M is for Meeting my new Guide Dog

My shops are "on vacation", and I am packing my bags. In a few days, I will meet my new guide dog at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida. They will not give me even a hint about my new dog, but I will try to post and include a picture when I do meet him/her.

Dolly is ready to don her new collar and live a life of luxury with my mother. I wonder how much weight she will gain from enjoying all those bonbons!?!

Thanks to all of you for your support. Special thanks to Anne at myhelpinghands.artfire.com for the wonderful vacation banner. See you in December...peace yall!

K is for Knew This Day Was Coming...

...but it's still hard to imagine! After guiding me for more than 6 years, Dolly is ready to retire. She is going to live with my mother, fortunately, and they adore each other. Mother lives close by so we'll get to see her often. I will be returning to Southeastern Guide Dogs in FL to train with her successor dog. Because this will be my second dog, I only have to stay for 20 days. I am scheduled to be down there from 9/25 to 10/15. This will be a huge transition for my family, and I am thankful for their love, support and courage.

Anytime you need a break, visit guidedogs.org and click on PuppyCam! It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you are ready for that break now, just click on the title.

D is for Dolly

My guide dog, Dolly, is delightful, dexterous, durable, devoted, darling, dynamic, demure, dear and knows how to play Duck, Duck, Goose. She is an Australian Shepherd, and her coat description is Blue Merle which is the combination of black, white, gray and brown. I got Dolly 5 1/2 years ago at Southeastern Guide Dogs (guidedogs.org) in Palmetto, FL. What a truly awesome experience that was! I spent the month, well almost the entire month, of August 2004 in training with her. The hurricanes were so numerous and nasty, we were sent home early. Anyway, Dolly knew over 40 commands so I had a lot to learn! In addition we celebrated her 2 yo birthday together down there. How about that for a brilliant dog! I could go on and on and on about Dolly..........just ask me a question, any question. She is one of the absolute best things in my life!