SEPT 30 2015

last night;s mail call, we got  one of the best $700 donATIONS EVER...-  FROM TRACY POTTER....(AKA TRIXIE OCNJ)

 APPARENTLY A CP  MARY BETH  LLORCA   DIED LEAVING HER 2 PETS   GRACE AND MADDIE WHO ENDED   UP IN A SHELTERTHAT  WAS KNOWN TO BE A HIGH RATE OF KILL SHELTER,  SO OUR EXPLORE ARMY OF CAMERA PEOPLE

GOT ORGANIZED AND  GAVE MONEY TO ANOTHER CP WHO THEN ORGANIZED TEH RESCUE AND REHOMING  OF THE 2 PETS. WITH ANOTHER CP.

THE $700 WAS TEH MONEY LEFT OVER WHICH THEY DECIDED SHOULD COME TO SDP AS TEH "GLUE" 

WHICH HELD TEH GROUP TOGETHER AND MADE THE RESCUE POSSIBLE...  WAY TO GO !!!

***************

IT IS SOOOO PEACEFUL AND QUIET-- OUR 2 SUPER PUPPY HANDLERS WERE ON FOR THE NIGHT... EARLENE AND PAM..

I HONESTLY THINK IF WE DID NOT HAVE THE 24 HOUR COVERAGE WE WOULD HAVE LOST A PUP OR TWO BY NOW...  

NOT ONLY IS SITTIN ON A PU A BIG CONCERN, BUT THERE ARE ONE OR TWO IN EACH OF THE LITTERS THAT ARE SMALLER 

THAN THE  OTHERS-- ONE IN SCARLOTT'S LITTER WHO OFTEN SLLURPS WHEN HE/SHE NURSES... AND ...

 DEPENDING ON TTHE SHAPE OF THE NIPPLE WAS NOT GETTING THE FULL MEAL..

EARLENE 'S  ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS SUPER  MAKING HER PERFECT  AS  NIPPLE ASSESSOR..

AND PAM-- REGARDLESS OF WHAT SHE IS DOING...... SHE CAN ADD ONE MORE DETAIL  PERFECTLUY....

 LIKE THE MANUFACTURE AND DISTRUBUTION OF SLOPPY GRUEL. 

********

WE HAVE SOME VERY TALENTED PEOPLE.... LIKE KITTY.... ON THIS CALENDAR PROJECT...

I DON'T EVEN USE  THE WORDS SHE IS USING-   PAGENATION AND STYLE SETTING.

WE APPARENTLY GOT 2 SHOTS DONE... AND THEN WENT ON WHAT COUDL BE CALLED THE STUCCO SEARCH...

I HAVE 2 FREIENDS WITH STUCCO HOUSES--- BEAUTIFUL PLACES-- AND KITTY WAS THRILLED TO FIND 

THE STUCCO WALL THAT WILLIAM HAD ASKED FOR -  THE FACT THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY A RETAINING WALL DIDN'T MATTER.

I AM JUST  PLEASED TO HAVE IT BE  IN SOMEONE'S BACK YARD AND NOT A WALL ALONG SOME HIGHWAY...

...... WILLIAM IS AN ARTIST AND OFTEN WILLING TO SACRIFICE  SANITY  FOR "ART"

THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT-- JUST AN OBSERVATION  OF 30 YEARS WORKING WITH HIM ON

 SOME PRETTY STRANGE LOCATIONS.----YOU MUST ADMIT    THE CALENDAR IS BEAUTIFUL

I HOPE WE GET IT PRINTED IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS RESENTS... IT IS NOT THE USUAL 

"PRETTY PICTURE" CALEMDAR YOU GET FROM YOUR LOCAL DENTIST TO ADVERTIZE ROOT  CANALS.

***************

SDP IS AN ARMY-- AND AN  ARMY MOVES ON IT'S BELLY-- WE CERTAINLY DO THAT...

DUMBLEDORE ORDERED ITALIAN FOOD FROM SPINELLI'S IN PEABODY  AND PAUL ( OF TOM AND TES FAME) 

WENET AND GOT IT FOR US... SUSIE'S BIRTHDAY GAVE IUS A CARROT/CHEESE CAKE SO NO ONE 

LOST WEIGHT LAST NIGHT-- AND TEH FRIDG IS FILLED FOR - CERTAINLY LUNCH...

I KNOW I AM ALL SET FR AN EGGPLANT  PARM/CAESAR SALAD  BREAKFAST AT LEAST.

NONE OF IT IS WASTED EVER--- THE SUNDAY FOOD HAS BEEN KNOWN TO LAST TIL THURSDAY- 

AFTER WHICH IT DEVEKOPES A   SLIGHT GREEN FUZZ   AND IS  A FOAVORITE OF OUR  SHATUPON SOCIETY  MASCOTS- THE HENS.

**********

I DID GET A NIGHT'S SLEEP LAST NIGHT-- AFTER A VERY SLEEPY MAIL CALL....

