Wednesday, September 19, 2007

The computer... finally!

Hi everybody,

I'm finally allowed to get back to the computer aga Mom was sick all weekend and for the first part of this week so I couldn't get to the computer. Also, Mom thinks her computer is broken and so this weekend she and I are going to her parents' house to look at new computers and such.

Man I was bored without a computer to type on, and I was also bored because Mom didn't take me for a walk like she tries to do on days we don't work, but I couldn't even work! All she wanted to do was lie in bed and caouaugh. I think she's feeling better though because today and yesterday we got to go to training. We're going again tomorrow and I get to see my buddy Kelton again. He and I are good dogs when we're together, but I'd love to get him to play with me, just one time.

Mom kept promising me a long walk down by the river near our home this afternoon, but she never did it. Hmm, maybe when she's feeling better we'll do it. I hope she's feeling much better tomorrow.

One other awesome thing happened today. My brother Marlin came over for a visit this afternoon and now he's staying until tomorrow. We got to play with my toys alot and we ran around Mom's room and growled a lot. I was loud, but Marlin bark-growled and so I guess he was louder. Anyway, Mom and me are both tired and so I think we'll head off to bed now. I'm glad to have finally updated this blog, and I hope Mom gets a new computer soon so that I don't have to stay way for long.

bye now...

Friday, September 7, 2007

Strangeness And The Vet

I know, I know... its been a week since I wrote to you all, but there have been some strange things going on in my life. First is, Auntie Julia has been going away for the day and not coming back until later in the day. She did it again this morning, and I miss her. Last year, Mom and I used to do that. We would go to Mom's school everyday on the bus. I love riding the bus, and then I'd have to be still and quiet in class while Mom listened to the professor, and took notes. I was quiet for most of the time, but sometimes, I couldn't help myself and I whined. Mom and her classmates all laughed, but hey, I've gotta express myself somehow, and Mom would've gotten mad if I'd barked.
Anyhoo, this fall, we're not doing those things at all. I miss going to school, and I think Mom misses having something to do everyday. She is still looking for a work that we can go to everyday, but so far, it hasn't happened. Maybe soon she says to me. I hope we can do more things next week, especially since the weather is going to be cooler than it was this week. One day it was so hot that Mom and I just stayed inside all day, except for when Mom took me out to relieve. I didn't like the hot weather at all.
So like I've been saying, our week has been pretty boring, except for last night. I've been taking these pills so I'll not have that rash on my belly anymore, and I've been good and have been taking them everyday, but last night, I had to pee about every half hour, and Mom was worried. Mom and I stayed at her parents' house last night, and we were sleeping just fine. I'd been fine until early this morning, just as it was getting light outside, and then, I woke Mom up by running around the bed. She knew something was wrong, and so she took me outside. I had to go so badly that she didn't even put on a collar for me. We went outside and after I'd peed, I walked away down the hill. I was free and wanted to explore. Mom must've run back inside and grabbed the bag of cookies because the next thing I knew, she was calling me and shaking the bag. I came running, and at first, didn't want to stop. I was free and happy to run, but I love cookies and if she was going to give me some, I was going to stay with her.
We went back inside and she gave both me and my big brother Marlin a cookie, and then she fed me. She called the vet after that, and we went to see Dr. Heidi again. Dr. Heidi was very nice to me, and she took some blood from me, and made me pee in a dish. I was good when she did both those things, and all of my results came back normal. Mom and Heidi don't know what's going on with me having to pee a lot, and I don't know what's going on either, but it is strange.
Now, I'm about to be done with this entry and I'm going to get Mom to brush me out on the deck, so, I'm off for now.
I'll write more soon... bye all.

