I'm so sorry about keeping you hanging! There hasn't been anything to update you about for some time. We've been biding our time just waiting to hear something and finally yesterday I couldn't take it any longer...I just had to email the trainer!!! She replied within a blink of an eye stating that she'd been meaning to get in touch but time flies! (Don't I know!!!!!)
Riley is doing excellent! He is making progress in obedience and is now scheduled for surgery (Ouch) on December 21st! Our poor baby! He is also on track for his socialization. At that point the lead trainer, the woman who will be working with Riley on his socialization (Jennifer) and we will meet to discuss what Riley needs to learn in order to benefit Leah. So that is very exciting that we are now getting to the "Service" part!!! Jennifer will then also work on these specific skills with Riley so he can come home with this training.
Now the big news...{drumroll}...we are expecting with fingers crossed, that Riley will come HOME on January 15th!!! We certainly know this date could change, but that is the goal! Once he comes home, he will stay and with us for about a solid week (to get to know us and his HOME!!!!), then we will again start-up private lessons so we can pass the service dog certification tests!!!
So, that's the news...isn't this great?!?!? We're thrilled! We're trying to gear the girls up...but it seems that the only thing that they want to discuss right now is 'kiss-mass' and 'Tigger'...hmmmmm. Not exactly what we're going for but...
Blessings to all...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Update! Update!!
Well, I'm sure we are all recovered from the Holiday...and regretting the fact that we are back to the grind!!! But being back to the grind, meant that we could again go visit Riley!!!!
Naturally, we scheduled the visit on a day that it snowed/rained the majority of the day so Riley was a shaggy, wet dude! But that didn't stop us from loving on him! He was a ball full of energy again! He is so thrilled to have his own company! At one point he was giving Leah a personal facial with his incessant tail-wagging! Nevertheless, she didn't seem to mind at all. In fact there were smiles all around and we even learned a new vocabulary word..."TAIL"!!!
The plan for Riley is tentatively laid out. He is scheduled to have his 'manly' surgery the first week of December! AMEN! Then, in mid-December he will go to live with a foster family to gain his social skills. This is where he will be brought into the community (appointments, restaurants, transportation, etc) to gain more experience for the service dog label. After a month or so of this fostering situation, he may very well come to live with Leah!!! We will then drive back and forth for private lessons/training to practice for the service dog certification tests. So if Riley cooperates, Leah should be able to start working with her partner mid- to late January. HOORAY!!!!
Finally, with grateful hearts we tell you that we have reached our fundraising goal!!!! We are waiting on a few pending contributions, but based on projections we have raised enough money to bring Riley home and to certify him as a Service Dog for Leah Dulce Elizabeth Knight! We can't thank each of you enough for your financial donations, your efforts to gather funds, and your thoughts and prayers for Leah!!! We have been on a journey with Leah, and now with Riley maybe our journey's path will seem to shorten some how!!! We thank all of you so very much!!!
Again, I can't just post without pictures! (The trainer must think we're nuts taking all of these pictures of Riley!!! But hey...he's part of our family now!!!)
Naturally, we scheduled the visit on a day that it snowed/rained the majority of the day so Riley was a shaggy, wet dude! But that didn't stop us from loving on him! He was a ball full of energy again! He is so thrilled to have his own company! At one point he was giving Leah a personal facial with his incessant tail-wagging! Nevertheless, she didn't seem to mind at all. In fact there were smiles all around and we even learned a new vocabulary word..."TAIL"!!!
The plan for Riley is tentatively laid out. He is scheduled to have his 'manly' surgery the first week of December! AMEN! Then, in mid-December he will go to live with a foster family to gain his social skills. This is where he will be brought into the community (appointments, restaurants, transportation, etc) to gain more experience for the service dog label. After a month or so of this fostering situation, he may very well come to live with Leah!!! We will then drive back and forth for private lessons/training to practice for the service dog certification tests. So if Riley cooperates, Leah should be able to start working with her partner mid- to late January. HOORAY!!!!
