A Trip Home, Kind Of.......

Here are Richie(left), and Tippy. This was in the van following an awesome trip to Concord Farm, the prison where they were trained....amazingly well....for their job as service dogs.

I have to say, I was very impressed. When we arrived, we signed in, and the men and their dogs were there waiting to walk with Brian, Andy and myself to the gymnasium. We arrived, and the men sat in chairs in a semi-circle with Andy and I in front. They began by introducing themselves and their dogs. I could already see that this was indeed a group who were immensely proud of their dogs. Each one of them smiled or smirked as they said the dog's name. What a wonderful program to match man with "man's best friend". Andy and I then introduced ourselves, told a little bit about our disability and how the dog would help us. We each also mentioned how much we appreciated the work being done by this group, how much it means to us to receive one of these very special dogs, and how the dogs would be helping each of us. Brian made a point of telling the men that we were why they do what they do. To keep in mind that the dogs they are training are for the disabled. They need to keep that in mind, that while they may be able to find a way for a dog to complete a task in a different manner for them, the dogs are being trained for those who cannot complete these tasks by themselves, or without much difficulty. The men then had time to ask very poignant questions. We also heard some anecdotal things about the dogs which made us all chuckle. I think this program, and these visits in particular, are necessary for both inmate, and client....and I think it's also good for the dogs. The inmates need to know that those they've cared for have become a good partner for someone who cares and will benefit from their unique abilities and companionship. The clients also need to know that their new partner was raised and trained by those who loved and cared for the dog. And, believe it or not, I think it can't hurt for the dog to visit one last time the place that helped to shape who they are today. I realize I've taken a lot of time just to say how much I appreciate all the love, care and training the dogs have had and that there is no way I could ever take it for granted. I have been blessed and trusted for the second time with a most amazing gift and partner. How awesome is this. How amazing that this is occurring in 13 correctional facilities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.....it's really a rhetorical question.....it's obviously both awesome and amazing and many words I can't think of at the moment....WOW!!!!

I had originally planned to pack Wednesday night, following the Meet and Greet, and
head out Thursday after the visit to Concord. "The best laid plans...."! I was extremely sore by Tuesday, and more so Wednesday. Brian had said that it was probably a good thing that we finished early as I might not have been able to finish all of the training. I would, however, been able to finish. I would have finished and then probably been down for 2-3 days as always. I can just about always do complete any task or adventure knowing full well that I'll pay later. I always say that when faced with a decision of whether to do something or not, I look ahead and think if it's worth it. As I've always said....it usually is....with it's price. But why miss out? In any case, I ended up having to pack just a little after the visit and finish Friday morning and leave shortly thereafter.

The paperwork I received with my match letter included the guidelines for the dress code when visiting the correctional facility. It, of course, said no jewelry. Now, I don't where a lot of jewelry, a ring on each finger, my watch, 4 bracelets(each with sentimental value....and quite narrow), and earrings. The only thing that changes day to day are my earrings. I obliged with the rules, with just my rings remaining on. When I returned from the prison, I put them all on. I was on my way out of the house to bring Tippy's file to Dan at the kennel, and remembered that I had forgotten to put my earrings on. I put Tippy on "Sit/Stay" and went into my room to retrieve them off the shelf. "Vanity, thy name is Woman"..... Okay, so when I reached for the earrings they started to fall. I reached for them....WRONG MOVE!! As I reached, they slipped off the shelf, and when I went to grab them, I went down. Ay-yi-yi!(sp?) I called Tippy. Now, usually, because he doesn't want to make a mistake, he takes a second or two to think before following a command. Not this time! He came running! I almost didn't believe it. He came right to me, I positioned him on my right side, and using Tippy on the right, and the chair on the left I was able to get up. I went to put the earrings back on the shelf to "get my bearings" and knocked my pill box off the shelf!!! REALLY!! Once again, as I reached for the falling case I went down again! Thank God Tippy was still there....and he obligingly stood firm. Ask me how foolish I felt....don't bother, I really feel mega foolish....

Thursday night I sat back for a bit to have a little dinner, watch even less television, and try to relax a bit. Do you know what happens when you have a fall where you tried to stop yourself from going down? You strain muscles all over. And, do you know what happens to those strained muscles when you sit for a while without moving? They become even more sore so that even the slightest movement causes great pain.....guess what I did? Yup, I sat too long! I just can't win....except with Tippy. He's certainly a "keeper"!

Our departure went without a hitch, with the exception that I didn't get a chance to say good-bye to Andy and Richie. Andy went to the training room to exercise Richie while I was still packing and loading. He then had a meeting with the woman who is working with the Veterans and their dogs concerning their PTSD. I planned to stop into the main office on my way out and thought that it would be around the time that Andy would be done. When I arrived I said my good-byes but Andy was still in his meeting. I'm really sorry the timing wasn't better. He is such a good person, with a good heart and soul. You don't meet too many young men his age these days who are truly gentlemen. He is one. I'm hoping to connect with him on FB, and eventually through e-mail.

Saturday involved a few errands, and then it was "trial by fire" for Tippy. Friday night we attended a performance of "Tartuffe" at the University of Rhode Island. My daughter is a senior Theatre major in the Fine Arts department. She has the part of "Mariane". It's a loud, boisterous farce, and Tippy weathered it just about perfectly. We were in the 2nd row on the floor, and Tippy's head was at the end of the aisle, at my feet. The play began with a lot of shouting, stamping of feet, and crazy running from off stage through the audience and onto the stage. Tippy just slid his head backward so as to have a better view. He did great.....YAY!!!! Oh, and Emily was AMAZING!!!! She was so sweet and cute....yeah, a great actress!!!! Just kidding, Em!! The show was superb! URI has a wonderful Theatre program.... I'm so glad Tippy did so well, I love the theatre, ballet, movies, and concerts.....he's certainly going to get a good cultural experience!

