Eve's Everyday Adventures

Ellie's Blog...

2010-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

Please be sure to follow Ellie's blog! Ellie is the puppy I am currently raising. Right now Ellie is at SEGDI in heat but we will be able to pick her up next week!

We can hardly wait to see our baby girl again!

Here is Ellie's blog link...

http://ellieseverydayadventures.blogspot.com/

~Meagan~

Eve loves Wendy

2010-10-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Drum role please.........yesterday, my family had the privileged to see our sweet "eve-r-beaver" with her forever person, Wendy.

The first thing after a little talk about meeting our dogs again, the blind students do a route for us outside the Admin Building. Eve sniffed just about every bush along the sidewalk. Apparently the kennel cat was out roaming around that morning!

It was so amazing to see Eve leading a blind person. I can clearly remember those days when I was leading Eve. How in the world, in 9 months time, did Eve learn how to lead someone. Thanks goes straight to SEGDI's amazing trainers.

Eve walking gently beside "her" person Wendy. Eve and Wendy are a perfect match.

Saying Eve was excited to see us is an understatement. Eve was so polite when Melinda (puppy raisers most favorite SEDGI staff person... PR's you know what I mean!! :o) introduced Eve's person to my family... then Eve remembered who we were and her memories of us came back. After that, Eve could no longer contain herself.
Eve did everything from jumping up, to licking, to even biting my face... Eve was so excited! Eve went from person to person jumping, tackling, stepping on, hitting with her tail... she was overjoyed.

And so were we.

Eve excitedly jumping up on Meagan

Again, Eve excitedly jumping on Meagan... this time Eve has her right paw on Meagan's arm :)

Eve looking at the camera with Meagan, Diona, and Kaitlyn touching Eve.

Eve and Collin, all smiles for the camera!

Kaitlyn and Eve

Diona and Eve

Kaitlyn petting Eve's ears and Eve is licking her own lips.

Meagan just about to give Eve one of many kisses.


Meagan and Eve looking at the camera with big smiles on their faces. This picture is Meagan's profile pic on Facebook

Todd scratching Eve's face right between Eve's eyes... sadly I realized this is the only picture we have of Todd and Eve!

Meagan explaining the scrapbook to Eve's blind person. Eve has her harness on and is stretching her nose up to the table to smell the scrapbook too!

Eve in her harness.... looking very professional.

Amazing, Eve still has her look of "this picture taking thing is getting really annoying".

After a wonderful lunch, lots of talking, laughing and memory making, with Eve's person, it was the saddest part of the day. Saying goodbye. We know Eve will be loved, cared for and somewhat spoiled! Knowing that our sweet Eve-r-beaver is doing the same thing for her person, is so heart warming.

At the very end of Eve's scrapbook, I have Eve's harness picture and at the bottom, it says "And Eve's Everyday Adventures continues...". Wendy, Eve's person, agrees... and might even start her own "Eve's Everyday Adventures -as a Guide Dog"!!

After we said our tearful goodbyes, we went down to the main kennel to visit some dogs who are In For Training. This is sweet Jeannie. She was from our group here in the South Shore region.

Jeannie smiling for the camera!

Jeannie and one of her kennel buddies.

We also saw Rocky. Rocky has a blog too! Rocky was Eve's first boy friend :) He is such a sweet boy. Hopefully he will be matched in the next class... Rocky's brother Spike was matched in Eve's class. They are very polite boys.

Rocky sweetly looking at the camera :)

Hmmm... a little camera shy?

Just like sweet Clarkey, we have a 90 period that we cannot have any contact with Wendy or Eve. This helps Eve and Wendy bond and really truly become a team. We can't wait to see our Evie again!

A very happy,
Meagan

Some pictures of Eve!!!

2010-09-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Some of my spies went to SEGDI to walk dogs and were able to see Eve!!!

Hmm... not sure why the pictures look blurry.... they didn't look like that before! Oh well

Go get 'em Ever-Beaver!!!

Meagan

Eve's report cards....

2010-07-26T06:45:00.001-07:00

I have received Eve's report cards!! She is doing wonderful!!!

This is her May report card...
And this is her July report...
We are anxiously waiting to hear when she is matched with her Blind person!!

Meagan

A Letter to my Eve

2010-06-22T06:15:00.001-07:00

Dearest Eve,

I have heard that you are now class ready and will be matched with a visually impaired person very soon.

I just wanted to let you know, I am very proud of you. You were my first puppy, my first "baby", my first challenge. Remember those times when we were battling your "bowel problems" every 30-45 minutes at night? I remember. Very well.
I was so tired, and I knew Eve, you weren't feeling good. I told mom "I can't do this anymore, I've done this for a week, we have to take her back to SEGDI!" Well I looked into your sweet brown eyes, they look so pitiful. If you could talk, I'm sure you would've said "But I thought you were my person" It was then and there I knew you were never going to leave my side.

