He is living life the way we all should.
Happy Thanksgiving Hawk.

The Culpeper downtown merchants decided to have a little window decorating contest this year.  So Hawk and I went downtown to check it out last night because I knew it would be empty and I could walk off some of that stuffing I consumed.  For a small town with small shops, I thought the windows were pretty nice!

 [ Invalid Attachment ]
Pretty empty when I can stand in the middle of the street for a photo!

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

She does not have them long, but when they are here, they live the Life of Riley!  Hawkeye does not appear to be enjoying his new day bed.

She does not have them long, but when they are here, they live the Life of Riley!  Hawkeye does not appear to be enjoying his new day bed.

Couldn’t agree more…..poor pup!

Hawkeye and I visited the Culpeper National Cemetery today to remember and honor all who have served, especially those who gave "the last full measure of devotion" for our country. The Culpeper Cemetery was created in 1867 on 6 acres of land purchased from Confederate General A.P. Hill's brother (A.P. was born and raised in Culpeper and died at the Third Battle of Petersburg).  At first, those buried consisted of Union dead from battles in Culpeper and surrounding counties. Over the years, veterans and their spouses from all wars the U.S. was engaged in up to the present are buried there. Thank you to Wreaths Across America for placing all the flags and remembering our veterans.

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Beautiful cemetary.
Beautiful Hawk.
And a nap!
Happy Memorial weekend all.

 Very nice Kristin....     The pup is no longer a pup - lovely looking dog.

Today was Hawkeye's final Sunday in church.  In a strange little twist, it was exactly one year ago this Sunday that he started coming to church. The minister had us come forward and he acknowledged what Hawk had meant to the congregation and how they had helped him in his socialization.  He prayed for Hawkeye's future and that he become what God wanted him to be.  The amazing part of this whole thing is that it took the leaders of the congregation 3 months to decide if he could come to church. They were worried about certain things, including whether he would bite people (we went and met with the elders and I have to admit that question threw me and it must have taken 30 seconds for me to just close my mouth and formulate a response!)  Hawk has benefited greatly from going to church, but I think we have also helped to educate folks about service dogs and pups on program. Half the church was teary eyed. He is very well loved and will be missed and they are all anxiously awaiting any updates. It was a lovely gesture today and a great memory for me.

How neat is that, wonderful job to all.

Thank you for all that you do for our Soldiers.  You are very special

 Very touching!   A truly wonderful saga.

 Thank you Kristin.

Just got sent my first photo of Hawkeye from Freedom. I think he looks happy. And it is a thrill for me to see him in harness since I have never seen one of my pups training in harness. I am told they all think he is sweet and love him. I agree, but I am biased! He started training on Monday, June 19 just walking with his Guide Dog Mobility Instructor on leash. Then, that Friday they started in harness.

I was also sent the following update on his progress: "Hawkeye is doing well. I checked in with Dave, his Guide Dog Mobility Instructor who says he is coming along nicely. He thoroughly enjoys working and has mastered the skill at stopping at curbs. They have just introduced obstacle training this week so that is still very new and exciting. Hawkeye is a fast learner and has picked up on skills fairly quickly. He is a little too active with his nose still as far as trying to sniff objects while guiding so they are working on that. Dave enjoys working with him!"  I am so happy for the report and update and happy that he seems to be doing well and enjoying what he is learning.

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Great report and MAN he is very good looking!