New Options

I received some wonderfully interesting new options this weekend.  A friend spotted a sign for Divine K-9, and an open house they were holding in Forest Hill, MD that included rescue groups, training, groomers, etc.  Hubby dropped me off on Saturday so I could spend some time looking around and talking to people.

It was actually a small affair, with one dog rescue represented and services linked directly to Divine K-9 - however it turned out to be an amazingly insightful afternoon.

GRREAT (Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc.) was the rescue group in attendance.  They gave me some promising information about their rescue group and the possibility of finding an appropriate dog through their program.

I also met a trainer that I'm very excited to work with if I find an appropriate dog for adoption.  She trains dogs for competition, including obedience competition.  Aja gave us a wonderful demonstration with her one dog - he was amazing.  We chatted for a long time and she is very positive about finding an appropriate dog in a local rescue (she also recommended Mid Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue).  Aja has offered to meet with any dog that I find in order to access his/her potential to meet my needs - she also gives discounts to dogs that come from a rescue group! :)

The cost of adopting a dog from a Rescue Group and working with Fido's for Freedom is approximately the same, the additional cost would come with the direct one on one training - but I wouldn't have that long drive to Laurel weekly.  So it's a toss-up.

For both the Fido's for Freedom application and the Rescue Groups applications I need to locate veterinary records.  That could very well be my downfall for any of these avenues as for the last 5+ years I have used a mobile vet service that has unfortunately gone out of business (due to major family illness with the vet).  It's hard to prove appropriate vet care for all my previous/current animals and that is a requirement.  I do have some avenues that I am going to pursue and plan on getting applications into all these organizations as soon as possible.

I am obtaining all the medical information needed for Fido's for Freedom and hope to have the application process to them within a month.  Meanwhile, I will apply and look at the various rescue groups and see what comes my way -- with all those feelers out, I will be able to find the opportunity that I am meant to follow.  (As opposed to decide I want to do XYZ and find out later it might not be right).

The only fundraising I am doing at this point is collecting cell phones and ink cartridges.  Thank you to those who have already given me a nice supply -- Please keep them coming!  I have even managed to get some promises from a local Verizon store to help out with the cell phone donations!

Regardless of whether or not I utilize Fido's for Freedom - they will receive all excess funds earned for this project.  And from the looks of things, that may be most of the money raised as we may be able to take care of much of it, since there are no large, one time outputs of monies.

As always - thanks for the support, ideas and love that keeps coming my way!!!

Informational Update

I went down to the Fido's for Freedom facility this morning to watch another training session and pick up an application.  Today's session was much more encouraging and interesting.  There were about 12 dogs working this morning, and maybe 7 or so clients.  I was able to see the various stages of training the different dogs had achieved and learned quite a bit about the process the dogs, trainers and clients go through to complete the program.

During the training session, the facilitator will place distractions (such as donuts, treats and dog toys) on the floor to help teach the handlers to discourage the dog to go for such distractions and the dogs to learn to ignore them... most of the time!!  The first donut disappeared within seconds after the first pass by a beautiful smooth collie.  I don't think any of the donuts made it through the entire training, but the chips and dog toys were pretty much left alone.  Actually, one of the handlers amused us all while the facilitator was waving a donut at dog-nose level and she (the handler) bent down and took a bite herself!

There is a strong 'family' feel about the way Fido's for Freedom works with both the dogs and the clients.  This explains the length of time it takes to move through the stages of training and into getting matched with a dog.  It is not something that should be done in haste and the volunteers at Fido's make the work enjoyable.

If I get accepted into the program I will definitely enjoy working with this group!  I thank those that pointed me toward this facility!!

Now I just need to get the medical papers completed and submitted by my physicians, the letters of reference and then keep my fingers crossed that I'm eligible for the program.

I really appreciate all the support I've received from everyone!!  HUGS!

First Fundraiser Plans

Despite not having the accounting process in place - there is one fundraiser I am planning on doing that we can start on now, which doesn't actually involve donating money!! :)

There is a group called Phoneraiser that will pay for used ink-jet type ink cartridges and old discarded cell phones.  The cartridges and cell phones are recycled and I get a specific $$ amount for the items.

I am asking if you would please start saving your used printer ink cartridges (not the large toner cartridges found in large copiers) and any old cell phones that you have kept from when you upgraded your cell phone.  Also, please ask friend and co-workers to do the same.

These can be delivered to me at designated times/places and any Scouting event that I attend.  I can even come to a meeting/event if you have cartridges and or phones to turn in.  This is a simple, yet effective way of both recycling those items and helping me earn money for my Mobility Dog Fund.

