Guiding Eyes Day 12 Thurs 6th
Have you heard the expression 'keep on keeping on?' Pippi took that statement seriously this morning. Today began student poop patrol. We were given the lecture on correctly picking up poop last night. We were told to always at least 2 poop bags, just in case. Yesterday's rain left a rather prominent puddle directly below my room's Park door. Missy Prissypants, once again, decided her delicate toes couldn't be subjected to water and she refused to go outside. A few requests didn't work. A few leash correction yanks didn't either. When nothing seems to work....pull out the cookies! (What? Cookies work for me too.) I think her inner dialogue might have sounded like this:
Mom: Come on Pipsqueak, let's potty.
Pip: Yeah right, what's this 'us' business? I don't see you squatting out here.
Mom: Get busy. Busy, busy.
Pip: Hrumph, I know what to do to change her attitude.
So she left a pile for me. While I was collecting thatwarmth, she moved about a foot behind me and left another pile. First double-bagger in the class. Yeah, I know, it's a real honor.
Our lesson for the day was shorelining or walking along a street with no sidewalks. The dog keeps you close to the left hand side since walkers go against traffic direction. Not too difficult, unless real cars come along. And did I mention we had cool rainy weather today? My hood kept slipping down past my eyebrows, the visor I wore- to help hold up the hood- turned around to the back of my head, and just to be sure I had poor visibility, my glasses fogged up!
In the afternoon, my instructor called us, with our dogs, to the main hall to learn about booties. Not the human derriere, the shoe kind. She explained that extreme high or low temperatures can have an adverse effect on the paw pads. She handed us each for booties; the top had mesh and parachute material, the soles looked like hiking boot treads. They slipped on- with some convincing and more cookies- and then you tightly cinched a velco strap around their ankle area. All at the same time, we asked the dogs to stand up and walk down the hall with us. Dogs are NOT overly fpnd of shoes. (And it's a good thing with 4 feet; their shoe replacement budget would be sky high! Here were big and small labs cloppinf along, like Clydsdales! I was howling, it looked so funny. It was the only moment I felt badly for those who are totally blind in class. A few dogs were uncoordinated or ticked off thos hunks of rubber were attached. One dog splayed out all 4 legs and went down. Pippi was turning in circles while trying to gnaw the velcro off. Anothe clopped around looking down at his feet. Taking home a set of booties is not mandatory but I think Pip will need them in Hotlanta's brutal aummers. I'm not sure of the color yet, but the booties are either black or grey, She will be too cool.
Had one of those heart-crashing-to-the floor moments today. Instructor and supervisor came to my room and wanted to talk. I won't go through the conversation with you because it was embarrassing, mortifying, humbling, and slightly emotionally painful. Everything was stated kindly, respectfully, and with genuine concern, I believe. But the gist was they were concerned I wasn't being conscientious/discerning enough in several areas (see why I was mortified). Although I really appreciated them taking time to 'bring this to my attention,' my M.O when I get overwhelmed is watery eyes. Me being upset made them upset- well you get the picture. The bottom line is I need to rise to the occasion if I truly want to come home with my little girl. When they left, all of us on good terms, the emotion overcame me and I had a tiny pity party. Sweet Pippi came up to me-I was sitting on the floor- and licked at the tears. I know that seems loving, but let's face it, they lick for the salt. But she did bring the tennis ball over and dropped it in my lap, her signal that she wants to play. Maybe that one was all about me.
Remember, no post tomorrow due to the night walk. I will catch up by Sunday
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Guiding Eyes Day 11 Wed. 5th
Well, it was bound to happen. A tough day. However, if the saying about 'things happen in threes' is true, I'm done for the day.
First walk of the day done in tandem again. Caught most infractions and used proper corrections. Ready for 10:30 water and park. Tried to remove harness, Pippi squirmed, I dropped it and somehow she got her head caught in between the harness handle. We heard a shrill Yelp! My instructor ran out of the other room, found the cause of the yip, and handed me the high value treats. A handful of treats. She explained that Pippi would become 'gun-shy' or harness resistent if we couldn't help her mitigate the pain (not really hurtful, it just scared her). About 20 treats later, and an attempted park, I needed to put the harness back on. Slowly, carefully, praising all the while, she was buckled up and ready to boogie. Of course she needed a few treats for being cooperative. Seems to me that if someone got me tangled in something and I was given a bunch of cookies, I'd seriously consider getting myself into that predicament again! Fortunately, Pippi doesn't think that way!
