HOME AT LAST

It has been some time since I have blogged.  I thought once Eve left that it would be the end of my journey.  Thankfully it is not!  Eve's trainer Henny, invited me to meet Eve's family and to see what she had accomplished.  On April 11, I met them and spent about 3-4 hours with them and had lunch and my eyes were opened to the journey this family is going through.  I was proud to hear that Eve had already changed their lives in such a short time.  It was sad to say goodbye again not knowing if I would ever see Eve again.  I kissed her and told her to take care of them and she pulled away from me and got into the vehicle with the kids.  In one way it broke my heart but in another way I knew my job was accomplished.  Bitter sweet so they say!

A few weeks later I received an email from her  mom.  I was thrilled!  She wants to stay in contact and it was such a relief to know that.  I have been invited to come and visit their home this summer and I can't wait.  I went to a BC Guide Dog function this past weekend and Bill Thornton made special mention of Eve.  Their 19th Autism Support Dog and the only dog who has gone to the home of 2 autistic children...twins in fact!  I smiled proudly with a couple tear drops falling from my eyes.  I still miss her!  But so happy she is home at last!  Right where she belongs!  I love you Evey!

This is a picture of Eve with her family.  One of the children walks behind Eve and has a harness around her waist which is attached to Eve and the little boy is holding on to the handle on Eve's back as their mom guides them through the mall.  I have a ton of admiration for their mother and hope Eve is bringing them exactly what they need!

MOVING ON AGAIN

More crying lately.  Last week I was able to meet up with Eve after 8 1/2 weeks apart.  It was amazing! Ellen came with me and made a video of us reuniting.  I watch it over and over again.  When she looked up and saw me, I don't think I have ever seen her so ecstatic!  It was awesome!  I spent about an hour and a half with Henny showing me all of Eve's training.  We then had about 15-20 minutes of play time at the end.  I went home feeling really good but then cried myself to sleep that night missing her!  Oh my...I'm such a baby!

One week later, Eve's boarding family had to say goodbye.  I received an email from them last night letting me know that it was their last night with her and that there would be lots of tears in the morning.  It was so nice to hear from them.  This morning they let her go and I received another email.  And I'm telling you, I cried a lot today.  I felt like I was giving her up all over again and my heart was going out to that family, remembering the day I had to say goodbye.  They love her a lot.  The picture below is of the two girls this morning having their morning cuddles.  I sure love that...what a sweet picture!  We are going to set up a time soon to meet and I can't wait to thank them for taking such amazing care of Eve and loving her so much!  

Two of my friends told me today that is is pretty amazing how many lives Eve has touched already!

Off Eve went to Vancouver Island to live with her new family.  I'm sure they are already having a ball with her!  I cannot wait to go to the Island to meet them in a couple of weeks.  I'm a very proud mom.

I best be going, as I have not much time to organize their scrap book of Eve's first year and a half!

SHE DID IT!

This is probably the proudest moment of my life!  Today I received the most amazing news that my baby Eve was going to be an Autism Support Dog!  I just knew that was her calling.  She is so amazing with children and I like to think that all the time she spent with my nieces and nephews has paid off.  Especially the little ones - James & Dane.  She was always so gentle with them!

When I went to see my family last month, James waved to me from the window and then he looked at his mom and said "Aunty just doesn't look the same without Eve"!  How sweet is that!

Of course I cried again when I got the news today!  I'm just so thrilled.  I hope I can meet her new family who has already been chosen.  In the words of Michael Fulton "I can see her brightening some little kids world!"  My tears are tears of so much joy.  I'm so happy!  I already know how much joy Eve is going to bring to this family and maybe one day I can see it for myself!

Eve is moving to Vancouver Island to finish her training and be placed with her "FOREVER FAMILY". No more shuffling her between families.  Although she does settle in with anyone pretty quickly.  Her trainer told me that her boarding family loves her and Eve gets so excited to see them when she comes home from training.  But to finally go to her Forever Family makes me very happy!

Almost 8 weeks without her and I miss her so much!  I get to see her next week and I can hardly wait!  Just six more sleeps till we are reunited!

For those of you who have forgotten, this is a picture of Michael (who started it all for me), who is blind with Eve and his amazing guide dog, Cody!

RELEASE WITH LOVE

Week 2 without Eve was better than the first week, although I still ache for her.  I  miss that sweet face and I miss our routine!  A good friend told me to RELEASE WITH LOVE!  How perfect is that!

