We're Done! Now, We Begin.

Tonight's post is late. Sorry. We had dinner with our Aussie friends and then packed the van. The only things left to throw in the van will be hygiene and fridge items. You can't tell we are ready to be out of a motel, can you?

In all honesty, the folks at this establishment have been fantastic. They bought special, gluten-free and casein-free items so Sean could eat in the dining room. They know us by name. The LOVE the dogs. There is little they will not do to help out. And, it is all done with smiles and the utmost in courtesy. In Dayton? Want a place to stay? Just ask. We've got a suggestion.

Today was the ultimate test called the "public access test." Can the handler deal with the dog in a public situation? Dad took lead for the test and Mojo did everything flawlessly. While he is really still a puppy, he knows his stuff. Jeremy just watched as the test proceeded. He knew there would be no problem. He knows our dog. He picked him for us. We cannot tell you all enough how fantastic the training staff is at 4Paws. Between Jeremy and Jen, they can pretty much recite everything from the 2+ hours of video we sent them about Sean. They can do the same for each and every placement that they make. Don't even get us started about Karen. She is the ONE. We are truly going to miss them and are already looking forward to (shorter) trips back to Xenia - not for any other reason than to visit and support future classes as our predecessors so graciously came back to support us. Home. Family. 4 Paws.

This afternoon was graduation. Pics will be up once the blog master makes it home and can breathe again. Facebook pics will be up sooner. Goodbyes, so-longs, and a few tears marked the end of this part of the journey. We feel very close to our classmates and their dogs. We have been talking online for so long, we felt like we knew each other forever when we got here. Two weeks feels so long and so short at the same time. We will stay in touch. We have no choice. We're linked. Really, so cool.

Now we come to the next stage. Mojo gets to go HOME tomorrow. For him, of course, it's an adventure into the unknown. It's going to be stressful for him. New surroundings, new people, and on Monday, lots and lots of kids. Thankfully, there are only three weeks of school left and then we get to slow down for the summer. A breather and chance for him to adjust.

Thank you all for following along. We know you're there and we appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that have followed and continue to follow us through this. It is a blessing to be able to share it with you all. YOU made it possible. Until tomorrow...

(Ben, you really do exist in every dog that 4 Paws places. Thank you.)