW5-kV9PbZwGYUlIcePC5t4/s1600/P2020205+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0337ioV6YcYKzYZpl2EaYSqU-GorX6Y0nltcFU4oLTxBFjxanY4chyh3SnkV77TnuHAPIIR9YlrLbzNqIdTJj_u8LY5BfojB2T6t-bB3v1eXXWYnpXsxpoW5-kV9PbZwGYUlIcePC5t4/s400/P2020205+sm.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feb 2012 - 13 months - 67 lbs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8fzFnvAoQNuXHJl84pbqxJysiRTAkmGZENrWfFEy_L1Uf8wbadbFgPOPazqKXZGpZ9GTZfKR_yy-JXAPk5Lu1pdZn9u5arTGqWSlBAbW0C-oilBAjIvK5ctMeXOwVl6hItuwMrjSR94/s1600/P3090393+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8fzFnvAoQNuXHJl84pbqxJysiRTAkmGZENrWfFEy_L1Uf8wbadbFgPOPazqKXZGpZ9GTZfKR_yy-JXAPk5Lu1pdZn9u5arTGqWSlBAbW0C-oilBAjIvK5ctMeXOwVl6hItuwMrjSR94/s400/P3090393+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">March 2011</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdQZ_4ZxYYPXoF4zzhBO-3nEzgBKBW-immh1FlKUiRZ2mWw7G3xsTocOGc3kvR_GLPg6YJmXFgq6PwTDMRZgdNSa2z5vMa1kO1EPFFN6CiPC1rwSmfeadqIFbpOxdZfk5HcowI9pRNEk/s1600/P1230019+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdQZ_4ZxYYPXoF4zzhBO-3nEzgBKBW-immh1FlKUiRZ2mWw7G3xsTocOGc3kvR_GLPg6YJmXFgq6PwTDMRZgdNSa2z5vMa1kO1EPFFN6CiPC1rwSmfeadqIFbpOxdZfk5HcowI9pRNEk/s400/P1230019+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feb 2012</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1hySHhmsgFOYndd78t7Qdsq8bDbDAl57mkYZz-pOMvrIVuUNbyirIJvcmcq7hxU__Dab_3-CvGaaKiPQ57hrbX7cjbhFM1ilf1c2_wPv9vzajgXGvTu_v4Y_fZ6L150VI0v15yOoz_c/s1600/P3090418+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1hySHhmsgFOYndd78t7Qdsq8bDbDAl57mkYZz-pOMvrIVuUNbyirIJvcmcq7hxU__Dab_3-CvGaaKiPQ57hrbX7cjbhFM1ilf1c2_wPv9vzajgXGvTu_v4Y_fZ6L150VI0v15yOoz_c/s400/P3090418+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> March 2011</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfyeHSwoCZtQ1Fytz0yz2KIPgI1j5Ggt5nAAS-T4J7jfY3E2-Sz7AGOZydDwSrM4PIAMzRE7_3tGq0RnQ0JOKWH4I81Sng6jKViCyPJQFzANLGzovEN6RIj4aZEXojpA-mPBn96iN1qw/s1600/P1150009+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfyeHSwoCZtQ1Fytz0yz2KIPgI1j5Ggt5nAAS-T4J7jfY3E2-Sz7AGOZydDwSrM4PIAMzRE7_3tGq0RnQ0JOKWH4I81Sng6jKViCyPJQFzANLGzovEN6RIj4aZEXojpA-mPBn96iN1qw/s400/P1150009+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feb 2012</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check back for more stories over the next 4 weeks as we reflect on our experiences raising Smokey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Smokey boy, we are so proud of you and we pray that you stay healthy and learn all you need to know in final training to be a successful guide dog or a veterans assistant dog. We love you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-14126884985577980172012-01-25T20:12:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:12:16.037-08:00When somebody loves you.....<div style="text-align: center;">When somebody loves you, you feel it in your heart</div><div style="text-align: center;">When somebody loves you, you know it from the start</div><div style="text-align: center;">When somebody loves you, it shows in every smile</div><div style="text-align: center;">When somebody loves you, your life becomes worthwhile</div><div style="text-align: center;">Always caring, always sharing, everything you do</div><div style="text-align: center;">When somebody loves you, like I love you *</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU0DvxQEemESQg5f215wCBVks7otkFPX1ymrQ0sp6FUjYrVZYMzfG1DJmx7nACN1_0A0mcqNh9gbOutKmhMN04ZNx4h_9paoj3tmxGjtjQABiL-JrKmSCYg1lKg_IYGE6p6DWz4MKUWc/s1600/P1200033+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU0DvxQEemESQg5f215wCBVks7otkFPX1ymrQ0sp6FUjYrVZYMzfG1DJmx7nACN1_0A0mcqNh9gbOutKmhMN04ZNx4h_9paoj3tmxGjtjQABiL-JrKmSCYg1lKg_IYGE6p6DWz4MKUWc/s400/P1200033+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> FedEx delivery .... for moi?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIna3x0Xq7e4c7_uKoC_TEi9IlxObGCoI9ziuyRFvfr8r79b8402ttK7MRN_oa39GXlmPAc5SgjMWPzvBj3kwOgXebKsWuZNxAJSZN_NoLDRxJIGZWDNGqfLwgAkSZ-Zl-H79oVwK_lU/s1600/P1200038+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIna3x0Xq7e4c7_uKoC_TEi9IlxObGCoI9ziuyRFvfr8r79b8402ttK7MRN_oa39GXlmPAc5SgjMWPzvBj3kwOgXebKsWuZNxAJSZN_NoLDRxJIGZWDNGqfLwgAkSZ-Zl-H79oVwK_lU/s400/P1200038+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> how exciting! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXDtvqf5Q1eaZyQ19eEgojY9UzCYztFK7gZDyFHrfBLcMV8sjfHuRoM7wjUHbpBFkDAyfBnkZ6WvhlRE71QWDrnYOamSivA3mFxJWvvufYMnDa-t5YEkFeWoojAGWwh0oCW1bzGRFsHw/s1600/P1200039+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXDtvqf5Q1eaZyQ19eEgojY9UzCYztFK7gZDyFHrfBLcMV8sjfHuRoM7wjUHbpBFkDAyfBnkZ6WvhlRE71QWDrnYOamSivA3mFxJWvvufYMnDa-t5YEkFeWoojAGWwh0oCW1bzGRFsHw/s400/P1200039+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Wonder who it's from?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHdiAYLWnlJgGxACD24bPZfKq5xPCYW5Lyqwkm7tdGUIZNEsIoAI6NTD3FkIpnzC8noNjZJUJF8rGScIG9VYoLqxxJVwIebIs-exj15CVTnb9rtUi8rABoHNXezceeVQPos4UEzZrHvY/s1600/P1200040+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHdiAYLWnlJgGxACD24bPZfKq5xPCYW5Lyqwkm7tdGUIZNEsIoAI6NTD3FkIpnzC8noNjZJUJF8rGScIG9VYoLqxxJVwIebIs-exj15CVTnb9rtUi8rABoHNXezceeVQPos4UEzZrHvY/s400/P1200040+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awww! It's a birthday package from Toni and the Turner family, my sponsors from Florida. And to top it off, Toni wrote me the sweetest letter! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x3nxk_q15Yz_vlpoMT93Ce55sYxQPK6Td4fDLRxByLG9dcn0wx0uRdmsUI703gz5jUqNHSDP8h2ruzaRU7j-QvrtZQFFsLoMBxffGl_QAMyNhFEGx3aMMXFq6GdvXavTHjzJhDJwM5I/s1600/P1200042+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x3nxk_q15Yz_vlpoMT93Ce55sYxQPK6Td4fDLRxByLG9dcn0wx0uRdmsUI703gz5jUqNHSDP8h2ruzaRU7j-QvrtZQFFsLoMBxffGl_QAMyNhFEGx3aMMXFq6GdvXavTHjzJhDJwM5I/s400/P1200042+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and look, it's a photo of my namesake, Smokey, and his mom Toni! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am thrilled!!! I can't wait to meet you in March!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0VVB1mTpuuycEjkj2wCviNywsfi43F-gILoUR0poqi1GUq9u521gTKBsb87GW5UDmN6zoGzK5-oFuTnwFOj_zCozYCbRcUyGZzVwMOALRDJtPNBvG_jzGjDJ60kSLKEAz7jC1LlkuS0/s1600/P1200068+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0VVB1mTpuuycEjkj2wCviNywsfi43F-gILoUR0poqi1GUq9u521gTKBsb87GW5UDmN6zoGzK5-oFuTnwFOj_zCozYCbRcUyGZzVwMOALRDJtPNBvG_jzGjDJ60kSLKEAz7jC1LlkuS0/s400/P1200068+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wonder what Toni picked out for me?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1twEt-pXffaH504_k1YHb9SiMyXhZU0SNPGBP1hzh_tcasAhyxtI0tSZVl2rE9D5QpWXo8X-CRd9yZvaArJUpn4S8dJmFrx766uMu7p9LhhZJc0McY8o0vjU1o3CaYbK0Lm5Dgat5Tw/s1600/P1200080+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1twEt-pXffaH504_k1YHb9SiMyXhZU0SNPGBP1hzh_tcasAhyxtI0tSZVl2rE9D5QpWXo8X-CRd9yZvaArJUpn4S8dJmFrx766uMu7p9LhhZJc0McY8o0vjU1o3CaYbK0Lm5Dgat5Tw/s400/P1200080+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yumo! I see lots and lots of my favorite things... Treats! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMReZPZq1DLNL3LKg40Tqqv-boceFWFCHNtK5vAhzeN06s7nUHXyovVytUCPnIdIdLqSqQEuZ_6d369UxufMiumVyXOr51lc26YO0U2mJRZ-Z38bmjo0E0yGDA4B-R4J3DTAgqIhaoAFk/s1600/P1200060+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMReZPZq1DLNL3LKg40Tqqv-boceFWFCHNtK5vAhzeN06s7nUHXyovVytUCPnIdIdLqSqQEuZ_6d369UxufMiumVyXOr51lc26YO0U2mJRZ-Z38bmjo0E0yGDA4B-R4J3DTAgqIhaoAFk/s400/P1200060+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gosh, this is a big box of stuff!