After your bowel problem was figured out, life was awesome. You excelled at anything I showed you. You put up with anything, ear grabbing, tail tugging, an occasional "oops, sorry I stepped on you Eve".
We traveled to Tampa 3 times a week for the first couple months of your life with us. You loved going. You learned the motion of the van when we got onto the interstate and knew it was going to be a long drive. If for some reason, we had to turn around and go back, you would sit up looking like "What, where are we going, this isn't the way!!"
I loved your personality and little antics :)

You went everywhere with us. I remember one time we were at Wal-mart and we were walking along and a little boy sitting in a buggy said (rather loudly) "LOOK DAD IT'S SUPER DOG!!!"
I only wished I had a video camera rolling. It was so cute and thought "Kid, you don't know how much of a super dog this little girl is". Any dog you see in a coat , is a super dog. Whether they are Therapy dogs, Guide dogs, Canine companions, Paws for patriots, Bomb dogs, special needs dogs, etc! They all have a purpose for someone. They are all important.

When your traveling with a guide dog puppy, you get lots of stares, finger-pointing, and whispers. (Hey at least I have a good reason for being stared and pointed at! It's better then no dog and toilet paper stuck to my shoe :) You, my dear Eve, just went along doing your business.
Nothing ever startled you, you knew your job and got it done.....with perfection.

All of our adventures are over, and your just beginning your own! I cannot wait to see you, my sweet girl, again! I will never forget the wonderful, and exciting times we had together.

Love you my Eve-r-beaver :)
Your mommy

Southeastern Guide Dogs 2010 Walk-A-Thon

2010-02-27T15:25:00.001-08:00

Today we attended the much anticipated Walk-A-Thon! It was cold, rainy and very wet, but well worth it!

As well as seeing the wonderful raisers from our puppy group, I was able to meet up with two other puppy raisers that came from out of state for the WAT. I met one though an internet group a couple years ago and the other from the wonderful world of blogging!

This is Rebecca and her puppy-in-training, Rocky (aka the Rock Star!). We puppy-sat Rocky (when he was about 50 pounds lighter :) and Rebecca's career changed dog Ely when Rebecca and her family came down for the graduation of their last puppy they raised! Rebecca was the person who really nudged me into raising puppies.....Thank you so much Rebecca!!
Rebecca has an awesome guide dog blog, check it out.....here

This is Allie and her beatiful puppy-in-training Toby. Toby wasn't wanting his picture taken....he'd much rather sniff Sadie all over :) Allie has a really neat guide dog blog as well!

It rained during the whole 3 mile walk...every dog was soaking wet and pretty frisky because of the cold weather. The humans were also soaked, but despite the rain, almost every person walked the 3 miles. Sadie stayed in a perfect down under during lunch...

After lunch, Kaitlyn and I did a blind fold walk. Our first ever!
SEGDI staff marks off an area where they have dogs in harnesses ready to show you what it feels like to walk in complete darkness with a dog. When you start, you have to put on glasses that are completely black so you can't see anything. The dogs trainers are there, of course, holding the leashes, but you, as the "blind person" have a hold of the harness. The trainers have objects like a chair or safety cone so you and the dog have to go around it. It really shows you how much a blind person depends on the dog to keep them safe. The guide dog that lead me was a Gold-a-dore (Golden Retriever mix Lab) named Sarge and Kaitlyn's guide was a Lab. (Can't remember it's name!)

Right before the WAT was over they had the raffle. The winner of the 1st prize ($10,000 dollars) lives in Texas!

Sadie and I posed for a picture right before we left for home. (This was the same spot we took a picture of Eve and I last year *sniff* :)

Thank you for your support! Hope to see you again next year!

Love,
Meagan

Heartache and Tears Are Totally Worth It...

2010-02-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

We have been anxiously waiting to hear how our sweet Eve is doing in school. I figured I would probably hear something at the upcoming Walk-A-Thon (this coming Saturday woohoo!) or I could find someone who knew. You have no idea how hard it is to wait. Think of your kid going off to college, or on a trip, or moving somewhere and not hearing from them! It's tough, but it was worth the wait...

This afternoon, I went out to get the mail and along with the typical junk, was an envelope addressed to us from Southeastern Guide Dogs. As soon as I saw it's contents, my heart skipped a beat and tears welled up in my eyes...

Isn't she gorgeous?

Our certificate

I'm crying just thinking about how sweet my little girl is.
She will make a perfect guide dog...just like her big "sisser" Clarke.

