It's been a few months since I last wrote, but in the meantime, I have been busy! As you may recall, back in November, I was living in North Carolina, ready to move across the country.

Now we're in Seattle, Washington - about as far as you can drive and stay in the same country!

We passed through some beautiful countryside (we went through the South to avoid the snow) and toured many lovely gas stations along the way. It wasn't exactly a wagon trip along the Oregon Trail, but I could really imagine how those early travelers must have felt. (Although I was glad to be imagining it from the safety of my heated, motorized vehicle!

One Christmas, New Year's, and two birthday's later, things have finally started to settle down again.

We bought a townhouse here in Seattle, Washington and are just a few minutes away from my parents. We are working at home from little side-by-side offices, and really enjoying not having to commute!

Before settling into our new house two weeks ago, we were staying with my parents. Imagine my surprise last week when my Mom brought me a mysterious piece of mail that had arrived at their home, post-marked Florida. A padded envelope... just the kind that makes you want to rip into it with curiosity!

Well, it was awesome news! It was a letter from SouthEastern Guide Dogs, Inc telling us that our guide dog puppy, Kera, had been placed with a new owner! A Marine who had been blinded in the line of duty.

He is the first participant in the "Paws For Patriots" program that SouthEastern Guide Dogs has put together to provide service dogs for men and women in the armed forces.

They sent some very inspiring pictures and a newspaper article that had been published about the pair.

When I get my scanner set up on the computer (home office is still a mess) I will be sure to send you more details on this very exciting turn of events. It's quite an accomplishment for Kera and we are very proud of her.

*****

In the meantime, keep an eye out for a new project I'm working on, especially for you knitters out there who are eager to make your own dog clothes...

I'm probably giving too much away, (I want to surprise you!) but it's something that my Grandma and I have been working on together and we're really excited to get it done.

I will have more news in a few weeks, I hope. Stay tuned!

*****

So, three cheers for Kera - she made it! Ben and I wish her the best in her new professional life but will miss her dearly as we now know, for sure, that she won't be coming back to us. (Sniff, sniff).

Keeping my chin up!

Emily Cressey

P.S. Your dog may have no desire to become a service animal, but that doesn't mean you don't want him to be well-behaved in the house, with friends, and outside! Help him become a good citizen with this engaging approach to dog training done right.

Copyright 2006, Emily Cressey.

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Emily Cressey
POB 55824
Seattle, WA 98155
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