Raider will forever be in my heart

Raider came to us at just 6 weeks old. He was born to two show dogs, Jackie, his mom and Rio, his dad. Jackie was a greyhound and Rio was a black borzoi. Raider looked exactly like his mom, with all the same spots and markings except he had a “?” on his head and his mom had a “!” on her head. Raider was sweet to babies, children, our birds, cats, dogs, chickens, and adults. He never met someone he did not like and he never met a stranger. Raider was a brilliant dog. He learned fast and wanted to work. He was just a year old when we started training out in town. He loved to go for rides. He loved to meet new people. He was a joy to have as a Service Animal and in his later years, as a loving homebody dog. Because Raider was a Service Animal, he was not trained with many of the “normal” commands. We had words that would keep me safe and him safe too. Raider did not “fetch”. It would have caused me pain to have him run after something, while he was attached to me. Raider worked for 12 years as my Service Animal. He got me out of the wheelchair, off the walker, and cane. It was amazing how he would work for me. In the last years of his life, 2yrs. 9mos., Raider was a house dog and became more Matt’s dog. Raider is the first Greyhound Borzoi to ever be a Service Animal. Raider was my Stability Dog. He was tall like my cane, he wore jackets I made for him, he had a harness and I had a belt that I attached to his harness. He was always with me. He behaved as if he were born to be a Service Animal. Raider played, but when he worked he really worked hard. The first time Raider was trained to work out of the home, we went to the Insurance Company. Ahead of us were two chairs. Raider laid down between the chairs and did not move the whole time we were there. He stayed calm and relaxed. When it was time to go, he got up and helped me walk out to the car. He got trainer treats regularly, I kept them in my pocket, but this day he got a real beef bone! He deserved it! Raider could “sit, stay, back-up, lay down”, he could go “around”, “wink”, say, “out-out”(learned at age 12), he would “smile”, squeak his toys, share his food and water bowls with the other animals, he could stand still while I bent over to pick something up, he would “lean” against me when I needed to rest. He was ready to work the moment I said, “Raider, work”. We would go shopping, out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. He would go to the park, swim in the river and lakes, he would take me to the restroom, stand still so I could balance, and help me stand again. At the grocery store, he would stand still (Help Mommy) and I would lean over him to get things off the shelf. Before Raider, I had to depend on my children whenever I went somewhere. Raider would lay near me at a restaurant, never eat anything off the floor (Not Yours), I always gave him a treat when we were done working. Raider was very intuned to my feelings. He was very aware of my pain and would lay his rear against my back when I was on the bed. His body heat would transfer to my back and I would feel better. This is something he did on his own. He was also aware of others pain around me. He once moved from me to another woman and leaned on her. She was next to me and had leg pain. He knew. It was amazing. American’s With Disabilities Act http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm I did have difficulty in town from people who did not know about Service Animals. And it was frustrating. People need to be educated. I did this with Raider everytime we went anywhere. I would talk to anyone who yelled at me, questioned me and talked to me. After I was yelled at by a Manager of Walmart in Farmington, New Mexico, and I talked with the security officer at length, the Walmart put a Service Animal Sticker on their doors. “We welcome Service Animals”. It was a grass-roots like movement! Raider was always well behaved. He went everywhere that I went. We were inseparable. We will miss Raider. He passed away on December 29, 2017, after a long 3 day ordeal. We could not let him suffer and had him go to sleep at Alta Vista Animal Hospital. He came home to us in a small box that rests in our living room. His collar rests on top of the box, with a card of his cremation information. Even though Raider is no longer with us, I believe he and I will run together in Heaven. He was a wonderful dog and I loved him so much. He will forever be in my heart. His page, photos, and funny antics will go on here on this page. From time to time, I will post photos, stories, and articles. Please continue to follow this page. Thank You! I’m sure there will be another Service Animal in my life. But it is not a replacement for Raider, but a continuation of his legacy. A Stability Dog to help me get through this life easier. Thank you for reading this. God Bless you! CJD.Sign

Westward Bound

My Move back to Farmington, New Mexico

( Thursday, September 13, 2012)

Hi Friend,
Raider here! I wanted to update everyone on our Move to Colorado,
Our Move to New Mexico, Farmington, and our current activities!

First, I have been very sick with some kind of Crud that CJ, Matt & Grandma
picked up somewhere!  I was very tired and sleepy, my head hurt and
my nose was hot and drippy.  But Mom CJ put me in her prayers and
God listened and healed me! God is SO GOOD! He loves His Animals, Too!
So I am better and will return to duty today! I know CJ is happy about that!
And poor Dad has been doing my job for a whole week...I think he needs a
much deserved break and a "Woof Woof"!"I'm feeling Blue"!

