Home again, again!

We had a great weekend. I had a lot of misgivings about going away so soon after getting home, but I had already committed, and so I went for it. It was a lot of fun, and a true confidence builder!

 

On Friday, we went on a chartered bus with about twenty other people, and four other dogs. Posh acted just like she was on the plane, and slept through the whole trip. I wonder if she had any idea that we were actually a fairly long way from home! Same goes for the plane! I'm sure she has no idea that, for the first time in her life, she's a very, very long way from the ocean!

 

We had a roommate in the hotel room, who loved Posh a lot. Which meant that she had a fine time playing and acting altogether silly when we were in the room! But as soon as we left it, she became the fabulous guide that she is! She learned her way around the hotel the first night, and it was so easy to get wherever we needed to be.

 

The convention was good, with a lot of very interesting presentations. The emphasis was on Braille literacy, which is a great love of mine, so I enjoyed it a lot! Especially interesting was a talk on teaching Braille. I wish I'd heard it before I was doing that fulltime! I'll be working with a little girl on pre-Braille skills soon, so I'm now looking for great ideas about that. Good stuff!

 

She was equally good on the way home, but when we finally walked into the apartment, she went nuts! Ran from end to end about eight times and then started spinning in circles! I think it was her way of letting me know that she was glad to be home! And it really cemented the fact that this is home in her head. And in mine as well. I haven't lived here long enough that it isn't a bit new, although I have to say that having her around makes it seem a bit more like home. There's something to be said for living with someone. And she's a truly wonderful roommate! She doesn't even mind when I wake up at 4:30 in the morning.

 

Last night, we went to dinner at some friends' house. They have an Australian shepherd who is about a year older, and twenty pounds heavier than Posh. They had a fine time! It was so good to let her run and play in a really big yard. Fortunately, she's good, and doesn't eat things she shouldn't! No small accomplishment for a lab!

 

Not sure what's on the agenda for today, but we'll go somewhere. We need to have some good street crossings. Hopefully, it won't involve food! I will be strong! You read it here!

 

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

The First Week Home!

I have certainly been neglectful of this space for the last several days. I could say that it's because nothing of particular note has happened, but that wouldn't be quite true.

 

All in all, it's been a lovely week. I think we were both a little tired from the intensity of the training at school. And, if it didn't come through in all the things I wrote, the training is, indeed, very intense! So, we've spent the week mostly relaxing and getting used to living with each other in a home setting. I have to say that Poshi has adapted incredibly well, and pretty much instantly. I'll confess to not being very good about keeping her on leash, as the school suggests. With only her and me in the house, it just didn't seem necessary. Her house manners are impeccable! And her playful side is coming out more and more every day. A couple of days ago, a couple of friends brought their dog over to meet her, and what a fine time they had! It was great to see her just acting like a puppy and romping and wagging and generally carrying on! This is a friendship that looks like it'll be fast and long-standing. I can almost picture them as a couple of old lady dogs, hanging out together and making fun of the puppies that they meet!

 

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell about the trip home. It was amazing! I've never had a guide who wasn't horrified at the thought of flying! Until now! She did sit up and look around a little at take-off and landing, as if to make sure that things were ok, but the rest of the time, she just curled up at my feet and slept! It was almost anti-climactic! I had a very full food pouch to help to keep her calm, but almost all of it just went into her food bowl when we got home. Since I hadn't fed her very much in the morning, she was more than ready for that.

 

Today, we're off to a rather small convention in Waterloo, across the state. I hope it's not too soon for such a thing, but judging from the past, I imagine she'll take it all in stride! I'll write about it when we get home! Wish us luck!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

The last two days!

Well leave it to me to not write here on the last two, and most important and fantastic days! So, we'll try to recap the highlights!

 

Friday was mostly a fun day. In the morning, we went to the mall. It wasn't so much for training with the dogs, as it was for, um, shopping! Some people bought souvenirs, gifts, etc. Some just walked around and window-shopped. It was a very relaxed trip! I went to a couple of stores and bought gifts for all the folks at home, which meant that I got to practice hauling around a very heavy bag! Doable, but then, I already knew this!

 

Friday afternoon was the wrap-up. We got an enormous binder of info about our dogs, and GDB in general, much of which is dreadfully inaccessible, but we won't complain here. I already did that, to people who might carry the message to the powers that be. Poshi saw the vet, who said that her ear is getting better, and no more meds after we leave here. Very good news, although I already knew it was getting better! Also started making preparations for going home. Amazing how settled in you can get after only three weeks! I feel like I'm dismantling a home!

