Well, it's been several months since I've written, and so much has happened. Essence and I have bee ntogether 7 whole months, I got an opportunity to go and visit Chief, and Christmas is almost here. Aside from coming back from visiting Chief with a terrible cold, it was a wonderful visit. He is happy and well cared for. There are people who love him, and are so warm and friendly. Essence had a great time there too. Chief is healthy, and seems very content. I can't wait to go visit him in the summer. Essence and I are doing well, she is still sniffing some, and we still have our problems, but overall, she is a good worker.
Honestly, I'm still sad about Chief, and seeing him made me sadder in a way, I tried to recapture some of what we had, but it wasn't there to be captured, he's moved on in his life, and so have I. I made the right choice to retire him, but it's so sad!! When Gina retired, she died soon after, and though I was and sometimes still am sad about it, I had some closure. I had some closure wit hChief, but knowing he is still out there, and still running around playing, I wish I could be with him. and yet, I must move on, must go on with Essence, for she too has her charms, and is still so young and full of life! But lerking at the perifery of my vision is the day, 7, 8, 9 years down the road, when I must again, retire a dog. And if I think to hard about it, No!! I won't think about it! I won't I'll live for now, and enjoy what time God gives me with Essence.
Be well all, and I tell you!!! Love those firry and humans in your life, Love them! and take all the time God gives you with them, for someday, they too will be gone!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
4 months with Essence
Today, Essence and I celebrate 4
months together. It should have been on the 7th, but as you may know, I didn't start off class with her, but with a different
dog. When I finally got her, I thought it couldn't work, she was so diffrent than the first dog they started me off with, he was so calm, so relaxed!
She was so bouncy, so full of mischief. I remember the first obedience session we did together, Getting her to sit was a real chore, I even asked my instructor,
"she does know this command, doesn't she?" She just wouldn't do it, no matter what I did, how I begged, commanded, corrected, It just wasn't happening.
We couldn't do anything but sit, over and over and over again. then she had to go to a prong collar, because wit the check chain she hacked and acted like
I was killing her. Then taking her home was a nightmare, she sniffed, and jumped on people, and generally made my life a living hell for a few days.
I can remember the first time I took her in to the local pretzel factory, she put her front paws right up on the counter! I was so embarrassed. All this
to say, she's a really good worker now, she has her issues, following in crouds still isn't her strongest skill, and once in a while we miss the top of
the stairs and she just starts going down them, but mostly, she's a good worker. She's obedient, and can be trusted to stay in one spot while in harness,
we are working on the stay out of harness, and it's not that reliable yet! She mostly comes when she's called, and loves to play in her back yard. She's
usually good around other dogs, but once in a while when i am distracted she will act up around other dogs. She loves to play with her heavy rubber toys,
kong and a round frisby toy her friend Ronan gave her. He's getting older, and doesn't like to play with it that much anymore. She loves tug, and is
so full of energy in the morning! she will do laps around the fensed in yard, and catch a ball in the air, I really do love her, she is a little cuddler,
and my cat thinks she's his personal posession! Good Morning All,
Today, Essence and I celebrate 5 months together. It should have been on the 7th, but as you may know, I didn't start off class with her, but with a different
dog. When I finally got her, I thought it couldn't work, she was so diffrent than the first dog they started me off with, he was so calm, so relaxed!
She was so bouncy, so full of mischief. I remember the first obedience session we did together, Getting her to sit was a real chore, I even asked my instructor,
"she does know this command, doesn't she?" She just wouldn't do it, no matter what I did, how I begged, commanded, corrected, It just wasn't happening.
We couldn't do anything but sit, over and over and over again. then she had to go to a prong collar, because wit the check chain she hacked and acted like
I was killing her. Then taking her home was a nightmare, she sniffed, and jumped on people, and generally made my life a living hell for a few days.
I can remember the first time I took her in to the local pretzel factory, she put her front paws right up on the counter! I was so embarrassed. All this
to say, she's a really good worker now, she has her issues, following in crouds still isn't her strongest skill, and once in a while we miss the top of
the stairs and she just starts going down them, but mostly, she's a good worker. She's obedient, and can be trusted to stay in one spot while in harness,
we are working on the stay out of harness, and it's not that reliable yet! She mostly comes when she's called, and loves to play in her back yard. She's
usually good around other dogs, but once in a while when i am distracted she will act up around other dogs. She loves to play with her heavy rubber toys,
kong and a round frisby toy her friend Ronan gave her. He's getting older, and doesn't like to play with it that much anymore. She loves tug, and is
so full of energy in the morning! she will do laps around the fensed in yard, and catch a ball in the air, I really do love her, she is a little cuddler,
and my cat thinks she's his personal posession!
months together. It should have been on the 7th, but as you may know, I didn't start off class with her, but with a different
dog. When I finally got her, I thought it couldn't work, she was so diffrent than the first dog they started me off with, he was so calm, so relaxed!
She was so bouncy, so full of mischief. I remember the first obedience session we did together, Getting her to sit was a real chore, I even asked my instructor,
"she does know this command, doesn't she?" She just wouldn't do it, no matter what I did, how I begged, commanded, corrected, It just wasn't happening.
We couldn't do anything but sit, over and over and over again. then she had to go to a prong collar, because wit the check chain she hacked and acted like
I was killing her. Then taking her home was a nightmare, she sniffed, and jumped on people, and generally made my life a living hell for a few days.
I can remember the first time I took her in to the local pretzel factory, she put her front paws right up on the counter! I was so embarrassed. All this
to say, she's a really good worker now, she has her issues, following in crouds still isn't her strongest skill, and once in a while we miss the top of
the stairs and she just starts going down them, but mostly, she's a good worker. She's obedient, and can be trusted to stay in one spot while in harness,
we are working on the stay out of harness, and it's not that reliable yet! She mostly comes when she's called, and loves to play in her back yard. She's
usually good around other dogs, but once in a while when i am distracted she will act up around other dogs. She loves to play with her heavy rubber toys,
kong and a round frisby toy her friend Ronan gave her. He's getting older, and doesn't like to play with it that much anymore. She loves tug, and is
so full of energy in the morning! she will do laps around the fensed in yard, and catch a ball in the air, I really do love her, she is a little cuddler,
and my cat thinks she's his personal posession! Good Morning All,
Today, Essence and I celebrate 5 months together. It should have been on the 7th, but as you may know, I didn't start off class with her, but with a different
dog. When I finally got her, I thought it couldn't work, she was so diffrent than the first dog they started me off with, he was so calm, so relaxed!
She was so bouncy, so full of mischief. I remember the first obedience session we did together, Getting her to sit was a real chore, I even asked my instructor,
"she does know this command, doesn't she?" She just wouldn't do it, no matter what I did, how I begged, commanded, corrected, It just wasn't happening.
We couldn't do anything but sit, over and over and over again. then she had to go to a prong collar, because wit the check chain she hacked and acted like
I was killing her. Then taking her home was a nightmare, she sniffed, and jumped on people, and generally made my life a living hell for a few days.
I can remember the first time I took her in to the local pretzel factory, she put her front paws right up on the counter! I was so embarrassed. All this
to say, she's a really good worker now, she has her issues, following in crouds still isn't her strongest skill, and once in a while we miss the top of
the stairs and she just starts going down them, but mostly, she's a good worker. She's obedient, and can be trusted to stay in one spot while in harness,
we are working on the stay out of harness, and it's not that reliable yet! She mostly comes when she's called, and loves to play in her back yard. She's
usually good around other dogs, but once in a while when i am distracted she will act up around other dogs. She loves to play with her heavy rubber toys,
kong and a round frisby toy her friend Ronan gave her. He's getting older, and doesn't like to play with it that much anymore. She loves tug, and is
so full of energy in the morning! she will do laps around the fensed in yard, and catch a ball in the air, I really do love her, she is a little cuddler,
and my cat thinks she's his personal posession!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Essence in Virginia
Hi,
Today Essence and I went for our first overnight business trip, we're staying at a friend's house, and Essence and My friend's dog Ronan just had a great game of tug!