Friday, August 31, 2007

A Different Week

Hi Everybody!
I haven't written in a long time cause Mom and I hadd a different week. Mom and I went to Mom's job training on Monday and then after we came home Mom, Auntie Julia and I went on our long walk again. At the end of the walk my hip hurt, and Auntie Julia said I was dragging my leg. Mom had been meaning to take me to see Doctor Heidi, my vet, for a while to get my hip looked at, and so she said she'd call the next day. I loved our walk still, and really Mom, my hip doesn't hurt that bad.
Mom and I went to computer training the next day and I was sad cause my buddy Kelton wasn't there.. Debby told Mom he was sick, and Mom hoped he felt better. The next day at computer training he was back, and we were just hanging out under the desks, when all of a sudden the fire alarm went off. Kelton and I were great, and we just guided our Moms outside without a problem. Mom was glad it was just a drill, even though it took away some training time from her and Debby.
The next day was my vet visit, and I got to see Heidi. She was very nice to me as she took me in for X-rays. After they were done, she had another vet, who specializes in dog's legs and hips, come and look at me. He felt my hips and knees, and told Heidi that I was okay. When I got back to Mom, Heidi showed Auntie Julia and Mom the X-rays. She said they looked great. Mom then told her that I had a rash on my belly, and that I'd been biting at it and licking it. Heidi said that she'd seen it, so now Mom puts pills in my food. I'm good, and I eat them, and Mom says I eat my food so fast, that I don't even notice. I think she's right, but come on... my food rocks!
Today we went to see Dena and my buddy Kaylor. Mom, Auntie Julia, Dena, Kaylor and I went out to dinner and I was good, except for when I ate some tomatoes Mom dropped on the floor. I thought they tasted good, but Mom says I'm a lab and that I'll eat anything. After we went to dinner, we came home, and Auntie Julia fed me dinner cause Mom needed to lie down. She had a headache and after I was done eating, I went upstairs and jumped on the bed to cuddle with her. We took a nap, and then, while I was still sleeping, Mom got up and went downstairs to finish her laundry. I woke up later and went to find her. She was sitting downstairs, waiting for her clothes to get finished, and listening to the baseball game on the radio. I said hi to her, explored near my food bin to see if any stray kibbles had been dropped, and then went upstairs to see what Auntie Julia was up to.
Now, I'm writing this entry, and I'm going to end it soon, but I had to tell you all about my week. Tomorrow, I'm going with Mom to her friend Jackie's new house. I love Jackie. She stayed with Mom at her parent's house last summer, and when she left, I looked for her everywhere. Now I get to see her tomorrow, and I'm really excited. I'll probably be tied the whole time, or at least most of it, but as long as I'm there, it's good.
Well, I'm off for now, night all!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

the weekend

I had a very interesting weekend. Mom, Auntie Julia and I got in the car on Friday to go up to Mom's grandmother's house like I'd talked about. Mom made sure I relieved before we left, and I was glad I went, cause we drove for three hours, and I was good, until it got dark and we were still driving. I started to get restless, and Mom knew I had to go to the bathroom soon. As soon as we got up to the house she let me go out and I relieved. We then got in, and we hung out and watched T.V for a while before going to bed.
The next morning Mom woke up, fed me breakfast, and then took me outside. I loved walking around in the grass with woods all around. There were lots of new smells to investigate, and Mom had to remind me that I was outside to get my morning business done. Mom needs to be reminded that I'm a dog, and that I needed to smell all the new animal and plant smells first. I hope she remembers sometime, but usually she doesn't want me to sniff.
Anyhoo, after that, Mom let me loose in the house so she could help Auntie Julia and Eric pack up things from the house. All three of them began moving in boxes and putting all sorts of things into them. Mom was sitting on the floor and handing things to Auntie Julia from the bottom of a shelf, and she reached over and touched something dark and furry. She started screaming when she realized she'd touched what was left of a dead mouse. I tried to run over to her to see what she was screaming for, but Auntie Julia kept me back so I wouldn't sniff the mouse remains. I'm sorry Mom was so scared, but dead fuzzy creatures smell very interesting.
After the three of them had loaded boxes of canned food and tin pans and things, they began packing boxes with dishes and other glass stuff. They pulled out this funny looking paper which was called Bubble-wrap. I went over to smell it, and Mom made it pop. I got excited at the loud noise and started bouncing and jumping back from the Bubble-wrap. Mom popped it again, and I jumped again. Auntie Julia said I was scared, but I was just excited and only a little nervous I think. I'm not sure how I feel about that Bubble-wrap.
After the three of them were done packing boxes for the day, we all took a nap. I slept on the floor next to the couch Mom was lying o, and after a while, Eric woke Mom up. She and Auntie Julia were going to Church. I don't usually get to go. Mom says I distract her and the other people, but I don't mind not going. Mom isn't gone that long, and I can sleep when I'm alone.
I stayed at the house with Eric while Mom and Auntie Julia were away, and when they came back, Mom fed me dinner and then she, Eric, Auntie Julia and a neighbor went out for supper.
I worked well when we went out, but Mom had to give me a few corrections when I tried to get some food on the floor. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but hey, it's worth a try, and sometimes, I get something.
On Sunday morning when we went to breakfast, Mom dropped an entire piece of toast on the floor. She hadn't noticed it at first, and then she reached down, almost certain the toast had fallen off the plate, and she felt me eating it. I got a correction, cause I know better than to grab people food, and she reached into my mouth. I'd been chewing the toast, but when she gave me the "Out" command, I let go of the toast right away. I was good and she said that I was a good boy. As much as I like toast, I like making my Mom happy more.
They did more packing when we got back to the house, and I was nervous. I thought Mom was going to leave without me so I kept following her around. She said I wasn't going to be left behind, but I only believed that when she put my leash on and grabbed my harness to take with us. She got me into the car, along with a bunch of other stuff, and we drove back home.
When we got home, we went to see some friends, and I got to sit outside for a long time. I liked laying in the grass, and I liked being petted by Mom's friend, Emily. She likes me, and likes giving me pets.
After we got home from that, Mom fed me dinner, and II laid down in the living room. Mom could tell I was tired from the day, and so, while she and Auntie Julia went to meet friends for dinner, I stayed home and watched T.V. Well, I didn't really watch T.V, Mom left it on for me so I wouldn't get lonely, and I slept.
Now, Mom and Auntie Julia are home, and we're all settling in for bed. I think all three of us are tired from the day, but I'll write again soon. Tomorrow Mom and Auntie Julia have more things to do, like going to the grocery store, and going to see Mom's Jobs placement specialist. The next day, Mom and I have training to go to. Mom says it's supposed to be hot tomorrow, and so I hope she remembers I need lots of water. I know she'll remember, she's a good Mom.
night all.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Working and Walking

