my first days on the farm....

Hello everyone, my name is Bogey, and I have come to spend some time here at Sweetgrass Farm. Up until now, I have been in the Prison puppy program.. but it was thought that a little time in another place would be a good idea... so here I am. The farm is a pretty interesting place, and I am happy to explore and see "what's out there".

There are many kinds of animals here... Mom took me to the barn to meet them. The bunny seemed very nice... but I have been told that the chickens are a "leave it" for certain...

Mom walked me all about, and then we came across these "things"... horses she said. They seem very nice, but they are very big.. and to be honest, I didn't know what to think of them at first. So, I decided to just sit and watch them for a bit....

And if the "white" one wasn't big enough... look at who came up next. Mom said his name is Tonka and that he is very friendly...

Now, I like friendly, but when he took my leash, I didn't know if I should run or simply go with him. Mom wasn't much help, all she did was laugh...

But all was well, Tonka was just saying hello, and I soon saw that I have a new friend (really big new friend!!)

After we said hello he went back to eating (what I still don't know) and so Mom and I headed back to the house to get ready for supper. So, I really don't know how long I will be staying here at the farm, but it seems like a pretty nice place, and Mom says we're going to have some wonderful times together. I'm always up for an adventure... and until next time...

 

on an adventure, Bogey!!!!

Chapter four!!!

 The call has come!!!! and we excitedly welcome....  "Bogey".... a beautiful bundle of gold!!!

He is about six months old and is the newest member of the Maine puppy Chapter. I am so happy to begin our adventures together!!!!

quick up date...

Just some last minute photos of Norton working as my demo dog in our last night of dog class together. He loves to work and would be an awesome obedience dog... had he not be selected for service work...

But I got an up date today.. Norton has already moved onto the prison training program and has settled in already.... I have a feeling that good news will continue...

Atta a boy, buddy.......

and chapter three comes to a close

 So, here's the part when I get to answer the question... "how do you give them up".. because I "gave him up" yesterday! We didn't have Norton that long here on the farm. He came in January as an older pup that just needed finish work, but he "finished" pretty quickly. I wished I had him as a puppy... look at that face, but it probably would have been harder than it already was.

We started the day quite early. Norton was needed to have his hip xrayed - which is the start of the health xam that all the "to be" dogs have to have done. So, while we waited for that, Kathleen and I had the rare opportunity to go to breakfast with Dave. It was nice to chat about all sorts of things and a nice way to start a hard day.

We did our "usual" check in on campus. Here's Rick and Moxie... talk about time speeding by.. Moxie is Rick's second dog.. Norton was my third and Monty is Kathleen's 14th (!!!!) dog. It's getting so we measure our lives by "which puppy we were raising at the time". it was a beautiful day, so we all sat outside in the sun. We were again joined by the other full time raisers.

And then into the city. Norton was a little groggy from having his xrays done, but the vet said he could come with us, if we let him go easy. I was just so happy to have that extra time with him, that we mostly walked along and watched the others do their work.

We checked out the train station and got this last shot of the Maine puppies together... Moxie, Norton , (Honor - who was there for fun) and Monty.

All the dogs do well with the trains, even little Moxie did well and this was her first adventure there. Then we went over to the hospital.. Norton and I didn't ride the elevators... he was sleepy!!!

It seemed as though the day flew by. The time had come (AGAIN) for me to say goodbye to "my" dear doggie and send him on his way. There's much training still to do --- as you all know -- but I will watch for those ever important progress reports and plan on seeing this sweet boy at his "meet and greet" and then graduation.

So, my dear sweet "muppet dog" who made me laugh more times than I could possible count.. who gave me some very good lessons in working with a Labradoodle and who became a great favorite!!! I will always have that little spot in my heart that is "just yours"... you are a very special dog and your forever owner will be so blessed to have you in their lives.

Chapter three is now closed..... and I wait for my next "furry friend" to arrive.....

last day on the farm...

It's been a busy week with Mom and getting ready to leave. I have been going everywhere with her and saying goodbye to my friends. But, they're planning on seeing me again --- at graduation.

