catching up for June

Hello everyone, it's me... Ginger... and I just don't know what I am going to do with my Mom. She promised me that we would keep up with our blog and look, June has come and gone, and she didn't print a word. So, I told her we need to get caught up so everyone knows what we have been doing.. and finally, she is doing just that. I guess I will just have to tell you all about the month of June and hope that Mom will keep July a little better.




Our first adventure was traveling back to NEADS for our check in. We were suppose to go the end of May, but all the humans were busy with other things, so we opted for going the first Thursday of June. And here we are... Mom thinks that all of us (T, Leo, and Me) are really beginning to look like service dogs, instead of service puppies.. we are all growing and learning - that's for sure.

This trip we went into the big city. Now, Mom has taken me to small towns and small cities, so this was a new one for me. My Mom isn't exactly what you would call a city type gal, so, she doesn't go to them on purpose, unless of course, it is to do something for me. I didn't really mind the city, it's noisy and busy, and there is lots to look at.. but overall, there wasn't anything that "bothered" me.

We went into a parking garage, where actually the grates on the floor worried me more than going in the elevator. And then we moved over to the hospital, where again, the grated floor in the entry way made me a little jumpy. Mom told everyone else to go ahead of us, and she and I just stayed and walked over that grated floor again and again. I finally got used to the idea of it, but I won't tell you that I exactly liked it. Course, if Mom says that I can do something, I believe her and at least give it a try. She then said that we need to be looking for more "grated floors" to practice with.... so,I guess I better just get used to that idea!!!! After we got over the floor, we "played" on the stairs, slippery floors and the glass elevator. Again, I wasn't so sure in the elevator, (but Mom doesn't like them either ... so I guess I am in good company)... and it really wasn't so much the elevator, as it was being open and able to see out of it... that's kind of scary....




So, when it was time to say goodbye to the big city, and head back to the farm.... I was happy to take another look, and move along. However, I found out that this is just the first of (many) other trips that I will be making.....

Now, will you look at this???? We have another puppy coming to live with us in Maine!!!! All the Mom's were so happy to hear that another pup is going to be on our team...... course, we all had to check him out...

Say hello to Otis!!!!! We weren't exactly sure who he is going to live with, but I did hear the name "Rick" and we all wondered if Otis will be his dog for the next year.....

Life is good here on the farm. I am a happy dog, and always see the fun side of things. You all know how much I loved the snow, but I have to say, these warm days, green grass and time to play are just as good....

And then, just when I think it can't get much better than this... look what Mom brings home. Two cocker puppies for me to play with. Well... maybe not exactly "for me"... but, they're mine while they're here. Mom also helps out with cocker rescue, and these two little ones, needed a place to stay until someone come to love them. Mom told me I am a good baby sitter.....


Not too sure "what" a baby sitter is, but I can tell you, I sure have a good time with these two. We play all kinds of games, and I love having them follow me around. I let them jump on me, and we play games of tug and just enjoy being puppies together.








Actually, I am very good with babies of all kinds. Abbie and I have become good friends, and she loves to cuddle up with me. (I like cuddling up with her too)....

Since I am so good with children, Mom was happy to bring me to Naomi's graduation from pre-school. Naomi thinks I am pretty great, and I like her as well. Actually all the kids at the graduation thought I was pretty special. It' so nice to be able to go out and about like this, I understand not all dogs can (or do!!!)

Now, you know that Mom is always looking for new and interesting places to take me. On Father's day weekend, we went to our local small plane airport for an "open house". There were a lot of people there, who loved coming over and asking all about me. It was also a "fly in", so many small planes were flying over ahead and landing on the runs way not too far from us. Some of them were pretty loud, but I just enjoyed watching them.




Mom and I don't have that many pictures of the two of use together, because she is usually the one taking the pictures. So.. when this nice lady asked if she could take a picture of the two of us.. Mom was pretty pleased... Me too.....

Here are some members of our fire department - did you know that Dad is the Fire Chief... they had a contest to see which team could pull this big plane the furthest. My Dad's team came in second place... so we had to show their photo!!!!










And leave it to Mom, she makes me practice everywhere.. she even had Sadie take my into the port-a-potty..... guess you never know where a service dog might need to go.. so practice makes perfect!!!!

I even got to ride on the "trolley" at the air port. (it was really just a big car) but it had plenty of room and to be honest, I was getting quite tired after a day of walking all around. It was nice to be able to stretch out a bit and take a little ride back to the car instead of walking.

The next Sunday, we went to an event called "dock diving"... and of course an information table with NEADS (we have to keep the word out about us!!!) The dock diving thing was kind of neat... the dogs run off a dock and jump into a pool, and the dog that jumps the furthest "wins".

It was fun to watch, but I don't think I'm much of a diving dog.. I'm not sure if I like the water.

