For those of you who don’t know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Moses. And I am very proud to say I was the Founding Pup of Carolina Canines for Service.
I was born on October 15, 1996 and I came into Ricks life on December 1st of that year and actually the very moment Carolina Canines went from a dream to reality. I know the elaborate temperament test that Rick does now, and let me tell you the night he picked me, there was no such test. I was one of 13 puppies, it was cold and rainy and Rick was literally knee deep in mud, so as he held up each of us, he looked at me second, and then after looking at all the rest of the puppies, the same way he chose me! Actually I chose him, he just didn’t know it yet. I was the biggest and most wiggly in the litter.
And so it began. It has been a tremendous ride, and I do mean ride. As a service dog in training, an actual service dog, a demonstration dog, a therapy dog and a Paws For Reading Dog, I have flown and/or driven from Washington State to Florida, from Salt Lake City to our marvelous capital of Washington D.C. Near as I can figure Rick and I have traveled well over a half a million miles together. I have met Senators, Congressmen, men and women of all ages, sizes, and shapes. I’ve seen the organization grow from an idea and dream to one that has provided more than $4 million dollars in services to the communities we serve, free of charge.
It is now March of 2011, and I am very old. And I have done my job. It is time for me to rest. So on Friday evening Rick has invited our veterinarian over to our home and Rick will escort me to the Rainbow Bridge. I will be surrounded by the ones who love me the most, and Rick will hold me in his arms one last time as I cross over the bridge to be met by a whole host of people and animals that will welcome me to the land where there is no pain and I can play like a little puppy again.
I am asking for your help one last time. I have had Rick and Pat this fundraising page for me on The Walk for Those Who Can’t page, please donate. I have given everything I have had to this cause and would do it all over again. Let this be my biggest fundraising event.
I’ll be waiting patiently and will welcome all who knew me when you come to this place called the Rainbow Bridge.
Moses - October 1, 1996 to March 4, 2011