If all goes as planned, she will go through 6 months of intense harness training. We will receive report cards to see how she is doing. Then after those 6 months, she will be matched with the perfect person. They will then go through 26 days of learning how to work together.
If Eve's person agrees, we will then meet each other on "Puppy Raiser Day". That is one of the most special days you can imagine! Getting to watch your little puppy lead someone who can't see, or help someone who needs it. Most of the time, as soon as the dog sees their puppy raisers it makes a bee-line towards you and gives you TONS of doggy kisses! We will get to give Eve her favorite toys, and I'll make a scrapbook for her person. Even if the person is blind, they still enjoy showing off their dog to friends when they were a puppy!

Unfortunately, during this time, I cannot go see Eve. If I do, I could distract her and mess up her training. That wouldn't be fair to her. So if your down in Palmetto, stop by SEGDI and ask to see Eve!!

I will update the blog every now and then. I'll show you her report cards, and possibly add my future puppy-in-training to "Eve's Everyday Adventures" whenever a pup is needing a home!!

A SUPER HAPPY PUPPY RAISER,
Meagan

Farewell sweet Eve...

2010-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we said goodbye to our sweet little girl. She was so excited to be at her school! I think every guide dog puppy knows their true home when we pull into the parking lot...they all go bonkers!
My last picture with Eve...

She was so excited to meet Melinda and her trainer.
(That's when the water works were on full blast!)

No looking back for Eve...she's so awesome.

Right now, Eve is having a blast hanging with her Kennel mates...and has totally forgot about me and my family. That's okay though. I know she's super happy.
We should hear how her vet and hip exam goes in 2 weeks!! That's the hardest part...waiting.

Meagan

Molly 1B6 --- Clarke 8M6 --- Eve 2X8

2010-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

We like to get a family picture with the guide dogs we have raised. We even have Sadie (our personal dog) in the picture. I love to back and see our "babies"!

~ ~ ~

This is Molly 1B6. AKA, Molly Moose, Pretty girl, Moll.
Loves ice. Sleeps in the most distorted positions. Certified Therapy Dog.

^Molly at about 10 weeks old ^

^Isn't she beautiful?^

^One of our last days with Molly Moose^

~ ~ ~

This is Clarke 8M6. AKA Clarkey, Clarker-Barker, Miss Perfect.
Loves raw carrots. Smiles for the camera. Guide Dog in Florida.

^Happy-go-lucky Clarke^

^She was such a sweet heart^

^Our last trip to the beach with Clarke^

~ ~ ~

This is Eve 2X8. Aka Eveie, Eve-er-beaver, little girl, Miss Eve, Eve-ous.
Loves raw carrots. Moo's in the morning. Waiting for 'guide dog' perfect confirmation!

^Eve's first venture in the backyard at 10 weeks^

^Sweet Eve at 15 months^

^Our family picture^

I sure am gonna miss her....

2010-01-13T16:51:00.001-08:00

IFT (In For Training) Prep

2010-01-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

Meagan and I got some video of us doing some obedience. I wanted to show you all I can do. I know a lot more skills then what I show you here, but the others are when I'm in stores and in my blue coat.

This is the "Leave It" command...

The Hold and Give game....

This is one of Eve's favorites...

Eve's not such a fan of puppy push ups... :)

I will be taking Eve back to Southeastern Guide Dogs on January 21st at one o'clock in the afternoon. I am so proud of my little girl! She will be great in whatever career she is placed!

At this point in time I (Meagan) don't plan on raising another guide dog puppy for a few months. I have some plans and changes coming into my life that I think I need to address before adding another puppy-in-training into my home.

This doesn't mean I won't ever raise again! I LOVE it! Raising these amazing dogs has given me something that no other experiance could! It has made me more outgoing, I put myself in a place (when your walking down a walmart isle, you sure to get a few stares and weird glances...maybe even some whispers!!) where I am forced to talk to people.

I have rasied kids (my mom had a home-daycare for most of my life, so I grew up around chaning babies, feeding and caring for them) before, but never my own.

So Eve has, is a sense, giving me a taste of what true motherhood is like. I had to get up during the night to let Eve got outside (Eve had a few health problems in the beginning, so it was about every 30-45 minutes I was letting her out) had to feed her, teach her what good and what is not.

Eve is so sweet and has such an awesome disposition. She's goofy and sometimes even a little too silly when I'm serious :) If I'm having a bad day, or not feeling good, she's right there beside me....sometimes wanting to be on top on me :)

Right now she's sleeping quietly beside me. Well, with an occasional snore :) I sure am gonna miss this girl!

Love,

Meagan and Eve 2X8

This is how...

2010-01-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Eve wakes me up every morning....
I sure am gonna miss this little girl!!

Meagan

Eve and her pink friend

2010-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

We went to the mall one day and Meagan spotted these pink dogs.
They were just my size! I sniffed them all over, but they didn't sniff back.