Sunday went very well also. Tippy slept during church with the occasional moan or groan in conjunction with finding a comfortable position. Alli snored, and Tippy moans....I wonder which is worse if you're the minister?!? Following the service, we(the Membership Committee) hosted coffee hour since it was "New Member" Sunday. Although I can usually be counted on to bake, I wasn't able to this time since I had just returned from my 2 week training period. It was a nice opportunity to speak with a few of the new members. But, after coffee hour the morning was still not done. During Lent we have a "Lenten Series" using the book, "Speaking Christian" written by Marcus Borg. I really enjoy these opportunities to discuss in an open setting how we each view our own feelings of religion and/or Christianity. Once again, Tippy simply "hung out" biding his time until we would leave on our next "adventure"!

Today consisted of a series of errands and time to cuddle. We also fit in our daily practice, exercise and conversations to keep each other company.

I will forever be amazed at how our service dog/partner always seems to know what we're thinking, and how we're feeling. It has been just 4 1/2 mos. without a partner, and I've missed that constant connection and feeling of belonging in the world. I feel so blessed to have that in my life once again.......

I don't know about you, but I'm more than ready to say good-night......Good Night!
Wendy & Tippy!

Have Faith, People, Have Faith.......

I thought that after I'd made such a big deal about Tippy's size and speed, or lack there of, it would be only fair to include a picture of The Great Tippy On The Trail! Actually, it's obviously taken at the same time and place as last night's, but he's using the "shnozz" I spoke of. That's something to see! He may take his time following a command in order to do it just right, but I'm willing to bet he'd be a great tracking dog, even without the usually necessary drive! Once again today, while exercising in the training room, he found every last morsel of "treats" that was left behind.....I'm sure of it!!! He'll chase after the ball or rope, and on his way back he'll spy the bit and after delivering the toy, he turns, goes right to the spot, checks out the area so as not to miss anything scrumptious, then comes back to have a chase again! Sometimes he'll stop mid-run, put the toy down, devour the tidbit, pick up the toy and come bounding back. Today I watched him figure out that if the ball is rolling and he puts his foot on it, it stays put. And, when he takes his paw off and nudges the ball it will roll again so he can once again put his paw on it to stop it! It really was hilarious! With his massive paw on the tennis ball, he would bend down and check out all around the ball, before releasing it and repeating the steps. It really is funny how you can really tell the dogs personality and temperament by watching closely! When Brian said he was analytical with a very low prey drive, he meant it......but, I would add, unless he catches a really good scent! Yesterday when the ball rolled under some of the wheel chairs in the room which are next to the Big Wheel I told you about, I watched him slowly move from one side to the other seemingly studying each of the possibilities before choosing the best option and proudly carrying it back. **(The proudly part didn't really happen, he just brought the ball back, but it sounds better with the addition!)

We had our ADI test today, testing us on the skills we have learned in tandem with the dog. We both did great......except for one BLARING error on my part. Mr. Slow Mo was with us today(Tippy, for those who haven't been reading daily) and at one point a little girl asked if she could pet the dog. I remembered what Brian said to do, and told Tippy, aka MSM, down. So, I thought he was just going down veeeeerrrrry slowly again and then realized that he had stopped. I got flustered and corrected Tippy(with Brian telling me to do so.....) by tugging down on the lead. I then remembered I'm supposed to give the lead a quick "pop" up, and then a good tug down as a correction. Well, Tippy did eventually go down, and all turned out well, but, as Brian has told us it's better to have the dog in a down stay when children want to pet them because it puts them in a more submissive position and they are not able to reach their paw out for more attention,,,as Tippy sometimes does....and scratch the child's face. Chalk it up to "Lesson 5,349, learned"....at least I hope so!

Tonight is our "Meet and Greet". This is when we meet the dog's "Weekend Puppy Raiser" and any one else we may have put on the list. I don't expect many, if any, of the people on my list since they are now doing it on a weekday evening and most of my "people" live near me, 2 hours away, or further. But, I am looking forward to meeting the puppy raiser. In any case, it should be interesting!

Now......today is Alli's birthday. She is turning 4. I bought a card yesterday with Tippy's help. I just told him it was for the other woman......he was fine with that. I was sitting in the main lobby at the end of a delicious lunch when Sherrie Forest walked up to me and said, "Today is Alli's birthday". I said I knew and told her about the card. She then said to me, "Do you know why I know?" and I said no. Sherrie told me that Elizabeth, Alli's new "mom", had called and made a donation in my and Alli's name in honer or Al's birthday. Okay, Okay, I cried...... Does the kindness and compassion of this couple never end? I cannot tell you how awesome I felt. I just continue to be thankful that Elizabeth and Andy were in Alli's life and could love her as much as I do.....and not forget that! Truly faith in our fellow man must be possible when you are blessed to know and have a connection with individuals like Elizabeth and Andy. Alli is soooo special, and definitely deserves to be in a home such as theirs surrounded by their love........ OH, MY, GOD, TRULY SPECIAL PEOPLE!

There is nothing more to be said.........

What A Day!!!

Once again I have been entrusted with a "stunner"! He's handsome, has a wonderful heart, and shows you just what unconditional love is....... How blessed am I to have received two amazing, awesome gifts...... I felt my life change the first time, change for the better. Not that there was anything wrong before, just beginning to feel my freedom slip away a bit, not comfortable being out and about on my own. Alli changed all that, and I've missed that sense of strength she gave me. Now, with Tippy, I realize just how much that means to me. I'm not saying I took Alli for granted, quite the contrary. I probably told her hourly how special she was, and how lucky I was to have her in my life. I don't even think I understood the depth of that strength until I began to feel uplifted once again. I again feel like I can speak up for myself, and if necessary, for others.

