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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Melanie is Responding to New Technique

The last couple of days, I've tried a new technique learned from one of GDB's CD's, in that I've kept the Gentle Lead on while out walking and as soon as we get near a dog distraction and she responds to my stern correction I've been giving her "jackpot" treats, meaning 3 or 4 treats in a row to really keep her focused on me. It seems to be working pretty well. I'm only doing that type of reward on really annoying distractions, not the occasional bark or passing dog under good control. Then she gets good praise andencouragement to keep going. We didn't walk this afternoon but I let her play in the back yard. I needed to do a lot of Melanie laundry, washing all her beds and towels, etc., vacuuming and dusting hair. Between her and the 2 cats, the house becomes a giant fur ball every other day. I brush Melanie every day, brush her teeth twice a week, clean her ears once a week, and tomorrow I have to give her heart worm medication and flea & tick preventitive. She's a full time job, but she looks beautiful and healthy. I'm just lucky to fit in a hair appointment for myself this week.

We're Working Hard

After listening to more GDB CD's, I used a different strategy with Melanie today. We took a real long walk to Trader Joe's (all uphill) and went very smoothly. I used her Gentle Lead right from the start and she was a perfect lady all the way up, while in the store, and until we came back down the hill toward the ocean and I told her to make a right turn, which means we were going towards home, not the beach. She had a puppy fit, meaning she just sat down, looked at me as if I had promised her we could go and then changed my mind. It was like a child going through the "terrible two's". I half expected her to lie on her back and kick up her feet. Well, I started off with the usual obedience commands, which she did, but still did not want to go forward towards home. This time I put my foot down and moved her regular collar up high, gave her a super sharp jerk on the leash, and commanded her with the strongest voice I could and gave the command again. This time, she responded as if she was thinking, "Gee, I never heard her talk to me that way before". So, we got home fine and I gave her lots of love and let her run around the house a bit. Then, we went out again for another little walk and came back on the sidewalk that run parallel to the recreation trail. She could see it but there wasn't a dog distraction. In fact, as we got to the Cannery shopping mall, there was minivan with its motor running. I thought we could go to the right of it but it was real close and it started up and I wasn't sure if they had seen us on the right, so Melanie took it into her own mind to actually start backing up and literally turned around to get away from the vehicle. I gave her tons of praise and food reward and once the van was gone, we were able to continue on home. Love that Dog.

Work and Reality are Setting In

The last couple of days we had part good walks and part stressful, in that at times Melanie behaved like a perfect Guide Dog and other times like a spoiled puppy. I know she still is in a puppy stage; however, it's important I keep her on track, especially when it comes to other dog distractions and when she drags her feet knowing that we're going home. Apparently, she could trot all day, alas, I can't. I try to get two walks a day with her on different routes, but she mainly wants to walk the recreation trail. I can't blame her, but it's not her choice to make (at least that's the way GDB explained it). I've been re-listening to their CD's on how to deal with various dog issues and still have more to listen to. I probably need to talk with a GDB instructor to make sure my technique for focusing her attention away from other dogs and back on her work. She always has plenty of play time when she gets home so she shouldn't get distracted from her work. Of course, it's been less than a month since we got home from training but I don't want to be using correction techniques that are not working correctly. Ah, Yes, Guide Dog Reality!

I Had a Great Thanksgiving With Melanie

The day started crisp, clear and cold. Melanie, for some reason, was all hyperactive this morning, not sure if it was the weather or the pork shoulder slow cooking for the past 24 hours, but while I was eating my granola, I noticed that she didn't sound like she was chewing her nyla bone, which I leave on her mat. I checked and what had happened was that in her wild enthusiasm, she had actually pulled out the I-bolt the tie down was fastened to along with part of the plastic/rubber molding, which she was shredding. I got it right away from her and hope she hadn't actually swallowed any of it. We went for our brisk morning walk and she seemed fine the rest of the day. Of course, now a new I-bolt will need to be put in as well as new molding. One thing that I have been doing a little different is letting her off leash (supervised) while in the house, just to start getting her used to it. She does love running free and I have to temper some of her exuberance, but she is definitely one happy dog. Even one of my cats ran up and touched her nose with her paw which made Melanie jump up and the cat run. But she came back again and ran around my chair to see what Melanie would do. Looks like this Thankgiving may be the beginning of a great friendship.

