Here are a Few of my Friends....

 

I don't remember everyone's name but I know who likes to run with me!

Ginger

I am in front, Max is next, and we are joined by Max's bosom buddy. We are trying to get the attention of the big dogs on the other side of the fence.

These are a few that MFM managed to catch with her camera. Maybe I can get her to try again. Sometimes we have 25 dogs on our side. We get along better than most humans do.

Dog Days of Summer

 

Summer is not here on the calendar, but it is already hot outside! MFM takes me to the dog park most days and I manage to get in a couple of runs but I am so happy to get home and get cool.

The runs are a lot of fun when the weather is cool. All of the "little" dogs gather on one side of the fence and bark to entice the "big dogs" on the other side of the fence to run up and down. Sounds like a herd of cattle stampeding when we really get going. It is rather amazing that our soft paws can make so much noise when we want to. In the Fall, dried leaves swirl around us as we make the run. In the summer, it is just dirt flying and settling into our coats.

 

 But it is getting too hot to do more than just sit in the shade. My friends and I lie around listening to our owners share all the embarrassing details of our lives while the breeze keeps the heat, and mosquitoes, at bay. Are these what they call the "Dog Days of Summer"?

 

When I get home, I plop on the cool tile and cool down. Then I let MFM know I am ready to eat. Tummy full, I just relax and doze , with one eye open, so I can follow MFM around if she ventures out of my sight. Who knows, she might want to go somewhere. That means I either get to go along or get bought off with  a treat. I have trained her properly.

 

Now for a rest....sigh.....

My Rating Goes Up

I only had a "Predictable" rating as a therapy dog. While that allowed me into the nursing homes and participation in the R.E.A.D. program, it did not allow me to visit the hospital. Therefore, MFM signed me up for a refresher course in advanced dog training.

I excelled, of course, having never forgotten the first training. I have to admit to being a little obnoxious about my expertise and didn't feel I needed to pay as much attention as the other participants. I did, however, manage to contain my enthusiasm and pass the test with a "Complex" rating. The only hang-up was when I had to "leave it" and the object they put in front of me was a soft toy that I love to play with!

Now, to get the paperwork in and set up some visits. It sure is a lot of hard work to be able to volunteer.

I have continued my reading schedule at the elementary school and was invited to a brunch as a thank you. MFM had to go along to hold my leash. She was pretty surprised when I managed to slip out of it a couple of times. Didn't stop me. There were so many tidbits on that cafeteria floor that I wasn't going very far, very fast. People couldn't see the little bits of food, but my sniffer is exceptional and led me right to them!

Poop Happens

Life is not dull but I do manage to get plenty of naps in between outings.
MFM has been taking me out in public a lot so I can become accustomed to all the different noises and people. She took me for a walk in the grass before we went in to Home Depot the other day. As she shopped, I decided to deposit my little present in the middle of the floor. Someone ratted me out and MFM was not very complimentary towards me..."YUK!" she exclaimed several times. Sure, I know what that means.... I have accomplished my goal to embarrass her.

I promise, that was not my intention when we were in the garden center at Wal-Mart one day. It was just....well....those fertilizers were wafting a sweet aroma and I thought maybe that was the right area. MFM pulled hard on my leash and rushed me outside to a grassy knoll. We made it.

Can't a boy have any fun?

"Can I Read To Your Dog?"

Well, it is obvious I have some catching up to do so will get started now.....

We visited an Elementary School on 23 February as part of a reward night for math and science students. We had seven teams (each team being made up of a pet and his/her handler) and managed to see a total of about 200 children in two hours. The children were clambering for second turns when the school insisted on closing for the night.

MFM and I interacted with more than 35 children, which meant the readings were shortened so everyone would have an opportunity to join in. I was amazed at the different reading levels, but the children all gave it their best. Each was rewarded with a stick-on tag announcing which dog s/he had read with, a bookmark to encourage reading at home, and a "business card" to tell all about the dog. Now, we need to go back to the printer!

This school night was a rousing success and other schools are reaching out to us now. More teams are graduating in the coming months so we are going to be a strong force!

A Day at the Library



My first outing as a R.E.A.D. dog was to the Public Library. We did not have too many visitors but that will surely change as the children learn we are there. It is such fun to see the children come in. They run over and give nme hugs and pet me...a LOT! Then they choose a book and read to me. I have the best job in the world!

Delta Pet Partner Team

Yippeeee!! My letter finally came and we are now a registered pet partner team!
Pet Partner Teams can visit people just to make them happy. For instance - an older person living in an assisted living facility might have had a pet all her / his life but now it is not allowed. I can visit and bring some joy for a little bit of time.

We get a badge and everything. There is still more to do though.

 We needed this letter so we can register as a R.E.A.D. team. That means I can go to the library and the schools and have the children read to me. I am hoping to make the first big extravaganza on November 12th at the library. Just have to see if MFM is back from her trip because she has to take me. Also, there are more papers and things to fill out to be in that program.

A hassle? Well, a little bit but I am hoping it will be worth it.
I will let you know.....meanwhile, I am off to the dog park after we deliver a meal to a recuperating friend.