 

Friday night was wonderful! I went out to dinner with one of Posh's puppy raisers, Katie, and her daughter Brittani. We had a terriffic time getting to know each other, and marveling at what a spectacular girl our Posh is! She behaved herself perfectly, and she and I showed off our stuff a little bit. We also laughed a great deal, which seems to be a theme of this trip!

 

Saturday! Graduation day! Nothing normal about this day, except perhaps the first couple of relieving times! There was a teeny lecture in the morning, and then we were left to it to pack. I couldn't do this, since my suitcase had died, and I was awaiting a couple of replacements being brought by my sister and brother-in-law! What a fine rescue! But it did mean that I had to pack later, which gave me some downtime, which I put to good use, grooming Poshi and me! Early lunch, and a quick visit with the afore-mentioned sister and BIL, (Marj and Bob), last-minute change of clothes, and the puppy raisers were there! I don't know if I have it in my power to describe this time. Very emotional, of course. The raisers are so joyous to see their dogs that they have loved and taught and inevitably given up which is the most generous thing I can imagine! I'm sure there must be some sadness too! And the dogs, who are ecstatic to see their beloved first family again! And so much catching up to do, in so little time! Katie and Brittani were there, and Sharon and Anna, who raised Posh from about four and a half months to the time she came back to GDB! They brought me lovely gifts, too, as if Posh weren't enough! After an hour or so, they had us go in to have our pictures taken. Some of my raisers were a bit shy, and didn't get snapped, but we won't pick on them! Hopefully, they turned out well!

 

Soon after that, it was time for me to relieve the wee girl, which she did not find amusing in the least! She knew her other people were waiting for her, so she hurried! Then, I turned her over to these four lovely and amazing women, and off I went to await presentation at the graduation ceremony.

 

If you've been to a graduation, you know how special it is! If you haven't, it's hard to express it. It's one of the things GDB does really well. After a brief explanation of the program and an introduction of the instructors, each student is called up, along with the people who raised their puppy. The dog is presented to the student/grad, and everyone has the opportunity to say a few words. The stories and expressions of love and thanks are just incredible. Thanks to my last name, I was last, which I enjoyed a lot. I got to watch my classmates do their stuff, and I was proud of them all! When it was my turn, I realized that I could have taken all that time to figure out what I wanted to say, but instead, I was clueless! I have no idea what actually came out, but I got a few compliments, so I'm assuming I did okay. Herself was, of course, perfect, just lying at my side. There was a brief demonstration of obedience and guide work, and the show was over! Time to mingle with the raisers, and my family, and some friends! April and Tim and the kids were there, although April didn't get to see the show, since she had to work. I'm sure the kids were fairly bored by the time it was my turn, although I understand they were helped through it by a little five-month-old version of Poshi, sitting beside them! Puppies are so cool!

 

Bob and Marj and April and Tim and Ryan and Jane and Poshi and I all went out to dinner afterwards. It was a very fun time, although probably the last thing I needed was yet another terriffic meal! Oh well, the diet begins tomorrow!

 

We got back to the dorm early, and it was time to begin packing, finally! I did most of it last night, got a few hours sleep, and went back to it this morning.

 

I'm mostly done, I hope! I'm off to have a quick shower, and go hug the first group before they leave at 4:45! I'm lucky enough to be in the second group, who have a more leisurely agenda! We don't have to be on the bus till six! And then a very long trip, two flights, back to Des Moines. Where we'll get down to the business of living! How very full my life feels now! It's been an incredible three weeks, and it's only been the beginning!

 

See you, as they say, on the flip side! Love to all!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com
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Rehearsal day!

What an interesting day we had today! We went to the Portland airport, and practiced going through security! I've never done that in class before, and I think it's a grand idea. Not only did we get to practice how it's done, and see how the dogs did in a crowd and a line, but it was also wonderful training for the staff at the airport. I will say that this was the lightest I've ever "traveled", with only my shoes and a little pack in the tray. So in that sense, it wasn't entirely realistic. I would usually have a carry-on, a BrailleNote, a purse, and maybe another thing or two to keep track of! But it went really well. Posh was greatly admired by the people who wanded us, and of course, she took it in her stride. After all, when you are the cutest dog on the planet, you just sort of expect to be given compliments by your adoring public! I also heard a few kids commenting on how cute she is, but she wasn't lured by them. Apparently kids aren't quite as interesting as trees with lots of doggy smells. There is no accounting for personal taste!