I received my second update on Eve this week from Henny her trainer.  Eve has settled in nicely in her new home and her new boarding family loves her.  I couldn't be happier!

Henny advised that they spent the first week getting to know each other and she was even downtown!  Henny had a bit of a struggle with Eve the first couple of days on walks as she has been stopping quite frequently.  But she was doing better towards the end of her first week of training.  She was also doing well off leash but still having a challenge with recall.  She likes to play with Henny but not so much with other dogs.  She is such a people person, my baby!

That's the first update of her advanced training and I sure wish I could run into her! Next update is in about 6 weeks or so.
This is a picture of Eve on her first day of advance training with her classmates.  They are sitting in the back of the van.  I can't remember their names but I'll find out.  Eve of course is the gorgeous little  one in the middle!  They are all so beautiful!

Day 484 - Week 70 GOODBYE

How can you raise a puppy and then let her go in 18 months?  If I had a quarter for every time I was asked that, I'd be a wealthy girl!  My answer today?  I don't know how to say goodbye to my baby.  It hurts a lot right in my heart and soul!

Everything in life has a beginning, a middle and an end.

Today marked the end of my time with Eve but a new beginning for both of us!  484 days and 70 short weeks!

I've gone through some very difficult times in my life, like all of us do - the break up of a long term relationship, the death of my mother...and today marked another emotional, difficult day.  This time however, there is sadness and joy at the same time.  

I cried myself to sleep last night and I woke up with tears streaming down my eyes and they wouldn't stop all morning!  I couldn't stop holding my baby!  How was I going to say goodbye today?

We packed all of Eve's things...her 2-mattress high bed (all about comfort for the princess), her favourite toys, her blankets and off we went to pick up Ellen who was coming for support!  WOW did I ever need her today.  This was 100 times harder then I thought it was going to be.   My head is pounding, the tears won't stop flowing!

We arrived in Ladner and we went in to meet the trainers.  I thought I was going to be a basket case the entire time but I wasn't.  Eve will be training with Henny and as I write this she is off to her new boarding home.  She is going to a couple who have boarded before, they have 2 girls around the ages of 8 and 10 and another dog!  I think that's what made the drop-off easier.   Knowing my baby was going to a family full of people who will love her for the next 5 months and another puppy to play with.  I couldn't have asked for anymore.  I know she is probably having the time of her life right now!

Eve will begin advanced training next week and will be in a harness almost immediately.  She will be with 3 other guide dogs in her training monday to friday 9-5.  A real working girl!  

I will receive a call tonight on how she is doing but I already know what they will tell me.  Eve is just fine, it's me that misses her so much!  

Thanks to everyone who sent through their text well wishes today.  I just need a few days to get used to not having her around.  She is the best thing I have ever done in my life and she has changed me forever!

After we packed all of Eve's things into the office (OMG she sure has a lot more stuff then McGregor does!), I gave Evey another hug and lots of kisses and told her I loved her.  See you in a few months my baby!

We started our very first blog with a profile picture of Eve and I together when she was a pup.  Today I post the picture we took together yesterday in the Okanagan.  I will keep you posted as I hear about Eve's progress.

Would I do it all again....?  ABSOLUTELY!

Day 476 - Week 69 BABIES

We are not going to talk about what happens next week, so let's just move on.  We had our last obedience class on friday.  Eve was a nightmare.  She wouldn't walk, sit, stand, down or anything.  Talk about stubborn. I did get some tips on how to handle her when she slams on the breaks and we have practiced the past couple of days and it actually works.  I can't let her win.  I don't slow down and we just keep on going.  We are going to continue to practice very hard this week, so she will be all set for advanced training.

We saw Michael and Cody for dinner this week and then shopping yesterday... and Eve was bad!  She just wanted to play with Cody in the store.  She was so excited to see him. We finally managed to make it to Joey's for lunch and then the misbehaving continued.  Finally when it was time to almost go home, she fell asleep!  Oh Evey!

Great news...Eve has lost 3 lbs.  She is looking slim and trim.  Gorgeous!

Here is a photo of my two favourite babies.  They are almost the same age.  Eve turned 1 1/2 years old yesterday on the 14th of January and Dane is just over 1 1/2 years.  This is Dane watching his favourite puppy having dinner.  So cute!

