SANTA BRINGS ELLIE MAE
ELLIE MAE EVANS
Santa delivered Ellie Mae to Michael, a boy with Asperger Syndrome (a high functioning autism) who suffers seizures among other problems. December 23, 2011.
The dog's color is called 'phantom' and she is a standard poodle. The breeder and veterinarian said this blood line can live 16 to 18 years.
Santa, Michael, Mom in red, & Pam C.
Ellie Mae (2011)
Like a rag doll; held by woman who donated her anonymously.
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Click link below for Channel 2 TV, Houston, Texas
Ellie Mae is to be the fourth service dog I've committed to train. This training is different because we have no idea if this puppy will have what it takes to be a Service Dog when it's grown.
We were taking a leap of faith. Agreeing to go along with a puppy was not one of the smarter things I've done. Why did I let myself get caught up in waiting 2 years on a risky dog? |
ELLIE MAE IS 'GIFTED' To Michael
Shortly after our trip, a hometown veterinary clinic employee called with some exciting news. Alvin Animal Clinic's lead receptionist, Jennifer Hollier knew I was looking for a Standard Poodle or Giant Schnauzer mix. She didn't know we had flipped to a puppy. Jennifer placed a call to a Standard Poodle breeder who occasionally donates young adult dogs for service/therapy work. The donors, a husband and wife team who raise top quality Standard Poodles, wish to remain anonymous. The lady was herself disabled and almost blind. They said they are blessed and want to pass it forward and bless others who are disabled.
I called to thank the anonymous couple. I explained we would have to pass on the young adult dog, even though it was probably a great candidate. I told the lady my new friend Pam E wanted a puppy instead. When I voiced my disappointment that we'd never find a full blooded, female puppy, that didn't shed hair, would be about 80 pounds grown, was free, and would grow up to have the intelligence and aptitude a service dog needs, I must have forgotten: "All things are possible to those who love The Lord."
The lady was an interesting person. She invited me to her home to 'have a cup of chocolate coffee'. Once we were settled on the sofa with our fabulous coffees, she told me she had something she wanted me to see. Tucked away in the laundry room was a new litter of puppies! They would be ready to go to new homes around Christmas. A couple of the puppies were already spoken for. She was selling them for $800 and up. In one litter there were creams, a red one, and phantoms. A phantom is black and tan with silvery grey around their faces where the hair is clipped. The couple had decided to gift the Evans with one of the cream colored puppies! Thank You Jesus!
Ellie Hanging Out At The Cundiff's, Waiting For Christmas
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Ellie coming to our house in a box on the left. Ellie getting socialized by our youngest grandson Parker Cundiff, 2 years old.
I went to pick up the cream colored puppy who was now 6 weeks old. The breeder had insisted it was to stay with me until it had both its shots. Michael had already picked out the name for his dog. Her name was going to be Ellie Mae after the Clampett family on the old TV series Beverly Hillbillies.
Instead of reaching for the cream one, I picked up the little black phantom girl. She just looked more like an 'Ellie Mae'. I thought she was much prettier than the solid colored ones. Her eyes looked soft and inquisitive. I couldn't hide my partiality for her calm little rag doll personality. The lady watched and listened. I didn't want to be unappreciative. I knew the phantoms were more expensive and this couple was generously donating a puppy. It wasn't going to be mine and for all I knew, the Evans might like the cream best anyway.
I loved on the little phantom girl a bit longer then put her back in the nest of puppies. I picked up the little cream one they had donated. The best definition I can give for the difference was the little cream one had dull, uninterested eyes. The phantom's eyes were soft, kind, and loving. I forced myself to smile at the little cream puppy and thanked the lady again for their generosity. I was grateful for the donation to Michael.
The puppies' faces had been clipped into adorable puppy cuts in preparation for soon going to new homes. The lady picked up the phantom puppy I favored, placed its nose in her face and asked the cute little bundle, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" She put the puppy to her ear as if it was whispering to her. She listened then laughed, "She says she wants to be a Service Dog for Michael!" And with that the lady handed the beautiful phantom puppy to me! There was no explanation other than God had touched the lady's heart.
I had volunteered to keep the puppy a little longer for the Evans so she could be a Christmas present. Then a thought popped into my head. Wouldn't it be awesome if Santa himself gave the puppy to Michael? And I happened to know someone who was 'personal friends' with Santa: Will Doyle, a NABS' volunteer and friend of mine. Will Doyle dressed as Santa and went to League City Petco every Christmas to have pictures made with the doggies.
I called Will to see if 'Santa' would be able to come personally give Michael his future Service Dog. Will didn't hesitate, "Yes, I work that day but I can make it if we eat on the way." I don't remember how Channel 2 News found out, but 2 hours before I was to be at the Evan's Christmas party, waiting for Santa, someone called to say Channel 2 was coming, too! Oh, no! I needed to call Pam Sanidakos, the founder of NABS. I wanted her organization to share in this exciting television event. I called her, and quickly told her what was transpiring.
Pam S said she didn't have on makeup, and she didn't have transportation. I didn't ask, I told her, "Get your clothes and makeup together. I am not made up either. We can both get ready at my house. I'm on my way to get you!" I dashed out to The Sanctuary to pick up my friend of 25 + years. How strange is it there are now 3 Pams in this tale? We raced to the Evan's home to join their family and friends in a lovely Christmas party planned for the event.
The puppy was in a small carrier in my car waiting on Santa, who was minutes away. Everything worked out perfectly! And, that, folks, is the way everything always ends when God is in control. It ends perfectly.