 

This afternoon, we went to a nature trail. Lots of sniffing opportunities, and Posh mostly ignored them all! It was a gorgeous day, and just a really nice walk along a river.

 

Tonight, I got to talk to both of her puppy raisers, wich is always so much fun. I know I've already said it, but I just love these people. They have to be among the most generous in the world! Everyone's going to be here on Saturday, so Herself shall be a star! And I also had another massage! Thanks to GDB for providing this option! I really do need to find something like that at home!

 

Now, since I feel like a noodle, and my little dog is asleep, I think I will join her! Tomorrow will be even busier than yesterday!

 

Night!

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Three days and counting

Things are starting to blur a bit around here. There is so much yet to do, and the time is really growing short! We did two routes yesterdday. The first was more clicker training, this time, outside. I decided to have her show me a bench, since I might want one, either for a rest, or to wait for a bus. She learned in record time. I've taught my dogs to do this before, but the clicker does shorten the process. And, it's a lot of fun, both for the dog and for me. I'm not sure how crucial it is, but it certainly has its merrits.

 

The trip in the afternoon was to a pet store. It was a slightly different route from what we had been doing, and that crazy guy with the silent car paid us all a little surprise visit, but the dogs all handled it just fine! Posh did it so well I didn't even know she was doing it! She just stopped, and when I tried to get her to go, she said no, and waited till that silly car went away, and then carried on as usual. Pretty unflappable, my wee Poshi girl!

 

 

We had our exit interviews, which were pretty short and painless, and a lecture last night on caring for our dogs. Interesting to have such a thing after having cared for dogs for my whole life, but it doesn't hurt to go over the basics.

 

While I was in lecture, I got a call from one of her raisers. She tried again, but we were relieving our dogs! So, we'll try again today. It's looking pretty busy, though! Lots to cram in to just a little space. Today should be pretty interesting though! Stay tuned!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Told ya!

Well, I said yesterday was gonna be a long day, and I was really right about that! First thing, we worked with our old friend Juneau once again. We even left the dogs in our rooms, because this work was very new and important, and the dogs would have mutinyed if they'd seen it. We were learning about clicker training. It's very popular among animal trainers, but until recently has been viewed as a particularly visual method of training. One of the trainers here has figured out a way for blind people to use it, and it is surprisingly effective. The idea is to "click" at the very instant the dog does the desired behavior, and by doing this, to shape the behavior into what you want the final result to be. It sounds simpler than it is, at least so far. Oh, and I forgot the critically important detail that as soon as the dog hears the click, it knows that a food reward will follow. Hence the excitement of the dogs when they discovered that we knew about this most favorite of their games! But that came later. In the morning, with Juneau's help, we learned the principles of the thing, how to hold the clicker, harness and leash all in one hand, and signal the dog and feed it with the other. I felt like I was learning to dance!

 

After that, we went for a walk with the (as yet) unsuspecting dogs. We went to a very sniffy neighborhood, some of which had no sidewalks, just to practice doggy distractions. I opted for sidewalks all the way, since I rarely go where there are none. Still, Posh found things to interest her, but she was strong and resisted temptation, well, mostly anyway!

 

After lunch, we split into two groups. My half first worked on the clicker training with our real dogs, which proved to be much more challenging than it had been with Juneau. The object was to teach the dog to show you an empty chair. It was only a start, since there weren't actually any full chairs for contrast, but it was a lot of fun, and Posh was pretty inteerested in showing me all the chairs she encountered for awhile! I know that, with a bit of persistence, I can teach her to do this, which will be invaluable in future meetings. Who knew!

 

Then we went to the vet's office, where we, or rather the dogs, had their pre-graduation exams. Posh is doing just fine, although we're still working on clearing up that sore spot on her ear. She had gained about seven tenths of a pound, which wasn't as bad as I had feared. They have her on four cups of food a day, which is quite a lot for such a little dog! But she can handle it! I may cut her back a little when we're home, but apparently she has a pretty high metabolism. By the time I, along with the other five in my half, were done being examined, it was nearly feeding time, but first, we gathered for a lecture from the vet, covering general issues like flea and heartworm prevention, tooth care, weight control and vaccinations. Just enough time to feed, water and relieve the dogs, and it was our dinner time. (Roast turkey and mashed potatos and veg, and the most amazing apple pie imaginable. Wish I could say I resisted, but I hate to lie!