Finally, with grateful hearts we tell you that we have reached our fundraising goal!!!! We are waiting on a few pending contributions, but based on projections we have raised enough money to bring Riley home and to certify him as a Service Dog for Leah Dulce Elizabeth Knight! We can't thank each of you enough for your financial donations, your efforts to gather funds, and your thoughts and prayers for Leah!!! We have been on a journey with Leah, and now with Riley maybe our journey's path will seem to shorten some how!!! We thank all of you so very much!!!
Again, I can't just post without pictures! (The trainer must think we're nuts taking all of these pictures of Riley!!! But hey...he's part of our family now!!!)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Pet Expo - A Day With A Family of 5
On Saturday, we experienced what it will be like to have a 'family of 5'...so to speak! We took the rainy/sleety trip to Novi to "America's Pet Expo"! We didn't quite know what to expect other than a lot of animals and that Riley would be there along with his trainer, Nikki, and our donation can!!! :) We walked in to a huge expo center filled with booths of everything pet and animal related! The girls were soaking it in! WOW!!!
We soon found the G.L.A.D booth and there was Leah's dog, honking on a rawhide bone!!!! We were so proud! He had a nice red vest on that said "service dog in training". How special! After a bit of greeting to Nikki and Gladys, an assistant trainer and assistant director of G.L.A.D., we were able to take Riley on leash around the expo as a family!!! He seemed so happy to belong to a family. He heeled nicely, listened to commands, and of course soaked up attention from the crowd like he's been a prisoner in solitary confinement for the past year of his life! At one point in the afternoon I turned to Josh and quietly asked him, "Now do you think people laugh when they see Riley because he's cute or because he's funny looking?" Any opinions???? My mom says it's because they've never seen a dog that looks like him before. Whatever! I'm going with the "cute" answer!
Anyway, Riley and Leah continued to be friendly. At one point, they walked side-by-side down the aisles of the expo. It can make ones' heart sing with joy! Logan again on the other hand, had not much to do with Riley, but LOVED the kitty expo! I will attach a picture of her and the kitties! Both Leah and Logan were 'meowing' at the kitties like they wanted join the litter! Logan also got a kick out of the mini-llamas. At this point it was Leah's turn to play shy with these creatures!
Overall it was a great day! We enjoyed every minute of it! (Until the ride home when Logan decided to unload all of her day's snacks in an all out 'urp-fest'! [is there another technical term for that?] Yes, we're still dealing with that today!!!) If you didn't get to enjoy the expo this year, you should consider it next year...it was a lot of fun!
We wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving, full bellies, and great deals when shopping!
We soon found the G.L.A.D booth and there was Leah's dog, honking on a rawhide bone!!!! We were so proud! He had a nice red vest on that said "service dog in training". How special! After a bit of greeting to Nikki and Gladys, an assistant trainer and assistant director of G.L.A.D., we were able to take Riley on leash around the expo as a family!!! He seemed so happy to belong to a family. He heeled nicely, listened to commands, and of course soaked up attention from the crowd like he's been a prisoner in solitary confinement for the past year of his life! At one point in the afternoon I turned to Josh and quietly asked him, "Now do you think people laugh when they see Riley because he's cute or because he's funny looking?" Any opinions???? My mom says it's because they've never seen a dog that looks like him before. Whatever! I'm going with the "cute" answer!
Anyway, Riley and Leah continued to be friendly. At one point, they walked side-by-side down the aisles of the expo. It can make ones' heart sing with joy! Logan again on the other hand, had not much to do with Riley, but LOVED the kitty expo! I will attach a picture of her and the kitties! Both Leah and Logan were 'meowing' at the kitties like they wanted join the litter! Logan also got a kick out of the mini-llamas. At this point it was Leah's turn to play shy with these creatures!
Overall it was a great day! We enjoyed every minute of it! (Until the ride home when Logan decided to unload all of her day's snacks in an all out 'urp-fest'! [is there another technical term for that?] Yes, we're still dealing with that today!!!) If you didn't get to enjoy the expo this year, you should consider it next year...it was a lot of fun!
We wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving, full bellies, and great deals when shopping!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Another Visit to the "MAN"!!!
Hi Everyone!
Last night, the family jumped in the truck for another visit to our man, Riley! We get so excited to see him...he's like a long lost family member that we're getting to know!