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, do I see a new friend in there? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVq-YjSnyJgV_y3cOsuhLE-lmyqtl4LPBdqpaPtS0EgnykYhya8kkCfPs3PG3d56W-jMkCHqKogt_9IZQjBKWV4UcQAzNBhg5O4jZOhKMHBTCY3JUWPTjHEuLpgh0dtS-DROBS6QpfkI/s1600/P1200050+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVq-YjSnyJgV_y3cOsuhLE-lmyqtl4LPBdqpaPtS0EgnykYhya8kkCfPs3PG3d56W-jMkCHqKogt_9IZQjBKWV4UcQAzNBhg5O4jZOhKMHBTCY3JUWPTjHEuLpgh0dtS-DROBS6QpfkI/s400/P1200050+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh yes indeedy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzejj8WZTPvhEqz1YzKhiX_gL8R5YcAm3noFdAcfTIV__0cPaqcbwTYewfkazkWowaHSMTpRbt41ai33OzlB8e-n2RQkHYMZ8QZovEgrHMokC8XJUBYi5Xl_LgDsc-8PdwFmbWBTqG1I/s1600/P1200058+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzejj8WZTPvhEqz1YzKhiX_gL8R5YcAm3noFdAcfTIV__0cPaqcbwTYewfkazkWowaHSMTpRbt41ai33OzlB8e-n2RQkHYMZ8QZovEgrHMokC8XJUBYi5Xl_LgDsc-8PdwFmbWBTqG1I/s400/P1200058+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just love him. I'm gonna call him Herman II.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyzTZZJc5oC51mxe0lGRY4fvyhfUnWadNgHj9LDCEQ22dskGIgPxmicjpnP74soIpj2myCqsLSmLT8dDN_Kfe4PcQBgaMNQt7icWI9RwnlY5SNant-UmtEGKmNbX9buG3QFg_Q_i654I/s1600/P1200069+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyzTZZJc5oC51mxe0lGRY4fvyhfUnWadNgHj9LDCEQ22dskGIgPxmicjpnP74soIpj2myCqsLSmLT8dDN_Kfe4PcQBgaMNQt7icWI9RwnlY5SNant-UmtEGKmNbX9buG3QFg_Q_i654I/s400/P1200069+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> What else is in there, dad?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSEcPr2No36r4uIQsidofGVill-CyB641ngnzXb6nEYsttS43p28CZrxbg2UdlZAfQl7DBkRJfXfAxpG1rnLRPnqfBZwfKxQ9_jb0QvplmI9gVW94oCK3CmTDn7hQrVFc4TS1ky7vAlc/s1600/P1200070+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSEcPr2No36r4uIQsidofGVill-CyB641ngnzXb6nEYsttS43p28CZrxbg2UdlZAfQl7DBkRJfXfAxpG1rnLRPnqfBZwfKxQ9_jb0QvplmI9gVW94oCK3CmTDn7hQrVFc4TS1ky7vAlc/s400/P1200070+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now this looks like fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSXv43QciFQG2_GvXzjSW7Fvz0Fy71HT6tEok1ng_6-LUCH06NTKhHBwXCbMpdyV7D1CPoLGk5VpX-SSeY8EXl7CfiGAmpjAUcBxH7fm5feRmUgP5O4jOiPWbpKPFlw3ArjrqE0ZQ2rA/s1600/P1200045+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSXv43QciFQG2_GvXzjSW7Fvz0Fy71HT6tEok1ng_6-LUCH06NTKhHBwXCbMpdyV7D1CPoLGk5VpX-SSeY8EXl7CfiGAmpjAUcBxH7fm5feRmUgP5O4jOiPWbpKPFlw3ArjrqE0ZQ2rA/s400/P1200045+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And some refills...these will keep me busy for a long time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PzMc1PBdwKO2RLSxANuhxEhshz2F8y-mkwyqg-dzjWtjzaCxoaoKOfxJKcYlSIi3lZsp4jrzzVCVbI4Azkv-LTQxhRtztNv7xh622WeFD7oYn0xzUoUrXO2pfXLhpvxem53QbrEGru4/s1600/P1200076+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PzMc1PBdwKO2RLSxANuhxEhshz2F8y-mkwyqg-dzjWtjzaCxoaoKOfxJKcYlSIi3lZsp4jrzzVCVbI4Azkv-LTQxhRtztNv7xh622WeFD7oYn0xzUoUrXO2pfXLhpvxem53QbrEGru4/s400/P1200076+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You mean there's more?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSQlQwiE1hiXy-cBIrZnEPZD6g2iKWSGnaUU8qaK3NFN_QOyhdoSZcE4CYd4DO2xuyiUATPCI_-jrTlysLkoGaJUDMswshxtv5PQNnsIL-HK-Y3VDurWVhEsoUUftxjvy4lBVuQJ7i14/s1600/P1200063+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSQlQwiE1hiXy-cBIrZnEPZD6g2iKWSGnaUU8qaK3NFN_QOyhdoSZcE4CYd4DO2xuyiUATPCI_-jrTlysLkoGaJUDMswshxtv5PQNnsIL-HK-Y3VDurWVhEsoUUftxjvy4lBVuQJ7i14/s400/P1200063+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Some puppy teething keys..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNMPlGmbtJpB8hgljH1BLSRreZNpZjSil2PniQcj0xGeUHva8kqYK7kZwZG6EPdZsEdMVKg59a5wByoTYUfMHSsO5nVi2zP_FwOMxOkGlyKvvvdhFl6ZTIW_d5JGreQemcoS1nvf2nYo/s1600/P1200082+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNMPlGmbtJpB8hgljH1BLSRreZNpZjSil2PniQcj0xGeUHva8kqYK7kZwZG6EPdZsEdMVKg59a5wByoTYUfMHSsO5nVi2zP_FwOMxOkGlyKvvvdhFl6ZTIW_d5JGreQemcoS1nvf2nYo/s400/P1200082+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet! A T-shirt for dad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbyI4rrasOp27KG7rtRdsQe77JX4-rKsYIEZKe5s-PkfEK9iBq9VEagIk6I9lKwo2qd9bFIkc9E6Y7EgJ-qbhbOTguj0GvcVAru8UKFmeyvcYmjv9wEXWx2heo-XSi31q0yjjmGCBs74/s1600/P1200083+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbyI4rrasOp27KG7rtRdsQe77JX4-rKsYIEZKe5s-PkfEK9iBq9VEagIk6I9lKwo2qd9bFIkc9E6Y7EgJ-qbhbOTguj0GvcVAru8UKFmeyvcYmjv9wEXWx2heo-XSi31q0yjjmGCBs74/s400/P1200083+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">from Southeastern!! He will love this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRjWOAiai9b9zf16d8whz55fQ8jSaftf93HjUbftg8SNChA4vIDxX4q_-UXYmiI1xguDYIaRHokUtZ-WdgY2vZs8zvWgSrUxGct2_g909kAvQv_zs5OaBA_yKe-TPVj5VKBcLOmonTSE/s1600/P1200086+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRjWOAiai9b9zf16d8whz55fQ8jSaftf93HjUbftg8SNChA4vIDxX4q_-UXYmiI1xguDYIaRHokUtZ-WdgY2vZs8zvWgSrUxGct2_g909kAvQv_zs5OaBA_yKe-TPVj5VKBcLOmonTSE/s400/P1200086+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now this looks interesting. It's a ginormous deer antler - it's over 12" long!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jJHvHVCusrmca_ZmaSrIYqH3Y3-R_VQNQK67BGrELl2H_tqRwE1mAzQhTnd2fYlV9O0SbF3ryd5zoB-NTTEbNW0sPfwV1yIqTfTMBTgtxvzyZ520Rl4v5ni7P-ysXmLqbTMB_9VKNh0/s1600/P1200089+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jJHvHVCusrmca_ZmaSrIYqH3Y3-R_VQNQK67BGrELl2H_tqRwE1mAzQhTnd2fYlV9O0SbF3ryd5zoB-NTTEbNW0sPfwV1yIqTfTMBTgtxvzyZ520Rl4v5ni7P-ysXmLqbTMB_9VKNh0/s400/P1200089+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roar! Look what big teeth I have! LOL! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXewxokV-YnTllwEzeTLT3w3foiQv53PhzS8tIXjXzsTwUl1crjA-BGCfzw1fM9WpZ6Ek3vl24t_ffFEH_9MwbmbBh_ZymeZdJZwoVFNw8bIRtVin5bfnfXwo5lDUWRu3i1GaaNuuzQw/s1600/P1200107+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXewxokV-YnTllwEzeTLT3w3foiQv53PhzS8tIXjXzsTwUl1crjA-BGCfzw1fM9WpZ6Ek3vl24t_ffFEH_9MwbmbBh_ZymeZdJZwoVFNw8bIRtVin5bfnfXwo5lDUWRu3i1GaaNuuzQw/s400/P1200107+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And the most special gift of all... Smokey Sr's tote bag. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so touched with love to receive this gift. Toni sent this just for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know this bag is very special to her cuz I know how much she loved her Smokey boy. It must have been really hard for her to part with. She said in her letter that I was to use this bag to pack up all my stuff when I move to Florida in March. I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty special. This is my favorite gift of all. I promise to take care of it, Toni, but it will be hard to keep mom's tears from drenching it as we travel to Florida.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SX_0Afc8pc_iJ_NUFxu6QM4IIoacIIobodWcqLh5ENZ8ens_Mmw147Xn6YD7D0jwLaoTj6FDIo48lFFU3ZgRPuB3hVLhB5GA-oZGQN_5Fgao_pAlsCQdqW4016hHahZemcy5CHvBifY/s1600/P1200213+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SX_0Afc8pc_iJ_NUFxu6QM4IIoacIIobodWcqLh5ENZ8ens_Mmw147Xn6YD7D0jwLaoTj6FDIo48lFFU3ZgRPuB3hVLhB5GA-oZGQN_5Fgao_pAlsCQdqW4016hHahZemcy5CHvBifY/s400/P1200213+sm.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Toni sent something for mom too! A beautiful necklace from Southeastern! It is just perfect!