Next, We moved to Colorado, as many of you remember from my email, and
well, after 6 months, CJ & Matt needed to help Grandma Mary more than
they thought they would need to. See Matt takes care of CJ and Grandma.
So, We packed up and are moving a bit at a time back into Grandma's house!
Yeah, it is really cool for me because Grandma gives me treats and special
cookies that she keeps by her chair!  She also loves me a whole lot and
lets me sleep on her big blue blanket!
Now, I know what you must be thinking... but I am NOT spoiled! I am just
treated very well because CJ works with me every day. She thinks it is good
to keep me happy because I will work harder for her when I am happy!
I'm a bit camera shy!

Then, we, Dad Matt, Mom CJ and me joined the First Baptist Church
in Aztec, New Mexico. We will be having some meetings and going to
Church activities here each week. This is good for CJ because she
does not get out very much. Even with me helping her, it can be very
hard. So I am excited that the Church is so close that we can walk there
on nice days! Pastor Kevin likes me! He pets me all the time :D
I like him too, he has a nice smile and doesn't mind if I snore in the
service.  I have met lots of nice people there in the church and hope to
remember everyone's name soon! Especially the kids! Lot and Lots of
Kids go to First Baptist Church in Aztec. It is great! I love Kids! And
pets! Boy oh Boy do I love pets!

Ok, Next, Snow...
I love the snow. It is cold and fluffy and tickles my ears! When I go
outside, I love to run and jump and bite the snow! It is so fun!
It is snowing today. Matt took me out to play this morning and we
came back inside covered with the white snow! It did not show on
my white fur coat, but on Dad's brown coat, it looked blotchy with
white snow! I LOVE SNOW! Thank You God for the Snow!
Photo link of my friends playing in the snow! I hope you like it!  
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/02/dogs-playing-in-snow-wint_n_377184.html

Well, that is all for today! I will check back in very soon!
"Woof, Woof Raider on the Go! I love Snow"

Your Friend,
Raider

(older posting)

My Old Dog Blogs 2010 to July 2012

Posted by CJ Dunkle on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Under: Old Blogs from Old WebSite

Raider on the Go!

Updates!!

A Year Filled With Many Mooooves!

Hi Friend,
Raider here! I wanted to update everyone on our Move to Colorado,
Our Move to New Mexico, Aztec, and our current activities!

First, I have been very sick with some kind of Crud that CJ, Matt & Grandma
picked up somewhere!  I was very tired and sleepy, my head hurt and
my nose was hot and drippy.  But Mom CJ put me in her prayers and
God listened and healed me! God is SO GOOD! He loves His Animals, Too!
So I am better and will return to duty today! I know CJ is happy about that!
And poor Dad has been doing my job for a whole week...I think he needs a
much deserved break and a "Woof Woof"!"I'm feeling Blue"!

Next, We moved to Colorado, as many of you remember from my email, and
well, after 6 months, CJ & Matt needed to help Grandma Mary more than
they thought they would need to. See Matt takes care of CJ and Grandma.
So, We packed up and are moving a bit at a time back into Grandma's house!
Yeah, it is really cool for me because Grandma gives me treats and special
Cookies that she keeps by her chair!  She also loves me a whole lot and
lets me sleep on her big blue blanket!
Now, I know what you must be thinking... but I am NOT spoiled! I am just
treated very well because CJ works with me every day. She thinks it is good
to keep me happy because I will work harder for her when I am happy!
I'm a bit camera shy!

Then, we, Dad Matt, Mom CJ and me joined the First Baptist Church
in Aztec, New Mexico. We will be having some meetings and going to
Church activities here each week. This is good for CJ because she
does not get out very much. Even with me helping her, it can be very
hard. So I am excited that the Church is so close that we can walk there
on nice days! Pastor Kevin likes me! He pets me all the time :D
I like him too, he has a nice smile and doesn't mind if I snore in the
service.  I have met lots of nice people there in the church and hope to
remember everyone's name soon! Especially the kids! Lot and Lots of
Kids go to First Baptist Church in Aztec. It is great! I love Kids! And
pets! Boy oh Boy do I love pets!

Ok, Next, Snow...
I love the snow. It is cold and fluffy and tickles my ears! When I go
outside, I love to run and jump and bite the snow! It is so fun!
It is snowing today. Matt took me out to play this morning and we
came back inside covered with the white snow! It did not show on
my white fur coat, but on Dad's brown coat, it looked blotchy with
white snow! I LOVE SNOW! Thank You God for the Snow!
Photo link of my friends playing in the snow! I hope you like it!  
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/02/dogs-playing-in-snow-wint_n_377184.html

That is not blood on my nose... It is mommy's lipstick kiss on my nose!! She is always doing that!!
Well, that is all for today! I will check back in very soon!
"Woof, Woof Raider on the Go! I love Snow"

Your Friend,
Raider

Spring is Here!

