Chocolate Visitor

We received a chocolate visitor on Wednesday. Before taking Neva on her first overnight excursion, Marley and her adoptive owner stopped by. Sharon said that Marley recognized the location and wanted to enter through the garage instead of the front door.

She entered the house like she owned it. Neva and Marley wrestled and romped while we shared dog stories. Marley was acting like the pack leader, so we tried to use her to lead Neva down the basement steps. That ploy was unsuccessful, so we have more work to do.

Marley has been pulling when out for walks. We reintroduced her to the pronged collar and she started behaving immediately. A few trips up and down the block was all we could handle in the rain, but Sharon and Marley were working like a well oiled machine.

We also received an update on Archie. He looks very happy with his adoptive litter mates. With only one exception all the news on Archie has been positive. He unfortunately lost a tooth in a baseball accident. He has learned not to chase a baseball about to be batted, but continues to chase anything else that moves.

Up and Over

OccuPaws weekly sessions have moved to Monday nights. The puppies started the evening patrolling the chicken coop. It was a good opportunity to check their prey drive and test their ability to focus amongst distractions. Banjo actually did pretty well with the chickens; other canines are his Achilles Heel.

Again this week there was not a fenced in area, so no puppy playtime. Apparently Banjo needed to release some energy because when we got home he was a terror. He had the "Zooms" - running around with reckless abandon. This was not a big deal until he lost his head, jumped from the floor to the sofa, and then vaulted over the back of sofa to the floor below. His landing wasn't the smoothest, hopefuly he learned his lesson.


"I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better." - George Bird Evans, "Troubles with Bird Dogs"



Marley Update: Marley took a trip yesterday to meet her new family in Verona. "She loved it there, they have a large staircase right inside the main door, Marley grabbed a toy and ran up and then slid down on her belly and smiled at all of us !!"

It sounds like she has found her permanent home.

Super Pet

Well, it only took us two months this time. We messed up another dog. Marley has officially been released from the OccuPaws program and will be career changed - bad news.

The good news is that Marley will be career changed. Our sweet chocolate girl will find a home where she can be a happy, loving pet.



Before sending her to the next puppy raiser a week ago we had remarked that Marley never looked very happy in any of the pictures we took. Looking back at group shots, the other dogs have their ears up and look to be enjoying themselves. Marley's ears have usually been lowered and not having fun.

Chocolate Marley is a much different dog when she is not working. One of the half dozen people that have fallen in love with her duringthe last two months will get to keep her forever. Her friendliness and gentleness are perfect traits for her next assignment - Super Pet.

Marley Update

My friend, who happens to be in the Army, stopped by yesterday while in uniform. Yep, you guessed it, Marley FREAKED! Barking, growling, and stomping her feet at him. She found her toy, life was good, then she loved him.

The other day I was sitting on my bed talking to the dogs. Marley walked to the door, turned around, and she went off (I had not moved). She charged me, barking and growling, like I was an intruder. Carmen looked at her like what the heck? My voice jogged her memory and it was like "Oh its you!" She returned to her wiggly and happy self. Not sure what her issue is, but hopefully we can work through it.

Marley Left Us

this afternoon ...




“The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.” - George Graham Vest

Graduation

Woof, Woof!

Congratulations to Tino and Lilly. Friday Night was a graduation party in Johnson Creek for the newest CVCD team. All the humans had a good time. I got to see all my old friends there...Lilly and Moby and Deegan and Promise and Bodie plus some new pups I didn't know.

Everyone stood around and blah blah blah...boring for a while. Then they got to eat worms!!! Mmmmm but none for us. Then the lightening started. Everytime the people stood up and smiled...flash flash flash. Talk talk talk, flash flash flash, clap clap clap....yawn. Silly humans. Did I mention the humans also got cake!!



They took pictures of humans who donate dogs (Lilly)

and pictures of the humans who raised puppies (Lilly)

and then it was time for all the humans to get in the picture!!

and finally here are the three graduated teams.

and my gall, Miss Lilly!!!

All for now,

Slick

RaceGirl

Our day started by being denied access to a BP station, because they have food there. We explained the situation and the clerk repeated his statement, "No Dogs. We have food." Lisa was not happy, or should I say irate. However, it wasn't worth the effort to educate this particular clerk - he was not going top get it. Our tails between our legs we left the BP in disgrace, hoping to keep Marley's up and wagging at the races today.

Back at the racetrack for another day, Marley's first activity was working the crowd. To spice it up a bit we let our six year old niece, Jalyn, work the big brown dog through traffic. Both did well. Marley met a lot of people and even a few canines.

After getting our exercise, we took a tram ride around the one and a half mile track. It was a good break for us, but was more for Marley's experience. She rode without incident even when she spotted a few horses as we passed by.
Yesterday, we missed a few photo ops as we forgot the camera battery in the hotel. We remembered it today and had to get Marley's picture in front of NASCAR best active driver's car.

