Dear Santa,

I have been a very good puppy this year. I know this because my puppy raiser tells me all the time, especially when I go potty outside or when I walk nicely on my leash. If I was naughty, I couldn't help it; my human is naughty sometimes too and I still love her. Sometimes we pups just can’t help getting into a little trouble.

Do you remember that tiny blue fuzz ball that greeted you when you dropped off presents last year? Well it turns out, that kittens are cute and fluffy when you get them. However, before you know it, they grow up and turn on you.

I’m not asking for bones or extra food this year. What I would really like is when you come to drop off presents for my puppy raiser, put the cat in your sack and take him back with you. PLEASE!

He is so mean! He hisses at me all the time when I stick my nose in his butt. This tricks my puppy raiser into thinking I’m the one being naughty. I’m just trying to make a friend. Once, I bowed to him (To play, NOT because I worship at his feet) and he smacked me right across the nose. What other choice did I have than to try and grab his poufy tail? My efforts at friendship earned me crate time. Don’t get me wrong, I love my crate, but the cat laid right in front of the door and mocked me the entire time. It was humiliating!

He also frames me for crimes. Daily, he steals his human’s socks and drags them around the house. Once, he left one by me and I got blamed! He also chewed through the new bag of dog food and some spilled out onto the floor. I didn't want my puppy raiser to deal with mice – we all know that lazy cat wouldn't dare lift a paw to catch one – so I merely ate the food in an effort to keep my home rodent free. Did my humans thank me? No. I earned several long, torturous lessons on Leave It. He also hides and when I least expect it, he jumps out from his hiding spot and scares the life out of me.

Clearly, Santa, The Cat Has To Go!

Wags and Licks,

Merit

PS - If I wake up Christmas morning and that cat is still here, you’ll have to deal with me – and I’m no small dude anymore, I’m almost 50 lbs! You may have giant reindeer with huge antlers protecting you, but I chew on antlers for desert and I eat venison for breakfast, lunch and dinner – so watch out!

Holiday Thank You

During the holiday season, it’s important to take time to reflect on those who have impacted your life. Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to volunteer for OccuPaws in several capacities. While I’d like to believe my involvement has enriched the organization in some way, I feel that the benefits I've received will far exceed anything I could ever hope to give back. So I’d like to thank my current Guide Dog in Training, Merit, for the remarkable ways he finds to change my life every day.

You've added a new sense of adventure into my life.

Every day, I make decisions and plans with the thought of whether this will be a new and positive training experience for you. The immense task of preparing you for the world forces both of us to explore and venture to places and meet people we would have never encountered otherwise.

You’re always so enthusiastic and upbeat.

Whenever I see you, you’re full of happiness and enthusiasm which makes being with you so enjoyable. Even when I’m grumpy, stressed, or tired, you find a way to make me feel good. You always make me feel loved and appreciated.

You’re an amazing listener.

Although you probably have no idea what I’m telling you and talking to you probably makes me the ‘crazy dog lady’, I can take solace in sharing my secrets and challenges with you. It is incredibly therapeutic and I cannot thank you enough for always finding a way to make me feel better.

You inspire me.

Every day you go to work happy to assist someone in any way you can and if you don’t know how, you’re always willing to learn. You work long hours without complaint. You are willing to do whatever I ask of you without regard for personal gain. You are a true example of balance and selflessness.

You've taught me so much about compassion and caring.

You are always filled with love for everyone you come into contact with and you care deeply about everyone you meet. No one is a stranger to you. Everyone who knows you, myself included, should consider themselves lucky to have you in their life.

Many puppy raisers say they raise dogs so that someday that dog can go on to change someones life, but you didn't wait for a certificate or a visually impaired partner, you found a way to go out and change the world all on your own. Thank you for letting me be the one on the other end of the leash.

Things My Human Always Says

Insight from Merit on the things his puppy raiser says.

You need another bone like I need a hole in my head.

I always think this means I don’t need another new bone, but my human always says this right before she buys a new bone, so I don’t know?? My Human is confusing!

