For most, the thought of “training” might evoke images of foam cups of coffee, legal pads – and possibly a lengthy presentation projected onto a giant screen.

But for the four-legged officers with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it couldn’t be more different.

Tuesday morning, the Yuma Sun watched as six officers and their canine partners used local business Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet for a training exercise, drawing some extra attention from the public.

Supervisory CBP Officer James McIntyre was one of the trainers involved in the exercise Tuesday morning.

The group is based at the U.S. Port of Entry at San Luis, Ariz.

He said they do a different exercise once a week in a different location to help the dogs participate in real-world situations.

In the past, McIntyre said they’ve used locations such as the airport and other businesses around town.

“It keeps the dogs proficient,” he said. “And it allows us to control the environment.”

Trainers help place indicators, said Supervisor Teresa Small, spokeswomen with the CBP.

The dogs involved in the exercise Tuesday are narcotics dogs, McIntyre said. That means they are trained to find marijuana, hash, cocaine, heroine, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

Small said from October 2009 to July 2010, the officers have helped seize about 2,600 pounds of cocaine; almost 700 pounds of meth; just more than 200 pounds of heroin and 107,646 pounds of marijuana.

For more information about the Customs and Border Protection, visit http://www.cbp.gov/.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.comor 539-6857.

Everything we learned was GREAT, but we really want to hear from you! Please take a look at the list below and feel free to call, email or leave a comment with answers or opinions.

• Have you heard of Big Bob’s?
• If so, what is your impression?
• Have you shopped with Big Bob’s before?
• If so, did you have a good experience?
• If you had a less than perfect experience, please tell us about it so we can turn that around!
• If you have been to our store or shopped with us, is there anything we could do to improve your experience?

We honestly want to know how we can serve you better. We know what important decisions flooring and mattresses are! We want you to know that we care about each and every customer before, during and AFTER the sale. We are here for the long term – we want to earn your business and earn the referral of our store to your friends and family.

Please take a minute to let us know how you feel! Please leave a comment here or email Brad Millner at BMillner@fayuma.com.

Thank you!

Charitable organizations we support:

Yuma Regional Medical Center Foundation

Tri-Valley Ambulance

Good will service:

We provided new carpet ceramic tile and labor at no charge to help rebuild a house that was condemned by the city.  Several articles about the project are available for more information.

Additions to the Big Bob’s family:

Store Manager Ted Noble and his wife had a baby girl

Retail Sales team member Sean McNatt and his wife had a baby boy

Local Press we received:

Customer Jerry Stuart wrote two letters to the editor of The Yuma Sun and commended our sales staff and installation department for their exemplary service.

We would like to thank everyone that was a part of all of these events and hope 2010 will bring as many good things for everyone!

As 2009 comes to an end, we want to wish all of our readers, customers and supporters a HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE and PROSPEROUS New Year. We appreciate your business, your loyalty and your confidence in Big Bob’s in 2009 and look forward to what 2010 has to bring!

There are many reasons to shop with Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet. New flooring can be a major purchase decision. You want to be have all of the information and resources to make the right decision for your lifestyle, home and budget. Our goal is your complete satisfaction and we are here to help you make the most educated and informed purchasing decision.

Why shop with us?

• We have a HUGE in-stock selection of carpet, tile, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, area rugs, stone and mattresses.
• Because we purchase so many stocking items, our relationships with manufacturers allow us to offer you unparalleled selection and value.
• Our interactive website is loaded with tools to help you with your flooring purchase decision.
• We are committed to the environment. Click here to learn about green flooring.
• We have a knowledgeable, dedicated team ready to answer your questions and help you find the RIGHT flooring or mattress choice for your home. Our professional installation staff is here to ensure a quality installation.
• We offer online financing where you can apply right on our website to finance your purchase.

Call us today at 928.217.5551 or come visit us to get started our expert team for your next flooring or mattress purchase. Leave all of the details to us – we are here to help!

See what others are saying about us. Click here!

At Big Bob’s – YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS!

At Big Bob’s, we truly care about taking care of our customers now and in the future. We have built a business based on referrals and repeat customers not deceptive advertising and bad business practices. Our business plan, which we created over 25 years ago and still followed today is centered around 3 words: BIGGER, BETTER, BEST! ‚Äì BIGGER Selection, BETTER Service, BEST Values!

We welcome and encourage your input. Send us your questions or comments and we will provide you with the advice and information you are looking for.

Other ways to connect with Big Bob’s:

You can learn the most about Big Bob’s from our website. Click here to visit our website.