Today in church our Extra Mile Ministries teams were commissioned during all 3 services.  Here is a video taken at the early service with Pastor Tim and Suzie, owned by Alan and Jen Radloff, along with me and John with Vando.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6pwSLdMkls&feature=youtu.be

We didn't get to go to the VFW last week due to concern over member allergies.  We are now looking at going to the VA.  We are disappointed that we didn't get our first visitation under way.

So proud of our Vando.  He has been approved as a team member of Extra Mile Ministries and we have our first "official visit" to the VFW in Prescott Valley on Saturday.  In addition he has completed his testing for registration with Therapy Dogs, Inc. and is now able to do therapy assist visits.  His outstanding qualities of friendliness and love of people, makes him such a great dog for these jobs. Here is a link to Extra Mile Minisries:  EMM

Vando can now wear a special yellow work vest that says "Please Pet Me" when he is on the job. Photos to come soon.

Vando has had a bath and soon we will go to Chino Valley for the first in a series of evaluations to determine if he is suitable for Therapy Dogs, Inc. to register.  If he passes, we will be on our way to provide comfort and assistance to a wide variety of people in times when the presence of a loving dog can be helpful.

Today, Vando passed his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.  One of the steps on his path to be certified as a therapy assist dog.  He had to demonstrate basic skills of accepting noise, congestion and being left with another handler.  Here he is being tested for reaction to a person with a noisy cane and limping.  Good dog Vando!

So his official name will now be CryOut VID Orvando at Shivaree CGC

Vando is being evaluated for suitability for EMM K9.  He is checking out the ropes with his friend Suzie who is a Service Dog.  Once he passes his tests and is certified, he will join the team to provide comfort in times of crisis, trauma, and other psychological assistance.  We are looking forward to this type of work.

Here is a link to the website about Extra Mile Ministries and the K9 Crisis and Disaster Response Team:  Extra Mile Ministries

September 14 and 15 were dates for the Prescott Area Kennel Club shows held in Chino Valley.  The weather was gorgeous, the grounds were nice and we were able to park the motorhome near our setup.  We set up our EZup canopy for shade on Friday.  Pesca gets carsick and we took her along to see if she was any better.  Not so.  She drooled so much it took some doing to get her dried out.  Her mouth was still wet at show on Saturday, much better on Sunday.  We will have to take her for shorter rides and play with her at frequent stops as suggested by trainer Toni Kay-Wolff.

 Pesca competed against her mom, Ginevra as the only two Lagotti at the shows.  Pesca got Best of Breed both days.

A Mini Aussie and a Berger Picard won Best in Miscellaneous at those shows.  Pesca now has two points toward her AKC Certificate of Merit.  She needs a total of 15.  Ginna has 1 point so far.