Bad mommy moment #2 We return from White Plains around 4:00 and feed-water-park. For the past four days, during this feed time, we have been shaking an antibiotic on their food, adding a bit of water to make it soupy because one dog-in the kennels, not our class group- tested positive for Giardia. The school goes into precautionary mode and treats ALL the dogs, washes out their crates, their food bowls, their Nylabones, and machine washes the 'mattress pads.' And did I mention they bathe all the dogs? That's around 80 + dogs. Today was the fifth and last dose of medicine. First they took the crates which confused Pippi. Next they extricated the toy bone. She looked perplexed and kept pacing back and forth. The bad mommy moment came when my intructor knocked on the door to hand things back to me and Pippi was too close and I opened the door over a foot. High-pitched yelp, twice in one day. :-( Bring out the high value treats...again. I certainly don't want her to become 'door-resistent!'
The third bad happened to me. The toilet/shower room is oddly configured and as I started to leave it, I smashed my head into the tile wall. Maybe I deserved that....hurt the dog twice, come uppance for mom.
Today is the last day for two of our classmates, Their program is 10 days at school and 5 days one-on-one at their home. This program is reserved for individuals who cannot get 21 days away and they cannot be a first-timer. We first-timers need all the instruction and guidance we can get. It feels like a family falling apart, piece by piece. I'm disappointed these two women will not be in our graduation picture.
We have nightly lectures from 6-7:15. Tonight we heard, aloud, the Graduate's Contract. Basically, you take an oath promising to care for the dog with the greatest concern for health- both mental(providing on-going work to keep the dog stimulated) and physical (correct nutrition, weight, grooming) or else. What's the OR ELSE? They will come and reclaim the dog. No second chance, Hasta laviesta [sp] baby!
Did you know....
I do not own this dog? Guiding Eyes holds ownership for two years. After two full years, and no negative reports, the handler may request a transfer of ownership. The school will continue to support handlers but the handler would own the dog
The main talking point of the lecture? Beginning tomorrow, we are the poop patrol. Keep those poop bags handy, ladies and gents. We were even given the correct way to locate and retrieve said poop. It was a great visual, for the few of us who still have some sight!
Tomorrow is all day at the school, Suits me just fine; the weather is turning cooler and it will be rainy.
Well, it was bound to happen. A tough day. However, if the saying about 'things happen in threes' is true, I'm done for the day.
First walk of the day done in tandem again. Caught most infractions and used proper corrections. Ready for 10:30 water and park. Tried to remove harness, Pippi squirmed, I dropped it and somehow she got her head caught in between the harness handle. We heard a shrill Yelp! My instructor ran out of the other room, found the cause of the yip, and handed me the high value treats. A handful of treats. She explained that Pippi would become 'gun-shy' or harness resistent if we couldn't help her mitigate the pain (not really hurtful, it just scared her). About 20 treats later, and an attempted park, I needed to put the harness back on. Slowly, carefully, praising all the while, she was buckled up and ready to boogie. Of course she needed a few treats for being cooperative. Seems to me that if someone got me tangled in something and I was given a bunch of cookies, I'd seriously consider getting myself into that predicament again! Fortunately, Pippi doesn't think that way!
Bad mommy moment #2 We return from White Plains around 4:00 and feed-water-park. For the past four days, during this feed time, we have been shaking an antibiotic on their food, adding a bit of water to make it soupy because one dog-in the kennels, not our class group- tested positive for Giardia. The school goes into precautionary mode and treats ALL the dogs, washes out their crates, their food bowls, their Nylabones, and machine washes the 'mattress pads.' And did I mention they bathe all the dogs? That's around 80 + dogs. Today was the fifth and last dose of medicine. First they took the crates which confused Pippi. Next they extricated the toy bone. She looked perplexed and kept pacing back and forth. The bad mommy moment came when my intructor knocked on the door to hand things back to me and Pippi was too close and I opened the door over a foot. High-pitched yelp, twice in one day. :-( Bring out the high value treats...again. I certainly don't want her to become 'door-resistent!'
