Less-Words Wednesday: Happy Dashiversary!

This past Sunday was the second anniversary of Dash's and my graduation from Canine Companions for Independence, better known as our Dashiversary!

To celebrate, we spent the day with our Canine Companions for Independence family in Columbus by attending a graduation event. Fifteen dogs were placed in our region(!), but other graduations took place nationwide. 

Dad, me, and Dash. Shout out to Pluto for the awesome bow tie idea. Dash was stylin'!

After the ceremony we were invited to a dog party at our friend Roxanne's house!

But first. sustenance!

Q: How do you get 16 dogs to lay still for a photoshoot?
A: Not only are these all service dogs or service dogs in training, they have also been running nonstop for at least 2 hours! I'm pretty sure some of them were relieved to take a load off for a moment!

After a few hours of Dash romping with over a dozen of his best friends and lots of fun conversations and good eats for the humans, it was time to head back to Cleveland. The moment Dash jumped on the back seat of my van he was out like a light!

The following day Dash had what we refer to as a Play Hangover. He was still exhausted!

The past two years have absolutely flown by. My love for Dash is beyond words. I am so grateful for his companionship and the many ways he has enhanced my independence. I am not exaggerating when I say that I still get a complete thrill out of so many of the tasks that he does for me and I continue to be amazed at how quickly he learns new commands. I can only imagine what he and I will accomplish together in the years to come. 

2012 - 2013 - 2014

Opening Day: Dash Roots for the Home Team

The day Dash and I graduated as an official team, I had the opportunity to meet and eat lunch with his puppy raisers, Jim and Sandy. Sandy made me a beautiful "baby" book, and we looked through it together as they described Dash's puppyhood. One of my favorite pictures in the book is of Dash at a minor league game, getting some face time with the mascot.  I immediately envisioned Dash lunging up to catch a home run ball at Progressive Field!

He's more of an observer than a "lunger"!

Sure enough, Dash has joined me at a number of games over the past two years. But after this past winter of wickedly cold weather, I had no intention of bundling up for the Indians Home Opener. It's funny how just one day of sunshine and warmth can change one's mind and attitude, though. So, high on Tuesday's sunshine, I jumped online and got tickets for my mom and I. Somehow I allowed myself to only see that Friday called for temperatures in the 60s, and not the part about there being an 80% chance of rain!

Still hopeful (and in denial!), we gathered our things on Friday and headed off on our adventure. Thank's to last year's day in Cleveland with our Northern Ohio Volunteer Group for Canine Companions, I knew I would have no problem riding the RTA downtown with Dash. What a great way to avoid the traffic and expenses of parking downtown on game day!

After an unexpected setback due to an out-of-order elevator at Tower City (I'll just pretend that's all I have to say on that matter! Grrrr...), we made it to our seats around 3:45. We were slightly disappointed about being tardy to the party (game time was 3:05), but quickly realized nothing had happened yet. This was surprising as the sun was shining and after hiking from Tower City, Dash and my mom was actually pretty toasty!

A long-sleeved shirt was plenty!

We were informed that the reason for the delay was, as every Clevelander would expect, a fierce storm was coming through the area, bringing cool temperatures in its wake. Sure enough we looked up to see a dark bank of clouds rolling in. Although our seats were technically under cover, the wind in our faces made it clear that we were not in the splash-free zone! We, along with basically everyone else in the stadium, sought cover and protection from the wind.  Within moments we went from feeling overheated to bundling up in every item we had (thankfully) brought with us!

There comes a point that one doesn't care how foolish she looks, so long as she is warm! Clearly, Dash has a bit more dignity that I do!

After about an hour, the storm had passed and we returned to our soggy seats to finally see the Opening Day ceremony.  It was great to welcome the team home and, as always, I teared up during the National Anthem.  And then the moment we'd all been waiting for ... PLAY BALL!

Unfortunately, by this time I was chilled to the bone! After the first two hitters I relented and called it quits, knowing we still had to trek outside (stupid broken elevator!) to Tower City. We were home in plenty of time to watch the Tribe bring home a W, 7-2! 

It will be a Home Opener to remember, but we are really hoping for more memories like this one from last year:

We were made for sunshine!

Less-Words Wednesday: Where Ya Been?!

It's been quite some time since I last posted (oops!) but that's not to say that nothing has happened since last November! Here's a brief synopsis of each month:

December:
Dash was very into Christmas, as you can see! His favorite gifts were a squeaky moose from Aunt Carol and Uncle Dave, and a HUGE bag of tennis balls from his cousins (my nephews) Case and Tyce. I don't know why I don't have a photo of the balls but trust me, by the end of the holidays, tennis balls were in every room of the house! 

January:

We rang in the new year with our family.  Dash loved waking up to his cousins!

Making sure nobody disturbed baby Tyce ... or two of his new tennis balls!

Dash and his favorite playmate, Case. Dash knows that Case is good for a game of fetch at any time! This may or may not account for tennis balls in every room of the house (bathrooms included!)

February:

This year Dash, my sister Julie and I spent our Valentines day with our Canine Companions for Independence family at the most moving graduation ceremony I've been to since I got Dash. Eighteen people were placed with their dogs - about half of which were children!

"Our graduation invites are here! Can we go?! Can we? Can we? Please!!!"

We are always thrilled to get a chance to visit with Dash's puppy raisers, Jim and Sandy. Dash most definitely remembers them and goes into full happy puppy mode whenever we see them!

