Still A Puppy

Meeting the "real" guide dogs yesterday we saw how far Buddy has to go. We were also reminded that he is still a puppy this morning. After our 45 minute walk he came in the house and I dried him off. He raced upstairs and began running around the house like a terror. Quickly reminded him that he was not allowed to do that and he went to lie down.

I made a mental note that he is still a high energy puppy and needed some reckless abandon. So this evening, we walked to the park and let him tear around off leash. He splashed through puddles, chased birds, and simply ran for the pleasure of it. It really put a smile on my face to see him so happy and enjoying himself.


“One of the happiest sights in the world comes when a lost dog is reunited with a master he loves. You just haven’t seen joy till you have seen that.” -Eldon Roark

"Real" Dogs

The usual weekend activities started with a walk in the morning. After lunch we made our way to another hockey game. However, before the game we stopped at a pet store to weigh Buddy. His weight was about 65 pounds today which was confirmed at a second pet store visit later.

After that we stopped for a larger collar at Farm and Fleet and worked/walked the aisles. Then some wandering around the Best Buy store looking at televisions and picking up a new DVD player, so we can watch the Dog Whisperer.

At another pet store we met a "real" working dog, a golden retriever that had the day off and was out with the owner's daughter. Even though the "real" dog wasn't officially working, there was a big difference between him and Buddy. Buddy was all kisses and wiggles while the "real" dog was calm and laid back.

We met another "real" service dog in the mall before the hockey game and a third "real" guide dog at the hockey game. It is impressive how they react (or don't react) when they see Buddy. Buddy behaved better with the ones that were working. He must have seen their harness or sensed their energy :-)

Plenty of 'Meet and Greet's at the hockey games. We always get our share of kids and tonight there were quite a few interested adults. Hopefully Buddy isn't too tired with hockey, one more long weekend to go.


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

Lesson

Lesson: Don't be lazy and decide to skip Buddy's walk before going to bed, otherwise you will be woken up by crying at 5 o'clock in the morning and end up walking in the cold dark morning.

Buddy had a very long day today. Three walks before noon, one being the 5am emergency, and another trip to the post office and library. From 2 o'clock to 8 o'clock he walked around the Kohl Center and watched two hockey games. He did the customary meet and greets, very well behaved as usual.

One thing we shouldn't have probably done was play with his rope tug toy between the games. Not very guide dog like to be rolling around the floor, but the little boy and Buddy both enjoyed it. We couldn't leave the building between games, so it was such a long time for him to be "working".


If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat. -Author Unknown

Dog's Plea

Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should you be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

-Author Unknown

First Times

Today Buddy experienced two things for the first time: a hospital visit and spending time with a baby.

The visit to the hospital was shorter than planned. We got into the hospital and walked around without issue. However, the patient that we were visiting had already checked out. So the first trip to the hospital was an abbreviated visit.

The rest of the day was spent back at the apartment visiting. First getting reacquainted with the Dodds family. We found Buddy lying by Grampa's feet watching television. They both seemed content.

Later Buddy was entertained by a seven and four year old. After they left, baby Troy stopped over. This was Buddy's first long exposure to a baby. The new sounds and smells were intriguing, but eventually he relaxed and laid down on Troy's blanket by him.


Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job. - Franklin P. Jones

Snow Gone ...

Buddy went out to eat with us this evening. The challenge was a group of young boys that were making noise and moving around. Surprisingly they were ambivalent towards seeing a dog in the restaurant and Buddy was ambivalent to their presence.

Most of the snow has melted. Buddy has adjusted to this with only minor inconveniences the last few days. He has stopped searching for piles of snow and grass meets his need. However, he may get a surprise tomorrow morning.


"No Matter how little money and how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin

Halt

Buddy went for his two walks today. He doesn't get to be "uncorrectable" anymore (at the park or in the yard) because he thinks it's snack time. It's not acceptable to eat what other dogs leave behind. Coming home from the park he doesn't need any help finding his way home; he has learned that it's food time after walking.