*********** 

Dear Carlene,
We just got back from my brother's wedding in CO---Giddy was
perfect, of course.  The first pic shows her exhaustion from working so hard,
the rest our experience there.  She did NOT like taking off in the plane, nor
the train at the Denver airport.  It was very hot there & she wanted to jump on
the wrong rental car bus as she felt the AC coming out (3 times)--sure she was
thinking of my comfort!
At the wedding, she achieved boredom until the ceremony
ended & people applauded---Giddygirl joined in & barked.  The next day we drove
6 hrs back to Denver & she was wonderful-the star of 3 airports & 4
flights!!!
I never would have made it w/o her.  Again, I can't thank SDP
enough. 
 Shelley LeFevre

******************

Carlene, I'm writing you in regards to some donations that you  may get for the memory of Barbe Moore.   She was a faithful follower of SDP, although she didn't participate in the chat, so you may not recognize her name.   She had sent many donations and blankets over the past 3 years.  Sadly she passed away this past weekend after a 2 year battle with cancer.   She was the Director of Library Services of Chattahoochee Tech College in Marietta, GA, outside of Atlanta.  She was my boss and very good friend.  Pam Sarosy and others met her a few months ago at our get-together in Georgia.

Please share this info with whomever you think needs to know.   Maybe you have one person in charge of donations?

thank you,

Lauren Barnes (mrskittycats@gmail.com)

*****

THERESA HANDLES DONATIONS  AND LETTERS PERTAINING TO THEM...

SEPT 29 2015
MAKE THAT 2 LITTERS IN 48 HOURS????

OUR SDP ARMY IS IN FULL SWING AND WE ARE 26 PUPS AND COUNTING.( ONE MORE DUE 2 WEEKS) 

I PROMISE NOT TO COMPLAIN  ABOUT NOT ENOUGH PUPS FOR TEH NEXT 6 MONTHS ANYWAY....

IT IS A CHALLANGE...BUT WE SHOULD BE UP TO THE CAUSE.

AFTER ALL 9 OF THESE ARE GEORGE'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS...

WHAT CAN YOU DO???

OF COURSE-- CHICKEN BRICKS WITH THE $10 DONATION ----SELL OUT IS CRITICAL-- IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW... ASK SOMEONE   

.. BUT IF YU ARE AROUND HERE....

 WE NEED

 MANAGERS OF THE REFRIGERATOR KEEPING PEOPLE FED AND COFFEE'D

PEOPLE TO KEEP EVERYONE'S PHONE AND GOLF CART CHARGED..

DIRTY LAUNDRY HANDLERS

CLEAN LAUNDRY FOLDERS

 TRASH COLLECTORS  (TO JUST STOP BY AND EMPTY ALL THE TRASH CONATAINERS IN TEH DUNPSTER IS A WONDERFUL THING)

CAMERA MANAGERW AND COMMMENTORERS

ALONG WITH A LL THE CHORES OF POO PICKING

WATERBUCKET FILLING ( DON'T FORGET THE DONKEYS IN FIELD A)

TREAT DISPERSEMSNT AND DOG PATTING IN GENERAL/

SO FORIGVE ME IF THIS IS SHORT... i did get nearly 8 houyrs sleep last night !!!

**************

Today after spending time at the gym, Emmett and I braved Plymouth harbor,

 where we encountered all sorts of wildlife, strange noises, and lots 

of people. I am amazed of 

how relaxed he gets when I have him in a down/stay for a little while. It is amazing 

to see only after a couple of weeks of working together, how 

he is matching my pace. On 

our walk I had to step over a large obstacle and before Emmett I would need to 

find something to hold onto, and now I use Emmett. Something 

funny just happened, when my wife walked into the room Emmett got up and left, 

because she is the ear medicine lady.

****

DEAR CARLENE,

JUST DROPPING A FEW WORDS OF THANKS!

A FEW THINGS IVE LEARNED DURING MY TRIPS TO SDP THIS YEAR... THERE IS NO MORE PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORK THAT IS SO SOUL GRATIFYING TO ME THAN MY TIME SPENT ON THE FARM, FLUFFING KENNELS, SWEEPING AND MOPPING, POO PICKING, RAKING THE ARENA, LAUNDRY, FEEDINGS, WALKING MILES ( IT SEEMS) WALKING FROM "UP TOP" (DEAGLE, NUTT AND MAIN HOUSE AREA) TO GOING "DOWN BELOW" (GENERALLY THE BARN) . GETTING TO SPEND TIME WITH AWESOME PEOPLE AND EQUALLY AS AWESOME DOGS. DOGS THAT WILL ONE DAY GIVE HIS OR HER HUMAN A NEW SENSE OF FREEDOM! THANK YOU TO THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS OF SERVICE DOG PROJECT, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND DEPTHS OF MY SOUL FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND FOR LETTING ME COME SO THAT I MAY RECHARGE MY SOUL!!

LOTS OF PUPPY LOVE,

NICOLE, NB, CA

SEPT 27 2015

IF YOU WERE WATCHING YOU KNOW... 9 NURSING PUPS...OUT OF 15 TOTAL.

THE FIRST 9 WERE DELIVERED PRETTY QUICKLY  BUT HER CONTRACTIONS FELL OFF

IN INTENSITY..

AND WE HAVE BEEN UP ALL NIGHT.

SO THAT IS IT.

SEPT 26 2015

from the old "time to start the donuts" commercial.....

TIME TO START THE WEE WEE PADS.....

a very monumental point in our lives ... 

up to this point opal has kept the pups super clean.  perfect job !

but that is coming to an end...i can see it coming... like a tsunami wave

THE PUPS, AGE 14 DAYS... ABOUT ... HAVE THEIR EYES OPEN  AND BELLIES OFF THE FLOOR

SO THEY ARE BEGINNING TO TRAVEL QWAY FROM MOM TO PEE...

EITHER BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE INSTINCT TO PEE AWAY FROM THE SLEEPING NEST--

 OR THEY ARE SICK OF MOMMY ROLLING THEM AROUND TO LICK UP WHATEVER.....