You need to find a different playmate. The kitty doesn't want to wrestle with you.

When I don’t play with the kitty, he sits on the sofa and bops me on the head and then my human scolds him. But you know what? Kitties make great wrestling buddies, minus the spitting in your face part. My Human doesn't know everything!

Guess who’s going to _____ today?

My human loves to play this game, “guess where we’re going…” and she calls me at all hours to play. I never win anything and she never gets tired of it. My Human is a lot of work!

You are way too much like Scout.

My human usually says this when I’m chasing my tail or flopping over for endless belly rubs, so I think she means it’s a bad thing. But I always take it as a compliment; have you seen what a smart, handsome boy he is? My Human needs to have more fun!

The food bowl is empty and food isn't going to magically grow in it.

It always, always fills back up. Always. I just have to stare at it long enough. My Human should be more optimistic!

I could never say “No” to you.

Really…because I just tried to eat that dead worm off the sidewalk and I’m pretty sure something similar came out of your mouth… My Human has a bad memory!

Get that puppy tongue away from me.

My human has a love/hate relationship with my puppy tongue. She loves my kisses sooo much that she can never, ever get them. Because she can only accept them in quantities large enough to give her an entire bath; at least that’s my version of the story. My Human needs to learn moderation!

I cleaned up after you and it took all day.

It seems like my human is always cleaning up after me. And she is the only human I know who has all day to do it. Sometimes I think it’d be fun to follow her around all day, just to leave a trail of dog hair and toys behind everywhere she just picked up. My Human is very dramatic!

You’re too cute.

I’m always like, duh. Then I’m like, wait!, you’re just saying that because all humans start to look like their dogs eventually. My Human thinks a lot of herself!

Pantsing

Yesterday, I discovered a really fun new game! Kelsey's little brother brought over a few new friends for me to play with. They're my favorite kind; smelly football boys! I was so happy to meet them, I ran up and wiggled against the first boy's legs. Yet, the more I wiggled, the more this thing kept waving in my face. It just kept teasing me, so I grabbed and pulled. Suddenly, all the humans were laughing really hard. I don't know why but I was having so much fun that I moved on to the next smelly boy. Except, he had the same thing waving in my face. So of course, I reached up and pulled. Except his pants were smarter - they pulled back! What fun - a new game! I was just about to pull super hard when Kelsey picked me up and took my new toy away. Meanie.
I was sad all night that I'd lost my toy, but I shouldn't have worried. That night, when Kelsey's brother came home, he brought the toy with. So of course I ran up and pulled. Success!
Having decided that my walking around pantsing the public was probably not a good idea, Kelsey invented a new game for me. She hung a pair of pants off the door, I pulled really hard and BAM! the door opened. Instead of getting in trouble this time, I got a treat! This is awesome! The next time I went to the door, the pants were too high for me to reach, but this other rope was hanging down, so I grabbed that and pulled really hard and BAM! the door opened AND I got lots and lots of treats. This is so cool!
Now every time we leave our bedroom, I have to open the door for Kelsey. What a perfect little gentleman I am. Although, until I overcome my affinity for pants I may have to wear a warning sign.

WARNING: Only those with securely belted pants need approach

Cold Stone!

Join us for a fun night. I am so sure that you will "Like It" that you may even "Love It" enough to say you "Gotta Have It".

Rodeo Howie

Rodeo Howie tasting a hotdog

Patti...one big chew toy

Deer antlers are great and all...but THIS is what I call a chew toy.

Dessert Days of Summer

Come visit with the puppies, show us your baking skills and just enjoy.  Be sure to check out the Silent Auction items too!

Join us for a fun day and visit the great variety of vendors and shop the stores for unique items. Let's support locally owned businesses! There are some great items for the Raffle/Silent Auction.

Here is the list of vendors that will be at the event:

Michie

Scentsy

Mary Kay

Thirty One

Gold Canyon

Tupperware

Tastefully Simple

JamBerry Nails

Sun Golden Kennels

Janesville Vet Clinic

Bead Lady

JJWoodcrafts

Brenda McGrath, childrens' book author

Jen's Muffin Stuff

Party Lite

Hand Painted Crafts by Valorie

Origami Owl

Norwex

Willow House

Photographer

Hope to see everyone there!!

