our big "new" yard

Hello everyone... here is me and brother Leo, he came to spend a day at the farm while his Mom and Dad went on a little day trip. I love seeing my brother and I am such a lucky girl, because we get to see each other at least once a week... and sometimes more. Mom gated us out on the mudroom, we like to play rough and the cockers aren't too happy when we do.







Mom said something about our wrestling won't be happening like this anymore... she said "when the yard is finished you two can be outside"... but when Leo came, our yard wasn't finished quite yet....










I wasn't so sure what she meant about that, but it certainly stirred up some interest around here.... Camille and Tazzy sat in the window and watched all the activities in the back yard....










Hunter found his little place to watch....













and then finally it seemed, Mom said... "it's all done" (she seemed extremely happy about this) and she opened the door and we all ran out to this... our backyard is now completely fenced and it has a ton of room.










Right away Edgar and I had a good game of chase. We can run all we want and we don't get in the way of the cockers... (who do not appreciate being run over by big dogs!!!)

Mom said she had so much fun just watching us. She says that we are safe now (from all the wild critters that live around us) and she can now let us out to play and she doesn't worry.

Ya.. this fence idea is a pretty good one.

And with all these beautiful days, it is so nice to be out in the sun and enjoying the weather. Mom says these are very special days and she will always remember our happy times.

Love to all, Ginger

the latest check in

Hi all, Ginger here.. we had a another wonderful day in the city and working with Dave. Mom was actually working with Edgar (another NEADS dog that is taking a little break here on the farm - guess you knew that).. so I got to work with Auntie Linda. She and I have a great friendship and she likes me as much as I like her.

We had a big crowd again this visit.. Leo, Otis, T, Freedom, Edgar, Stoney and I...we first met at NEADS, where Dave always answers questions and gives advise, and from there it was off to the city. We checked out the hospital again, and then Clover's Dad suggested we take a peek at the train station. Oh my, was that ever fun, and offered so many training situations
Anyways, the train station had nice shiny floors, stairs way that were "open"... places to practice "under" -- an elevator.. and then to top it all off, a train pulled in as we were there. All sorts of people got off the train with all different types of baggage, and we all just sat and watched. Not one of us were "afraid or worried" about any of it. (I think Dave was pretty impressed) After all the people went by, we went out on the loading dock and just watched the train as it sat waiting for it's next trip. Dave spoke to the conductor and asked if we might just step on and off the train the a few times before it left. He thought that would be fine, so we each took a turn. Just stepping on the train... standing for a few moments and stepping off again. It was kind of cool, a little like "riding" in a really big car!!! We posed for some photos, and then sat and watched as the train pulled out of the station. It was kind of loud.. but again, no one was bothered by that.

We then made one more stop at NEADS for food and supplies, piled into the cars and headed north. Dave is working on our "turn in date" (for me and Leo) and will have the news sometime in the next few days. Mom told me that she is really going to miss me..... maybe even a little more than she missed Chester!!! Mom says that I am really special and have turned out to be a good girl (of course).. but I know that she is excited to see where my journey will take me and what wonderful things I will bring to me "forever partner".... Mom has begun praying for my new person - who ever they are.. and likes to think about where they are right now. Of course, we have no idea of "who" this person is... but they are already special to us.

And so, it was back to the farm, where another exciting event has begun... but .. that's the next blog...

love to all, Ginger

out and about

Otis and I had yet another "outing" together. That's one of the neat things having humans who are friends and raising us puppies together.... lots of outings where we are all together. This event was a motorcycle ride that Dad and Rick went on. So, it was Mom and Kelli (and Abbie) that took us down to see the bikes and do some "public training"







Because Mom works on Saturday mornings, many of the bikes had already gone home by the time we arrived. But, the band was still playing (too loud Mom thought) and there was all kinds of food, and a good number of people. Just the sort of thing Mom is always looking for - for me.










Abbie asked me to lick the ice cream off her fingers, I was more than happy to do that job for her - though Mom didn't exactly approve of that....










and she told me lay down and let Abbie do her own licking of fingers (really, though - I would have done a much better job!!!!)









A few days after that, we went to a luncheon for a group of ladies that have done volunteer work. Kathleen was the guest speaker and told all about the work that service dogs do... and all about the things that puppy raisers do.











Edgar, Otis, Leo and I all attended. Our big "job" was to lay under the tables and "be good". Some of the people came to pat us, but not as many as I am used to. (Edgar looks bored)

I have done things like this so many times, that I know how to get comfortable. Mom is used to my using her foot as a pillow......

Rick talking with the ladies and Otis taking it all in....

Leo waited quietly while his Mom talked to the ladies...

I can't say it was the most exciting outing we have done, but sometimes, it's just the way it works.. and Mom says it's all good.

back to normal.... and Edgar!!!!

Mom and Dad are back from their trip, and I am home once again on the farm. I had a really wonderful week with Linda, but I was pretty happy to see Mom and Dad again and to be back with all the cockers. The weather is changing once again... this is my "second" fall, though last year I was so little I can't say that I remember it all that well. Mom is dressing up the farm, the days are shorter and the weather is cooling off....

But, there are things that don't change... like Mom always looking for those interesting places for us to visit. On this day, we went to the airport (I had been there before).. but this was for model planes instead of "real" planes.

Actually they were remote control jets... with mini jet engines... that were very loud and powerful....

I watched for a little while and then settled in under Abbie's stroller. Mom likes it when I just settle down like this.. she says it shows that I am confident.

One of the planes.....

Otis was there with his family. He felt pretty much the same as I did... "what's the big deal"... Then Otis's Mom, Kelli, took Abbie and her stroller and did some practicing... isn't he doing a great job???

Abbie loves us both, and we love her too....

We're both growing up... Mom says way too fast!!!

The turkeys are back. They often show up in the back yard with their babies... wouldn't I love to run after them.. but Mom says... "no"

Mona kitty would like to chase them too.....

so, all in all, it's life back to normal.. all is quietly going along here on the farm....

but.................. look who's joined us now.... say hello to Edgar (Otis's brother) who has come for a little stay on the farm....

Mom's going to be busy!!!!!

at auntie Lindas....

Mom and Dad are going on a vacation, I wasn't able to go with them... so "auntie Linda" (who is the leader of the Maine puppy chapter) said I could come and stay with her. Mom was so happy, because not only will I have the best care, but this will also work as a puppy swap... which is part of my service dog training.








I got to spend the week playing with Auntie Linda's grand children (but there's no way I'm going in that pool!!!) I played with Chloe (another golden) and even more fun, went to work everyday at Cabela's.....(auntie Linda works in the customer service department)









I made so many new friends......














Offered my assistance behind the counter!!!!














Received some new toys!!!












Made everyone smile.................













and after all that hard work, took good naps and even got a pin for being "employee of the week"... I missed Mom and Dad... but just a little.....





love, Ginger

Happy Birthday to............ME (and Leo)

Today is my birthday..... I am ONE (as is brother Leo and sister Clover)... much has happened in my first year and I have grown from this little puppy into

this beautiful girl. Mom says there are many exciting days ahead... but for now... I can be happy just being me!!!!

love to you all, Ginger