So Mindy’s unlocked a new achievement — she can now jump on our (taller than usual) bed. As she’s not allowed on the bed, this has resulted in repeated escorts to the floor. Today, however, when we went out to the car, I didn’t pick her up. As I was… Continue reading
What a week! Mindy and I traveled to Clicker Expo in Norfolk, Virginia, and because I didn’t want to fly her, we drove. It wasn’t a bad drive, about 12 hours, and I broke it up into two days with a bit of hiking each way. “Not a Real Service… Continue reading
So the puppy and I had a night out last week to the New Day Meadery, a local mead and cider room. (I drink very little, maybe a glass every couple of months, but I find their libations very tasty.) Their tasting room also offers specialty foods, and I ordered… Continue reading
It’s been a while since I mentioned this, but this is a skill which we often wish our dogs had, but rarely teach them before we need it. Mindy had to learn it early, when a urinary tract infection required antibiotics. So here’s a short video of Mindy taking her… Continue reading
I was at a restaurant once when a woman was seated at the next table with her service animal, a Capuchin monkey. I was horrified when a man brought his son to her table to “meet your monkey” and pet it. Seriously, mister, would you bring your kid over and… Continue reading
Fun puppy socialization outing this weekend! And some socialization opportunities are too good to pass up. In one of my other lives, I’m a costumer, and we were presenting some costume panels this weekend at a steampunk event. Saturday my husband was going to be very busy and couldn’t keep… Continue reading
She’s a bit young to be have flashbacks already, but here’s a look back at Mindy’s very first clicker session. After our long flights home, Mindy was full of hollow energy. She’d slept on the plane, so she was awake, but it had been a crazy long day, so she… Continue reading
Several people have asked me questions about service dogs, whether they’re always “on the job” or could have normal dog lives. A few were under the heartbreaking impression that because one isn’t supposed to pet service dogs while they’re working, that service dogs aren’t ever to be petted, even at… Continue reading
My husband met the puppy for the first time Friday morning. They’ve seemed to hit it off pretty well. I had made plans to go to the Home Show with others, and I knew it would be a great big experience for the new pup. It also had the potential… Continue reading
So yeah, lots of puppy posts. Not gonna apologize. This one’s a little less “aww!” and a little more training-oriented. I’ve got to type fast, though, because I just put the pup down for a nap after a big afternoon! Continue reading