Mom took me when she got the oil changed in her car. We had to wait in the waiting room, but there were a lot of people there with us, so I thought that was good.

Abbie came along with us.. and began to get bored waiting. So Mom told her that she could practice some of my commands. She loves to do that, and for the most part I do understand what she is saying. "Lap" I think is her favorite (mine too) but when I get up on her lap, she says... Norton.. you squish me!!!

 We have had great fun together. But neither Abbie nor I understand this college thing. Abbie keeps asking Mom if I will see Ginger.. (because she knows that Ginger went to college too) Mom says "no" that Ginger is done with college and lives in her new home... but we still don't get it.

We also went to see Samuel make his senior class presentation. Lucky for us.. his topic was all about NEADS.. so of course, the service dogs had to go and watch. Samuel did a really nice job and we even got to go on stage at the end with him...

The presentation was done at a big auditorium, Mom said getting between the seats and being quiet was a good practice for me (Moxie was there too). But it was just like the movie theatre we went to, so I have done this before.

And I didn't think I would NOT be getting a bath. Seems like I get the ALL the time, but when we have a trip coming up... I know the drill. I even surprised Mom and jumped into the tub myself......

Abbie watched closely and told me what a good boy I am....

and after my tub, it's into the drying crate.I went to doggie class with Mom and Camille and said goodbye to all the students. We're on the road bright and early tomorrow. My days here on the farm have come to a close and it's time to move on. Mom is already pretty sad.....

start of the "last" week......

(May 25th)

Well, my official day has been announced and on May 31st, I will be going to NEADS and will stay there to begin the advance training. But right now, Mom and I aren't thinking about that.. we're just going to have fun this last week together

On Memorial Day, we met up with Moxie and Monty's families and attend a parade. It was pretty fun.. not only did I have my dog buddies to hang out with, but LOTS of people stopped and talked with my Mom and Dad . They were wondering what kind of dogs we are, and all the Mom's and Dad's got to tell people about NEADS and the work that (hopefully) all three of us will do.

Moxie's Dad brought her a "stick" to chew on.. just in case she got bored watching the parade. Well, not only did Moxie NOT get bored.. but she didn't even really want the "stick". So,  I took it and enjoyed chewing on it for a bit. Mom didn't know if Moxie is good at sharing or if I am good at taking!!!!

After the parade we went to the bridge. Rick has told Mom about this bridge for along time, and says it's a good place to work with the service dogs. Now, my Mom... she "hates" bridges, so she hasn't jumped on the opportunity-- until today.

As you can see, I had to help her across. But she did it (although she held the rail the whole time)

Sure, you can see right threw the bridge and it does feel sort of funny on your feet... but really what's the big deal. Silly Mom... I made her go across is several times... just so she could "get used" to it (just like she did with me and my training).

Goodness, if Little Moxie can cross this bridge.. certainly a big grown up human can... Come on Mom!!!!

After the parade and the bridge, we went to a cookout with the rest of the family. Everyone knows that I am leaving on Thursday, so I got lots of hugs and kisses... Naomi gave me a huge hug. She told me that she remembers the other service puppies that have been here, and she is excited to see "what kind of dog" I will become.

Mom also took us for a nice dog walk.. it's hard to tell but Hunter and Trevor are with us as well... It was a super nice day and Mom made it special. She's going to miss me!!!!

Ready to go... Norton.

getting ready to go.....

Today (May 24th)  I went with the family to visit the vet. I haven't seen much of my vet here in Maine, because many of my puppy visits were done by the time I came to my family... but Mom said that I needed to be "checked over" because it's time for me to think about heading off to college. I wasn't one bit worried about the vet, but Abbie wanted to be sure that I wasn't nervous.

I'm not... I decided just to take  a little snooze while we waited.

 I met a new friend... along with getting a good health report. Too bad I didn't see these folks more often... they're super nice and I loved them.

The vet checked me over from tip to tail, said I was in perfect condition - even with my weight. So, looks good and the first step is all completed now.

Ready to go..... Norton