 

We had an hour or so free, and then it was time for the night route. We went to Gresham, where we know our way around, and did a fairly uneventful route. Posh was just about perfect. The only really interesting thing she did was to lead me straight to the steps of the Italian restaurant where we had gone on Saturday! It made me laugh, and I told her she was a good girl, even though I didn't want to go there this time. Well, I wouldn't have minded, truth to tell, but we just didn't have time! Still, I loved having the option! And it made me laugh!

 

We got home around nine thirty, relieved the dogs, and faded fast. But all in all, it was a most satisfying and fun day!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Another day in Portland

Yesterday, we spent the whole day in Portland again. In the morning, my precious little girl decided that the time had come to see if I really was the alpha dog in this team. I have been expecting it, all the dogs do it, but so far, Posh had been perfect, so I just figured we'd pass that test by! No such luck! Posh decided to check out every tree, every pole, every blade of grass in downtown Portland, in great detail. It about drove me nuts, and it probably did the same for her, since I was mean, and wouldn't let her do any of it! We had to have a couple of discussions before she saw things from my point of view. But, since I am, in fact, the alpha dog, she came around to my way of thinking. The afternoon route was excellent! She was about perfect! And we went down by the waterfront, where everyone takes their dog on the weekend, and there are wondrous smells everywhere! I'm taking Posh's word for this, but she assures me it's true! She's also fairly annoyed that I felt it necessary to let everyone know about her little test yesterday, since she was so good in the afternoon
! But after all, it does prove that she is human after all, metaphorically speaking!

 

Last night we all learned about our puppy raisers. Thanks to this blog, and the miracle of email, I already knew about mine, but most people didn't. It was a great time. The puppy raisers are our heroes, big time! Thanks to them, we are given dogs that we can take anywhere, without fear that they will suddenly become utterly doggish and rude. Most of the people who raised all of our dogs will be at the graduation, which will be wonderful! It will also ensure that we'll need lots of tissues to get through it, but the more, the better!

 

Today will be a busy one! We are learning about clicker training, which is a totally new thing since I was last here. So far, we've only done it with Juneau, who is usually a perfectly behaved dog, and who eats no kibbles, so is easy to feed. This afternoon, we'll try it with the real dogs. We'll teach them to find an empty chair. This is enormously useful! And then, after dinner, (roast turkey with trimmings), we'll have another night run. I'll try to write tonight, but if I don't, just picture me blissfully asleep, and you'll have the picture!

 

Now, we're off for a morning walk in a neighborhood that has sidewalks, and none, just to keep things interesting! Probably lots of smells too!

 

Happy trails!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Doin' the town

Great Saturday! Like millions of other women, my friend and I went shopping, got lots of stuff, only some of which we needed, and went for a nice, relaxing glass of wine. The fact that we were accompanied by a perfectly matched set of wee black lab girls was what made it perfect! I had promised on Tuesday, (I think it was Tuesday???), to buy myself silly in this dear little shop which is moving, and so has everything on sale. Being a good girl, I kept my word! We had a great time, listening to several CD's, most of which came home with us. I also got Posh a totally cool raincoat, which is fleece-lined. I think I may have mentioned it before? And lots of wee tiny treasures that were just for fun! The dogs were their charming selves, and the two clerks were enchanted with them! How could they be anything else? The restaurant was great! Italian, so the smells were a bit of heaven! But we didn't eat anything, because the kitchen people at Guide Dogs had done their usual magic at lunchtime, so we weren't even tempted!

 

The rest of the day has been restful and not very exciting. This is a seriously good thing! Tomorrow promises to be much the same. Then, the final week, which is always hectic and fun! If I don't write tomorrow, just assume that Posh and I dozed and read our way through the day.

 

Oh there was one cool thing that has nothing to do with dogs. I got a couple of phone calls from two brothers that I went to high school with! We haven't spoken for a very, very long time. I will not annoy them by stating how long, but just use your imagination! Reconnecting is so much fun! So, if you're reading, Hi Jim and George!

 

Love to all!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Yesterday in Portland

I tried to write something yesterday, I really did! But I was falling asleep at the desk, and I figured the kindest thing I could do would be to put it off till today, and write something while I'm awake!