We were surprisingly welcomed by a well-mannered labradoodle! Riley is becoming obedient! He was happy to have visitors of his own and was sucking up the attention like a dry sponge, but overall he really is understanding his commands! And more importantly, he was listening to Josh and I...not just the trainer! It helped that he had a poker collar on and he simply hates the correction of that!
Leah continued to begin to love on Riley. She wanted to pet him more and be near him. She was even chasing him at one point in the visit!!! It is heartwarming to see them. I can't wait to watch their bond grow! Now Logan on the other hand...seems to like the idea of Riley, but when he approaches her or we encourage her to approach him...NO GO!!! A bond will need to be established there too! As you can tell, I have begun to love this dog already! He is going to be a wonderful addition to our lives and I can't wait to see what he will do for Leah's development!! All of her therapists are so excited for Riley to become her partner!
We wanted to let you know that Riley and Leah will be spending some time out in public this coming weekend (we'll be there Saturday)! If you are free and want to take a drive to Novi, there is a wonderful opportunity at a Pet Expo. The website for the expo is http://www.petexponovi.com/. Riley will be there with his trainer from G.L.A.D. for socialization and we are going as representatives for their work. (We also want to partake in all of the cool stuff at the expo!!!) We will be doing additional fundraising at the G.L.A.D. booth in order to bring Riley home as well! So, we'd love to have some support down there and it's a cool thing to do on a lousy fall day!!!
I will attach a couple of pictures from last night...I have to keep you excited! We are!
Last night, the family jumped in the truck for another visit to our man, Riley! We get so excited to see him...he's like a long lost family member that we're getting to know!
We were surprisingly welcomed by a well-mannered labradoodle! Riley is becoming obedient! He was happy to have visitors of his own and was sucking up the attention like a dry sponge, but overall he really is understanding his commands! And more importantly, he was listening to Josh and I...not just the trainer! It helped that he had a poker collar on and he simply hates the correction of that!
Leah continued to begin to love on Riley. She wanted to pet him more and be near him. She was even chasing him at one point in the visit!!! It is heartwarming to see them. I can't wait to watch their bond grow! Now Logan on the other hand...seems to like the idea of Riley, but when he approaches her or we encourage her to approach him...NO GO!!! A bond will need to be established there too! As you can tell, I have begun to love this dog already! He is going to be a wonderful addition to our lives and I can't wait to see what he will do for Leah's development!! All of her therapists are so excited for Riley to become her partner!
We wanted to let you know that Riley and Leah will be spending some time out in public this coming weekend (we'll be there Saturday)! If you are free and want to take a drive to Novi, there is a wonderful opportunity at a Pet Expo. The website for the expo is http://www.petexponovi.com/. Riley will be there with his trainer from G.L.A.D. for socialization and we are going as representatives for their work. (We also want to partake in all of the cool stuff at the expo!!!) We will be doing additional fundraising at the G.L.A.D. booth in order to bring Riley home as well! So, we'd love to have some support down there and it's a cool thing to do on a lousy fall day!!!
I will attach a couple of pictures from last night...I have to keep you excited! We are!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
A Visit To Our Dog
Well, we went to visit our Riley today! He is doing great!!! We saw his true colors though!!! He is an ambitious and energized 9 month old pup! He was tugging at his leash, jumping and frolicking around like it was his time to shine! Riley was so happy to be out and about! They trainers say that during his time of obedience training he does not get much "play" time (some, but not a lot) so if and when we can go visit he will be truly appreciative!! Also these visits will help him learn who his family will forever be! YEAH!!!
Leah didn't have much to do with Riley today, but we encouraged her to pet him several times. She liked to "woof" at him as well as the other dogs that she heard in their kennels!!! Funny! Logan was very timid around Riley...something that was very unexpected. We'll have to watch how this relationship grows as well as the one between Leah and Riley.
We've been invited to a Pet Expo in Novi in mid-November to help raise additional funds to bring Riley home. As I understand, Riley will be there too! So that will be interesting! We're almost half way to our $3500 goal for fundraising! A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED MONIES TO HELP BRING RILEY HOME!!!! THIS IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF EACH OF YOU!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
I amposting two pictures today. One just of Riley...he's so shaggy and cute and then of the gang!