Hi everybody,

I've had a great day so far. Mom and II got up early today so she could go to training. I was still in my crate when I heard her get up, and I listened as she went into Auntie Julia's room to wake her up so we could get a ride to Mom's training. Auntie Julia said she felt very sick with a tummy-ache, and she didn't feel like she could drive. Mom said that was okay, and so we had to figure out what else to do.

Mom got me out of my crate after she'd gotten dressed, and then we went downstairs. I waited as Mom called her mom, Katie, to ask her if she'd give us a ride. We would've taken the bus, but by this time it was too late. Katie said she'd take us, and so we had to wait for her.

Mom took me outside, and it was nice to see that it was sunny again. It hasn't been sunny all week, and we both liked the sun. After I relieved we went back inside and Mom fed me breakfast. I get more food in the morning now because Mom thinks I could stand to gain afew pounds. I love getting more food so if that's what Mom thinks, I'm happy to eat it.

After breakfast, Mom watched Television for a bit while we waited for Katie to come over. When Katie knocked at the door, I barked, but Mom only had to tell me to be quiet once and I was good after that. Mom went upstairs and got her computer and then we were finally off to training.

I hung out under the desks with my buddy Kelton while our Moms worked. After a while, I really needed to pee, and so I did what I usually do. I started to lean on Mom. I started to put my head on her knee, and then I rested it on her chest and groaned a little, to let her know I was serious about needing to go outside. She laughed and took me out, and then when we got back, she offered to take Kelton for Debby since she was doing something with Mom's computer. Debby said she could and I sat with Debby while Mom took Kelton outside. I like Debby. She gives me lots of pets and I love to snuggle with her.

After we came home from training, Mom ate lunch with Auntie Julia and then we all went on a long walk. I'd been on this walk before with Auntie Julia, but never with Mom. We showed her where we were supposed to go, and she loved the walk. We go from our house all the way down to the River Road. Mom wants to take me for a walk on the River Road, and I think we should do that. Mom and Auntie Julia want to bring my brother Marlin on the walk cause they think it would be good for him. I think he'd love it too cause we all love walks.

Now, I'm finishing this entry and then Mom is going to get her stuff ready to go to her Grandmother's house. This is why I love being a guide dog. I almost never have to be left behind at home, and I love going everywhere with Mom.

see you all later.

Lots of Work

Hi all,
this is going to be a shorter entry than they usually are because I'm tired and I wanna go to bed soon. Anyway, on Wensday night, Mom and I found out that I can't digest turkey necks very well. Mom was sleeping and I began to feel sick. I started making throw-up sounds, and Mom jumped out of bed and ran to where I was. She tried to get me to the bathroom floor, but it was too late, and I gagged. We looked down, expecting to see my supper all over the floor, but it wasn't there. Mom couldn't find any mess. I made the barfing sounds three more times that night, and felt sick on top of it,, so I don't think Mom got much sleep, but I didn't throw anything up. Mom has decided that I can't have turkey anymore, and that I can have chicken legs if I want to eat raw bird parts. On Thursday afternoon, Mom gave me some venison pieces, and I ate those up, and they didn't make me sick. She told me that I can eat those from now on... yay, I get to eat Bambi!
Mom and I had to get up early today so we could be ready for the phone guys I told you about. I know I wasn't supposed to, but I forgot and barked at the door when they knocked. Mom told me to be quiet, and after one big bark, and a little woof, I was good. The phone guys were very nice to Mom and Auntie Julia. They tried to do all they could to fix their phone problems, and when they couldn't help anymore, they fixed some outlet in Mom's room. I think the best part though about them was that they played with me! They played tug with me and they liked to pet me. I loved the play time, and Mom said I'd made instant friends. I tend to do that.
After they'd left, Mom, Auntie Julia and I went out to lunch, and then to Mom's parents' house. I hung out with Marlin for a while and then Mom and I took a much needed nap upstairs.
Mom worked at her computer for a while, and I think later she told Auntie Julia that she'd applied for a job. I hope she gets a job. I love to work and if we can go somewhere every day, it'll be awesome. Tomorrow we're doing something. I get to see Kelton and Debby again for Mom's training, and then after that I don't know what we're doing. Mom told me she doesn't know if we're going to her grandmother's house tomorrow, or on Saturday morning. Whenever we go, I know it'll be fun. There's lots of interesting smells up there.
Well, I'm really tired and so I think I'm going to snuggle up in my crate. Mom and I have to wake up kind of early tomorrow.
Night all!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Friends