They both took an end of a rope, and pulled, pulled, pulled! Now essence is laying next to me. She did great on Amtrak, and slept her way down to this area.
We're Almost at 4 months together, and she really pleased me today!
She did so great with the other dog, and didn't even get out of line to much!
Tomorrow we go to the client's business, and I know she will do excelent there to!Angie and The Eseenator
Today Essence and I went for our first overnight business trip, we're staying at a friend's house, and Essence and My friend's dog Ronan just had a great game of tug!
They both took an end of a rope, and pulled, pulled, pulled! Now essence is laying next to me. She did great on Amtrak, and slept her way down to this area.
We're Almost at 4 months together, and she really pleased me today!
She did so great with the other dog, and didn't even get out of line to much!
Tomorrow we go to the client's business, and I know she will do excelent there to!Angie and The Eseenator
Friday, July 18, 2008
Essence, the corporate executive
Yesterday, we went on location, to a corporate location, it was a cube farm, and Essence did great!! She acted like she worked in a cube farm all her life, laying quietly, taking up no more space than alotted, and generally impressing me! at my job I have my own office, and she mostly is good, laying quietly, but is a bit more playful, getting up sometimes to say hi, which is fine! but yesterday, she only got up one time, turned a tight circle, and laid back down!, it was incredible! this bouncy energetic dog actually knows how to work, and to be really professional!
Give that girl her own laptop, and cell phone, and I can retire! The only problem is she usually sleeps through all my meetings!
Give that girl her own laptop, and cell phone, and I can retire! The only problem is she usually sleeps through all my meetings!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
extras
I realized that there are a few details I might have left out of my blog, so, I thought I'd fill you all in on a few details.
1. the Action program at GEB, the program I was in is comprised of two weeks of school training, then one intensive week at home. You get to the school the same week that the rest of the students do, and leave half way through the class.
I have some objections to this approach. I will list them here, but before I do, I must say, I am happy with the dog GEB matched me with, I will go back to that school for my fourth dog. I have no problem with the trainers, and love some of the new training methods. my objections are on the basis of my training experience alone. I'm sure that Action works great for some folks!
My objections are as follows:
1. there is very little experience in public places, diners, other places to eat.
2. No experience in elevators, escolators, and very little experience using revolving doors.
3. you don't get to join the rest of the class in the obedience training, doing obedience separately there is no distractionto practice with.
4. I felt slightly separated from the rest of the class.
5. I didn't get to meet Essence's puppy raisers.
That's about all for now. THere are more details to talk about, for now, I've got to go.
1. the Action program at GEB, the program I was in is comprised of two weeks of school training, then one intensive week at home. You get to the school the same week that the rest of the students do, and leave half way through the class.
I have some objections to this approach. I will list them here, but before I do, I must say, I am happy with the dog GEB matched me with, I will go back to that school for my fourth dog. I have no problem with the trainers, and love some of the new training methods. my objections are on the basis of my training experience alone. I'm sure that Action works great for some folks!
My objections are as follows:
1. there is very little experience in public places, diners, other places to eat.
2. No experience in elevators, escolators, and very little experience using revolving doors.
3. you don't get to join the rest of the class in the obedience training, doing obedience separately there is no distractionto practice with.
4. I felt slightly separated from the rest of the class.
5. I didn't get to meet Essence's puppy raisers.
That's about all for now. THere are more details to talk about, for now, I've got to go.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
2 months with Ess
Wow, I can't believe it, It's been two months already, and Essence is doing great!! She is so reliable, calm, and mostly behaved. I have had chalenges with this dog, as well as triumphs! She has guided me in some unfamiliar places, and in one and a half weeks, we will fly together for the first time! I have really developed a bond with this dog, I really love her! I think we are developing trust as a team, and the bonding process is well and truly begun on both sides. This dog is so different than Chief in so many big ways!
one thing that she does that is a little annoying and a tiny bit cute is when we're on the bus, and we get to our stop, just as we're pulling up to our stop, she will dig her toe nails in to my foot. I think it's a way to remind herself to stay in a laying down possision. She doesn't do it any other time. She is really cute at home, and full of spunk!
She loves to carry her bone around, and wants you to throw it for her.
She is cuddly and loving. She even tollerates the cats!
Overall, this has been a great two months! I miss chief, and no dog will ever replace him, but she is a great successor dog!!
one thing that she does that is a little annoying and a tiny bit cute is when we're on the bus, and we get to our stop, just as we're pulling up to our stop, she will dig her toe nails in to my foot. I think it's a way to remind herself to stay in a laying down possision. She doesn't do it any other time. She is really cute at home, and full of spunk!
She loves to carry her bone around, and wants you to throw it for her.
She is cuddly and loving. She even tollerates the cats!
Overall, this has been a great two months! I miss chief, and no dog will ever replace him, but she is a great successor dog!!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Almost a month
There hasn't been much to write lately, things with essence are moving along,
She loves to play fetch, and tug!
She is a pretty careful worker, with lots of ziel!
we haven't gotten her relieving schedule down pat yet, but we're working on it.
We are just starting off leash work in the house, she is starting to earn her time off leash, very very slowly!!
She's not trust worthy yet left alone, she will go for the cat food or worse yet, the morsels in the litter box, yuck!!!
She's a little scavenger, but quite a little softy!
I think we are going to work out pretty well together!
The posts will be fewer as we get settled.
Angie and Essence
some of her nicknames so far are
the essinator,
ess
, essaloo
this is a dirivitive of coodeloo, which is my cat's nickname
essencia pronounced essencea
I'm sure more will come!
She loves to play fetch, and tug!
She is a pretty careful worker, with lots of ziel!
we haven't gotten her relieving schedule down pat yet, but we're working on it.
We are just starting off leash work in the house, she is starting to earn her time off leash, very very slowly!!
She's not trust worthy yet left alone, she will go for the cat food or worse yet, the morsels in the litter box, yuck!!!
She's a little scavenger, but quite a little softy!
I think we are going to work out pretty well together!
The posts will be fewer as we get settled.
Angie and Essence
some of her nicknames so far are
the essinator,
ess
, essaloo
this is a dirivitive of coodeloo, which is my cat's nickname
essencia pronounced essencea
I'm sure more will come!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Two weeks home, three weeks as a team
I just realized,
This time two weeks ago, I was packing up to go, about to do one last work session with my instructor, and getting ready to leave. It makes me really sad to think the rest of my class is in that same place today, all going home today, packing up, and ready to go!
Also, on a more happy note, Essence and I are celebrating three weeks together as a team. She still has problem areas, things we really need to work on, but, wow, we're getting there!!
This time two weeks ago, I was packing up to go, about to do one last work session with my instructor, and getting ready to leave. It makes me really sad to think the rest of my class is in that same place today, all going home today, packing up, and ready to go!
Also, on a more happy note, Essence and I are celebrating three weeks together as a team. She still has problem areas, things we really need to work on, but, wow, we're getting there!!
Friday, May 23, 2008
another day on the job
Today was another day and very calm one for essence, she is content and sleeping under my desk. I'm really happy with her performance. She handles the 69th street terminal like a little pro!! that is a big transit terminal, and many busses subways and other forms of public transit wiz in and our of it constantly, not to mention the people crouds of them!! she does just fine!!
,
,
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Essence on the counter
This morning as I stopped by the local pretsel place, my wonderful dog essence decided to jump on the counter, Of course I corrected her and gave her a leash correction for that, but isn't it great to have a young dog!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
essence and I back to work at last.
