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Community Corner

Giving Thanks 2012

Staffers at Southeastern Guide Dogs have a lot for which to be thankful, here are their responses to the question "What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?"

I am thankful for my breeder girl, Abigail - I can't imagine my life without her!

Brittany, Admissions & Graduate Services

I am thankful that I have a job that I love.  I am living the dream!

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Allie, Admissions & Graduate Services

As a CCT (Canine Care Technician) I am thankful for solid poop. Never thought I would ever be thankful for such a random thing, but it’s the little things that count.

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Aubrey, Training Kennel

I am thankful for my job here at Southeastern Guide Dogs. I am also thankful to those individuals who have been assisting me in new endeavors and supporting my ideas and hard work.  I am thankful to those that have provided me with great opportunities. Most of all I am thankful for my loving family and great friends. I don't think that I could have it any better. Happy Thanksgiving. 

Tara, Puppy Raising Services

When I was a kid, around 10 years old, I decided that when I grew up, I wanted to be able to help people. I thought that being able to help visually impaired folk just live their everyday lives would be great. With that in mind, I put our little beagle, Lady, on her leash, and a blindfold on my face. Lady would help me navigate through the house and out into the back yard. Of course Lady had no clue what we were doing, except possibly going for a walk! So when my girlfriend rang the doorbell, Lady ran to greet her. While I was holding the leash. And blindfolded. That’s how I lost my front teeth.

I attended two years of college when I grew up, majoring in animal health technology. However, life got in the way, along with two beautiful daughters and one amazing foster son. And I never got my degree. More life got in the way; pretty much beat me up & down; but I never lost my love of all things furred & feathered (scaly, slimy critters, too). Then about three months ago, I had the opportunity to interview at Southeastern Guide Dogs. I’d been trying for TWO YEARS to get this interview.

So, at this point, I guess I’m thankful for my kids, as most people are. I love them dearly. And I’m thankful for my friends. They make each day a little bit better than the last. But this year, I am most thankful for the chance to make NEW friends, mostly the furry, four-legged kind, that speak a different language than me. And the thought that these new friends are all here to work towards a dream that a goofy little 10 year old had many decades ago, who can now say she’s close to realizing that dream, makes this Thanksgiving pretty special.

Gail, Puppy Kennel

I am thankful for my amazing, smart, and healthy daughter. For my parents and my siblings. I am thankful that I work at such great place, that inspires me to grow personally and professionally and I get to share an office not only with great coworkers but, also with Stewie and Sabrina. It does not get any better than this.

Jamille, Human Resources

I am thankful for my challenges that have been put before me in life! It has made me thankful for the positive outcomes! And also for every person I have ever encountered that I have made a choice to find good in all of them.

Dan, Training Kennel

I am thankful for our supporters, especially the Whitcomb’s, for their assistance with Theo.

Katie, Puppy Raising Services

Friends, family, health and happiness.

Kelley, Marketing

I am thankful for HM3 Christopher Thompson, USN for saving my life in Iraq; for my Mom who stepped up and helped me get back on my feet; for my wife Leslie who has stood by me through the good times as well as the bad; and I am thankful for my guide dog Brittani who has not only kept me safe but has been there to comfort me when things get difficult.

Michael, Development

I am very thankful for my health and my wonderful family and friends (Furry and otherwise!)

Bonnie, Puppy Kennel

I am most thankful for a loving family that supports my decision in moving miles away to work for an organization that helps to benefit both human and dog.

Mairi, Training Kennel

I am most thankful for all the blessings from above and for all the wonderful people and loved one’s that have made a big impact in my life. I am also thankful for having such a rewarding place to work at that makes a difference in someone’s life and in mine also.

Josh, Buildings & Grounds

I am thankful that my family and friends in the Northeast made it safely through Hurricane Sandy.

I am thankful that after a summer and fall of ill health that both my mom and husband are on the mend. (And that they don't whine as much!)

I am thankful that I have a job and, even better, that I have a job that I love! 

I am thankful that my co-workers let me be "Auntie Carol" to their dogs and spoil them (the dogs, not the coworkers).

I am grateful that we have volunteers that are as passionate and hardworking as our employees.

I am also thankful for all kinds of cheese (especially melted cheese), chocolate, bubbles, comic strips, Febreeze, scary movies and TV shows (Walking Dead), chilly weather, plants that grow in spite of my neglect, good coffee, smooth-writing pens with purple ink, and clothes that make you look thin.

Carol, Puppy Raising Services

I’m thankful for a lot of things. First, I’m thankful for my wonderful fiancé. I’m thankful for the fact that I have a job. I’m thankful for overall good health, nothing serious to worry about. Last but not least, I’m thankful for every morning I’m able to wake up to another day.

Meridith, Student Care

I am thankful for my boys (Gabriel 13 & Logan 10) and being able to spend the holidays with them this year.  I have been on deployments the past three years so this year I am blessed and thankful to spend the holidays with my family.  I am also thankful to God for all that he does!

Angelique, Student Care

I am most thankful for being healthy, family, friends and two wonderful jobs that I enjoy immensely!

Kate, Training

I am most grateful this season for being comfortable recognizing and acknowledging when I am wrong.

Allyson, Volunteer Services

I am thankful for the freedom and confidence that Carson gives me. I am thankful for the people I am surrounded by, both personal and professional.

Suzy, Admissions & Graduate Services

I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such a great team. From staff members to volunteers working with quality people that have the same mission is truly something to be thankful for!

Jacqui, Puppy Kennel

I am thankful for a positive work environment where everyone helps each other!

Cameron, Training Kennel

A great team to work with!  

Leslie, Puppy Raising Services

And finally, I am thankful for the wonderful base of support I have in my husband, family, friends, and four-legged babies, Freud & Anna.  I am thankful to have an amazing horse at the ready for me, along with terrific friends with which to ride. And, I am more than thankful to have a job that I want to get up to go to in the morning, where I am surrounded by people who respect me, and where I can make a difference. Also, I am thankful for the puppies and dogs that I get to be around all day long!

Jennifer, Marketing (and your guide into the inner workings of Southeastern Guide Dogs)

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