When I returned home, mostly in one piece, I began to notice that I was progressively finding it harder and harder to hear certain sounds. Now, skipping a few years, I went to the VA and they decided that I needed a hearing aid. Well, I have one and it works sorta, that is if I remember to wear it.

About five years ago I met a really nice guy named Nathan. Nathan and I became friends as well as neighbors. One day he introduced me to a young lady whose name is Allie. I am sure you are all familiar with who Allie is, so I will leave off all of the accolades and praise. LOL I met her at a demonstration held for folks with MS. I watched Allie and Molly demonstrate Service Dog tasks and they were amazing. I became friends with Allie and we talked occasionally. She explained the different types of Service Dogs and I became very interested, and began looking into the possibility of getting one.

Over the next few years, twice there has been the possibility of an available Service Dog. I really got excited but when each one fell through I was down-hearted. Allie warned me each time not to get too excited that it may and may not come about, and that when the 'right' dog came along then I would get it. She always says that the right dog and the right person always end up together.

One day, Allie called and told me there might be a "Hearing Dog" available. I told her that I was definitely interested but that I would make myself stay calm and not excited because of what had happened in the past. She understood but said that this one just may be 'the one.'

In August 2008, the week before the Reliant Dog Show, Allie called and asked me to come to the show and meet a possible dog. I agreed, and when I got to the show, she introduced me to "Sammy" a seven month old Standard Poodle and the breeder, a lady named Jenny. She suggested that I walk around the show with Sammy. After about an hour, I went back to the booth and in keeping with my plan of not being excited, I told her that I thought he was a great dog. She looked at me with a smile and said "then take him home with you for the night, he is your Service Dog in training."

Well, needless to say my plan of remaining calm went right out the window. Sammy, Audie (my girl friend,) and I went off. Sammy and I spent the night getting to know one another, and of course I stuffed him with treats. The next day we met another friend and went for lunch at Piccadilly Cafeteria. Sammy was a perfect gentleman, he lay beside the booth and never tried to go up to anyone or sniff at anything.

Sammy is amazing, when someone knocks on the door he runs to the door and barks. When the phone rings, he nuzzles me and looks at the phone. Along with a large amount of help from Allie, I am teaching him to bring me his leash when he wants to go out, and to push the handicap button (the door opener) so I don't have to switch hands from my cane.

Through Allie I have met several Service Dogs and one of them is Sammy's litter mate. Of course there is Molly, also Adam, Nate, Lizzy, Clancy, and Maria's Holly. Working with Sammy and other Service Dogs have been educational and fun. I have learned so much just being around all of them and am a better Service Dog owner. Also, my friend, Bob and I have met some really nice people including, Lizzy's human family, Curtis, Jenny, Sharon, and Maria. We now have an extended family.

WOW, I think that is enough of the escapades of Sammy and Al for now, I assure you that there will be more. Sammy's birthday is the 19th of January and I will make every effort to report how he spent it.