Well, today is our first day back to work, and things are going mostly fine! Essence did the rout to the bus just fine, and has used the park area here just fine, just peaing, no number 2. That's just what everyone wanted to hear. Anyway, my trainer came and we did a very short rout to the areas we need to use here and she did just fine, she did snatch a dorito on the steps, but that was kind of my fault, I wasn't paying attention to her and what she was doing. More later from the Essence Chronicals
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
sleeping, at last!!
Well, I just realized, I was sitting here at my keyboard, and guess what folks, guess what, can you guess??
She's actually sleeping, we've found the off button, yayayayayayayay!!!
She's actually sleeping, we've found the off button, yayayayayayayay!!!
Essence in the city
Today was a really great day for essence and I, we worked doubles with another team, I thought it could have been more organized, the instructor seemed a bit hap-hazzard about things, things like, who's leading, space between teams, and other minor details that I'm used to Graham managing. We did a simple rout here in the home area, and she was really slow and pokey, but then we went to the city, and she
picked it up no problem!! Her pace is good, and her pull is amazingly strong. I think we'll have to steady her down a bit, but I'd much rather steady down a bit than continuously hopup a dog in non guide dog lingo, that means I'd rather ask a dog to go a bit slower than try and try to get them to go faster!!
I think things are going to be ok!
Tomorrow I go back to work, and that should be interesting~!
More from the ETails later
picked it up no problem!! Her pace is good, and her pull is amazingly strong. I think we'll have to steady her down a bit, but I'd much rather steady down a bit than continuously hopup a dog in non guide dog lingo, that means I'd rather ask a dog to go a bit slower than try and try to get them to go faster!!
I think things are going to be ok!
Tomorrow I go back to work, and that should be interesting~!
More from the ETails later
Monday, May 19, 2008
First day of home training
Today was the first day of home training with garry, the geb field instructor.
I am not sure I like him, I'm not sure he's been really trained in teh geb way, and some of the advice he gave me seems contrary to the geb model. He frustrates me very much, and doesn't seem to understand what I need. I've tried to explain what I need, but have gotten very frustrated.
Essence is doing better in the house, although, I still don't know what she is doing when she is releiving her self. Noone has addressed this with me, they all act like, "well, you are action, so you should know what you are doing!" I felt that my needs were not met fully.
I plan to talk about all of this during my exit interview.
Angie and essence
I am not sure I like him, I'm not sure he's been really trained in teh geb way, and some of the advice he gave me seems contrary to the geb model. He frustrates me very much, and doesn't seem to understand what I need. I've tried to explain what I need, but have gotten very frustrated.
Essence is doing better in the house, although, I still don't know what she is doing when she is releiving her self. Noone has addressed this with me, they all act like, "well, you are action, so you should know what you are doing!" I felt that my needs were not met fully.
I plan to talk about all of this during my exit interview.
Angie and essence
Saturday, May 17, 2008
first full day home with essence!
Well, after my first full day home with essence, I'm feeling used up!!
She doesn't always come when I call her in the back yard, she tries to eat everything that might be on the floor.
and she is hyper!!
We've done some short routs with her, and she misses every curb, and tries to turn right instead of crossing the street!! I do have an instructor coming on monday, and he will work with me for a week, I'm really grateful for that!!
that's all for now, but pray for me to have patience with this dog!!
She doesn't always come when I call her in the back yard, she tries to eat everything that might be on the floor.
and she is hyper!!
We've done some short routs with her, and she misses every curb, and tries to turn right instead of crossing the street!! I do have an instructor coming on monday, and he will work with me for a week, I'm really grateful for that!!
that's all for now, but pray for me to have patience with this dog!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Home with Essence
Today I brought Essence home, we got home about2 hours ago. and it's been work the whole 2 hours!! We did a really short walk in harness, 2 blocks, and we parked twice! she's been introduced to Liz, my roomate, and the cats. The older cat patches wanted nothing to do with her, and ran to her room, Caleb was scared at first, but seemes to be adjusting!
We will see what the night brings, she is on leassh right now, and laying mostly calmly as the cat runs too and fro!
More of the essence chronicals later
I hope, hope she settles down!!
Angie and crew!
We will see what the night brings, she is on leassh right now, and laying mostly calmly as the cat runs too and fro!
More of the essence chronicals later
I hope, hope she settles down!!
Angie and crew!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
One distracted essence
Today we did some long routes, as well as worked on food distractions. My trainer would throw popcorn at her, and she would have to leave it! If she did so, she got freeze dried liver, a very smelly treat.
She did pretty well, but got it only once.
We also worked on off leash obedience wich was really cool. Also, we got our pictures taken. There was some question weather I would have to stay an extra week because of the dog switch, but I will be able to go home on friday wich i am glad about, but there are some things I wish I were staying for!
Ah well, what can you do.
Angie and essence
She did pretty well, but got it only once.
We also worked on off leash obedience wich was really cool. Also, we got our pictures taken. There was some question weather I would have to stay an extra week because of the dog switch, but I will be able to go home on friday wich i am glad about, but there are some things I wish I were staying for!
Ah well, what can you do.
Angie and essence
Monday, May 12, 2008
essencia
Today was another great day with essence, She works so well for me!! I am so very pleased! We are working on sniffing issues, as well as food distraction. There is the chance that she and I may have to stay another week, but maybe not! We will decide tomorrow!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Her essence
Today was another great day with essence! She is working beautifully! We did play, and she loves to play tug-o-war! She is very driven!! When there is a bird, she drives right toward it, No, I'm just kidding!
She does get distracted by birds, squirls, and other things, but for a young dog, she is working really really well for me!!!
Graham, my instructor said that you wouldn't know that I've only had her for 48 hours! She loves to lick, alot! and she has a very mobile nose, that will get her into nothing but trouble! She is a bit of a scavenger, but we will work on that little anoyance!
I want to start work with her with the Halty next week, if Graham thinks she needs it and is ready for it!
that's all for now, We will know on tuesday weather we need to stay an extra week or not! We may have to, if so, oh well, I won't like it, but what can you do??
She does get distracted by birds, squirls, and other things, but for a young dog, she is working really really well for me!!!
Graham, my instructor said that you wouldn't know that I've only had her for 48 hours! She loves to lick, alot! and she has a very mobile nose, that will get her into nothing but trouble! She is a bit of a scavenger, but we will work on that little anoyance!
I want to start work with her with the Halty next week, if Graham thinks she needs it and is ready for it!
that's all for now, We will know on tuesday weather we need to stay an extra week or not! We may have to, if so, oh well, I won't like it, but what can you do??
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The essence of a dog with drive!!
Today was the first time I worked essence on the streets, She did well, verry well in fact.
We have her on a prong collar for now, so she can settle down a bit, she is a little fireball! She is sweet, but very active, quite a handfull! We are working with her, and I'm seeing some improvement already.
Her work is great, but she needs some behavior modification and we are working on that!
That's the latest from the essence of a dog.
Angie and Essence
We have her on a prong collar for now, so she can settle down a bit, she is a little fireball! She is sweet, but very active, quite a handfull! We are working with her, and I'm seeing some improvement already.
Her work is great, but she needs some behavior modification and we are working on that!
That's the latest from the essence of a dog.
Angie and Essence
Friday, May 9, 2008
Essence
Well, I got a new dog, her name is essence! she is a little yellow lab, about 68 pounds or so. She is a bit on the hiper side, but we can work on that! We did some work with her, and she works beautifully pulling out at a nice fast pase, yayayayay we'll have some issues with her but I think she will work out fine, I hope!
God knows what he is doing with her, and with me, so I will put my trust in him!
God knows what he is doing with her, and with me, so I will put my trust in him!
Horton is no more!
This afternoon, My trainer decided that Horton, the sweet sweet yellow lab I had wasn't working out for me. They have taken him away, and will get me another dog. I pray that he will be happy with someone else!
