Hope K9-63

01/12/2025

Hey there! It’s me, Hope!

Did you know firefighter training never stops? Well, today, I met some wonderful firefighters who gave up their weekend to learn how to help others. Dad and Benny took me to the Eastern Fire School, and I spent the day learning all about ladders.

At first, I wasn’t sure what those big, shiny metal things were all about. But Benny filled me in—they help firefighters rescue people. I watched Dad teach everyone how to lift and carry ladders safely. It was loud with all the clanging and banging, but I stayed cool as a cucumber. After a while, I found a comfy spot and chewed on my bone, enjoying the peace before the next round of action.

It was a long, chilly day, but on the way home, I got the best treat—Dad let me sleep in his arms while Benny drove. The perfect end to a busy weekend!

I am off to curl up in front of the fireplace and catch some 💤.

Until next time,
Hope 💙🐾

01/12/2025

Friends! One more thing before I settle in to watch some shows tonight—Dad just told me I’m going to be the special guest at his event on February 28th! I haven’t seen the presentation yet, but from what I hear, it offers a firsthand look at what trauma can do to you. Since I get to invite anyone, I’m inviting all of you! Would love for you to be part of our movement in the Quiet Corner and join me for this important event!

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01/11/2025

Hello, Friends!

I’ve had such an exciting few days! Today, I spent some time with my new friends at the EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) class, learning about CPR. It was so cool! I even tried my very best to do compressions and snout-to-mouth CPR. I’m still working on the snout part—apparently, it’s a little different than the human way—but I think I did a pretty good job. Everyone was so supportive, and I could tell they were impressed with how serious I took my training!

The humans in the class taught me all kinds of things, like how to stay calm in an emergency and how to help when people or other animals need it. I’m still just a pup in training, but I love learning new ways to help others! It feels good to know I’m going to be a big part of keeping everyone safe one day.

More updates to come—stay tuned, my friends!

Paw-sitive vibes,
Hope 💙🐾

First In Tactics, LLC

01/09/2025

Hello, Friends!

It's Hope, and I have some exciting news to share! I’m now officially part of the Quiet Corner Peer Support Group, a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to providing training and support to first responders. As a therapy K9 in training, I’m here to help those who help others, and I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible mission.

But the work doesn’t stop there! Dad and Chief have been hard at work creating a peer support and mental health awareness training program specifically for first responders in our region. With your help, this program will be completely free and is designed to break down the stigma around mental health in the first-responder world. We want to create a network of support that’s open, understanding, and ready to help those who give so much of themselves to keep others safe. It’s a big task, but I’m so proud to be part of it!

As I continue to grow (I’m eating more and more, and those treats add up!), I also need regular visits to the doctor to stay healthy and strong for my important work. That’s where I could use a little help. We’re collecting donations to support my food bill and medical expenses so I can continue my training and be ready to help when I’m called.

Every little bit helps, and I truly appreciate your kindness and support. Thank you for considering donating to our journey—I can’t wait to meet the amazing heroes I’ll be working alongside and help create a better, stronger support system for our first responders!

Wags and tail wags,
Hope 🐾

Here is the donation link: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-5824

01/07/2025

Packed house tonight at our first EMR class and look who stopped by to provide some support to our first responders 💙🐾Hope K9-63

01/05/2025

So, one more thing today and it is a BIG announcement to share that is hot off the press!

Dad and I have been working super hard to spread the word about mental health awareness, especially for first responders. You see, Dad is a survivor—he’s been through a lot and turned his journey into a message that can help others.

Lately, we have been up late at night editing away and here’s the exciting news: Dad wrote a book about his experience, and it’s coming out on January 31st! It’s called Pushing it Down, and you can pre-order it on Amazon right now!

We’re both so excited because this book isn’t just Dad’s story—it’s a way to reach people who might be struggling and remind them they’re not alone. Mental health matters, especially for those who spend their lives helping others.

I’m so proud to be part of this journey, and I can’t wait for you all to read the book. So, go ahead—pre-order your copy today and help us spread the message of hope (💙🐾) and healing!

Keven McNeill’s childhood was shaped by deep trauma, teaching him to bury his pain and keep his emotions hidden. He learned early on to push the hurt deep inside, hoping that time would make it fade away. Determined not to let his past define him, Keven dedicated more than two decades of his life....