Enough of the melancholy, we had a busy day today. We reviewed some of the skills from the past few days. "Fetch", "Fetch phone", "Find phone", and the one that has driven me crazy, "Fridge". Since kind of "bombing" yesterday I ran it over and over in my head. I know I needed to set Tippy up for success. I mean really, if I'm not giving him the opportunity to perform the behavior correctly then whose fault is it. MINE!! And, when you have a dog that really wants to perform well, and do everything "right", then you have to help him achieve it so when you're out and about he has the confidence to "go for it". So, when it came to our turn....I chimed right in on this one and wanted to go first.....to get it over with.....and because I also needed to perform correctly for MY confidence. Wouldn't you know, the first time the door wasn't open far enough so Tippy backed out before getting hit.....so would I! But, here's the difference between Tippy and Richie. Tippy thinks to himself, "something's coming at me I better get out of the way". Richie thinks, "go ahead, make my day", (sorry Clint, I couldn't resist!), in other words Richie wouldn't worry about the door, just the job at hand. Tippy was so concerned about getting it right that as soon as the door opened, he released the rope and went for the dumbbell on the fridge shelf. Here comes the door! And, wouldn't you also know, the next couple times the rope came off the door because Tippy grabs it so high that it comes unhooked. I'm sure you've heard of "Third time's a charm", well, Tippy thought it was "Fourth time's a charm"!! Needless to say we did it just about perfect, so he was rewarded with a "special" treat and we ended on a positive note.

Fetching the phone went off pretty much without a hitch, and finding the phone was even better. When "finding" the phone Brian put the black phone on the black seat of a Big Wheel. We stood with our back to the big wheel and the dogs in front of us and told them to "Find the phone". Tippy is constantly lifting his nose to the air and catching some sort of scent, as well as being able to find every piece of dropped kibble on the floor of the training room. In other words, he's got a great "shnozz"(?)! I really wasn't surprised that Tippy had no trouble finding the phone. He also did well with "nudge door". When the door was wide open, he took the chance to stick his nose behind it to begin nudging it closed. Brian said that is said a lot for how Tippy trusts me that he was willing to take a chance.

Brian told us that we have gone so quickly through the material, and the dogs have done so well that he'll be letting us go after lunch on Thursday! I think it's a testament to how quickly Andy has caught on to the routine, and working with a dog as your partner. It's really been fun working with him.....we've had ample time to sit and talk here at the house. I'll say it again, he's a very nice young man, and truly a gentleman. We had nearly 1.5 hours for lunch before heading out to Stop and Shop again.

When we got to S&S, Brian said that he just had to watch for a few things on our part, having to do with how we worked with the dog, and we could pretty much go anywhere in the store, but it would be better to observe if we went together. The dogs did "under" at one of the bakery tables, something they both do quite well. Then Andy said he needed to get some juice so we meandered over to that isle. While all this is going on, we should be talking to the dogs, praising and encouraging them along the way. I joke that my problem is that I probably talk too much to the dog, but I'm not sure there is a "too" much. Anyone who knows me knows that I've never had a problem when it comes to talking! My dad used to joke that that's why my children spoke clear words and short sentences at such a young age. After the juice, I wanted to head down the card isle. Tomorrow is Alli's 4th birthday and, yes, I wanted to get a card I could send to her(aka Elizabeth). Jack and Barbara were back again today to take more "action" shots, as well as our class photo. Right, our BIG class of two! They followed us through S&S taking pics here and there.

We returned back to NEADS and we were done for the day. Andy and I decided to let the dogs play together again and we were not disappointed! How laughter makes the world a brighter place! While we were there, I got a call from the President of my local Rotary,(Essex, CT). I was stunned to hear that it was voted on and approved that they would donate $8,500.00 for Tippy! Now, I was told that although the funds would be needed for Tippy, I was not responsible for doing any fundraising personall. Any monies that came in in our name would go toward Tippy, and other donations as well could also help to defray the cost. NEADS usually asks the client to help raise $9,500 toward their dog. I know that a donation came in from someone who also donated for Alli, but now this is just AMAZING!!!! He asked that I help with some publicity for the club and it's donation, in the form of a story in our newspaper, and also that they might like to have Tippy and me come speak to them as a group. I absolutely said certainly!! How kind and generous of them to help me with Tippy! Something I will always be greatful for.

THEN.....I got a call from a gal with a media group who has spoken with me before, and arranged for Alli and me to meet with a reporter for a CT tv station concerning a bill to ban "STEP THERAPY" in CT. This time she asked if I would be willing to speak with another reporter who is doing a story on "tiers" with regards to insurance companies and how they classify drugs.

I will speak more on this tomorrow.....I'm in an awful lot of pain tonight and we have our ADI (Assistance Dogs International) test tomorrow. Wish us luck, although I think Andy is a "shoe-in" to succeed! I'm pretty confident that Tippy and I will perform well, too.......but I need to be able to get my words out, and not get mixed up. I think that this pain will still be around tomorrow, so we'll see if I can shut it out until we're done..... I hope......

Peace,
Wendy

I HAVE A HORSE FOR A SERVICE DOG!!!

I'll get to that eventually........!! No picture tonight. Once again, it would be of a sleeping Tippy. So this morning the photographers were there to take our pics for our ID cards, and also for some "action" shots. Now I know some of you are not familiar with the comings and goings of a service dog. You hear "action" and picture some rollicking and frolicking.....WRONG!!!! Especially if your service dog is named TIPPY! I think the better phrase would be shots of service dogs working. Now I make comments about Tippy being slow and deliberate. That's not a bad thing, not by any stretch of the imagination! It's the perfect pace for me now. I relish the thought he puts into every motion, every moment. I adore the look he gives me as he follows the command...."am I doing it right, huh, huh?". I just get a kick out of it. Sometimes it's really hard not to chuckle, especially when he's told, "down". I LOVE IT, I LOVE HIM!!!!!

