Penny Picker-Upper

Pepe hardly ever has something in his mouth that doesn't belong. So, I was surprised today when he was carrying a medium sized coin. When I looked at the coin however, I was confused. I had never seen such a thing before, so I googled what he had found in my coin jar.

Turns out, that coin is a 1905 King Edwardvs VII British Penny. Yeah, doesn't sound very exciting, but I did some research, and these are worth quite a bit , ESPECIALLY the 1905 version! It's even in awesome condition, which can make it worth up to $300! Hey, it's worth a shot :) Thank you Pepe!

Hart Update

I've been waiting since the end of September to have ATF information on Hart. Today, I got an email which was also directed to another raiser who raised a pup named Carlton. It didn't say much, just that Hart and Carlton were being evaluated for which type of sniffing is best suited for them.

10 mintues ago, my region manager, Joy, called me with the news that Hart was assigned to the accelerant class, and that he had just finished his first week of ATF imprinting the scent to him. She also said that he'd be graduating June 18th, in Front Royal, Virginia. But the biggest part is he'll be working in THAILAND!

I'm really excited for graduation. I'm hoping Pepe can come along with me on the trip. I'm really proud of Hart, and I'm so happy that he'll finally have a set-in-stone job and life. Hard to believe he'll be so far away, but I can't wait to see him! :)

Emily and Pepe

It would be so cool...

If my school would give me an answer!

It's been a little over two months since I wrote a letter asking permission for Pepe to attend school with me. I have seriously gotten no response what so ever. Not even a "we'll think about it". Nothing. I am so incredibly disappointed and ashamed of my school district. I mean, really? At least tell me that it's not going to happen.
I see how having a dog in school is a welcome distraction, but it would only be that way for a few days. This could be so beneficial for him and the school,too.

I would be completely fine if they gave me a straight up yes or no answer, but just the fact that they're totally ignoring me really makes me upset. What are they going to do if they get a student who needs a service dog? Every other teen raiser who brings their dog to school with them talks about what a positive impact it's made for everyone. But, honestly, at this point, I just want them to acknowledge my request.

Emily and Pepe

Month Day

Pepe's going to be 11 months old Friday! I can't believe how fast my time with him is going. How am I not going to miss this face?

Backpacking

My region manager recently suggested that I buy Pepe a dog backpack for walks. GEB doesn't usually promote this, but under the circumstances, I had special permission. I bought mine (a Kelty Chuckwagon) online for about $60 after S&H which was basically the cheapest I could find(I needed a high quality backpack that will last me a couple pups). I started off just having Pepe walk around the house with it, getting used to it. Then, I added two full water bottles, one on each side, let him get used to that. Now, he carries two waterbottles on each side while on our walks. The result is Pepe is much more attentive, he gets a better workout with less walking, which is great because of the snowy conditions. He also has become more confident. Since the walks are more enjoyable now, I take him sometimes twice a day. If you're allowed to use dog backpacks, I say go for it. They're totally worth the money.

Emily and Pepe

Walk N' Talk #3

For those of you who don't know, Walk N' Talks are quarterly evaluations given every 3 months to see what the pup and raiser need work on. Dogs will have 3 or 4 W&T's. They're taped, and are sent to GEB when they're being considered for breed watch. Last night, Pepe had his 3rd Walk N' Talk. I honestly don't even have words for it.
Basically, Pepe's been going downhill since he was about 7 months old. He's become pretty bratty to be honest, and is sometimes an absolute nightmare to work with. I found out that this is mainly because he is lacking confidence. However, I think the W&T went pretty well, as far as getting help goes. I got really good tips. I'm confident that by his next W&T he'll be a completely different dog.
His food has increased to 2 1/4 cups twice a day. He is 63lbs. My RM also suggested that we get him a backpack, and fill it with waterbottles when we take him for walks. The backpack with the waterbottles will make him tired mentally, and physically, which should take the edge off of him.

That's it for now!
Emily and Pepe

10 Months.

Sorry, I don't have pictures today. Pepe is 10 months old tomorrow. With each month, I become more amazed at how fast he's growing up. He leaves in the early fall, which will be terrible, but I know he'll do great things.
Speaking of great things, Hart will be matched with his partner in 3 weeks (roughly)! I'm so excited for him. He needs to be matched. The poor boy hasn't had a "long term relationship" since I was raising him. I can't wait for his graduation, in fact I'm incredibly stoked for it. I will take pictures, and post them on here afterwards of course :)

Emily and Pepe

Big.

Am I completely oblivious? I hope I'm not the only one who doesn't notice the growth of their dog until it just hits you one day. For me, that day was today. I weighed Pepe, and he is not the 48 lbs he was at the end of November. He is now a tall, long, and lean 62 pound lab, and SO dark! 62 lbs is how much Hart weighed on his "Heavy" days! And here, I've been talking about how small Pepe is. The only thing is, he's all leg, and not filled out like the other labs in our region. That just completely blew my mind.

Pepe's 3rd Walk N' Talk is supposed to be January 30th, but I have Cheerleading Competition (Wish us luck!) So, I'll be doing a post about that in early February. He has four W&Ts when he's with me, so this it's really hitting me that he's growing up! I mean, he'll be 1 in March!

No news from school yet. I figured since it was the first week back that I'd give my principal a break. I'll give it a shot again soon. But, right now, I really, really have to get my math grade up. What can I say? It's tough!

