In Training

A wee bit o' news...

2009-11-05T20:15:00.003-06:00

Ellie is doing wonderful as a pet. She may not be the perfect dog, but she's the perfect dog for me and that's what matters most!

We have been busy learning new tricks. A few are absolutely goofy and just to help her build confidence - and others are for showing off. She is getting really good at "wave", and as soon as she's good enough with her other new commands, I'll make a video of those and show them off to you.

[Ellie, sitting in front of me leaning against an old wooden doorway of a limestone building]

And, as for the wee bit o' news... Ellie will be getting a little brother next week. A yellow lab born September 19 to Mistletoe (Callie's new SD's sister) and Pepto (let's hope they don't theme the puppies after diarrhea products! ha ha). There were 3 males and 4 females in the litter.

[Seven 2-week old yellow labrador puppies sleeping peacefully in their whelping box at KSDS]

Graduation

2009-11-01T19:19:00.002-06:00

Like I mentioned before, the KSDS graduation was on Saturday. Callie got her new partner. Which was fun celebrating. I'm so proud of her and ecstatic to watch their partnership grow. I left Ellie with my sister because it was going to be a HUGE grad and Ellie would have probably been too anxious to be there.

Ellie cuddles up with my sister on the floor of her living room.

Ellie is a good cuddler.

I'm glad Ellie had such a good time. And a huge thanks to my sis for taking such good care of her. I know Ellie was in good hands... although I'm glad to have my best friend back home!

For a fellow puppy raiser

2009-11-01T19:10:00.002-06:00

KSDS graduation was on Saturday, and on the way, we pass through Topeka, KS - which, now always reminds me of a fellow puppy raiser's time puppy sitting Topeka.

New Friend

2009-11-01T18:53:00.003-06:00

Last week, we got a visit from my sisters CKCS Lucy and Calie. They brought a friend, Field Spaniel, Zig!

They enjoyed wrestling in the living room.

And running and playing fetch in the back yard.

Ellie especially enjoyed playing fetch - with her Goughnut!

Zig just liked to watch her crazy self. It was fun to meet Zig and I'm glad they had a good time playing.

Small World

2009-10-27T20:15:00.002-05:00

Sunday afternoon, D and I took Ellie and Talpa to the park. We saw a dog that looked a lot like Talpa (and kinda Ellie). We asked the people who owned the dog about him and turns out he's a KSDS releasee Sleigh. He has the same father as Talpa (and is thus also Ellie's uncle). It was fun to meet him out and about!

Sleigh (from the Christmas Litter), Talpa, and Ellie

Fundraiser

2009-10-27T20:07:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, a bunch of puppy raisers and I headed to Sam's Club for our Annual fundraiser. We set up a booth, hand out copies of the wishlist and take monetary donations as well as handout tons of information about assistance dogs. It's always fun because Sam's Club takes great care of us. I was the only one without a dog (which Ellie didn't seem to mind) but that's okay!

This was some of our product donations!!! Everyone was very giving - it was great!

Ellie's newest trick

2009-10-26T21:01:00.002-05:00

Like I mentioned before, now that Ellie is a pet, I get to teach her all sorts of corny stuff. Here is a trick Ellie learned yesterday. It's the wave. It's quick and my goal is to get her to wave longer eventually, but this is a good start!

A few things...

2009-10-22T19:13:00.002-05:00

Well, Ellie continues to do really well. I've started teaching her some new things which are really fun! We are still working on getting "wink" down - but I think she'll get it soon!

My good pal C is in class with her new service dog. I'm dying to find out who she got placed with, but, I guess I'll have to be patient till next Saturday, Oct. 31 when she graduates!

I really don't have much to update about since nothing has really been going on lately. Just working on Ellie and building up her confidence. We are taking this class "Control Unleashed". It's really great and has some awesome ideas on helping her learn to have a bigger threshold before reacting to things. We are still in the beginning stages... and we both have a lot to learn... but so far, so good!

A look back

2009-10-17T08:56:00.001-05:00

Here's a (rather long) slideshow of Ellie when she was still a PIT.

Ellie Update

2009-10-14T20:00:00.002-05:00

I thought you all deserved an update on the little Ellsworth in her new life as a pet!

Ellie has really blossomed as a pet. She doesn't miss going with me every where. Her stress levels have greatly decreased and her alerting is significantly improved. I was so proud, yesterday, it was cold and rainy and I hadn't yet gotten to the grocery store so had no food in the house and decided to just order a pizza. She barked 2x at the delivery person. She's never stopped barking after 2x. I was ecstatic.