Today we worked on "Fridge". Ideally and eventually that one command will be the culmination of a series of commands. We need to keep practicing it since Brian said it will be one of the first commands they forget if not used/practiced. It begins with the command "fridge" at which point the dog grabs the rope hanging from the refrigerator door and tugs. Next, when the door is open far enough the command "fetch" is given.
The dog lets go of the rope and goes to the fridge shelf to retrieve the item which is always in the same place. For the sake of practice, an orange "dumbbell" was used. The dog picks of the item with their mouth and you tell them "hold". Next you tell the dog "nudge" and they go to the outside of the door and nudge it until it is closed all the way. You can tell them to "hold" again and they bring the item to you at which point you say "give" when you have a hold on it. As soon as you take the dumbbell you say "yes!" to let them know they have done it correctly and a "special" treat is used as the reward. I'm sure that if I was better at setting it up for success we would not have had to repeat it as many times as we did! I needed to have my self positioned properly so that when Tippy tugged on the rope the fridge would open up enough to give him the chance to "fetch" before the door began to close on him..... I'm also having a little trouble with my word retrieval. I'm sure it is in part due to my age, alas yes, but also due to my "neuro-whatever"! I actually drew a blank on Tippy's name the other day in training! YIKES!!

After we were done with the "fridge" debacle.....Brian gave us a break and then we headed off to the mall. We needed to get some lunch at the food court so that we could demonstrate that we could have the dog's "under" or beside and they would wait patiently while we ate. No problem. YAY! Next we walked a little bit in the mall before Brian had us go into a store to walk around. Now, both Andy and I have large dogs so you can imagine what went through my head as I looked into the small shop crowded with racks of clothes and shelves with trinkets! Both Tippy and Richie, however, maneuvered the maze just fine and we were out without any mishaps..... especially from the "tail zone". One wag of the tail in the wrong direction in the wrong store can spell certain embarrassment, and financial ruin. Thankfully they neither wagged in the wrong direction, nor was it the wrong store....interject HEAVY SIGH here!!!

We next took turns going into a children's play area with our dogs and had them in a "sit/stay". Richie did great, Tippy also did very well but I need to remember to use "watch me" more instead of "leave it". Tippy was just a little unsure of the children moving around and by saying "leave it" at times, I was reinforcing the idea that it was something undesirable. Other than that, it was an extremely positive experience for both handler and dog.

Okay.....now to the "horse" thing. This afternoon we had went through our dog's health file/record. Dan talked to us about their immunizations, Date of birth, microchip information and weight. What to look for when checking out how your dog looks regarding his weight. ***Just an aside, Andy found out that Richie was born the day before he was "blown up" in Afghanistan. Fate? I think so. I think Richie was meant for Andy all along. I think in the grand scheme of things they are destined to do "good" for others. They certainly belong with each other.......their bond is almost palpable. It's kind of interesting, don't you think???? When Brian called to tell me about Tippy he said that her was about 78 lbs. We were talking yesterday and he said that he could see Tippy at as much as 81-83 lbs., but mentioned that he had gotten up to 85 at one point and it was obvious that he was overweight. Brian also mentioned that he could tell that both dogs had lost weight while they were at NEADS, before and during our training, Richie a bit more than Tippy. Andy said that he was told that Richie was about 70 lbs. when he came for training. He weighed in today at, I think, 67.6 lbs. He was in the kennel longer than Tippy, Tippy being here just 11 days prior to training. (they were in the prison prior to that) Tippy was weighed today, and, he weighed in at...........82.6 lbs!! Oh my gosh!!!!! I really didn't think there would be that much of a difference. Richie does look a bit leaner, with Tippy looking quite solid. But, they are pretty close to the same height so I figured maybe an 8-10 lb. difference. Wow! Put that together with the idea that Brian told us both dogs like to check out the garbage, Tippy more so, and that means very careful monitoring of what goes in. I've been very good in the past, switching to carrots when Alli proved that she could pack on the pounds. I think it's all, as Andy said, pretty much common sense. There's no need for the dogs to have "people" food other than some veggies and maybe some fruit here or there. They are supposed to have 1/8 of a cup of veggies every day anyway.

I guess it's time to put the horse in the stable for the night and I'll be turning out the light in the bunkhouse as well......

Peace,
Wendy

Amazing Grace......

Tonight will be just a brief post. The internet connection keeps going. That's why NEADS is in the running to win a technical make-over. Hopefully I can get through this quick note. Eventually I'll get a good picture of him NOT sleeping.....but right now I don't think of the camera until I'm going to bed and have time to get my wits about me! The way it is, this is from my cell and obviously doesn't do Tippy justice!

Today Tippy came to church. I spoke to the congregation last week to remind them that this is just like when Alli came home. For the time being I'm not releasing Tippy with "Say Hello" when someone asks to pet him. Sometimes I say that he's working, and other times I have him in a sit/stay and he watches me while someone pets him.
He did quite well, and while he doesn't snore as loud as Alli does, he tends to moan and groan in his sleep I'm not sure which is worse....! Needless to say he did a great job when I told him "through". That's when he goes ahead of me, turns around, and sits in front of me looking up at me for the next command. After I had him sitting in front of me,(I had positioned myself so that when he came around he would be sitting with his back towards the entry into the pew. Next I told him "back". He stood, took one step back, and sat. I repeated this until he was far enough into the pew that there was enough room for me to come sit next to him and still have room if anyone else wanted to sit there. He lay there quietly....he was quiet because he was out cold sleeping....until the end of the service. He then looked up at me and waited while I got myself together and was then ready to leave. He really did quite well considering this was his first time to church with me! I feel like a proud "Mama", collecting the comments of praise for my "little one"....okay, my BIG one!

Tomorrow's a new day, and a new week! It's hard to believe that in just 5 short days we will be leaving NEADS as an official team. Today felt like we'd been together forever.....Tippy fell right into step with me, noticing when my pace changed and changing his right along with me......

