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...

Ho Ho Ho

Hi All,

Promise here. I got an early start to my annual Christmas begging!! I'm starting my practicing with my ole pal, Santa so that I've really got that "look" down for treats and such.

Practice will continue at the volunteer party on the 3rd. Wings-Wings-Wings! :-)

Promise

Fitness First

Recipe for a Happy Badger:

1 Treadmill

1 Leash

1 Handfull of treats

1 Badger (may substitute another OccuPaws puppy)

Mix ingredients together at 2.8 mph and let walk for 1 hour.

Warning: Puppy will pout and refuse to leave the treadmill if not allowed to walk a minimum of 30 minutes.

Ignore the sound.  We were watching an episode of House while walking.

Decisions, Decisions

Badger is trying to decide whether to install a swimming pool or a dog food factory in his new crate.... 

Decisions, Decisions

Water or Food, Water or Food, Water or Food.... the ultimate Labrador dilemma.

I, on the other hand, will probably need to add an addition onto my bedroom.

Boost

Getting amped up for puppy class tonight.  Nothing like a little caffeine and tunes to get a guy going.

*No actual beverages were consumed*

New collection jar

Thanks to the Eagle's Auxiliary #623 - OccuPaws has two new collection doggies. Unfortunately, they do not have names yet! They were presented at our last Bingo night. They look very hungry!

Gordy and Barry at Middletons chamber meeting

Hi there!

Look at us at the Middleton Chamber Meeting!

Barry and Gordy

Three's Company

After reading Ace's sad story of being the lone coupon salesman in Janesville last weekend, I packed up my vest and puppy food and headed down to Janesville this Saturday for the OccuPaws' booth at Shopping & More in Whitewater and the Boston Store coupon sales in Janesville.
 

At Shopping & More, Bernie, Ace, and I formed quite a comedic trio.  We quickly became the 'babysitting' station as we were seasoned veterans at attracting children.  Ace got tons of belly rubs and kept making all the kids laugh.  Saddened by the lack of attention, I curled up and pouted behind the table.  This must have been an effective tactic because I quickly gained a small following.  Later in the afternoon, I took a break from looking cute and practiced some obedience skills.  I worked on commands from a distance as well as a few 'tricks' like retrieving my leash, picking up keys and finding doors.  Ace and his mom also showed me how to find tables, chairs and shopping carts.  So many new things to learn!


After spending the morning at Shopping & More, I hopped in the car and headed over to the Janesville Mall to sell Boston Store coupon booklets.  Ace and I were joined by Apple to form another trio.  We worked our tails off to sell the 11 remaining booklets.  I got thirsty midway through but Kelsey was negligent and forgot to pack my cool pink pop-up water dish.  Thankfully Ace has a creative and resourceful mom who fashioned a water dish out of a small Boston Store bag.  Many people smiled when they passed by and saw me drinking out of it.  I was just grateful it didn't spring a leak.

Exhausted after putting in a ten hour day, I took the car ride home as an opportunity to recharge my batteries.  As I slept, I dreamt about my three kids waiting for me back home and all of the exciting games we would play tonight.  A puppy's work is never done!

Slick at Halloween

Slick's family sent these two pictures of their family at Halloween. I thought I would share them with everybody! Little did we know when training him that he was such a good costume model!

Janesville Boston Store

Hello, Ace & I were at the Janesville Boston Store on both Saturday and Sunday. He didn't get as many belly rubs as the Madison group as we were the only ones there. We did, however come closer to our goal of selling 60 booklets. We only have 11 more to go to meet that goal!! Doesn't he look sad being the only puppy there.

Power of Puppy Persuasion

This afternoon, Barry, Gordy, and I sold Boston Store Coupon booklets at East Towne Mall.  Barry and Gordy donned Batman and Superman costumes in celebration of Halloween.  I thought they looked a little silly and Barry agreed.  He pouted until a nice Delta Gamma girl took pity on him and removed the costume.

Gordy and I adopted a persuasion tactic of nonchalance in order to lure the public in.  Our strategy earned us a lot of belly rubs.  Gordy and I also showed off some of our service skills.  I retrieved my leash and Gordy picked up his Dad's keys; much to the delight of several children.  We also took turns taste-testing the toddlers and babies who visited us.