More later
More later
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Horton goes to work
Today was the first time we worked our dogs, horton did great the first time, lots of pull, and a great pase! The second time we were a bit on the slow side, but things will work out!
This evening we got nylabones for the dogs, these are really safe bones that the dogs can chew and chew and not hurt them. He has already put some big marks in his! I've started introducing the Crate I brought, it's my portable crate that I take everywhere! He is a bit hesatant about it, so I'm introducing it slowly, and keeping it very positive! I will start feeding him in it, and that will be helpful! We also got what are called martingale collars, they are mostly flat, nylon collars, but about 25 percent of it is chain! and they wear it when they are not working. I got to pick a color and of corse I picked Blue!!!!
He is sitting under my desk while I am writing. Things are going quite well with him, he's a real lover boy!!! and I love love love that !
He licks my face, and is generally playfull, although, when he is in harness, he's very very calm!
That's all I'll say for now, but I think, God willing, this could be a match made in heaven!
Angie and Horton
This evening we got nylabones for the dogs, these are really safe bones that the dogs can chew and chew and not hurt them. He has already put some big marks in his! I've started introducing the Crate I brought, it's my portable crate that I take everywhere! He is a bit hesatant about it, so I'm introducing it slowly, and keeping it very positive! I will start feeding him in it, and that will be helpful! We also got what are called martingale collars, they are mostly flat, nylon collars, but about 25 percent of it is chain! and they wear it when they are not working. I got to pick a color and of corse I picked Blue!!!!
He is sitting under my desk while I am writing. Things are going quite well with him, he's a real lover boy!!! and I love love love that !
He licks my face, and is generally playfull, although, when he is in harness, he's very very calm!
That's all I'll say for now, but I think, God willing, this could be a match made in heaven!
Angie and Horton
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Horton
Sorry for the delay, things have been a bit hecktic, and so I'm finally getting the chance to post.
I got here on monday, and got settled in. I had to give Chief back about an hour after I got here, that was really really really hard!
Tuesday was all practice, getting to know the commands, and getting ready for the dogs.
Today, that was the really hard part, the wait was terrible!!
Anyway, as you might have guessed, I got a dog named Horton. He is a yellow lab, and so cute I could eat him alive!
The first thing he did when we met was put his paws on my legs and lick me all over!!
It was so so cute.
From going from Chief, who bearly licked at all, this dog is so effectionate!
tomorrow we really start! The hard work begins. We learn to work with the dogs in harness, and learn what they are like on the streets!
I'll sign off for now, but I want to say, it feels good to have a dog at my side again!!!
Angie and Horton signing out!
I got here on monday, and got settled in. I had to give Chief back about an hour after I got here, that was really really really hard!
Tuesday was all practice, getting to know the commands, and getting ready for the dogs.
Today, that was the really hard part, the wait was terrible!!
Anyway, as you might have guessed, I got a dog named Horton. He is a yellow lab, and so cute I could eat him alive!
The first thing he did when we met was put his paws on my legs and lick me all over!!
It was so so cute.
From going from Chief, who bearly licked at all, this dog is so effectionate!
tomorrow we really start! The hard work begins. We learn to work with the dogs in harness, and learn what they are like on the streets!
I'll sign off for now, but I want to say, it feels good to have a dog at my side again!!!
Angie and Horton signing out!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Day 1
Good Morning, I'm writing from my home for the last time, I leave for amtrak in about an hour, and just wanted to thank all those who have called or written with your support, Thanks, it meands alot!
Now I've got to go finish getting ready, and calm my nerves!!
Signing out!
Now I've got to go finish getting ready, and calm my nerves!!
Signing out!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
One more night
Oh, give me one more night!
cause I can't wait forever,
Just one more night?
I have had the coris of that song in my head the whole day, So a few minutes ago I had to go look up the lyrics, they don't fit, but the coris does.
Oh, I really do only have one more night!
I wonder if my emotions I've been trying to fight,
My feelings on another flight, bound for nowhere land!
But, if I break, if I crack, I'll never be able to go back! I'll Cancel my trip, I'll just unpack, and not give Chief back!
So I won't crack, I won't break,
That damn Trip I'll take.
I pray for strength,
God, you know my fears, you know the unshead tears, How can I face it.
Well, at least I know I'm human, I just went and cried on chief, he was having none of it, he informed me that I was only allowed to have happy memories. and that makes sense,
why cry, why howel in to the unhearing wind, it helps nothing!!
Instead, i'll think of the happy times,
The times when He saved my life, the times when we plunged daringly in to the unknown. This dog tought me so much!
More tomorrow from GEB,
cause I can't wait forever,
Just one more night?
I have had the coris of that song in my head the whole day, So a few minutes ago I had to go look up the lyrics, they don't fit, but the coris does.
Oh, I really do only have one more night!
I wonder if my emotions I've been trying to fight,
My feelings on another flight, bound for nowhere land!
But, if I break, if I crack, I'll never be able to go back! I'll Cancel my trip, I'll just unpack, and not give Chief back!
So I won't crack, I won't break,
That damn Trip I'll take.
I pray for strength,
God, you know my fears, you know the unshead tears, How can I face it.
Well, at least I know I'm human, I just went and cried on chief, he was having none of it, he informed me that I was only allowed to have happy memories. and that makes sense,
why cry, why howel in to the unhearing wind, it helps nothing!!
Instead, i'll think of the happy times,
The times when He saved my life, the times when we plunged daringly in to the unknown. This dog tought me so much!
More tomorrow from GEB,
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Packing
Today is the day to finalize my packing, and get all in readiness.
I've still got to find my rain coat, I'm not sure where it is!
Other than that, I've got to do a few loads of laundry, some house cleaning, and I think I might give Chief a Bath!
I've also got to charge up my trekker, it's fun to run it on the train to see how fast we're going.
I'm surprised that I'm not more emotional, I'm wondering if there's something wrong with me. Shouldn't I be more upset? shouldn't I be more sad or something??
I do love Chief, I really do. And I will miss him. Ah, I don't know what else to say, maybe I'll go back to bed for a while. ! !
2 more nights here, then i'm off!!
I've still got to find my rain coat, I'm not sure where it is!
Other than that, I've got to do a few loads of laundry, some house cleaning, and I think I might give Chief a Bath!
I've also got to charge up my trekker, it's fun to run it on the train to see how fast we're going.
I'm surprised that I'm not more emotional, I'm wondering if there's something wrong with me. Shouldn't I be more upset? shouldn't I be more sad or something??
I do love Chief, I really do. And I will miss him. Ah, I don't know what else to say, maybe I'll go back to bed for a while. ! !
2 more nights here, then i'm off!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
A tribute to a dog
This is a tribute to my first Dog, Gina.
I will post the several poems that I've written about her here.
The first one is called RockDog
your all I have in an ocean of doubt
your all i have in a sea of despair
When the tide turns ugly
your like a rock in the waves
solid as a stone
when i'm all alone
when the world turns upside down
your always around
making sure i'm okay
and sending fear on it's way
The second one is called My trusted eyes
My trusted eyes
Ever so wise
My trusting guide
Takes obsticles wide
By humans we slide
Over the grownd we glide
My trusted eyes
Forever wise
My trusting guide
Always by my side
A gift from God
You are my forever dog
All day we flow
From place to place
you make my heart glow
and put a smile on my face
my trusted eyes
I hate good byes
I hate so longs
And I hate no mores
With each of your snores
I know I’m yours
With every wine
I know your mine
But when the time comes
To say good bye
A part of my heart will die
For nearly two years
You’ve guided me safely
And taught me so much
At guiding eyes
A perfect match was made
And my fate was placed in to your paws
You hold my life
and I hold yours
you’ve opened doors
and even dirtied some floors
you’ve carried your weight
and your so great
such a wonderful dog
a priceless companion
with every lick
and every click of your claws
with every happy wag of your tale
I know together we can not fail
With a romp
And a bath
And a solid chew of your favorite bone
I no I will never be alone
With you by my side
And the last one for tonight is called Dog
Dog
my dog
my companion
my child
my friend
my teacher
my dog
my guide
my eyes
my sense of freedom
you are to me what some might call independence
you are to me what i would call a blessing
letting go of fear
holding on to hope
you have tought me to be free
I will put one more in here, I wasn't sure I would, but I think I should, THis is a Tribute to GEB, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, where I have gotten Gina and Chief, and where I will return on monday for my third dog.