She does have more energy in the evenings, but she sliced open her foot at a puppy sitters this past weekend so we have once again been on reduced activity. Of course, the rain doesn't help things.

I am excited though to be able to teach her all sorts of new things that weren't necessarily ideal for a PIT.

Oh and, it's been so great having a pet in the house. I confess, I let her sleep on the bed too - as my heart dog - I couldn't not let her on there. She does have to wait till I ask her up though! She's my girl - always will be.

And now, we get to spend the next years (hopefully many years) together!

Thanks

2009-10-11T14:50:00.002-05:00

Thanks friends for all your kind comments on my post about Ellie being career changed. I was really disappointed about it, but can't say it wasn't wholly unexpected. Your kind words really helped me and they meant so much.

Friday, I also heard that Runza's partner B. passed away. Runza had been retired because of B's weakening health. And although B was older, it still stung. I hope Runza will be able to stay with B's family, but I haven't heard if they are up for that yet. Of course, they have other things on their minds.

In more positive news. Ellie is loving life as a pet. She's more active in the evenings since she doesn't have work distractions all day to make her tired! I have also kept her rules all the same (except she's occasionally allowed on the bed when I give her the okay) as when she was a PIT. Which makes me wonder if those with dogs who have been career changed or retired, if you keep them under the same rules as before? I just figured it would be easier when PIT #3 comes.

Looking Forward to Next Year

2009-10-08T11:26:00.002-05:00

I GOT MY GDB CALENDAR FOR 2010!!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited to flip through the pages and see all those wonderful puppies who've I've gotten to know through all your blogs! I put it up at work so it can bring a big smile to my face every day! A warm puppy at my feet (coming sometime this winter) and a calendar to remind me of great friends!

I'm still waiting on my CCI and DGC calendar - and they will go beside this one on my cube wall.

*p.s. don't be fooled by my empty inbox!

Please welcome...

2009-10-03T08:23:00.001-05:00

the newest forever member of my family.

Yep, Ellie has been career changed for lack of confidence while working.

As many of you know, Ellie has had a lot of confidence issues from the start. I posted about some common ones like kids, vacuums, men, halloween blowups things in people's yards, the letterpress at work, and others. And all of you have been very supportive through all my (and others) efforts to help her work through those issues. And, although she's come a very long way (she no longer pees when she sees the vacuum or letterpress - or for that matter runs and hides - she now will come out and be in the same room with the vacuum and walk by the letterpress) she just doesn't have what it takes to be a working dog.

Yesterday was her evaluation. We arrived at KSDS on Thursday night and they let us stay one of the rooms the students stay in when they are in class at KSDS. It was nice of them I thought to let me stay there and not have to get a hotel room. The rooms were awesome and are accessible and was so much better than a hotel room! (Sorry you have to see Ellie's butt in the picture!)

On Friday morning, I had a little chat with Ellie. I told her it was all up to her. If she didn't want to work it was okay to let the trainers and me know. If she really did want to work, she had to make that doubly visible. I wouldn't stand in her way and would support whichever decision she made. We all pretty much knew what the outcome was going to be, but I think the staff of KSDS was just being nice to me by allowing it to be a formal evaluation.

I know KSDS doesn't take releasing a dog lightly. And, they worked with me and Ellie throughout the last year so we could give her all the opportunities possible to mature and grow. But, KSDS also won't force a dog to work that doesn't want to work. At the evaluation, Ellie made it more than clear she doesn't want to work. KSDS decided to release her as a pet to me.

I'm thrilled to have the little labby home for good. She'll make a great teacher for PIT #3 (which I'm on the list for, just waiting for news on when that might be). My Christmas wish is to get a Garmin GPS, so maybe we can go geocaching together or do lots of other things that can be fun.

Ellie and Cadillac playing after her evaluation. This is what she likes best.

Welcome home little girl. Now you're a spoiled rotten pet!

Leonard Chershire Disability Creature Discomforts Commercial

2009-10-03T08:21:00.001-05:00

Invalid

2009-09-21T18:21:00.003-05:00

Ellie had a vet appt today - an unexpected one at that. And, this is how she came home...

She somehow split her nail fairly severely. They then had to take quite a bit of it off. Then, soak it, and wrap it. She still wanted to lick her wrapped paw, so she got stuck with an e-collar. We also came home with some antibiotics. She'll be okay, but she's got the pathetic puppy look down. She also just wants to lay there. I feel so bad for her. Needless to say, she'll take the rest of the week off. So, for tonight... she'll just get some extra cuddles.