01/05/2025

Hello, friends! Happy Sunday! It is me, Hope and I had an early start this morning to meet some wonderful new friends at the Attawaugan Fire Department! I’m beyond excited to share that they’re standing behind my mission to take mental health seriously and support the well-being of our first responders. It was such a heartwarming experience to tour the station and pose for some pictures! I’m filled with gratitude to see so many people joining me in spreading kindness, care, and hope. A huge thank you to the Attawaugan Fire Department for your incredible support. Stay tuned for more pawsitive updates as I continue my training and work toward making a difference in the lives of others! 💙🐾

01/03/2025

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01/03/2025

Hey, it’s Hope! I’ve had the BEST time ever, and I just have to tell you about it!

I spent some time at the firehouse with my new friend Ruby! She’s super cool and knows all the best places to play.

We ran around the station like crazy—chasing each other through the bay, zooming past the big fire trucks, and darting around the firefighter gear. Ruby’s faster than me, but I’m catching up!

The firefighters were busy, but they didn’t mind our little zoomies and even gave us hugs and belly rubs. Ruby’s the expert here, so I think I’ll let her show me the ropes for now.

I can’t wait to play with Ruby again—she’s awesome, and we make the best playmates! Until next time, I’m off to rest up for more adventures! 💙🐾

01/01/2025

Hello, friends! It’s me, Hope!

Today, I kicked off the New Year by bringing comfort to some new friends—and a few familiar faces—at KB Ambulance. When I heard they needed a little extra comfort after a tough morning, I didn’t think twice. I dropped my bone, and with Dad and Benny by my side, we rushed over to be there for those who give so much of themselves every day. It’s an honor to offer them a moment of peace and warmth in return for all the care they give to others. These EMTs and Paramedics are nothing short of amazing, always ready to drop everything and rush to save a life. Their dedication and bravery inspire me every day, and it’s truly an honor to be there with them, providing a little warmth and peace in return for all the hard work they do.

As I begin my journey toward becoming a fully trained therapy dog, I’ve already had the privilege of offering a little bit of comfort to those who need it most. Whether it’s through a soft nudge, a gentle paw on your lap, or just curling up beside you, my job is simple: to be there. To listen without judgment and to offer love without expectation.

So, as we begin this new year, know that no matter what happens, Hope (me) is always with you!

Here’s to a year full of love, comfort, and a little extra pawsitivity from me. 🐾💖

01/01/2025

Wishing you a brighter New Year from us all 💙🐾

12/29/2024

Happy foggy Sunday, friends! 🐾 It’s me, Hope, your favorite therapy pup in training!

I’m feeling SO much better than last week—thank you to all my wonderful friends who sent love and belly rub vibes my way. You really know how to make a pup’s tail wag!

This week, Dad and I have been working on a few things. First up, my bark. Sometimes I get reeeeally excited—like when I see a squirrel, or a leaf, or, you know, air—and my bark just happens. It’s kind of like a surprise party, but for your ears. Dad says we need to work on making it a little less... enthusiastic. Apparently, not everyone appreciates my vocal talents. Weird, right?

Second, Dad and Benny teamed up to help me work on “sit” and “down,” which apparently I need to master before my big debut as a therapy pup. I mean, “sit” was easy—hello, I’m a natural. But “down”? That one was trickier.

Let me tell you, though, Dad really knows how to motivate me. He broke out the treats. And by “treats,” I mean a smorgasbord of pure deliciousness. At first, I was like, “Down? Never heard of it.” But after about, oh, seven hundred snacks, I started catching on.
By the end of the training, my belly was so full, I practically rolled outside for a post-practice zoomie session. Dad said we needed to “run it off,” but honestly, I think he just wanted to see if I could move without waddling. 🐾

Did you know I have my very own puppy-razzi? Oh, it’s true. Let me spill the kibble.

Whenever I’m training, Benny—the budding professional photographer—follows me around like I’m some celebrity. He’s always trying to catch my best angle, which, let’s be honest, is every angle. (I mean, look at this face!)
The other day, I caught him lying on the floor to get a “dramatic low shot.” He called it “art,” but I think he just wanted to get closer to my treats. Either way, the results? Paw-sitively stunning. I might need to start charging him for the rights to these photos! 🐾📸
Well, friends, it’s time for me to snooze and dry off after my epic outdoor adventures this morning. Let’s just say the grass got a little extra “therapy” from my zoomies.