SO here it is, it's just called GEB
when you come to Guiding Eyes you get quite a surprise
it's usually a lab but not
always the case
what ever it is it usually licks your face
and in a matter of weeks your boarding
your plane. train or car
and you know that you'll get far
with your geb dog by your side
and a
sense of overwhelming pride
you know you'll never be alone
with your dog chewing a bone
for after all,
they are just dogs!
Thank you GEB your program is wonderful
And one more to finish it off, Only one more, I promise.
This poem is for my first guide dog trainner, who is nolonger with the school. She gave me my foundation in guide dog work, and I am forever indebted to her.
This last one, it really is the last one is simply called Yvette
`` I'm on my own
your not here with me
not where you were
not showing me how to do
the things I've learned
and in my eyes
the tears arive
tears of joy
and tears of sorrow
and when the sun rises tomorrow
I'll be on mhy own
but in my heart
and in mhy thoughts
you will remain
for ever
not just a memory
That's truely it, the hours tick away, and I'm almost packed, Just one load of laundry, and I'm done. Too more days until lift off!
I will post the several poems that I've written about her here.
The first one is called RockDog
your all I have in an ocean of doubt
your all i have in a sea of despair
When the tide turns ugly
your like a rock in the waves
solid as a stone
when i'm all alone
when the world turns upside down
your always around
making sure i'm okay
and sending fear on it's way
The second one is called My trusted eyes
My trusted eyes
Ever so wise
My trusting guide
Takes obsticles wide
By humans we slide
Over the grownd we glide
My trusted eyes
Forever wise
My trusting guide
Always by my side
A gift from God
You are my forever dog
All day we flow
From place to place
you make my heart glow
and put a smile on my face
my trusted eyes
I hate good byes
I hate so longs
And I hate no mores
With each of your snores
I know I’m yours
With every wine
I know your mine
But when the time comes
To say good bye
A part of my heart will die
For nearly two years
You’ve guided me safely
And taught me so much
At guiding eyes
A perfect match was made
And my fate was placed in to your paws
You hold my life
and I hold yours
you’ve opened doors
and even dirtied some floors
you’ve carried your weight
and your so great
such a wonderful dog
a priceless companion
with every lick
and every click of your claws
with every happy wag of your tale
I know together we can not fail
With a romp
And a bath
And a solid chew of your favorite bone
I no I will never be alone
With you by my side
And the last one for tonight is called Dog
Dog
my dog
my companion
my child
my friend
my teacher
my dog
my guide
my eyes
my sense of freedom
you are to me what some might call independence
you are to me what i would call a blessing
letting go of fear
holding on to hope
you have tought me to be free
I will put one more in here, I wasn't sure I would, but I think I should, THis is a Tribute to GEB, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, where I have gotten Gina and Chief, and where I will return on monday for my third dog.
SO here it is, it's just called GEB
when you come to Guiding Eyes you get quite a surprise
it's usually a lab but not
always the case
what ever it is it usually licks your face
and in a matter of weeks your boarding
your plane. train or car
and you know that you'll get far
with your geb dog by your side
and a
sense of overwhelming pride
you know you'll never be alone
with your dog chewing a bone
for after all,
they are just dogs!
Thank you GEB your program is wonderful
And one more to finish it off, Only one more, I promise.
This poem is for my first guide dog trainner, who is nolonger with the school. She gave me my foundation in guide dog work, and I am forever indebted to her.
This last one, it really is the last one is simply called Yvette
`` I'm on my own
your not here with me
not where you were
not showing me how to do
the things I've learned
and in my eyes
the tears arive
tears of joy
and tears of sorrow
and when the sun rises tomorrow
I'll be on mhy own
but in my heart
and in mhy thoughts
you will remain
for ever
not just a memory
That's truely it, the hours tick away, and I'm almost packed, Just one load of laundry, and I'm done. Too more days until lift off!
Three more nights, no more frights.
Good morning all, This morning, I got my room number at GEB, it's Room 16, and my phone number there is 914-930-3386
Call when ever you like. I'm most likely to be in my room after 8:00 PM.
If you don't get me, leave a message!
I've been telling everyone, if you want to know what's going on, tune in to the blog. I'll be trying to write in it every day From Geb.
Next wednesday is dog day, the day when we get our dogs.
Here's a poem I wrote about dog day, I wrote this poem a very long time ago.
d day
all of us are waiting for this day,
when our faits are placed in the paws of a dog big or small,
black or yellow,
male or female,
first or 10th partial or total,
we all wait the same, we all fear the same.
and we all dream of dogs, labs in fact, nothing like the
love and effection of a lab, there's no better feeling then being licked by a dog except being licked by your dog, it's extecy.
your home and life is sweet
I wrote that when I got chief,
That's all for now, Now I've got to pack, and generally get ready. THe retirement party has been canceled, because alot of people who were going to come can't for different reasons. People have been coming by here and there to see Chief and saying good Bye!
Oh, I just had a strange thing happen, as I was re-reading the post I just wrote the screen reader I use, JAWS, was repeating the last word of the post which at that time was Good Bye, so I heard those two words like 10 times again and again, freaky!!.
Call when ever you like. I'm most likely to be in my room after 8:00 PM.
If you don't get me, leave a message!
I've been telling everyone, if you want to know what's going on, tune in to the blog. I'll be trying to write in it every day From Geb.
Next wednesday is dog day, the day when we get our dogs.
Here's a poem I wrote about dog day, I wrote this poem a very long time ago.
d day
all of us are waiting for this day,
when our faits are placed in the paws of a dog big or small,
black or yellow,
male or female,
first or 10th partial or total,
we all wait the same, we all fear the same.
and we all dream of dogs, labs in fact, nothing like the
love and effection of a lab, there's no better feeling then being licked by a dog except being licked by your dog, it's extecy.
your home and life is sweet
I wrote that when I got chief,
That's all for now, Now I've got to pack, and generally get ready. THe retirement party has been canceled, because alot of people who were going to come can't for different reasons. People have been coming by here and there to see Chief and saying good Bye!
Oh, I just had a strange thing happen, as I was re-reading the post I just wrote the screen reader I use, JAWS, was repeating the last word of the post which at that time was Good Bye, so I heard those two words like 10 times again and again, freaky!!.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
less than a week
There’s less than a week to go,
Things are all planned and ready,
It’s my last day in the office,
I’m on the road the rest of the week.
Next week this time, I’ll be at GEB, and Chief will be gone. What a thought, I can’t dwell on it.
Here’s a poem I wrote about guide dogs
Dogs march through my head,
And the people they led.
Jule and Granite
Ed and Bentley
Don and Melvin
Jim and stormy
Ron and Uko
Bill and patan
Jen and Venus
Tuyen and Gina
The names of the dogs
As they pass through my head.
Their memories spread.
Through my mind they ryme
I pay tribute to them all!!!
The first two I think of,
Are Gina and Chief,
My first, my second
My friend, my partner.
My teacher, my student .
My dogs!!!
To all guide dogs working, and retired,
You are honored companions
We put our lives in your paws.
People donate for your cause.
They even made some laws,
protecting your lives,
As you help to guide ours.
It’s not complete, but it’s all I have for now.