Fire Department Visit

2009-09-19T19:01:00.004-05:00

First off, this is an outting I was rather proud of - it took me about 7 months to get this organized. After so many refusals - I was really excited when one fire department said "Yes, bring the dogs!"

We arrived early, and shortly after we arrived, the firemen had an emergency call and had to leave. So, what do puppy raisers/graduates do when they have a little gathering and nothing else to do?

TRAIN!!!

So, C1. worked Ellie while I led some of the distraction exercises. Here, we got some kids to step over the puppies while they hold a down position. This is one of the commands the dogs will have to master if they are going to make it as a working dog. Ellie did rather well at this - although the youngest girl had a hard time totally stepping over the larger dogs so made it a bit more awkward for them.

Then, we practiced meet and greets - as you can see, I'm a big distraction for Ellie. But - she did well.

Next, was food distractions. I had a bag of food with me, so I spread some out on the ground, and the dogs were asked to cross as close to it as possible without eating it. Ellie is really good at this (as you can see).

Soon, the firemen were able to return, and were introduced to the dogs. Ellie did really well with them. She's shown some sensitivity to men, and all the firemen were more than willing to do their part to socialize her to men!

Then, one of the men volunteered to dress up in the firemen gear - he did it slowly and then introduced the dogs as he put on the pieces so it was a process. One which I believe made it much better for the dogs. Ellie was rather unsure as he put on more gear. I had two volunteers C1 and C2 working Ellie while I took pictures.

The fireman in his full gear (well, technically, he's putting on his gloves in the picture).

Ellie was really nervous when he looked like that and even barked once or twice. But, I had C2 follow the firefighter as the other more confident dogs greeted the "monster". She was then able to see that the other dogs (her friends) weren't scared of this man who talked funny and had an odd face. So, she quickly gained confidence and approached him.

The fireman was very obliging with Ellie's sensitive nature too - and after the 7th dog, she was doing really well with going up and greeting him.

In addition to the socialization with the man in his gear, we had the flashing lights of the trucks and sirens. We also had a conversation about safety issues relating to puppy raisers and then graduates.

Those puppy raisers/graduates who were able to attend the outting and the firefighters!

After it all - our obliging fireman got some puppy breath! What a great reward for helping future assistance dogs!!

Afterwards, we had a puppy play date - where the dogs could play and be dogs after the stressful outing. The pups truly enjoyed their reward!

Distractions

2009-09-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

When Ellie and I got to work today, we (or rather she) was quick to discover there was another four legger on the premises! The Ryobi pressman had almost hit this little kitten on his way into work. He stopped and picked it up so it wouldn't get hit and he brought it in. They put it in this huge 3'x5'x5' box (she kept escaping all the smaller boxes!)

Ellie didn't know what to think. She was excited and bouncing around and could hardly hold her sit/down. Finally, when she did settle down I let her see the little kitty. After all, Ellie does NOT get much cat experience. When the little one hissed at her, Ellie just about jumped out of her skin backwards and tucked her tail. I couldn't help but laugh a little that Ellie was scared of this little, tiny kitty. This little one wouldn't let Ellie get away with anything and after their initial meeting, Ellie just laid down and watched her while all the employees oooed and awwwed at the kitten. I do think Ellie got a bit jealous though because usually Ellie's the hit of the party.

She's got good taste

2009-09-14T19:04:00.002-05:00

Last week, I went to a local store to look into buying some new carpet for my bedroom. They were having some incredible, can't pass that up kinda deals! I ordered some samples to see which color I'd like best with my lighting/colors. Today, they came by mail. There were two I liked and was leaning towards the lighter one. I just wasn't sure about my decision and thought I'd get a second opinion. I laid out all three swatches on the floor, called Ellie in, stepped back and asked her which one she preferred. I tried not to influence her in anyway, watched her response. She walked around the swatches and targeted the one I was really leaning towards. Then she looked up in a look that said "Don't you agree?" I honestly couldn't believe it. I DID AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY!

I was sure it was a fluke. I picked them up, mixed their order, walked into my guest bedroom (Ellie followed me - I asked her to sit) and laid them out. I then did my best not to show any preference, even stepping back away from all the samples and intentionally didn't look at the one I liked. I asked Ellie again to pick out which one she liked. She circled the swatches and again targeted the one I liked. She picked it up and brought it to me. I was laughing so hard!!!

Apparently, my girl has good taste - of course, this isn't the first time she's seemed to know EXACTLY what I was thinking. I wish I'd had a video camera, and if I'd even have expected her to do that I would have... because I'm sure no one will believe my story.

She... Was... PERFECT!

