Wednesday, December 29, 2010

KSBW TV - Day 2

The crew came by this morning to film the second half of the Melanie & Sonja story. It was really cold and windy, with a hint of rain, but I performed my tricks and Melanie's hers. They filmed me walking down the front stairs of my home with neither cane or Guide dog, then walking up the street with just my cane, and then Melanie and I walked about 8 blocks to our neighborhood grocery store and bought something to bring home. Melanie did great as usual, just seeming to wonder why this guy kept running in front of her and kneeling down with that camera in her way. I wouldn't be surprised if the film shows her giving him a "dirty" look, like "cant' you see I'm working here"? I'm afraid our interviewer was a very "green" reporter, very pleasant and courteous, but didn't really have a clue about my eye condition, mobility training and guide dogs. Wen we were through today, he said the piece would air either this evening (which it hasn't) or, more likely, this weekend. I'll post another blog when I know for sure.

Melanie and I wish all our blog followers a super Happy 2011 New Year!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Half Today, Half Tomorrow with KSBW TV

The interview with KSBW went well today; however, the interviewer realized there was more to the story than just an interview and a few obedience commands. So, it was decided that they will come by my home tomorrow and follow Melanie and me on one of our routes to the grocery store, dealing with dog and people distractions along the way. We all hope to make a learning message for the public on how to interact with Guide Dog Teams. Hopefully, it will be on TV tomorrow. We'll keep you posted.

Oh, yes, the youn man interviewing me wanted us to cross the street from the BVIC and he said, "Should I show you the curb?". i said, no thanks, that's why I have a Guide Dog. He laughed; I think he got it.

Monday, December 27, 2010

KSBW TV Interview Tuesday

Well, tomorrow's the Big Day! It's been set that KsBW TV will interview me with Melanie at the BVIC (Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County). Hopefully, Melanie will be on her best behavior, because after a two-day perfect Guide Dog, she was like a "bobble-head" dog on the path today. I even cut it short and took her home so she could run around in the back yard, which, due to the weather she hasn't had much chance to play there. For the first time, I even added a tiny bit of peanut butter in the hole of her Kong toy with some kibblel. Well, she had an absolute ball with that for over half an hour, then I let her play with the BIG nylabone, so by late afternoon she was really pretty calm. Before our interview tomorrow, I'll take her out early for a little exercise just to make sure she's calm. If they actually do the interview tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., I'm not sure whether it will air the same day or not. If it does, it will probably air at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. A Star is Born!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

A Quiet Christmas

Melanie and I enjoyed Christmas morning with a brisk walk along the ocean. I didn't use her Gentle Lead even if she decided to be too distracted; however, she was a really attentive girl, giving me , I guess, a wonderful Christmas present. Today, we took short walks, not many people or dogs about in the morning, but this afternoon, there were quite a few on the sidewalk areas. People who seemed to know each other and each other's dogs. My next new strategy with Melanie is when I sense thre is a dog ahead of us, either walking or relieving, I have Melanie Halt and then Sit and then Down, just to keep her attention focused. It is helping and she sure looks forward to those treats. We've been having some realy great walks together and I'm looking forward to 2011 with my new pal.

Friday, December 24, 2010

What a Christmas Present

I guess millions of kids have asked for a puppy for Christmas, but they never got one like Melanie. The last couple of days she's been an almost perfect Guide Dog, paying attention, really trying not to get distracted, of course, reminding me that she supposed to get treats. Also, I've tried something a little different with her and that is using hand gestures more than voice commands all the time. I'm sure they start to sound repititious to her, I know they do to me. She's been responding to the gestures even better than voice commands, so I save the voice commands for something really important and, of course, gentle praise. I really think our teamwork is beginning to get better; part of it is her paying attention to me and me paying attention to her.

She has treats and nylabones in her Christmas stocking which has her name on it. She gets tummy rubs everyday and compliments from the people we meet. I really hope she's enjoying our new life together as much as I am.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Yesterday and Today

Yesterday, we went to the BVIC and I checked out some low vision portable magnifiers. They loaned me one called Pebbles, a small battery operated magnifier that I can used when grocery shopping or for other types of magnification. Of course, Melanie was with me but she also left a "fart". I swear it was her. I've heard of Labs leaving theirr scent behind, but this was too much. My low vision specialist suggested I give her some yogurt once in a while, supposed to help in the digestion process. Sounds like a good idea.

KSBW called and said they might be able to do our interview tomorrow but it would have to be on a last-minute-basis. I said next week would be fine, so the plam is that they will call me on Monday and set up another time. I can't believe what couldl what could be more important than interviewing Melanie and Me.