Sorry if I’ve missed any guides, I mean no disrespect!
Things are all planned and ready,
It’s my last day in the office,
I’m on the road the rest of the week.
Next week this time, I’ll be at GEB, and Chief will be gone. What a thought, I can’t dwell on it.
Here’s a poem I wrote about guide dogs
Dogs march through my head,
And the people they led.
Jule and Granite
Ed and Bentley
Don and Melvin
Jim and stormy
Ron and Uko
Bill and patan
Jen and Venus
Tuyen and Gina
The names of the dogs
As they pass through my head.
Their memories spread.
Through my mind they ryme
I pay tribute to them all!!!
The first two I think of,
Are Gina and Chief,
My first, my second
My friend, my partner.
My teacher, my student .
My dogs!!!
To all guide dogs working, and retired,
You are honored companions
We put our lives in your paws.
People donate for your cause.
They even made some laws,
protecting your lives,
As you help to guide ours.
It’s not complete, but it’s all I have for now.
Sorry if I’ve missed any guides, I mean no disrespect!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Lottsa lasts
Well, justover 1 week to go for GEB training,
I was flying home from alabama today, I was there on business, and I reallized, I'm experiencing lotsa lasts with Chief, the last time he will fly with me, the last time he will go to a hotel with me, the last time he will do his part in the presentation we did today.
As I write this, I'm starting to really feel it, Being as over tired as i am, I'm in an emotional state already, and adding that on top of it makes it a chalenge. I worked today with one of my good friends who is also a coleague, and that's the last time he will see chief. Maybe this seems overdramatic to some of you, but it's my mindset right now.
As I write this Chief is in his back yard sniffing and releaving himself.And there will come a time that he won't be in the yard, but another young dog will be out there.
My days of easy living with a guide dog that I can trust are almost over. A new guide dog is like a 15 year old kid, you always have to watch that they don't get in to things that aren't good for them, with kids, especially mail ones, it's porn, or other nasty sites on the net. With a dog it's food, and anything else distracting, including other dogs. you have to be on your guard all the time, thinking to your self, where is his head, because where his head is his nose is sure to follow.
This seems harmless enough you might think, but it can lead to eating things that are unhealthy at best, and lethal at worst.
anyway, that's my rant about the young dog set.
I have two more days in the office, then 3 days in the field, then Chief's retirement party,
If chief has touched your life and you wish to come to his retirement party, call or e-mail me at rox0805@verizon.net, and I'll get you the address and pertenant details.
all are welcome.
That's it, signing off!
Angie
I was flying home from alabama today, I was there on business, and I reallized, I'm experiencing lotsa lasts with Chief, the last time he will fly with me, the last time he will go to a hotel with me, the last time he will do his part in the presentation we did today.
As I write this, I'm starting to really feel it, Being as over tired as i am, I'm in an emotional state already, and adding that on top of it makes it a chalenge. I worked today with one of my good friends who is also a coleague, and that's the last time he will see chief. Maybe this seems overdramatic to some of you, but it's my mindset right now.
As I write this Chief is in his back yard sniffing and releaving himself.And there will come a time that he won't be in the yard, but another young dog will be out there.
My days of easy living with a guide dog that I can trust are almost over. A new guide dog is like a 15 year old kid, you always have to watch that they don't get in to things that aren't good for them, with kids, especially mail ones, it's porn, or other nasty sites on the net. With a dog it's food, and anything else distracting, including other dogs. you have to be on your guard all the time, thinking to your self, where is his head, because where his head is his nose is sure to follow.
This seems harmless enough you might think, but it can lead to eating things that are unhealthy at best, and lethal at worst.
anyway, that's my rant about the young dog set.
I have two more days in the office, then 3 days in the field, then Chief's retirement party,
If chief has touched your life and you wish to come to his retirement party, call or e-mail me at rox0805@verizon.net, and I'll get you the address and pertenant details.
all are welcome.
That's it, signing off!
Angie
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Chuhga Chuhga Chuhga
Well, I got my train tickets, and my luggage tagsfrom GEB, and I got my biggest suitcase out of the closet. Over the course of the next week or so I will be starting to think about packing.
This trip is so different than packing for work. For one thing, I don't need all those dress clothes, it's street close for me for two weeks straight,
wooooo hoooooo
Also, I don't need to pack for a dog, no pounds and pounds of dog food!
I will be bringing my flexible crate, the one I take on all business trips, so my new dog can get used to it. If any dog guide users are reading this and don't know what I am talking about, call or write, I'll explain it and tell you where you can get one if you want, I love this thing, and think that I will especially love it with a new dog.
That's all for now,
Angie and Chief,
Off to alabama for the night, on work business.
P. S. I wonder what my new dog is doing right this very second, maybe he, she?? is eating breakfast.
Crunch, crunch, gulp, gulp!
Happy eating new doggie!!
This trip is so different than packing for work. For one thing, I don't need all those dress clothes, it's street close for me for two weeks straight,
wooooo hoooooo
Also, I don't need to pack for a dog, no pounds and pounds of dog food!
I will be bringing my flexible crate, the one I take on all business trips, so my new dog can get used to it. If any dog guide users are reading this and don't know what I am talking about, call or write, I'll explain it and tell you where you can get one if you want, I love this thing, and think that I will especially love it with a new dog.
That's all for now,
Angie and Chief,
Off to alabama for the night, on work business.
P. S. I wonder what my new dog is doing right this very second, maybe he, she?? is eating breakfast.
Crunch, crunch, gulp, gulp!
Happy eating new doggie!!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
May fifth
I Realized that in an earlier post, I said I had to postpone my training,
Well, as things often do, That's changed.
I am now going to GEB on the 5th, just like the rest of my class.
We will get our dogs on the 7th.
And I will be back on the 16th.
Then I'm here with my dog, and have another intensive week of training at my house.
That's the latest, and now I'm going to play with my kitten, who is growing like a little weed!!
Well, as things often do, That's changed.
I am now going to GEB on the 5th, just like the rest of my class.
We will get our dogs on the 7th.
And I will be back on the 16th.
Then I'm here with my dog, and have another intensive week of training at my house.
That's the latest, and now I'm going to play with my kitten, who is growing like a little weed!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
15 days
Here's an exciting snipid
"Dear Angela,
Congratulations! You have been accepted for training with a guide dog at Guiding Eyes for the Blind."
and a bit from the end,
"Your success both in training and after graduation is important to us."
well, 15 days untill I leave for guide dog school.
I'm scared, nervous, excited, ready, not ready at all, and most of all I'm impatient.
I just want it to be over, the suspense is killing me!
Here's another little snipid for you.
The following information will answer some of the questions you may have about your stay at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Please read this information carefully to make your stay as comfortable and productive as possible. Every attempt will be made to make Guiding Eyes your "home away from home" while you are here!
That's it for now, I'm going to read the rest of that document again, for the fourth time!
Please pray for me if you are the Praying type, and If you're not, you should be, God Loves you and is calling for you to know him!!
"Dear Angela,
Congratulations! You have been accepted for training with a guide dog at Guiding Eyes for the Blind."
and a bit from the end,
"Your success both in training and after graduation is important to us."
well, 15 days untill I leave for guide dog school.
I'm scared, nervous, excited, ready, not ready at all, and most of all I'm impatient.
I just want it to be over, the suspense is killing me!
Here's another little snipid for you.
The following information will answer some of the questions you may have about your stay at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Please read this information carefully to make your stay as comfortable and productive as possible. Every attempt will be made to make Guiding Eyes your "home away from home" while you are here!
That's it for now, I'm going to read the rest of that document again, for the fourth time!
Please pray for me if you are the Praying type, and If you're not, you should be, God Loves you and is calling for you to know him!!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Postponements
Sorry it's been so long since I've written, things at home and at work are crazy at best, mind numbingly insane at worst. Without going in to all the the painful details, I have postponed my trip to guiding eyes one week. This is due to my job, and I don't like it. I understand why they asked me to do it, but I don't have to like it, I don't have to be happy about it!!