Walking in the Rain

This morning, Melanie and I got out a little later than usual, as there were a number of rain bursts and darkening skies. However, I realized I needed a couple of spices for my Thanksgiving mince pie, so while it was still clearing, we left for Nob HIll. I wore my raincoat and I also put Melanies little yellow rancoat on, which, of course, she wasn't happy about. She didn't fuss too much, but she really wanted a long walk along the rec trail, which due to weather we haven't done for a couple of days, so she's got a lot of pent up energy. Well, we made it to the store with no problem and people thought she looked adorable, even though Melanie's ears were hanging just a little lower than usual. But, as we made our way home, the rain let loose and we were glad to have our raincoats on. But, silly as it seems, when we got home, I had to relieve her as usual, but I had to take her raincoat off because she wont'relieve with it on, so, of course, she still got wet. The good thing is she doesn't mind the rain and I just wipe her off with a towel. Otherwise, it was a pretty slow day, although I've been giving her more freedom to explore the house without her leash and even one of our kitties is getting more comfortable around her, getting closer and closer every time she walks by. So, nowI'm really Giving Thanks.

Melanie and I Went to Work Today

Today we had to go to the BVIC to stuff envelopes with the Blindfold newsletter. Although, there were only 3 of us doing the work, we managed to get it done in about 3 hours. Of course, Melanie went with me for her first time at this type of volunteer workand she behaved very well. As she should, she spent most of her time lying under the table chewing on her nyla bone or resting. I gave her water and relieved her after a couple of hours and went back to work. She did become a little fidgety but all in all, was a very nice girl. After we left and went home, I let her play outside off-leash for a while with her "giant" nyla bone and she had a great time. She still has a lot of energy left (more than me), so tomorrow we'll have to take an extra long walk. I sure do love having her with me wherever I go.

I Think We Saw a Wolf!

It may not have been a full wolf but it looked like part of it was. Melanie and I were walking down Pine St., crossed Pine, and followed it down to Lighthouse Ave., A block or so before reaching Lighthouse, we came upon a dog that didn't appear to be tied (at least to me) and we were face to face with it. It didn't bark or growl or try to do anything antagonistic, but the hairs on the back of my neck and I think even Melanie's were up. She didn't do her usual hi-jinks (dog distractions) when she wants to interact with another dog, just looked a little concerned, as was I. Well, instead of working her forward, I took her leash and and "heeled" her across the street before giving her treat and praise for behaving well. She didn't want to linger on that block and the rest of our walk was uneventful. But, that was definitely a situation where it could have turned out to be a very negative event. Well, we're here to tell the tail (Oh, mean tale).

Walking With the BVIC Staff

Coincidentally, as Melanie and I were walking on the sidewalk parallel to the rec trail, the co-directors of the BVIC were getting ready to take their daily walk. Well, of course, we decided to all have a nice walk together. It gave them a chance to see Melanie in action and also to see how distracted she can become when encountering other dogs. On ourway back, I decided to put on her Gentle Lead as she had become very distracted with smells, etc. which made guide work more difficult. I hadn't planned to take the rec trail that day, but it was a good opportunity to share some time with my compadres. On the way back, I let them go on as I wanted to work Melanie on a corner that she seemd to be taking at an angle. What I discovered was that when crossing the street to the other curb, it was filled with debris from trees, etc., and she was trying to avoid it. She's a great little lady and I'm happy to walk with her and share the time with people who understand what we're trying to accomplish.

A Pretty Good Day

Melanie and I walked on the recreation trail for the first time in about 3 days. She did very well, until we were nearing our exit and got super-distracted by some little dogs. It's as much the owners of the other dogs fault as it is Melanie wanting to interact with them. I can always tell when we are coming upon another dog in the distance, because her ears go up and her pace quickens. She is very focused, but not on her work, on the dog. Despite the obedience and leash correction, I put the Gentle Lead on her and headed her home. In the afternoon, we took a walk around town so that she wouldn't have the all the distractions of dogs, birds, ocean, smells. She gets enough of that on our regular route but the ocean route is more stimulating. The work and REALITY goes on.