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMjJB2FUeyTJ_0n8YutaXvDP4yEAmNngF2aJtiUb0n750uNt3ls-dG0Rb8Mq2GJjY951aCUCslqYlF0VW8QaEnUDLrG1vKIzYAvg3c2PRcq1SkV5ZBSh3oZ2M9R5wKGfSV3wQCk0D6fM/s1600/P1200106+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMjJB2FUeyTJ_0n8YutaXvDP4yEAmNngF2aJtiUb0n750uNt3ls-dG0Rb8Mq2GJjY951aCUCslqYlF0VW8QaEnUDLrG1vKIzYAvg3c2PRcq1SkV5ZBSh3oZ2M9R5wKGfSV3wQCk0D6fM/s400/P1200106+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is the bestest birthday a boy could ever have!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Toni, how can I ever thank you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OcwYz-PPkACRcrV3vhyphenhyphenEccPbZc3EeaNhgYiKD2vE-hHFW_qumJCDmm_H2aCjaGaqscnuNOwpjwu-FVRNLc5qyavaeHgU0DOlRjTJDXQHW2YLiNqN2xBa7m5odeVPluwFv3kqagExgYY/s1600/P1200187+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OcwYz-PPkACRcrV3vhyphenhyphenEccPbZc3EeaNhgYiKD2vE-hHFW_qumJCDmm_H2aCjaGaqscnuNOwpjwu-FVRNLc5qyavaeHgU0DOlRjTJDXQHW2YLiNqN2xBa7m5odeVPluwFv3kqagExgYY/s400/P1200187+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Now, those treats are smelling pretty good...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvDibUAqPOfVBhAZnuemJrTDj8tZy6N3-JTzTxseTa7x9UZFKQTNYwjKxzzlX_b9G-vlC4lKGAi2LOndTGJ9wnt-v8ELFq8mcDwZnRMLTD_BjmGKdVb5Ja3xzC5wyYUJUJs0x-I0SAyo/s1600/P1200136+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvDibUAqPOfVBhAZnuemJrTDj8tZy6N3-JTzTxseTa7x9UZFKQTNYwjKxzzlX_b9G-vlC4lKGAi2LOndTGJ9wnt-v8ELFq8mcDwZnRMLTD_BjmGKdVb5Ja3xzC5wyYUJUJs0x-I0SAyo/s400/P1200136+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Why, thanks, dad, I'd like to have a taste!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz7kXLdX3hICzZXLYktFN9ZheJy5Z-jySHW9syou2AAUKqnrPDW2a0odNZTFf62wfe1jZhtaOa-3RMm-FOHJ32czwhPvVy4LVBVwczBElMbdcGBaoJ0GZHmrYNuGlLKsQS-HSyF-UyhQ/s1600/P1200161+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz7kXLdX3hICzZXLYktFN9ZheJy5Z-jySHW9syou2AAUKqnrPDW2a0odNZTFf62wfe1jZhtaOa-3RMm-FOHJ32czwhPvVy4LVBVwczBElMbdcGBaoJ0GZHmrYNuGlLKsQS-HSyF-UyhQ/s400/P1200161+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These treats are as cute as they are tasty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uDTUHPadEDl6IGmhTd_pU_ce5i_8sX_9Jmlj36HQVf-_DNtDBPWmdMRGVt44EbfYUT271TvYDK3oKgH3_gOkpt5N4gmqwSzfrOqLvptW8JaWnxi7hgUnSYWuNPRllQ2UEdf8B81dsP8/s1600/P1200146+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uDTUHPadEDl6IGmhTd_pU_ce5i_8sX_9Jmlj36HQVf-_DNtDBPWmdMRGVt44EbfYUT271TvYDK3oKgH3_gOkpt5N4gmqwSzfrOqLvptW8JaWnxi7hgUnSYWuNPRllQ2UEdf8B81dsP8/s400/P1200146+sm.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> time to check out the new toys...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UsMBWkat3fp2ZlyTjcIzBUaN1DSIYlGL20ky2JtPw0Ckp9VVIRjbBAVUQHV0-n7HWtykQ-GikcM1GjzqEpdkZRhXeCELmVbNsw_9NU_BPPh6Hg8hiLIKHMczqCj5JCbMXUcsqf_0EP8/s1600/P1200167+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UsMBWkat3fp2ZlyTjcIzBUaN1DSIYlGL20ky2JtPw0Ckp9VVIRjbBAVUQHV0-n7HWtykQ-GikcM1GjzqEpdkZRhXeCELmVbNsw_9NU_BPPh6Hg8hiLIKHMczqCj5JCbMXUcsqf_0EP8/s400/P1200167+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">chillin with my new best buddy, Herman II</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQLXR40rwdPM-0RNAbax5FuCBNz2GnHOCQI5SfM49FVD5lhBRYXSk0c-h2OlMW_YvavJRnuiyCC6NaYuFgyYXvihprWek2ToTfgcVO-LmH2o6Js1iMtwH9Bgb0JYOsI7dsL2NobcEcyE/s1600/P1200172+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQLXR40rwdPM-0RNAbax5FuCBNz2GnHOCQI5SfM49FVD5lhBRYXSk0c-h2OlMW_YvavJRnuiyCC6NaYuFgyYXvihprWek2ToTfgcVO-LmH2o6Js1iMtwH9Bgb0JYOsI7dsL2NobcEcyE/s400/P1200172+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Herman goofing around...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlWP7i1rM3sqz-NHl_5Laaq0mGnR4938EfmDF5sIA9mBNu6yUyABTNuTq3Ww2aKuS_FsP-8x6AkLwBlwPq-5FJWg0wJj447GxxsOPKangOfoDu6e_QO4UCfuamEIltSvp3TY-U9I1vVw/s1600/P1200176+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlWP7i1rM3sqz-NHl_5Laaq0mGnR4938EfmDF5sIA9mBNu6yUyABTNuTq3Ww2aKuS_FsP-8x6AkLwBlwPq-5FJWg0wJj447GxxsOPKangOfoDu6e_QO4UCfuamEIltSvp3TY-U9I1vVw/s400/P1200176+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Me goofing around...</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I'm impersonating a mastadon. But it's just me, silly!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6_ytbmXZWVoRDo_wqaLkM94K3yvbxpS2Jblb82pyJrP2ITZKqtvs4tM7UbH2gB1nkzWAhP0otTh7PZ3O5mwUz01iIxunx4VEyt64qJsdVd-0iU6qH4IX0lgZxUw06epnAwvCF0eieEg/s1600/P1200180+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6_ytbmXZWVoRDo_wqaLkM94K3yvbxpS2Jblb82pyJrP2ITZKqtvs4tM7UbH2gB1nkzWAhP0otTh7PZ3O5mwUz01iIxunx4VEyt64qJsdVd-0iU6qH4IX0lgZxUw06epnAwvCF0eieEg/s400/P1200180+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hey Herman, where'd you run off to?</div><div style="text-align: center;">......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little while later...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">full of treats and surrounded by his new toys...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-OOEuNY8FjagA3KR5ybyqPWjaNi8lSUw-cGeBVsZT_yQ2myxXJIaCLS4-rNw0P-9sKUSMpvCLSI1upx6nIxxp9jnTnWLMTBDIMTBHv6YbbQ1X_6If9Ed8yLqZjwOdbGPFw10RvhVSfQ/s1600/P1200123+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-OOEuNY8FjagA3KR5ybyqPWjaNi8lSUw-cGeBVsZT_yQ2myxXJIaCLS4-rNw0P-9sKUSMpvCLSI1upx6nIxxp9jnTnWLMTBDIMTBHv6YbbQ1X_6If9Ed8yLqZjwOdbGPFw10RvhVSfQ/s400/P1200123+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our tired but VERY loved little boy goes fast asleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y8Z8EogtTm1K2_Sy6Q9fbpY9d8Nx30v0U_UIEJtYMaiDxrBDvRs40VdWHVBV6nHela8hPPKzOjOADbdnozPw2nZ2aRjAoowxXb7nnehtSbaLhL7paEWnV1HBKYfES1sYfpr9iAZLgSc/s1600/P1200111+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y8Z8EogtTm1K2_Sy6Q9fbpY9d8Nx30v0U_UIEJtYMaiDxrBDvRs40VdWHVBV6nHela8hPPKzOjOADbdnozPw2nZ2aRjAoowxXb7nnehtSbaLhL7paEWnV1HBKYfES1sYfpr9iAZLgSc/s400/P1200111+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Toni, and ALL the Turners for my very special birthday gifts!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smokey</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* music lyrics by Barton Music Corporation</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-52102027910065033092012-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:52:05.779-08:00Brazoria, TX Lions ClubThank you to the Brazoria, TX Lions Club for inviting us to present Smokey and the Southeastern Guide Dog, Inc. (SEGDI) program to your organization on Monday night, Jan 23, 2012.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgT1SPUenGT39X_U3pcZ406UrEnOfkzQVt5G4SjoaTEtn8kk55AJNmD7bnolUFB7ue4RAkItzKxA2aEJfJoq7GhYd3Z0JBzsf7hCDovxPimfArOcyav20crCzSHhuFLi6Fz2hv4x9MxY/s1600/Lions+club+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgT1SPUenGT39X_U3pcZ406UrEnOfkzQVt5G4SjoaTEtn8kk55AJNmD7bnolUFB7ue4RAkItzKxA2aEJfJoq7GhYd3Z0JBzsf7hCDovxPimfArOcyav20crCzSHhuFLi6Fz2hv4x9MxY/s400/Lions+club+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured with Dr. Robert Schwebel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We appreciate the invitation and your generous support with raffle ticket purchases which will assist SEGDI in giving a life of independence to those in need.<br />
<br />
We are glad we got the chance to attend your meeting to hear about the various activities you do to demonstrate your commitment to living the Lions motto of "We Serve". <br />
<br />
On a personal note, it was great to see our former vet, Dr. Robert Schwebel, at the meeting. He was our family's vet for over 25 years at Lake Jackson Veterinary Clinic prior to his retirement. As you can see, Smokey was taken with him, too! <br />