NOW THQT THEY HAVE BELLIES OFF THE FLOOR, WE NEED TO PROVICE 2 AREAS... BOTH WITH GOOD TRACTION...

A FLUFFY FOR LIVING ACCOMODATIONS   AND WEE WEE AREA FOR THE PIDDLES....

TO BE SOON EXPANDED TO THE POOPING AREA--  BECAUSE AS SOON AS WE START FEEDNG THEM SOLID GRUEL, THE MOMMIES QUIT... WITH  THE ATTITUDE  "I DID NOT PUT THAT STUFF IN THEM AND I AIN'T CLEANING UP AFTER THEM"

AT THIS POINT WE TRY AND ELIMINATE THE SLIP AND SLIDE FACTOR IN THE PROCESS.

EVEN ONE SLIP  AND SLIDE CAN TRACK AN ODIFEROUS  GLOB ONTO THE SLEEPING FLUFFY.... WHICH  WITH MANY MOMMIES MEANS THEY WILL NOT LIE DOWN TO NURSE THE PUPS IF IT IS NOT FASTIDIOUSLY CLEAN  ... I THINK IT IS NOEL WHO IS SO BAD SHE WOULD LET HER PUPS STARVE BEFORE SHE WOULD LIE DOWN IN A FOOTPRINT.

FURTHERMORE....ON THAT TOPIC.....

IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE  PLACE ODOROUSLY CORRECT,   NOT  PICKING UP THE ONE MOUND IN THE DRIVEWAY CAN CAUSE A SMELLY GLOB EVERY 96 INCHES FOR  HUNDREDS OF FEET  IF A CAR DRIVES THRU IT.... NOT TO MENTION THE WHEEL WELLS..

I WAS CRUSHED TO FIND WE DID HAVE 2 PEOPLE AT DOG FEST WHO  HAD A "SOFT STEP"  I BRAGGED A PERFECT SCORE OF NOT ONE..-- TURNS OUT  THERE WERE 2-- WHICH ISN'T BAD WHEN YOU CONSIDER 50 DOGS ON THE P[ROPERTY-- PROBABLY 2 MOVEMENTS PER DAY.. AND - LIKE BENTLEY-- A FEW WALKIN -POOPERS.  BENTELY IS GOOD FOR 3 PER...

WE HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY LATELY  TO HAVE "MOUNDS OR BETTER"  INSTEAD OF PANCAKES--  OR HEAVEN FORBID PROJECTILE POOPIES...

************

ON A DIFFERENT NOTE...

RENEE HAS LEFT US... AND GONE TO WASHINGTON ( STATE)  HER PRESENCE IS SORELY MISSED... HOWEVER....AS THEY SELL THERI HOUSE, SHE LET ME KNOW  WE COUDL GO AND TAKE WHATEVER WAS STILL THERE... AND SHE MENTIONED A LADDER.

I AM SURE SHE MENTIONED THE ALUM  LADDER JUST TO GET ME THERE WITH TRAILER... BECAUSE ONCE THERE, SHE KNEW I COULD NOT RESIST THE COLLECTION OF.... JUNQUE-- AND WE DID FILL THE TRAILER.... I SAY WE... THAT IS STEVE AND RYAN DID THE LUGGING...

I WILL TELL YOU HOW BAD I AM...... THE JUNK MAN WHO WAS CLEARING OUT THEIR  BASEMENT TOOK ME ASIDE AND SAID " YOU ARE THE ONE WITH ALL THOSE DOGS.. RIGHT?... I GAVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO  THE IPSWICH JUNKMAN SO HE COULD DROPP OFF ANY GOODIES"  NOW HOW IS THAT FOR A REPUTATION...!

FROM RENEE'S WE DID GET A BEAUTIFUL EXPENSIVE  6 FOOT SOLID WORK TABLE-- ...WITH A VICE GRIP ON ONE END... I HAVE SEEN THEM AND NEVER FIGURED I HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY ONE...IT IS  A PRESENT TO BUD FOR THE BACK OF THE G TENT... THIS WILL FREE UP THE 2 BLUE PICNIC TABLES SO THE G TENT WILL BE  AGREEABLY FILLED WITH  PROPER WOOD PICNIC TABLES....  AND ALOT OF SPACE FOR CHAIRS...

THE REST OF THE STUFF--- ALOT OF LIGHT BULBS... MORE WATER HOSE..SHOVELS, RAKES AND  TRASH CANS.... INCLUDINE A WHOLE TRASH CAN OF GRASS SEED...  

NOW I ASK YOU ... HOW COULD I LEAVE THAT  BEHIND???   I DID LEAVE THE FIREWOOD -- I WAS AFTRAID TO MENTION IT TO STEVE AND RYAN-- WHO'S FACES WERE A LITTLE RED FROM LUGGING UPHILL.

THE SIGNIFICANT PILE IS NOW  DUMPED AT THE END OF THE G TENT-- BECAUSE JANINE NEEDS THE TRAILER AT ABOUT NOON TODAY..

I HAVE SAID BEFORE   HOW DOES ANYONE LIVE WITHOUT A HUGE TRAILER TO RETRIEVE  VALUABLE STUFF FROM THE ROADSIDE OR DUMPS???

MEGAN, OUR NUMBER 1  COLLECTOR OF SOFAS- IS A GOOD EXAMPLE.