She was accompanied by her puppy raiser for the day. They were constant companions the entire day, except when Marley was resting in the portable crate.

The race didn't start until 9 o'clock PM. Marley's ear plugs were put in place as we discussed puppy raising, not puppy racing (but that might be a fund raising possibility), with another spectator.

By the time the race started Marley was tired from a long day of walking and working that she wanted to be left alone. Her exhaustion and hearing deprivation lead to a successful evening. She made it through the entire race, 200 laps, without "crashing".

Luxury

Marley's day started out routine like any other day, but there was nothing routine about it. We loaded up the car and took a three hour drive to Joliet. She is not used to such a long car ride, but settled in once she figured out we weren't stopping any time soon.

Our first stop was the hotel to check-in. Never staying in a hotel before, Marley had to try out one of her new beds. It was much more spacious than her dingy crate at home. After unpacking and a short rest, we continued our journey to ChicagoLand Speedway.

Walking the grounds before the race we happened upon an autograph session for NASCAR racetruck drivers. The line was closed, so we stood and "people watched". It was a good chance to meet people, and we met many people. One of the drivers, Colin Braun, even left the table in the middle of the session and came over to say hello to Marley. My first thought was to have him sign her cape, but quickly reconsidered when I heard Marlene's voice saying "You Better Not."

Hours before the race started, we ducked into the track for a puppy conditioning session. Qualifying was underway with only one car on the track; Marley wasn't phased a bit. Phase one complete.

We took our seats for the first race without worry. Well, Marley made it through the roar of engines at the start, but on a lap five restart something happened and she melted. Tail between her legs and panicky, we hurried back to the car and contemplated how the rest of the weekend could be salvaged. Phase two failed.

The second race of the evening was two hours later. This time we settled into our seats and put Marley's ear plugs in early. She rested comfortably throughout the race, except when an earplug would fall out. She made it through all 150 laps and a ninety minute drive back to the hotel which was only six miles away. Phase two success.

Back in the luxurious hotel room with two beds, I told Marley to "Go To Bed" and she jumped up to her afternoon resting spot. She didn't understand that the afternoon nap was a one time photo opportunity.

She was not too happy to be spending her night back in the crate.

Summer Gone

Marley's outings today consisted of a trip to the bank and a farm visit. I think her preference is the farm due to the olfactory stimulation and her animal friends. However her canine pal, Summer, was not there to play with. She had gone out for a run.

So for her last week on the farm there was no puppy play time. We did stop to see the pigs before shopping, but Marley was not as enamored with the swine as usual and kept her distance. That might be because they nibbled on her ear and nose last week - she didn't seem to mind it then.

Marley was put in a DOWN STAY while we packed up our vegetables and chatted with an older customer about training her dog. Marley did have a few young visitors while we shopped. She maintained her usually calm demeanor. There was only a minimal amount of creeping when she was alone, sampling the different grasses.

The older woman was having an issue with her dog (husky, lab mix) pulling when on leash, otherwise he is well behaved. We tried to explain the virtues of a pinch collar, but she refused anything but a halter. Pulling in a halter, go figure.

After getting our share, we ventured out to the self pick garden. Again Marley had to DOWN STAY as we picked peppers and searched for the cilantro. Five minutes of activity, then I checked Marley's recall. She jumped up and sprinted to me and sat - Good Girl. This was repeated a few more times, until we saw the tilled remains of the cilantro crop.

Before we left we made one last stop to let Marley gaze at her piggy friends and say goodbye.

Testing Testing

This afternoon Marley warmed up for her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test by playing on the stairs. She would carry her toy up the stairs, drop it down the stairs, and then slide down after it. Repeat until tired or bored.

Our Tuesday night OccuPaws session was at the Janesville mall. We met outside and worked through the daily guide dog skills refresher - SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, voice only. This should be done everyday to practice and warm up for the real work. As I mentioned last week we need to focus on these basics.

After warming up, we entered the mall. Seven dogs parading through the mall being led by a "blind" handler draws a lot of attention. After successfully navigating through the jewelry store maze, the dogs settled down and Marley began her CGC test. The test in the mall is more realistic for our dogs and with many more distractions. All the dogs behaved well and Marley successfully completed her test.

After we observed Reggie walking Chris into a few overhead signs, running her into a table, and trying to escape the building prematurely, we decided to call it a night. Of course he had to successfully lead us out of the building before he could quit and we could go home.

Congratulations to Marley and all who have assisted with Marley's training. She has passed her first milestone toward becoming an OccuPaws guide dog. It takes a pack to raise a guide dog.

Rest Day

It wasn't a real rest day, we just didn't go any place. I had to attach one of my favorite photos from two weeks ago.