Day 466 - Week 67 THE DREADED EMAIL

Happy New Year everyone!  Eve enjoyed another flight on Westjet to Kelowna for Christmas.  She even climbed up on one passengers lap when I wasn't looking!  She gets so much attention!

There is no easy way to say this so I might as well just spit it out!  Eve is off to college on Monday, January 23, 2012.  I received that email we all dread and all I read was that I needed to bring Eve in on Jan 23.  I instantly burst into tears and couldn't even finish reading the email.  I shut down my blackberry as I stood in the park all alone in the pouring rain with Eve and cried.  She looked up at me as if to say "What the hell is wrong with you!?"  But I'm ok now!  I'm so proud of her and I am so pleased she is heading off to advanced training.

Eve has changed me.  She has taught me to be a better person, to be kind and to help our fellow human beings.  My charity work does not end with Eve, in fact it is just beginning.  I have felt no greater satisfaction then the role I have played to assist someone who is blind or who has autism.  Eve is playing a bigger role in life and I can't wait to meet the special someone whose life she is going to change.  How unbelievably special and gratifying that is!

I love this puppy and I'm going to miss her deeply.  I have had some chats with her and she is prepared for college.  She promises to listen to her instructors and to work as hard as she can.  She tells me she loves me every day when she just has to touch me and cuddle with me.  Sometimes I will just be working away and she will climb up on my lap.  I look down from my bed as I write this and see my little baby sleeping away and know that in just a couple short weeks there is going to be a big void in that spot.

We went to the dog park today, like we do most days.  I'm sure her friends are going to miss her there - Buttercup the Newfoundlander, Chloe & Kiera the Pitbulls, Moshi and Lily the Hounds, Luke & Titan the Chocolate Labs, Winston & Hank the tank Bulldogs, Stanley the bully Golden Retriever, Caesar the German Shepherd, Oliver the Boxer, Winston the Spaniel, Butter & Jambon & George the French Bulldogs, Duke the Great Dane, Tony the Pinscher, Precious the Rottweiler, Pickle the Pug, Luca, Moe, Chloe the Leonberger, Dougal the Golden Doodle, Tucker the Pug, CJ & Benson, the Golden Retrievers, Kobe the Golden Retriever and so many many more we have met along the way.  And especially her best friend CODY who has showed Eve what it takes to be a guide dog...so hopefully she will be a step above the rest!  Eve will miss them all but particularly their owners who she perhaps loves more than the dogs themselves!

Need to sign off for now...

Day 448 - Week 65 CITY GIRL

Eve has been a very busy girl.  First let's get a weigh-in.  67.0 lbs.  For those of you keeping track that is another pound gained!  We are now 9 lbs over weight!  Well Chunky has had a change of diet recently and the food she is on now should have her losing about 2 lbs per month.  Let's hope so!

We've been to Whistler a couple of times, gone on some great puppy off-leash walks, been eating at some fabulous restaurants and this week we will be heading to Peachland for Christmas.

Today we had brunch with the girls on the annual Christmas get-together at the Bacchus Restaurant.  It was so lovely and Eve was so happy to see the girls again.  Especially Pam of course!  Jeff arrived and Eve was excited to see him as well.

Eve is getting set to go to College next month and she's pretty pumped.  Me?  Not so much!  Luckily we get to spend Christmas together and that should be nice.

Eve and I go for this great 1.5 hour walk across Cambie St Bridge and then to the off-leash park near Granville Island.  She absolutely loves it and is wiped when we get home.  This is a picture of Eve on that walk with the city skyline in the background!  I just love this picture.
We will send more updates during the holidays!

Day 420 - Week 61 LOVE ALL AROUND

First update is on Chunky's weight...up almost another pound to 66.2 lbs!  We'll leave it at that and carry on.
We have had a fun filled few weeks.  Eve got her annual shots the first week of November and thanks to Bob Marshall for taking her to the Vet for me.  No allergic reactions which was great news.

2nd week of November we headed across the border to Point Roberts for dinner at David Carter's.  We arrived in the dark and knocked on the wrong door.  Eve was off leash and ran straight into the house and who knows what she was doing in there while I'm yelling at her to come back!  Oh boy...was that ever funny!  We made our way to David's and unfortunately someone got her a bit excited and her wagging tail knocked over a glass of...you guessed it...red wine!