IN PREP OFR NEXT EAR'S DOGFEST, WE WILL NEED THE KIND OF TABLES WE RENTED-- AND FOLDING CHAIRS.  I AM SURE WE /YOU ALL  CAN FIND THEM ON CRAIG'S LIST-- SO IF THERE IS A  BUNCH FOR SALE-- OR FREE-- LET ME KNOW.

HAVE TRAILER ... WILL COLLECT.

*********

Hi everyone,

Interesting thing happened today. Deb was with John and Jessie walking at the mall when John’s legs starting feeling weak and then he got sweaty and light headed. As he continued to walk to a nearby bench, she pressed against him and kept her eyes on his face. When John sat down on the bench Jessie stood in front of John with her body over both his legs, a posture she doesn’t typically do. We are sure that she was protecting him.  This is not the first time we have seen her behave in what we think is a protective way with John - we continue to be amazed at her apparent intuition and concern for him, especially at this early time in their relationship.

We still have lots of work to do to help them become a “well oiled machine” together, but we are constantly surprised and pleased with Jessie’s abilities and love for John and what she has meant to him already.

Thanks again (how many times can we say that?) for your hard work, your patience with us, and what you have given to John and our family.

See you Monday morning.

Paul and Deb

****************

PAUL AND  DEB---- YOU HAVE ALMOST  ARRIVED AT THE POINT OF -- LEAVE THEM ALONE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO...  ALOT OF THIS STUFF IS  NOT SOMETING YOU CAN TRAIN FOR....  BRAVE THE STORM.... IF IS NOT A DISASTER, SEE IF JOHN AND JESSIE CAN FIGURE IT OUT ON THEIR OWN... I WILL SEE YOU MONDAY MORNING.... MAYBE I CAN TRICK YOU  INTO BUYING  ME  LUNCH ON A "TRAINING TRIP" TO A NICE RESTAURANT.

****************

Hi Carlene

Things  with Emmett are getting easier and easier, I get more confident with him each day. When I'm out and about people are amazed at the things he is able to do for me. We finally was able to get him weighed and he is 156.5 lbs. In a while, my wife, Emmitt and I are going out for dinner.

Jack

********

carlene

Thank you for hosting Dog Fest. This Dog Fest was my first visit to SDP. My husband and I loved our time spent there. We tried to do our share of helping. We brought our own poo pickers and each day tried to out do each other picking up shit. Not everyone of our friends could understand our excitement to go on a mini vacation and pick up poo. Their loss! My husband seemed to find collecting the garbage out of the cans fun as well! Enjoyed meeting some of the recipients and Laura was a great tour guide on our first day! Loved meeting you. Love all that you do with Service Dog Project. Your a very special person to do what you do. 

Youre a pip! Anytime something comes out of your mouth, you crack me up! Love your sense of humor. I put off for 2 days my start for cancer treatment and when I told my oncologist why......you should have seen the puzzles look! Pick up poo from Great Danes?.....he didn't get my excitement. Well again thanks for all you do to try to help people. Hope to be able to visit again. If you are ever at Smucker's Harness's on rt 23 in PA, stop by, we live off rt 23! Take care Nancy and Charlie Crowley Lancaster County PA

****** 

i remember this guy-- he was an example of the perfect camera people guest....IDENTIFY A NEED AND FILL IT...HE EVEN FOUND HIS OWN TRASH BAGS AND KEPT RIGHT AT IT..WELCOME BACK ANY TIME...

*****

SLIGHT PANIC... WE AE 50% SOLD OUT CHICKEN BRICKS.... WITH A WEEK TO GO...

sept 25 2015

today has to be the day of  great organizational  activity.- 

i woke up ... 

grabbed my phone to find out which day it was.

took friday's pills ( without a hearing aid battery)

folded my 5 x 7 yellow index card  in  thirds

started today's list

and  i am ready

kitty is pushing ( as she needs to) for the calendar...

biggest project is to get that calendar done... need 5 shots

apparently william has some available time

ryan and steve tied the hammock to  2 big trees by the guest house and 

rigged  the tractor back hoe to raise it up

chaos here we come.

the hammock is of very soft rope....

but still ... a well endowed boy dog( bentley)  might present a problem

william wants  to try the legs thru..

money for neal to netherlands....... i forgot it yesterday... keep reminding me today-- that is awful

if i don't carry that yellow card with notes, i don't get done what i should do.

i have to comment on the pope--not being a religious type-- i have to give that guy credit

he is maybe the only one in the world who could address the fractured US congress

without having a bunch of political pundits crashing any idea... 

 i was fascinated by the fact that  both sides stood up and applauded him,

 instead of 1/2 of them sitting stone faced. as they have been directed to do by some other mndate

proving a total lack of individual thought.   

if you can't tell, i am suspect of anything political... why anyone would spend millions to get in a position where 25% get shot is beyond me.

then i have to comment on teh newscaster--  cuomo-- he fills his persona ( and his suit)  perfectly

 i bet his legs are 1/2 his height.( perfect conformation)

this book i am reading---"at an early age i learned that even a kid could make a difference to someone and the effort could be fun"    that is kind of like service dog project' crazy acres  ...     it is work...  with alot of laughs along the way.... and not too many miserable moments.  

   i have to admit  i have a real problem with  fracturing in any  group   or "debbie downers"  as megan calls  them... i am getting  a huge pile of  "wonderful dogfest"   comments---  with very minimum of "yes... but" s--

 so go with the 1/2 full concept  and we will make note of the  improvements....  - and there are some...  white board and shuttle bus... being the 2 biggest.

there is a difference of which i am now more aware.... between teh "favorite things"   opinion of the people who were here  and the  spirit stick crew..... we need to be a little more aware of the camera angles if possible..

maybe next year mark will be able to hook his drone to the puppy hill camnera...

 right !

