June 6, 2005 - 08:23 PM
What a day this has been!
This morning, Nick got here about 9, and after stopping to pick up coffee, we headed to Albertsons for me to work Geneva in a grocery store. Nick went to use the facilities and so I told him to find me when he was done, and away we went. We headed up the right side of the store through the produce section, then turned left in the back walking passed the bakery, continued passed the cheeses and deli stuff and walked up to the meat counter. I found out what meats were on sale and then we continued toward the left side of the store walking along the back main isle. We made a left at frozen foods and then a left near the front of the store. We found a check stand and Nick met up with us there. I bought some mints (Icebreakers) and we were on our way back to the van. We passed a few carts in the store but nothing phased my girl.
We then drove to the Kitsap Mall. My daughter Amelia is graduating from high school on Saturday and Mr. Sweetheart, Nick, wanted to buy her a gift. So we wandered to a couple of stores and he finally made his purchase at the Disney Store (a graduating plush Eeyore, a 2005 Mickey antenna ball and a sucker). Then it was off to Hallmark for a card. Geneva and I got to lead the way through the Mall, which is one of my favorite places to travel and Geneva seems to like it there too. So, Meka, Michelle & Shelly, get ready to go to the Mall with us!!!
Our day was cut in half at that point because Nick had to go back home and get all of my graduate material which ended up being delivered while we were working. So he dropped me off at 11:15 and returned around 2:00.
We then headed to Red Robin for a graduation lunch. I signed my handlers contract, the press release form, confidentiality form, etc. and learned the name of Geneva's puppy-raiser (Claudia Frisbie from Denver) and Nick read what she'd written about Geneva. There was no surprises. She described the same sweet girl I have at my feet.
When Nick left this morning, he remembered that he still had film to use up in the disposable camera left for him by Pat. So Nick just started snapping away in the afternoon. He got so bad, I was afraid to bend over. grin Anyway, we did get a picture of Nick with us and a couple of Geneva and Arabelle on either side of me. We also went back to the Mall after lunch and walked around the outside and inside a little for more pictures. The last few shots were of us walking from the clubhouse here in the park to our home. It was like having a photo shoot done.
Upon returning home, the sad part was saying good-bye to Nick. It's nice to know that Geneva and I are now an official team, but I've got to admit, I'm going to miss that guy being around us. Thanks Nick for everything!
So tomorrow, we head to work for Geneva's first day. Don't worry, I'll let you all know how it goes.
After Nick left, I gave Claudia a call. We had a really nice visit, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know her and her husband Dick. I learned that Geneva was their third puppy (second Shepherd) and that Geneva was originally selected for breeding. In fact, she was placed with another family in the San Rafael area, and lived with them for about 3 months. She actually became pregnant during that time but had to abort the pregnancy because of female problems, which eventually took her out of the program and placed her back into the training program. I will share more as I learn more, but the one thing I know for sure is, this Geneva girl has many people that love her very much, and oh what a blessing she is to me.
I'll write more tomorrow.
Hugs & wags,
From the most recent GDB Grads,
Cindy & Geneva