The next night was the annual BC Guide Dog trivia night.  Thanks to Ver, Ellen, David and Lesley for joining me and supporting BC Guide Dogs.  It was a fun filled night.  We were literally matched up with former JEOPARDY contestants.  WOW were they ever smart and WOW were we ever...oh never mind.  It was fun although we didn't win!  Next year!

This week, poor Evey got very sick!  She threw up 4 times and had the runs all day.  Linda suggested I take her to the vet as I feared the rumour of the dog park being poisoned might be true!  What a scared mom I was!  Thankfully she is fine and it wasn't poison.  Today she appears to be back to normal.  We even went out for a walk with BC Guide dog puppy Sacha!  She is adorable and only 12 weeks old.  Sacha was in the back of my vehicle with Eve and little Eve became very possessive over toys she never ever plays with!

Thanks to Pam & Jeff for watching Eve while I spent an afternoon of shopping.  And a BIG THANK YOU to Evan, Cameron and Megan for helping out as well and especially for loving her so much!  When Eve arrived at their home she ran in searching for the kids like she lived there or something!  She was disappointed when she didn't find them but they came home soon after!  She loves them a lot!!!!!

Here is a photo of Eve with Evan, Cameron and Megan!  Lots of love!  Oh no...is that Eve on the sofa???

Day 400 - Week 58 SPOOKY SPIDER

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!  We had a spooktacular day!  Puppy Eve spent the past 4 days with Mark and Gill as I headed up North for the weekend.  She came home this afternoon just in time for Halloween!  She loves dressing up for Halloween...ok maybe not!  BUT Lexus sure did have fun dressing her up.  She was a princess spider and then in the end just a plain old scary spider.  Check it out in the photo below but warn children first so as not to scare them!

Day 392 - Week 57 MUNCH

Munch is short for Munchkin.  That's Evey's pet name!  It is really hard to believe it is getting so close to her leaving me for College.  57 weeks so far!  Wow...where has the time gone.  She is still my little snuggly monster as she lies here by my side!

We spent Thanksgiving with the family in Peachland and she even went to spend the night with Lexus and family.  She was very spoiled over there and snuggled with everyone in bed.  They gave her lots of love, especially Lexus.  They were sad to think they might never see her again but it appears we may have her for Christmas which will be awesome!

We've been very busy this month with individual training with Linda at Granville Island, eyes checked, vet appointment, obedience classes and working in the Mall.  Unfortunately little munch has gained more weight.  Remember she needs to get down to 58 lbs.  She is now at a whopping 65.6 lbs!  Oh boy!
We met a puppy about a year ago named Luka.  His parents (human parents) are from Turkey.  We see them from time to time and this afternoon we joined them for a walk and great fun at a new park for us at False Creek.  Eve had a blast.  Of course she slept all afternoon.

Well we are getting ready for Halloween.  Eve wants to be a spider.  So look out for her Halloween blog.
We spent a few hours at Richmond Centre this weekend bringing awareness to the wonderful work these amazing dogs do.  It was a lot of fun.  This is a picture of Eve with her sister, Brookes.  They're not real sisters just Guide dog sisters.  If you look close, they are touching paws!  They are so adorable!

Day 365 - Week 53 ONE YEAR

WOW  one full year with Eve and how far the two of us have come.  Remember those days of hell one year ago?  Now my little princess sleeps soundly at my side and what a princess she has become.  She never did grow out of those early mornings.  Sure enough just this morning she had her paws and head up on my bed and rested her head on any part of my body she could reach.  Yes it was only 5:40 am!!!!  Finally I lift my tired body from my comfy bed to feed the little one and outside we go to get busy!  Two bags full this morning!  Now guess who is sleeping soundly all curled up in a little ball?????

I guess I better update everyone on Eve's weight since our last blog!  She has GAINED a whopping 3 more pounds.  I was devastated!  She has to work out more...we now have 6 lbs to lose!  Oh boy this is hard stuff!

This past weekend we went to work at the Mall to drive awareness and hopefully raise some money for BC Guide Dogs.  Eve and all the dogs were wonderful.  The other gorgeous puppies were Kramer, Zulu and Dream.  Of course everyone loved Eve (and all the pups) and of course she loved the attention.  This is the rare time that we actually allow people to pet the dogs while they have their working vests on.  We raised $1,000 and received 2 puppy sponsorships.  There are so many ways to help BC Guide Dogs.  You can log on to the website at bcguidedog.com and make a donation or how about sponsor a puppy.  For just a small monthly donation you will help raise a puppy and the fun part is you will receive updates on one specific pup you are helping to raise through your contribution.  Of course there is always volunteering or becoming a puppy raiser yourself.