Exhausted from all of the attention, I took a nap midway through the afternoon.  It was a valiant attempt to lull Kelsey into a false sense of security.  Even though I was 'sleeping,' I still had one eye open and was ready to race through the mall and play at a moments notice... I'm still waiting for that moment.

Overall, our puppy persuasion led to the sale of 40 booklets!  Please stop by and see us this Saturday 10 am-12 pm.  We'll happily sell you a booklet and give you a big puppy kiss.

Running into Fall

Hi everyone! I'm Apple... It's been a while since I've written anything for the puppy blog - mom says we've been too busy. And, boy, have we ever!

Like Gypsy, I'm still going to college every day with mom, though I never see Gypsy there. I guess there must be more than one college in Wisconsin. Gypsy definitely has some good advice (and don't worry Gypsy, I get caught snoring sometimes, too!).

Aside from school, Mom's been really busy with running. She's fast (I think), but I'm faster! I wonder if she's ever going to take me on a run? Today, she went to cheer on lots of runners in the Haunted Hustle. Gordy, Barry, Biscuit and Divit were all there, but I didn't get to go. Boo hoo! It looks like they had so much fun!


I was lead cheer dog last weekend though - at a race in Door County. It was tiring work, let me tell you! I was so tired, I didn't even notice when Mom took this stupid picture of me sleeping in the car on the way home. I hope this doesn't show up in a graduation video - so embarrassing!!!

Well, that's all from me for now. Mom says it's time to go, but promises we'll write again soon.

Wags and kisses,

Apple

NBC 15 Morning Show Segment

Click the Title above to see the TV segment from Sunday Morning

Girls Night Out

Gypsy (4 mon.) @ Painting for Paws

After a busy week at school, I decided I needed a girls night out.  So Sunday night my buddies Brewer, Kelsey and I headed to Painting for Paws at Lukenbooth Cafe.  When we arrived, we found out that Channel 15 news had left just a few minutes earlier.  I was really disappointed because I had gone to the doggie spa that morning where I got a bath and blow dry and had my nails, ears, and teeth done.  I was camera ready but Gordy and Barry stole the spotlight again.  However, a very nice woman came, took my picture, and gave me a belly rub; my beauty efforts were not in vain.

Brewer (9 mon.) @ Painting for Paws

Brewer and I were very excited when our friends Ace, Ajax, Angus and Promise arrived.  Promise sat next to us for girl’s night, while the 'boys' retired to the other side of the room.  Overall, we had a lot of fun at the auction.  I kept trying to jump up to bid on all the really cool dog bowls, but Kelsey made me lay back down.  No fair!  Ace, Ajax and Angus all got to take home new dog bowls.  I cannot wait to see all my friends again at the next OccuPaws event.  

TV Personalities

Hi everyone! My friends Divit, Barry and I are getting ready for our big TV debut on this Sunday (October 23) on channel 15...really early in the morning!

I thought you would like to see all of us with Amy Carlson, Marlette and Dave. Here we are having the show taped. We sure look handsome! (Marlette looks beautiful.)

We are going to talk about Painting for Paws and OccuPaws!

Gordy

College Success

Being a college student at four months old isn’t easy.  Most humans take 18 years to get there; but humans have nothing on a smart pup like me.  Therefore, I thought I would bestow upon them and my fellow trainees a few tips I learned about how to be successful in college.

Gypsy's Top 5 Tips to College Success

Taking a potty/play break on Bascom Hill

   

5. Drink lots (of water) - Staying hydrated is important.  It keeps your brain active and helps you to stay focused.  Downside: You have to take lots and lots of potty breaks.  Upside: The cute boys who play Frisbee on the lawns give the best belly rubs.

4. Get Plenty of Rest - Between looking cute and getting belly rubs and accepting compliments and getting kisses and getting hugs and did I mention looking cute, the life of a college pup is exhausting.  That's why it is so important to take a nap anywhere you can.  My suggestion: Power Lectures are the optimum location for Power Naps.  Caution!!  If you snore too loud, which I may have done, the whole class will laugh at you.  Oddly, the professors don't mind the snoring, but if you yawn in the middle of lecture they tend to take it personally.

