Puppy Truck

Our day started with two bus rides and a mile walk to get to Littleton. The occasion was the annual regional meeting and workshop for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Our hosts were the Eye-Paws puppy raisers in Denver.

In the morning, we learned some tips to help Buddy walk on a loose leash and tips for greeting other dogs. The sessions were beneficial, but the conversations with other puppy raisers was invaluable. The camaraderie of the group was infectious and we realized how much we miss having regular interactions with our OccuPaws team.

The ultimate test for any puppy - lunch. The dog distractions (at least 100 dogs) were combined with food and children moving quickly. Buddy was tempted often, but the greatest temptation was his neighbor. He wanted to play with a puppy sitting next to us. Actually, he only wanted the puppy's toy and was willing to do whatever it took to get it. Other than this brief lapse he was well behaved.

After lunch, anticipation and excitement filled the room as the puppy truck rolled in from California with eleven new puppies and the introduction ceremony began. Eleven puppy raisers met their new charges for the first time. The highlight of our day was being given the honor of walking the last puppy into the room to meet his raiser. After the ceremony, pride and sadness replaced the excitement as the dogs that have passed through basic training were loaded in the truck for the return trip to California and formal harness training.

Buddy was allowed to greet a few of the newbies before we said farewell to our new friends in Colorado. As the new raisers received some initial training, we walked back to the train station for a ride downtown to the hockey game. Buddy seemed happy to finally get some rest. He spent most of the game curled up in a ball sleeping and trying to stay warm.

We returned home via two bus rides where Buddy received pets from many of the passengers. He's warming up to the idea of this mass transit stuff. However, this vacation stuff is wearing him out.


There is only one smartest dog in the world, and every boy (or puppy raiser) has it. - Louis Sabin

Adapt

Buddy had a late night, so we kinda slept in. After a potty break at 6 am, we all stayed in bed until 9 o'clock. A quick walk with a beautiful view of the snow peaked mountains before we went to breakfast. Buddy was still tired so he went back to bed for a nap.

He napped while we created a transit plan to get us to the mountains to hike. Two bus rides later we were at the trail head. The trail head had a sign posted that mountain lions had been spotted in the area and rattlesnakes, but we saw no sign of either. However, we did see a large herd of deer cross over the trail (OK, not such a big deal to see deer--we just hoped there was no mountain lion chasing them--as they say, where there is prey, there are predators!)

We reached the summit of our "mountain" after an hour and half and let Buddy play in the snow while we rested. He needed some "crazy" time to burn off some energy. He has been using his brain so much of the time these past few days, it was good to seem him have that burst of all-out fun. He still has a lot of puppy in him.

However, I have been impressed by Buddy's adaptability and resiliency. He has had late night meals and missed his usual naps. He has been sitting quietly in more restaurants the last three days than our average month. The vehicles that we ride in make constant stops and he is used to getting up/out when the car stops. None of this seems to phase him. Well, maybe the late meals do, because he races back to room to eat.


The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic. - Henry Ward Beecher

Mile High Law

We awoke to two inches of snow. Buddy was the only one in the city that was happy to see it.

Another hockey day started with a bus and train ride into Denver. We walked around in the snow and took the shuttle to a few spots. We verified that Buddy will be able to attend the tour of the mint on Tuesday.

After the snow stopped and the weather cleared, our adventure took us to the thirteenth step of the state capitol which is exactly a mile above sea level. However, the highpoint of the day, pun intended, was climbing up the 99 steps to the top of the Colorado State Capital building. Quite a view of the city and mountains in the background.

Buddy even attended a portion of a legislative meeting that was in session. How many dogs can say they attended a legislative session?

Our late lunch and Buddy got to see a Boston massacre. The first hockey game saw a complete annihilation of North Dakota by Boston College. A quick dinner and Buddy got to sit through three and a half periods of hockey. After the game someone asked who Buddy was rooting for. I told her that "he was hoping for a rout so we could leave early or at least finish in regulation".

Finally two buses and a short walk to the hotel. We let him lead us back to our room: turned at the stairs around the corner, up the stairs, another turn, through the front door. Perfect until he saw luggage in the middle of the hall and he started barking at it (@ midnight). Settled down and quickly to our room because that's where the food is.


