Ohio Trip Blog- Day 3- May 6th 2008
Well today was the big day, Alex and our family got to meet Treasure for the first time. We didn't know what to expect. 4 Paws is basically an old bar room that has been converted into a very large kennel. When you first walk in, there is a bar area with dog crates stacked 2 high and all filled with dogs.....loud to say the least. We hooked a left and entered the training room which is divided into 2 sections, one section is a very large playroom for the kids and the other section has chairs that go around the perimeter....just what you'd expect to see actually. On our way to the seats we seen Treasure in his crate. Alex seen Treasure, said hi, and then headed right for the large room of toys.

After everyone was settled the 4 Paws staff started brining the dogs out one by one to their new owners. We waited patiently for our turn. Then came the big moment. The video captures those moments. I have to say it was a little chaotic but special all the same and admittedly I had tears running down my cheek.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention that they also have a large outdoor playground for the kids and also serves as a place for the dogs to run around with their new owners. Angela and Billy spent the whole day hanging out in the playground.

After lunch the "real" training started. I spent the day playing with Alex and some other children in the play area while Beth was with Treasure in the training room. Today would have been a good day to have a third parent. Those of you who know Alex well knows that he only sits still when he's sleeping and definitely could not sit down for the training....but that's okay because he really doesn't need to be there for this phase of the training. The only complaint I have (besides not being able to participate in the training) is that the ALL the toys were covered in about 1/6" of an inch in dust and pet dander. Needless to say both Alex and I were very dirty when the day ended.

We were able to bring Treasure back to the room with us and is, right now, laying down next to Alex as Alex is sleeping. Treasure is a very well behaved dog and we have not had one problem so far....Oh wait a minute....just kidding. I'm not going to lie to you this a a tremendous amount of effort especially since Billy and Angela feel a little left out and want to do all the things one would do on "vacation" but to be honest this is not a vacation. We are here to get a piece of "durable medical equipment" for Alex. I know that may seem harsh but it is the reality of the trip. Training goes from 10:00am to around 4:30pm every day except for Saturday and Sunday. Beth and I will get creative to make this seem like a vacation for Billy and Angela. Don't get me wrong Billy and Angela are very well behaved on this trip and do understand the scope of the trip. But as always Beth and I will get creative and make this seem more like a vacation for them.

Oh yeah....the stove is fixed. I did not put up a fuss with the manager........you have to pick your battles.

Pictures(click images to make larger)
Alex in the Hotel Lobby	Alex in the Hotel Lobby	Alex an d Billy in the  Hotel Lobby	Alex in the Hotel Lobby
Beth and Treasure	Alex Playing with  the toys there	Alex Playing  in the playground	Treasure
Alex with Treasure's  choke chain	Alex and Treasure	Alex and Treasure	Alex and Treasure
Treasure	Treasure	Billy and Treasure	Treasure
Treasure	Angela and Treasure	Alex showing Treasure  a trick	Alex showing Treasure  a trick
Billy, Treasure, Alex and Beth

"You are the Lord my God with you I am everything without you I am nothing."