EJ takes the reins with
familiar dedication
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| Allen Parton and Endal Junior (EJ) attend EJ's first official engagement since the death of his mentor, Endal. |
ENDAL Junior (EJ) attended his first official engagement alongside Gulf war veteran Allen Parton recently at the Pet Food Manufacturers Association's annual lunch held at the very prestigious Stationers Hall in London. "This was the first function that we have been to since Endal left us and I'll admit I was nervous without my faithful old mate at my side who always just made anything possible! Traditionally every year Endal used to bark at the toast to the Queen, just one clear sharp bark and then later on during the event two barks at the thanks given to the organisers and staff of the Stationers Hall.
"I quickly realized that I didn't have any need to feel nervous as 10-month-old EJ stepped up to the plate and dutifully barked once at the toast to the queen and twice at the thanks ... a tradition he took up and conducted like a veteran. A few eyes in the room filled up, including mine, and I guess Endal would have been looking down with such pride at how well his prodigy was conducting himself."
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| EJ handled the new ticket barriers as if he had done it all before. |
Allen said, "EJ has grown up so much these last few weeks since the big yella fella has left us and he really is focused on what he has to do. Travelling up to the heart of London, not really the most friendly dog environment in the world, EJ behaved like an assistance dog many years older. The train, underground and taxi were just other things he took in his stride as if it was an everyday occurrence. He even put the train ticket into the newly installed ticket barriers at Waterloo station and collected it from the top of the machine when it passed out...I've a strange feeling we've been here before!
EJ is very much a puppy in training and not a fully qualified service dog but I am every day seeing glimpses of EJ's intuitive nature, his problem solving and his thinking which is truly incredible. I've shed some tears over Endal's loss but every time I turn around devoted EJ is there for me with the hankie in his mouth."