I SOOOOOOO LOVE THIS PUP! I think we're going to make a great team. I can't wait for him to meet Alli! Maybe this spring or summer. Tippy will be meeting Lucky and Maggie on Friday. Ellen is about halfway between NEADS and my house so it will be a nice break from the driving, and I'm sure a great visit!!!

The internet is still connecting and disconnecting so the very next time it says it's clear, I'm hitting "Publish Post"!!!! I'm not even checking for any typos or spelling errors.....SORRY!!!!

Peace,
Wendy and Tippy

"Home Again, Home Again......"

After a long day of errands, a couple of visits, some practice, etc.....Tippy is ready for bed! Despite the fact that I say he has two speeds, slow mo', and no mo'.....he does keep up with my day. I was such the proud "Mama" while we were out and about. Tippy keeps pace with me, slow if it's a bad day and slightly quicker if it's a "normal" day.

A little bit about our day yesterday first. It was a very bad day for me with regards to pain. My back was so bad that I had to use both of my Canadian Crutches to keep myself as upright as possible. The slightest "slouch" and the pain was so bad that it made me nauseous. I was moving very slowly and deliberately to minimize my discomfort. It really didn't help much, and really, no position was ideal. It's a good thing I have "Mr. Slow Mo", for he didn't require me to make any major corrections to his behavior and I was thankful for it. We worked on "tug" in training. Tug is used when you want the dog to tug a rope on a door. You walk/roll up to the door with the dog positioned to come head on to the rope. still holding the lead you give the command, "tug", and the dog grabs the rope in his mouth and tugs it stepping backward thus opening the door. When the door is adequately open, you give the command, "hold", and the dog stops moving back and stands firm holding the door open. As you move through the open door you support the door slightly and give the command, "give". The dog releases the rope and follows you through the door. We also worked on "Fetch", and "Fetch Phone". Brian placed several different items on the floor of differing textures. We moved around saying "are you ready" in an upbeat, higher voice and "fetch" when we arrived at an item. The dog picks the item up in his mouth and then you say "hold". The dog brings the item to you and, if necessary, you give the command, "closer". The dog brings the item as close as possible. You then tap or tug slightly on the item to be sure the dog is indeed "holding" the item. Once satisfied, you give the command, "give" while holding onto the item. We reward them with a treat, a "higher" value treat when the item is either metal or difficult to grab. For "fetch phone", the phone has been scented with vanilla. You move over to the phone and give the command. The dog picks the phone up with his mouth, and then you follow the commands for "fetch". Then, Brian hid the phone out of sight, but not too difficult, and the dog has to "scent" for the location when given the command "find phone". This is in case the phone is not in it's normal location. Again, once the dog has the phone you follow the "fetch" commands. We also reviewed Level 1, and Level 2 Recall. We also had a visit at the house from Sherrie Forest to discuss how to know when the time comes to "retire" your service dog, and what your options are. Debbie picked us up to bring us home and I left my car at NEADS. That way I wasn't driving all the way home, and a day and a half driving back. It's just about a 2 hour drive and I'm sure it would have been too much driving in too short of a time span. We went to a "Texas Steakhouse",(or is it "Roadhouse"?), and we both had a prime rib dinner.....it's been way to long since I've had it.....it was amazing! I also ordered one of the Sam Adams spring ales, but since I hardly ever drink alcohol anymore I didn't even finish a third of it. It was good, but I just don't enjoy it any more. Tippy was great at the restaurant, and rested quietly under the table, then slept the entire way home! Great day....so glad to be home!

Today was our first day on our own. We started by exchanging some shampoo at Walmart. He gives me goose bumps as he constantly checks in with me as we walk. Tippy seems to almost know what my next step is. As I come to an aisle that I want to go down I of course slow a bit. Tippy does the same and is right in step with me as I make the turn. He stands patiently......though probably thinking, "Does it really take this long to find the right shampoo?" I drop the shampoo in the hand basket, and turn to head for another item all the while with my new partner right alongside. Tippy waited in the check-out line very patiently as well, watching me for the slightest command. We went to my favorite pet store, "All Pets Club", so I could introduce Tippy to the manager, Mark. They were all so kind to me and Alli every time we went and they still ask how she's doing. Of course......I had to get Tippy a new stuffy that squeaks. It's in the shape of a bone, is cream in color, and it has the look of lamb's wool. He loves it, yay! No matter what store we went into, or how long we were there, Tippy gets an A+!!!! It feels so good to have a new partner! It's also great to have company in the car that I can talk to and he looks like he actually enjoys listening to me.....except when he fall asleep and snores or groans! I do that to humans, too, so it's nothing new....oh, well. My day ended with a wonderful visit with Cindy and her grandson, Dylan, who has been so excited to meet Tippy ever since he found out I was to receive him!

Tomorrow we will be going to church. Since Tippy is taller and more solid than Alli, it will be interesting to see what the best way will be to get him into the pew with the least amount of commotion! I am on the "Membership" committee, and I'm pretty sure we're hosting "coffee hour" for new members. So that means after the hour service, it will be another 45 minutes to an hour for the coffee hour. It will also be interesting since my back is still not letting up at all. I really hope that the 2 crutches are not a fixture in my life. I try to go about as if everything is fine. I don't complain very often and I try to keep myself busy whether home or about. Well, it is what it is, so I guess I'll make lemonade with my lemons......

Have a good night,
Peace,
Wendy and Tippy

Great First Night, Great Day Today.........

I was going to post another picture that I took tonight, but it would look almost identical to last night's except he's curled the other way....so I didn't!