The third bad happened to me. The toilet/shower room is oddly configured and as I started to leave it, I smashed my head into the tile wall. Maybe I deserved that....hurt the dog twice, come uppance for mom.
Today is the last day for two of our classmates, Their program is 10 days at school and 5 days one-on-one at their home. This program is reserved for individuals who cannot get 21 days away and they cannot be a first-timer. We first-timers need all the instruction and guidance we can get. It feels like a family falling apart, piece by piece. I'm disappointed these two women will not be in our graduation picture.
We have nightly lectures from 6-7:15. Tonight we heard, aloud, the Graduate's Contract. Basically, you take an oath promising to care for the dog with the greatest concern for health- both mental(providing on-going work to keep the dog stimulated) and physical (correct nutrition, weight, grooming) or else. What's the OR ELSE? They will come and reclaim the dog. No second chance, Hasta laviesta [sp] baby!
Did you know....
I do not own this dog? Guiding Eyes holds ownership for two years. After two full years, and no negative reports, the handler may request a transfer of ownership. The school will continue to support handlers but the handler would own the dog
The main talking point of the lecture? Beginning tomorrow, we are the poop patrol. Keep those poop bags handy, ladies and gents. We were even given the correct way to locate and retrieve said poop. It was a great visual, for the few of us who still have some sight!
Tomorrow is all day at the school, Suits me just fine; the weather is turning cooler and it will be rainy.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Guidig Eyes Day 10 Tuesday Nov. 4th
I hope everyone did their civic duty (not to be confused with the poop kind) and went out to vote today. Hey, if I can manage an absentee ballot, you can move your backside and go vote!
Quite a day today. Yes, we went to White Plains but we worked in tandem. Not two people and one dog, actuall two dogs, two handlers, and an instructor and intern. We walked a bit further, switching off the lead each block. This gave the dogs an opportunity to demonstrate they could work through distraction. We ended up in Macy's (already decorated for Christmas just four days after Halloween!) and planned to do "Juno" practice. The intern kept my dog while I practiced with an empty harness and leash on ESCALATORS!!! You heard correctly. Although I heard escalators were a no-no for guide dogs, that's not completely true. If you can get on and mostly get off correctly so the dog is safe, you can use them. I was a bit apprehensive but as with everything in this training, I throw myself into it anyway. The command 'to the stairs' is given and the dog will stop near the edge. You have the dog in a Heel position, reach your right arm out to the railing and be sure it is moving away from you. When you are ready, say"let's go' and at the exact same time, step onto the escalator with your dog. Say 'Heel" and position yourself one step above dog if you are going up and one step lower than dog if going down. As soon as you feel the handrail begin the curve downward, say 'let's go' and simultaneously, step off with dog, letting the leash out fully iin front of you. That's a lot of things to think about at once. If you aren't well coordinated, your doggie could injure his/her paw pads and it's months to recuperate. That translate to totally untraining. No pressure here! DISCLAIMER: No real dogs were hurt in this exercise. Our first try at the down escalator (the toughest to do), my instructor said to swing my left arm with the leash around the front of me. I did, but she asked me to notice where my hand was. In front of me and about three inches above eye. She asked me where my dog would be and I started to laugh. I was holding the 'dog' by the neck about 3 feet off the ground! Just swinging in the breeze like a side of meat. I was reminded that Pippi-real Pippi- is not that tall. We did 3 or 4 rotations up/down and then decided to try it for realsies. This time, I felt like the revved car engine with the park break on. I leapt unto the up escalator, Pippi in tow, positioned myself a step above and prepared to get off, although we still had another 30 seconds to go. Hopped off together and breathed a sigh of relief (and I'm betting Pippi did too).. Then we did tandom escalator riding. Not quite an Olympic sport yet, but who knows. I rode up and down escalators about a dozen times and never hurt the dog. Yeah, I'm cleared to use escalators! But, if I'm carrying packages, I'm taking the elevator. No reason to push my luck!
