New blog for Jack and CAYLIE

The paws4people organization has asked us to begin a new blog detailing the "transfer" process. It is entitled "jack & CAYLIE". I have added a link on this blog so please feel free to check in on both our blogs at any time.

Bradford Park Turkey Trot a huge success!

As expected, we had a large turnout for the 3rd annual Bradford Park Turkey Trot on Saturday. This one was special though. The local charity was none other than our very own paws4people and all proceeds were to be contributed in Jack's name. If you haven't heard, over $3100 was raised thanks to the generosity of our neighbors and local businesses. Again, thank-you to everyone who made this possible and enjoy the pictures.

Graduation day and catching up...

Hello everyone. Sorry it's been so long but it has been crazeee around here. We had a wonderful trip to WV for CAYLIE's graduation. We even got to bring her home with us for a night and now we are in the process of doing the transfer training. During this time, Karen Owens, the NC trainer will train Lisa and I in handling CAYLIE. Actually, I had previously thought this would only take a few weeks but found out today that it will take 2 - 3 months. She will be able to move in with us permanently in 2-3 weeks (CAYLIE, not Karen) but the actual complete training will take longer. Anyway, we are thrilled to have CAYLIE around almost all the time now and Jack is loving it as well.

A cd is forthcoming from the graduation cermonies but we took a few at the reception.

Mom and Dad at the reception

Kyria - the woman who started it all looking sweet (we know the truth though)

Heidi and Jack

Terry looking thrilled to have his picture taken

The graduate - CAYLIE

Jack and CAYLIE getting close

On a more serious note, Jack continues to struggle with the seizures. He had such as severe one the other day that there were residual effects from it for a couple days afterward. The neurologist ordered an EEG and bloodwork to make sure it wasn't anything more serious. It wasn't. Meanwhile, we were a bit blindsided by the neurosurgeon who calmly suggested that we might want to consider brain surgery over the VNS therapy. Needless to say, we are struggling with that whole thing. Our neurologist, though, was very kind and helpful, but to add another twist; his last day is today!

Goodbye Dr. Nelson, or Dr. James as Jack calls him.

Graduation day draws near....

This Saturday, the much anticipated event at Hazelton, West Virginia finally takes place. Lisa, Jack and I along with my parents, Mary and Andy Swiger, will be heading to the US Penitentiary Secure Female Facility and Camp to attend a very special graduation. CAYLIE, will be graduating from the paws4people program that she has been in since she was a small puppy.

CAYLIE has been preparing to become a full service dog and since last winter, specifically, Jack's service dog. After graduation, she will come to North Carolina and live with Karen, her trainer, as she begins her transition to our household. Lisa, Jack and I will all have to be trained on how to handle her, especially in social situations. As many of you know, CAYLIE's biggest job will be to provide mobility and stability to Jack.

We will update you when we get back.

A weekend in the mountains.....

We couldn't have picked a more beautiful weekend to spend in the North Carolina mountains. Thanks to the generosity of Mark and Pam Hofer from Advent Lutheran we had a wonderful time. They have a brand new 3 bedroom cabin in McDowell County and the leaves were at their peak this past weekend. We had a little rain on Friday but that didn't stop us from building a roaring campfire and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows to make smores. The sun was out on Saturday and Sunday and the view off the back deck was tremendous. Lots of pictures below.

A day at the track

We spent a good part of Saturday with Lisa's sister Jolene and her boyfriend Lonnie at Lowe's Motor Speedway, which is about 15 minutes from our house. It was cold but we had fun walking around and seeing all the different vendors and all the souvenirs and sampling the food. (Not me of course.) Jack had a great time seeing the race cars up close and one man even gave him a lug nut off one of the race cars as a sourvenir. Jo and Lonnie spoiled him as usual by buying him toys.

We also spent some time in their RV with their 3 dogs. That was really enjoyable despite being parked right next to some Michigan fans. And when we learned that Ohio State had lost to Purdue, of all teams, they actually didn't rub it in too much. Of course, they knew that I could always play the "App State card" at any time. There were lots of OSU fans at the track all lamenting the impending loss as the game was winding down.

But, other than that, we had a great time. We are planning a trip to Columbus for New Year's to visit them. Enjoy the pictures below.....

Over $1100 raised for paws4people!!

The fundraiser at Advent this past Saturday was a huge success thanks in part to all the vendors and customers. Approximately 15 vendors donated a portion of their proceeds to paws4people in Jack's name. There was good turnout and quite a variety of gifts available for early Christmas shoppers. One of the paws4people dogs, Nikki, was also present (thanks Sharon). We are happy to announce that over $1100 was raised! A special thanks to Mona and Betsy for organizing this event. A few pictures below...