This whole experience has changed me and I'm happy to say for the better!  I am sad to think that Eve will be leaving me soon but I'm so excited to see her change someones life and I'm so proud that I was part of that!  I only wish she was going to Michael so that I could see her all the time but Michael has Cody now.  Of course we all love Cody and Eve considers him her big brother.  Hopefully Eve will stay in the local area and I can see her from time to time, but regardless she is going to enhance the life of someone who is in greater need than I am.

This is a photo of Eve helping me at work!  How funny is that!

Day 350 - Week 51 CHUNKY MONKEY

Did I mention that Chunky Monkey weighs in at 61.2 lbs!?  Well tomorrow she is weighing in again and we are hoping to lose 3 lbs.  She looks bigger if you ask me!  Oh, no I'm a bit worried.  We will keep you posted on her weight loss program.

I'm not sure why I wait so long to blog.  So much happens and then I forget when it's time to write.  Since we last posted an update we have been to Peachland TWICE.  Eve loves going to visit Grandpa.  She loves him a lot!  She especially loved the last two trips cause her big brother Cody came with us.  Take a look at the photo below.  She really looks up to him...let's hope she follows in his paw prints!

In mid-August I went to Fort St James for a visit and Eve stayed at Calypso's house.  She loved it.  She loves a lot of things.  She got to play all weekend and was completely worn out after the weekend!

We've also gone on a couple of business trips to Whistler which is always great fun in the office.  Recycling containers full of water bottles are one of her favourites!

We also went on a puppy walk on the beach with Eve's sister Maggie.  Maggie has been placed in a home and we went for a final walk.  Hopefully it wasn't final and that we will see her again.  We went out to the Spanish Banks doggie beach.  We'd never been there before.  Maggie and Eve played so hard.  I don't think I have ever seen Eve have such a blast.  The tide was out and so we walked forever and they played and played and played.  When we got home, Eve could not even open up her eyes a smidge for 5 hours!  She finally got up to get busy.  It was a great day!  We are sure gonna miss Mags!

Well we are off to the Vet tomorrow to drop off yet another stool sample.  Hopefully everything will be cleared up and we can finally get her off metamucil once and for all.  Keep your fingers crossed that Eve has lost those dreaded 3 lbs.  Those seem to be the hardest to lose!  But Eve really wants to get her slim figure and waist back!

Day 315 - Week 46 BROTHERS AND SISTERS

A lot has happened since the birthday girl turned one!  We attended Khatsalano Days as BC Guide Dogs had a booth there.  Of course Eve and Purdy were hits!  It was a gorgeous day and it did get a bit hot for the pups around noon time.  Eve was sort of "off duty".  They were allowed to be very social and have people pet them.  Of course Eve was in her glory.

Last weekend we attended the BC Guide Dogs annual Summer bbq.  It was a blast.  Eve loves spending time with all her Guide dog brothers and sisters.  They are not her real brothers and sisters but she still loves them just the same.  We played musical chairs and Eve and I almost went all the way!

We've been doing some visiting and went to Dorothy's in Surrey.  She didn't really seem to mind Eve eating her lawn, pooping in her lawn and leaving her gorgeous home full of Eve's blond fur!  Dorothy, you are too kind!  We went to Whistler and had a fun time playing with Chloe.  She loves her big sister and they always have a great time together.  We've gone on many walks with Dougal lately.  Last weekend we went on our longest hike ever - 3 hours!  Ok, we did get lost but it was great exercise and a beautiful hike.

Eve did give me a big scare today!  We went to Pacific Spirit Park on West 4th.  We've been many times.  Eve loves to chase after big brother Dougal.  Well they took a left turn that was supposed to be a right and the left turn took them right on to a busy road across from the beach.  I FREAKED!  I was sure Eve was hit by a car although we hadn't heard any screeching.  After just a few minutes, Dougal came a running from the beach all wet, but were was Eve?  Well just a few seconds later she showed up looking for her big brother and ran into Ver's arms!   How they crossed that busy street, I will never know!  Perhaps Eve put her Guide Dog skills to work and sat at the curb and waited until it was safe for the two of them to cross!  Thank GOD the two dogs are safe.

I love this picture.  This is Eve and Ellen hangin' at the beach!