Today is April 30th, 2011.

Today is Friday and we are starting our vegetable garden!

I will keep you updated with news and photos of our progress!

I love to garden! I love to DIG!

Have a great DAY to YOU!

Your Friend, Raider

HEROS

Happy Valentine's Day1

I hope everyone had a good VALENTINE'S DAY`

I got to lay on the big bed with CJ. She was not feeling well, 

so I gave her comfort & warmth. 

Here is my VALENTINE for all of you!

I wish you all to be My Valentine for 2011

Snuggly Hugs from ME ~ Raider1

Homemade Dog Treats

Today is Tuesday, February 08, 2011

http://www.homemadedogtreats.net/

Today I am going to have Dad, Matt, make me some doggie treats.

I found a website for healthy dog foods and I will let you know

how I liked them.

Take a look at the link and you might find something delicious for your

Human to make for you!

Have a great Tuesday Night!

Your Friend, Raider

Blogging about Dog Stuff...2011

 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!

Hi Everyone! Today is Friday, January 14th, 2011
I hope you have had a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  I had a Wonderful Christmas and got lots of Doggie Treats and some New Toys! SaMi got New Kitty Toys and Treats Too! 
The snow fell here in New Mexico on Monday, 27th of December. I LOVE SNOW! It is fun to run and play in the snow! I like to stick my nose in the cold snow and then put my nose on Mom CJ's toes!
Mom got New sheets & a new Blanket from Grandpa Joe & Grandma Judy.
Here I am in the new sheets!

I wish you a Very Snuggly Year of 2011!

Blogging about Dog Stuff...2010

HELLO EVERYONE!
Today is Thrusday, November 4th, 2010 
 I thought I would just share some cool photos with you today.
I have lots of cool photos from many friends, this one is my friend Bill. Thank you Bill !
This is a unique photo of a lightening storm during a Fireworks show! How cool is this.
They are sure pretty, but I am a bit skittish when it comes to both lightning and fireworks.
 Here is one of Fall. Fall is Autumn. There is a nice horse in this photo. This photo was taken 
in Russia. Russia in the Fall looks much like the upper USA in the Fall. 
I love to run in the leaves in Fall. I love the cool weather and the snuggly blanket!
Have a great week and enjoy Fall!
Your Friend,
  Raider 

+++Hello Everyone!  Today is Thursday, October 21st, 2010 For me, Raider, this has been a week for chasing cats. We have a cat, SaMi, (his picture is below). Well SaMi has many friends where we live and these cats have been lots of fun to chase! However, since the cats have four sets of  claws, I have many battle scars on my nose from these cats Long Claws! And, Mom CJ is not very pleased with me chasing the cats. I think it is lots of fun,  except when I get clawed. So Mom has grounded me from chasing the cats...again! Grounding, for me, is when Mom sits outside with me while I am doing my outside things. So, my advice to all my animal friends is,            "Don't Chase the Cats!"           Hello Everyone!! Today is Monday, October 4th, 2010  We have had an exciting weekend here in Farmington!  With the week busy as usual, my SaMi- kitten of the family- decided to run outside! Yes, he was outside. He lives inside and this was a new deal for him. A big wide world of "outside" to explore! This was Thursday night and it got cold outside. But SaMi did not come home. Well, as we all know, cats are curious and a 1 year old kitten is full of wonder & excitement! As the day went on (Friday,) we did not find SaMi!  I used my very sensitive nose to "sniff out" SaMi's scent. I had no idea where SaMi went!  We called for him and we set out food for him. But we could not find SaMi anywhere! Friday night, we heard a "MeoW!" coming from the trees. The more we would call for SaMi, the more we would hear the Meowing. So, flashlights and my nose found where SaMi had gone. And now he was STUCK.  He was up in the tallest tree in the area and over half way up he had found a spot to rest. Matt did try to get him to come to another location on the tree branches, but he did not want to jump from the tree. He did not want to fall into the water below. He did not want to climb down the tree. What were we to do? Saturday morning, still SaMi refused to come out of the 50 foot tall tree. Oh he cried and "MeoWed!" so much my ears hurt. But I understood that he was very scared.  Saturday afternoon, CJ called the Farmington Fire Department here in Farmington, NM.        Can you find SaMi? These are the Firemen who hellped SaMi!  Matt  & SaMi safely out of the tree! A BIG THANK  YOU! goes out to the Farmington Firemen!

Well, Hello there!

 Today is Wednesday, September 21, 2010
I can't believe it has been a month since I have blogged about dog stuff. I
love dog stuff. I like most all animals, but I like dog stuff the best.
I went to the Aztec Rose Garden yesterday.
CJ and I walked around the paths and we enjoyed the wonderful smells of the many rose plants.
Next time I visit there we will take some photos of the many roses and the nice lady statue memorial for the Veterans.
Roses are my favorite flower.  What is your favorite flower?

