11-11-11

Today is Sarah's 23rd birthday, 11-11-11.  We miss her as she is now with her oldest brother in S Asia and preparing to teach English . . . we hope!  Her formal certificate from the University of Cambridge arrived in the post yesterday and I'll be scanning it and sending her an electronic version for her records.  Our next door neighbor, Jenny, is also having a birthday today - So November 11th, 2011 is a momentus day for many around the world!

Kathy and I (Tim) just returned from a 'puppy class' at the Firhouse Community Centre.  Kathy usually provides the coffee/tea for our fellow 'puppy walkers' of which there were 8 or 9 today.  One of the things done in these sessions is working with the pups to come when called, even in the midst of bedlam.  Silla, our 3rd pup is now 8 months old (see image below) and doing very well, not so much today actually, but in general . . . most of the time!  Guide dog pups, are still just that . . . puppies!  They have lots to learn and are like most other pups at this age, but it's fun to watch them progress.  On Monday we plan to be in Cork city (3 hours south) to visit Yani, our second  dog - she will be placed in a couple of weeks with a family who have an autistic child.  We are looking forward to seeing her, likely for the last time.

'Pup - Silla' as we like to call her - at 8 months old.  Photo taken the day Sarah left for S Asia