Aside from a lot of people, brother Leo was there. You know, I always love to see my brother. We have been so lucky to "be together" all this time. Mom says I am going to miss him when we both head to "college"

Now, remember baby Otis, well as it turns out, he did become "Rick's dog", and so Otis lives close to Leo and I. Joe and his partner came to the event too, it's nice to have Joe come, because he has already graduated from "college" and is Russ's helper. Mom had to get a picture of baby Otis (in training) and Joe (graduate) and she said to Otis "it's all about the red vest". (I guess she used to say that to Chester, and she says it to me all the time!!!)

Another event that Mom took me to this past month was an African drumming demo. This lady sure could make some noise on those drums, and there were lots of kids that came as well. To be honest, I wasn't so excited when she first began to play. But Mom told me to "settle" and then she kept her hand resting on my head, until I figured out that there wasn't anything to this... other than then the noise...

so, I just decided to take a little snooze and wait until it was time to go home. Mom loves it when this is how I behave... so I guess this is a really good thing.

June 30, we all went back to NEADS for our check in. I love going on these special days, and we had a "big" crowd... me, brother Leo, Loyalty, Freedom and "baby Otis". Dave thought this would be a good time to play on the lift. He let us watch it go up and down for a little bit, and then offered yummy treats to anyone who wanted to get on it. Well, as you can see, I was more than happy to jump on!!!

Poor baby Otis, seems like he runs out of steam!!! but I have to remember he is so much younger than we are, and when I was that little, I always got tired too. Now that I'm a big girl, I can go all day long.....

After we played on the lift, it was back into the city. And did I tell you... Leo and I got to see sister Clover again!!! It was a real family reunion. She is doing very well, and Mom couldn't believe how much we all look alike. It will be really cool if we all went into the service dog work....
Course, we had to ride on the elevator again. I am doing fine with "regular" elevators, but these glass ones - still need some work. Course the fact that Mom isn't great with them either, isn't much help. She tries to be brave, but the truth is, she "hates" them and I know it.

It was a fun day, and after a nice drink, we loaded in the truck and headed for home. Another training session done.. and another month gone by. Mom says the time on the farm is going quickly and she keeps telling about the next step in my training. I don't know exactly what she means, but it sounds important.

I have, however, told her, that she really needs to stay up to date on my blog... because these days are one that will soon be fond memories....

re-capping the month of May

I must apologize for being so lack with Ginger's blog during the month of May. Time has a way of passing so quickly and when I realize it, and how far behind I get sometimes, I do try to make it up. So, this will be just one big blog to tell you all what went on during the month of May, and (hopefully) I will do much better in June.





First off Camille got hurt. She went to jump up on the couch and tweaked something in her back. It was pretty bad. The whole month she had to keep it quiet and spent (sadly) much of the time in a crate. Vet appointments, meds and acupuncture have helped a lot. But when one of my family members is "not themselves".. it greatly effects me... so some reasons for not blogging.. take care of Camille.




And the May blog really begins with the end of April's blog... lucky us... look at the weather we (were) still dealing with. This particular day though, the weather wasn't about to change my plans... pop the truck into four wheel drive and we head out..... it's too important to miss....





















April 23rd was the day of Logan's memorial service. It's hard to describe a day like this, and "bittersweet" seems to fit the best. We of course, are so very sad at the passing of Logan. I have said goodbye to many a dog.. my own little buddies who certainly put their paw prints on my heart. However, when one looses a "service dog".. a companion that has been by your side almost every moment, a companion that you have truly come to really count on ... it has to be a deeper hurt.

And despite that horrid weather, the place was packed. We all wanted to be there, for Suzan and John, for Logan.. for service dogs everywhere, for the wonderful four legged creature called dog.. who impacts our lives.

there were pictures, written memories, people talking and telling great stories of how they knew Suzan, John and Logan. And all the cool things Logan had done... it was a healing time.

I knew a great many of the folks there. Some knew that I was now a puppy raiser and some (who I haven't seen in awhile) didn't know. Kathleen and Leo... Kelli, Rick and Mindy came... there were other NEADS dogs, puppies in training, and other service dogs....

Suzan asked us all to line up, so she could see us all and she bravely spoke. Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye anywhere.... and yes, that is Logan's ashes and her service vest on the table beside Suzan... seems appropriate that they were still there - by her side....

The service ended with a blessing of the animals... everyone was so serious...even the k9's




Suzan will have another companion.. she is working on a few different avenues, in the meantime, we'll all watch over her for Logan.

Hi, it's Ginger.. I'll take the blog from here. I really couldn't write about the service for Logan, I didn't know her as well as Mom did, and we dogs look at things differently from you humans. So, I let Mom write that, and now I will tell you about the rest of the month.