Day 291 - Week 42 HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY EVE

Today was a very special day as the little one turned the big ONE!  I'm so proud of her.  She is so grown up.  We had an amazing birthday party and all of Eve's buddies and big brothers attended - Cody, Tucker and Doogle.  She also invited her favourite human friends  - Ellen, Ver, Nicole, Michael, Nikki, and Lesley.  We had Thai food and a humungous birthday cake!  Of course the doggies didn't get any of it.  We took them to the park for a little play and Eve had the time of her life with her friends!  She is tuckered out and fast asleep right now.  It was a memorable birthday.  Thanks to everyone for the awesome puppy gifts.  Eve's toy basket is overflowing!!!!!  We can't wait to wake up in the morning and play with them again!

Day 275 - Week 40 MEAN BULL DOG

There is so much to talk about since our last blog.  Eve cheered on the Canucks like the rest of us and joined in on all the fun at the Hub and Hurricane Grill.  Oh and we won't mention the time we lost Eve at Hurricane Grill!  How does an 11 month old puppy disappear out of the site of 8 people??  Sad that it ended in a loss in Game 7 of the finals and even worse that it ended with that ridiculous riot!  Embarrassing!  Well, life goes on and we signed Bieksa today so that's great news.

We met a cutie patutie at the dog park!  Well I did.  Eve sniffs his dog a bit but she's female so that's no fun.  Anyways Cutie even offered to pick up Eve's poop yesterday.  What a guy!  We wonder what his name is!  We just call him Cutie From The Park!

We met with Michael and guide dog Cody on Sunday at Coopers Park.  Eve was so ecstatic to see Cody I couldn't get her leash off quick enough.  I couldn't believe she remembered him.  It had been awhile.  We had a lot of fun and it was a gorgeous afternoon.

We met with Linda today to go for a walk and check out Eve's progress.  Linda said of all the puppies Eve has had the most change.  Especially recently.  She is matured, grown and the biggest sweetheart ever!  I made Linda promise she is going to go to a very special person!  I can't even think about her leaving in November so we won't talk about that!

I guess you are wondering when I am going to get to the subject of MEAN BULL DOG in the title of this blog!  Well, Eve got roughed up yesterday by a mean bully of a puppy!  He ran at Eve and jumped on her, and bit her...BUT wait till you see him!  Tank is the cutest puppy I have ever seen (outside of Eve of course).   He's 8 weeks old,  fits in both palms of your hands, he's brown with a white scrunched up face and one white paw.  He has a thick red collar and his legs are tiny little stumps.  And he LOVES Eve.  Eve was amazing.  She was so gentle with the pup and let him roll on her and bite her.  I can't wait to share all the pictures I took.  I can only attach one photo per blog so enjoy the one attached here!  We love Tank (or was his name Hank?)!  Here he is roughing up Eve!

Day 254 - Week 37 THE PARADE AND BAD DAYS

On May 29, Eve and I participated in the Ladner May Day Parade with BC Guide Dogs.  It was a lovely spring day and a great day for a parade.  This was our first ever parade.  I think there were about 12 puppies and Eve and I enjoyed waving to the people as they oooooed and ahhhhhed as we walked by.  After the parade we all went for lunch with the puppies and we let them off leash to have a little play.  It was so funny.  They had a ball running after each other and it was a little tricky trying to catch them!

This past weekend Eve and I were at the dog park and started heading home.  We saw a lab puppy who is the same age and same colour as Eve. They could be sisters.  We have seen them over the past months but it had been awhile.  I let Eve say hello even though I shouldn't when she is on leash.  I learned my lesson.  The other dog attacked Eve, pinned her down and the owner had to pry her off.  Eve was hysterical and yelping and ran into my arms.  The other dog had bitten her face and she was bleeding a bit.  We made it home and then headed to Nikki's for dinner.

While at Nikki's Eve stuck her head in Tucker's doggie toy box which was located under the end table.  All of sudden the table started dragging across the room with Eve stuck under it.  What was going on?  The table had a lamp and lit candles on it and thankfully we came to the rescue in time.  Eve's collar was stuck on the curly decoration rod on the table and she couldn't get out!  Oh my goodness....that is why you need to take a dog's collar off when they are home alone.  You just never know what trouble they can get in to.  Poor Evey...she was having a bad day!

This is a photo of Eve and I at the parade!