Emily and Pepe

Tie Downs and Booties

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a couple cable tiedowns, just as a managment tool. I have one, but I'd like to buy a few more just so I can actually secure them places, instead of constantly moving it. Funny, other GEB regions sell tiedowns, I'll ask my region manager again, but so far, nothing. I keep getting the 12 foot tie out result on google, so if you guys could help me out with that, I'd be very grateful!

Also, today, when I took Pepe outside to "Get busy" he stepped onto the driveway and yelped,really loudly! He ran back into the garage. When I look at his paws, I saw that they were cracked. The salt probably got into his wounds,causing him pain. I put some Vaseline on them, just to soothe them, and it seemed to help. The thing is, I don't want his feet to be cracked from the salt all winter. Does anyone know where I can get quality dog booties that aren't rediculously expensive? They'd also be helpful if Pepe comes to school with me (I am awaiting my principal's decision...wish me luck!!)

Anyways,thanks again!

Emily and Pepe

The Night Before Christmas;Guide Dog style

I found this last year, and read it to Hart on Christmas Eve. I'm going to read it to Pepe tonight. The author is unknown. Enjoy, and everyone have a Merry Christmas!

"Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still,



with most dogs now asleep having eaten their fill.


The Labradors sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,


while visions of ANYTHING edible danced in their heads.


And the Goldens and Shepherds curled up on the floor,


some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.


The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,


in hopes that a trainer soon would be there.


On the window ledge, one of the kennel cats lay,


surveying the lawn at the end of this day.


Something was different, that little cat knew.


Tonight something would happen, it had to be true.


For that day as the workers had left to go home,


They’d wished Merry Christmas! before starting to roam.


The dogs had noticed it to during this past week’s walks,


the trainers seemed just that much happier and eager to talk.


In the mall where they worked through the maze of people and stores,


there were decoration and music and distractions galore!


Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,


but some balked at the man on the sleigh and those fake looking deer.


The cat was almost asleep too when he first heard the sound,


a whoosh through the air and a jingle around.


It reminded him of a dog’s collar when the animal shook,


but this sound kept on growing so he’d better go look.


From the ceiling there came a faint sort of thunk,


as the kennel cat climbed to the highest pile of junk.


Once before people had worked on the roof,


and come down through the trap door to a chorus of “Woooof!”


But the dogs still were quiet, all sleeping so sound,


as this man dressed in red made his way right on down.


He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,


then made his way right to the trainers’ coffee pot.


A shepherd sat up, not fully awake,


then a Golden followed her with a mighty loud shake.


That did it! All the dogs sprang to life with loud noise.


In spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.


He filled the pot full and it started to brew,


then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.


Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,


he knew well their jobs, the blind people they led.


Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,


while others delighted in their own deafening howl.


Laying a finger in front of his lips,


the jolly old man silenced the excitable yips.


“You all may not know me, but I’m Santa Claus,”


the old man smiled and took a short pause.


While he filled up his mug with hot liquid and cream,


“I’ve always wanted to stop here. It’s been one of my dreams.”


The cat had climbed down and was exploring Santa’s sack.


“Yes, little kitty, that’s an empty pack.”


Santa smiled as he drank and looked at those eyes,


deep brown ones and gold ones held wide in surprise.


Some of these dogs, he’d seen just last year,


in their puppy homes, cute and full of holiday cheer.


He’d seen the effects of a pup on the tree,


but now they were here at the school, just waiting to be.


“I didn’t bring you presents or bones just to chew.


I’ll tell you something better, what you are going to do.”


“You all will work hard and the trainers will share,


both praise and correction, gentle and fair.”


“You’ll go lots of places and face big scary things.


You’ll ride buses and subways and hear fire sirens ring.”


“Cars will drive at you but you will stand strong,


not moving into danger, not moving toward wrong.”


“And then just when you think that this trainer’s the best,


the kindest, and funnest person, toss away all the rest,”


“That trainer will begin to ignore you and give you away,


handing your leash over despite your dismay.”


“Now the person who pets you and feeds you will be


a blind person. That’s a person who can’t see.”


” This man or this woman may see just a tad,


but their view’s missing parts or the focus is bad.”


“So you, well trained dogs, will act as their eyes.


You will work as a team and discover the size”


“Of this great world we live in, because you will go


a million new places with this person, you know.”


Santa sipped at his coffee and looked over the brood,


knowing what he had to say next might sound kind of rude.


“Not all of you will make it and become canine guides.


Your time here isn’t wasted though. You won’t be cast aside.”


“Some of you will be drug dogs and some will find bombs.


Some will become pets in a home with a dad and a mom.”


“All these things are important. People wait on long lists,


to receive such good dogs as you, the school folks insist.”


The last drop of coffee had gone into his cup


as Santa turned, smiling at each wide eyed pup.


“The best gift of all is to give something back.


That’s why there’s nothing for you all inside of my pack.”


Draining his mug, Santa went to each pen,


and petted and scratched each dog again and again.


“Now next year and many more years after that,


you all will give gifts wherever you’re at.”


“You might lick a hand that’s had a bad day,


Or notice a car and step out of the way.”


“You might help catch a crook or discover some loot,


Or just bring some joy to a tired old man in a funny red suit.”


“Your master will love you and treat you with care.


In return, your training and trust will always be there.”


After the last dog had been petted and soothed,


Santa put away the coffee pot and made ready to move.


Up the ladder he rose to the door high above,


with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his gloves.


And all the dog ears were pricked as he disappeared out of sight.

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!”
Emily and Pepe