2010-01-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all the In For Training Dogs of January 2010!

Eve Bl/F -Sun City
Shirley Bl/F- St.Pete
Mustang BT, AS, M- Orlando/Daytona
Bella Bt, AS, F- Bradenton
Cookie BM, AS, F- Ocala
Raphael Bl/M- Sarasota
Guffy Yl/M- Bradenton
Charlie S. Yl/M- Ft. Lauderdale/West Palm Beach
Tecky Bl/F- Orlando/Daytona
Staria Yl/F- St. Pete
Shelby Yl/F- Orlando/Daytona
Bob Yl/M- Orlando/Daytona
Elsie Bl/F-St. Pete
Kerry Bl/F- Ft. Myers
Brittany Yl/F- St. Pete
Fiesta Yl/F- St. Pete
Gitka Yl/F- Sarasota
Lucian Bl/M- Pensacola
Jasper Bl/M- Ocala
Saxon Bl/M- Dothan, AL
Roman Bl/M- Dothan, AL

2009-12-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope you had a good Christmas and have a happy New Year!

Last night I had one of the noisiest outing ever!
The Boyle's cousin, Dan, was down from Michigan for a Basketball tournament in Lake Wales, FL, at the Warner Southeastern University.
The Boyles haven't seen Dan for a couple years, and he didn't know we were going to be at his game! It was fun surprising him!
I had a hard time getting comfortable in the bleachers, but I really liked the chant Dan's team did right before the game started. It sounded like dogs barking :)
Meagan handed out a lot of my school's business cards. About 3 people said the black labs are the best dogs.....I tend to agree!

Here's a picture of the Boyle's, Dan and me.....you can probably tell who the basketball player is!
Dan made 2 slam dunks just for us he said...

Meagan and I in the bleachers during half time....

The Titans won!!
Thank you Aunt Barb and Uncle Brian for letting us know about Dan's game! We had a blast! Thanks Dan for the slam dunks!

~ ~ ~

Tonight for New Years Eve, the Boyles are having friends over for games and snacks,
then we're all going over to another friends house to watch the ball drop.
Last year I was too young and fell asleep before the ball dropped!
I can't be outside when the fireworks are going off....it can hurt my ears.
But I'll sit inside and watch! I'll tell Meagan to get some pictures!

Love, Eve 2X8

Twas' the night before Christmas....SEGDI style :-)

2009-12-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

This was read to us at a puppy meeting we had a couple years ago. It bring tears to my eyes every time I read it...Eve liked the sound of it too!

Guide Dogs' Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still,

with most dogs now asleep having eaten their fill.

The Labradors sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,

while visions of ANYTHING edible danced in their heads.

the Golden's and Shepherds curled up on the floor,

some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.

The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,

in hopes that a trainer soon would be there.

On the window ledge, one of the kennel cats lay,

surveying the lawn at the end of this day.

Something was different, that little cat knew.

Tonight something would happen, it had to be true.

For that day as the workers had left to go home,

They'd wished Merry Christmas! before starting to roam.

The dogs had noticed it to during this past week's walks,

the trainers seemed just that much happier and eager to talk.

In the mall where they worked through the maze of people and stores,

there were decoration and music and distractions galore!

Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,

but some balked at the man on the sleigh and those fake looking deer.

The cat was almost asleep too when he first heard the sound,

a whoosh through the air and a jingle around.

It reminded him of a dog's collar when the animal shook,

but this sound kept on growing. He'd better go look.

From the ceiling there came a faint sort of thunk,

as the kennel cat climbed to the highest pile of junk.

Once before people had worked on the roof,

and come down through the trap door to a chorus of "Woooof!"

But the dogs still were quiet, all sleeping so sound,

as this man dressed in red made his way right on down.

He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,

then made his way right to the trainers' coffee pot.

A shepherd sat up, not fully awake,

then a Golden followed her with a mighty loud shake.

That did it! All the dogs sprang to life with loud noise.

In spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.

He filled the pot full and it started to brew,

then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.

Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,

he knew well their jobs, the blind people they led.

Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,

while others delighted in their own deafening howl.

Laying a finger in front of his lips,

the jolly old man silenced the excitable yips.

"You all may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"

the old man smiled and took a short pause,

While he filled up his mug with hot liquid and cream,

"I've always wanted to stop here. It's been one of my dreams."

The cat had climbed down and was exploring Santa's sack.

"Yes, little kitty, that's an empty pack."

Santa smiled as he drank and looked at those eyes,

deep brown ones and gold ones held wide in surprise.

Some of these dogs, he'd seen just last year,

in their puppy homes, cute and full of holiday cheer.

He'd seen the effects of a pup on the tree,

but now they were here at the school, just waiting to be.

