Happy Halloween from your favorite caped crusaders!

Me and my dogs

Photographed by Spencer Burton.

Some of my favorite boys

Spencer and Ezra

Spencer couldn't resist sneaking into some of the dog photos. If you look closely you will see that he recently lost a tooth.

A Day at the Park

Ezra and Keaton enjoyed playing at Roy Watson Park with Tanner and Spencer. It was a perfect fall day (sunny and 70 degrees). We played at the park for over an hour. Tanner and Spencer took turns taking photographs of the dogs. I am not sure who captured these photos. The boys brought a squeaky toy to the park and both dogs were mesmerized by it - as you can see!!

Action Shot

This photo was taken by Spencer at Roy Watson Park. I like this photo because it captures some of Keaton's energy. He is the most active service dog that I have ever had. He loves retrieving and enjoys his time off duty. He is constantly playing with toys. He even has developed his own game of retrieve that he plays by hisself in our apartment.

Minneapolis/St. Paul CCI Chapter

After returning from CCI I felt so motivated and inspired I decided I wanted to become more active in CCI fundraising efforts as well as as continuing to educate the general public about CCI. I was doing some browsing on the internet and came across a CCI chapter in Minnesota and had the opportunity on Monday to go to a meeting. It was a wonderful experience. Leaving CCI was tough and left me feeling a little "seperation anxiety" as I traveled away from so many friends and people who were supportive and understanding of my relationship with my service dog. Coming back to the world where most people do not travel with a dog by their side or understand how important a service dog is left me feeling a little alone in the world. Being reunited with others who had service dogs and were raising puppies was such a great feeling. There were so many incredible people there and everyone was very friendly. I loved meeting all their furry friends as well. The meeting was very relaxed with people sharing photos and visiting. We also talked about some future fundraising possibilities. I am hoping to attend more meetings because it was such a great experience! Please check out the Champions website.

Keaton gets comfortable

Keaton has officially made himself at home. Here are a few fun pictures of Keaton with Tanner and Spencer. My favorite is the third picture - it may look like one of those rare photo opportunity moments, but Keaton actually sleeps like this every night! It is one of many of his funny personality traits. Keaton has a lot of energy and personality. Every morning when he gets up he bucks around the house in circles celebrating the morning.

Our Big Slumber Party!!

After returning to Minnesota from Florida, Tanner and Spencer came over for a sleepover. We had a great time with the boys at our house. They were very excited to meet Keaton and of course be reunited with Ezra. Both dogs got lots of extra attention and cuddle time with the boys.

Cheating Banker and Accomplice Wind up In Jail

Spencer Curtis, the official Dogopoly banker was arrested last Saturday when he was found guilty of stealing thousands of dollars from the local Dogopoly bank. Officials were stunned to learn he had a feline accomplice. In an interview early Sunday morning, his accomplice stated, "He did it out of pure greed, but I at least had my reasons. It was going to be my ultimate revenge against the canines world". Spencer could not be reached for comment.

Bubbles

During the visit to our house, Spencer spent a lot of time chasing Icarus around the house and playing with the animals. We originally bought bubbles thinking Icarus would be interested in them, but Keaton was just as curious as the cat.

Retired Life

Ezra has been enjoying life as a retired dog. I have been keeping him busy with agility classes and doing some work around the house. Retired life has been good to Ezra. He spends his days napping with Icarus and his evenings playing with Keaton, going to agility or just hanging out around the house. *Ezra's favorite retirement benefit is getting to sleep in bed with us and not getting scolded for eating table scraps off the floor.

Ezra Extrodinair

To help Ezra cope with the lose of being a service dog, we have joined an agility class. Ezra and I have class twice a week. We are just learning how to go through different obstacles. These [pictures were taken on our third day of class, Ezra can now go through all of the obstacles off leash on command. Agility classes have been great for us because it has been a way for Ezra and I to spend time together and celebrate our bond. I originally signed up for agility just to give Ezra some extra attention, but we both enjoy it so much and Ezra is actually pretty great at it - I think it is something we will continue with next summer. It has been a great for Ezra and it has also given me a chance to leave Keaton at home by himself to prevent him from developing seperation anxiety.

Ezra's Competition

Misty and George are also in agility classes with us. Here are some pictures of Misty with George the Great. It has been great getting to spend time with them at class.