As always, sending you lots of love, sloppy kisses, and enthusiastic tail wags. Until next time—stay pawsome! 🐾💤

12/26/2024

When Dad and the boys made a break for their fancy bunker gear 🚒🔥, I converted the office into my own personal romper room. Chairs? Stacked up like a wobbly game of office Jenga. Paper? Torn to shreds and scattered everywhere like confetti. Desk? Relocated to a 'creative' new spot. It's abstract art, Dad – was impressed... I mean, who could possibly stay mad at a face like mine?

As always, lots of tail wags, Hope 💙🐾

12/25/2024

12/25/2024

You guys, I can’t even! Santa actually came to see me this year, and I am beyond excited. When I woke up, there was a massive bone in my stocking—bigger than my head! I may have squealed... okay, I definitely squealed. I immediately started pawing at it like it was the best thing that ever happened to me (and honestly, it was).

Santa must’ve been keeping an eye on my good deeds, because he totally knew what I needed: a giant treat and some serious tail-wagging joy. I’m pretty sure I heard reindeer hooves on the roof, but I was way too busy planning my next snack attack.

Wags of joy,
Hope🐾💙🎄

12/24/2024

Woof woof! It’s me, Hope, your therapy pup in training! I woke up feeling great this morning and wanted to pause my tail-wagging duties for just a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas and share a little holiday cheer.

This time of year is all about love, kindness, and giving, and I’ve been learning from the best—our amazing first responders. To all the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, and other heroes out there working hard this holiday season, THANK YOU. While so many of us are snuggled up at home with our loved ones, you’re out there keeping us safe, helping those in need, and making sure this holiday season stays merry and bright.

You are my inspiration, and I hope one day I can be as brave, strong, and caring as you are in my work as a therapy pup. Your dedication and sacrifice don’t go unnoticed—especially not by a pup with a big heart like mine. I may not be able to give you all a warm hug, but if I could, I’d wag my tail and rest my head on your lap to let you know how much you’re appreciated.

So from my paws to your hearts, thank you for everything you do. This Christmas, I’m wishing you moments of peace, warmth, and joy—even if it’s just a small break during your busy day. You are true heroes, and I’m so lucky to live in a world where people like you make such a difference.

Merry Christmas, and may your holiday season be filled with love and hope (that’s me!). 🐶🎄✨

With gratitude and cuddles,
Hope 🐾

12/24/2024

Hello, folks… it’s me, Hope, your little therapy pup in training. I’ve had a really rough start to the week this evening and I wanted to share it with you all.

First, I went on a little adventure to find the bone I buried in the backyard. You see, I love my bones! I buried it so carefully, and I was so excited to dig it up. But when I started digging, the bone was gone. I searched and searched, but no matter how hard I tried, it was like it vanished. Poor Mom came outside to help, and we both braved the freezing cold. I could tell Mom was shivering, but we kept at it, digging for what felt like hours. But in the end, no bone. I felt bad for her, and I almost turned us into popsicles. We finally gave up and went inside.

Then things got even scarier. I had to go to the doctor for my last vaccine shot, which I didn’t mind at first because I like the doctor’s office. But something went wrong. On the way home, I started feeling really, really sick. I got dizzy and wobbly in the car, and then—oh no—I got sick. Dad and Luke tried to comfort me, but I still didn’t feel right. By the time we got home, it was worse. My eyes started to swell shut, and I couldn’t stop panting. My heart was racing, and I felt so scared. I didn’t know what was happening, and everything just felt… wrong.

I don’t remember much after that, but I could feel my family rushing to help. Dad, Benny, and Luke took me back to the doctor right away. I could hear how worried they were, even though they were trying to stay calm for me. They all stayed by my side, and I could feel their love and concern. The doctor acted fast and gave me an emergency treatment to stop what was happening to my body. Slowly, I started to feel better. My heart slowed down, my breathing calmed, and the swelling in my eyes started to go down. It was such a relief.

I could hear my family in the waiting room, talking softly, their voices full of worry and care. I knew they were doing everything they could for me, and hearing that made me feel a little safer.

I’m feeling a lot better now, but it was really scary. I’m resting, and I’m so grateful for my family, who never left my side. They took care of me through all of it, and I know I’m safe with them.

Thanks for listening, everyone. I’ll be extra brave next time, though… maybe no more shots for a little while, okay?

Lots of love and tail wags,
Hope🐾💙