22. October 2008 by admin.

As of today, I am still working things out with the trainer of the program.  But I have raised $125.00 and I want to thank those who have donated.  You guys are awesome.  I will keep you all updated. Thank you again.

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14. October 2008 by admin.

Today I finally decide I am going to have to start over for my quest on a service dog.  My current service dog is going  to have to retire much sooner than planned.  I had thought of many options to me:  Program dog, starter dog, rescue dog, and completely owner trained.  After much time, prayers, thoughts, and research I have decided I am going to go with a program dog.   It will cost me $6000.00.  There are a few dogs available:  They will be ready in about 4-6 months.   This is a great trainer who knows me and will work with me so I dont have to spend 2 weeks away from my kids for the team training.   Please help me.

We appreciate your help in all that you can do.  Remember every $1 counts.

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13. October 2008 by admin.

Like most people I really hate writing about myself.  But since I am tracking this blog for service work I figure I better start with something about myself.   I am a young (31) mom of two young kids; Fallyn (5) and RJ (3 1/2).  Its been a struggle for me in the past couple of years.  My life changed drastically.  I am no longer able to work, walk up and down stairs without help, get up from a chair (without help), stand up in a shower, walk long distance, I drop things all the time, cant bend over to pick things up.  Basically I struggle with normal daily living.  My husband had to work from home just to help me out.  But then I got a service dog and my life changed.  I could go out alone again, I didn’t rely (as much) on others.  I could be so much more independent.   I never realized how much my life would change with a service dog.  Also how important it became and how much I relied on him.  They are a blessing that many can’t understand.

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12. October 2008 by admin.

Ok, now that I know that I need to find another service dog, I need to decide how I want to go about doing that.  Do I want a program dog, starter dog, or a pup.  I have started to research breeds.  I have spoken with Great Dane Handlers and Breeders, Chinook breeders and trainers, taken many breed profile tests.  Spoken to numerous service dog trainers.  There are so many pros and cons about each breed.  I love them all.  But since I have a specific job in mind, I have to be very picky.   I can’t just pick a dog cause he looks cute and fits my personality.  He also has to have a good working ability, training ability, retrieve and be friendly.

A program dog would be nice as I wouldn’t have as much stress or work on my plate.  However, its usually a long waiting list.  A starter dog is nice and usually not as long of a wait and I still do much of the work.  A pup is the most work, but costs are gradual.   Overall owner-training costs more too.  I am doing lots of praying and seeing what doors the Lord will open. It is quite overwhelming at times.

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6. October 2008 by admin.

Well it has come down to the final decision.  JJ is retiring to an at home service dog with limited public access until he can fully retire.  This really breaks my heart, but I dont see any other option. I need him to be solid and safe in public as well. Its so important.  My PT told me I have two options: Use a Service Dog or use a Wheelchair.  These problems have been going on for about 6 1/2 months or so.  I have already waited a full year with trying to push another dog through this.  I just cant wait another year and I dont have the money to put out either.  I need a waorking dog.  So now I have some research to do and some big decisions to make.

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