 

We spent the whole day in Portland, which was a total treat for me. I lived there for ten years, and worked downtown for most of those years, so it was a place I knew well. It was fun to walk around streets I know, and see how Miss Posh did with the Max Tracks, and all the big city noise and distractions. She did a terriffic job,of course. This dog is mostly unflappable. And if she does flap a teeny bit, I only have to say her name, or give a little tug on her leash, and she's right back there with me. We did stairs and elevators, which are a piece of cake! And revolving doors, which Miss Dog thinks are a piece of cake! I hate them with a passion, but she's totally cool. Maybe she'll get me to change my mind? Or.......not!

 

Anyway, we survived them, and the heat, and came back home tired and happy. Everyone was seriously tired last night, so at least it wasn't just me!

 

This morning, we had our individual meetings with our instructors. I'm doing fine. Didn't have many questions, so it was fine!

 

And now, to the potty spot, lunch, and our outing! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com
You can see what I'm up to in increasing detail at:
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Three times lucky

What a very long day this has been! Instead of our usual two routes, we did three, the third one being at night. The first one involved another mall and the ever-popular escalators! Oh yes, and the truly annoying back boots which we had to wear! We managed to lose one again, but it got found, of course! I'm thinking that I need to work on putting them on tightly, if I'm going to have her wear them at all. With all the nsnow and ice, and the salt used to control it, I think we'll need to! I have pretty much given up on having her find the boot when she loses it! First, she doesn't tell me, and it's not obvious. And second, even if I caught it immediately, I'm pretty sure she'd put on her most vapid expression, and assure me that she hadn't a clue where it might be, or even what it might look like! Boots? Never heard of 'em!

 

This afternoon, Kaye and I went to the ATM, Which talked and worked perfectly, which is still a great novelty for me! Then to a little cafe where we got cold drinks. The dogs were perfect! We only saw an instructor long enought to oint out the ATM, which we hadn't been to before. It was great to just kick back in a public place and enjoy, knowing that we had totally well-behaved puppies beside us!

 

The night walk was fun, and very uneventful. Basically we just went where we go in the daytime, but in the dark. It doesn't seem to bother the dogs much. I also played a few songs for Kaye that I have recorded, which was fun.

 

Tomorrow we go to Portland! Love it! To train in a place that I totally know, where I worked for many years, will be a treat! I've never done that before. Greatly looking forward to it. But for now, I must go to sleep! Can't think straight! Being tired is a good thing! Night all!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Halfway there

A very strange concept indeed! In some ways, it seems that we've come so far and learned so much, I can't imagine what else there is, even though I know better! And in other ways, the time has flown by, and I can't imagine that I'll be ready to go home by graduation. Both reactions are true, and wrong at the same time. Which means we're about right on target.

 

Today was good. In the morning, we went to a mall where those of us who wanted it got escalator training. The others practiced in-building skills. The dogs had to wear their boots on their back feet to do the escalators, so we know that my darling Poshi was not a happy camper, at least for awhile. It turned out that she really likes doing escalators though, so she soon forgot her grief with the boots, and had a fine time. I had a little more trouble, since I haven't had much in the way of training, and that hasn't been for years! I kept holding her back, which she thought was a correction, which is totally counterproductive! But eventually, I got ahold of it, and Posh never actually took the perceived corrections very seriously, so we did fine! I had a pumpkin-spice latte afterward, which was really delicious! I usually don't do that sort of thing, but it was seasonal and fun!

 

This afternoon, we went to a development which my instructor likes to call a Stepford Wives neighborhood. We had several options of walks to take, and I chose the nature trail. Poshi was feeling pretty sniffy all day, and was testing me a little, so I wanted to give her lots of opportunity to work on it. She really did just fine, sniffs notwithstanding.

 

I was unbelievably sore today, from the massage. I think I need to have one fairly often, just to keep this kind of thing from happening! The muscles feel fantastic, even with the soreness. I'm having another next week, just before graduation!

 

That's it for tonight. A pretty uneventful day, which is the best!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Your basic day

Today was great, especially when you compare it to yesterday. We did two routes, one bus to lounge, like the one we did a few days ago. The other was a free-lance, where we could decide where we wanted to go, and the instructors more or less left us to it. My roommate, Kaye, and I went together with our little dogs. Kaye has one that is about as small as mine, and also black. They're just entirely too cute! Anyway, we had an hour. I had to go to a jeweller, to get the clasp on my bracelet fixed, which only took about thirty seconds, once I got there! Then, we went to this cool little gift shop, which is going out of business and has lots of goodies on sale. I found a terriffic raincoat for Posh. It's pretty little, and it's fleece-lined, which will be a seriously good thing, come wintertime! We're going back there on Saturday, and I've already promised to buy myself stupid there! More about Saturday another time, but it promises to be too much fun!

