Four years worth

Molly 1B6

Golden Retriever

Therapy Dog in Orlando, FL

August 2007 - March 2008

 

 

 

Clarke 8M6

Goldador

Guide Dog in Florida

April 2008 - September 2008

 

 

 

Eve 2X8

Black Labrador

Guide Dog in Florida

October 2008 - January 2009

Ellie 12PD10
Golden Retriever
In "College"

March 2010 - January 2011

 

 

 

We always gets a family photo with the dogs we raise, right before they go in for training. With Ellie, we completely forgot! I was pretty mad at myself, thinking "What "if" this is the last dog I raise, I will always regret not getting a picture!" ("IF" is in quotation marks... meaning probably won't be my last, but you never know) Well, after coming to my senses, I realized the last visit with Ellie's sponsors, they took pictures while we were enjoying strawberry shortcake on their beautiful porch! So I quickly emailed and asked for a copy of the pictures! My only regret is, Sadie our personal pet is not in the picture. But that's ok. She's camera shy.

The longest break I've had (break: time between pups) was only 2 months long. That time was between Eve and Ellie. Our family plan was to take a LONG 6 month or so break before getting another puppy. Thanks to someone as SEGDI *cough* MELINDA*cough*, that break didn't last very long. 

Melinda knows we as puppy raisers lovers, addicts, cannot possibly say no to a sweet, little, bundle of wiggly joy! But I'm serious this time about a break. Hear that Melinda? :o)

Missing Ellie like crazy,
 Meagan

Dad's cell phone

Wow. Talk about a flash back in time! I never play with dad's cell phone, but this evening I noticed it laying on the piano and I thought I would take a peak at what photos he had stored on his memory card.

This would be Eve aka "Eve-ous", "Eve-r-beaver", "Evie", when we were at the Florida Aquarium.

This is Eve at the beach... yes we are playing with a *shhhhhh* BALL *shhhhh*.

And here the lastest baby....

She's a sweetheart =-)

*cough* yeah, um, don't ask about the leash. Lets just say, I keep all my new pups away from my nice leather leash until they are out of the chewing stage.

Typical puppy... who cares for pictures?!?!

Back when "come" meant something to little Ellie dear

Ohhh I miss kissing that furry little head... and paws, after she had a bath that is.

I thought for sure I had a video of my sweet Ellie chasing Sadie around the tennis court. I was very disappointed to realize I did not. Yes, park rangers, when you are not around (like you ever are) I let my dogs run free in the "fenced" area. They are still "on leash" so you can't complain about the "dogs must be leashed" rule :)

     Oy, so missing Ellie,
            Meagan

My house...

is so very quiet without her

 Wednesday, Ellie's sponsors sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers. They smell amazing and look perfect as a center piece in the dining room! The picture doesn't do the flowers justice!

 

I took these pictures this morning. Ellie has matured into such a sweet little girl. Her temperament is so gentle and easy going. I think it really shows on her sweet face.

The drive to SEGDI on an IFT day is very hard... you purposely drive slow and try to get caught by every red light. That annoying lump in your throat gets bigger, and everything seems to go by so quickly.

I was so thankful, SEGDI was busy. People were coming and going, the January class was in session, so Ellie was watching the other dogs and getting excited about her surroundings. Distractions are a plus when your baby is going to college.

*Tip, no make-up on IFT days... trust me*

 

Ellie was so excited to go "exploring". She was tugging and pulling to go see more. No looking back for my little girl! 

After we said our tearful goodbyes, we always go and see the puppies. 

As well as seeing puppies, we also saw two familiar little female pups that are in heat right now. Little Flora and Popi were acting happy and go-lucky as they always are!

Meg's puppies!!! Aren't they adorable? Meg came out to say hi for a few minutes... she's such a sweetie!

 

 Puppy hugging was a lot of fun. Evan really enjoyed seeing the "Dah" :)

The house is so quiet. My room feels empty. But we are happy to see the huge decrease in dog hair floating around our house!

No more busy breaks before going into a store, no more waking up to a puppy rearranging her bedding, no more "forward straight" commands while crossing the street, no more saying "coat on".

Oh, we will miss this little girl. Very much.

Love,

Meagan