Playtime!

Click the link below to watch as

Lincoln has fun with "Big Dog" Barry

How to Annoy your Big Brother

1. I'm Not Touching You

This move is executed by standing or sitting next to your big brother and sticking your nose in their face.  Technically you're not touching them, but you are invading their personal space. They may try to ignore you for a little while, but keep at it; they have to crack eventually.

2. Invasion of Enemy Territory
When your big brother is not around, simply enter their doggie bed and rummage around their bedding. If they've got a toy stored in there, "borrow" it. Just make sure they "catch" you and watch as the struggle ensues.


3. Collar Quality Test
A well-timed yank of the collar does wonders for annoying your big brother. In the interest of feigning innocence, however, you should limit this to only when you big brother has a toy in his mouth. 'What, I was aiming for the toy and missed? I'm a baby, give me a break.'


4. The Sneak Attack
This one requires a lot of patience, but the payoff is well worth it. While your toy-hogging big brother is busy monopolizing all the good bones, set yourself up somewhere nearby but out of sight - just make sure there is an easily accessible escape route. All you have to do is wait until they settle in, then you can jump out with a REALLY high pitched bark, nearly giving your big brother a heart attack. And while it may be tempting to stand around and watch his reaction, don't. Run!!! Because once your brother recovers - you're in for it. 

5. The Cute-Out
A bit obvious, but definitely a classic. While your big brother is off in the other room learning some new tricks, sprawl out on the floor and feign sleep while wearing your best cute puppy look. Continue in this position until attention is diverted from your big brother in order to take several pictures of you.

A Meeting of the Minds

Scout: “Heard you got in trouble tonight”

Howie: “Yeah, that darn cat wouldn’t stay.”

Scout: “He never stays when I tell him.”

Howie: “I know, but I just wanted to show him my new bone, so I shoved it right in his face, Kelsey sees me, comes around the sofa and takes my bone away, says something about leave it? Next thing I know, I’m out a bone and I have kitty spit all over my face.”

Scout: “She means well. She just doesn’t understand the meaning of ‘sharing is caring’.”

Howie: “I miss anything else cool in the house?”

Scout: “Another cat.”

Howie: “Oh, $#!*, you serious?”

Scout: “Yeah, bigger than the last one, though. I can catch him pretty easily. You should have seen the mess I made. He looked like a crumpled heap of plastic by the time I finished him.”

Howie: “You killed him?”

Scout: “Hey, he was trespassing, right?”

Howie: “Kelsey is going to be soooo mad when she finds out!”

Scout: “No she won’t. I hid the remains under her bed. She’ll never find it.”

Howie: “……..You know you killed an empty milk jug right?”

Scout: “You couldn’t just let me have this moment could you!”

Traveling Circus

Not just any pup can go and join the circus. You need to have a specific talent, the right attitude, and be very flexible (adaptable - not bendy - although I am both). One of the upsides of being in the circus is that you get to travel the country. I have worked all over the United States, including Georgia (my current location), Kansas, North Carolina, New York and many more. I may even get to stamp my passport soon - if I get permission.
The circus has given me the opportunity to meet so many different people (all of whom spoil me rotten!!).  On the road, I have a circus family. They come from all over the country and some of them talk really funny.  Kelsey trains them, just like she trains me. She even gives them treats if their really good.
So many people don't take the opportunity to travel while they are young, but this is my chance to grow and experience as much of life as I can. Despite what some people may think, life with the circus is not all clowning around. I work long days and I have to spend a lot of time in new and strange environments. Sometimes I miss my bed at home. Although, one of the biggest perks is that I always get free room and board, and I never have to carry my own luggage, which is fantastic because boy is there a lot of it!