2009-09-12T20:30:00.007-05:00

Today, Ellie (& Mosier) and I headed to the downtown airport for an event called Challenge Air. It's a chance for disabled children to fly in small airplanes. Pilot's donate their time and planes and the kids get to fly with them - teaching them that they can do anything they put their minds to! It was great fun as I hadn't been able to participate for the past 2 years so this was our first time out there!

Ellie has exhibited some stress on outings with lots of people (especially with men and kids) so I wasn't sure how she would react. Miriam let me borrow Mosier too so we could have our token Golden there! It was fun having 2 dogs to work.

Starting the day off waiting for the kids and their families to arrive. My charges did so well. Of course, Ellie and Mosier are just the best of buds.

Not long after we got there, this helicopter flew in. It was fun to watch it land. I thought the dogs might react to the noise and all the wind it created. We were just inside the hangar and there were tons of balloons above us. All the wind from the helicopters made several of the balloons pop. I was VERY PROUD of Ellie and Mosier. Ellie popped up out of her sit to see what the noise was but didn't have any fear reactions. Mosier couldn't have cared less about the noise.

I was kinda disappointed this picture didn't turn out where you could see Ellie better - but I do think it's rather humorous because it kinda looks like the helicopter landed on her nose! (It's hard to take photos while holding 2 dogs).

This is another proud moment for me with Ellie. The KC SWAT team was there and we went over to say hello and see some of their equipment and things. I thought Ellie would be nervous around the men, especially with all their gear on, but she just went right up and loved on one especially. Talpa's on the left, then Mosier, then Ellie.

One of the activities they had for kids while they were waiting for ground school and their chance at a flight was this hovercraft. It sounded like a vacuum and although Ellie has 85% gotten over her sensitivity to vacuums, we are still working on her becoming a great big fan of them (probably NOT going to happen - but one can hope!). Anyway, this was buzzing around the floor and Ellie and Mosier just watched it. Ellie even wanted to go up and investigate it! YAY ELLIE!!!!!!!!!!

Later in the day, the airport fire truck arrived with all their paraphenalia. Ellie was a sniffer bug here, and I let her get away with some just because she wasn't showing any fear or sensitivity to all the strange equipment and things. Better to keep things positive - we can worry about the sniffing around firefighters at a later date! It is hard to get 2 dogs to look at me at the same time though. They did great considering the front gate of the event is right behind me and there was a crowd of people registering and working their way in.

Next, we stopped by the KC Police department bomb van. I thought they might show an interest in that robot thing, but I guess since it wasn't moving, they didn't care. What good little doggies!

Then, had to get a picture in front of an airplane right - after all, that's what this was all about right? Of course, both dogs decided not to cooperate by looking at the camera this time. And Ellie had to show how bored she was with all the activities by yawning - so picturesque.

This is us going by the hoovercraft again (the kid riding it is just over Ellie's head). I think this looks like Mosier is talking to Ellie!

And, just a shot of some of the HUGE balloons (like I mentioned earlier, a few popped when the helicopter landed - so it was a BIG noise). Again, sorry about the photo quality - 2 dogs, 1 camera, lots of distractions.

CCI was there. I hadn't seen them around at any events in the past 2 years so I thought the KC area CCI raisers had folded, but was glad to see they hadn't. The lady talking to the boy in front has Rona (or Roan, can't remember) and her last dog (Daniels) was released and now lives with a coworker of mine - so I got to chat with her for awhile and talk about him. And, one of their puppy raisers forgot their leash, but I had an extra one in the car, so let them borrow that! Who hasn't ever done something silly like that?! Anyway, I was glad to help so they could expose their dog to all the activities!

D with Talpa, Mosier and Ellie. Finally, I could get a semi-good photo (if only the dogs would have cooperated, but I think they were tired of photos at this point).

And, another PROUD moment for me with Ellie - she was seeking attention from everyone. Usually, she's standoffish, and will allow people to pet her if they come up to her - but she usually doesn't seek out attention. This is something we've been working hard on for the past several months.

A little blind girl coming up to see the dogs. Ellie holding her position till I release her to go greet!

Then, while another puppy raiser grabbed lunch, I held his dog Cadillac (black lab). Cadillac and Ellie are half brother/sister. Mosier is on the left, Cadillac is in my lap and Ellie is on the right.

Do the proud moments of Ellie stop today? NO! Here, Ellie (& Mosier) meet KC Wolf (KC Chief's mascot - don't ask my why the Chief's have a Wolf for a mascot) Ellie did AMAZING - at every other event where KC Wolf has been and we've tried to meet him, Ellie didn't want to have ANYTHING to do with him. Of course, right after this photo he was trying to get up and slipped and practically fell on Mosier and Ellie didn't like that one bit! But, she recovered quickly enough and met him again with no qualms.