We practiced HEELing during our entire evening walk. Marley did pretty well with minor distractions, but with squirrels and dogs around subtle corrections proved ineffective.

Marley worked hard and near the end she seemed to understand that dogs are to be ignored. More practice is definitely required, but she should be ready for the CGC test tomorrow.


“A dog is not ‘almost human,’ and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such.” - John Holmes

Angel Appears

Marley was out and about again today. This was our sixth consecutive day; tomorrow we rest.

Our "angel", along with Deegan, attended the 2009 Madison's Pet Corner Dog Fair as a representative of OccuPaws. As such their behavior was exemplary. As I exited the Ruffin' It Resort, a gentleman remarked "Why can't my dog behave like that. Oh that's why, she's a guide dog in training."

We met plenty of nice people and friendly canines. Mike and Deegan tipped us off to one potential adversary at 4 Paws Swim and Fitness. Not one to avoid a challenge, we decided to take a look for ourselves.

Marley spotted the puppy and s/he looked a tad suspicious. Her initial reaction was to bark and back away from this scary puppy. Eventually, Marley made friends with the ferocious beast and life was good for the rest of the event.

After a long day in the hot sun, we humans needed some refreshments and nourishment. A quick stop at Sonic for happy hour (half price drinks) was immediately followed by dinner at Jamerica where Marley slept quietly under the table.

Upon entering and exiting the restaurant, Marley observed another "stuffed & scary" puppy. This one did not elicit the fearful response. I think she just needs more repetitions and some maturing to overcome her fearfulness, but what do I know.


"Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet." - Colette

Good and Evil

If you are looking for something to do today (8/23), come visit Marley at the 2009 Madison's Pet-Corner Pet Fair.

This morning we gave Marley a new toy, actually a recyclable. Initially she didn't care for it, but eventually it became her favorite toy. Then her "devil" came out; you can see it in her eyes.

She completely destroyed the milk jug. This is the first and last time for this toy because it wreaked havoc with her digestive system - almost as bad as the wood chips.

After completing our outings for the day, a trip to the park was in order to get our Chocolate Marley a bit of exercise and have some fun. The walk exercises the mind and body.

Today the exercise was more mental than physical. It was a constant battle to get her to focus on me and ignore the rambunctious squirrels that claim the park as their home.

Marley's good behavior in the park earned her a trip to the playground. As she hopped up the steps, she wanted to turn left, but I turned right to cross the wobbly bridge. A left turn goes through a tunnel to the slides. After a couple bridge crossings, it was time to slide like an "angel".

Her multiple trips down the slide entertained us and the forty or so children and parents that we shared the playground with. Marley actually seems to enjoy the slide. I think she associates it with the slide at the Dawg Zone where she received treats for climbing and sliding.

Will the devil or angel show up at the pet fair?

Spooked

There must have been a full moon last night because Marley got spooked. I was reading a recipe in the kitchen, just standing minding my own business and Marley walked out of Lisa's office. She took one look at me and completely lost it - hair up, barking, and bolted toward the bedroom before I had a chance to make friends. This really surprised Lisa who was asleep at the time.

This is how Marley spends her day: always on alert, watching out the window, patrolling the yard for invaders.

Five days late for flea and tick medication, we were forced to make a trip to Farm and Fleet and walk the aisles. Being out and about and carrying a Mounds gift certificate from the Dog Den, we made a second stop and picked up more medication; we now have a six month supply.

Neither store was very busy with human or canine traffic, minimal visual distractions. However, Mounds is always a good test for scent and noise distractions.


"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown

Distractions?

Once we break out of our sedentary routine we tend to keep busy.

Since it was Wednesday, Marley made her weekly trip out to the farm to visit the pigs. Her canine pal Summer was in the house so they couldn't play. Nothing left to do but work. I put Marley in a DOWN STAY while we picked a bag full of tomatillos and various hot peppers for salsa. She did well even when another dog and owner stopped by to pick up their vegetables.

Being out and about, the farm was a pit stop before our final destination the grocery store. There are always plenty of distractions: smells, sights, and sounds. This evening there were a lot of excited kids walking/riding down the aisles with their parents. Most of the kids were not well behaved; I believe that Marley was more of a distraction for the kids than they were for him. A few of the well behaved children were allowed by their parents to interact with our big brown girl.

We need a bumper sticker or t-shirt that says "My guide dog in-training is better behaved than your child."

Happy Birthday Chris

We did very little training since last week's OccuPaws session and didn't take Marley anyplace. We had good intentions, but life got in the way and we were lazy. Our weekly OGDA training session requires us to get out and about.

Our next puppy, Banjo attended. He will be joining our household in twelve days. He is spending the next few days at Camp Morga to, hopefully, resolve a disturbing noise issue - he cries in his crate when separated from people and other canines.