Dear Hotel Maid,

I spent all day yesterday rolling around on the carpet and spreading my hair everywhere.  I also worked diligently at pushing my magic food dispensing ball around and dropping crumbs in each corner.  Additionally, I made sure to drink lots of water and slop it all around my bowl.  I DID NOT work this hard just so that you could bring in your evil vacuum and render me nonexistent.  Don't you want everyone in the hotel to know that a dog stayed in this room?  I worked really hard to make sure that everything in my room looked and smelled like I had touched it.  As the sole dog in this hotel, I feel it is my job to create an environment that smells distinctly of labrador puppy.  I would appreciate a bit of consideration on your part for all of the effort I have put in.

"You'll never get rid of my hair from under here!"

Wags,
-Scout-

PS - In case your wondering, yes those are doggie boogers on the mirror by the Jacuzzi.

Dear Water Hose,

First, I would just like to say that I respect your many powers, but after today's incidences I now must consider you an enemy.  Your actions against me have only been matched by the likes of the vacuum and the hair dryer.  No matter how fast I chase you or how hard I bite your stream of water, you just keep spraying and spraying.  My continued efforts to thwart you have only resulted in my leash becoming tangled with you. For this I receive a combination of sighs and eye rolls from Kelsey.  She seriously underestimates your powers.  While I have tried to avoid you, other members of your kind insist on attacking me during my evening walks around the neighborhood.  On my own, I could run around you but Kelsey's slow, even pace leaves both of us vulnerable to attack.  Why she insists on walking in straight lines, I have no idea.

I must warn you that our dealings together are not finished.  One day I will bite your stream of water in just the right spot that you will never spray again.  Until that day, I vow to keep every garden, lawn, and potted plant safe from your brutal assaults.

Your worst nightmare,
- Scout - 

Cycle Dog

I got to attend my very first Bike Night at Quaker Steak & Lube in Middleton tonight.  I also got to meet my very first motorcycles.  Of course after meeting a few, I had to pick one out for myself.  Unfortunately no one attended the event with a sidecar which would have been the perfect size for my little butt.  So, I had to settle for the coolest looking bike I could find.  What do you think?  I could definitely be a cycle dog!

I was supposed to attend the event to help promote OccuPaws' upcoming event, Hogs for Guide Dogs, on June 23rd.  However, I was too busy being a ham and playing to the crowd to actually share much information about the event.  What can I say, I've never been one to turn down a snuggle.  Thankfully, the Felz family was in attendance and working diligently to pre-register cyclists and spread awareness about OccuPaws.

Kelsey loves bringing me to these events.  Her favorite part is when people say things like, "He's so well behaved and quiet for a puppy,"  or "Wow! How do you get a chocolate lab not to be crazy," or better yet, "This is the calmest dog I've ever met."  Whenever people make remarks like this, Kelsey always smiles and laughs a little in her head; yet for the life of me, I can't figure out why???    

Humiliation

I am starting to seriously question my choice in human companions.  First she robs me of my manhood and then she spends the next ten days dressing me up in humiliating outfits and taking pictures of me.  At least I finally get to ditch my large plastic cone of shame tomorrow.  I never could master the whole going through doors and not walking into walls thing.  Only six more days, two hours, seven minutes and fours seconds and I get to run and play again....not that I'm looking forward to it or anything. 

"Help!!! My bone is stuck in my cone!"

"I will not succumb to the anesthesia, I will not sleep" 

"Ohh the humiliation"

First Mate

I got to be the First Mate aboard Kelsey's boat today.  It was my first boat ride ever!

I couldn't decide which part I enjoyed more: Standing at the bow with the wind in my face (Check out those ears!!), or Resting my head along the side of the boat and catching water as it sprayed up.

I also got my first swimming lesson.  I was a natural, but Kelsey might try to convince you that she's just a really good teacher.  At first I didn't really like the waves but Kelsey just walked right in and I couldn't leave her out by herself.  After I got comfortable, I started exploring the water more.  This included dunking my entire head under the water several times to see what was in there.  The humans thought this was really funny; what can I say, I'm nothing if not good entertainment.

Where Oh Where...

... has my little dog gone?