While my tandom partner was riding the stairs, I was standing about 30 or 40 feet away. Pippi had the easy part; she laid down on the floor and snoozed. Two guys worked by and commented that they loved labs. Three women walked by once with a lot of awws and ohhs. They circled back around and one lady started to lean toward the floor. I wanted to scream, "don't even think about touching this dog!' Instead I actually said," this is a working dog. You cannot pet her. (Sounds reasonable, right?
On the morning walk, we discovered that my leash corrections needed work. So, this evening, she found me in the computer lab and we practiced with an empty harness and leash in the hallways. I think I've got the corrections snap remembered now. We'll see tomorrow
I hope everyone did their civic duty (not to be confused with the poop kind) and went out to vote today. Hey, if I can manage an absentee ballot, you can move your backside and go vote!
Quite a day today. Yes, we went to White Plains but we worked in tandem. Not two people and one dog, actuall two dogs, two handlers, and an instructor and intern. We walked a bit further, switching off the lead each block. This gave the dogs an opportunity to demonstrate they could work through distraction. We ended up in Macy's (already decorated for Christmas just four days after Halloween!) and planned to do "Juno" practice. The intern kept my dog while I practiced with an empty harness and leash on ESCALATORS!!! You heard correctly. Although I heard escalators were a no-no for guide dogs, that's not completely true. If you can get on and mostly get off correctly so the dog is safe, you can use them. I was a bit apprehensive but as with everything in this training, I throw myself into it anyway. The command 'to the stairs' is given and the dog will stop near the edge. You have the dog in a Heel position, reach your right arm out to the railing and be sure it is moving away from you. When you are ready, say"let's go' and at the exact same time, step onto the escalator with your dog. Say 'Heel" and position yourself one step above dog if you are going up and one step lower than dog if going down. As soon as you feel the handrail begin the curve downward, say 'let's go' and simultaneously, step off with dog, letting the leash out fully iin front of you. That's a lot of things to think about at once. If you aren't well coordinated, your doggie could injure his/her paw pads and it's months to recuperate. That translate to totally untraining. No pressure here! DISCLAIMER: No real dogs were hurt in this exercise. Our first try at the down escalator (the toughest to do), my instructor said to swing my left arm with the leash around the front of me. I did, but she asked me to notice where my hand was. In front of me and about three inches above eye. She asked me where my dog would be and I started to laugh. I was holding the 'dog' by the neck about 3 feet off the ground! Just swinging in the breeze like a side of meat. I was reminded that Pippi-real Pippi- is not that tall. We did 3 or 4 rotations up/down and then decided to try it for realsies. This time, I felt like the revved car engine with the park break on. I leapt unto the up escalator, Pippi in tow, positioned myself a step above and prepared to get off, although we still had another 30 seconds to go. Hopped off together and breathed a sigh of relief (and I'm betting Pippi did too).. Then we did tandom escalator riding. Not quite an Olympic sport yet, but who knows. I rode up and down escalators about a dozen times and never hurt the dog. Yeah, I'm cleared to use escalators! But, if I'm carrying packages, I'm taking the elevator. No reason to push my luck!
While my tandom partner was riding the stairs, I was standing about 30 or 40 feet away. Pippi had the easy part; she laid down on the floor and snoozed. Two guys worked by and commented that they loved labs. Three women walked by once with a lot of awws and ohhs. They circled back around and one lady started to lean toward the floor. I wanted to scream, "don't even think about touching this dog!' Instead I actually said," this is a working dog. You cannot pet her. (Sounds reasonable, right?
On the morning walk, we discovered that my leash corrections needed work. So, this evening, she found me in the computer lab and we practiced with an empty harness and leash in the hallways. I think I've got the corrections snap remembered now. We'll see tomorrow
Monday, November 3, 2014
Guiding Eyes Day 9 Monday Nov.3rd
Second verse, same as the first. Not really. The days begin the same but that's about it for sameness.