We got off to a great start today! Tippy was still so tired from our play session yesterday, that I woke up before him! Now that the dogs are with us full time, we're responsible for exercising them twice a day for at least 30 minutes each time. I woke him, put his Gentle Leader on with leash, and took him out to....well you know!?! Success! Next, I fed Tippy at about 6:45 am. This morning he got just 3/4 of a cup in his bowl because I was to put 1.5 cups in my "treat pouch" for the day's training. At the end of the day I can add the unused food to his 3/4 c making the day's ration 3 c. After he ate we sat on my bed and "talked" while he checked out the room and I was petting him. He came with me into the bathroom(a requisite),while I showered, then into my room to dress, and then I was ready for my breakfast! I skipped my nebulizer treatment because it startled him last night and I wanted to get feedback from Brian, or Erin as she filled in for him for an hour or two. We had another great "play" session before our morning training began. Erin had us do the Level 1, and Level 2 "recall" again, and then we started some new stuff using "Shaped Behavior". A shaped behavior is the type that you can't physically make the dog do, like light switches and handicapped door pads. The dogs have no idea they're turning the lights on or off, or that they are making the doors open. They just know that when they're told to "nudge", they're going to press their nose on a square or circular spot, and when told "paws", they're going to jump up and paw at those same areas. Behaviors like "sit", "down", "stay", and "stand" are examples that you can make the dog do. The "nudge", and "paws" commands are taught in steps, beginning with rewarding the dog each time he does a desired part of the behavior you're aiming for. If you want to teach him to "nudge" the light switch on, each time he goes in the direction you want you say "Yes", and he's rewarded. Next time he know that if he goes that far he'll get a treat and maybe he'll move a little farther at which time you again say "Yes" and reward him, and so on, and so on. Erin had us practice the recalls again outside and then we broke for lunch. Brian arrived back at that point and he, Erin, and Andy w/ Richie came into the house and Brian advised me on the best way to introduce Tippy to the nebulizer.....great help! After lunch we headed to a Walmart for a field trip and practiced more "leave it", "up", walking through isles and check-out lines.

We returned back and worked on "fetch" with Brian in the training room. Tippy LOVES to "fetch"! He's been bringing anything on the floor to me w/out being asked since lunch time the other day. Even though I know the procedure, I didn't practice "fetch" with Tippy until we went over it in class He's even taken my Canadian crutch from where it's leaning on the wall when we're in my room and brought it to me!!! I know this will really come in handy..... It's one of the only things he does a bit faster. I've begun to call him Mr. Slow Mo, for his slow, deliberate motion. Brian says he's an analytical thinker. He's also sometimes Mr. No Mo!

Tonight he didn't have any problem and I'm sure it's because I followed the routine Brian suggested. He actually ended up with his head on my foot, sound asleep and snoring.

We had another great play time and after a couple of hours he ate his much appreciated 3/4 c along with the added food he didn't use as treats.

Tippy is now snoring, and groaning in his sleep, and it makes me realize that I'm exhausted......And sooooo thankful that NEADS has been able to be such a positive force in my life, the quality of which has most definitely improved since becoming a part of the NEADS Family ........

Good Night To You All,
And Thank You Tippy!
Peace,
Wendy

***It is now 9:59 pm, and I have no idea why it says I posted at 6:03pm!!!!!!!

"Tonight You're Mine, Completely....."

And he.....gives his love so sweetly.... All I keep thinking of in my head, tonight, is Carole King's great "Will You Still Love Me, Tomorrow".(or something like that....I've never been very good at song titles) I'm not worried about the loving part....once again it was almost instantaneous love! But what I do keep thinking of is that Tippy is not going back to the kennel again. This is our first night together, and we shouldn't have to miss any more from here on out.

This is actually going to be brief because I left my power cord out in the living room, and had already made several trips back of other items. It's kind of like "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie". Plus, I took Tippy's Gentle Leader off and while we're at NEADS, the dogs need to have it on anytime they're not playing or in our rooms, and they have to remain "on lead" with us anytime we're out of our rooms in the house. The main thing today was practicing "Leave It" when an "unruly" dog is in the area, and greeting another dog while watching the dog's body language. All this, while necessary to learn before our two weeks of training in done, was done now since there are other dogs(well behaved/trained) living with the gals upstairs who help with anything needed, and also because we will be coming home for the weekend and we need to know how to deal with different situations. We also had a first aid for dogs discussion with Cathy, and John spoke to us about graduation.....SUNDAY, MARCH 18!

Well, Tippy out cold from a busy day and the afternoon's play time and my battery is about to die! So until tomorrow with a full battery plus being plugged in, I bid you adieu!

Peace,
Wendy

Finally!!!!

Well, I'm sorry I didn't post last night, but boy was I pooped! I had forgotten about all the "up, down, up, down, etc.... When there were 4 of us there was more time between turns. With just Andy and myself, you barely have time to sit before you're up for your turn again!

Andy is my classmate, and his dog is Richie. Richie and Tippy look so much alike, it's almost hard to believe they're from different litters. But I'll explain more in a minute. I'd like you to get to know Andy. He is a young man of just 21 years of age. He is already a combat vet. In 2010, he lost his leg in Afghanistan. What a debt of gratitude we owe these young soldiers who sacrificed so much for our country. He is most definitely a gentleman, something I think we see far to little of these days. Andy has such a positive outlook on life! He is extremely active despite the difficulties and surgeries he's needed to care for his "residual limb". He's a swimmer, hoping to get back into skiing and snowboarding, and just yesterday he received a call asking him to be on a wheelchair basketball team. I think we can all learn a lesson from him. Next time you "whine" or complain about life, take a moment to think about others who truly have reason to complain and don't......