<br />
God bless you all!<br />
Greg, Melissa, and SmokeyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-15718833658470188362012-01-25T15:13:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:13:42.649-08:00Sometimes the best hikes are close to home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU4P8EPBVx8fRTleGNPmGgGHa5IGD9fqmSYyPxxRdnNQa7kYcgIxSQp9v_JUlvxkSfsCf_D5SVmImPVU6QbXGMe6XuWqU70CVu8g7nbzPKn_dYIi1lJHk7bIYeStOTD2vSoL5pJVv3N4/s1600/P1110075+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU4P8EPBVx8fRTleGNPmGgGHa5IGD9fqmSYyPxxRdnNQa7kYcgIxSQp9v_JUlvxkSfsCf_D5SVmImPVU6QbXGMe6XuWqU70CVu8g7nbzPKn_dYIi1lJHk7bIYeStOTD2vSoL5pJVv3N4/s400/P1110075+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As our year with Smokey is drawing to a close, we are trying to make every minute count. We are working hard to reinforce his learned commands so he's ready for IFT (In for Training). We are verifying that he's met all the required exposures. We want him to be successful and we want him to be ready for the next part of his life's journey. Selfishly, tho, we're also spending <i>lots</i> of quality time with our little boy, enjoying each and every moment we have left with him. Smokey is such a loveable little guy and he has brought such joy to our hearts this past year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2r4Z8jzhOsPeHek_1jCWce1v3MD77EBOz3yvVm-96MBQ1ottUxhIheG7dffDNKaESr_-3F02TGB_JpLK9RRw64Ln9BJWqjtEZnOwsI9iPgvJ4EYYUoGKgdqf4oLTjP8wBQjjDpC1zxs/s1600/P1110078+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2r4Z8jzhOsPeHek_1jCWce1v3MD77EBOz3yvVm-96MBQ1ottUxhIheG7dffDNKaESr_-3F02TGB_JpLK9RRw64Ln9BJWqjtEZnOwsI9iPgvJ4EYYUoGKgdqf4oLTjP8wBQjjDpC1zxs/s400/P1110078+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of the things we really enjoy is hiking. We are not what some would call "bushwackers", meaning we kind of like staying on established trails. We have enjoyed hiking in the mountains of Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Glacier National Park, the Rainforest in Washington state, the Appalachian trail in Tennessee and even on a glacier in Alaska. One of the things we love about living in Texas is our mild winters. On this brisk winter day, we wanted to spend some quality time with Smokey, outdoors - letting him be a puppy, and enjoying a luxurious romp in the woods.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ2JV5qMEUoGbA71yR8E8cApv5-Pyxm759-zGX_tr38KTB573cholHoh0irCROowV9QGi5Gq28dKFs-adWZHTjnSi6QFZqRO9P3NKln0gjnPa4X6pXxsdCpJbGNx7m8G1C7HxPBOT4zY/s1600/P1110044+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ2JV5qMEUoGbA71yR8E8cApv5-Pyxm759-zGX_tr38KTB573cholHoh0irCROowV9QGi5Gq28dKFs-adWZHTjnSi6QFZqRO9P3NKln0gjnPa4X6pXxsdCpJbGNx7m8G1C7HxPBOT4zY/s400/P1110044+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It just so happens that we live right next door to about 1500 acres of wildlife refuge which is part of the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. It has been a wildlife refuge for about 10 years or so. Prior to that it was a working ranch. Funny as it sounds we have never taken advantage of the trails right next door. Smokey gets to go on a "fun walk" (eg non-"working") walk every once in a while, so we picked a relatively cool day and set out on a hike next door.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic029NHKiYB9VmfHBQz4QxfWxicQt8iuz5qGc4rFPTqwQBrcqbBxqWJH5jGtvvarrnjmepiBCHfc-jrUWuO69wGr0hFTNSPUBOBDp6AxviL0RHD1Nq6NWKNcvHceWz3vhrmtZGQldxtYE/s1600/P1110002+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic029NHKiYB9VmfHBQz4QxfWxicQt8iuz5qGc4rFPTqwQBrcqbBxqWJH5jGtvvarrnjmepiBCHfc-jrUWuO69wGr0hFTNSPUBOBDp6AxviL0RHD1Nq6NWKNcvHceWz3vhrmtZGQldxtYE/s400/P1110002+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on mom, we're waiting on you!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We used a "long line" on Smokey because even though it was a "fun walk" we also worked on recalls along the way. Having a guide dog that doesn't "come" when called is not too useful, so we work on recalls often. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV-2xzcyvfnT84ldxacx4E1ejI7u7BP4qU4Jmm9TL2NkgpGfl3Rl1F0kFfUn4UWa00PSuK8cU4HWeVoXJRFnuqRiEot63GzHBBz1bAMOPNvrKF8WkY0NJDRGHwp7bQWw0U5M8IlcEhV4/s1600/P1110014+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV-2xzcyvfnT84ldxacx4E1ejI7u7BP4qU4Jmm9TL2NkgpGfl3Rl1F0kFfUn4UWa00PSuK8cU4HWeVoXJRFnuqRiEot63GzHBBz1bAMOPNvrKF8WkY0NJDRGHwp7bQWw0U5M8IlcEhV4/s400/P1110014+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of Smokey's most favorite things is spanish moss, which is prolific here on the Texas Gulf Coast. When in jacket, Smokey is trained to ignore distractions such as moss, but today we're on a fun walk and we let him play with it for a little while. He is still a puppy, and we let him embrace it today...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaVZKg1SCfw9friQybi2kKKszCX0JSIJRZ-6ydNYmWWxK-9_gY-PjAH-o-yIaCraa4afIZT9aQN4mgq1ywUoysJl_ZAY5-y7o1mqlq6kc25TupVRzTVqSYUVh9pCDY_3UpCQkPwyxlbc/s1600/P1110016+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaVZKg1SCfw9friQybi2kKKszCX0JSIJRZ-6ydNYmWWxK-9_gY-PjAH-o-yIaCraa4afIZT9aQN4mgq1ywUoysJl_ZAY5-y7o1mqlq6kc25TupVRzTVqSYUVh9pCDY_3UpCQkPwyxlbc/s400/P1110016+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuZMAbAaxC-E_HAhStBPdv2elgRddU70S1RFG_BdYoICa0ijCbIh_lLsdZiJ32xe30YOM2izezrkwzc6BYzMYHSWy0YKmrUjh8Tz2N1hwPyMZoE38AaCWUNPoW1NfqwfjgqMu8Sy67-0/s1600/P1110017+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuZMAbAaxC-E_HAhStBPdv2elgRddU70S1RFG_BdYoICa0ijCbIh_lLsdZiJ32xe30YOM2izezrkwzc6BYzMYHSWy0YKmrUjh8Tz2N1hwPyMZoE38AaCWUNPoW1NfqwfjgqMu8Sy67-0/s400/P1110017+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYoID-xlxl8DkfRu-YaqBlT7qUq7TYjXaUZ8iTn_FtEMLwFxjXUMU9lZzRkVD9ZIdxBm35j_hkEkE2gEiSz3-MUd4uLJaQAt06ZYVjdafRdH4eFK6ame1lDukaCOTrMm5t915IyBM48g/s1600/P1110013+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYoID-xlxl8DkfRu-YaqBlT7qUq7TYjXaUZ8iTn_FtEMLwFxjXUMU9lZzRkVD9ZIdxBm35j_hkEkE2gEiSz3-MUd4uLJaQAt06ZYVjdafRdH4eFK6ame1lDukaCOTrMm5t915IyBM48g/s400/P1110013+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After a minute or two of play, he dropped the moss <i>on command</i> and walked away. Such a good boy! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOOwYmt3EFEusp4Np3X-oqE72At7q9F4dYutoe7MuCCu5AAZuWLvpTuSvBkKOQiU4OD1dfrY4sacCoi_xJh4nUR78mTlKhyphenhypheniL4ZwpX6f8qnj86NpzkddpIiEshBfrRJxdnsoYVin6GWE/s1600/P1110019+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOOwYmt3EFEusp4Np3X-oqE72At7q9F4dYutoe7MuCCu5AAZuWLvpTuSvBkKOQiU4OD1dfrY4sacCoi_xJh4nUR78mTlKhyphenhypheniL4ZwpX6f8qnj86NpzkddpIiEshBfrRJxdnsoYVin6GWE/s400/P1110019+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We started out thinking this would be a short hike to Scoby lake, a horseshoe shaped lake that is nestled in the middle of all these woods. When we first bought our property and built our house, the lake was within view of our kitchen window. Our boys would take the kayaks out to the lake and catch bass, and even run from an alligator or two.The woods are now thick and dense, and we can no longer see the lake from our house. But, we thought it would be a quick hike to the lake. After walking for quite some time, and much to our surprise, we found a bench tucked away in the woods.