So, chief will be with me for another week and we will leave together on may 10th. I have 37 days to go. It seems like forever!!!
Please pray for me, I need all the prayers I can get now. Things seem like they are spinning out of control!
That's it for now, More later, probably in may.
Angie and Chief, for a little longer.
PS. what is my new dog doing right now? is he walking the streets, is he laying down in a cennel, or what?? I'm burning to know.
Angie and ???
So, chief will be with me for another week and we will leave together on may 10th. I have 37 days to go. It seems like forever!!!
Please pray for me, I need all the prayers I can get now. Things seem like they are spinning out of control!
That's it for now, More later, probably in may.
Angie and Chief, for a little longer.
PS. what is my new dog doing right now? is he walking the streets, is he laying down in a cennel, or what?? I'm burning to know.
Angie and ???
Monday, March 24, 2008
The long wait
This morning I learned that all my forms had been accepted, and that they would make there final decision on wednesday, It's another one of those formallities. I talked about. The tention mounts, and the time just keeps flying by!
I just want it to be over, over!!
I just want it to be over, over!!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Doggish memories
I was thinking about my first dog, Gina, A black lab from GEB, I got her in the summer of 1998, almost 10 years ago. I was such a different person then, I guess 10 years makes quite a difference in someone's life. I was so shy; I tried so hard to fit in! I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and no real desire to do anything much with it. I went to college for something to do. So I could tell my parents and other people, "Look, I'm doing something with my life, but really I was just passing the time.
What, exactly is the point to all this pointless repining? you might be wondering?
Well, I'll tell you!
Having a dog in my life helped to give it structure, helped to give it balance! I so needed to be needed, and needed to be loved unconditionally, I didn't know it then, but even way back, 10 years ago, I was looking for God!! I didn't find him until 9 years later, but I found comfort in caring for my dog. She was such a friend as I never really had, always there to cry on, always there to hug when I needed it. I could be an ass, make the stupidest mistake, yell at her, and she'd still lick my face and reassure me that it was ok and always going to be ok! I was so close to that dog, she was my other half, my better half! She was a great guide, so precise, so spirited! I had her from July 98 to January 2001
Wayway too short! She died of a massive tumor that ate her chest cavity alive. We had it operated on, but the vicious thing came back only a month after. After her operation I decided to retire her. I retired her with my parents in mid January, and left to get chief in early February. While I was away, Gina lost all control of bladder and bowels; she couldn’t eat, and was just plain miserable!
My Parents made the decision to have her put to sleep. I felt awful! I had left her behind, just gone on and gotten another dog. I couldn’t even think, I was so full of shame, blaming my self for needing another dog, I felt like the lowest retch in the whole world!
I cried, I tried to console my self that she was in no more pain, but I still felt like a trader. Here I was getting another dog, and I had left my faithful friend to die alone!
Oh the remorse I fed myself was like poison. Meanwhile, I had this young dog to deal with. He was a handful, and so aloof. Gina had been a cuddler, a real love bug!
Meanwhile, I had this stupid new dog that needed so much of my time and energy and he didn’t love me, I was so sure of that.
He was a good worker though, so I convinced my self that I just needed a worker dog, I didn’t have to love him. You See, if I started to love him, I would become more of a trader. How could I love another dog? This one didn’t even give me a chance, The first time I tried to cuddle with hhim, he sprung up and moved to the far far end of his leash,as to say “what do you think you are doing, Get out of my personal space!!” I did end up finishing my training with Chief, and He has gone on to top the charts of my doggie experience. Never in all my life have I had a more confident dog, a stubborn one, but so confident, so full of his own sense of fun and adventure!
And you know what, Once in a while, he even lets me cuddle with him. On his terms of course, only when he feels like it, but he has certainly become more loving and I really love that guy! My time with Chief has been so full, Seven years, I can’t believe it. Such an adventure we’ve had. We’ve done some really stupid things together. Some really not so safe things, but it’s really been quite a ride!!!
I would trust this dog with my life, and have more times than I can count! I’ve crossed highways, flown to strange cities, walked down night shrouded streets in strange places, and been in some shady bus terminals all alone. But you know what, I wasn’t really alone, I had Chief by my side. I trained him to bark on command, and have used that when I felt vulnerable in strange circumstances. A big black dog, standing with a human with a laptop case is not an easy target for robbers and worse, but if that big black dog starts barking it makes the bad guys run even faster!
I’ve done so many things with this dog. I was just thinking, I’m in real trouble when I get my new dog. There Are routes that chief knows so well, that I sort of know. That I will some how have to train my new dog to do.
Chief seems like a miracle dog, He has had bumps, lumps, ear infections, and bladder infections, and self healed must of the time. I can remember when he had a strange lump on his tongue I had scheduled Sergery to remove it, and when I went to the vet for the preliminary visit, the vet told me “well, Chief doesn’t need surgery, he bit the lump off, and there are no traces of anything bad on his tongue anymore. This became his way, I’d think he had something wrong, take him to the vet, they’d say, he has this or that, and then we’d go back a week later, and what ever it was, was gone or didn’t need treatment.
Boy, I’ve really been rambling this morning, haven’t I!
Ok, Ok, that’s enough from me. More down memory lane later
What, exactly is the point to all this pointless repining? you might be wondering?
Well, I'll tell you!
Having a dog in my life helped to give it structure, helped to give it balance! I so needed to be needed, and needed to be loved unconditionally, I didn't know it then, but even way back, 10 years ago, I was looking for God!! I didn't find him until 9 years later, but I found comfort in caring for my dog. She was such a friend as I never really had, always there to cry on, always there to hug when I needed it. I could be an ass, make the stupidest mistake, yell at her, and she'd still lick my face and reassure me that it was ok and always going to be ok! I was so close to that dog, she was my other half, my better half! She was a great guide, so precise, so spirited! I had her from July 98 to January 2001
Wayway too short! She died of a massive tumor that ate her chest cavity alive. We had it operated on, but the vicious thing came back only a month after. After her operation I decided to retire her. I retired her with my parents in mid January, and left to get chief in early February. While I was away, Gina lost all control of bladder and bowels; she couldn’t eat, and was just plain miserable!
My Parents made the decision to have her put to sleep. I felt awful! I had left her behind, just gone on and gotten another dog. I couldn’t even think, I was so full of shame, blaming my self for needing another dog, I felt like the lowest retch in the whole world!
I cried, I tried to console my self that she was in no more pain, but I still felt like a trader. Here I was getting another dog, and I had left my faithful friend to die alone!
Oh the remorse I fed myself was like poison. Meanwhile, I had this young dog to deal with. He was a handful, and so aloof. Gina had been a cuddler, a real love bug!
Meanwhile, I had this stupid new dog that needed so much of my time and energy and he didn’t love me, I was so sure of that.
He was a good worker though, so I convinced my self that I just needed a worker dog, I didn’t have to love him. You See, if I started to love him, I would become more of a trader. How could I love another dog? This one didn’t even give me a chance, The first time I tried to cuddle with hhim, he sprung up and moved to the far far end of his leash,as to say “what do you think you are doing, Get out of my personal space!!” I did end up finishing my training with Chief, and He has gone on to top the charts of my doggie experience. Never in all my life have I had a more confident dog, a stubborn one, but so confident, so full of his own sense of fun and adventure!
And you know what, Once in a while, he even lets me cuddle with him. On his terms of course, only when he feels like it, but he has certainly become more loving and I really love that guy! My time with Chief has been so full, Seven years, I can’t believe it. Such an adventure we’ve had. We’ve done some really stupid things together. Some really not so safe things, but it’s really been quite a ride!!!