"I didn't bring you presents or bones just to chew.

I'll tell you something better, what you are going to do."

"You all will work hard and the trainers will share,

both praise and correction, gentle and fair."

"You'll go lots of places and face big scary things.

You'll ride buses and subways and hear fire sirens ring."

"Cars will drive at you but you will stand strong,

not moving into danger, not moving toward wrong."

"And then just when you think that this trainer's the best,

the kindest, and funniest person, toss away all the rest,"

"That trainer will begin to ignore you and give you away,

handing your leash over despite your dismay."

"Now the person who pets you and feeds you will be

a blind person. That's a person who can't see."

" This man or this woman may see just a tad,

but their view's missing parts or the focus is bad."

"So you, well trained dogs, will act as their eyes.

You will work as a team and discover the size"

"Of this great world we live in, because you will go

a million new places with this person, you know."

Santa sipped at his coffee and looked over the brood,

knowing what he had to say next might sound kind of rude.

"Not all of you will make it and become canine guides.

Your time here isn't wasted though. You won't be cast aside."

"Some of you will be drug dogs and some will find bombs.

Some will become pets in a home with a dad and a mom."

"All these things are important. People wait on long lists,

to receive such good dogs as you, the school folks insist."

The last drop of coffee had gone into his cup

as Santa turned, smiling at each wide eyed pup.

"The best gift of all is to give something back.

That's why there's nothing for you all inside of my pack."

Draining his mug, Santa went to each pen,

and petted and scratched each dog again and again.

"Now next year and many more years after that,

you all will give gifts wherever you're at."

"You might lick a hand that's had a bad day,

Or notice a car and step out of the way."

"You might help catch a crook or discover some loot,

Or just bring some joy to a tired old man in a funny red suit."

"Your master will love you and treat you with care.

In return, your training and trust will always be there."

After the last dog had been petted and soothed,

Santa put away the coffee pot and made ready to move.

Up the ladder he rose to the door high above,

with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his gloves.

And all the dog ears were pricked as he disappeared out of sight. "Merry

Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"

- (author unknown)

p.s. Thanks Rebecca for posting this! I wanted to find it to post!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T18:09:00.001-08:00

~:~ Merry Christmas from Sadie and Eve 2X8 ~:~

There's nothing like it....

2009-12-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

We went to Wal-Mart today I had contemplated leaving Eve home just because I knew it was going to be really busy. Eve has always done AWESOME in crowded situations but sometimes it's nice to get things done without a dog. I decided to take her anyway. She lives for getting her leash and royal blue coat and on!

After 2 hours shopping (brother and sister needed new jeans and shoes, and of course those last minute stocking stuffers), Eve (and I) were worn out and ready to go home. We get to the check out counter and start emptying our cart. Just as we were about to leave, a rather young man (he looked to be in his 40's) pulled up in his wheelchair and said to mom "I just want to thank you for the work you do with the dogs. You have no idea how important it is to me. You see, I'm going blind. Slowly but surely, and it's nice to know there's someone out there who can make a difference in the lives of those who can't see". (and in his case walk)
I took Eve up to him and he told me he knew he wasn't supposed to pet her. But I told him in situations like these, it's more then okay.
He got one of my business cards.
There's nothing like it....

2009-12-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
I will guide you with my eye.
Psalms 32:8

Can there possibly be a better verse for a Guide Dog?

A good friend

2009-12-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

Eve has a very good friend whose name is James.
James is 9 years old and loves dogs.
Really he likes all animals, but dogs seem to be his favorite.
James has known Eve since she was just a puppy.
When James found out that Eve is going In For Training soon,
he was upset and said he was really going to miss her.
So he decided to give her a going away present!
She loves her blue tennis ball!

Thank you James for my ball! I will miss you very much!
Love, Eve 2X8

Winter Social

2009-12-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

Our Sun City Center puppy group is combining with the Winter Haven puppy group.
Our new Area Coordinator held a winter social at Southeastern guide dogs school, so we could meet each other. There were so many dogs! Goldadors, Labs, Collies, and a great big German Shepherd.
When we first got there, all the dogs (except the little tiny puppies) got to play in a fenced yard! I loved running with the other dogs! At home, Sadie (my sisser) will only run a little, and after wants to roll in the grass.
Then all the dogs played tic-tac-toe "puppy in training style". That was fun!
We also played a similar version of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, we had pictures of desserts. (Meagan and I won brownies!)
The one game which I didn't really like was puppy dress-up. Meagan drew a piece of paper out of a basket and it said "4 socks" so Meagan had to put 4 socks on me!
We were up against the German Shepherd. (he had to put on shorts and 2 socks) Once Meagan got my socks on, we started running to the finish line. Then all my socks fell off. So Meagan had to start over. We didn't win, but that's okay!
Then our AC laid out a sheet and put all sorts of toys and treats on it. One at a time, all the dogs chose a toy to take home. This is my toy! (It only lasted 2 days :o)
I had a fun time at my school!