Visiting the BVIC and Grocery Shopping

Melanie and I stopped at the BVIC to drop off a few things and visit our friends. The LOVE is just too wonderful. Later, we dropped by our small local grocery store and picked up a couple of cooked chicken breasts for dinner. The amazing thing is that Melanie is so well-trained, that she doesn't even bother me while carrying home the tempting treats. I wanted to tear the bag open and eat them, but she just nonchalantly walked me home. She really was so well-behaved the last few days that I will take her on a short walk down the recreational trail tomorrow. I know she will love it and so will I.

I also got a couple of emails from a few of my classmates who are settling in with their Guides. One lives in Minnesota and said they'd been taking long walks until there was an early snow storm. The problem he was having was his Guide wasn't able to keep a straight line crossing the street in the snow, so that's something he's working on. Another classmate said his new Guide was settling in well with his previous Guide (who coincidentally, is now blind), but for some reason all his dinner napkins seem to be disappearing. Something aLab is noted for finding and playing/eating. So, it seems even the experienced guide dog handlers still have to adjust to a brand-new dog personality in their lives.

A Nice Day With Melanie

Because of our last few days being a little off-key, I kept today's walks shorter and away from the ocean. She did okay on the morning walk, but there was a deer distraction, so I put her Gentle Lead on especially since we were going to our local grocer (a smaller one than a few days ago), more of a family market. She did very well and didn't touch anything. It was very hot here today and I wasn't really planning to walk in the afternoon, but after I let her play in the back yard, we took another short walk around the neighborhood where she did especially well. I plan to do at least one more day of not going to the ocean to see how she reacts. When we cross streets, she looks down toward the ocean but has been behaving herself. All in all, a really good day.

New Routes

Yesterday, Melanie and I took a long walk and ended up at a different end of the recreation trail, where there are small cliff paths along the ocean. I hadn't walked this route in many years but Melanie made it seem simple. Although I it wa a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I think that part of the route was still a little too new for both of us. Melanie does love walking along the ocean trails and paths and when I head her toward home, she starts to drag her feet and keeps looking back at the ocean. I have to keep encouraging her to take the route to home.

This morning, I took a different route away from the ocean, which route she did very well, but as soon as we started back down the towards home (you can only go up away from the ocean or down towards home, where we live 3 blocks from the ocean), she started to pick up energy expecting to go to the ocean again. In fact, when we stopped at a street corner, she just about refused to turn right towards home as she wanted to go towards the ocean. Well, I did the obedience sits and downs, used the leash correction and still got a stubborn response. I finally put on the Gentle Lead, which finally did the trick and she reluctantly headed towards home. This afternoon, I took her out on a fairly short route, but one that didn't go by the ocean and she responded very well, apparently realizing that she had been disobedient and also that she does not like to wear the Gentle Lead. For the next few days at least we'll take only walks that do not include the recreation trail so that she can concentrate on her "real job".

Melanie is Feeling Fine

We had a great day today. Instead of a long walk in the morning, we went to a local grocery store and picked up a couple of items. It was her first time in a local grocery store and she was a perfect little lady. She didn't try to take anything that didn't belong to her and I introduced her to one of the clerks I am acquainted with. Later in the afternoon, we had an energetic walk on the recreation trail. We actually started out on the sidewalk running parallel to the trail where, apparently, Public Works has put up those folding signs alerting the public of some kind of work they plan. Most of them were right in the middle of the sidewalk, but Melanie just walked me around them and I never touched a one. It wa so great, because, normally, I would have avoided the siewalk altogether not knowing what was ahead. But with Melanie, we just keep on going. What a wonderful little girl. Now, I'm getting emails from people who've seen us walking on the sidewalks and complimenting how well we work together. One woman was walking behind us this morning and finally came running up just to say she had been watching us for a while and couldn't believe how well we worked together. Of course, our training together is ongoing, but I do believe we will be a great team.

Melanie Threw Up!