I would trust this dog with my life, and have more times than I can count! I’ve crossed highways, flown to strange cities, walked down night shrouded streets in strange places, and been in some shady bus terminals all alone. But you know what, I wasn’t really alone, I had Chief by my side. I trained him to bark on command, and have used that when I felt vulnerable in strange circumstances. A big black dog, standing with a human with a laptop case is not an easy target for robbers and worse, but if that big black dog starts barking it makes the bad guys run even faster!
I’ve done so many things with this dog. I was just thinking, I’m in real trouble when I get my new dog. There Are routes that chief knows so well, that I sort of know. That I will some how have to train my new dog to do.
Chief seems like a miracle dog, He has had bumps, lumps, ear infections, and bladder infections, and self healed must of the time. I can remember when he had a strange lump on his tongue I had scheduled Sergery to remove it, and when I went to the vet for the preliminary visit, the vet told me “well, Chief doesn’t need surgery, he bit the lump off, and there are no traces of anything bad on his tongue anymore. This became his way, I’d think he had something wrong, take him to the vet, they’d say, he has this or that, and then we’d go back a week later, and what ever it was, was gone or didn’t need treatment.
Boy, I’ve really been rambling this morning, haven’t I!
Ok, Ok, that’s enough from me. More down memory lane later
Thursday, March 20, 2008
e
Yesterday, I went and had my physical, they filled out the paperwork, and faxed it to GEB, Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
As I was sitting in the examining room waiting for the DR, I realized, this is real, It's really going to happen, I'm going through with it, I couldn't believe it. It hadn't really sunk in yet. But filling that particular form out is the last step. the last bit o formality that needed to happen. And now that it's done, wow! I'm not sure I'm ready.
Emotional state:
I'm not really feeling very emotional this morning, it could be because I just woke up, I'm usually a zomby in the morning. I think though that it's a level of protection my mind is fabricating to keep me from going to pieces. Yesterday, or was it the day before, I got a really nice note from Chief's puppy raiser that really touched me. I feel really releaved that there really looking forward to having him back, but they really understand how hard it's going to be. Not much for now, but when there's more, 'll let you all know
Keep me in your prayers
Thanks
As I was sitting in the examining room waiting for the DR, I realized, this is real, It's really going to happen, I'm going through with it, I couldn't believe it. It hadn't really sunk in yet. But filling that particular form out is the last step. the last bit o formality that needed to happen. And now that it's done, wow! I'm not sure I'm ready.
Emotional state:
I'm not really feeling very emotional this morning, it could be because I just woke up, I'm usually a zomby in the morning. I think though that it's a level of protection my mind is fabricating to keep me from going to pieces. Yesterday, or was it the day before, I got a really nice note from Chief's puppy raiser that really touched me. I feel really releaved that there really looking forward to having him back, but they really understand how hard it's going to be. Not much for now, but when there's more, 'll let you all know
Keep me in your prayers
Thanks
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day before the next step
Well, tomorrow is the day when I get my physical, I'm not bothered by the actual physical, but it's just moving me one step closer to that day
May fifth seems so close and yet so far far away!
Things at my job continue to be interesting and ever changing, making this time in my life anything but calm and under control. I think Chief, my current guide is feeling my anxiety and stress, he seems odd lately, not totally connected to me anymore, but that could be me anthromorphizing, Putting people thoughts and emotions in to animals. Not much more to say, but I'll be glad when it's all over and the new dog and I are ssettling in.
Is that bad, I wonder if i should be feeling this way, I still love Chief, it's just that this time is hard and I can't stay so close to Chief that I will fall apart when I have to give him up, I'm purposely distanceing myself from him a bit,
Don't think I'm not loving him, ortaking care of him, but I'm just not letting him sleep with me, and I'm letting many people love him extra. I'll tell you a secret, I've been feeding him table scrpaps, nothing to major, just a bit o chicken here and there, or aa hard boiled eggg yoke, the middle part, I think that's the yoke? I can never remember. He seems a bit confused about it, but seems to like it.
That's all for now, more later.
May fifth seems so close and yet so far far away!
Things at my job continue to be interesting and ever changing, making this time in my life anything but calm and under control. I think Chief, my current guide is feeling my anxiety and stress, he seems odd lately, not totally connected to me anymore, but that could be me anthromorphizing, Putting people thoughts and emotions in to animals. Not much more to say, but I'll be glad when it's all over and the new dog and I are ssettling in.
Is that bad, I wonder if i should be feeling this way, I still love Chief, it's just that this time is hard and I can't stay so close to Chief that I will fall apart when I have to give him up, I'm purposely distanceing myself from him a bit,
Don't think I'm not loving him, ortaking care of him, but I'm just not letting him sleep with me, and I'm letting many people love him extra. I'll tell you a secret, I've been feeding him table scrpaps, nothing to major, just a bit o chicken here and there, or aa hard boiled eggg yoke, the middle part, I think that's the yoke? I can never remember. He seems a bit confused about it, but seems to like it.
That's all for now, more later.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Before the storm
This will be a place for me to create a journel of the experiences, emotions, and happenings surrounding getting a new guide dog, my third.
Process: this is aptly titled, it's before the storm, I've put in the application, got my start date, and now just need to get the medical form flled out. After that step, wich happens on wednesday, I will get my transportation situation taken care of.
I leave may 5 to begin this adventure
And still, another adventure is ending.
On that same day, I will retire My faithful guide dog chief who I have had the pleasure of having in my life for 7 years. God has really blessed me with this dog.
I can't help but think, right now, right this minute at the kennels there is a dog that is destined to be my new guide, what is this dog doing, what kind of dog will it be? male or female, black or yellow, or something in between. I must rely on the good folks at guideing eyes, GEB for making te right match. I will leave that in God's hands because he knows what I ned better even than I do.
The emotional state
At this time, I'm feeling nervous, excited, happy, sad, upset, and most other emotions all at once. WHen I let my self think about it, I can hardly function, so I just keep it business like, I think of the pieces as if there part of someone elses life, scheduling things bruskly, efficiently but not really feeling it.
As I right this post, I am really letting my self think about it and I can bearly type.
It's about a month and a half or so, give or take a few days, and I can hardly wait, and I dread it
The intervening schedule:
I have so much going on at work and at home, my work schedule is getting fuller by the day, I have several business trip coming up, some local, some out of state. This is good, it makes the time fly!
Well, I can't think of more to report at this time, but I'll let you all know what's happening as it happens. More after wednesday.
Process: this is aptly titled, it's before the storm, I've put in the application, got my start date, and now just need to get the medical form flled out. After that step, wich happens on wednesday, I will get my transportation situation taken care of.
I leave may 5 to begin this adventure
And still, another adventure is ending.
On that same day, I will retire My faithful guide dog chief who I have had the pleasure of having in my life for 7 years. God has really blessed me with this dog.
I can't help but think, right now, right this minute at the kennels there is a dog that is destined to be my new guide, what is this dog doing, what kind of dog will it be? male or female, black or yellow, or something in between. I must rely on the good folks at guideing eyes, GEB for making te right match. I will leave that in God's hands because he knows what I ned better even than I do.
The emotional state
At this time, I'm feeling nervous, excited, happy, sad, upset, and most other emotions all at once. WHen I let my self think about it, I can hardly function, so I just keep it business like, I think of the pieces as if there part of someone elses life, scheduling things bruskly, efficiently but not really feeling it.
As I right this post, I am really letting my self think about it and I can bearly type.
It's about a month and a half or so, give or take a few days, and I can hardly wait, and I dread it
The intervening schedule:
I have so much going on at work and at home, my work schedule is getting fuller by the day, I have several business trip coming up, some local, some out of state. This is good, it makes the time fly!
Well, I can't think of more to report at this time, but I'll let you all know what's happening as it happens. More after wednesday.
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