The goals today were smooth approaches to curbs and corrections when there are distractions. Pippi and I sailed through our curbs, except for one. It was a + intersection. We stepped off the curb, headed to opposite curb. A car was pulled half way into the pedestrian walkway. Pippi moved me around the front of the car as trained. She's supposed to go back to her "straight line" but she must have been distracted by a scent [air distraction] or a little bird because we came to the curb about 2 feet left of our target. I cued her with the leash back to where we needed to be and she obeyed. That earned praise, but no treat. We're told to reward the correct behavior not the corrected one. My instructor tolde me to drop the harness, use the leash and we crossed back over the street to "rework" it. This lets your dog know it must be done correctly on the first try. Of course there wasn't a car in the way, but she landed exactly where we wanted her to and this time, she got the treat. Reward the correct behavior.
The morning weather was brisk and windy. On one of the longer street crossings, a large gust of wind swooshed right at Pip's butt. She jumped as if someone had goosed her and turned her head to look behind her. Not allowed when we are in the middle of the street! A forcefull Forward got her moving. My instructor laughed for an entire block about the look on Pippi's face.
Slight (I hope) injury as we were ready to return to school for the 4:00 PM feed-water-park. Pippi was given a Stay command at the base of the van steps. I'm supposed to sit down, then call her in. She jumped the gun, I sat but landed, hard, on the stationery portion of the seatbelt. Smack in the cocyx [no clue how to spell it.] Man that hurt! And still hurts every time I try to sit down.
The nightly lecture included this week's schedule. Our obedience this week will include a variety of distractions to try to make Miss Pipsqueak lose her concentration when sitting in a stay position, me standing 2 feet from her and someone walking all around her bouncing a ball. This week distractions will include squeaky toys, another dog, and loud noise. She peeked at the ball but stayed in place. I think the dog will be her weakness.
Friday will be a jam-packed day. Training in a different town, back to take group pictures and individual ones with our dogs, an exam from the vet, a lecture with the vet, AND a night walk. As in really dark, need a flashlight dark to be sure we don't fall off the curb kind of dark. Just picture it, folks; 4 sighted humans,10 blind or virtually blind humans, 10 dogs who have never worked with you in the dark ( and only a couple times with the trainers.) This is not painting a pretty picture, but I bet it will be an amusing blog post! It definitely will not be posted Friday night and maybe not Saturday. I promise I'll catch up by Sunday.
The photo is smushed a bit so I look stockier but Pippi looks awesome.
Second verse, same as the first. Not really. The days begin the same but that's about it for sameness.
The goals today were smooth approaches to curbs and corrections when there are distractions. Pippi and I sailed through our curbs, except for one. It was a + intersection. We stepped off the curb, headed to opposite curb. A car was pulled half way into the pedestrian walkway. Pippi moved me around the front of the car as trained. She's supposed to go back to her "straight line" but she must have been distracted by a scent [air distraction] or a little bird because we came to the curb about 2 feet left of our target. I cued her with the leash back to where we needed to be and she obeyed. That earned praise, but no treat. We're told to reward the correct behavior not the corrected one. My instructor tolde me to drop the harness, use the leash and we crossed back over the street to "rework" it. This lets your dog know it must be done correctly on the first try. Of course there wasn't a car in the way, but she landed exactly where we wanted her to and this time, she got the treat. Reward the correct behavior.
The morning weather was brisk and windy. On one of the longer street crossings, a large gust of wind swooshed right at Pip's butt. She jumped as if someone had goosed her and turned her head to look behind her. Not allowed when we are in the middle of the street! A forcefull Forward got her moving. My instructor laughed for an entire block about the look on Pippi's face.
Slight (I hope) injury as we were ready to return to school for the 4:00 PM feed-water-park. Pippi was given a Stay command at the base of the van steps. I'm supposed to sit down, then call her in. She jumped the gun, I sat but landed, hard, on the stationery portion of the seatbelt. Smack in the cocyx [no clue how to spell it.] Man that hurt! And still hurts every time I try to sit down.