Enough of the introducing......on to the meat of the matter! Both of our dogs are doing extremely well, and we have had to make very few corrections. Brian(our trainer) says that while it's good, we're not seeing behaviors that tend to require a correction so we may not know to correct it when it does occur. The dogs have almost opposite temperaments. Richie is a "go getter", the type that Brian says is perfect for the veterans. When he is asked/told to do something he snaps to and does it. Tippy is more of a laid back pup, and looks at me the whole time he is completing a task as if to say, "Am I doing it right?". Brian prepared us for our dogs by telling us these things in our orientation session yesterday morning. And what's really cool is that he was so spot on in his explanation! Never is it more apparent then when I give Tippy the "down" command. It is honestly sooooo hard not to chuckle as he completes the behavior. First he looks up at me, and then his "rump" sloooooowly slides back, and then while still looking at me his front legs begin to slooooooowly slide forward. No, really!!! It truly looks like you're watching a slow motion replay. And it is so obvious in his face that he is wanting to make sure that I'm pleased with what he's doing. Brian said that Tippy really wants to do exactly what's asked of him and likes the confirmation of a job well done. I rarely have to correct him for not performing correctly, he does everything that's asked of him. It's just slooooooooow! A year ago, it may have been hard for me to adjust to this slow, deliberate motion, but then again, I wouldn't have been matched with Tippy. Now, my balance and strength are such that I welcome his attitude and feel that once again NEADS has made the perfect match.....with both of our dogs. It's so amazing..... Not only can you see the bonding taking place, but it's palpable....and it feels so good to once again receive the greatest gift.....the gift of unconditional love and freedom!

So yesterday we worked with the dogs for just over 2 1/2 hours but accomplished so much. Hence the early bedtime and no post. I didn't even do my nebulizer because I was just so exhausted, pain in my back, and once again a headache. We worked on: "Sit", "Sit Stay", "Down", "Down Stay", "Kennel", and "Leave It". It may not look or sound like a lot, but considering that the dogs are just learning to get their commands from us it really is! Oh, and we had to start with learning to say "Right" if the dog is on your right(like Tippy and me) to put them in the correct position along side to give the command, "Tippy, let's go". Andy has Richie on his left, so obviously he would command Richie to come along side on his left and then the rest is the same.

Today was our first full day. We began in the morning with a review and practice of the above commands, and then worked on: "Through" and "Back". Yesterday's commands are pretty much self explanatory, with the possible exception of "Kennel". When we give the command, the dog goes into the kennel/crate and turns around. He then might automatically lay down, but if not that's okay, and you give him the command "Down", then "Stay". Once they're down, you reward them with a treat, and close the kennel door. You then walk out of sight for around 5 minutes. You once again go to the kennel, command "Stay", open the door, tell him "Good Boy", give him a reward, close the door and tell him to "Stay", and once again walk out of sight for about the same amount of time. When you return you open the door, call his name and when he emerges YOU DO NOT PRAISE OR TREAT! You want him to be rewarded for staying nicely in the kennel so he feels it's a good thing. You do not treat him for coming out because you don't want him to think "if I come out it's a good thing". After you've moved some distance away from the kennel, you can pet him or if at home just allow him to come out and go about his business. When you give the command "Through", the dog leaves your side, walks in front of you, turns around and sits centered looking at you. When we practiced this, we also used "Back". The command "Back" tells the dog to step back once. If you need him farther, you repeat "Back" each time you want him to move back some more. This is one of the only commands where it is okay, even necessary, to repeat a command.

My arms are getting tired, so our afternoon trip to the grocery store may end up as a condensed version. Oh, I almost forgot! There was a luncheon and Andy and I were encouraged to attend. After nearly everyone was done eating the CEO, Gerry DeRoche, had everyone introduce themselves to us, tell us what their position/function is at NEADS. Andy and I were then encouraged to introduce ourselves along with a little something about each of us. I really liked this experience, and feel it should be repeated with each training class. I always say that NEADS is the family that chooses to accept you and it's always nice to learn about family members. I also have to interject here that when we walked into the main building for our first day and orientation, Sherrie Forest, who is at the front desk and Gerry's assistant, looked at me and said, "Welcome Home".....it still gives me a warm feeling. That's what family members are supposed to do when family comes to visit.....Sherrie is certainly the best person to greet anyone who enters!

So this afternoon we went on a field trip. I love the field trips, I'm always so proud to be seen in public with my "partner"! We entered Stop & Shop and proceeded to walk to the other end of the store all the while watching the dogs in case it was necessary to tell them to "Leave It", or any other undesirable behavior. We had very little need, and were pretty much able to walk through the store simply praising the dogs continuously for their good behavior. We stopped to practice "Under" at a table that was set up and again the dogs did well. I think I forgot to mention "Under" above. When you give the command, the dog goes under the bench, table or whatever, turns around and lays down. This is most often used at a restaurant or anywhere where it would be best for the dog to be "out of the way" Again, Tippy was like the little kid who want to do the right thing but is too tempted and gets caught. I think we were walking by the meat area, of course, when Tippy began to stare a little to intently. I caught it right away and told him to "Leave It". Well........just like a child who gets caught with their hand in the cookie jar, he reacted quickly but had that "sheepish" air about him that sad, "She caught me.....!" The rest of the visit went without incident, but once again it was a very long day.

We had to say "Good bye" once again and the dogs were taken into the kennel. BUT!!!! Tomorrow when the dogs come out in the morning for training, they're ours.....they don't go back to the kennel for the remainder of the 2 weeks. THIS is what we've been waiting for!!!!!

Have a great night, and I'll speak with you again tomorrow. Oh, how I LOVE this feeling of anticipation and excitement.......AT LAST!!!!

Peace,
Wendy & Tippy......YAY!!!

I'm here! I'm here! I'm here at NEADS!!!!!

I thought I'd use Tippy's puppy picture again. The next picture will be the one I get tomorrow after I meet him! I had no trouble connecting to the internet this time, so I ought to be able to post nightly as we go through training. I really don't have a lot to say.....at least not until I meet him. I have such butterflies in my stomach! I had them on the entire drive..... I've met the gals who live upstairs, very nice. They will run the house meeting I'm assuming. Once again, I hear that Tippy is handsome! Soooooo excited.......I'll post again tomorrow night after the afternoon's training. Can't wait....REALLY CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

But, I have to......
Wendy

2, Two, Yes, 2 Days to Go!!!!