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50mc9-CEcARt-qDoo_EwF2pZDEyXKyxAl7z47Se2V6gMLtz_pc4tnsC0-Uybm_WKed5MXuEJ9y_iq7EBXUtqKWP1-aKic5Fdry7PUNchHArkYTJ-1DIaHCL5LmD-B8QA44EUZJ4USyXY/s1600/P1110022+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50mc9-CEcARt-qDoo_EwF2pZDEyXKyxAl7z47Se2V6gMLtz_pc4tnsC0-Uybm_WKed5MXuEJ9y_iq7EBXUtqKWP1-aKic5Fdry7PUNchHArkYTJ-1DIaHCL5LmD-B8QA44EUZJ4USyXY/s400/P1110022+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Nestled in these woods are some <i>very</i> large and <i>very</i> old Live Oak trees. In fact, the largest Live Oak trees in the state of Texas are here in the San Bernard National wildlife refuge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjMhGli3jiaw9J3GR7KdBOvNFJAT9DaGTSEQ6DedNXq8_zYu6tSc-suVfaTuLy0_QkzmUEeHjliDrDPMQBFv7pFTsSnn94eB52__03HcjLwu_42sUIDac4iWPO5o1lutvXdT5T5fwsAI/s1600/P1110052+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjMhGli3jiaw9J3GR7KdBOvNFJAT9DaGTSEQ6DedNXq8_zYu6tSc-suVfaTuLy0_QkzmUEeHjliDrDPMQBFv7pFTsSnn94eB52__03HcjLwu_42sUIDac4iWPO5o1lutvXdT5T5fwsAI/s400/P1110052+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Some of these live oak trees are over 200 years old. They date back to the days when the Karawanka, local native Americans, hunted and lived in this area. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yPreSGUVlwJ8Putwj7Mmt7uuTEk9wrt4dXZmLFUgUpiAk4zCfkJk1AUh4OsoyZj0C7jh2q7PCNe1OTIrjBEdrVcVOR8HIO0Ruhhtt84Lh5n_tQ8NTitrgcVijH7zPA3SbRRDZEMU5-g/s1600/P1110070+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yPreSGUVlwJ8Putwj7Mmt7uuTEk9wrt4dXZmLFUgUpiAk4zCfkJk1AUh4OsoyZj0C7jh2q7PCNe1OTIrjBEdrVcVOR8HIO0Ruhhtt84Lh5n_tQ8NTitrgcVijH7zPA3SbRRDZEMU5-g/s400/P1110070+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Smokey - checking out all the smells.<br />
Maybe he will find a long lost arrow head?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenRMMiGQgLpxUiL1zNFAGA9nPUsZbJtiNL_s7XvcvDTVHMHVkMsA9hxtXcb4P4D81IC2KHnugVTbPdGLhrx0Tmg5LmvNEaAPi6Kjy_TpT_4GY_h7pPtQspooQz3-mw9P-CFbtXpWU-_4/s1600/sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenRMMiGQgLpxUiL1zNFAGA9nPUsZbJtiNL_s7XvcvDTVHMHVkMsA9hxtXcb4P4D81IC2KHnugVTbPdGLhrx0Tmg5LmvNEaAPi6Kjy_TpT_4GY_h7pPtQspooQz3-mw9P-CFbtXpWU-_4/s400/sm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nah, just some rabbit pellets. Ew. Yuk!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOtIgd-dG5DZ1NbqemcxI33ycEiTdMR02idYeUPJyCPfWW7iliK6o_aA9lX5FzHtyrDvGkJMHx2Kjwe_pUBKheWZcZ8hFgY0XNO1qvLpM1GnWCToMc_r3oZAwED5OLUhXgmQgdxgwVRk/s1600/P1110098+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOtIgd-dG5DZ1NbqemcxI33ycEiTdMR02idYeUPJyCPfWW7iliK6o_aA9lX5FzHtyrDvGkJMHx2Kjwe_pUBKheWZcZ8hFgY0XNO1qvLpM1GnWCToMc_r3oZAwED5OLUhXgmQgdxgwVRk/s400/P1110098+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You can see the trails are pretty well maintained. With the drought here in Texas, mud sure isn't a problem. We walked for several hours out here, enjoying the sunshine and the creek running alongside the property.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLz2NLE9Q0ccPMOO1bQHoRAgTbraxEXj-zM6rREtjbniCJafBIFsyZSFxvUj1nUAa9Lvk_1WXh2et0WSKLlKYaJLyum3JblxL2bwrqZG-u8xJlkR00Ka5jBlDHa90OW1nU9pCj5IGV3g/s1600/P1110095+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLz2NLE9Q0ccPMOO1bQHoRAgTbraxEXj-zM6rREtjbniCJafBIFsyZSFxvUj1nUAa9Lvk_1WXh2et0WSKLlKYaJLyum3JblxL2bwrqZG-u8xJlkR00Ka5jBlDHa90OW1nU9pCj5IGV3g/s400/P1110095+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost like Little Red Riding Hood finding Gradma's house in the woods, we came across this beautiful park and pavillon...a well kept secret here in the wild. What used to be the care taker's ranch house is now a ranger station, park, and picnic grounds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhpQbeQ9R7VVb0DMzHm0xKLFt_TuM25ldCgvTPOS_4u3_oF-wkBiWZrlR13oeGGWynbVcIiIGRtsi2NOMCq8Ie9LXzIubll9woHJoXmzF4v0bAFs-bUN_I6lRPdj8ITDeC67duk06_p8/s1600/P1110064+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhpQbeQ9R7VVb0DMzHm0xKLFt_TuM25ldCgvTPOS_4u3_oF-wkBiWZrlR13oeGGWynbVcIiIGRtsi2NOMCq8Ie9LXzIubll9woHJoXmzF4v0bAFs-bUN_I6lRPdj8ITDeC67duk06_p8/s400/P1110064+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nearby is a pier built out over the lake (at this moment, the lake bed is still dry due to the long Texas drought) and a blind, or hut, for wildlife viewing such as alligators and water fowl (when there is water, that is!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgictTlDEJU23yXFgkQGsqdggJAefawwJDhSK4gC4BUWAtpMvzFTgGBpmY6E3eXCwMiIcIRM_WIkDdAlbhEtPDEc4aOXfFHOz3TJUYjE8npt6Bn14MCNgWeRoklxGJECClVTdiYjl2jBXU/s1600/P1110059+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgictTlDEJU23yXFgkQGsqdggJAefawwJDhSK4gC4BUWAtpMvzFTgGBpmY6E3eXCwMiIcIRM_WIkDdAlbhEtPDEc4aOXfFHOz3TJUYjE8npt6Bn14MCNgWeRoklxGJECClVTdiYjl2jBXU/s400/P1110059+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smokey checks out the hut..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oL6PJDEhKYg25iefFxh1ZQxPdDMUhPsI_KMsyDmmpsnWIIpCrJ_mPCbagT9XjV-_o9tcwd1PpQ0LxJoWYK07G_-WixdXV7-uOu14TcRny5KSFkPrrLVuKbjj6mjjVWNY3dMfEkYUhsw/s1600/P1110062+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oL6PJDEhKYg25iefFxh1ZQxPdDMUhPsI_KMsyDmmpsnWIIpCrJ_mPCbagT9XjV-_o9tcwd1PpQ0LxJoWYK07G_-WixdXV7-uOu14TcRny5KSFkPrrLVuKbjj6mjjVWNY3dMfEkYUhsw/s400/P1110062+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hey mom, you got a snack? We've been walking a long time and I'm hungry!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7DloWlPI5zOFca5pfoPx64a3q0uH5P2HJ299GLMOmq-EXn6sM9hmM8Lfpy5BGgMgXSVe-kE7sTTgqDMYwjVGDJxHNbfhy4pSNi2SkiBpalmbwnatksAbIGpQyxmDCDUlntWEZnShbfs/s1600/P1110063+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7DloWlPI5zOFca5pfoPx64a3q0uH5P2HJ299GLMOmq-EXn6sM9hmM8Lfpy5BGgMgXSVe-kE7sTTgqDMYwjVGDJxHNbfhy4pSNi2SkiBpalmbwnatksAbIGpQyxmDCDUlntWEZnShbfs/s400/P1110063+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, I thought so! Mom always comes prepared.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2ccKANIXTT-xSADI3KEjeVuQRjvzcy3EpisxFmoWClqK2Bj7PpEm2KzHnRfvQfa371QSMHkPF6xo0FgTbqUJmg7sij2GxcSm52ie_Y5_e2Rg-u-aqf_0hA8JDNwv-viJ9PLKMVvLr-o/s1600/P1110067+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2ccKANIXTT-xSADI3KEjeVuQRjvzcy3EpisxFmoWClqK2Bj7PpEm2KzHnRfvQfa371QSMHkPF6xo0FgTbqUJmg7sij2GxcSm52ie_Y5_e2Rg-u-aqf_0hA8JDNwv-viJ9PLKMVvLr-o/s400/P1110067+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time for a little nap...Walking makes me sleepy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1m8E3-liOns-4m1zwyrV09PtoFw_4_cXCvW2Ue91ymImaWmXXEGDNhrtTPutD9gBLTHKoMQsV5WQu_nqvBqll7Zmr8g6FBxeUGl_09rP7MxvbyU5NiWms8md6yJ6IPXPlchrKrRwCPU/s1600/P1110068+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1m8E3-liOns-4m1zwyrV09PtoFw_4_cXCvW2Ue91ymImaWmXXEGDNhrtTPutD9gBLTHKoMQsV5WQu_nqvBqll7Zmr8g6FBxeUGl_09rP7MxvbyU5NiWms8md6yJ6IPXPlchrKrRwCPU/s400/P1110068+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ahhh..this is the life...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H8lx-2dS4Elvs6z8tRxhvveEo3P22qVU6gBHERm3QkaXMxhg8vaJGk1FdIGn70Tgo_e9iAkFXiLR5rcPRodu7m_3DqajT3mErWF96p1G7ElFNiNUKCV7mGVCVuNm1jTIMEoZv8OY4Ec/s1600/P1110005+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H8lx-2dS4Elvs6z8tRxhvveEo3P22qVU6gBHERm3QkaXMxhg8vaJGk1FdIGn70Tgo_e9iAkFXiLR5rcPRodu7m_3DqajT3mErWF96p1G7ElFNiNUKCV7mGVCVuNm1jTIMEoZv8OY4Ec/s400/P1110005+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After several hours of hiking and play, it's time to head for home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jyPecidjyQm2RXengLX8AWXbfCQF6kHQMRt9jRJJICjbcKnS2MPQP9pPBnDrujNmoxOw3AQvFbPLmBaUFY-WEZzDE4shD3PRiv5eCQvMGG1BkkFClg1NOuohORUaxcg-q1Pwr2oBtp4/s1600/P1110108+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jyPecidjyQm2RXengLX8AWXbfCQF6kHQMRt9jRJJICjbcKnS2MPQP9pPBnDrujNmoxOw3AQvFbPLmBaUFY-WEZzDE4shD3PRiv5eCQvMGG1BkkFClg1NOuohORUaxcg-q1Pwr2oBtp4/s400/P1110108+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, what a beautiful day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeGBM67IRwJxtf0YfG4vw6ZKKkKRLvyjzckN842mhrbQTtIeQYD9bCs3Wm0cKzAPoQbmywXCzgLLgC9RcAFROzf10qbzByuGPkisRjJIzx4d0O2tzLibkHKSNGhZ2HOJnjBu4lhi2K6w/s1600/P1110039+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeGBM67IRwJxtf0YfG4vw6ZKKkKRLvyjzckN842mhrbQTtIeQYD9bCs3Wm0cKzAPoQbmywXCzgLLgC9RcAFROzf10qbzByuGPkisRjJIzx4d0O2tzLibkHKSNGhZ2HOJnjBu4lhi2K6w/s400/P1110039+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smokey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-46982594782033766562012-01-08T18:01:00.000-08:002012-01-08T18:01:52.113-08:00Looks who's ONE!<div style="text-align: center;">Get your motor runnin' <br />