You can contact me by commenting on this blog, also my e-mail is listed on my profile - or give me a call for those that have my cell number.

As always -- I appreciate your support and help with this new adventure of mine!

Fundraising Plans

Even if I do work with Fido's for Freedom, there will still be some costs that need to be covered - more particularly gas (for traveling the 100+ miles to the facility).  Once I get placed with a dog, the placement fee is nominal.

However, even after getting accepted into the program (which hasn't happened yet) - there is a possibility I may not get placed with a dog for some time.  And depending on the situation, I may end up going the other route and obtaining an already trained dog.

With that said, I'm going to seriously pursue the fundraising route.  I need to work out some accounting processes so this can be registered as a non-profit fund which will allow donations to be tax-deductible.  Once that is done I can get to work.  And after I am placed with a dog - regardless of the route; all remaining funds that are collected will go to Fido's for Freedom.  That way, I know I'm financially covered and Fido's for Freedom will most likely end up with additional funds for their organization.

1st Visit with Fido's for Freedom

I drove down to Laurel and talked with a number of people at Fido's for Freedom; director, matched clients (a person who has passed the training and been matched with their dog), trainers and I watched both the Therapy dog training and the Service dog training sessions.

It was very interesting.  I was fascinated by the therapy dogs - they were better behaved then the service dogs.  However, the service dogs were of a younger group of dogs and there were only 4-5 service dogs and clients working tonight.  I watched in awe as 5 service dogs and a few therapy dogs were lined up on one side and left in a sit/stay.  The handlers walked to the other side of the room and at once called their dogs ---- mass chaos ensued as 7 dogs went in the direction of their handler only to be distracted by other dogs, people or just the sheer enjoyment of moment and 2 actually chased each other right out of the room.  And at one point during the session, a cute little Golden Retriever decided she was done and laid out flat on the floor and wouldn't move.

Obviously I need to visit some more, I'm going to at least give my application to my neurologist to complete for submission to the program.  I can continue to visit during their training sessions and watch and ask questions until the application process is completed, then provided I'm accepted to the program I can start training with various dogs until the right dogs finds his/her way into my hands.

The downside to this process is it's over 100miles each trip and $4 in tolls, and I will be making a minimum of 24 trips before I can be placed with a specific dog.  The dog selected is obviously the one that meets my needs and may not be the one I think is right, and could be male or female (we are VERY partial to male dogs).  And there could be a long wait depending on whether or not they have a dog to match my needs.

The upside is the cost (not counting gas/tolls) is very reasonable and I will be working directly with the dog on training that is specific to my needs.

There are still many things to consider and I guess I'm just going to have to sit back and have a little patience... (not my strongest point...)

And so it begins....

I want to personally thank all my fellow Scouters for the information that I have been recieving since my e-mail.  I decided to start a blog in order to more easily keep those interested updated on my progress and have a central location for feedback, suggestions, etc.

Pretty much I have two options with moving forward on getting a mobility/service dog.  There is an organization in Laurel called Fido's for Freedom that was recommended to me by at least three friends and was even contacted by someone who volunteers at this facility.  The other option is buying a dog that has received extensive obedience training and some specific needs training, and then working with a local trainer to complete the process.

My first stop is with the Fido's for Freedom, which I already have an appointment with to visit the facility and talk with Client Services - this will happen today after work.  If I get selected, it is a very extensive program involving many hours of training and working with various dogs before getting paired with a dog, then comes even more extensive training. The only concern with this program I have is the distance, but I'll see how that goes today.  This seems like a wonderful process as I would work with various dogs before being matched with one -- significantly increasing the chances of a successful match.  While the stated costs of this option is sooo much less than option 2, there is still time, travel (gas) to be figured into the equation.  But with all the fundraising suggestions and volunteers for assistance, I am sure any financial burden will be lessened.

I am also still persuing the option of purchasing a dog trained in strict obedience with public social skills.  Additionally the dog would have preliminary work done on 'tasks' he would need to be required to do in order to meet my needs.  While the dog is trained in another location and I wouldn't meet the dog until the initial training is completed- they do guarantee a match, so that if within the first year of training with me the dog and I are not compatable, they will replace the dog with another.

Either way - it's lots of training and a huge committment on my part.  Which I am so completely excited to agree to -- if I can remove some of barriers to getting out and doing what used to come so easily, I'm going to give it everything I have!!

Again, I am so thankful for the wonderful support you guys/gals have shown when I sent out my appeal.  Not that I'm surprised, that's why I thought of all of you first -- it is still heartwarming to feel the love when you need it.

I'll keep this blog updated regularly as it will be much easier to communicate to such a group this way rather than personal/group e-mails!

I love you all!!!!

YIS
Stephanie