It's so hard to believe that I'll actually arrive at NEADS in two days, meet Tippy in three!!! It's hard to believe because I was told it could take as long as 12-18 months before the right match could be found....and, I had resigned myself to that fact. I think my mind is still thinking that it's only been 4-5 months and I've got a while to go. My heart, however, is confused as hell!

Yesterday I was at the Rhode Island State House in Providence. I was there for the INvisible Project, www.invisibleproject.org. and the US Pain Foundation, www.uspainfoundation.org. Paul Gileno, US Pain Foundation President; Bill, and his wife Sue; Ellen and her service dog Maggie, and Karin and Lucky, her service dog, were all there as well. So, to make a short story long.....I watched Karin and Ellen with their dogs. I watched and remembered what it's like to have that companionship, support, and unconditional love. It's only been a little over 4 months, but it seems like an eternity. The INvisible Project was set up outside the Senate and Assembly, and we were sitting alongside it. I watched the dogs watch their partners, and, I watched Ellen and Karin watch their partners. I wanted to be them.....is that selfish? I'm not sure, nor, am I sure I care. But, this is where the confusion comes in. I pictured myself with Tippy, a dog I've not even met yet. I also pictured Alli. Not with me, but with Elizabeth and Andy. Happy. Content. Exactly where she is meant to be, with the people she is meant to be with. Thinking about it makes me cry, but it's good. I think. I think it means that I really am ready to move on. I think it means that I won't feel guilty about that move.

So, I think....no, I know I'm ready to accept Tippy. When I was asked at NEADS the day of Alli's final test and diagnosis, if I would be ready to accept another dog if one was found sooner rather than later I wasn't exactly sure what that meant. Now I do. I had to be ready to see Alli where she is and know it was the right decision. I had to be ready to love another dog as much as I love Alli and not feel bad about it.

I'm there! I'm looking forward to Sunday and meeting my classmate. And even more, I am sooooo looking forward to Monday when I'll finally get to meet Tippy! The really cool thing is that this time I have all these additional friends who I've met through NEADS who are excited for me as well!!!! It's neat because they've all gone through this experience, or have been the ones to bring the teams together in one way or another, and truly know how exciting this is for someone to go through. It's kind of like starting in a classroom full of supporters and finding yourself in the auditorium with everyone cheering you on! It's the reason that since Alli and I graduated I've been to all the rest of the graduations except one. The emotions are contagious. It's like a natural "high"....that feeling that you can't do anything wrong. The feeling that you don't want to go away. It carries you through almost anything. And, it's always there.

That's the care, support, and warmth one finds at NEADS.

Peace,
Wendy

www.neads.org

4 DAYS UNTIL NEADS!!!!!!!

So, the picture to the left is all I'm going to say about the Giant's win......I'm a good loser, but I'm also a good winner.

Enough said. It is only 4 days until I head to NEADS. I move in on Sunday afternoon for 2 weeks. I'll have a "house" meeting that evening, and then training begins on Monday. If the routine is the same as before, and why shouldn't it be...it has proven to work, we will meet in the conference room Monday morning. I think we'll discuss the general info that we need for the week, as well as our partner's "supplies". We should get the training manual at that time. That is like the "bible" of training. It gives all the procedures, commands, and schedules needed for the 2 weeks. We are without the dogs during the first morning, but meet them after lunch and begin training with them.

I've gotten the necessary items I should have before leaving for NEADS. A new crate as the last one was barely big enough for Alli and Tippy is a bit larger, a bed for the crate, new bowls since the dark blue ones threw Alli for a loop for a while, his food which is By Nature Adult Formula and lastly....a seat belt for Tippy. I sent my old ones with Alli and I'm not sure they'd fit anyway. The dogs need to be tethered since they are taught not to be afraid of cars. In an accident, if the door is opened, the dog could jump out into traffic. I started with just a leash w/ Al, but soon learned that a harness type restraint was best for the dog. While I will try very hard not to compare Tippy to Alli, she did help me to find the best way to accomplish most activities, I certainly have learned from mistakes made early on and will use that to guide me this time. I don't think there's a danger of me comparing the 2 dogs specifically since Alli is a female and Tippy.....is not! But, I am human....so it will be trial and error for awhile. I actually called Alli "Simba" several times. He was our Samoyed Shepherd cross that we had for nearly 13 years, after rescuing him from the CT Humane Society when he was about 9-10 mos. We put Simba "down" shortly before his 14th birthday and while he was certainly not a service dog, he was the best companion! In any case, even this past season after having Alli for nearly 2 years I called her Simba at least once or twice!

I've already begun to sort out my clothes for the first week, and will probably just pack for the second as well. I've been watching the temperature for both our area, near the mouth of the CT River, and for NEADS in Princeton, MA. It seems to be a difference of about 5-10 degrees, with Princeton being the colder. That's okay, I actually prefer the colder weather. For the most part, it allows me to breathe better except if it gets too cold and dry out. The humidity in the warm summer weather makes it difficult to breathe due to my restrictive lung disease, and the very cold air in winter is difficult because of my asthma. In other words, damned if I do, and damned if I don't! Ah, such is life! I also enjoy the winter weather when it comes to clothing. I have never been one to be comfortable in "my own skin", so the layers worn in winter are just perfect for my self confidence and self esteem......go figure......even at 53 I think about that.

Tomorrow I am going to be at the Rhode Island State House. Being one of the original "subjects" for the "INvisible Project" I try to be present when it is being shown. For those who haven't read about it previously, it's a photo-journalistic display of ten "subjects" who live productive lives despite living with constant pain. To check it out, go to the website which I will post below...along with the NEADS website address. This is also how I got involved with the US Pain Foundation. I am an "advocate" for them, and have so enjoyed being involved once again in conferences. The president and co-founder, Paul Gileno, lives with RSDS and is truly an inspiration for those who are chronic pain survivors.

I am hoping to be able to connect to the internet at NEADS so I can post nightly, but that didn't work out very well last time.....fingers crossed!!

Wendy

www.neads.org
www.invisibleproject.org