Love,
Eve 2X8

How many Guide Dogs get to meet a Camel Part #2

2009-12-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

The cloth dyers The pottery place Then we went to the Sheppard's area. They had animals! This is the Abyssinian donkey. I already smelled this donkey and wanted to smell the one on the other side of the pen! The goat! It loved me! Finally the baby Jesus!! The three wise-men.....oops, cut off one of the guys heads! The cross, on which our savior died. He took all our sins away. He is our King! The tomb in which our Savior laid. Then on the third day, he rose again. At the end of your tour through Bethlehem, the humans get Hot Chocolate and get to pet some animals. I really liked the camel! I had a really fun time there. The Boyles used to work in the booths and Meagan's dad was a guide. But this year were super busy, So they could only walk through. I'm glad I got to go! For more information, please visit:

http://www.kingsavenue.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=35870&PID=368878

Eve 2X8

How many Guide Dogs get to meet a Camel? Part #1

2009-12-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Every year, a church in Brandon, FL has what they call "Walk Through Bethlehem". The church sets up a village of what Bethlehem would look like at the time when Mary, Joseph and soon-to-be-born, baby Jesus, were traveling to Bethlehem for Cesar's Census. Every group that wants to walk through has a guide to lead them through Bethlehem. The church people dress up in garbs to look their part and make it feel very authentic! I really enjoyed my trip!

This is right before we walk through the city gates. The boy in this booth takes a head count of our group.
This is a mean Roman Guard

Then we met the Tax collector. When we said we had eleven people (we really did), he counted and said we had 19. Typical tax collector "eh?
Next door, there was a lady selling salt and herbs for temple worship.

Our next stop was a lady selling fruits and veggies. She had raw green beans that smelled really good!
Then we went to a lady selling oil, and a couple other booths selling things. Around the corner was a very strange smell. It smelled like the fish oil that Meagan puts on my meals.....EWWW!! Fish!

This is the bakery

This is the synagogue. I really liked this part. I wanted to be part of the act!

This is the water well were all the rich ladies come to gossip.

Meagan told me I was doing great!

The basket weavers.
This is the wood carvers. They had fresh cut ceder wood! I really liked the smell....it sure was a lot better then those fish.This is the star that lead the wise-men to Jesus! Sorry it's blurry....

Continued in part #2...(I guess you can only post so many pictures!!!)

Photo Shoot

2009-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

I got to be in a photo shoot at the mall! The photographer who took our pictures was very nice. She made funny sounds to make me turn my head and pose really cute.

~ ~ ~

The photographer was so pleased with our pictures, she asked Meagan's mom
if they could make one of our pictures as a large canvas portrait to put in their studio!
I hope we can go back and see where they placed it!

Well, I have a very busy weekend planned, so I will post about it next week!

Love,
Eve 2x8

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

"Pup-ahontas"

Long Time No Post!!

2009-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything lately! Let me see if I can update you a bit....

I've been really busy! Soccer games have started again, and we only have 2 more to go to!
I went to Chili's with one of my favorite puppy raisers. She's so nice and takes me lots of places.
I went to a Sea Food Festival and that was a lot of fun...I helped raise money for the walk-a-thon by just sitting cute and using my "begging eyes".
Meagan goes for massages to help her back. I get to go and lay under the table. The Massage therapist is very nice and likes to give me a mini massage after Meagan is done. It feels soooo good!!
My puppy raiser family watched 3 little boys for a week. I like little kids who like to pet my head and lay on me. But when they try to grab my tongue, that's a different story.
Meagan's orthodontist gave her a gift certificate to go get her pictures taken in the Mall. I got to be in the picture! I loved all the attention the photographer gave me! We got to choose 3 different poses. I'll post my favorite one when we receive them!

One day, Meagan put me in the crate and said she will be back later. After about a nice 2 hour nap, Sadie started barking and saying "Eve their home! Their home"!
Meagan came to get me and I smelled a really familiar smell on her pants. It smelled like puppies and my school! They had taken some friends to hug puppies at my school! I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to go, but it reminded me that I will be going back to college soon! I'm going to miss my puppy raisers but I'm excited that my career is right around the corner!!

Love,
Eve 2X8

SEGD's 2010 Walk-A-Thon!!!!

2009-10-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!!

On February 27th, 2010, Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. will be holding it's annual Walk-A-Thon in Bradenton, FL to help raise money for my school!
This is SEGDI's biggest, fundraising event and I want to invite you to be apart of it!
We are looking for sponsors to help us reach our goal of $3000 so we can name and sponsor a puppy!
Please visit

http://www.sitstaygive.org/fundraiser/1c4d82f31acd2ebe7a908e5a60b52c7f.html

to help us out!!