In the afternoon we watched the police dogs sniff luggage for well, I don't know whether it was bomb stuff or narcotics. I couldn't hear the other officer when he was talking.

The whole gang. We didn't realize it - but we lined up by age. At the far left is Azure (from the Blue litter), he's 13 weeks. Then the black lab you can barely see is Cadillac (5 months), then D and Catalpa (12 months), then M and Mimosa (12 months-Catalpa's sister), Then Ellie (13 months), Me and Mosier (21 months) and S and Service Dog Bay (7 years).

I was SO proud of my Ellie. I love her oodles and oodles!!!! Way to go little girl!

Famous Sister

2009-09-12T16:18:00.003-05:00

Ellie has a famous sister - Trego. The link isn't for Trego's blog - just Trego's puppy raiser is a contributor and we were excited to see the story about Trego's flight from her home in California to Kansas to see us at Pupsdaze. GO TREGO!!!!

Dining to Donate

2009-09-12T15:41:00.002-05:00

Friday night, Ellie and I and a bunch of other KSDS puppy raisers participated in Dining to Donate for KSDS at 2 local Applebees restaurants. Remember Mko? His partner organized it. It was fun to just go to a restaurant, eat and leave. (15% of our bill was donated to KSDS). People were wondering why there were like 10 assistance dogs or dogs in training in the restaurant at a time. Quite a scene! We were like those clowns coming out of the car. Talk about wide eyed patrons! HA HA.

Ellie in as tight of a ball as she could get in. She likes to rest her head on my feet under the table. I don't mind - it means she isn't eating things off the floor!!!

A few of some of the dogs there - these were the dogs at our table. Mosier in front, then Ellie, then Talpa, and way in the back (the black dog barely visible) is Seville.

Wonderful Friends

2009-09-11T16:42:00.003-05:00

This week, I've been reminded of some wonderful friends. J. drew some pictures of Runza and Ellie for me. I think they are beautiful.

On these, she included some of my favorite Bible verses. On Ellie's picture at the top, she put 1 Peter 4:10-11 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms... If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. And, on the lower one (of Runza) she put Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along familiar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Then, she made 2 more for me which I really love. Michael's only had enough frames for me to frame one (need to go back for the other) so, here is the other one she did of Ellie. I love how it shows Ellie's huge jowels and her "I love you" tag.

And, today I check my mail and I had this book! It was from blogger friends Becky and Cricket! BTW Becky - I LOVE your biz card design. It's adorable! I just get to do manly designs at work, but that was so perky and sweet! Thanks for the book too! I haven't gotten all the way through it, but I've gotten half way and it's a great book!

Today, I also got an email from a friend and fellow puppy raiser. That was another blessing. I just love people associated with assistance dogs! They are the best. I've never felt a part of something or had such great friends as you guys!

Need a bit of help

2009-09-09T06:29:00.002-05:00

KSDS does not do those yearly calendars with those wonderful pictures of puppies.

I know many of your schools do. I want one - how do I get one? I need a few - one for work, home, etc. So, I'm up for getting one from several schools... I want to admire all those wonderful puppies I've gotten to know through everyone's blogs - so, if you can help me out, I'd appreciate it.

Whatever 3 schools I get the most advice/comments from, those are the schools where I'm going to get calendars.

Is your dog in the calendar? Thanks so much - I'm very excited about this.

Anniversary

2009-09-06T08:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday marked a great anniversary! One year ago I brought home this little girl who has been a challenge but in the best possible way. She's seen me through so much and has been my best friend for the last year! I LOVE YOU ELLIE!!!!

Today marks a sadder anniversary. The day after I had brought Ellie home she had a lot of space to fill in my heart because I lost my dear cat Sage unexpectedly after a regular visit to our vet. It was determined to be caused by anaphalactic shock. I still miss her dreadfully (I cared for her from 4 weeks of age till she was 10 yrs). I miss you Sage. Thank you for giving me Ellie fill that hole!

Mko

2009-09-04T14:45:00.003-05:00

For the past few days and for the next few days Ellie and I get to enjoy the company of Mko, a KSDS guide dog. He's from the Pottowattamie litter (The Pottowattamie Nation sponsored the litter and did a naming ceremony and everything - it was AWESOME). His name means Bear.

Ellie and Mko. They both get along great!

He loves to have his photo taken and is such a cuddlebug.

He's such a handsome fella! We'll be sad to see you go back to your mom - but she needs you!