All puppies and puppy raisers "Rallied" tonight. This means that we performed the dreaded rally obstacle course. The hardest part is translation of the rally-ese to our standard commands.

After some more regular obedience work we retired to the house for some birthday cake. It was our formal harness trainer's birthday. She brought cake for the puppy raisers and the puppies' indoor manners were tested. They are always in-training.

After some very good puppy behavior and a lot of blah blah blah, as Slick would say, the capes were pulled and it was indoor puppy play time. Carmen, the resident German Shepard, tried to keep order as Reggie, Marley, Cinder, and Banjo chased and tugged. Occasionally Banjo and Cinder would stop to wrestle, then ambush Marley as she walked by.

My observation from tonight's work was that we need a lot of work on the basics: SIT, DOWN, STAY via voice. The outcome of tonight's session was some tired puppies. And a late dinner for canines and humans alike.

Lying Low

Marley has been lying low the last few days.

Literally, we have moved her crate to the basement for a couple reasons. First because it was time for a change and second because it's cooler down there.

The move downstairs coincided with her transition to a different dog food. Wellness Dog Food has donated at least sixty bags of dog food for the puppies. This saves each puppy raiser $35 per month.

And figuratively, due to the change in food we haven't been out and about much. Not sure how the big girl was going to react to the dietary change. We stayed home on Saturday. Lisa and I spent the day doing yard work distributing nine yards of wood chips throughout the yard while Marley provided supervisory support.

Marley was very sick; her digestive system was not functioning normally. Another, good reason not to be out in public. Our first thought was the stress of the changes, but this morning we determined the cause to be our lack of supervision. She had eaten some wood that must have irritated her digestive organs causing undesirable outcomes.

After fasting for a day and purging the undesirable objects, all systems working properly today. Her transition to the new food is complete tomorrow as is her prednisone treatment. Fingers crossed that the rash stays away.


"The disposition of noble dogs is to be gentle with people they know and the opposite with those they don't know...How, then, can the dog be anything other than a lover of learning since it defines what's its own and what's alien." - Plato

Hot Dog

The weather has been hot and sticky during the day, but cools off in the evenings. We try not to use the air conditioner and wait for it to cool down at night. Apparently, it doesn't cool off early enough for Marley. She needs to be cool.

She loves being with us and we are rarely out of her sight. However, the heat got the best of her today and she went downstairs to lie down on the cool tile floor all by herself. Her normal SuperGirl pose, legs out and back, gets the greatest amount of her belly in contact with the coolness. I interrupted her rest trying to get a good picture.


Labradors [are] lousy watchdogs. They usually bark when there is a stranger about, but it is an expression of unmitigated joy at the chance to meet somebody new, not a warning. - Norman Strung

Magic

This is what you get if you take fifteen dogs ranging in age from three months to two years and throw them in a fenced in yard.


ABRACADABRA


Eleven dogs lying in the grass waiting their turn to be patted on the head. And ...
four out of control puppies wrestling amongst themselves and frequently tumbling over the good dogs.












Before our OccuPaws class started, the canines were allowed a bit more free time. They were worked into a frenzy and then ...

ABRACADABRA

Our three resident Dog Whisperers took control of the class.

If it were only that simple.

The dogs earned a score of 7 out of ten. Given all the distractions, they performed better than the average house pet, but they still have a long way to go.





After the training exercises, it was physical examination time. Marley was hoisted on the table to have her belly, legs, and ears checked for the perplexing, unending rash. Next her teeth and bleeding gums checked out fine, but need daily brushing - that will be FUN for everyone involved.

Every dog went through this routine and earned a nice juicy bone upon successful completion of the torture table.

Double Header

Two baseball games in two days is what Marley calls a double header. We had two more tickets to the Mallards baseball game today. On the way to the ballpark we picked up some human food. Marley's was packed for after the game.

Just as we pulled into the parking lot it began raining cats - no dogs. So we tortured Marley by making her sit in the back seat and watch us eat. She didn't understand why the car was stopped and we didn't get out.

We should have stayed home because the Mallard players didn't show up for the game; they lost 5 to 0. As usual Marley made a lot of human friends, plenty of pets and a few kisses. This evening we sat in the top row and she could watch the activity behind us which kept her awake; otherwise she usually sleeps.

We saw another dog tonight, a real working dog. Marley behaved much better than last evening, one correction and she moved on. Later sightings of the black labrador were even better.

Her rash seems to have stabilized at a minor condition and her teeth are bleeding less from the nightly brushing. The flavored toothpaste seems to have helped her acceptance a bit. Marley only tolerates it for a fifteen seconds and then we fight.

All the storms the past couple days haven't bothered her. She is now sleeping as The Thunder Rolls.


“Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you’re never friendless ever, if you have a dog.” - Douglas Mallock