The nightly lecture included this week's schedule. Our obedience this week will include a variety of distractions to try to make Miss Pipsqueak lose her concentration when sitting in a stay position, me standing 2 feet from her and someone walking all around her bouncing a ball. This week distractions will include squeaky toys, another dog, and loud noise. She peeked at the ball but stayed in place. I think the dog will be her weakness.
Friday will be a jam-packed day. Training in a different town, back to take group pictures and individual ones with our dogs, an exam from the vet, a lecture with the vet, AND a night walk. As in really dark, need a flashlight dark to be sure we don't fall off the curb kind of dark. Just picture it, folks; 4 sighted humans,10 blind or virtually blind humans, 10 dogs who have never worked with you in the dark ( and only a couple times with the trainers.) This is not painting a pretty picture, but I bet it will be an amusing blog post! It definitely will not be posted Friday night and maybe not Saturday. I promise I'll catch up by Sunday.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Guiding Eyes Day 8.5 Nov. 2nd
Since I retired from teaching, I've noticed I don't multitask as well as I once could. I think that has changed. Each time I go upstairs to use the computer, Pip comes with me. She tries to get my attention away from the computer by leaning her chin on my thigh and looking up from under the computer table at me. A little scratch won't do. Next, she puts a paw up on me and gives me those puppy dog eyes. A chin rub isn't enough. She wants the ultimate, a belly rub! She sprawls out on her back, all four legs in the air with her white fur streak running down her belly and waits. No rub? I get a paw grabbing at my hand. Since I need both hands for typing, I've discovered I can take off my shoes and rub her belly with my feet. That's fine with Miss Pip.
Sunday is a down day for everyone, except a nurse and an instructor, and the kitchen staff. And of course we must still Park-Feed-Water-Park at 6 AM, Water-Park at 10:30, Park before and after playtime, Feed-Water-Park at 4:00, Water-Park at 7:30 PM, and final Park at 9. BUT, in between today, was all leisure time. We walked around outside a little. Miss Pippi likes to crunchthrough piles of leaves by curbs, sniff them up, and if I'm not watching munch a leaf or two. After lunch, I needed a nap. I hooked her to the tie-down cord which gives 3 feet to move and laid down. I was just about gone when I heard CLINK. Pippi was rattling her tie-down hook. Almost out again and CLINK. After the third time, I said sternly, "Shhhh! Quiet down." Not another peep and I had a glorious 90 minute nap..
After dinner, I decided to watch some TV If I'm on the bed, she tries to jump up to be with me and that's a no-no dogs on furniture. So I sit cross-legged on the floor. She immediately plops her 50 lbs (I'm guessing, won't know weight until next Friday) on my lap, well the space where a lap would be if my legs were out straight. So there's a doggie butt on one thigh and a doggie head on the other, and dead weight in-between. I didn't think she was so heavy until I noticed my feet starting to tingle. If I put my legs out straigh, I get either a butt or a head. Every time Pippi shnoozes out, she begins with a heavy sigh (and sometimes a fart! And let me tell you, they are pretty darn stinky. She's a 'stealth' farter- not a sound but the aftermath does you in.
We also seem to have a night time ritual; into the crate and she sticks her nose through the bars, I rub her nose and she licks my finger. Then she puts her paw through the bars for me to hold. It's very sweet, but somehow I think she's actually saying," Please, oh please mom, don't leave me in here. I have to be right next to you." Or maybe it's, "Not again! How long do you think I can take this?"
Last week, if you told me I'd be holding hands,or paws with a dog, and kissing her head with regularity, I would have said,"yeah, when h*ll freezes over." All I can say is you better get out your winter coat, folks!
P.S. As I finish this, Pip is on the floor, head across my sneakers, snoring away.
*Heavy sigh* I'm hooked.
Since I retired from teaching, I've noticed I don't multitask as well as I once could. I think that has changed. Each time I go upstairs to use the computer, Pip comes with me. She tries to get my attention away from the computer by leaning her chin on my thigh and looking up from under the computer table at me. A little scratch won't do. Next, she puts a paw up on me and gives me those puppy dog eyes. A chin rub isn't enough. She wants the ultimate, a belly rub! She sprawls out on her back, all four legs in the air with her white fur streak running down her belly and waits. No rub? I get a paw grabbing at my hand. Since I need both hands for typing, I've discovered I can take off my shoes and rub her belly with my feet. That's fine with Miss Pip.