Love,
Eve 2X8

365 days of Eve....

2009-10-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce, Eve 2X8 daughter of Baxter
and Shep has been in our home for 365 days.

We have loved her sweet company and will sorely miss her
when she is called In For Training.

~~~

Here are some pictures and some facts of our sweet little girl.

Eve was one of the biggest pups SEGDI has seen

weighing in at 18 pounds at 9 weeks.

Eve's favorite snack is raw carrots

Eve hates clothes shopping

Eve prefers kids over her toys!

Eve's favorite command is "heel"

When we get Eve's coat out, she'll put her head in the hole...
and she knows how to completely take it off, by herself.

With love,
Meagan (Eve's puppy raiser)

Just some pics....

2009-10-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Eve's version of "come"
Gotta get my monster mouth!
Playin' with Sadie my "sisser"
RUN!
This is me as a puppy,
And me as a big girl! (notice how many shelves of books are behind me now!)
Me and Meagan in front of the Southeastern Guide Dog stone
me being "stweet", as usual :-)

Eve 2X8

I meet Bentley, my brother...

2009-10-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Meagan noticed some one commented on one of my blog posts. She read it and got really excited!
My brother Bentley's puppy raiser found us, by asking around to see where Bentley's siblings lived. She contacted us and said she would really like to meet us!
So today, we met got to meet each other at the school.

Bentley lived in Georgia. He's a 90 pound, almost completely white lab. He has freckles on his ears and a big wet tongue. And he's almost as pretty as me :0)

Here are some pictures of 2 out of 3 Shep and Baxter puppies.

Sorry the picture's small. This is Eve (in the back) Bentley (the white one and our other
female sibling (if this is your puppy, please contact us! We'd LOVE to meet you!!!)

Here is Bentley and Eve today...

In front of SEGDI's stone

Bentley decided to turn sideways (had to get his "best side")

Eve 2X8

Harness, Aquarium, Hospital...oh my!

2009-09-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

For our bi-monthly guide dog meeting, my puppy group went to the bowling alley. When the humans were talking, Mr. Kelly (our area coordinator) told Meagan it was time for me to try on the harness! A harness is what I would wear so I can lead a blind person around. Every puppy (once we turn 1 year old) has to try on the harness. We do that so we can see what we think about it...as you can see, I loved it!

Meagan wasn't so happy....she doesn't want me to grow up :-)

~ ~ ~

Meagan's mom homeschools Meagan's younger brother and sister. (Meagan's graduated from "Homeschool High" in June)

A couple times a year a well-known attraction will plan to have a homeschool day. That's when all the homeschoolers get to go to MOSI, Museums, the Zoo or NASA, in our case Thursday, it was the Florida Aquarium. All homeschoolers get to go in for a discounted price.
So Thursday morning, we were driving to the aquarium!

On the way, we saw a man dressed up in a Dunkin Doughnuts coffee cup costume. So we got out and got a picture... Unfortunately, he wasn't handing out doughnuts...

~ ~ ~

When we arrived at the aquarium, we headed straight for the stingrays...those are my favorite!!!

We got to see a lot of things. Meagan's camera died at the very beginning of our adventure, but we got a few good shots...Meagan was NOT happy...she's now looking for a new one Da, fishes More fishes

Super Big Fishes

We got to walk through the coolest fog stuff. I really liked it.
I tried eating it, but I didn't taste anything.

I was really good all day long...until lunch time, you see, there was this chip. Just laying all alone on the floor. We were getting closer and closer to it, we were headed in such a direction that I would walk over it. So I just had to TRY to lick it up. Success! But as soon as I got it in my mouth, the salty delicious flavor was soon gone when Meagan snatched it out of my mouth.

~ ~ ~

Thursday evening was full of just chill-axing. Meagan went to gym for a couple hours and Meagan's mom fed me and Sadie our supper. About 20 minutes later, I threw everything up! I didn't know why, but I knew I wasn't feeling good. By the time Meagan had come home, I had thrown up 4 more times! They said I was lathargic...whatever that means, I just knew I wasn't feeling good.
So Meagan's mom called Mr. Kelly and he said I needed to go to the vet right away. Come to find out after 4 hours later, more throwing up, having hives all over me and being really sleepy, I needed IV fluids and had to spend the night at the emergency vet! I was not happy about that, but the vet was really nice. She told Meagan later that she wanted to keep me :-)
The vet thinks I was bit or stung by something! So we just have to be careful.

I am now 100% and hope to go to work with Meagan very soon!!!

Love,
Eve 2X8

Weekend Fun...

2009-09-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is me and my "sisser" Sadie