We of course, did our check in with Dave... we didn't "go" anywhere this time, because there were so many other things that the humans had to work out...




But, you just have to know that brother Leo and I ALWAYS have a good time in the back seat . (that's me wearing the gentle leader, just in case you can't tell us apart)....









A few days after our visit with Dave, our local school was having a dedication. They have a new playset on the playground... it's a firetruck!!! So, our fire company set over a couple of firetrucks for the dedication and for the kids to see. Mom, as always, takes these sort of things as "training opportunities" and so, I went along too. Big noisy things - like firetrucks - aren't exactly a favorite of mine... which makes them just the things for Mom to have me work around. Look at this photo, I am trying to do a sit and this big red, noisy thing is blowing air and making my ears fly around!!!!!



The ceremony was very nice. It was crowded too with all the kids from the school and the firemen who came to help. I was perfect and just sat quietly with Mom while people talked.

Afterwards, several of the kids came and asked if they could meet me. Mom said yes (I love it when she says that) and somewhere in the pile of little girls is me!!! I think kids are great......











And then, it was our puppy training night again. I did not attend this month, because I had my operation (spaying). Mom thought it was best that I stay at home and recover. Between Camille and I, she had a lot of extra "dog care" this past month. Now if you remember last month Mom brought all those balloons and things, well this month she brought... "wheels and small animals"... Poor Beeker, Mom took her out of the chicknen coop, put her in a crate and brought her along with us. Beeker didn't seem to mind too much, but she sure stirred up interest around the dogs!!!! I have to say, she is a very brave chicken......

She also brought our three guinea pigs. They were as brave as Beeker was, and the dogs were pretty interested in them as well... espcially when they squeaked. Here T is being allowed to take a look at them, but then, his Mom called him to come and he had to leave those piggies and go to her. ( but he did it!!!)








Do you remember Joe?? He was in Chester's training class and Mom and Dad met him and his partner, Russ, there. Joe and his family doesn't live too far from the farm, so Mom invited them to come to puppy night. Course, Joe is a graduate, but Mom feels that the grads can teach us "babies" lots of cool things!!! And when it came to the guinea pigs, Joe could have cared less.......







A lot of my friends came again this month. Mom is so happy to see all the "service dog folk" coming togther. Here are some of them, and if you look carefully, you will see "Ozzie" he's the corgi in the cart. When Mom's idea was "wheels" she asked Linda to bring Oz. At first we others (dogs) wondered about Oz, but after we all got to meet him, we realized, he's just another dog - like us....

And the "last big event" of the month, was attending the Memorial Day parade. We went with Rick, Kelli and Mindy. Mom left Camille at home, because she still isn't suppose to get too excite.

Mindy and I thought the parade was great... especially when the people around us wanted to pet us and give us a lot of attention (I always like attention)

The days are getting warmer, and I love going places and being outside. Mom and I stay busy with the dog classes, and various other things... amd the time is flying by...

Love, Ginger.

steps for Steph

Today was a special, fun and exhausting day. In a city not too far from us, it was the annual MS walk. Kassy had asked Mom if she would be part of the walking team. Now, you know that Mom is always looking for interesting things for me to do.. so not only was it good to be part of the fund raising, but a good training experience as well. And who knows, I could be a service dog for someone who has MS. We got there and it was very crowded, I got lots of attention especially from the kids - which you know, I just loved!!! There was loud music, other dogs, baby buggies, wagons... it goes on and on.




Before we started out, we had a picture taken of our group. We were walking for Steph, she has MS and is also the wife of a Marine. Kassy pulled our group together for her. (we raised a fair amount of money!!!)








After our picture, we headed out. The day was kind of cool, but Mom said that was good, because it was going to be a long walk. Five miles, she told me and Camille.












Now, I don't know what five miles is, but I liked the idea of "long walk", and I found this little stick that I wanted to carry. Mom didn't see any harm in that, so she let me keep it. It was a nice walk, it went all thru the city, so I got to see lots of different sights along the way. Nothing bothered me, I was just having a great time, walking with Mom and Camille and enjoying all the other dogs and people.

It took us a little time to do the whole walk. And it was great fun, but just for the record... when we got back, I was pretty happy to find a little spot of the of the way and just crash. Mom and the others had a bite of lunch, and everyone commented on how good I was (Camille too) that we just laid quietly by the table and never fussed about the food all around us. (doesn't every dog behave that way???)

I was happy to get back home, and spent the rest of the night just "resting"... but I love days like this....





Love, Ginger....

puppy training night...

Can you see me?? Mom and her ideas!!! We had puppy training night, and Mom is trying to come up with a "theme" each month. Last night, her theme was "children and toys".. we stopped at the local store where she got all these flying things that she called "balloons"... Then she stuffed the balloons, Abbie, me, herself and Sadie all into the truck. Let me tell you, I didn't think we would all fit - in fact - I wasn't too excited about getting into the truck, but Mom said I had to.. so, no way round it, I had to. At first I was a little worried about it all, but everyone else (Mom, Sadie and Abbie) were having such fun and laughing, that I decided I might as well just join in.