Sunday is a down day for everyone, except a nurse and an instructor, and the kitchen staff. And of course we must still Park-Feed-Water-Park at 6 AM, Water-Park at 10:30, Park before and after playtime, Feed-Water-Park at 4:00, Water-Park at 7:30 PM, and final Park at 9. BUT, in between today, was all leisure time. We walked around outside a little. Miss Pippi likes to crunchthrough piles of leaves by curbs, sniff them up, and if I'm not watching munch a leaf or two. After lunch, I needed a nap. I hooked her to the tie-down cord which gives 3 feet to move and laid down. I was just about gone when I heard CLINK. Pippi was rattling her tie-down hook. Almost out again and CLINK. After the third time, I said sternly, "Shhhh! Quiet down." Not another peep and I had a glorious 90 minute nap..
After dinner, I decided to watch some TV If I'm on the bed, she tries to jump up to be with me and that's a no-no dogs on furniture. So I sit cross-legged on the floor. She immediately plops her 50 lbs (I'm guessing, won't know weight until next Friday) on my lap, well the space where a lap would be if my legs were out straight. So there's a doggie butt on one thigh and a doggie head on the other, and dead weight in-between. I didn't think she was so heavy until I noticed my feet starting to tingle. If I put my legs out straigh, I get either a butt or a head. Every time Pippi shnoozes out, she begins with a heavy sigh (and sometimes a fart! And let me tell you, they are pretty darn stinky. She's a 'stealth' farter- not a sound but the aftermath does you in.
We also seem to have a night time ritual; into the crate and she sticks her nose through the bars, I rub her nose and she licks my finger. Then she puts her paw through the bars for me to hold. It's very sweet, but somehow I think she's actually saying," Please, oh please mom, don't leave me in here. I have to be right next to you." Or maybe it's, "Not again! How long do you think I can take this?"
Last week, if you told me I'd be holding hands,or paws with a dog, and kissing her head with regularity, I would have said,"yeah, when h*ll freezes over." All I can say is you better get out your winter coat, folks!
P.S. As I finish this, Pip is on the floor, head across my sneakers, snoring away.
*Heavy sigh* I'm hooked.
Guiding Eyes Day 8 Sunday 2nd
I can't believe a whole has gone by! This time last week, I was facing the unknown, I mean the totally unknown. I became a part of a group of 11 other strangers, 5 men (I think) and 7 women (I think). None of us what have ever met if not for this class. We run the gamet from the low 20s to low 70s in age. A few are close to the beginning of their work life and 4 of us are retired. We have no college, trade school, Bachelor's, Master's, and Medical degrees. Our differences are great, but our commonalities, though few, are what bind us into a "familr' grouping; we all want to improve our lives, live to the fullest, and we've chosen to work with a 4 legged companion.
Allow me to introduce sweet little Pip. I think the picture worked this time. Someone please comment and let me know.
I can't believe a whole has gone by! This time last week, I was facing the unknown, I mean the totally unknown. I became a part of a group of 11 other strangers, 5 men (I think) and 7 women (I think). None of us what have ever met if not for this class. We run the gamet from the low 20s to low 70s in age. A few are close to the beginning of their work life and 4 of us are retired. We have no college, trade school, Bachelor's, Master's, and Medical degrees. Our differences are great, but our commonalities, though few, are what bind us into a "familr' grouping; we all want to improve our lives, live to the fullest, and we've chosen to work with a 4 legged companion.
Allow me to introduce sweet little Pip. I think the picture worked this time. Someone please comment and let me know.
Guiding Eyes Day 7 Nov. 1st
Well I have discovered there IS something worse than than going outside at 6:00 AM. That would be going outside in the drizzley, cold, windy morning at 6 AM! It's a good thing I've become so attached to her or Miss Pipsqueak might have less than the 20 mins. we are required to give.