I have lots of friends, and I got to see two of them today. One of them I told you about last night, Mom's trainer's dog, Kelton. I got to see him today, but we didn't do much because Mom was training. We did get to sniff a little, and both of us wanted attention at one time or another, but the only time we got to really say hi was when our moms took us out to relieve after they were done working. I get to see Kelton and his mom Debby on Friday again before we leave for the weekend.
Mom and I are going up to Mom's grandmother's house this weekend with Eric and Auntie Julia. Mom's grandma died this past Spring, and she was sad for a while. She would cry a lot and I would have to snuggle with her to make her feel better. Sometimes when she cries I run and get my toys. I'll bring her my squeaky toys or Woobie, or a bone for her to hold. I figure, if this won't cheer her up, nothing will. I mean... seriously, toys always make me feel loads better.
After training today Mom and I waited for Auntie Julia to pick us up, and then Mom told me we were going to see Dena and my favorite golden retriever buddy, Kaylor. I love playing with Kaylor, and I love visiting with Dena. She's nice to me, and she gives me treats and lots of pets when I'm off harness. I stayed at her house once, and I was good for the most part, but I can't help myself and I love to wander around, just exploring. For some reason known only to them, none of my human companions like this exploring, and they always call me back. I don't get it, I'm just wandering, and honestly, can't they see I'm busy when they're calling my name? Wow, Humans are demanding!
Mom and Auntie stopped for lunch, and after that we went and picked up Dena and Kaylor. We drove a while in the car, and then we went to my favorite store. Chuck and Dons, yay! They have all sorts of awesome treats there and they even have raw stuff... yum! Mom got me some turkey necks and venison medallions to eat. I can hardly wait to bust those out and eat away. We also saw a puppy in there, and Mom and Dena said it was really cute. I like puppies all right. I grew up with lots around before I went back to school. Now that I live with Mom I've only seen a few. I think they're okay, but if they try to bite my ears, I growl and bark... back off pup.
Speaking of weird dogs, Mom took me outside this morning, and there was this little pug dog I'd never seen before out there. Mom let me go up to it, and the thing started screaching and barking. I backed away and just looked at her. I have know idea what her problem was, and neither did her owner or Mom.
Anyhoo, after we went to Chuck and Dons we went to a place called Caribou coffee. I was doing my work, as usual, leading Mom from the parking lot, and I looked up to make sure that Mom didn't get nailed by a bike which was mounted on the back of someone's car. All I did was look up and check to see if Mom was out of the way, and after Auntie Julia pointed this out, Mom bent down and gave me a huge hug, and told me what an awesome boy I was. Just a word to Mom, seriously, it's not that big a deal. I was trained to do that, and I'm supposed to look out for you, it's my job. I guess, cause Mom can't see at all from that side, it was pretty awesome to her.
I must've been a really good boy because of that though, cause I got to run around with Kaylor outside in Dena's yard when we were done working. We were having fun, but Kaylor kept trying to climb on me to show me he was boss. I didn't like that at all, and I whirled around and barked at him. Woof! I'll tolerate that from little tiny puppies, but not big dogs like Kaylor. He understood though, and we kept playing until we'd gotten all the energies out.
After that, Mom, Auntie Julia and I went back to Mom's parents' house. I got to see my brother Marlin, and Mom gave us both yummy treats from the store. Oh yeah, I couldn't leave without telling you all this. Mom gave me a turkey neck for supper tonight. Ah... turkey necks are sooo goooood! I mean, it's like, doggy gourmet! I ate it all up and Mom said I'd get another one for breakfast tomorrow.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to write until now, but Mom's been hogging the computer for the entire evening. She said something about writing a cover letter... what ever that is, and so I couldn't get at the keyboard until now. Anyway, I'm glad I got to write, and I should go anyway, cause we have to get up early tomorrow to make sure we can meet the phone guys on time. They're supposed to come and get the phones set up correctly this time. Mom told me, if they don't do it right, I should bite them, but I don't want to, I think it's my breeding or something.
Well, night all. I'm going to see what Mom's up too, or play with Marlin, I haven't decided yet.