I bought a house and moved into said house. This wasn't too big of an adjustment as it's only a few blocks from my parents' house (1/2 a mile, to be exact) and we were back and forth and becoming familiar with it before we actually moved in. Charlie seems to enjoy the house as much as me! I was blessed with an amazing decorator who turned it into a home (pictures will come eventually). So, if you ever need a talented decorator just ask- I would gladly refer you to her. The best part about the new house for Charlie would be that I bought a bigger bed so he now sleeps with me, he has a 1/2 of an acre to run around on, and he's got the biggest doggy bed in the living room to chill out on (you should see my chihuahua on it). Currently, our yard is being fenced in (courtesy of CCS Building Group) and we will soon be able to romp and play freely! I am so excited for this because we can then have his doggy friends over as well! Thankfully, the fencing was obtained at a deeply discounted price by Lezzer Lumber; however, as a new homeowner and service dog owner, I still have sticker shock!
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| Charlie and his new fence going up! |
To help pay for this (and Charlie's future needs- food, vet bills, etc.) I've decided to offer some of my services at a discounted price. I would love to do a 1/2 hour photo shoot (subject matter of your choice- pets, kids, family, etc.). This package would include a cd of 5 high resolution images that are edited in post production. Please contact me directly (angelinapiazza@gmail.com) to set up a time!
Okay, back to our happenings. In order to get the house ready Charlie and I were shopping ALL over the place trying to find stuff- from the Roots Flea Market to Harry's Used Furniture and Costco to Home Depot and HomeGoods- you name it, we might've been there. Now, if you know me at all, you know how much I despise shopping. I find it painful. BUT I must say, with Charlie there to keep me entertained, it was much more bearable. Well, for me at least, don't ask those that I was shopping with because they might have a different story.
Charlie and I had several speaking engagements over the past few weeks as well! He is famous, after all. We were able to go to the General Sutter's inn and talk to the Lititz AMBUCS. They had invited us after Brian Donmoyer (the president of the club) approached us at the UDS table at a Hershey Bears game that Charlie and I were helping out with. We had a delicious meal and then were given the opportunity to share about how Charlie has changed my life. I was even able to demonstrate how I can command Charlie to bark at strange men. WATCH OUT. Another event we went to was the UDS Gala at the Lancaster Country Club. What a fun evening that was. I spoke to the guests about how Charlie helps me but the best part was that I was able to introduce Suzy and Dan Keller of the Keller Bros. dealerships. This awesome couple had donated funds so that the Service Dog Program at UDS could purchase a new vehicle to transport all the volunteers and the dogs around to our different outings. It was very cool. Finally, just this weekend, we had an opportunity to share with a group of elderly folks that get together, a group called PrimeTime. It was a blessing to see their faces light up as Charlie went around to greet them. We hope to continue to do things like this because I love sharing Charlie and let others know about us!
What else!? Every day is something new. During my lunch break we go outside (loving the warmer weather) and run all over the city. Our newest route involves Musser Park on Lime Street. It's a great park to go to because it has smooth paths and we can go full speed in my power chair. We do a few laps there and continue on to other blocks and then finish by getting coffee over at Cross Keys!
One day, we were going back into work (the Government Offices on Queen Street that surrounds Binn's Park- the one with the fountain) and a little white dog was off leash and followed us right into the building! Thankfully, we have the Deputies there that screen people as they go in and they stopped the dog from going any further. I have a feeling strange things like that will happen more often now that the weather is getting nicer!
Stay tuned for more updates and stories!