One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why. - Author Unknown

Quick Learner

Just noticed on our walk this evening that Buddy is "difficult" to walk in new locations. His nose is to the ground constantly searching. He has also shown his ability to adapt to these new surroundings and this sniffing must help him learn about his surroundings. He walks much better on routes that we have previously walked.

After less than eight hours he knows the steps that we walk down to get to the hotel and he knows the road to the hotel from the other direction. It is true that we have walked a lot today. Maybe it just feels that way because of the altitude or our lack of sleep. He also knows the path to our hotel room.

This ability should serve him well as a guide dog. He should be able to quickly learn new routes. We don't see this trait as often at home because we walk the same routes.

Long Day

We woke Buddy up at 3:00 this morning. He didn't want to leave his crate and neither did we. Then thirteen hours of travel ... Automobile, Shuttle, Airplane, Train, Bus, Bus, Train, Shuttle, and Paws. Buddy is now very comfortable travelling and bored by the whole process.

Travelling with a dog is very hectic, but the time seemed to go by a lot faster. We got through security about 2 hours before take-off after a potty break. Then one hour before we figured we should try one more time. We rushed out of the airport, searching for grass, and then raced back through security for the second time. Our front rows seats on the plane provided more legroom, but not enough for feet and Buddy.

We have talked before about being stared at or causing double takes. Well nothing compares to the airport. You don't notice it as much until you follow Buddy from a distance and watch/listen to people when they think that they can't be observed. Never anything negative, mostly surprise, or positive comments on his behavior. Of course he received plenty of pats on the head and belly rubs today.

We were excited for Buddy's first airplane trip. Buddy just thought it was a big car. The people seated behind us were more excited, it was the first time they had flown - with a dog.

All the bells and tones on the plane didn't bother him, he never barked once. But he did just bark now, because our room is located near the hotel entrance and there were some doors slamming and people talking outside.

Hoping for a quiet night and EARLY BEDTIME.


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

Denver Eye-Paws

We have made plans to meet some members of the
Denver Eye-Paws Puppy Raising Club. We will share tales of our experiences and training tips as we walk and talk with people that share our passion. And Buddy will get to spend some time with other puppies.

Their first "Puppy Truck" of the year comes this Saturday. The new puppies are brought to Denver and the older dogs are taken back to campus for their formal guide training. There will be plenty of distractions. Their group is affiliated with Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA.


“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.” - M.Facklam

Last Vet Visit

Last minute plans were completed for Buddy's mile high adventure. We were not sure, but we thought that he had to get a health certificate from the veterinarian to be allowed to fly. The visit to the vet was uneventful - for us.

It should have been for Buddy also, however, they wanted a urine sample and he wouldn't or couldn't cooperate. They took him in the back to do an ultrasound. Lesson: Never let your dog out of your sight. Because they decided that they needed a urine sample, so apparently three people held him down while they extracted urine with a syringe. Totally Unnecessary!!

Needles to say Buddy wanted nothing to do with the vet after that experience. This was not the first time that they performed a procedure without explaining it or getting our consent. It was the last straw for us also.


“A man’s soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog.” - Charles Doran

Pizza

Just got back from taking Buddy for walk before bed. We rarely walk Buddy at night, so since I got home late from work this was a good opportunity to explore the darkness. The darkness and shadowy figures have caused Buddy some concern recently and since tomorrow was trash day, we had potentially frightening objects around every corner.

The best reason not to walk your dog at night is that you can't see what is on the ground. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Buddy pick something up off the ground and immediately told him to drop it, which he did without pause. My surprise turned to astonishment when I saw that it was a piece of pizza, discarded by one of the high schoolers. If you know Buddy or any Labrador, then you know that food is the Holy Grail.

Good Dog!!

Old Men

Two walks before breakfast with a trip to the grocery store and drug store after his evening walk.

On the walk this morning we met one of Buddy's friends. An older gentleman who has been taking care of his daughter's dog, Larry, the last two weeks. They were always happy to see Buddy or at least one of them was. The dog was not socialized much, so he was apprehensive. The owner always picked him up around other dogs. We tried to keep Buddy calm and every day Larry got more comfortable with Buddy.