Monday, December 20, 2010

TV Interview Next

It was bound to happen, Melanie and I and my O&M insructor will be interviewed by KSBW TV news over the holidays. Our BVIC Program Director sent them some info on us and they liked our story. I knew Melanie would become a star, even though she's already a star to me.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Our First Restaurant Visit

My husband invited Melanie and I to have a late lunch at Coco's restaurant, a family style restaurant. She was very good but it was hard to get her under the table. They had just remodeled it from the old Carrow's restaurant, and the new tables in booths have a large metal column right in the middle of the table to the floor, making it a little difficult to squeeze her in and keep her tail and legs from hanging in the aisle. A lot of loyal customers from Carrows continue to come here an may are elderly with various physical challenges, plus famlies with little children like to come, so I didn't want anyone tripping over her. I managed to get her into a reasonably comforable position, but her head was moving a lot, probably scraping crumbs from under the table. If we go there more often, I think she'll find it easier to find her spot, especially if it's a table with lots of crumbs underneath.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Dentist Visit Today

Poor Melanie, she really has to work now, like taking me to the dentist. How boring for her but she perked up the staff. No questions or problems bringing her in and she sat through my whole cleaning procedure, taking a few big bored breaths, but otherwise, handling the whole situation excellently. Because of the size of the office, I kept her leash in my hand while being worked on. Then we had to go to the BVIC as my board secretary duties were needed for a little while. Our Program Director had sent out some press releaes to local newspapers, radio and TV. We hope to get Melanie some publicity which, in turn, should help the BVIC. I think we're ready to face the world (as long as there's not another dog around). We did go for a walk in the early afternoon, but, alas, we had to stop at the grocery store on the way home. She may get a break in the next few days as it is expected to raun pretty heavily in our area, but if it's not too bad, I'll put on her raincoat and we all know how much she likes that.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Our First Doctor Visit

Today, Melanie and I went to the doctor for my annual physical (gynecology). My husband dropped us off as I decided we'd walk home from the office which is in downtown Monterey. Melanie did really well, although because the doctor had her own little "teacup" poodle who is a regular at her office, Melanie's nose was doing a lot of sniffing, but at least she didn't let her dog come into the examining room. The good news for me is that because of Melanie I lost about 10 pounds since I was there last year. All that walking we do everyday is paying off for both of us. My blood pressure was perfect and the doctor said my heart and lungs were like those of a marathon runner. Well, Melanie and I don't really run, but it's super fast walking at a constant pace. When we left the office around 10:15, we were moving so fast that we got home before 11:00. Melanie had a great time taking the new route from the office to the rec trail, which she knows so well. The fact that we could take this route is thanks to my O&M instructor who worked with me before I went to GDB to learn different routes that I may need in the future, and, well, the future is here. Tomorrow the Dentist!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A Few Good Days and a Party

Melanie and I have had some really good walks and she's really trying hard to behave during dog distractions. We'll keep working on it, but otherwise we have great walks together. Today, we went to our annual BVIC Christmas party. It's usually well-attended, lots of singing Christmas songs, grab bag fun, and wonderful food. Melanie took it all in stride like a seasoned Guide Dog. She stayed under the table as she should and only came out when someone just had to meet her and then she'd give them her adorable smile, maybe a paw, and everyone would melt. I realized that tomorrow we'll have been together 2 months since GDB training and coming home. We've gone to a lot of places, but tomorrow should be interesting, I have my annual visit to my gynecologist. Well, we're both girls, why not?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Work, Work, Work

For the past two days, Melanie and I continued our Guide Dog work. It was drizzly yesterday so we went to our local store and bought a cooked chicken and bell peppper to make my home made chiken soup (it turned out great). She did well, even though she had to wear her rancoat again, but she didn't fuss too much. Today, we took another long walk to Fisherman's Wharf, which was okay, but there were many groups of people walking, biking, etc. Lots of distractions. I even stopped at a water fountain to fill up Melanie's collapsible water bowl (for the first time) because it was a little warm today, but she ignored it, so we just went home. I let her loose in the house, under supervision, and she seemed happy with that teasing my husband and I with her nylabone, pretending to give it to one of us and then running back to the other before we could get it. That's a really fun game for her and us.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Skating Rink Yesterday, Big Surprise Today

Yesterday, Melanie and I took our long walk past Fisherman's Wharf to Friendly Plaza where the ice skating rink has been set up. It was just opening, so only one person was using it at the time. We didn't stay long and started back; however, before we actually got to the rink, a man was handing out leaflets (I think "Awakening" or one of those type) and he said, "Here's a little happiness". I said no thanks, looked at Melanie, and said I have all the happiness I need. He smiled and we went on our way.