 

The morning started out with a bang though. We are supposed to leave our dogs in our rooms occasionally, to get them used to being alone. I hate doing it, and whine a lot, but we have to, so we do. This morning was my turn to leave Posh, so I kissed her goodbye and went off to breakfast. Near the end of the meal, I felt this little nose sniffing at my leg, and reached down to tell Posh to lie down. Only she wasn't there! I totally panicked! I called her and told everyone my dog was missing! Then, from across the room, I heard Kaye gently mention that she wasn't with me, she was in our room. The whole class cracked up! Turns out that the dog sitting with the person next to me was sniffing me, probably trying to find out what I'd done with Posh. He has quite a crush on her! And I'd totally forgotten that I didn't have her. The instructors had entirely too much fun teasing me about that all day! I saw my old trainer at lunch, the one who trained my last dog, and they had to tell her, too! It made for a lot of good laughs!

 

Then tonight, I had a massage, which was wonderful. A therapist comes in once every class, and does them for the students who want them. It had been well over ten years since I'd had one, and I was long overdue! But maybe the best part was when I came back to our room, and Posh went crazy sniffing and wagging, and generally giving me a most enthusiastic greeting! It just confirmed that bond that I already know is growing more huge every day. Nothing better! As I have already noted, life is good!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com
You can see what I'm up to in increasing detail at:
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A walk in the park

Well, if I were to let miss Posh tell you about yesterday, she would likely say that it was a terrible, awful and very very dreadful day! And she might even cry at the memory! So I'll have to do it for her, since she is now peacefully sleeping.

 

The morning was fine! Excellent, in fact. It was Labor Day, and the town of Gresham was half asleep, which made our travels very easy, and more interesting than usual. There were lots of dogs and children everywhere. My wee girl ignored them beautifully, of course. We went on a little route with our roomates, in preparation for our outing on Saturday! Not too much to say, other than that the dogs behaved very well, and the trip was mostly uneventful. Her ears, although still a little crusty, didn't seem to be bothering her very much. Oh, and we did have our class pic taken before we went to Gresham. We were lovely, of course!

 

After lunch, we gathered to hear a lecture on handling the public. Not too much to learn here, but a good reminder. Dealing with the public is pretty much constant when traveling with these pups! They then told us it was time for us to start picking up after our dogs, (Oh loveliness!), and to bring their boots and head collars on the bus, we were going to the park! Well, first, being her most cooperative little self, Miss Posh provided me with a little gifftie to pick up right away. Ah yes, it comes right back, like riding the proverbial bicycle. Then we all went to the park and were told to put on the dogs' boots. No particular reason for this, we just needed to practice walking with them in boots. Normally, you would put them on for extreme heat, or cold, or for riding escalators. Since we live in Iowa, we will have to get really well aquainted with those boots, so practicing seemed like a good idea to me. Not to Posh! She was horrified! At first, she refused to put her right back foot on the ground, figuring that, if she didn't, I couldn't raise her left back foot to put on the last boot. I thought the plan was pretty good, only, of course, I'm bigger and meaner than she is, and I made her put the foot down, and wear all four. She sort of hopped instead of walking in her usual dignified manner. She did settle down eventually, although she kept stopping and looking at me for some food rewards, which she never does on the street. I think she felt that she at least deserved that! Then, about halfway through, we had to put her head collar on, so she could practice wearing that! She hated it! I think it's similar to a halty, but I'm not sure. I only know that my poor baby girl was quite miserable as she gamely made it through the rest of the route. She did fine, actually, and I know we'll be fine this winter, because she'll get used to the boots. It doesn't mean she has to like them! At one point, we heard a very little child wail in utter despair! Posh told me that she completely understood how that poor kid felt! She did manage to lose two of her shoes along the way, but that mean old instructor just picked 'em up and gave them to me and told me to put them back on her, just to help her get used to wearing them! We had the chance to go around again, but I decided not to. I figured that, between yesterday, when she had to stay right next to me every second and was too sleepy to play, and today when she had to wear these terrible things, she'd probably had enough. She agreed, big time! She wouldn't lie down with her shoes on. and somehow managed to get another shoe off while we waited for those braver souls who did go around a second time. But another,equally mean instructor gave it back to me, so we still have all four of her shoes. I'm a little worried about her wearing them in Iowa though, since she's not likely to find them for me if she loses them! Maybe she'll appreciate that they keep her feet from the ice and snow? I don't think so!