I recently received my notice and I've been shipped off to the big house. I may be mixing my metaphors here a bit but the point remains, I've gone to the guide dog instructor's home for evaluation.  Kelsey wished me luck before sending me off, knowing full well I'd do what I do best.... ;) ....which is for me to know and you to wait and find out.

Apparently back home, my little humans are missing me terribly.  My littlest human (2 yrs) walks around the house repeating "No puppy, no puppy, no puppy."  He's looked for me behind every door and under every bed, but no luck.  My other little human (3 yrs) keeps asking Kelsey "Where's my Scout?"  She tells him that I'm at school learning lots of new things.  This is apparently an unsatisfactory answer as he responds, "My Scout wants to come home!"  I even gave Kelsey a bit of a scare when the guide dog instructor called her after I had been gone for less than 24 hrs, but no worries it was for an unrelated matter.  Whew!

My adventures here are top secret, so all I can tell you is I haven't burned down the house...yet...

Love and Kisses,

- Your pint-sized chocolate cuddle bear (Scout)

Remains

Herein lays all that remains of Scout....

or at least what of him has not been stolen for bird's nest, blown away in the wind or taken by vengeful squirrels.  Honestly, I only set out to tidy him up for tomorrow's event but as he fell asleep and I got sucked into 'The Big Bang Theory' marathon...well what can I say other than, Gotta Love a Lab in the Spring Time!

The Facts of Life

After a long 11 month on Earth, here are The Facts of Life that I, Scout, have amassed:

1. If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you will get what you want.  Humans try to convince themselves that they've trained you to 'Focus' but in reality we [dogs] have trained them to be effective treat dispensers.

2. Never leave the house without your vest and a poop bag.  Yes, the two are synonymous and No, I couldn't have gone at home when you asked me 5 minutes ago.

....you will do as I say....

3. Always be upfront and direct with humans; let them know precisely how you feel by covering them in dog hair and slobbering on their pants in just the right spot.

4. Know exactly when to hold your tongue and when to use it to your full advantage.  Sometimes a little goes a long way.

5. Don't forget to make time every day for a good nap.  A full schedule consists of Eat, Sleep, Play, Poop: repeat, repeat, repeat.

6. Treat everyone, including strangers, like they are your best friend.  A wiggly butt is your greatest asset but beware, because attached is your most dangerous attraction.

7. When you do something wrong, it is important to always take responsibility.  However, it doesn't hurt to first blame the cat.

8. True love is only a butt sniff away.  Of course this is inappropriate guide dog behavior so I wouldn't know anything about finding 'the one.'

9. If it's not wet, sloppy and in your ear, it's not a real kiss.

10. Choose a career with intrinsic rewards.  It's so important to do what you love, which is why I plan to spend the rest of my life helping humans in any way I can.  

Always Lost

When I moved in with Kelsey, I figured she would provide me with a good home, proper guidance, and teach me some new things.  However, I didn't realize there was a third person in our relationship.  Kelsey trains me and a strange man with an accent whom I've never seen trains Kelsey.  He takes Kelsey everywhere, just like she takes me.  He tells her to turn left or right, speed up or slow down, just like Kelsey tells me.  Unfortunately there is one command Kelsey can't seem to master, "RECALCULATING!"  I know this because he frequently says the command over and over and over again.  I feel sorry for the poor guy, so I've decided to step up and help Kelsey so that she isn't always lost.  Therefore, I had my first lesson tonight on "FIND."

Since it was just my first lesson, all I had to do was touch the post-it note with my nose to get a tasty treat.  Easy enough.  Nope!  For my first few attempts, I did a sit and a down and a heel but none earned me a tasty treat.  Next, I tried a wait but that only turned into a staring contest and did not result in a treat.  Fed up with waiting, I grabbed the post-it note and tried to eat it; treat for the touch part, hand down my throat for the eating part.  Finally, my brain kicked in and I grasped the concept...Check out the video to see me in action.

