Getting ready for Training

[kari]

I found out yesterday that Pepper has a 99.9% chance of going in for official Guide Dig training on November 3rd. So be ready for lots of photos and stories in adoration of my beautiful girl, that I will miss like there is no tomorrow!!! [img] [/img]

Congratulations, Pepper! And Kari, there is a special place in heaven for you. Pepper is beautiful inside and out, just like you. We are here whether you want to show off her accomplishments or need a shoulder to lean on.
Way to go, Pepper, Kari and Jac! We are sooo proud!!!!!

[kari]

Man, Jacque has been such a pillar of support, compassion and love during this time. The next 12 weeks until she goes will go all too fast!!!

[movistar]

congrats!!

[seazr]

Oh my goodness-talk about bitter sweet! Kari, you must have done such a wonderful job to prepare Pepper for this awesome challenge! Kudos to you!! And Kudos to Pepper for being an obviously stellar student!! I do feel your heartache but knowing what she will contribute must be at least somewhat consoling! I have not doubt about Jacque's love and support!

[MaxandMe]

Kari talk about a catch 22...you love Pepper and worked so hard for this moment and now this moment is soon to arrive. I feel foryou but also must say GREAT job and congrats to you and Pepper. i am sure jac has been a world of support and a good friend as well.

Kari we are all rooting for you and here for you to lean on when the time comes.

[lmtoth2]

What is Guide Dig Training?

It sounds like an honor so congrats to you and Kari.

[kari]

Ok, I am really bad at typing and didn't spell check through the tears...that's Guide Dog training (that "i" is right next to the "o") . We raise puppies for Guide Dogs of America and Pepper is our puppy in training.

[Jac]

Gosh, Kari, I type like that too!
Thank you all for including me in these messages of pride and respect...I am very proud of Pepper, of all of our puppies actually, but Pepper is a special girl...and all of the credit goes to Kari. Her loving heart and guiding hand has make Miss Pepper what she is today...and she is one of the best dogs I have ever seen!
It is one of the hardest things I can imagine, giving Pepper up after all of this love and devotion and I ache for Kari...
Still, I was with Kari at a graduation service for the Guide Dogs of America last week and she and I both cried as the new owners stood to thank their puppy raisers and to express their gratitude for giving them the companion who will bring them so much help and love in their lives. It is truely a gift of monumental proportions.
I am proud of you, Kari, and I am grateful (beyond expression) for the friendship that has developed between us.
This picture of Pepper is a beauty...look at her eyelashes! Look at her expression. That girl is wonderful!

[lmtoth2]

HAHA..I obviously wasn't thinking when I posted. Another congrats to you and Kari

[MaxandMe]

kari , i really do not know how you do this for Guide Dogs of America.

I can foster dogs but that is really different from what you do. I wonder how your son will be too when the time comes. Then again sometimes kids can have a insight at times that amaze us and totally understand. my son has been talking with me about why we are Fostering Kirby and it seems to have brought us closer as he sees a side of me that he can now understand fully as he's 15yrs old.
I raised my my kids with the "good samaritan' being a family quality and volunteer work is to make someone else smile and feel better in life.

however i must say, WOW i am truly in awe with what you do and think it's a gift. For this i must say 'thank you' as you are helping others out in need even though it will tug on your heart.

remember, you will never lose the memories in your heart and the pictures in your mind. Pepper will always be with you and within you.

(((((((( kari)))))) hugs to you honey and may god continue to bless you

[gene]

Kari....I'm such an old softie, I'm crying already! You are doing such a grand gesture. Talk about jewels in your heavenly crown. May you have a wonderful 12 weeks with the stunning Pepper! I hope she will be placed with someone you can keep in contact with, or at least pictures/updates to you! Remember, we're here for you!!

[Cinsmom]

It's kind of like raising kids. You train them to be independent then wish they weren't when they move out.

You've trained Pepper to be a blessing to others. It doesn't mean you won't miss her, but you'll be so proud of her!

Hang in there and we'll be praying for you!

[kari]

You know, it's kind of funny. We started this whole raising Guide Dogs things as we had gone through 2 years of infertility and were giving up and going to just do something nice for someone else. I had just had knee surgury and watched A LOT of Animal Planet and had seen a thing on Guide Dogs. We got Cleat in December of 2002 and found out in February 2003 we were going to have a baby!! Our son, Beck was born in September. He is such a great puppy raiser; he makes the dogs walk on the left in a heel position, he works their obedience; helps feed and is willing the pick up the poop! He knew that Cleat was helping his partner Karin because she couldn't see. Cleat is now retired and home with us, which we all love!!! He knows that Ikey Doodle is helping Jennifer open doors etc as she is in a wheel chair. He did tell me the other day that when Jennifer is done with Ike , he wants Ike to come back home!!! He "gets" the helping people thing which I love and is really free in telling folks "not to pet Pepper because she is working. Only he can pet her because she is his dog!!" He let Pep out of her crate one morning for me and is saying "how is my pretty princess? Did you sleep good sweetie?!" How sweet is that!! Any way, 4 dogs later, we still are ripping our hearts out, this time is the worst!!! I may have to make a trip to Willits to pick up a new dog in December (thats a HUGE hint, Jac!! ). Thank you all for your support. It means so much to me to have all of your support and shared Doodle love!!! Pepper has brought me so many wonderful things, one of those being a great friendship with Jacque and Dave!!!

[Jac]

You are always welcome and when you visit, if we have a puppy (and we should!) you will have your pick! (Except that you can't take my big dogs...even though Nitos is the spitting image of Pepper, without the clean face! LOL)
I love that Beck is so cute with Pepper and the rest of the dogs. You are teaching him well!