 

When we got home, she crashed in her crate, big time! She got more playful later on, and by the time it was bedtime, she was back to being her lovable and joyful self. But she told me that, if I were going to write in that thing and tell everyone everything, I had to tell you all that she hated her shoes and head collaar! So, you've all been told!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Teeny Anniversary

Well, it's been one week since I first met my wee girl. Time to look back and see how far we've come! And a wondrous trip it has been!

 

We've had a really nice weekend. Yesterday, four friends of ours, my roommate and I, gathered for a knitting party. It was too much fun. One of our friends also has a guide dog, so they all got to sniff and wag at each other. The only problem was that Posh had/has something wrong with her ears. The tips of both ears are a bit swollen and red. It kind of looks like something might have stung or bit her. Poor baby! She cried yesterday, but we weren't sure if the cause was her sore ears, or excitement over a new dog in her life, or sheer boredom, since she didn't get to work.

 

Today, we put her back on the Benedryl, and gave the ears a soak in something fairly dreadful, and some ointment. We might have to have the vet take a look at her, but that can't happen till Tuesday, tomorrow being a holiday! And, the ears are looking better. The hope is that by Tuesday, they'll be perfect, and she won't have to make that dreaded walk. In the meantime, she hasn't been able to hang out in her crate. BTW, this dog is unaccountably fond of the crate! I always thought that dogs would hate them, viewing them as a kind of prison! But, since my roommate's dog got one a few days ago, Posh has been trying to sneak over and climb in! Once, she actually made it, since I'd fallen asleep, and didn't realize she had gone over there! So, we brought in the one for her, and she's been loving it! Runs for it when we come in the room. I'm considering buying her one, which is astonishing! But we do want a happy girl! Anyway, she couldn't go in there at all today, since I have to keep her right beside me to ensure that she doesn't scratch her ears, or shake them. Ever try to stop a dog from shaking their ears? Very, very tall order!

 

Shortly, she'll have her last dose of meds, at least for today, and she can finally make her way into her beloved crate and go off to dreamland! Which she does, loudly, fairly often! She's so cute!

 

And tomorrow, we're back at work!

 

It has been a fantastic week. Our relationship is growing closer every day, and I couldn't be happier with her! GDB, ya done good!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

First Friday

Well, technically, it's Saturday, but we won't quibble. I had intended to write yesterday, but I sort of fell asleep before I could get to it! Guess that says a lot right there!

 

We started out the day with traffic checks, which all of us retrains sort of dread. Although I have to say that they've gotten a whole lot nicer since the first time I did them. Basically, you have this mad instructor in one of those new silent cars, pulling out of driveways and around corners at you everywhere. My very savvy little girl figured out right away that the guy driving this car was nuts, and to be looked out for hugely! Can't put much over on her! Basically, this is a confidence builder, and I think the new people in class were really impressed. We all were, really, it's just that they're not a lot of fun, even though you know that the crazy guy driving that car is one of the best trainers on the planet, and would cut off his hands before harming a hair on either the students or the dogs. We all passed, but it left the doggies feeling fairly tired, and more or less disgusted that they would let such people out on the streets!

 

Then we did a regular route to the Greek Deli, where I was your basic tower of strength and didn't buy a thing! I went with one of the staff, who also has a guide, and we "worked doubles". In other words, she would take the lead for one block, and I did on the next. They used to do a lot of it, as a time saver. It's fun!  

 

Oh, and I forgot to mention yesterday that I have already had an offer for Posh! Some guy came up to me and asked if it was a baby dog? I resisted the temptation to say yes she sure is, in my gooeyest voice, and just said that she is small, but very adult. He then asked if I wanted to sell her! I told him that there isn't enough money in the world, which seemed to confuse him. Go figure! And, so it begins! Nice to know I have such a lovely dog, but honestly, I really did already know that! LOL!

 

Now, I'm going back to sleep. The weekend will be much quieter, with probably not too much to report, but I'll see what I can come up with!

 

Love to all!

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com

Shopping and independence

Another great day! I keep waiting for the testing to begin, but so far, Posh is just being an angel!