Blogging about Dog Stuff Posted by Tomb Raider Lucky # 7 on August 10, 2010 at 2:54 PM  Hi There! Today is Tuesday, August 10, 2010 What have I been doing lately, you ask? I have had an adventure in the yard with the rain. CJ was not too happy, but I had so much FUN! It rained here, in Farmington, for about an hour on Monday morning. And it would have been a normal "Dog Day of Summer", but I found this huge, muddy puddle! And can you guess what I did? That's Right! I jumped in it. I rolled in it. And I laid down and took my nap in it! After I woke from my nap, the right side of my body and face were covered in brown mud. I thought it was so cool, but CJ did not. She had to clean me up and brush me. It took a whole hour! Can you believe that! Now I am clean, fresh and smell like shampoo. I do love to be clean. And my fur is shiny and soft. Well, that is all I have to say about being clean. Your Clean Friend, Raider

August 24, 2010 at 5:32 AM

Recent Photos

Recent Forum Posts

Snowy Doggie Photos

by Gemstones by D.Sign CJ 3 months ago

Time Flys!

by Gemstones by D.Sign CJ 4 months ago

What does Raider do for me?

by Gemstones by D.Sign CJ over a year ago

Ask me a question and I will answer it!

by Gemstones by D.Sign CJ over a year ago

More...

Therapy Dogs

Copyright ©2010-2012

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Working Dogs

August 20, 2013

Hi Everyone,
Raider here with a few new photos of my new friends from LOWES in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

This is me relaxing before our trip. I am 9 years old now.

This is my garden before it was planted. You can see the lettuce in the middle. It is light green. I love salad and I love Chinese Food! We are planting lots of vegetables for our home made
Chinese Food by Matt!

This is CJ and me in the Garden Department of LOWES.
I love flowers and I loved the time spent helping CJ get the plants and flowers for our garden.

Here we are looking for some plumbing supplies. CJ is getting some "NON-SLIP" stick-ons for the tub floor so that I don't slip or slide while helping her take her shower. This is one of my most fun jobs because I love a shower and like to be fresh and clean.  And the blow dry afterwards makes me all fluffy and silly looking!

This nice lady helped us find what CJ needed. She was very helpful and she gave me wonderful pets.
Remember: Always ask before you pet a service animal. Some service animals can have pets and some cannot while they are working.
 So REMEMBER to ASK FIRST BEFORE YOU PET.

       Two very helpful employees at LOWES. This store has all the things CJ needed to fix the garden boxes, the plants and flowers for the garden, and the tub job possible. Thank you for helping CJ!

I love getting pets!

We are all SMILING for the camera!!
Thank you to all the people who made our trip to LOWES a pleasant experience!
Raider & CJ

Raider On The Go's Dog Blog

Hello!  I am Tomb Raider; You can call me "Raider"!

Here is my famous Smile!

 I am very happy you came by to visit me!

  
Check me out on FB too! https://www.facebook.com/RaiderontheGO

What is a Stability Service Animal?

I am a Stability Service Animal. This is me, Raider, when I was 3years old and we went camping overnight in the Colorado, San Juan National Forest.         See the picture? That's me there with my owner, CJ. I am the one with the cute black nose and checkered shirt. 


 I have been trained to help walk with and stabilize a human in need. One of my jobs is to help CJ walk to the bathroom during the night time. Walking on different flooring is difficult for CJ because she has no feeling in her toes. This makes it hard for her to tell the difference from the carpet to the wood floor, from the grass to the sidewalk, from the gravel path to the sand. This is my biggest job when I work with CJ.  I enjoy lots of pets & brushing, car rides and special healthy doggie treats from the store.

 I, being a large dog, help CJ with standing, sitting, walking up and down stairs, taking showers, getting dressed and feel independence. This last thing, independence, is a big word for freedom. Many disabled people, like my owner CJ, have limited independence, or freedom, because of their limitations. Here is an example; CJ does not like being in crowds because there is a big chance she may get hurt. By already being in pain and very wobbly, CJ gains independence/freedom with the use of me, Raider, her Service Animal. 


Not just any dog can be a Service Animal and most Service Animals are not to be petted while they are working. But with me, if you see us, it would be very fine if you asked her, "Can I pet your dog?"  This is a polite way to ask a Service Animals Owner and a very good thing to remember. Please do not run up to me because I could get excited and knock CJ down. This is not a good thing. Everyone gets excited and it is cool to see a dog in a public place, but do try to remember these two rules. 

 Thank You!
 Your Friend, Raider.