Co-conspirators

FINALLY figured out who Meadow's ice cube supplier is.

Now I'm left to ponder the age old question of who is smarter: the cat for figuring out how to work the ice dispenser or the dog for 'training' the cat to get him ice......

Since making this discovery, I have engaged the childproof lock on the dispenser.  I give it less than 24 hours before the mysterious puddles begin to reappear on my floors.

Help Wanted

This morning I asked for a little assistance with shoveling the driveway.  Looking back, I probably shouldn't have chosen the applicant who was 'willing to work for kibble.'  I guess it's true what they say, "You get what you pay for."  Thankfully the sunshine intervened, so our less than stellar workmanship has been erased...until tomorrow.

Santa!

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday, 12/17/11, Ace & some of his friends went to see Santa at the Dog Face in New Glarus. Ace liked this Santa much better than the Santa he saw at the mall. Maybe because this Santa had treats?

Here they are all relaxing, while other pups get to see Santa. Barron, Ace, Barry & Promise all waiting nicely while we shopped and watched the other puppies.

Here is Ace being a handsome boy. I think he was trying to convince Santa that he was a good boy and wants a really big steak for Christmas and if Santa can't bring a steak, a huge bone would be fine too.

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,


I have been a very good puppy this year and I have learned many new things.  My biggest accomplishment has been learning to leave other dogs alone.  Sometimes I would really rather play but I know Kelsey doesn't like this so I refrain because I really want to make her happy.  Therefore, since I have been such a good girl, here are my Christmas wishes.


First, I would like lots and lots of people to come see me on Christmas.  I would especially love visitors who crawl.  They taste the best and they drop lots of food on the ground. (Not that I ever eat any of it.)  I don't mind when they pull my tail or my ears or bop my head as long as they give really good belly rubs.


Second, I would like my very own clicker and pack of post-it notes.  I love learning to target new things.  Today I even learned to "Find the car."  At first Kelsey lost the car in her own driveway.  Silly humans!  Then we worked up to a whole parking lot.  I took a 'creative' route but I eventually found the car.  If I had more post-it notes, I could learn to find everything Kelsey loses.  Boy is she forgetful!


I can't wait to meet you on Christmas Eve.  I will be the one in the crate wagging my tail really hard.  I promise not to bark at the reindeer but I can't say the same for my older brother, he likes to say 'Hello'.  Also, I promise I won't eat any of your cookies or drink any of your milk.


Love,
Brewer
P.S. Please don't make me dress up again for pictures with you next weekend. (The Dog Face: 10-1 pm)

Spooked

Last night I took Apple to a basketball game and a dance concert. She's been to several sporting events before (football, hockey, and basketball), and so the bouncing ball, lots of movement and loud noises were not a problem. She watched the game for a few minutes and then settled in for a nap. Content that the home team (go Beloit!) was well on the way to victory, we left the game at half time to cheer on dancers in their winter concert.

Of the two events, the dance recital was the one I was least worried about going in. Much to my surprise, shortly after the start of the first dance, Apple spooked. She sat up, heart racing, hackles up, and even let out a startled bark. I was thankful that a) I had a good handle on her leash, and b) the audience only paused for a short giggle before redirecting their attention back to the dancers. It took a few minutes, but Apple again settled down, and watched with intense focus, the remaining dances.

A day later, I'm still not sure what spooked my usually calm, collected pup. I think she was simply caught off-guard. Just another reminder of how important this socialization period is for our puppies as they continue to learn to expect and deal with the unexpected.

Off to College

Well, I knew this was going to happen sometime! I am off to college. Today, I start learning how to be a "big boy" Guide Dog. Wish me luck! Here is a picture of me before I got "big".

Love, Gordy

BIG City, BIG Job

On Thursday, I had a BIG day with two very important jobs:

1. Navigate Kelsey through downtown Madison to all of her classes.

2. Show two potential puppy raisers what fun it would be to have a puppy like me in their lives.

'Working' in the library

To accomplish my first task, I had to ride in a city bus for the first time.  For some reason a voice kept talking really loud at me.  I looked really hard to find where the voice was coming from but...no such luck.  I also had to walk really fast on busy streets to get between classes.  I wasn't a big fan of all the horns, sirens and loud engines, so I got lots of treats (Peanut butter & banana YUM!)  for continuing to move forward and walk nicely.  Also, I can't figure out why everyone kept calling me Brewer/Badger's brother: Don't they know I'm "Barry!"

To accomplish my second task, I got to go out to lunch with one of Kelsey's professors.  He and his wife were very nice.  They asked a lot of good questions about being a puppy raiser.  For my part, I worked very hard to look cute and show off what a good boy I am.  They said they were partial to yellow dogs as their last dog was a yellow lab.  Humph...way to mess with a guy's mojo.

All in all, it was a long days' work but judging by the number of hugs, pets and pictures I took today, I would say "Job well done, Barry."

Busted taking a little nap

We are so appreciative of the photographer snapping this shot..... This is a great example of what weekend naps are all about!!! As you will note Angus and I had a very long day cleaning the yard and putting up Christmas decorations. We tried to sneak a quick snooze but were obviously busted...