Well today the man was walking without his dog; Larry returned home this weekend. The man was happy to see Buddy. I could tell he missed having Larry around. Hopefully we will see him tomorrow.

There is an older clerk at the drug store who is also a fan of Buddy. He always asks if Buddy can have a treat. We always say okay as long as Buddy stays calm. So today the clerk had some beef jerky. We usually give Buddy a pea sized piece. The clerk gave him a little piece (actually half a stick) and later allowed Buddy to finish it off.

Then after a while, he must have thought Buddy looked hungry, so the clerk got a cookie. Lisa told Buddy to be gentle and the man decided to really test him and placed the cookie in his mouth. After thoroughly searching his hands, Buddy thought the cookie disappeared. He eventually found it and both man and dog were happy.


“Old age means realizing you will never owned all the dogs you wanted to.” - Joe Gores

Heel

After watching the Dog Whisperer last night, we learned a new technique from Cesar Millan . Every day after watching his program we try out new techniques and tips on Buddy. He has been trying to distract us, so we can't watch the show.

This morning on our trip to and from the library, we worked on getting Buddy to heel. He is usually pretty good, but Cesar used a technique to show the dog what the desired behavior was. So this morning when Buddy was out in front of me, I would say "Heel", and step in front of him. Physically letting him know where he should be.

He was a little confused at first. We used it again this evening and it seems to be helping. Or maybe he was just tired. Not sure if the temperature, 65 degrees today, or the two and a half hour walk and playtime this morning was affecting Buddy, but he is exhausted.


“Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” - Robert A. Heinlein

Clean and Calm

For the most part it was a repeat of yesterday: hardware store, outdoor/recreation store, and paint store. We did learn one thing today. Apparently I'm not the only one who doesn't like to accompany Lisa when she shops for clothes. Buddy doesn't either.

We have been able to keep Buddy clean and calm on his walks. On his walk tonight, we let him play with the other dogs. We thought we could keep him away from the large puddle in the park and stay clean. However, he is a follower and true to his nature he followed the other labradors into the puddle for a swim and drink. His energy level also provoked the other dogs to chase him which he loves.


“I’d be happy to have my biography be the stories of my dogs. To me, to live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness.” - Thomas McGuane

Haircut

Buddy was out and about today. First stop was the hair salon where he was forced to sit and watch a shampoo and haircut. He was a little unsettled by the raining hair. However, once he determined that it wasn't tasty, it didn't matter unless it fell on him. He stayed put throughout the session, even when a brush was dropped near him.

A visit to the hardware store and recreational store with a few meet and greets. Returned home to get a little rest before his walk and then his favorite time of the day, dinner time.

The highlight of the evening was repairing Buddy's toys. His full complement has been restored, hopefully for a day or two.


“Men cannot think like dogs.... [There exists] a sharp difference in the mental capacity of humans and canines. For example, a human who is given an intricate problem will spend all day trying to solve it, but a canine will have the sense to give up and do something else instead.” - Corey Ford

Right or Left

It was such a nice day today that we walked a lot today. It wasn't all pleasure as we stopped at the store on one of his walks to pick up some milk.

Our most recent household debate is whether Buddy knows his Right from his Left. We use the commands at intersections and when making turns indoors. I think he understands, but she thinks that he is reacting to subtle cues or movement of the leash.

My most convincing argument is when we were walking downtown and I got my Right and Left mixed up. I wanted to go left, but said right and Buddy bumped into me. He had a puzzled look on his face as if to say "What are you doing? You said 'right'." Much to my chagrin, this has happened more than once.


“For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog.” -Roger Caras

Bug!!

Of course we walked today. The afternoon walk took us to the library with a stop at the voting booth. On the way home we travelled the mean streets of downtown Oregon to work traffic and crossing streets. Buddy also stopped by the skateboard park for some different faces and noises.

After dinner, we did some grooming and cradling before swapping out his old collar which was getting a little tight. Toy time commenced and he made a few holes in his new "indestructible" toy before relaxing.

He alerted us when he spotted a bug crawling across the basement floor. We keep Buddy around because he has a very important skill, bug patrol. He always sees them before we do. Lisa sleeps easier knowing that Buddy is protecting us.


“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don’t even know we have.” -Thom Jones