When we got to the training center, many of my friends were there. Everyone helped Mom "set up" the room. They tied the balloons down and had them at all different heights, so as we worked, the balloons were all around us. All of us (puppies) did quite well, and after a fashion, we didn't even see the balloons.

Here I am working with Suzan, as you all know, her Logan has gone to heaven, so Mom asked her if she would like to have me as her companion for the evening. I walked with Suzan beside her scooter, and baby Abbie was pretty interested in the scooter as well. Mom also had lots of Abbie's toys there, and she had Abbie running all around the puppies, petting us and playing with us. Everyone loved Abbie and she certainly loves all of us.

We had a pretty big group tonite. Mom is so happy to see our "service puppy night" growing. We are getting dogs from all over the state, both "trained" and "in training". The humans share alot with each other, and look for all kinds of ways to help us be better dogs.

I found out after training, that the balloons were for another purpose. In memory of Logan, after we were done, everyone set outside. We all had a balloon to release in Logan's spirit. It was a somber moment, and we all hugged Suzan and just wanted her to know how much we love and support her. We missed not having Logan with us, she was such an amazing service dog and she taught us well when we had her with us.








Abbie stood in awe and watched the balloons soar in the sky. Mom said that all this "service puppy thing" is touching us in so many ways, not only has she met all kinds of great people, done all sorts of different things, but she sees that even Abbie will be changed by all the things we do. Mom says that puppy raising is definitely one of the greatest joys in her life...

I agree......... Love Ginger

pup

puppies together....

Hello everyone, it's me again... Ginger, and look who I got to meet last night.. Mom's "other" puppy Chester!!! From what I understand, Chester was the service puppy that lived on the farm last year... which means, (I guess), that I will not always be living here - but that's another story.. anyways, Mom, Dad and I traveled to NEADS for a "meet and greet". Mom was so excited and talked the whole way down about Chester and how she couldn't wait to see him again.









Chester is now a service dog, and has been matched with a gentleman named Micheal. He looked pretty proud and even though he was happy to see Mom again, Mom knows that he isn't "her" dog anymore. Mom thought Chester's new person is very nice, and she was so happy to meet him and talk about all the things that he and Chester will be doing together.











Mom is always telling me that one day, I might be able to be a service dog, and though I don't know exactly what she is talking about, it sounds pretty important. She also tells me that not "just" any dog can be a service dog, so I guess that makes me kind of special in a way. I know that we are working hard on this, but I like my work, so it's all good.

Our people sure did spend a lot of time talking, so Chester and I just decided to snooze for a bit. It does seem that we spend a lot of time waiting for people. I don't know what they can on about, with us dogs.. it's a quick hello, perhaps some playtime and they we are done..... Humans!!!!

But it was a fun evening, and Mom "hated" to see it come to an end. Chester told me that he was pretty tired from a long day of training, and he was ready to retire for the evening, and then start his new life out with Michael. Mom gave him a big hug and a kiss... and then we were headed home ourselves. "One day".. she kept telling me ... "One day, it will be your turn...." but since dogs live in the moment, I won't worry about one day.. and just think about the now...

Love, Ginger

saying... "see you"......

It is with an extremely sad heart that we share the news that Logan - service dog to Suzan - passed away on March 28, 2011 after battling cancer.

Saying goodbye to any pet is the most difficult thing, but to a service dog, who has been such a part of their partner's life, I think it must be ten fold.

Even though we all "knew" this day was in the making (Suzan had told us about the cancer) no one was prepared. There will be a memorial service for Logan the end of April.

April fools.....

Hi everyone.. well, look who's come to visit!! "T" is here for a few nights while his mom and dad take a little trip. It is so nice to have a big dog in the house to play with.. the cockers can be so grumpy with me!!! My Mom, however, had to banish us to the mudroom, because we were playing so rough that we were moving things around the house!! (that's OK, it was still great fun)

We had a puppy meet at the mall. Because of the prediction of bad weather, only two puppies made it.. Freedom and myself. But, that was fine, because the humans had the chance to chat. Dad, Sadie and Abbie came with us... Abbie was thrilled to find a carasoul in the mall and had a great time riding the ponies. Mom had me sit near it and watch for awhile.. I did fine.

Actually, I had more fun watching the carasoul than "working" under the table...but it's all a part of it. And truly I would rather be out with my people than at home...

And then, the next morning... look what arrived for April Fool's. I don't mind the snow, but Mom seemed annoyed with it... course, it also means another good thing for me... I get to go to work with Mom!!!