Head out on the highway <br />
Lookin' for adventure <br />
And whatever comes your way...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP8LsxaphnJR6HP9E2IlNcLOS7ZksJpQUF9kyyxiJSGvNQAf_Wz3PZNQkSHMmx2uP_SbIj1DkS4XtYTVEZCXoz0WsFdGtYLrza_gt3zefgwLEtCqeyVeSD4xmUkdCgMaWK5tUxKm6dx4/s1600/P1080041+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP8LsxaphnJR6HP9E2IlNcLOS7ZksJpQUF9kyyxiJSGvNQAf_Wz3PZNQkSHMmx2uP_SbIj1DkS4XtYTVEZCXoz0WsFdGtYLrza_gt3zefgwLEtCqeyVeSD4xmUkdCgMaWK5tUxKm6dx4/s400/P1080041+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Born to be wild! </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Well, as wild as a guide-pup-in-training is allowed to be!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWIkGOEHKAeQ7ot861eRptCstaszb_GwKC-W6VRzRAyWf0EdaMVs5nByeOWu9ff38DNGHAz5iYYeliyysrtXoiF9b-DRLmpeVP-qJm4pAp6QK38LCldQa6aOEI4UeJRj4sL-s_xs9HC0/s1600/P1080040+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWIkGOEHKAeQ7ot861eRptCstaszb_GwKC-W6VRzRAyWf0EdaMVs5nByeOWu9ff38DNGHAz5iYYeliyysrtXoiF9b-DRLmpeVP-qJm4pAp6QK38LCldQa6aOEI4UeJRj4sL-s_xs9HC0/s400/P1080040+sm.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday Smokey bear, you are <i><u><b>1 year old</b></u></i> today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We love you, big boy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-79034784376298008212012-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:002012-01-03T15:58:26.139-08:00Welcome 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlXA8-rnrEI/TwOSUj9-QQI/AAAAAAAABsU/ptbsyeo94oo/s1600/P1030039+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlXA8-rnrEI/TwOSUj9-QQI/AAAAAAAABsU/ptbsyeo94oo/s320/P1030039+sm.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We want to wish all our family, friends, and our adopted family of blog readers out there a very happy new year!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLN9-9vVtn4/TwOSn2OtSKI/AAAAAAAABso/lq0zbeHMtCs/s1600/P1030042+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLN9-9vVtn4/TwOSn2OtSKI/AAAAAAAABso/lq0zbeHMtCs/s320/P1030042+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I feel it is a timely reminder as we start this new year to be thankful, each and every day, for <i>all </i>that God brings our way. We are thankful for all of you and we pray that your days are filled with love, hope, and faith as well as God's peace. May God richly bless you this year! <br />
<br />
Melissa, Greg and SmokeyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-91629094799714623162011-12-24T11:48:00.000-08:002011-12-24T11:48:37.746-08:00Merry Christmas, everyone!We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/Pvq4OiWXlnmrtYhnOMhZ" style="color: #cc3333;" target="_blank">http://sendables.jibjab.com/<wbr></wbr>view/Pvq4OiWXlnmrtYhnOMhZ</a><br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Greg, Melissa and SmokeyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-46846398198817475492011-12-20T20:42:00.000-08:002011-12-20T20:44:40.392-08:00Sheep and cows and donkeys, oh my!Yes, that's what I got to see at our church's living nativity program! Every year for 55 years, St.Timothy's Episcopal church in Lake Jackson, TX has been presenting a living nativity program out on the church lawn. This year, I got to go with mom and dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S43BbSfLU7d9WxB78W1cMk2wyIxU5e4fC6X9dQ974j-d2BBf0F98KpMFmemnW917MLRhphm0V7XKFeci1YKDKZA23Kd6acgHVymzZxj0eph5asuBf7KSnp70YsTssEk1zC3fuKrCOLQ/s1600/PC090001+SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S43BbSfLU7d9WxB78W1cMk2wyIxU5e4fC6X9dQ974j-d2BBf0F98KpMFmemnW917MLRhphm0V7XKFeci1YKDKZA23Kd6acgHVymzZxj0eph5asuBf7KSnp70YsTssEk1zC3fuKrCOLQ/s400/PC090001+SM.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br />
That's me posing for a quick photo with one of the 3 kings of Orient Ore (also called Maji, or Wise Men of the East) before the performance. (I know that this is a Wise Man, cuz he's my dad, and he's very smart IMHO).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9_SyyRkGJovJQ8DkD5yGceh_XATZsnme-bI-91OhUM5OkNqSt-RW21sMUFcgZMntkpjIJDws8wiB88iIidZQk78XYZME-omX4CW2tGImDgcPFiIhZoJCgLVHRzBDJux9E0AmOn44YkM/s1600/PC090006+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9_SyyRkGJovJQ8DkD5yGceh_XATZsnme-bI-91OhUM5OkNqSt-RW21sMUFcgZMntkpjIJDws8wiB88iIidZQk78XYZME-omX4CW2tGImDgcPFiIhZoJCgLVHRzBDJux9E0AmOn44YkM/s400/PC090006+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Annunciation</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24924">30</sup> But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24925">31</sup> You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24926">32</sup> He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24927">33</sup> and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33)</i><br />
<br />
I got to see and smell lots of new things at the living nativity. Cows, sheep, and donkeys were there. These are all required exposures for a guide-dog. So, check those off my exposure list, people! I also got to see and smell hay for the first time. <i> </i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqIFcP_ZvModdUJ8Zd_Zrd0k5DsOj7nM5ti6Bax3Em8gmCCdGyolyIsTruJ5JIl0tQcAYOW1TCD0jukGwsuQwaO2WA_S0d30dBFpLgaRIGATm7nSNMeHSY9H5u2Q3ewZFi_TwnRwZHno/s1600/PC090018+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqIFcP_ZvModdUJ8Zd_Zrd0k5DsOj7nM5ti6Bax3Em8gmCCdGyolyIsTruJ5JIl0tQcAYOW1TCD0jukGwsuQwaO2WA_S0d30dBFpLgaRIGATm7nSNMeHSY9H5u2Q3ewZFi_TwnRwZHno/s400/PC090018+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shepherds worshiping baby Jesus in the manger</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24982">8</sup> And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24983">9</sup> An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24984">10</sup> But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24985">11</sup> Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24986">12</sup> This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” </i><br />
<i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24987">13</sup> Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, </i><br />
<i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24988">14</sup> “Glory to God in the highest heaven, <br />
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” </i><br />