Day 238 - Week 35 GROWING UP

I have just returned from a 3 week vacation to the Philippines and Hong Kong.  This means that little Eve had to stay behind.  This time she stayed with Linnea and her failed puppy, 5-year old Dunbar. Linnea provided me with updates and pictures while I was away, and it was great to hear how she was doing.  Eve had a wonderful time having a play mate every day.  She went to concerts and rehearsals.  She even went to visit a seniors home.  Of course she was a hit everywhere she went.  Linnea really enjoyed her and let me know that any time I go on vacation to give her a call!  It's so great to hear such positive feedback on Eve.  Being my first puppy, I never can tell how she is really doing.

Eve was ecstatic to see me when I returned.  She gave me these little love bites on my arms.  It was very affectionate but it did cause a little bruising!

We are now back to our routine.  Yesterday we met with Puppy Maggie and they had a wonderful time on our 1 1/2 hour walk.  Eve was so exhausted when we returned home that she slept the entire day.  Sadly, Maggie has an issue with her elbow and had to be pulled from the Guide Dog program!  We are really going to miss her.

Eve is getting more gorgeous every day and behaving so well!  There was one girl at obedience class this week that was picking up her brand new puppy the following day.  Oh boy, am I ever glad we are past the puppy stage!  My baby is growing up so quickly!

Day 197 - Week 29 MY NEW PUPPY

Eve and I spent our first week apart as I flew off to Colorado for a business trip.  Thankfully she was left in great hands with Rupert and Bev.  If you are going to leave your puppy with anyone and you can score Rupert and Bev you are very lucky!  Well I got lucky.  Eve had a wonderful time and she has come back a new puppy.  Even Ellen asked what was wrong with Eve.  She does not jump on people any more, she is a lot more calm (or is that because she is sad that she missed her puppy buddy Purdy?), she is incredible to take on a walk and no longer drags me to the dog park, she barely barks and the best part of it all....SHE RIDES ESCALATORS!!!!  She really does.  I have taken her five times now and she doesn't even hesitate, just walks right on.  I'm so proud of her.  They told me they practiced a lot with two other pups. Purdy in front and another pup behind her who kept pushing her butt from behind to get her on the escalator.  I can't thank Rupert enough...he is just so great with these dogs. 
Today after work I took Eve to Coopers park to have a little play with the other dogs.  It was a nice evening and there were 21 (I counted them) dogs.  She had a blast!  Now she is passed out she is so tired.  I love her!  She's really going to enjoy hanging out at the bars for the next two months as we cheer on the Canucks on their way to the Stanley Cup!
This is a picture of Eve and Linda of BC Guide Dogs months ago when she was trying to get Eve on an escalator!

Day 186 - Week 27 BAD EVE

I can't believe I have had Eve for 1/2 year already!  Oh my goodness the time is flying!  She is still growing and loves to eat.  The other day we went to visit her buddy Kobe and the first thing she did was head for his food bowl and chowed down.  She inhales her food and does not chew as I discovered when she puked in a restaurant a few weeks ago.  At first I thought "How did that dog food get there?"  It literally looked like someone had poured her new kibbles.

At the last obedience class we had to get the pups to sit, stay and then we take a walk around the gym and head back to the dogs who are obediently waiting.  We do this at almost every class.  WELL what do you think Evey was up to this time?  She began running around the gym having a grand ole time while we all chased her down.  OH BOY!  So, this week I have taken her twice to the enclosed basketball courts at the park.  We started off pretty well until she decided it was play time!  Off she went. Running all around the court, while I was in hot pursuit!  There was one section with about 3 inches of water and she had a blast galloping through there.  She ate a popsicle stick (which is yet to pass through her), half a dozen worms and God only knows what else.  I was furious.  I wanted to strangle her!  I then decided to leave the court and see what she would do.  Oh no...I've locked the door and now I can't get back in!  Panic!  Of course there was Eve on the inside sitting all pretty now.  Eventually I figured out the trick to the door and after several attempts finally caught her.  Oh...Good Eve for finally coming.  It is very difficult to praise her when all I want to do is scream!  We went back the next evening and what do you know.  She started her shenanigans again.  Running around.  I need help or is this just a phase!?
Well we must be on our way.  Off to the escalators - our other challenge! 
I'm off to Beaver Creek, Colorado on Saturday for a business symposium.  Eve is staying with Rupert and Bev and hopefully they will straighten her out!  Wish them luck!

Frustrated Andrea & Adorable BAD Eve!