This is a fantastic expose on the help that service dogs can provide – and why we do what we do.
The video is less than 3 minutes long, so please take the time to view it.
Remember, Hope is mine and it’s yours too!
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That’s right folks. October 10, 2011 is Hope’s Birthday!
Every year (day really) that goes by is a constant reminder of the hope that Hope brought into Alex’s life – and the hope that both of them – Alex and Hope can bring to the lives of others. That’s a lot of Hope!
So if you haven’t joined our Facebook page yet (http://www.Facebook.com/hopeismine), then hop on over and wish Hope a happy birthday!
Celebrate Hope’s birthday with Hope Is Mine by making hope yours too!
Last year, Alex and Hope created history by being the first person with a service dog to run a half marathon. How exciting! History in the making. This year, they’re going to repeat their famous run again in the Las Vegas Rock & Roll marathon on December 4th by running the Half marathon again! (Please come on out and cheer them on!)
So none of that is really news since we’ve told you that a while back. Here’s the more exciting news part…
They’re going to create history again!
On January 7, 2012, they’ll be continuing their streak of awesomeness by doing the FULL Running from the Angel marathon on Jan 7, 2012 at Lake Mead
That’s right! They’ll be there be the first person with a service dog to run a FULL Marathon – making history again!! Whoo Hoo!
Hey, this is a fantastic event and Channel 3 will be covering their training and the races every step of the way!
And just as a reminder, why are they doing this? Why are they working their behinds off to create these historic events? So that they can raise money to provide service dogs to those in need and empower people to reach their full potential. So if you haven’t done so yet, make sure you click that donate button on the website and help us achieve our goals. Donations are very much appreciated and please make sure you help us spread the news as well.
You too can achieve what you put your mind too when you have Hope in your life.
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They’re Doing It Again!
Let’s make history a second time! Come out and support Alex and Hope as they repeat their history making run in the Las Vegas Marathon. This time they’ll be Stripping at Night… we mean On The Strip At Night!
And if you’re saying, “Well, that’s not really making history again, they’ve already done it.” Then think again!
They’re running the FULL marathon this time! That’s right! They’re not fooling around this time!
This will be the first time ever that a Service Dog and her handler will be running a FULL marathon – again – History in the making! Part 2!!!
This is VERY exciting! Channel 3 will be filming Alex and Hope as they train and you can follow their training progress on Facebook and Twitter!
Come out and support them as they’re going to need your energy and cheers to make it through!
And don’t forget, donations are always welcome as they are doing this to raise money for those who need Service Dogs throughout the area!
Join them as the 
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011
Start and Finish Locations: Mandalay Bay
For more details, go to http://stripatnight.com/
This is expected to be the World’s Largest Nighttime Event, so you definitely want to be there and be part of the fun!
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Anything’s Possible With… Hope.
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” ~Christopher Reeve
We’ve started training for the Vegas marathon albeit to a slow start. Hope’s in better shape than me….b%!ch! Definitely going to have to go running today to keep upw with her. Thankfully I only do this once a year. We would appreciate any encouragement and/or support as we begin this journey. That and some back rubs wouldn’t hurt!!
News 3 at 4 Does a Bit on Hope and Alex
A Service Dog is trained to assist someone in need in several ways. Keep in mind that it is primarily a medical assistance aid and should be treated as such.
First, do not pet, make noises, or call to the Assistance Dog. If the dog is wearing its harness/vest/backpacks, this means it is working and should never be patted, or distracted by having its name called, this can distract it from it’s duties and be harmful to it’s handler. Do not give it excessive eye contact, make noises at it, or make it the center of attention. These may all cause the dog to take its concentration off the job and put the handler’s safety at risk.
Second, do not feed the dog. The Service Dog is fed a balanced diet by its handler. Other people should never feed the Service Dog. It may then learn to be on the lookout for tidbits, which again will distract the dog and place the handler’s safety at risk. It may also lead to obesity and health problems, possibly causing the dog’s working life to be shortened. If the Service Dog is not working, always ask the handler first for permission. If the handler agrees, always talk or pat the dog in a quiet and calm manner.
Next, talk to the handler, and not to the dog! Remember to talk to the Service Dog handler and not only to the dog. It is very frustrating for the Service Dog handler when people constantly talk to the dog and not to the handler. The Service Dog handler has been trained in the most appropriate techniques for working or correcting the dog. Please only provide assistance if requested by the Service Dog handler.
Keep these items in mind when running across a Service Dog and their handler and you’ll be safe and supportive.
A service dog can do many tasks, depending on the person’s disability. A dog guide is the eyes for its blind handler, taking the handler around obstacles. A hearing dog alerts the handler to sounds, a Seizure Alert/Response dog responds when the handler has a seizure, and a Mobility Assist Dog (also called a Service Dog), is the arms and legs for a disabled person. A psychiatric service dog keeps a person with an psychiatric disorder calm and able to be going to out in public. There are many things a dog can do. And it’s amazing how empowering these animals can be for those in need.
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It’s Official
On July 23, 2010, Attorney General Eric Holder signed final regulations revising the Department’s ADA regulations, including a revised definition of “service animal.” This final rule was published in the Federal Register September 15, 2010, and the effective date is six months after that publication (March 15, 2011).
Read more about the changes here:
http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/297
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History In The Making!
Come watch as Alex and Hope make history!
Never before has a person and their service dog ever completed a half marathon! Come join Alex and Hope in Las Vegas as they become the first dynamic duo in history to complete this incredible feat!
They’ll be completing the Rock ‘n’ Roll half Marathon along the Las Vegas Strip! This event will be held on December 5, 2010!
A rockin’ mix of running and live entertainment will be all acess along the Vegas Strip at the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. The Boulevard will be booming as more than 25,000 runners and walkers make their way to the finish line while moving and grooving to the electrifying beats of some of Vegas’ hottest music sensations. And after the race, celebrate with your favorite runners and enjoy live music, food and beer at the Post-Race Concert and Finish Line Festival. Rock out to power ballads and party anthems performed by electrifying headliner, Bret Michaels.
For more information on the event, go to http://las-vegas.competitor.com/promo/spectator-information.
Come join Alex and Hope as they complete the half marathon and watch History in the making!