****************

this next email was a good ideqa i thought... my monthly bricks and my jolly mailing...   as long as we get the needed  bricks !!!!

I SENT SEVERAL BOXES OF THINGS TODAY.  YES. I DID CHICKEN BRICKS FIRST.  THAT FILLS YOUR NEEDS, BUT THE FUN ORDERS FILL MINE.  ALL OF THE BOXES ARE FROM AMAZON, YES YOU GET THE 10%  FROM THAT.  ONE OF THE BOXES IS FULL OF LARGE KONGS FOR THE LARGER DOGS -- NAMELY, GRONK  LET'S SEE HIM EAT THESE.  UNFORTUNATELY I COULD NOT CHANGE THE ADDRESS TO GRONK.  BUT YOU WILL RECOGNIZE THESE AREN'T FOR PUPS.    IF NOT, SO BE IT, USE THEM AS YOU WILL.  AGAIN,

I BOUGHT MY MONTHLY BRICKS, THESE BOXES ARE MY MONTHLY FUN.  I KNOW YOU'D RATHER I SKIP THE GIFTS AND JUST SEND THE MONEY, BUT TOO BAD.  I SEND ONE AND I GET TO SEND THE OTHER,  FULFILLS YOUR NEEDS AND MY JOLLIES.  DEAL.

DEBORAH

************

and the song.....

HIGH SOCIETY---

(Have you heard, about dear Blanche?)
(Got run down by an avalanche) 
(Oh don't worry, she's a game girl you know, got
Up and finished 4th)

that is for kati-- who fell out of her wheelchair in the

 "great  wheelchair race" broke her finger... and still beat me.

wait til next year !!

Carlene White

ServiceDogProject.org

SEPT 24 2015

MEGAN REPORTS LAB WORKS ARE BETTER BUT SHE STILL HAS A PAINFUL TUMMY-- HOPEFULLY THAT IS SOMETHING SIMPLE LIKE AN APPENDIX....

**********

i am glad a few people were here to seee jack leave with emmett...  to remind you what it is we do...  besides having fun eating ice cream.

*********

There aren't enough words to thank you for changing my life. I am so glad  I met Emmett, you, and the staff and volunteers there at the Service Dog Project. I have been able to do things with the help of Emmett that I haven't been able to do in years. I haven't felt this good in years. When I walk with Emmett I feel so good that I don't think about my disease. He has taken away all my fears. For the past three weeks, every time I spent time at the farm it was like Christmas every day. I got a new gift to open each day, and each day the gift was better than before. We just gave Emmett some graduation goodies, he ate them right up. Again I thank you for my new friend.

Jack

**********

we are coming down the home stretch with judy and linda leaving soon...?today???   judy spend an hour or two cooking dinner last night- i don't know what it was, but it was great !! 

ther will be a slight delay while i heat sOme up for breakfast

 she has filled in for donna wonderfully...   i think we have another cp arriving today or tomorrow... praises be to allah !!  we gonna need it.  gussie is anoter prego coming for the weekend.. she is not ready yet... but will be in another 2 weeks...-- the repor on mischa is -- bigger...  as you can see scarlott is huge.. does not seem to be uncomfortqble--seems to like the hard floor at timees... she looks   FULL .

*******

I JUST REMEMBERED---- I NEED TO TRY AND SEND MONEY TO NATASHA FOR NEAL.... IT STILL HAS NOT GONE THRU-- HOPEFULLY SHE REALIZES DOG FEST DISTRACTED ME.  GOT TO GET IT PERFECT THIS TIME... EVERY TIME IT FAILS TO GO THRU COSTS ME $84 IN BANK FEES...

*****

WORKING ON HAMMOCK SHOT... NOW STRUNG FROM TREES--- ONCE FILLED WITH BENTLEY, WE MIGHT NEED THE TRACTOR TO LIFT...

I THINK CHAOS MIGHT BE THE VICTUM FOR IT.

I AM WONDERING WHEN WE WENT TO PRINT LAST YEAR---  I AM WORRIED...

****

REMEMBER OUR MAIN SUPPORT IS THE CHICKEN BRICKS.... 

WE ARE A LITTLE BEHIND --- YOU ALL GOT DISTRACTED WITH DOGFEST--- KEEP REMBERING WE HAVE SOME LITTERS COMEING --- WHICH WE WILL NEED... WE GET NEW APPLICANTS EVERY DAY...

*******************

DOGFEST REPORTS KEEP COMING IN...  WONDERFUL REPORTS-- POPULAR  WAS THE  RECIPIENTS-- WHICH MEANT WE COULD NOT HAVE AS MANY LOOSE DOGS AS I USUALLY HAVE...-- I SUPPOSE IF WE PAID MORE ATTENTION AHEAD OF TIME , WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO  HAVE MORE  LOOSE SOMEWHERE.....

THE OTHER WAS  THE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO RENTED A CAR AND  USED IT ONLY TO GET TO THE FARM AND BACK TO THE AIRPORT... WE CAN DO BETTER ON THAT...  RENTING HOURLY UBERS WOULD HAVE BEEN CHEAPER.--   BEST IS STILL TO GET THE HOURLY SHUTTLE BUSS  TO PEABODY-- WHICH IS 8  EASY MILES   FROM EHRE.  JUST ANOTHER PROJECT FOR THERESA TO FIGURE OUT... 

