The beginning

This blog is designed to show this particular dog's journey from being weened to being a full service dog. (The picture is of her at her breeder's home.)

Echo is a smooth collie.  For those of you that remember "Lassie", she is a "Lassie" with short hair.

She was picked to become a service dog by the "All American Dog Program".  Both of her parents were service dogs, and her breed is ESPECIALLY suited to being a service dog.

Who am I? (Since Echo, is, obviously, not writing this blog!)

My official title, in this instance, is "puppy-raiser".

My job is to "raise" Echo from the picture above to the point where she is ready to train to be a service dog.

As for the rest of me, I am a 23-year veteran of the US Army, who LOVES dogs.

Two of my favorite phrases are: 1) "Someday, I hope to grow up to be the person that my dog thinks I am. and 2) "Most of the best 'people' I know are dogs."

I am THRILLED to have a chance to help a veteran acquire a service dog.

The goal/content of this blog will be:

• daily pictures of Echo
• some video of Echo
• "unvarnished" conversation between I and the personnel of the "All American Dog Program".

The text you see in this blog will be written to them. ... Giving you an "inside look" on Echo's development from puppy to "Service Dog".