Woke up at 4:30 AM and couldn't fall back asleep. Add the gloomy chill and I was NOT looking forward to this morning's walk. Thank goodness, it was just a half day in White Plains. Our training scedule usually has me as second in the walk order. Today I was 4th/last, I went to the second floor lounge, found an empty couch and shnoozed for about 40 mins. Awesome nap! I'm not sure I could have paid attention without it.
Other than the rain, wind, and cold it was a stellar walk. I handled turns, curbs, ans distractions almost like a pro, or at least an average guide handler. [ Hey, I'm now a Handler dog handler!] Then we came to a curb with a huge puddle that I didn't see. But Miss Pippi caught it and refused to cross. She had no option to go to either side as a street light pole was on the left and a pedestrian + umbrella was on the right. The crossing was green, I said the command Forward and she refused. I gave her a leash cue, didn't budge. Asked my instructor what was up and she said, "Miss Prissypants doesn't want to get wet and she can't find an option to go around!" She gave a harness correction and a firm Forward and that little monkey skimmed the edge of the puddle. Her job was to get me safely across the street. The rules don't say she has to keep ME out of the puddles! This little girl has a rebelous side...we are so well matched.
Back at school in the afternoon, some of us had a lesson in organized play (sounds like what we had to call recess when I taught). We were in the large, auditorium sized hall, doors closed, open floor space, and a box of toys- balls, rings, stuffed cloth shapes. I tossed a ball, Pippy ran after it, got it and proceeded to run laps around the room as if in a relay and she needed to start out strong! By the end of our 15 mins, she was panting. Twice duriong play I had to quickly leash her and zip her outside because she looked ready to pee. When we returned to the room for a rest, she plopped down on the floor and zoned out! I guess mit is possible to wear out a puppydog. She cracks me up when she falls into a deep sleep. She snores! Not too loud, just enough to be ever so adorable. As I write this at the school's computer, Pipsqueak is curled into a ball next to my shoes (which are off my feet) with her head by the wheels of the chair...snoring away!
Well I have discovered there IS something worse than than going outside at 6:00 AM. That would be going outside in the drizzley, cold, windy morning at 6 AM! It's a good thing I've become so attached to her or Miss Pipsqueak might have less than the 20 mins. we are required to give.
Woke up at 4:30 AM and couldn't fall back asleep. Add the gloomy chill and I was NOT looking forward to this morning's walk. Thank goodness, it was just a half day in White Plains. Our training scedule usually has me as second in the walk order. Today I was 4th/last, I went to the second floor lounge, found an empty couch and shnoozed for about 40 mins. Awesome nap! I'm not sure I could have paid attention without it.
Other than the rain, wind, and cold it was a stellar walk. I handled turns, curbs, ans distractions almost like a pro, or at least an average guide handler. [ Hey, I'm now a Handler dog handler!] Then we came to a curb with a huge puddle that I didn't see. But Miss Pippi caught it and refused to cross. She had no option to go to either side as a street light pole was on the left and a pedestrian + umbrella was on the right. The crossing was green, I said the command Forward and she refused. I gave her a leash cue, didn't budge. Asked my instructor what was up and she said, "Miss Prissypants doesn't want to get wet and she can't find an option to go around!" She gave a harness correction and a firm Forward and that little monkey skimmed the edge of the puddle. Her job was to get me safely across the street. The rules don't say she has to keep ME out of the puddles! This little girl has a rebelous side...we are so well matched.
Back at school in the afternoon, some of us had a lesson in organized play (sounds like what we had to call recess when I taught). We were in the large, auditorium sized hall, doors closed, open floor space, and a box of toys- balls, rings, stuffed cloth shapes. I tossed a ball, Pippy ran after it, got it and proceeded to run laps around the room as if in a relay and she needed to start out strong! By the end of our 15 mins, she was panting. Twice duriong play I had to quickly leash her and zip her outside because she looked ready to pee. When we returned to the room for a rest, she plopped down on the floor and zoned out! I guess mit is possible to wear out a puppydog. She cracks me up when she falls into a deep sleep. She snores! Not too loud, just enough to be ever so adorable. As I write this at the school's computer, Pipsqueak is curled into a ball next to my shoes (which are off my feet) with her head by the wheels of the chair...snoring away!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)