Here is a short video of our trip to Mt. Hermon. With a little footage from the beginning of the Redwood Canopy Tour.

Oh wait those aren’t bears, those are dogs. Josh is our newest alpha student, and is getting a taste of what its like to work for Thousand Hills Pet Resort. Josh has been doing great after his first few weeks. We look forward to 6 great months of learning and growing with him.

Alpha Academy is going to a Ball? It sounds crazy right? Well its true and we have pictures to prove it! Here is Rory’s account of some of their activities.

The Alpha Crew

It began with a mad dash to scrounge some nice clothes out of the depths of our closets. We left our house with little more preparation than one dance class with Alpha family and friends, the Mattinas and our hopes that we can get it right. We arrived at the scene. Everybody was there. There were guys and gals from across the city and a people dressed to impress.

We purchased fancy gloves at the door for a small fee of $5. Inside the ball was a hit. People were dancing, mingling, and enjoying a comprehensive assortment of finger food. I slid onto the floor joined by my comrades. Next thing I knew I was getting acquainted with lovely, interesting, and fun young ladies and enjoying their presence along with my fellow ball-goers.

What a Gentleman

The night was a blast and went by way too fast. After what felt like such a short time, I was sadly informed that we were to soon leave and I had to bid my farewell and find my way to the door. Everybody was exhausted from the excitement we  said our  goodbyes to the people there and headed home to entered the world of dreams. With the dancing fresh in our memories.

Nathan and Luke posing after a great ride.

Many of you may not know that we have a dirt bike track here on the ranch. Nathan who is in some of these pictures was the main catalyst in getting this track all set up. After some encouragement from Nathan, Luke took the plunge and went for a ride. Afterward Nathan said Luke rode very well for the first time through. You never know, next post might be Luke 20 feet in the air hitting one of those jumps.

The Beauty of San Simeon

In December, Alpha students Elias and Skylar joined one of the kennel hosts, Lauren, and her dad for a day outing to San Simeon.  The adventures started by fueling up with lunch at the campground, then set off down the main beach.  The trail took them through cyprus forests and along the coastal bluff to their final destination–a tucked-away cove where they enjoyed the remainder of their picnic on the beach, and Elias sampled his first peanut brittle.  They explored a cave, climbed around the rocky point, and enjoyed a time of conversation and getting to know each other better.  On the way back, the sun even made a grand enough appearance to snap some nice group portraits.  It was the first of many excursions to come.

Check out the photos below to see some of their fun.

Ready to work!

As Conor’s story demonstrates, there is much to learn from the dogs here at Thousand Hills. And in 2010 we received a generous grant to help with start-up costs for Service Dogs of Thousand Hills. This ties in so well with our mission of serving the community and finding needs that we can help meet. This planned program would give War Veterans with disabilities and other people in need of a service dog, the opportunity to have that helpful and faithful companion.

I think a few of the guys here at alpha now understand that God really does have great plans for them. This has been our theme verse all along, and a few of the excellent young men that went through Alpha Academy in 2010 are grabbing a hold of that reality.

Conor’s Story

Conor is Second from the left.

When I decided to go to alpha academy, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I felt that life was meaningless. There was nothing to live for. When I was told of alpha academy, I was going not expecting to get anything out of it. I have always liked animals, but there is something about training a dog that is something special. The fact that these dogs are going to help people is something that makes it just that much more. Training a dog is a learning experience more that just techniques as well. If you are going to train a dog you need to learn to be flexible, yet consistent. With Alpha and Thomas together I learned these things and so much more.

by Lauren Mattina, Thousand Hills Pet Resort Host
all photos courtesy of Lauren Mattina

On October 30th we held our 2nd annual Howl-O-Ween party at the ranch.  The guests included pooches of all shapes, sizes, and colors, decked out in costumes of equal variety.

We were graced by the presence of such notable characters as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Yoda, Batman, and the Big Bad Wolf.  Many of the canine parents even got into the spirit of dress-up and had matching outfits.  The festivities included a Best Dressed contest, Pup & Parent combo, and a talent show of tricks.  And all this was topped off with a fantastic free BBQ lunch!  Thanks to all who participated!

On Saturday, Alpha Academy and Thousand Hills Pet Resort teamed up at the Wiggle Waggle Walk for Woods Humane Society. Thanks to all who helped!

Alpha Academy at Wiggle Waggle Walk

Last Friday our students were invited by Lauren (a host at Thousand Hills Pet Resort) to the Civil War Ball hosted at Grace Church. They “had a ball” and looked great!

THANK YOU Lauren!

Alpha Academy students put on their dancing shoes!

Brendan getting fancy!