It has been such a busy period I am not even sure where to start to fill you in. The last time I posted we had just arrived in Canada, and it is now ten days later, we have been back for a few days, and life is still moving along at mach speed. Yikes!

We spent most of our days visiting the MIRA students while they were in training (well, we had to wait until the end of each day when the lessons were over, because even Bob is not allowed to interfere with the rigorous training schedule) Still, we hung out and enjoyed talking with my friends Helene, Gille, Karen, Johanne, and, of course, Eric. They were all so happy to see me and remarked at how well I am looking. Of course, that is because Bob takes such good care of me. (If only I could get more treats out of him….)

What to say about the dogs? Well, you can see for yourself in this photo of the MIRA USA Class of 2011 that all of the dogs are pretty special. I am so proud of them. They have been working really hard to help the students learn everything they need to know to go home and start their new lives. And you know something? Not one of them complained. MIRA dogs know they have important and serious work to do. I was allowed to give them a little talk about what it means to become a part of the MIRA USA family and they were really appreciative. I love being a celebrity.

So, we have been home for a while and already Bob and I have been to our weekly Rotary meeting and we spoke at the Aberdeen Lions Club luncheon. (Nobody dropped any food on the floor, even though I kept hinting) This may be a quiet time of the year, however, I can just sense the momentum picking up. That’s ok, though, because we have a lot of blind students to pair with guide dogs and we are going to do whatever it takes to help them realize their dreams.

Love,

Devon Baillie

MIRA’s Chief Ambassador