I HEAR AJAY ARRIVED HOME AFTER 7??? TRAIN CONNECTIONS. 

*********

THIS GROUP OF CP/ DD PEOPLE ARE AN EXTERNAL MEMORY FOR ME... SOMEONE SHOULD REMEMBER--- GRONK VOMITED ANOTHER LARGE OBJECT YESTERDAY-- ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE PAST ONE..... THAT NEEDS REMEMBERING AND WATCHING.   HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY TOYS SMALLER THAN MY SNEAKERS..... OR THAT CAN BE REDUCED TO A SIZE SMALLER THAN MY SNEAKERS.

********

CAMERAS WORKING WELL-- I STILL HAVE A CHUNK OF BLACK ELECTRONIC STUFF EXPLORE SENT-- I AM WAITING FOR JOYCE TO HELP WITH THAT ONE.

****

WORDS TO SONG  HAUNTING   ME   

.....

THERE IS -- I THINK A BROADWAY SHOW SONG WHICH HAS THE WORDS  SOMETHING ABOUT   "GAME GIRL- GOT UP AND FINISHED FORTH"  OR MAYBE SECOND.. AND MAYBE  " WHAT A SWELL PARTY IT WAS..."

GOT TO AAPPLY TO KATI WHO FELL OUT OF HER WHEELCHAIR-- BROKE HER FINGER  -- AND STILL BEAT BENTLY AND ME.

sept 23.2015

our shakedown dinner meeting  for dogfest 2015 was delightfull

sdp in general seems to be an army that runs on it's belly... 

 so with full bellies last night 12 of us ran barefoot thru the details of 2015 looking onward to 2016...

 the generic comment  from the people leaving for the airport,"the weekend far exceeded expectations- and we'll be back"

the generic comment from  the volunteers "how the heck did we pull that off ?" and many thanks to those who did work on it-- no way could we survive without everyone who participates in this sdp.

i made a list of 18 "happenings" for the 2 days - asking people to fill in the 1-10 of favorites

and  interaction with recipients was #1 .closely related to the video of recipients ( which i have not seen yet)

 the other highly rated... outdoor mailcall rated  #2 ---  

   with the icecream , fashion show, and having pups outside  all tied for third... 

 race and spirit stick parade were  4th

biggest complaint was  changing of  scheduling... where we moved the spirit parade to sunday afternoon.

sticking to a schedule has never been my forte.... and altho the change was logical, i forgot all the people on camera that might have been looking for it on saturday morning.  the way these inspirations go ( brainstorms are soemtimes hard to plan ahead...) we decided teh solution was to have a white board  by the puppy hilll  camera   with upcomeing events and schedule changes there.

my logic was to keep everything loosely strung so we could partake of whatever came to mind..  if we had a strict schedule we never would have been able to predict it would be a good idea to bring the pups out for people to see... it was soooooo weather dependent... likewise-- the race and fashion show were spur of the moment ideas which were do-able because we did not  have anything else planned.  

so altho i did admit to mark i have some rethinking to do on the topic.... i think a white board will be a solution.  i am not willing to  pack the  schedule so people have tooooo much planned time.... to do things like........ rig ropes and little life rafts in the water buckets in the barn so mice who have fallen in the water can climb out.--- there were some pretty interesting projects developed because  timing was casual---  like cleaning all the dryer vents because steve said that is how you are supposd to start a fire...-

 i also made note that i should have a planned list of activities to prevent inertia from setting in too often in the t tent...

THINGS--- NOTES...

we decided  the "same"  weekend next year  (?9/17/16  9/18??)

hotel well recieved--

 parking in the flat field... got full-- if we grow that will be a problem...

theresa - being an ex hotel/ travel/ airlines person- she suggested she try and rig a shuttle system

because of our new accountant, all money  must be handled by theresa --- more "strict"  books kept than when i did the 990.--.

the catering was good this year

G-TENT SHADE WAS WONDERFUL.... as was the hill  looking onto the  pond for just sitting- easily 10 degrees cooler...

music group-- N.S. accapella-- shouel be invited back...

i should have done a question and answer session...

tanner is a super big golf cart driver and tour guide.

 the food planning  needs better attention...  apparently there were some  who did not pay because they did not want  a lobster when there was a choice of steak tips  plus a weekend of  cake... ice cream... corn ..  coffee...  chicken ..sandwiches etc.... nobody went hungery -- or thirsty...we  went thru cases of soda-- and water.... totally unrelatd to lobster..

 i think we decided all purple shirts and all recipients should get free meals....-- but husbands and children of recipients need to think...  maybe put out the donor pig...( which collected $411.00  this weekend)

then we got to shirts...  we have some left over-- annie is going to count sizes... for sale somehow-- ask theresa..

mark's drone ws popular-- i think  he needs an assistant to keep his tech stuff  running-- tanner was suggested

the recycled fluffy's into quilts was a huge success- 

and things like that..

any additions or corrections???

now to work on the  calendar????? quickly ?????  kitty??????  where are you???

SEPT 22 2015

THIS IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE RUSHING... 

I THINK SCARLOTT SHOULD COME HERE BY TONIGHT... BUT THE STUDY OF THE SQUARE FOOTAGE INT HE TV ROOM INDICATES MASSIVE FURNATURE MOVEMENT--BIG SOFA TO KITCHEN AND  THAT SMALLER SOFA IN TV    THRU A DOOR THT FITS NEITHER.....AND THE 2 CHAIRS ETC ETC ETC....

