Monday, June 23, 2003

Hi, I’m back. Today is my uncle’s birthday. Happy birthday, Stan.

Today was a little shorter in time than yesterday, but it felt longer. We shared our first day of journaling, and then we practiced the basic commands of heel, down sit, and Showbo knows left and right. Showbo is a very smart puppy, because she was ready and willing to go around, or pass, the team in front of us, while we were doing laps. I also learned the easy and wait commands individually, since Showbo knows where she wants to go and when she wants to go there. J

Unfortunately journal, I was concentrating so much on learning and practicing these few commands that I seldom praised Showbo. She probably does not like me very much. I did make up for it, though, when we incorporated the click and treat method. She bumped my hand with her nose several times, which rewarded her with a treat. Then, the nightmare came, where I had to re-harness her after her daily brushing. She did not want back in the harness, and she definitely showed it.

Lunch was very good, and thanks to Gina’s mom, Marta, for cooking it. During lunchtime, I had the pleasure of meeting, and holding Ellie, who is a poodle puppy with painted toe nails. I am strongly thinking of getting Showbo’s nails painted, too.

Cyera, my kitten, missed me today, but she still greeted me at the door with a ‘meow’, or two. She joined me on the deck during dinner, and I kept thinking about how Showbo will be out there with us, keeping Cyera in line.

Well, it is now time to listen to my homework, and then I am going to bed. Good night, and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Ok, journal. Here I am again. Today was an interesting day for me, because we had a whole lot of exciting adventures at Canine Partners. The drive there was fun, as always, and I am so thankful to Kelly, Joe and Lizz for providing my transportation. I had the opportunity to meet Showbo’s brother, Fenix, and he also had patches of skin problems. Oh, journal, I am still worried about Showbo!

We again began with the sharing of journals, which was very emotional on Pat. Please pray for her, journal, that her apartment complex becomes more understanding of her service dog. Following this time of sharing, we discussed health care issues, which was very helpful for us all. And, before lunch, we were given a lesson on nail clipping, which made me very nervous. Thank God Dave will be permitted to do this task, because I accidentally caused Showbo to bleed. Sorry, Showbo!

Tori, who works for Canine Partners, provided us all with a great lunch, and I am using these enjoyable times to better know everyone in team training. After lunch came the obstacle course. Oh, I developed a quick trust with Showbo, and we accomplished this job with no problems. Actually, Showbo took me through the course, and, in fact, she did the "go pay" command without a verbal command from me. She did awesome!

It will be really great to have Showbo proudly by my side at all times. I can’t wait! I went with David to the Dominican Republic last December, and Showbo would have been really helpful. Not only would she have provided me with her service skills, but she would have been able to guide me, on occasion, between the hotel and the beach. Unfortunately, though, she may not have been permitted to visit the Dominican Republic, since the Dominican dogs are stray pets, and not nearly treated like princesses, like Showbo.

I almost forgot. Showbo and I took our first car ride today, along with Eric and grover, around the block. We both really enjoyed it, I think, and Showbo does well with the "load up" command. She did, however, almost take off my arm when we were disembarking the vehicle. We will need to practice this, I guess.

Ok, time for bed. Good night, journal.

Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Yo, journal. today began on a rough note. Poor Kelly had a small run-in with a police officer, because she had trouble coming to a complete stop with Lizz’s extreme, handicapped van at a red light and decided to just turn with caution. I think the police officer was in a bad mood, because he still gave her a sizable fine. It was such an annoyance for us all, as Lizz wanted to be early to team training to dress Lilly, and I really, really had to pee. My bladder has mostly co-operated during this training, but it could be better. Luckily, I have not missed any of the teaching materials, and Showbo has had numerous chances to shine as a very obedient, and intelligent, puppy.

There are a few service skills that Showbo should not perform and some of my routines for which she should not participate. Such things include preparing meals, cleaning with toxic and deadly cleansers, swimming in a community pool and helping me bowl. Showbo can accompany me anytime to the bathroom to pee, but these things, forget it.

Preparing meals will remain the responsibility of my husband, or current "service" person, because Showbo cannot grip people food, even with her paws. And when I need a cleaning supply that I do not want her to have any possibility of swallowing, and that I keep out of reach from my kitten or a small child, I will handle it myself. As far as a community pool. Many people would not want to swim with a dog, no matter how cute and prestigous she is. When it comes to bowling, Showbo will have a little trouble picking up my 10-pound bowling ball and handing it to me. She may push the ball down the lane better than me, but she is not a sanctioned bowling dog.

Today was a fun day at team training, especially at Perkins. I learned that with persistence anything is possible, including getting a refill on a kiddee sundae, which was yummy. Anyway, after discussing the accessibility of a service dog, we practiced old commands and learned new ones. Showbo was great with the stay, take it, hold it and give it and go under commands. I think she had a great trainer! The give it command, however, has been replaced with where is it, because I am blind.

I am looking forward to a good night’s rest and then tomorrow’s endeavors.

Good night, journal.

Thursday, June 26, 2003

Well, things were all switched around with today’s schedule and tomorrow’s schedule of events. Canine Partners switched almost everything except the fact that we still must wait until tomorrow night to bring home the dogs. I am so anxious to arrive to my home with Showbo and allow Showbo to encounter Cyera, and my home. She should love it, because there is plenty of room for her and Cyera to cause trouble together.