My hope is that someday I will be able to find all of the things my blind partner can't; this includes doors, stairs, elevators, empty chairs, tables, shopping carts, bus stops and much more.  But for now, I'll stick close to Kelsey because she might lose her head if I'm not there to find it or worse yet, my treat bag!!

Introducing.......

Scout, CGC

Some people (you know who you are) who met me a couple of months ago probably thought this day would never come, but after two months of Puppy Boot Camp at Kelsey's house I've gotten my act together and passed my Canine Good Citizen test.  Since I'm now a perfect puppy, o.k. maybe perfect is a relative term, I am finally allowed to return to the fun house and spend a few weeks with my buddy Barry.  [This is the nice way of saying Kelsey is replacing me with a younger, cuter puppy.]  However, I come with strict instructions of "Don't screw him up!"  Apparently Kelsey would prefer that I not return to my counter-surfing, house-running, greeting-jumping and excited-spinning days ... Ahh, the good ole days.

I also have to congratulate my fellow trainee and boot camp sympathizer, Gypsy, on passing her CGC test.  Great job!     

New Girlfriend

Meet my new girlfriend.  Her name is Nala.  This week I am helping watch her house while her humans are away.  We get along great because she lets me have all her toys, sleep in her bed, and sometimes I can even convince her to play with me.  She is the perfect height for me to run underneath her; I don't even have to bend over.  Unfortunately since she has about 20 lbs on me, she can ward off my offenses by sitting on my head.  No fair!  The best part of living with Nala is that at the end of a hard day's work, I have a buddy to curl up and sleep with.

Lessons from Tiny Humans

Everything important I've learned in life, I learned while babysitting tiny humans.

Lesson 1 - The best toys are the packages in which toys come in.  Why play with cars when you can simply wear the box?  Tiny humans sure have a funny way of accessorizing.





Lesson 2 - Never wage war with a two-year-old tiny human; they are neither rational nor relenting.  They may be smaller but they're a lot faster, stronger, and more persistent than they look.  However, if all else fails you can outwit tiny humans by dragging them across the floor until they eventually succumb to rug burns.



Lesson 3 - Furniture is not for sitting on; couch cushions, blankets, and pillows are far better suited for building forts.  However, when you eventually need to take a break and relax - pick the warmest, softest, and cutest location - plop down and take a load off.






Lesson 4 - At the end of a hard day the only good place to sleep is next to your best friend.  Who needs a bed when you have a puppy to snuggle with?

Cry for Help

Day 2 in the disappearance of the magic food bowl...I am officially in mourning.

I was forced to earn my breakfast this morning by laying still while strangers at the mall tortured me with pets, hugs and kisses.  I worked hard for my rations but my Uncle Barry, whom I might add is still in possession of his magic food bowl, attempted to sneak some of my meal.  I vow to body slam him the next time we are loose in the yard.  I earned an extra large handful of food after a very kind and generous woman made a large and unexpected donation to OccuPaws after petting me.  While, I thought my performance at the Boston Store Community Day sales would have earned the return of my magic food bowl; no such luck.

I spent the evening earning my dinner by sitting quietly outside the dog park and watching other dogs play.  Admittedly, I haven't quite mastered the whole quiet part but on the rare occasions that I stopped barking and whining, I earned a piece of food.  I also earned my dinner by performing recall exercises and long STAYs.  I even did a COME when Kelsey videotaped me.  Will wonders never cease!

If you happen to find my magic food bowl, could you please return it to me?  This whole 'working for every bite' is really hard and takes a lot of patience and focus for a puppy like me.  If you find my bowl, I promise we will be bestest friends forever and ever.

Long-Line-Life

After my "I think we learned a lot about which dogs perform the recall exercise well, and which do not" performance (Spoiler Alert: I was in the 'not' group) at last nights' Madison Puppy Class, I have been sentenced to life-on-the-long-line.  Tonight I was forced to earn my dinner one piece of kibble at a time as I performed recall exercises (both while wandering and from a STAY).  Ok, maybe it was three or four pieces at a time since the latter would take all day and Kelsey is a wimp when it comes to cold/windy weather.  At any rate, I miss the old days of the magic food bowl and meals for free.  I think it's finally sinking in that if I do something right the first time I get a good reward and I'm done, but if I don't do what I'm supposed to Kelsey will just make me repeat the skill 10 more times.  It's much easier to just do what I'm told, when I'm told!