 

This morning, we all went to Fred Meyer, which is a large, one-stop store. There is a Starbucks there, where we all waited for our turns to shop. It must have been a magnificent sight for any shopper who happened by, to see all of our wonderful dogs being so quiet and good! I had black coffee, which was very good, but then, not content with being virtuous, I had to have a muffin to go with it! I keep telling myself that I'm burning off all the calories from all this gorgeous food by walking so much. I have also promised myself not to go near my scales for at least a month after I get home, so I will never have to face the ugly truth!

 

Anyway, eventually we did shop, although I didn't actually want anything. Posh learned the "follow" command, where she just follows whoever I'm with. They don't even teach this before class, since it is such a natural thing. She did just fine! She also heeled beside me, following a cart, as though she'd done it for as many years as I have!

 

This afternoon, we all walked from the bus to the lounge in Gresham. It was about a ten-block walk, and while we did meet various instructors along the way, we were more or less on our own. It was an easy route, with just a couple of lights and turns, but herself was about as close to perfect as a dog can be. It's getting more and more comfortable to walk with her, although I still have to watch for her teeny feet!

 

We're both being a couple of slugs tonight. I did play with her a little, but she told me that she was tired and wanted her bone! I understand completely! I haven't got a bone, so I'm making do with a computer! Life is good!

 

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So much better!

Today was just lovely! We were supposed to work on sidewalkless streets and country roads, which, generally speaking, are easy, mellow routes. But first, Erin took me back to Gresham to work on the downtown streets, since I'd missed out on yesterday. She also gave me a new harness handle, which has a very strange shape, but which makes walking much more comfortable for both Posh and me. Puts just the teeniest bit more room between us, so I don't walk on her little feet. We didn't have that awkwardness of the first couple of blocks, as we had before. It was just smooth from the first. The dog is incredible. She just doesn't make any mistakes! The walk was uneventful, but isn't that the best!

 

Then on to the sidewalkless route. I would like to point out that the lecture tells us that the first feature of these routes is that there no sidewalks! Duh! Do ya think? Anyway, Posh was excellent there, too! Especially good at showing me the cars people parked on the streets, and then skirting them perfectly. Have I mentioned that she's a lovely worker?

 

I've always loved those country road walks. I've never quite seen the point, since it's just a straight shot between the two buses, but it gave us our first time of walking without an instructor being close. Enormously peaceful! The only problem was that it was pretty hot, and I worry about Posh getting too hot. You can feel how her black hair absorbs the sun, and I got to hear her pant for the first time. We had the option of walking the road one way, or round trip, and I opted for the round trip, more or less against my better judgement. But I felt like both of us could use the push. We did just fine, but I think we were both more than happy to get to the bus!

 

Then we had a little tour of the campus without our dogs. So, while Miss Posh kicked back on her bed with her bone, I walked a bit more in the sun, and hopefully learned something about the layout of the campus. I still don't think I could just take off with her for a walk around it, but maybe later. We'll have one more tour with the dogs, and maybe then I'll feel confident enough to go for it!

 

Tonight, there was a session for the retrains, where we told about all of our past dogs. What wonderful, tender stories! It is so hard to explain that bond that forms with these dogs, but in that group, we all understood.

 

Which brings us up to now, and a long and lovely day it has been! Night all!

 

 

Bonding

Well, today started out looking like it would be pretty dreadful. Just after breakfast, one of the instructors came over to me, and said she wanted to take Posh to the vet.

She said her face was a little puffy, and it looked like she had hives. So, I relinquished my wee puppy, and off they went. I missed the obedience and food distraction practice, and just as we were ready to get on the bus, Erin, the instructor told me that Posh was back in our room, and had been given Benedryl, and wouldn't be able to work all day. Poor baby!

 

She said we should go to the lounge, and I should work through the routes with one of the instructors, so that's what we did. I learned a little about the layout of the lovely town of Gresham, but while we waited for the others, we just settled down on the bean bag chair. She totally cuddled up, and it felt great. Somehow, that time made me feel closer to her, and I think it did the same for her. So, at least the day wasn't a total waste. In fact, that part of it was truly great. And I'm sure tomorrow will be better. Everyone says her face looks better. It worries me a bit that I didn't notice it, but they said I wouldn't. Hmmm.... a little scary. Anyway, tomorrow is sidewalkless areas, and country roads! Sure hope she doesn't get into anything out there!

 

 

 

rachaelwarke@gmail.com
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