Today, we took a little walk in the morning as it was about to rain and when we got home, Santa (my husband) had ordered a "Super Crate" for Melanie. Although the one we had originally gotten was really nice, he felt Melanie was worth a fortune and ordered a Mahoghany wood and metal crate. He wouldn't tell me how much it cost, but it's worth more than all the furniture we have. It's gorgeous, beautiful Mahoghany wood top and corners, with a special slide-in base that eliminates odors from any possible feces, etc. Oh, yes, there are pull down shades on 3 sides so she can have privacy and no drafts. Obviously, all my concerns about her being welcome in our family have totaly melted. I let Melanie check it out earlier today and she seemed to like it but tonight will be her first night in her mansion.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Two Great Emails and a Meeting at the BVIC

Last evening, I received a reply from Melanie's puppy raiser letting me know the treats she sent in Melanie's Holiday package were ones she used during her puppy raising techniques and ones approved by GDB. They have a great bacon smell and apparently Melanie learned to go into her bed by having one of these treats put on her bed and, finally, when she went in her bed by herself, then she got a treat. I haven't given her one of these treats yet as I put them in her Christmas stocking, but they may be my new weapon for dog distraction and moping episodes. I also got a reply email from one of my instructors at GDB who read my blog and let me know that what I was doing by way of correction, treat and praise was the right approach and just encouraged me to keep at it, which I will.

This afternoon was Melanie's formal introduction to the BVIC Board of Directors. Most everyone had already met her but I wanted it to be in the minutes, especially as she will be an integral part of my life as well as the Board's. I explained some of the discipline I needed to exert with Melanie and the need for proper interaction with people. Everyone understood but still made "googly" eyes at her (that's okay any time). I also offered our services for appropriate presentations, meetings, or attending functions to help raise funds for the BVIC by using such a cute little puppy. Oh My!

Monday, December 6, 2010

We Had Two Good Days

Yesterday and today was a pleasure walking with Melanie. I didn't use the Gentle Lead on her when we took a walk on the rec trail yesterday and left it off even when we went into our little local grocery store. I only needed a couple of things and she was doing just fine at heel position. The afternoon weathr looked threatening so I let her have more freedom in the house and she didn't act like a maniac, just curious and, of course, sniffing. Today, we had two good walks, this morning partly on the rec trail but stopped atNob Hill food store to pick up a few other items. I think she likes shopping. She's so calm and well-behaved. I've had to carry my purchases in a "green" cloth bag on my right shoulder, but that doesn't seem to bother her as we walk. Then, we did an afternoon short walk along the trail and she was a little more distracted, the wind had picked up and there were more dogs around. She did show some distraction, but focused more quickly. One thing she does do, is that when we pass a dog distraction and I praise her, she starts to slow down and look at me waiting for the "jackpot" treats. If it's just a little distraction, I give her one treat or just good praise. She learns everything so quickly, especially how to get treats.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Rainy Walk & Some Surprises

Our community was putting snow in a local park for the children and I thought it would be fun if Melanie and I could go by and take a peek, if possible. It was just a light mist when we left the house so I put on my raincoat and Melanie had hers on. As we started walking, she began her pouting routine like she just couldn't walk in a rancoat (which she has had on before). She dragged her feet, head down, moping. I had to use some sharp corrections and tone of voice and finally got her moving a little more smoothly. The rain really started coming down, although she doesn't mind the rain, just the raincoat. Well, I wanted to walk on the rec trail to get to the park and as soon as we hit the trail, "A Miracle", she started walking with no problem, like she didn't have a rancoat. So, I'm sure now that she's just giving me a bit of her stubborness, but I persisted. Everything went well to the park, but the way the snow event was set up I wasn't able to view it from the sidewalk and would have had to go through the line of little kiddies and families to get inside. The weather being what it was, it didn't seem worth it so we headed home.

Later in the day, we got a Holiday package from Melanie's puppy raiser, which included 2 sizes of nyla bone, bacon treats, photos of Melanie and I as well as a darling "Wanted" poster looking for a Guide Dog aka Melanie and a large photo of her on the poster. It was such a lovely surprising gift. At graduation, her puppy raiser had already given me a handmade Christmas stocking with Melanie's name on it, so now I have something to put her goodies in. When she's out there guiding me, she is a very hard working little girl and deserves lots of treats, gifts and hugs. She is Precious. Thank You Puppy Raiser!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Sonja and Melanie at the Beauty Shop

Finally, I had a chance to get my hair done. I needed a perm so I took Melanie along. She had her first ride in our little two-seater pickup truck and she fit at my feet with room to spare. When we arrived at the beauty shop, Melanie was greeted with oohs and ahs; however, the owner seemed a little concerned about health code violations regarding having an animal on the premises. Fortunately, she had a woman working for her who knew about GDB and puppy raising and helped me explain to her that service dogs have a right in just about every situation. Her employee even told her that there were places Melanie could go that she probably couldn't. Anyway, it all worked out great with smiles for the next few hours. I brought along a tie-down instead of using Melanie's leash to keep her in place, just in case she got bored and decided to chew on it again. As we were leaving, the owner said her goodbyes and "I'll see you next time, Melanie". Of course she will.