MANY SHAKEDOWN COMMENTS ABOUT DOGFEST WHICH I WILL SHARE EVERNTUALLY...  WHEN I CAN DO IT JUSTICE... MOST PEOPLE WERE THRILLED,OR AT LEAST VERY HAPPY--  I ALWAYS EXPECT  THERE TO BE   IN ANY GROUP A FEW PEOPLE WHO BECOME  DISGRUNTLED IF ENCOURAGED TO BECOME DISGRUNTLED-- I AM HAPPY TO REPORT MAXIMUM GRUNTLED.  WITH  MINIMAL DISGRUNTLED 

IT IS ALWAYS NICE TO DO NEXT YEAR'S PLANNING BEFORE WE FORGET ALL THE DETAILS...--- I HAD HOPED TO GO OUT TO DINNER WITH TINA , GINGER  AND THE "BOARD OF DIRECTORS"  TONIGHT-- BUT TINA AND GINGER LEFT FOR THE AIRPORT... VERY EARLY.

THERE WERE THINGS THAT WORKED WELL... AND NOT SO WELL  AND WE NEED COMMENTS NOW...-- THINGS LIKE WE NEED ANOTHER APPROACH TO MAIL- BECAUSE THE PARKING  IN THE DRIVEWAY MEANT FEDEX AND UPS  WOULD NOT RISK THE NARROW DRIVE.. EVEN THO JANINIE GOT UP A DN DOWN WITH THE HORSE TRAILER --- IT WAS TIGHT.

 ONE OF MY  MY FAVORTIE  STOIES  WERE THE 2 WHO BECAME FIREBUILDERS-- HAVING NO EXPERIENCE IN IT... IMMEDIQTELY WENT TO THE INTERNET... TO NO AVAIL--- AND THEN ADVISED BY STEVE TO START A FIRE WITH DRYER LINT STUFFED IN TOILET PAPER TUBES... SO THEY IMMEDIATELY WENT TO  THE  BUSINESS  WITH GREAT ATTITUDE  ACHIEVING THEIR GOAL AFTER CLEANING OUT ALL THE  DRYERS ON THE PROPERTY...

  LOVE IT !!!!

I WAS SO TIRED BY SUNDAY  AFTERNOON , I COULD BARELY CHEW MY ICECREAM...

 I HAVE 3 ARTICLES TO WRITE BEFORE FRIDAY ABOUT  THINGS LIKE THE HEALTH STUDIES WE ARE INVOLVED....... IN WHICH WE ARE INVOLVED...    DARN ENGLISH LANGUAGE....

************

BELLA NEEDS  A FEW MORE SHIRT BUYERS--- EMAIL 

HI Carlene, HERE IS THE LATEST FROM BELLA AND George

 

It was a great start to the school week. George used his backpack vest and did great. He didn't mind that there was a slight change and still did his job. He was able to help Bella and carry her folders and notebook to her different classrooms. This allows Bella to have both hands free. He doesn't carry books

 

or anything because they keep that in each room for her but for a first day George did great. We sent his regular service vest just in case but they didn't even need to change it. And somehow I didn't even get a picture of him in it. I will try again tomorrow.

 

I think Bellas busy day on Saturday has caught up with her. She was very sore and tired after school. In bed early and having a lot of trouble moving. You wouldn't even know it was the same girl that was running all over the place on Saturday. Hopefully a good nights sleep will help her feel better. So she

 

took some Motrin and is off to sleep

 

We are so close to 300 shirts. I think only 4 away. Can we get that by the time Bella wakes up tomorrow? Here is the link again.

 

http://goo.gl/forms/I17I6i7MWh

 

Thanks!! Love Bella and George \uD83D\uDC78\uD83D\uDC36

 

**********

I just wanted to take a minute and say "THANK YOU" for opening up the farm for the gathering of all of us crazy dog people.

Although I have been friends with many of these people through facebook, it is great to spend quality time with them in person.  Without you and the farm, this would not be possible.

 

The best part, for me anyway, is seeing the working teams and knowing that I had a small part in helping them come to fruition. I could listen to Lynne and Julia (and any other teams that want to join in) all day-I never tire of hearing of their daily lives and just how very much of a difference these dogs make...

 

Even though my husband and I put in a hard day's work each and every day that we are there, it really doesn't seem like work.  We always try to do something that needs to be done without involving someone else at the farm.  Our idea is to do the work that needs to be done and not take anyone away from their primary job of training these amazing, beautiful animals to be someone's life partner.

Once again, THANK YOU to all the staff and volunteers for making this amazing weekend possible for us.

See you in the Spring and hopefully, once again in the Fall for another DogFest...

Jeri and Steven Ray

SEPT 21 2015

i think the highlights of the weekend   week....     the race, spirit stick march and teh fashipn show  and teh video was good too.....

the race was to be julia and ethy  vs bentley and me.. we added kati and a relatively untrained pup- morgan..

julia did win   but bentley ran circles around kati and morgan...  this was -of course- not what he  weas supposed to do - i can't believe he was the cause of her  FALLING OUT OF HER CHAIR-- SHE GOT BACK IN AND STILL FINISHED AHEAD OF ME.

IN THE SECOND HEAT.....I HAVE TO SAY THAT ONCE I GOT BENTLEY AIMED THE RIGHT DIRECTION HE WAS BY FAR THE FASTEST.  I AWAIT THE PHOTO FINISH. ... SECOND PLACE WAS CLOSE..