I am so tired tonight from a late night last night. I knew it would catch up with me, but I did not think it would be this soon. Ugh!

This morning was a tough and emotional time for Dave and I, but we have not had resolution. Showbo really helped me keep my mind off this issue.

We did some more obedience skills today, such as the come command, and Showbo is the most casual, cool dog in the group, which I think is great. She is never in a hurry, which is a huge resemblance of me. We have so many similarities that I think will enhance our bonding experiences, and I believe Canine Partners could not have created a better match for me. Yea!

Our training session today also included health concerns for our dogs, but I am not fearful that Showbo will encounter any of these problems, especially if I take extreme caution with her. She and Cyera are both my baby girls, and I love them very much!

I was a little disappointed that the play time did not permit our dogs to actually play, when I even brought Showbo her own new toys. Oh well, tomorrow night will be filled with plenty of time for Showbo to play.

There is one thing that is rather ironic. I, being the only blind recipient, have the honor of having the high maintenance puppy in the group. I had the lovely opportunity of making a doggy meatball with canned food for Showbo today, which included her 2 medication pills, but she ate it immediately. I am now going to be required to medicate her on a daily basis at my home, and then we can take all our drugs together. How cool is that?!

Well, see you tomorrow. Bye.

Friday, June 27, 2003

Good evening. Tonight Showbo and I are together, for the first night, as I am writing this. Yea! Cyera and Showbo have just had their initial meeting, and they seem to be interested in each other. Cyera has an interest of curiousity, and Showbo has been trying to extend a paw of friendship. We’ll monitor their progress as the days go by.

This morning I had the second pleasure of giving Showbo her "meatball" medication and trying to dress her in her sporty doggy gear. Then we attempted the stairs of Deb’s, the trainer, deck, and that was quite a challenge. Showbo raced up the stairs, which resulted in a do over. She then proceeded to do a great job going up, and then we were faced with the going down the stairs, which was a very fearful thought. Showbo knew my nervousness, and therefore, was also nervous, and stressed. Sorry, Showbo! We descended the stairs very slowly, reached the ground safely and now I have no desire of ever doing this again. Of course, this is an unrealistic hope, but I can dream.

Next came the strip shopping center. At TJ Max Showbo and I did our first opening of a door, and unfortunately, this door was not automatic. Since Showbo’s ideal weight is only 37 pounds, she could not open the door easily, which meant I had to help her.

Oh, when I met Showbo this morning at the kennel, the princess was waiting for me. In other words Cindy, a kennel employee, dressed Showbo in earrings and a tiera, along with painting all her nails a hot pink color. Because of these nails, Showbo got quite a bit of compliments from the public, as well as many comments about a poodle acting as a service dog. Whatever, this will happen to us forever! Also, I learned not to have Showbo attempt to carry heavy objects in a plastic bag, because her gorgeous teeth just kept putting holes all through the bag. And so, we got no where.

It is really nice having Showbo’s presence in my home, more so as a companion. We are not permitted to use any training techniques, and I currently do not require the use of her for stability purposes. I have been practicing some basic stationary commands, and I think of Showbo as a well-trained and very obedient dog, not a service dog.

Ok, the major dilemma came following dinnertime. I needed to take Showbo outside to do her business, and this was my first experience cleaning up after her, if you know what I mean. Actually, it was my first time cleaning up after any dog. David used his eyes to help me find its location, and I joyfully grabbed it with a plastic bag. J I cannot wait to do it again, and again, and again...

Tonight I heard Showbo bark for the first time. She was barking atCyera, in an attempt to play with her. Only 1 bark thus far. However, Showbo did some growling during her playtime outside, and I think she seems to like her new toy, which is a tennis doughnut. I am so, so happy for Showbo!

Ok, time for bed, Until tomorrow!

Saturday, June 28, 2003

Today is a short day with CPL, because we are going to the Blue Rocks baseball game, which begins at 7, I think. If we are late, we are late. Showbo and I are not Blue Rock fans, anyway.

This whole day has not been that great thus far, mainly because this day is my depressed day. I awoke at 8am to feed Showbo, and then I took her outside to do her business. Dave again joined me to ensure me of Showbo’s location spot to actually do her business. Will I be able to handle Showbo during her business time by myself?

I am currently so confused about everything. I feel bad for Showbo, because I do not necessarily use all her services. This morning at the bed Showbo did a perfect heel command, though, impressing David. I told him she was a great dog!

As we have been walking through my home with Showbo in her harness, I am worried that Showbo will put marks on the paint. Relieving me of my worry, David told me that will not bother him. Phew!

Showbo and I went to the pool today, and every person in the community loves her and congratulated me for having her. I just hope I can survive these next 2 weeks of training. Canine Partners will hopefully help me with the bathroom issues, and stuff.

Oh, did I tell you? Yesterday I received the results of Showbo’s biopsy. She is a healthy dog, having only a skin infection. Yea! This is the best news I have received in a long time, well, since my wedding. Thanks to everyone who prayed for Showbo and me, because they were answered. The happy news put tears in my eyes.

As I sit at my computer typing my journal entry for today, Showbo is on the floor by my feet. And, Cyera is sitting behind me on my chair. Wow, they are so close together right now. Although Cyera likes to hiss at Showbo occasionally, I think she really likes Showbo.

Well, we are now off to the baseball game.