Last weekend, the Boyles went to Lettuce Lake Park (Sadie and I went too!!) Lettuce Lark park is called that because, well, there's a lake with lettuce-looking plants all over it! The park has a 1.5-2 mile paved trail. This is Meagan's dad walking me....I'm always supposed to walk on the left side of my person, and the left side of the walkway. (Meagan taught me that)

Me and Meagan walking

"Busy" break!

Collin and Kaitlyn (Meagan's younger siblings) saw a gopher tortoise crossing
the trail. Meagan let me sniff it...I wanted to play, but the tortoise didn't want to!

We also saw a snake! It was about 3 feet long and VERY thick. Meagan didn't let me get too close because Meagan's dad said it had a diamond shaped head and those are poisonous! Later, Collin searched online to figure out what kind of snake it could be and found out it was a water moccasin (aka cotton mouth). They are very deadly... The snake is in the middle of the picture, you can see it's white mouth.

After our walk....it was very hot and humid!

On the way home, Kaitlyn fell asleep on me...we were both worn out!

Well, that was my excitement this weekend! Next Thursday, we are going to an aquarium! Meagan will take LOTS of pictures and we'll post them soon!
Love,
Eve 2X8

2009-09-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Mr. Kelly, our Area Coordinator for our guide dog group gave
Meagan this diaper. I had to wear for 2 weeks! I didn't like it one bit!
After my surgery, Meagan's mom came to pick me up. I was so excited to see them!
Meagan was at gymnastics when I got home. When Meagan got home, I was so
happy, but too tired to get up. But I fell asleep beside (and half on) her.

I went on my first outing today after not going anywhere for 3 whole weeks! I happily put on my coat and leash. Meagan, her mom and her sister and I went to Walmart. I'm not one for shopping, but I was glad to get out and see the world again!

Have a good Labor Day!!!!

Eve 2X8

Interesting News...

2009-09-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's Eve!!

I have been having a few health problems for the past 6 months or so. So, I went to the vet and he gave me some antibiotics. After I finished my medicine (and not much change was seen), Meagan's mom took me back to the vet and come to find out I need to be spayed! Meagan said that I will be sore for a few days and that I will have to "chillax" for a good week. But being pampered is awesome!!!!

I will be having surgery on Thursday morning. (Meagan said I won't be able to eat my breakfast! That's so not fair!!! I'm not sure how I'll survive!!!)

If you could keep my in your prayers, I would really appreciate it!!

Love and licks,
Eve 2X8

A note from the momma.....

2009-08-30T08:33:00.001-07:00

OK, I'm finally figuring this thing out!!! It's fun...Eve is enjoying it :-)

We will try to post as often as we can....I know I enjoy seeing pictures, so we'll will try to post some as we go! (Hee Hee, this means more posing for Eve!! :-)

Meagan

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-08-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sleeping with my tongue sticking out
Crazy Exposures
Other puppies :-)
My toys
My food bowl!!!!

More pictures......

2009-08-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is me and my puppy raiser Meagan...
we were at a tomato festival!
This is me and my buddy Sadie
I went to Fort Desoto beach....
the sand was my favorite :-)
Meagan loves this picture
and this one too

Well it's Saturday....I think my favorite day of the week! Everyone is home and "chillaxing". Sometimes I have puppy meetings on Saturdays. Puppy meetings when we meet with all of my dog-friends who are puppies in training too! We go on lots of outings. Like a train ride, festivals, nursing homes, and parks. I love life!

(I'm sorry if some of you can't post on the comments....Meagan will have to figure out how to fix that)
Eve 2X8

Hi I'm Eve!

2009-08-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce myself...
My name is Eve 2X8 I am a Southeastern Guide Dog (SEGDI) Puppy in Training. That means one day I will be a guide dog for a blind individual!
I am one year old, I weigh 70 pounds (supposedly I am borderline fat...I hate diets). My favorite things to do are play, run, swim, chew my nylabones, sleep and eat!
I like to go places in my blue working coat too. I've been to the chiropractor, pet stores, a train ride, the airport, orthodontist, libraries, the mall, the vet, flea markets, Ikea, grocery stores, walmart, target, a summer school (for a SEGDI presentation), SEGDI (my school!) for events, assisted living facility to play with the residents, to a dock, three different beaches, the park, and many more! As you can see I go a lot!

My puppy raisers name is Meagan. She's very nice. I live with her family in hot and sunny Florida! As well as people in her house, they have a dog named Sadie (she's my buddy) 2 cats...Vixie (the grouch) and Smokey (the terror), a bunch of fish and a love-bird....who is not very nice...she bites, HARD!

Well that's it for now! Here are some pictures of me as a puppy!