SPIRITSTICK MARCH WAS SPECTACULAR---  TEH FASHION SHOW WITH GRACE'S CREATION S ADDED TO THE MANY CP'S  WAS MIND BOGGLING--- STEVE'S HOSPITAL JOHNNY OUT OF PURINA BAGS WAS MORE THAN  ALARMING....

THERE IS---  I AM TOLD---- A GREAT VIDEO  FROM MEGAN AND KATIE   WHICH I HAVE NOT SEEN YET.

AND I AM DUE TO BE AT GEROGES  BY 8AM  WITH LERORY FOR EYES AND NEUTERING....  SO YOU WILL HAE TO TELL EACH OTHER WHAT  ELSE  HAPPENED....

**********

Hello Carlene just wanted to share; 

Hello all!! what a wonderful 2 days. Just wanted to share, that 4 parents and their kids camped out at the library using the computers. Their day was filled with giggles ooohs and awwwhs.. They so loved the pics of the wheel chair races as well as the spirit stick parade. They also loved seeing many roasting marshmallows for the S'Mores. However according to them the high light was seeing so many people from across the country/ world coming together for sheer fun and enjoyment! and for showing support for Carlene, Volunteers, staff, Cps and Explore and the most important the Service dogs that are placed with their forever partners to enhance and bring joy to their lives, to tear down the obstacles that were once in their way, to offer support physically and through love and devotion. They wanted me to give shout outs to Carlene for having the courage to wheel chair race, Meghan for attending when they know she was feeling poorly, Chipper Steve for the smiles, even though they knew his knee hurt, Lori, Earlene, Pam for puppy sitting, and for all the SDP staff that made this possible for all to enjoy . I pray I didn't miss anything or i will surely hear about it tomorrow. Goodnight all and thank you for all you support1

Carlene White

ServiceDogProject.org

SEPT 20 2015

ROLL ON  DOGFEST !!

SATURDAY WENT VERY WELL-- I THINK ALL WERE EDUCATED/AMUSED... ALSO FED... WITH CAKE LEFT OVER.

IT IS HARD TO REMEMBER TO THANK EVERYONE-- PEOPLE FOLLOWED OUR  RULES

IF IT IS BROKE FIX IT, IF IT SMELLS PICKE IT UP-- ETC 

PEOPLE I NEVER SAW BEFORE RUNNING AROUND EMPTYING TRASH-- THINGS LIKE THAT...

MY EXTERNAL MEMORY DEVICES WORKED VERY WELL-- LIKE THERESA WHO REMEMBERED TO GO GET THE SPECTACULAR 2 HUGE CAKES-  LIKE PAM WHO REMEMBERED NEARLY  EVERYTHING ELSE...

CAMERA MARK PULLED ALOT OF THE ENTERTAINMENT WEIGHT AS MASTER OF CEREMONIES  AND.... WITH HIS NEW TOY-- THE DRONE...  LOOKING FORWARD TO THOSE PICTURES SOMETIME..  PLUS HE GOT THE ACAPELLA GROUP  WHO WERE... AGAIN   SUPERB....AND BACKGROUND MUSIC AND PA SOUND SYSTEMS...

AND KATI AND MEGAN DID GET A 30 MINUTE VIDEO TOGETHER- WHICH I HEARD BEING APPRECIATED IN THE G-TENT  BY Tbles full of people... - AND I ACTUALLY SAW ABOTU 5 MIN... TERRIFFIC JOB...

interesting  things..... 

BAILEY KNEW TEH MINUTE GEORGE MYERS ( DVM) ARRIVED--- AN SNARLED AN D GROWLED APPROPRIATELY

MANY PEOPLE HAD HEARD  ME TELL OF STORIES ABOUT THAT KIND OF THING-- REACTION TO 1 PERSON OUT OF 100,000-- AND WE HAVE A NEW CASE OF IT... BENTLEY OBJECTS TO ONE OF TEH CP'S  JUST ONE...  HE WATCHES HER AND RUNS BEHIND ME GRWOLING.... NICE WOMAN-- HE NEVER MET HER BEFORE-BUT THERE IS SOMETHING.... AS THERE IS WITH GEORGE AND BAILEY

MANY RECIPIENTS WERE HERE..- ALMOST TOO MANY... BUT I WILL TRY

ETHYL, GEORGE,VICTORIA, HARRY, DENIM, WILLOW, EMMET, SIENNA,LYDIA

AND WE DID GET THE PUPS OUT INTO THE NEW PUP "DISPLAY" AREA  RIGHT IN FRONT OF TEH GUEST HOUSE...SO EVERYONE COUL D LOOK... UNFORTUATELY OFF CAMERA, BUT WE WORK WITH WHAT WE HAVE.

.teh REAL quilt GOT  raffledWINNER 1 OUT OF 202 RAFFLE TICKETS SOLD FOR  IT., + ?38 OF THE THE QUILTS MADE OUT OF TORN FLUFFIES  WERE SOLD.. SO MUCH OF BETSY'S JEWELERY WAS SOLD THAT SHE HAD TO RUN HOME FOR MORE. ANNE AND HER HUSBAND MIKE ARE RUNNING THAT DOGGIE BAG  CARDS ETC...

BY ALL REPORTS SO FAR, THE CLAMBAKE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT..

AND SINCE IT LOOKED LKE IT MIGHT RAIN, AT 2AM LURA AND I ( BEING BOTH AWAY ANYWAY) WENT AND TOOK DOWN TEH SPIRIT STICKS IN OUR JAMMIES... CAREFULLY FILMED BY TWAN AND ON LINE.

RUNNING...