<i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24989">15</sup> When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” </i><br />
<i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24990">16</sup> So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24991">17</sup> </i><i>(Luke 2: 8-17)</i><br />
<br />
I didn't actually get to participate in the program, even though I volunteered to dress up as a black sheep! LOL! Mom and I watched on the sidelines, out on the lawn, with the audience. There were so many people there with lots of kids running around me. I tried really hard to sit still and behave myself. With all the distractions around me, I had to work really hard! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7ac0sGNFq5PzVpLn9r050X6Ry5m0aD56ZUeUVvNw4Nt8DASeYMM2SEiWTk7jYdYJl8QBmRMXxoNUdMOockaooqLH5Lct1qwG-vjkd7s1V2oXbn50uh80d2w5KxLD-CpDk7-1eUore9o/s1600/PC090019+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7ac0sGNFq5PzVpLn9r050X6Ry5m0aD56ZUeUVvNw4Nt8DASeYMM2SEiWTk7jYdYJl8QBmRMXxoNUdMOockaooqLH5Lct1qwG-vjkd7s1V2oXbn50uh80d2w5KxLD-CpDk7-1eUore9o/s400/PC090019+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 Maji following the star</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23171">1</sup> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23172">2</sup> and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzfBQgBiXat3GlXoBHifyWgRT_DXnqsrPVgfhMM_rMUz4ny_0bhcCgn9KK4bt_gaCQFI9FjUciukfR8ZJb3cIukeLDUraRuWM36KVuPB9pchbnEj-lh7DbDN41on5E6mteaDBYSvwlrQ/s1600/PC090020+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzfBQgBiXat3GlXoBHifyWgRT_DXnqsrPVgfhMM_rMUz4ny_0bhcCgn9KK4bt_gaCQFI9FjUciukfR8ZJb3cIukeLDUraRuWM36KVuPB9pchbnEj-lh7DbDN41on5E6mteaDBYSvwlrQ/s400/PC090020+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maji bringing gifts to baby Jesus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23179">9</sup> ... and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23180">10</sup> When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23181">11</sup> On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11)</i><br />
<br />
It was a beautiful performance on a lovely, brisk evening. What a gift this performance is to the community, and an important reminder of the REAL meaning of Christmas. Thank you, St.Timothy's!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwj7_2WC-B7y5EgC7Lhht_Ra6LcjJ26-8afmgjaF1G0b704Xi6HVuhidcCFXmAi7zN_ZO911KZwjhinVh9F25BKFF3RxkWVUeEwAkyX6sTmiXu8cIkaUpn1FS5PFdFbRbAJ04qsg7JZk/s1600/pet+nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwj7_2WC-B7y5EgC7Lhht_Ra6LcjJ26-8afmgjaF1G0b704Xi6HVuhidcCFXmAi7zN_ZO911KZwjhinVh9F25BKFF3RxkWVUeEwAkyX6sTmiXu8cIkaUpn1FS5PFdFbRbAJ04qsg7JZk/s400/pet+nativity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now, this last photo is not from St.Timothy's program, but I had to share it with you. One of my mom's friends sent it to her. Isn't it PAWsitively the cutest living nativity scene you could ever imagine? These well behaved pups all got staring roles in this program. Hey, I wonder if I know any of these guys? Is that horse the director? (Ha Ha Ha) Good job guys (and gals)!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
Later,<br />
SmokeyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-16429182226753462182011-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:002011-12-20T10:08:41.636-08:00Merry Christmas from Smokey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuho0KnSK-u8cOkfaBvOlj-QoQyNnQv3ACxQKIoJ_SBbuMjDe4j6aHdLR71MdM-oGhDnhB-k0GbAKps8-ZmI7iSEuEFvKGIYvLo8R155s-DUoNW77PSYkd_bYC7Dsc7aykjshICW-w9o/s1600/PC170054+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuho0KnSK-u8cOkfaBvOlj-QoQyNnQv3ACxQKIoJ_SBbuMjDe4j6aHdLR71MdM-oGhDnhB-k0GbAKps8-ZmI7iSEuEFvKGIYvLo8R155s-DUoNW77PSYkd_bYC7Dsc7aykjshICW-w9o/s400/PC170054+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Hi everyone! Smokey wants wish you many special Christmas blessings! Smokey got his very first Christmas present at the Houston Puppy raisers Christmas party on Dec 11th.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBH-gnAiyHxtY9ohxtdeeToOt6SthCeuKd4Fu-XzLzzpY3OepFMr7ZT9J2iasASTtfRW78bXRK1wY3juOMGmtE4UkyFZOafp9Q-o1AQzdKli3zFpOVR7kCZuo5YYSSHKQqt-Y4cDGTXg/s1600/PC170040+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBH-gnAiyHxtY9ohxtdeeToOt6SthCeuKd4Fu-XzLzzpY3OepFMr7ZT9J2iasASTtfRW78bXRK1wY3juOMGmtE4UkyFZOafp9Q-o1AQzdKli3zFpOVR7kCZuo5YYSSHKQqt-Y4cDGTXg/s400/PC170040+sm.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This really cute stocking, </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVWugrbSpq4qR_WZA9t2iR9oQ97IV0R5gprTo8V23mScFOjRYWTHxrTn3Toi6mpDaBwpsqqzTQPF4O5JsVy027PVpYRlWftfhuJmbnHWP_H6x21Cnxsg4iVhf6bqga3WwHaiWsEOSNfc/s1600/PC170084+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVWugrbSpq4qR_WZA9t2iR9oQ97IV0R5gprTo8V23mScFOjRYWTHxrTn3Toi6mpDaBwpsqqzTQPF4O5JsVy027PVpYRlWftfhuJmbnHWP_H6x21Cnxsg4iVhf6bqga3WwHaiWsEOSNfc/s320/PC170084+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">a black KONG, and some yummy smelling oatmeal shampoo. </div>We don't know who gave us this gift (it was a white elephant gift) but whoever it was, we thank you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeovX1jc2FdagQpFbq3hzZXWT_iwtOwH9EK2YbDzsq6wHcbU9EtWc48ZD8jysDLWALzm9-mbJSHWDOV9Zcs_XJUPkXJBvIf2MFaK8Ap_U2mm4_Rilrx679X0m7aHQfcxK8Broa-eSJuiI/s1600/Smokey+holiday+postcard+front+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeovX1jc2FdagQpFbq3hzZXWT_iwtOwH9EK2YbDzsq6wHcbU9EtWc48ZD8jysDLWALzm9-mbJSHWDOV9Zcs_XJUPkXJBvIf2MFaK8Ap_U2mm4_Rilrx679X0m7aHQfcxK8Broa-eSJuiI/s400/Smokey+holiday+postcard+front+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Smokey made a short movie to celebrate his very first Christmas season. Enjoy! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Click on the link below to watch:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3y936lmAN8&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Smokey's Christmas movie</a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas Ya'll!!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184920454699672416.post-9917046039121867042011-12-17T12:40:00.000-08:002011-12-17T12:40:42.718-08:00Waiting for Mr. Paws<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi everyone! I'm so excited about my very first Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCmWf0nHvocLa3Z9zyUdalw76OYDQqtzE2miIT9Ae5tSLgtFHkqJnt_N8KCPbVsulSaQCVTkEwSem9-WD6XAqrXGBGbep7MpOOfhdjaSQMhXdlzRAIlcQOTldDr541JbMqzbCOJZZkf4/s400/2011+Dec+Smokey+with+Santa+sm.jpg" width="300" /></div><br />
