Bonding!

Anyone who doubts miracles need to witness the bonding that is taking place between Pumpkin and William. Last night William slept through the night - a total miracle since he is usually up 3-4 times each night.

Today Pumpkin "tracked" William for the 1st time. It was AWESOME watching her search for her boy. Pumpkin is already attentive to William as well as Ashley. Her ears perk up when she hears either one of them. This is truly a match made in heaven.

Santa's Little Yelpers!

We would appreciate everyone's prayer while we're at training. Families are traveling from all over the country, including Canada. All have a very special someone who may have difficulties with change. Please pray for safety, for bonding between the service dogs & their pawtners, unity among the class, & for whatever else you feel led to. Here's the class roster:

Flutter (Bloodhound Retriever) Pawtner: Sean [Autism Assistance Dog]

Champ (Golden Retriever) Pawtner: Tucker [Autism Assistance Dog]

Beuford (Hound Retriever) Pawtner: Riley [Autism Assistance Dog]

Sushi (Golden Retriever) Pawtner: Drake [Autism Assistance Dog]

Pumpkin (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: William [Multi-purpose Assistance Dog]

Flash (Bloodhound Retriever) Pawtner: Matthew [Autism Assistance Dog]

Jack (Labrador Retriever Mix) Pawtners: Owen & Annabelle [Multi-purpose Assistance Dog]

Mercy (Golden Retriever) Pawtner: Chris [Autism Assistance Dog]

Dublin (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: Jacey [Autism Assistance Dog]

Kiwi (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: Noel [Autism Assistance Dog]

Nokia (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: Griffin [Autism Assistance Dog]

Zoom (Bloodhound Retriever) Pawtner: Alexander [Autism Assistance Dog]

Dear William

Hello!

My name is Pumpkin nut not like the Great Pumpkin or anything like that! I am a member of the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream litter and there is one flavor called Pumpkin. My sister Kiwi and my brother Dublin are also in this class. How cool is that? I like to play ball, do you? Do you really live in Cincinnati? Does that mean we can visit 4 Paws? That is awesome! I will miss everyone here but I have been dreaming of you for a whole year. My own boy to play ball and Frisbee with! My birthday is 11-1-2010 [born 11-1-2009]and I am a Labrador Retriever. I can't wait for you to come here. I will be counting down the days!

xoxo Pumpkin

(PS. I hope you do not mind if I am a girl)