Take care everyone and thanks for checking in!
Leah didn't have much to do with Riley today, but we encouraged her to pet him several times. She liked to "woof" at him as well as the other dogs that she heard in their kennels!!! Funny! Logan was very timid around Riley...something that was very unexpected. We'll have to watch how this relationship grows as well as the one between Leah and Riley.
We've been invited to a Pet Expo in Novi in mid-November to help raise additional funds to bring Riley home. As I understand, Riley will be there too! So that will be interesting! We're almost half way to our $3500 goal for fundraising! A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED MONIES TO HELP BRING RILEY HOME!!!! THIS IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF EACH OF YOU!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
I amposting two pictures today. One just of Riley...he's so shaggy and cute and then of the gang!
Take care everyone and thanks for checking in!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Riley! Riley! He's Leah's Dog!!!
Well, it was confirmed last night! Riley is the one! Riley has proven himself to be healthy and trainable! Thus, Leah has a dog... so to speak!
The timeline is as follows...
Riley is getting some much needed obedience training at this time! He is still young and needs to learn his "basics" first! This will take about 8 weeks! He then moves into phase 2 of the training where he will live with a foster trainer who will submerge him into society...restaurants, stores, public transportation, etc. Then, if the trainers have anything to say about it and Riley goes with the flow (may we say) we should have him in our home sometime in January. At this point we are then looking at an additional 8 weeks (at least) of private training. This will get all of us ready for the certification exams.
We are going to visit him again on Saturday...so check back for new pictures then!
The timeline is as follows...
Riley is getting some much needed obedience training at this time! He is still young and needs to learn his "basics" first! This will take about 8 weeks! He then moves into phase 2 of the training where he will live with a foster trainer who will submerge him into society...restaurants, stores, public transportation, etc. Then, if the trainers have anything to say about it and Riley goes with the flow (may we say) we should have him in our home sometime in January. At this point we are then looking at an additional 8 weeks (at least) of private training. This will get all of us ready for the certification exams.
We are going to visit him again on Saturday...so check back for new pictures then!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Our First Adventure
Our adventure began OFFICIALLY last night! Yep, we were invited to meet a dog...Leah's dog! Can you beleive how fast this process is moving???? Josh had to work late so Papa went to the meeting with the girls and I! We drove anxiously to meet the owner, trainer and the doggie and UGH...they're late!
Finally a van pulled up and out comes a 65 pound Labradoodle!!! He's an 8 month old wire haired blonde doodle! A gentle giant named...RILEY!!! Leah went right to him and said in Leah-speak, "Doggie!!" Yeah! Maybe some sort of connection! We pet and played with Riley, talked with the owner who is hoping to re-home the dog for personal reasons and left with high hopes!
Riley will be staying at the kennel for a few days on a trial basis with the trainer. He will have a few health tests conducted (hips checked, etc.) and the trainer will be checking him for trainability and temperament for service dog training. After this time period, we will know if this is THE dog for Leah.
I plan to keep this blog updated with Leah's journey in receiving her service dog! We love to share our family with you! Please check back often. As I learn more about this blogging thing, I will post pictures as well. I have some of Riley in my hot-little-hands right now!!! (I'll work on that!!!)
Check back soon!!!
Finally a van pulled up and out comes a 65 pound Labradoodle!!! He's an 8 month old wire haired blonde doodle! A gentle giant named...RILEY!!! Leah went right to him and said in Leah-speak, "Doggie!!" Yeah! Maybe some sort of connection! We pet and played with Riley, talked with the owner who is hoping to re-home the dog for personal reasons and left with high hopes!
Riley will be staying at the kennel for a few days on a trial basis with the trainer. He will have a few health tests conducted (hips checked, etc.) and the trainer will be checking him for trainability and temperament for service dog training. After this time period, we will know if this is THE dog for Leah.
I plan to keep this blog updated with Leah's journey in receiving her service dog! We love to share our family with you! Please check back often. As I learn more about this blogging thing, I will post pictures as well. I have some of Riley in my hot-little-hands right now!!! (I'll work on that!!!)
Check back soon!!!
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