Yesterday I got to meet a few friend. Santa Paws! I heard that if you give him your Christmas list, he'll bring stuff for you on Christmas morning. But you have to be really good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKB2VXFUlEPcTwmW23Ny4fjH1F3n2ExdwbTpRJTUNoJlKSt4cvsuu60JIvoKaE-1Fmo4RSHsqgZ8l8TAGb850r9fE3xBoPWBM-jSQbFfdnhlfntciVtU9LFnArS9tNkUAKJC_PZEWQM0/s1600/2011+Smokey+Christmas+card+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKB2VXFUlEPcTwmW23Ny4fjH1F3n2ExdwbTpRJTUNoJlKSt4cvsuu60JIvoKaE-1Fmo4RSHsqgZ8l8TAGb850r9fE3xBoPWBM-jSQbFfdnhlfntciVtU9LFnArS9tNkUAKJC_PZEWQM0/s400/2011+Smokey+Christmas+card+wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's my list. I am a really good boy and I believe in you, Santa Paws. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am excited to see what you bring me. (Please don't forget the treats!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_apTbv0d0paCLPL9yXJXx07Hgy4Q5XEM9i93vqMzCaaiE0TDd06zHrPgs026dG4Qwb4szi9akoYhy1ltG6fjhxhkU_kwchFAG-fCITcPkMRyBg5RgaCFpLGQV7E_Edfmdmpv8rXW1aFw/s1600/PC160002+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_apTbv0d0paCLPL9yXJXx07Hgy4Q5XEM9i93vqMzCaaiE0TDd06zHrPgs026dG4Qwb4szi9akoYhy1ltG6fjhxhkU_kwchFAG-fCITcPkMRyBg5RgaCFpLGQV7E_Edfmdmpv8rXW1aFw/s400/PC160002+sm.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We also went to the mall to do some shopping. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you tell that dad doesn't care too much for shopping? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKjecR8AT7qwjrSXE1RnggKL3SVz6d9ogCZoocPiIeYa5aqCt8uirl7sYSj-1PYxmFnarJZ568IiOB-BGIv902YjMARk2eoYuwbLjqywPh92yFBLczaf_SulkpM2Het5ryuhrWb8tvA0/s1600/PC160002+sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKjecR8AT7qwjrSXE1RnggKL3SVz6d9ogCZoocPiIeYa5aqCt8uirl7sYSj-1PYxmFnarJZ568IiOB-BGIv902YjMARk2eoYuwbLjqywPh92yFBLczaf_SulkpM2Het5ryuhrWb8tvA0/s320/PC160002+sm2.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just look at his face. Shopping is one thing, but waiting on MOM to shop is another!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxGpE4Zul1BI6vIdh7h8Au9djYyA-DKVc9w5V3Qf_-SZCZvvDR10OiQIQTqhmyaf7uZhk_jbDHISd2B3sSYtTVsz3lW5-bdF7dC5_eMonmhBcpeB4ucVjqnLQr5tmC4JImR4aE48u1Eg/s1600/PC160003+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxGpE4Zul1BI6vIdh7h8Au9djYyA-DKVc9w5V3Qf_-SZCZvvDR10OiQIQTqhmyaf7uZhk_jbDHISd2B3sSYtTVsz3lW5-bdF7dC5_eMonmhBcpeB4ucVjqnLQr5tmC4JImR4aE48u1Eg/s400/PC160003+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got to help dad pick out some new shoes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw lots of kids pointing at me and yelling, </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hey, mom! There's a <u><b><i>DOG</i></b></u> in here!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, I thought the mannequins were real people...but after sniffing them ...it was obvious they weren't.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GZ37aa4xtdNXzJ4z_kn4TJ4_2imQOxRVsa5WDeKgtn28mQhVOhXTZ4vV5K8z4MewCZm8THChpUUhiAKLpff5vsDyEW8kMG1gkf8DDt8fIhNQQHWi5UVplRmxu4k502Dn9QK8FrFJ6Ys/s1600/PC160007+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GZ37aa4xtdNXzJ4z_kn4TJ4_2imQOxRVsa5WDeKgtn28mQhVOhXTZ4vV5K8z4MewCZm8THChpUUhiAKLpff5vsDyEW8kMG1gkf8DDt8fIhNQQHWi5UVplRmxu4k502Dn9QK8FrFJ6Ys/s400/PC160007+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dad and I didn't last very long shopping...so we loaded back up in the car to go home and put up the Christmas tree. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Hey, either I'm getting MUCH bigger, or this car is shrinking. I can barely fit anymore!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWtD7LxbEc5GsqIRYUrALwZvv5FL4e45KoxW1MS1cT_OUr5V-cGX0E6-LQjdhjXdKmOLonict_9O9_KJEKAulp5v0TfMFs1RjmNTnSzaGkJZuaZBk2Ks9_ALbcNYOC2tHvaRO34f7oBI/s1600/PC170070+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWtD7LxbEc5GsqIRYUrALwZvv5FL4e45KoxW1MS1cT_OUr5V-cGX0E6-LQjdhjXdKmOLonict_9O9_KJEKAulp5v0TfMFs1RjmNTnSzaGkJZuaZBk2Ks9_ALbcNYOC2tHvaRO34f7oBI/s400/PC170070+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mom gave me a surprise when we got home. Hmmm, what is it? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhain3OL0Gf11_ULIC0qoWYcz63ZjjfCjs6vyyn69YJz2gzsYyLWJ6PoXlCjwsvXhApUXuQRdRZTzbtGN3hPZfX2AloTGi7oKLDynQPYTpSDDr0L7KAZxJFA1WNwZL-O5MKrV-5FWLNa7U/s1600/PC170050+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhain3OL0Gf11_ULIC0qoWYcz63ZjjfCjs6vyyn69YJz2gzsYyLWJ6PoXlCjwsvXhApUXuQRdRZTzbtGN3hPZfX2AloTGi7oKLDynQPYTpSDDr0L7KAZxJFA1WNwZL-O5MKrV-5FWLNa7U/s400/PC170050+sm.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a Santa Paws hat! She must have known how much I loved Santa Paw's red suit....</div><div style="text-align: center;">I look quite fetching in it, don't you think? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqSxLHjR5g06J029io4_pKMCjZlCT7wFllPIjLcJfBPDFow3FC9Og1QNWpa7yYEa71M-dp3P7P_2QwKzCjCJLAPrNqaqfxCuKZU27pK4dQXfvU_A2UmQph7tZ7-70ObI0w0UvVnthEjI/s1600/PC170052+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqSxLHjR5g06J029io4_pKMCjZlCT7wFllPIjLcJfBPDFow3FC9Og1QNWpa7yYEa71M-dp3P7P_2QwKzCjCJLAPrNqaqfxCuKZU27pK4dQXfvU_A2UmQph7tZ7-70ObI0w0UvVnthEjI/s400/PC170052+sm.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh joy. Mom just put my jingle bell collar on too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel a photo shoot coming on...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAITwM5o0iFy5Ff7AOktd12LU9lNqWxU6lpG2LBvlV22OPda_vw0_F3UQvMnt58bLm5N2guRY6uk_6wjTJK97HxiBjmVk6GHTQV8T9bDwt_YiJwvLWXRnuAl5_ks1wYis9-7n-KUN6OKM/s1600/PC170053+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAITwM5o0iFy5Ff7AOktd12LU9lNqWxU6lpG2LBvlV22OPda_vw0_F3UQvMnt58bLm5N2guRY6uk_6wjTJK97HxiBjmVk6GHTQV8T9bDwt_YiJwvLWXRnuAl5_ks1wYis9-7n-KUN6OKM/s400/PC170053+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While dad is busy assembling the Christmas tree...</div><div style="text-align: center;">mom is keeping busy... pestering me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDrUhm-UcGREUKTg3ztxsQ5pY21L8PXWps-gb8iRZnppwsSEDwuPhavhWpJCYBVLr8DsXDvhcJxktsznJtkd20T9qguW2NVI2ASg08D_JLEUQujaW_Wjv-xhiU71qAOPbY1bZhBwIjH8/s1600/PC170059+sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDrUhm-UcGREUKTg3ztxsQ5pY21L8PXWps-gb8iRZnppwsSEDwuPhavhWpJCYBVLr8DsXDvhcJxktsznJtkd20T9qguW2NVI2ASg08D_JLEUQujaW_Wjv-xhiU71qAOPbY1bZhBwIjH8/s400/PC170059+sm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">How much longer til Christmas? Mom, have you addressed those Christmas cards yet? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe <b><i>that's</i></b> what you should be doing now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVJriBKv5t3P59iFj2tDoY5HKwaznD6gH05wcfJ8ZgWbo5L5tAIVXhtYK4AXWGpDCvnFedP4CzMlKUcrhxhfYupNgpxUT9RKXShMjIetIhp2qldsZ39oKEmCBTFaB5PsHLmsPKstgYRk/s1600/PC170065+sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVJriBKv5t3P59iFj2tDoY5HKwaznD6gH05wcfJ8ZgWbo5L5tAIVXhtYK4AXWGpDCvnFedP4CzMlKUcrhxhfYupNgpxUT9RKXShMjIetIhp2qldsZ39oKEmCBTFaB5PsHLmsPKstgYRk/s400/PC170065+sm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm adorable...You know it... I know it...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KsEK2qrVDS_LoKgR1kuIE_HcpBxdnopW-OznEkbW11Z-IeJ-rl4Pq3qRAoD2THOuNNAqqFv1selMqOd8yrL0O1KPeV__Ms9lIrtH0ZoD_vCp_lNOT1AbgONMbBcKpOpuC1-D42-_aZ4/s1600/PC170068+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KsEK2qrVDS_LoKgR1kuIE_HcpBxdnopW-OznEkbW11Z-IeJ-rl4Pq3qRAoD2THOuNNAqqFv1selMqOd8yrL0O1KPeV__Ms9lIrtH0ZoD_vCp_lNOT1AbgONMbBcKpOpuC1-D42-_aZ4/s400/PC170068+sm.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But there's only so much a puppy can take. I am going to sleep now. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe when I wake up, Santa Paws will have been here. Do ya think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bb_PWIVjfaOu8_lPuDcPho8sC9tuOoF-mGuYjK2rsIivR1DuvrHBA3HQHrm73jsTQ5wm61x7EaxCg-VD9If0Fr-aWpxhjqwAnuvxnzo1wxuwHRJKlOV80HklXiHShsBjZwy3fd4Z-Sk/s1600/2011+christmas+photo+smokey+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bb_PWIVjfaOu8_lPuDcPho8sC9tuOoF-mGuYjK2rsIivR1DuvrHBA3HQHrm73jsTQ5wm61x7EaxCg-VD9If0Fr-aWpxhjqwAnuvxnzo1wxuwHRJKlOV80HklXiHShsBjZwy3fd4Z-Sk/s400/2011+christmas+photo+smokey+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas, yall!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smokey</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09995897298903704011noreply@blogger.com0