Can you spot me?

Kiddie Chaos

Today, Kelsey and I took a field trip to the Madison Children's Museum.  It was a crazy place with kids running everywhere, loud noises, and strange objects I had never seen before.  I took it all in without hesitation and learned that I am definitely a hit with the 8 and under crowd.  I think over 100 kids came up and pet me.  I laid nicely on the ground and resisted the urge to taste test all the small children while Kelsey talked to many people about my mission in life and all the wonderful things I am learning.  I got to meet a buffalo, watch a cow hoisted up and down and see children running in a large hamster wheel (boy, humans are weird sometimes).  My favorite part of the trip was meeting the chickens on the rooftop.  They made lots of noise and taunted me from behind the fence.  I just wagged my tail really hard and grinned from ear to ear; bet they wouldn't be so brave if they ever came out of their coop.  In the end I proved that even amid the kiddie chaos, I still have a brain in my head.

The brain statement has been redacted, as I just stood up and hit my head on the bottom of the coffee table.

Dear Diary,

 4:00 am - I started the morning as a super hero by acting as Kelsey's personal alarm clock.  I roused her by spinning repeatedly in my crate and yawning really loud (a trait I learned from my brother Meadow).  Kelsey appeared very angry with herself for having overslept, as she kept grumbling about Spring Break and pulling the bed sheets over her head.  She seemed a little frustrated with me, which is silly since I saved her from being late for crew practice.  Funny thing is, we didn't go to practice but instead spent the morning cleaning our room and doing laundry.  I coughed up half my breakfast on my crate blanket just so I could contribute. Yum!

10:30 am - INVADER!  A scary woman (Marlette) knocked on our door, obviously here to steal my dog food.  I let her know in no uncertain terms that I was prepared to protect my house by running into my crate and wagging my tail really hard.  Suddenly, Kelsey appeared with a big black dog she called Promise.  I tried to show her all my toys, but she just kept putting her paw on my head and pushing it to the ground. Grumpy old lady!


1:00 pm - I was forced to abandon my PLACE in the living room, as a giant cat appeared and demanded I move out of the prime sunny patch.  If I've learned one thing while at Kelsey's house, it's to never mess with the cat!



4:00 pm - Spent the afternoon at the mall.  It was a hard day; Kelsey kept making me walk on these really slippery floors.  I'm not a fan of these floors; the faster I try to get off them, the slippery they get.  Tricky, tricky.  The mall people are very thoughtful.  They leave many treats all over the floor.   I don't want to seem ungrateful, but perhaps they could leave a few more of those yellow sticks lying around; they are awfully tasty.  However, it is a most unpleasant experience when Kelsey catches me; she keeps sticking her hand in my mouth and taking away my prize. Pout!

9:00 pm - Sat down to watch TV, though I am not allowed on the couch I do like to rest my head on Kelsey's lap until she rubs my ears.  Finally, she moved to the floor and let me snuggle in her lap (If anyone asks, we were practicing proper relaxation for nail clipping). ;)

Ahh, a day in the life of a Guide Dog in Training.

It's All Fun & Games Until...

Somebody loses a tooth.

  Brewer is thoroughly enjoying her new position as Iris' puppy mentor.  The first lesson of the evening: What's Mine is Mine, and What's Yours is also Mine; so don't touch my bone or any of the other half dozen bones I'm hording underneath me.  Being older, wiser and bigger definitely has its' perks.

    

Creatures of the Night

I made a few new friends on my walk this evening courtesy of the nice spring weather:

Toads make excellent playmates. When you poke them they hop all over; what fun!

 Worms are not great playmates.  When you poke them they get squished; yuck!  However, worms are a tasty snack.  Even better is the look on Kelsey's face when she has to fish them out of your mouth.  I may have tasted a few extra just to see that look. :)