braving the weather..

Well, as all the humans thought, the hurricane arrived the next day. They called it Hurricane Irene. Now, I know that I am only a dog, but I can't say what all the fuss way about. It rained... it rained alot and the wind was quite strong. Going outside to "do my business" was not much fun, and I got to it quickly.







Dad was gone most of the day, busy with the fire department, and we lost the electricity... but Mom said the generator would keep things running. So, for a dog.. it was basically a rainy day where we stayed at home, listened to the wind and rain... and chewed our favorite bones. Guess I see things a little differently....


love, Ginger

going' to the fair

After our check in day... my next big event was going to the fair. I actually got to go twice with Mom, and what a fun, exciting place it turned out to be!!! We met up with Otis and Joe, I am always happy to see them. Mom tried to take our photo, but she had a hard time "seeing" Otis and Joe... course, I look great!!!







I can't even begin to tell you about all the things we saw. But I found it all interesting and Mom said that was a very good thing.











When it got really dark, the rides lite up, the music and sounds and smells were all very fun. I watched all kinds of people, and "talked" with many of them. Lots of people are interested in service dogs!!!!










and I can also tell you, all that food smells pretty yummy....












Even though it was quite busy, we talked with so many folks, that after a while... it was just easier to lay quietly and wait.....

The next afternoon we went back again. On our first visit, Abbie wasn't with us, so we had to be sure and take her back for a visit. I got to see many more animals the second time we went.... these piggies were as interested in us as we were in them!!!!

You know that I can make friends with everyone. This gentleman was one of the fair volunteer's and each time we passed him, he just had to say hello to me. It's "hard" work (hardly) for a golden, but I am willing to do it!!! :)

We went over and watched the horse pulls. I am very used to horses (we have five you know), but I was pretty fascinated with these big guys. They are strong and the pull is quite exciting.

It's loud too, and there is much that goes on... I had a good time watching all of this...

But, I have to say.... I am glad that this isn't going to be my job... doubt I could pull like that!!!!

As the day came to a close, we heard that the fair is closing down a day early... something called a "hurricane" it on it's way, and the humans say that we need to be home where it will be safe....

But as far as "fairs" go... they are fun in my book!!!

love to all, Ginger

road trip with the buds...

So...... here we are again.. another check in at NEADS. Sometimes, I think we are here alot, but Mom says it's really only once a month that we go. Not that I mind, a whole day on the road with my friends, then seeing Dave and everyone at NEADS, plus who knows what we'll see in the city... I'm game!!!!

Our group seems to be growing again... we have a new puppy raising team... Samuel, his mom Kate and their service dog Pia have joined the group....

And going home with us today... is Stoney!!! (another lab) brother Leo and I are out numbered for sure!!!!

Well, just because there is a new puppy on the scene.. you can be sure I'm going to get as many pats as I can find. I'm a golden... I must be petted!!!!

Sister Clover joined us as well... it's always nice to see her

Dave had some things for us to do, so we didn't get to the group training right off....

Perfect time for a photo shoot..... we have Samuel and Pia... Barbara and sister Clover, Teena and Freedom.. Rick and Otis, Mom and me... Kathleen and Leo.. next is Honor (he's T brother) and then Bernice and T....

While we were waiting for group training, Dave suggested we try out the new puppy path.

Sounds good to me.... let's go!!!!

OK... I get the message... this is a "working" area

sit stay on the cobblestones.....

and the pea stones.....

down stay on the sand....

cross the wooden bridge (I can do it all)

Peek a boo.... you can't see me!!!!!

That was all pretty fun. But, when we went to group training... look at what Dave was trying to do. Silly Dave, does he think "that" would scare us........

Actually, Mom thought the thunderstorm in the city was way scarier!!!!!! (she hates them!!!) but they don't bother me in the least.

We did our usual elevator ride at the hospital, and just for the record... you can fit seven service dogs on an elevator...

And our usual down stays outside the elevators... this is beginning to be "old hat" to us....

As the day was wrapping up and it was time to head home, I just HAD to say hello to this one lady. She thought that I was just beautiful and wanted to hear all about me and the work that I am learning to do. I thought she was very sweet as well...

so, another full training day, won't be too many more with Mom like this... my turn in day is just around the corner...

love to all.... Ginger

workin' all week

My goodness, it has been a busy week for Mom and me. We have been going to so many places and doing so many things, Mom says that "when" I become a service dog... this is how it will be. Abbie and I have become good friends, she really likes me, and I am very gentle with her. She has figured out how to clip a leash on and off, and she loves doing "walks" with me. (But Mom has to watch and make sure she doesn't unclip me in the "wrong places")





We went and watched a parade on Saturday. A "fireman's" parade, which I must say was fun.. but extremely noisy. Mom was a bit worried for both Abbie and I, but we did just fine.












Abbie blocked her ears when it got too loud, and Mom covered mine.....










Here comes the parade....













After that, we went to the "field" where there were all kinds of different things going on. Many families, kids, food.... just the kind of things that Mom likes for me to see. Of course, I got a lot of attention and Mom answered all sorts of questions about me and our work.

The firemen had competitions that they did. Mom didn't even think about it, but each game began at the start line, and the men took off once the starting pistol was fired. I have to admit I jumped a couple of times when it was first fired (so did Mom) but as the afternoon went on, I didn't even notice it....

and just rested in the shade, watching all the activities.... it was a fun day.

The whole week before the Fireman's Field day, Mom had to work at the post office. I am getting very used to being there with her. There isn't much for me to do, except be quiet and say hello to the people who come in sometimes. When the afternoons are very quiet, Mom says she enjoys my company.

I watched how she sorted the mail, and thought that maybe I could do that job as well....

Then I realized..... I don't know how to read!!!!

So much for helping with the mail............

Oh well, some day when I am a service dog.. there will be lots of things that I can do.. but right now, I am just growing up and getting ready for my "job" ahead.... and that's OK with me.

love to all.... Ginger

how the day begins..

Sometimes we hear the question... "do service dogs ever get to be "real" dogs?" I think that is so silly, I am a "real" dog all the time, but Mom seems to know what they are asking. This is usually how our day begins.... a wonderful walk with the cockers and some friends....









We have quite the crowd... three humans and seven dogs... out walking early in the day before everyone gets too busy. We start out along the road....











and then follow this wonderful path thru the woods. It's great fun.. I look forward to it each day....

Being a "country" dog is pretty cool.......