Oh Dear, my Melanie just threw up a little; of course, I'll have to keep an eye on her, but she does seem fine and I think (hope) that it's just one of those "one time" things. Actually, today, I decided we should just do a different walk this morning and then let her and me take a rest this afternoon. The last few days she'ss been a little off-focus, but I think that's just part of the testing process. So, this afternoon I just let her run loose in our nice back yard. Even though we had artificial grass put in, when I was on the ground playing with her, I noticed that some of those green clovers were poking through. I pulled some out, but I think she may have eaten one or two. I brought her in and she seemed fine, but a little later she did throw up a little. Right now, she's fine, ate her dinner and is relieving normally. I have also started reviewing the CD's GDB sent me prior to training to remind myself of some of the prope rtechniques of guide work. It's so easy to fall into a habit of expecting a certain response from your Guide, even if the request wasn't delivered properly. So, tomorrow morning will be a short walk to the grocery store (for the first time here) and then a longer one in the afternoon, just to shake things up a little. Melanie is still a sweetheart and fun to be around.

Walking on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

Melanie and I had a lovely walk along the ocean and walked on Fishrman's Wharf to look at the fishing boats coming in and out. She was really very attentive, but still got distracted by dogs; however, I continued obedience work with her during those times and she re-focused. It appears to be something we need to work on a ot. She really wants to play with all the dogs, I guess because she's still in her puppy stage; however, that's something we need to work on constantly. We went out again later in the afternoon and she was generally distracted and pouty, so I put the "Gentle Leader" on her to help focus her better, but she was still being somewhat obstinate. We're obviously in the testing stage of our relationship. Otherwise, her behavior at home is exemplary. Just before I got in the front door after our second walk, my husband said I had to go across the street and visit our 86 year old neighbor who's lived there for probably 50 - 60 years. She has a large family who look after her, but she's still the matriarch of the block. She'd been watching me come and go with Melanie but never had enough time to get up and call me over and I was so busy with Melanie, I didn't think to drop by. Apparently she had stopped by while I was out and told my husband that I needed to stop by so she could meet Melanie. Well, here we go, everyone, loves Melanie ad she did as well. Now she wants us to walk around the block together so she can see how Melanie does her job. We've been friendly neighbors for many years, but Melanie is now becoming the most important member of our neighborhood and I think that's just Great!

The Reality of Relieving a Dog

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, especially after the rain the day before. The air was clean and clear, the sun was out, and Melanie and I walked up streets I hadn't walked in years. It was lovely as we walked down Forest Avenue heading towards home; however, right in the middle of the sidewalk, Melani just had to relieve (#2). Of course, I had a bag with me and picked it up, but there were no trash cans for 4 or 5 blocks. It was quite interesting to feel lik a very composed and thoughtful person who cleaned up after their dog and one who would just love to throw that stupid bag in the curb. However, I carried on, swinging my bag of pooh, until, finally, I came upon a trash can and got rid of it. It's one thing to pick i up and get rid of it and another to carry it around with you. I can't be the only one who's dealt with this situation anI would love to hear from anyone who has an idea to deal with it responsibly. I did pack an extra cloth bag today to use as a decoy, but there may be something better, I hope?

New Blog Title, A New Reality

I decided to change the name of my previous blog, Guide Dog Anticipation, to Guide Dog Reality. Now that I have Melanie in my life, my life is really different. My life is enhanced, richer, more confident, and happier. From the moment I met Melanie on 10/13/10, my life has definitely become better. I've shared with followers my anticipation of getting a Guide Dog with all the excitement and anxiety it entailed. I believed it would have a positive impact on my life, but until I experienced the freedom of traveling the streets an byways of Pacific Grove, it just finally came together. Since Melanie and I arrived home last Saturday evening after graduation, on 10/30/10, everyday has been a different place to go, a bakery, city hall, the vet, and paths and routes I hadn't taken in years. This is just the beginnig of our new life together and I am so happy to share it with my husband (who has now totally fallen in love with Melanie), my 2 cats (who, for the first time today have both tiptoed into the living room while Melanie and I were watching TV). Actually, I was watching TV and Melanie was chewing her nyla bone and wagging her tail at the cats.

For those who have followed the Guide Dog Anticipation blog, I've imported the postings to this blog in case you want to check out our progress. As soon as I get a proper .jpg photo of Melanie and me, I'll post it to this blog. Enjoy the ride!