Since the snow started disappearing, couple weeks, we have been working with Buddy on "halting" at intersections. He needs more work, but will almost stop without having to say anything.


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

Bored Mtg

The event today was a Village Board Meeting to discuss parking on our street. Buddy thought it was a "Bored" meeting. It started a half hour late and then continued for an hour. Buddy sat still and quiet for the whole time. The other attendees were very complimentary of his patience and behavior. They didn't know that he had just walked for two hours.

We also had workers in and out of the house all day. Buddy was well behaved with the stange people and strange sounds. Another two weeks and he should sleep through the noise.

"First you learn a new language, profanity; and second you learn not to discipline your dogs when you're mad, and that's most of the time when you're training dogs." - Lou Schultz, trainer of Alaskan Huskies

New Bed

We thought that our one night Easter trip would be a good opportunity to test the new collapsible crate. Buddy has been randomly getting fed in the collapsible crate and sleeping there occasionally. He had not spent an entire night in it though.

After setting it up and placing his blanket in the crate, Buddy found it a convenient location to rest before his evening walk. Bedtime went well with one small glitch. In the middle of the night I heard him move around in the crate which is normal. However, he put too much weight on the side and it tipped over. We learned a valuable lesson to place the crate in a location where it can't be tipped over.

The most difficult part was getting it to fit back in the package before we left. It wasn't as easy as it looked and no instructions. Eventually we were able to wrestle it back to it's original shape. So the crate has passed it's test and is ready for Denver. However, we always have a backup plan.



Children are for people who can't have dogs. -Author Unknown

Kids,Kids, Kids

Buddy spent the whole day with kids.

Our first stop was the Children's Museum in Appleton. He was tempted by the many different items on the floor: balls, food, blocks, etc. He received the usual attention from all the kids and parents.

Then a quick visit to the nursing home to see the other end of the age spectrum. He's always a big hit there.

Finally a visit to a children's play area with ten "bouncy inflatables". Plenty of distractions from the children running and yelling. By this time of day, he just wanted to rest. Without being around children much, Buddy seems tolerant and gentle with them.


"Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he's owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes." - Gene Hill (The Dog Man)

Gift

Buddy received a belated birthday gift today from Mother Nature: eight inches of snow. He enjoys playing in the snow, but more importantly this snowfall creates bigger snow piles. He has not gone potty on grass since November. Last night we went out before bed and he needed to find some snow. He climbed to the top of the largest snow bank to relieve himself.

The last two days he has been experiencing more foreign sounds within the house as remodeling has kicked in again. Hopefully this will help get him comfortable with strange noises and stop barking as often.

Two long walks through the snow today and an hour shoveling snow resulted in one exhausted dog.


"You do not own a dog, the dog owns you." - Unknown

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Buddy and all his brothers and sisters: Hooch, Reggie, Bella, and Dually (Heidi too), and Bella. They are all one year old today. Their puppy permit has officially expired.

Do you remember when they were this big?

Dually








Buddy









Hooch








On our walk this morning we met up with an eight week old yellow lab named Jersey. She was a feisty little girl this morning and even chased him away a few times. They both had a lot of fun.

This afternoon, we gave Buddy his birthday present: free reign to run and splash in the water and mud with his surrogate pack members (bath to follow). The yellow lab puppy was not so feisty this time, she only wanted to curl up by our feet and sleep.


“From the dog’s point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog.” -Mabel L. Robinson

Back Home

Buddy returned from his Spring Break needing a rest (as did we). However, the first thing we did yesterday was take him for a walk to reestablish his routine. After eating and resting, he proceeded to get out every one of his toys. I guess he was just making sure they were all there.

On his evening walk we stopped by the skateboard park to expose him to the activity and various sounds. Nothing eventful for the first day back, just settling in to our old routines.


The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. -Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912

Gone, but Never Forgotten

Remembering Barney on his Birthday


Barney with Bo (1993)


Gone, but Never Forgotten

They will not go quietly the pets who've shared our lives,
In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives.

Old habits still make us think we hear a scratching at the door,
or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts belongs to them and always will.....