Instead of reaching for the cream one, I picked up the little black phantom girl. She just looked more like an 'Ellie Mae'. I thought she was much prettier than the solid colored ones. Her eyes looked soft and inquisitive. I couldn't hide my partiality for her calm little rag doll personality. The lady watched and listened. I didn't want to be unappreciative. I knew the phantoms were more expensive and this couple was generously donating a puppy. It wasn't going to be mine and for all I knew, the Evans might like the cream best anyway.
I loved on the little phantom girl a bit longer then put her back in the nest of puppies. I picked up the little cream one they had donated. The best definition I can give for the difference was the little cream one had dull, uninterested eyes. The phantom's eyes were soft, kind, and loving. I forced myself to smile at the little cream puppy and thanked the lady again for their generosity. I was grateful for the donation to Michael.
The puppies' faces had been clipped into adorable puppy cuts in preparation for soon going to new homes. The lady picked up the phantom puppy I favored, placed its nose in her face and asked the cute little bundle, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" She put the puppy to her ear as if it was whispering to her. She listened then laughed, "She says she wants to be a Service Dog for Michael!" And with that the lady handed the beautiful phantom puppy to me! There was no explanation other than God had touched the lady's heart.
I had volunteered to keep the puppy a little longer for the Evans so she could be a Christmas present. Then a thought popped into my head. Wouldn't it be awesome if Santa himself gave the puppy to Michael? And I happened to know someone who was 'personal friends' with Santa: Will Doyle, a NABS' volunteer and friend of mine. Will Doyle dressed as Santa and went to League City Petco every Christmas to have pictures made with the doggies.
I called Will to see if 'Santa' would be able to come personally give Michael his future Service Dog. Will didn't hesitate, "Yes, I work that day but I can make it if we eat on the way." I don't remember how Channel 2 News found out, but 2 hours before I was to be at the Evan's Christmas party, waiting for Santa, someone called to say Channel 2 was coming, too! Oh, no! I needed to call Pam Sanidakos, the founder of NABS. I wanted her organization to share in this exciting television event. I called her, and quickly told her what was transpiring.
Pam S said she didn't have on makeup, and she didn't have transportation. I didn't ask, I told her, "Get your clothes and makeup together. I am not made up either. We can both get ready at my house. I'm on my way to get you!" I dashed out to The Sanctuary to pick up my friend of 25 + years. How strange is it there are now 3 Pams in this tale? We raced to the Evan's home to join their family and friends in a lovely Christmas party planned for the event.
The puppy was in a small carrier in my car waiting on Santa, who was minutes away. Everything worked out perfectly! And, that, folks, is the way everything always ends when God is in control. It ends perfectly.
Santa, Michael, Pam E in red shirt, Pam C in orange.
There were 3 Pams in attendance at the Christmas Party: Pam E, C, and S. |
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Santa Claus came to town a little early in Alvin, Texas! That’s right! He made his list and while checking it twice decided to make a special delivery to a very good little 8 year old boy, Michael Evans, son of Tom and Pam Evans of Alvin. Michael has been waiting over a year for a dog. I think he gave up hope on getting it. But Santa didn’t forget, and this year God sent a special gift through St. Nick. Santa surprised Michael with an 8 week old black fluffy puppy intent on being a Service Dog once it is grown!
Michael’s family was expecting Santa. They planned a perfect Christmas party for Santa. Their yard was lit with lights and the tree was trimmed with care. The array of goodies for Santa included homemade cookies, homemade fudge, cake balls, pizza, all kinds of other Christmas treats like hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Family and friends had gathered for the festive occasion. What they didn't expect was a television crew that showed up on short notice to capture the moment.
Michael was overwhelmed when he peeked through the glass in the front door and saw Santa himself standing outside! He backed away from the door, in shock. He exclaimed, “It’s Santa Claus!” With Daddy filming, both parents had to prompt him to go open the door and invite Santa inside.
In Santa’s arms was a beautiful, cuddly, black phantom puppy. Santa told Michael since he had been extra good, he was getting the dog he had been dreaming about. Santa told Michael the dog's name was Ellie Mae. Michael gently took the puppy Santa extended to him. He couldn't take his eyes off the puppy. “You are the greatest, Santa! This is the best Christmas ever!” he exclaimed.
Michael’s family was expecting Santa. They planned a perfect Christmas party for Santa. Their yard was lit with lights and the tree was trimmed with care. The array of goodies for Santa included homemade cookies, homemade fudge, cake balls, pizza, all kinds of other Christmas treats like hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Family and friends had gathered for the festive occasion. What they didn't expect was a television crew that showed up on short notice to capture the moment.
Michael was overwhelmed when he peeked through the glass in the front door and saw Santa himself standing outside! He backed away from the door, in shock. He exclaimed, “It’s Santa Claus!” With Daddy filming, both parents had to prompt him to go open the door and invite Santa inside.
In Santa’s arms was a beautiful, cuddly, black phantom puppy. Santa told Michael since he had been extra good, he was getting the dog he had been dreaming about. Santa told Michael the dog's name was Ellie Mae. Michael gently took the puppy Santa extended to him. He couldn't take his eyes off the puppy. “You are the greatest, Santa! This is the best Christmas ever!” he exclaimed.
AFTER THE EXCITEMENT DIED DOWN WE GOT A WORD WITH SANTA WHO SECRETLY CONFIDED....
“I am extremely happy to be able to help Michael and his family’s dream come true. I am honored and touched to be a part of this transfer process." Santa continued, “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. It made my Christmas!”
On the left are Will Doyle and his wife Nicole, VERY good friends of Santa's, me (Pam Cundiff), and Michael.
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Santa, Michael, and mom Pam Evans
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