March:

Unfortunately, along with so many others, I spent a good portion of February and March feeling pretty yucky. I was so thankful that Dash has such a mellow temperament and was more than happy to go into snuggle mode.

We did a lot of this!

See? Total snuggle mode!

Thankfully, I was able to recover in time to speak at the Making Miracles Happen fundraiser for Canine Companions! 

(Not the best sound quality, sorry!)

And last but not least, we celebrated Dash's birthday (and MLB Opening Day!) on March 31! The big 0-4!

A new squeaky toy from a co-worker. Believe me, the sad eyes are only because I stopped his play to get a picture! Kids these days...

April:

Hey, it's only April 2! But there's a lot on our calendar so stay tuned for more!

A Thankful Pup

When I woke up this morning I asked Dash what he was thankful for and this was his response:

1. That you just gave me permission to come up on the bed and snuggle with you. I am always thankful when I'm on your bed or the couch. I guess I'm thankful you're a pushover who spoils me!

2. For kibble, duh. I love breakfast the most. No, dinner. Dinner is my favorite. Or wait, breakfast. I can't decide. I just love meal times!

3. That your family and friends love me almost as much as you do. They're always happy when they get to pet me or play with me or take me on a walk or run when it's too cold for you. You have some great friends and family, Emily!

4. Toys. Squeaky toys. Tennis balls. Chewy toys. I especially love them once I've really saturated them in slobber. Who wouldn't be thankful when I drop a soggy ball in their lap?! 

5. I'm very thankful that the trainers at Canine Companions for Independence knew that I would be most happy being your service dog, Emily. I'm thankful every time you drop something because then I get to pick it up. I'm thankful when the sun goes down because I get to turn the lights on for you. I'm thankful when your parents don't hear you because I get to bark so loud for you! I'm thankful when you go out because I get to help you open the door. I'm thankful for you, Emily!

Well, well, well. That Dash is a smooth-talker! But I have to say that I am most thankful for him as well. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Less-Words Wednesday: DogFest 2013

This past weekend Dash and I had two big events on our calendar- manning a Canine Companions for Independence booth at the Spooky Pooch Parade on Saturday and attending and speaking at DogFest on Sunday.

Wouldn't you know that we woke up Saturday morning to very chilly weather (high 40s/low 50s) and rain! We pretended not to notice as we got ready for our event; grooming Dash, bundling up, and loading the car with a tent for our booth. But the closer we got to our destination the lower the temperature dropped and the harder it rained. As we surveyed the parade grounds we made the decision to forgo the event and get some coffee instead. Chalk it up to a rehearsal for Sunday!

We were most thankful to wake up to clear skies and slightly warmer weather come Sunday morning. Once again we groomed Dash, bundled up, and loaded up the car. It was finally time for  Dogfest!

Dash opted to exercise his right to a costume change during the event. He didn't feel that the cowboy getup suited his personality. He's much more of a hot dog kinda guy, you know.

These are all puppies in training. Notice Waldo dressed as Waldo! Love it!

Otto won cutest costume!

Capo the squirrel! (Capo is one of Dash's best buds!)

Overall costume winner - this dog was awesome! Maintained full costume throughout, as far as I know!

This was the 1/2 mile walk. There were fun trick-or-treat stations along the way and it was also where the costumes were judged.

Me with my besties (Emily and Christine) and Dash with his besties (Capo and Pickles). I was so blessed by all of our friends that made it out to the event!

The whole day was a blast! And the best part: we surpassed our goal of raising $10,000 for Canine Companions for Independence! In fact, before the event even started we had nearly $12,000- all raised through personal donations with no corporate sponsors! Needless to say, we are overwhelmed and grateful to the generosity of so many people.

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If you wanted to donate but haven't yet, it's not too late! Dash and I are able to continue to take donations though mid- November. cci.org/dogfestcleveland/ecikra

DogFest 2013!

As I've mentioned in a few previous posts, Dash and I are taking part of a fundraising event for Canine Companions for Independence called DogFest Walk n Roll.

Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that is funded by private contributions from individuals; gifts from businesses, civic groups, and service clubs; grants from corporations and foundations; and ongoing fundraising activities such as special events and mailings. DogFest is a main fundraiser with separate events held all across the country. Each event has its own feel to it, but I thought it would be fun to talk about our local event in Strongsville, Ohio. 

DogFest is a family-friendly, dog-friendly event that is easily described as a costume party for dogs and their humans! The highlight of the afternoon is a parade-style walk on which there are fun trick-or-treat stations and any dogs in costume will be judged for a costume competition! We have a DJ spinning tunes, fantastic baskets for a Chinese raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and other fun activities planned!

The theme this year is Walk n Roll so clear your calendar from 12-3pm on Sunday October 20th, dust off your dancin shoes, and join us for a great time! Learn more at cci.org/dogfestcleveland 

Less-Words Wednesday: Dash does the OBX

Last month Dash and I joined the rest of my family on vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I had been looking forward to the trip all summer: a week off of work, quality time with the fam (including my adorable two-year old nephew), warm southern weather, the ocean, and getting to experience it all with Dash!

We were both happy just watching the action ...



But Dash also enjoyed getting in on the action ...

 

 

There were lots of snuggles ...

 

 

And time together ...

 

 

By the end of the week, a bath was necessary ...

 

 

And Dash learned that vacation is the most exhausting kind of fun!