Saint Francis Demo

Montana and I did our first demo for Saint Francis Service Dogs. I talked to a Brownie troup, so it was a nice beginning to the demos I'll be doing in the future. The strange thing was, I didn't get nervous. There were about 25 Brownies, four leaders, and a few interested parents. I had asked Connie, Montana's trainer, to come with me as back-up. It was good that I did, because she was able to point me toward a few things I forgot to talk about, and she was also able to answer some questions that I stumbled over.

I had made notes on index cards but didn't use them. Instead, I just talked. Sometimes my talking was a little disjointed and not as smooth as I would have liked, but I figure as I continue to give demos it will get easier and I'll get my talk down to a more natural flow of information.

They gave me a box of Thin Mint GS cookies as a thank-you gift. That was sweet!

Montana and I are going to be on TV! St. Francis filmed four partners and their dogs for Public Service Announcements to be shown in Virginia. It was scary and it was exciting. Montana did good, helping me on and off the recumbent bike and the rowing machine at the YMCA, helping me keep my balance while I walked, and picking up and handing me his leash and my forearm crutch. We went to the library for the interview on how Montana has made my life different and how he is such an awesome dog. Then, we all went to lunch and had a wonderful time talking and laughing. They are all such wonderful people! I want to give back as much as I can to St. Francis, since they've given me so very much. So when I'm asked to volunteer some time, I always try to say yes.

I made a new recipe yesterday that was very easy to put together, and Montana went crazy over it when I gave him a few pieces this morning.

Oatmeal Crunchy Trail Mix

• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour


• 2 cups (uncooked) oatmeal


• 1/2 cup milk


• 1 cup chicken stock


• 2 Tbsp cinnamon


• 1/4 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine stock and milk in a bowl, and beat with a fork. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and the oatmeal. Pour liquid ingredients into dry and mix well. Add peanut butter. Press the batter onto a greased baking sheet. Cut into shapes with a knife. Bake one hour. Turn off oven, but leave biscuits in the oven to harden overnight. Refrigerate afterwards.

Can add one well-shredded carrot to mix just before folding it out onto baking sheet.