Napping in Fluid Dynamic lecture

3. Study!!!! - My preferred method of study is osmosis.  It combines two important activities: studying and sleeping.  Word to the wise: Just because they call it a soft-cover book doesn't mean it's actually soft and will make a good pillow.  Maybe I should try this reading thing.  On second thought, who needs to study?  My cuteness alone has to be worth at least a B+ maybe even an A-.

Driving to school

2. Exercise – Walking between classes and through buildings can be exhausting, especially since there are so many stairs.  I love to run and hop up and down the stairs, but Kelsey is no fun.  She keeps telling me to slooooow doooooown, but being slow is for old puppies and humans.  Maybe she should take my advice and exercise more so that she too could jump down the last four stairs.  She said her arm is ready to fall off, so sometimes we cheat and take the elevator.  I like the elevator too, because who can resist telling me how cute I am when we’re trapped together in a confined space?

Outside, off-vest/harness, meeting my new friend

1. Have Fun! - College may only be 4 days of my life, but I plan to embrace it.  Make as many new friends as you possibly can.  On my first day, I even met a working guide dog named Gabby (GDB).  I barked once and distracted her a bit, but her partner was nice and wanted to know all about me.  Someday I want an important job and a partner just like Gabby has.

Waiting for Godot

Hi All!

We were the stars of a recent Cottage Grove Lioness meeting with lots of awwws and petting and such.

We became persona non grata when it was time to eat! :-( We watched while they ate. What a time to be so very very neat - not a crumb!

Even a head tilt got no reward at all.....sigh....

B & G

Happy Birthday Ace!

Here is the birthday boy patiently waiting for his birthday cookie. We were on vacation in Door County, staying in a cabin in Baileys Harbor.

Here he is enjoying his cookie. How we managed to get the picture was sure luck as the cookie quickly disappeared after that shot!

He enjoyed every crumb!

Happy Birthday to all the "A" puppies

Boston Store Community Days

Hi there!

I thought all of you would love to see a picture of me (the handsome yellow one looking so regal) and my friend Biscuit. We were great salesdogs at the Boston Store Community Day event on October 8th at East Towne. Mom says that we will be at East Towne again soon. I sure hope so because I sure have a lot of fun being pet by everybody.

Your friend,

Gordy

Fastest Puppy

On Sept. 25th, we were invited to the Delta Gamma fun run/walk. We braved the iffy weather and watched as all the people came in to register and participate. There were quite a few people despite the wet/cool day.

I handed Ace off to one of the runners as I don't run unless it is an emergency. So here is Ace waiting patiently for the run to start.

The dogs were more than ready to run and a bit over excited to start.

Ace and his running partner were the first dog/human team to return, even with a potty break. Ace had a great time and I think he was ready for more.

Barry Says "HI"

OK, Bristol had a chance to say "HI" now it is my turn. I'm Barry, Bristol's brother. I am so much bigger and faster than she is. My mom says that I am supposed to take care of Bristol and not play too hard with her because she is still recovering from being sick. Boy, somebody ought to tell her that. She is starting to feel pretty good. She can run really fast, but I am still stronger. So, because mom wants me to be gentle with her, I play with my other foster brother, Gordy. We play "settle" , "stay" and "leave it" in the house. Outside, we get to play RUN and tumble! Mom and dad take Gordy and me everywhere! (Bristol can't go with us yet as she needs to take it easy.) We get to play when we are out and about too - "settle", "stay" and "leave it". We get to say "Hi" to other humans too. The "leave it" game is really hard when my human cousins (who are 2-4 years old) drop things on the floor. Well, I just thought I would introduce myself - Barry

Bristol

Bristol’s Update!

Everybody has been asking about Bristol’s progress. It is probably best for her to tell you all about how she is doing.

--------------------------------

“Hi everybody!

First of all, thanks to everybody for all of their good wishes. With lots of TLC and anti-biotics I am getting better. My neck is still a little stiff – which makes it REALLY hard to keep track of my brother, Barry when he wants to play with me. My temporary mom and dad, Barb and Mark, won’t let me play as much as I want. They say I still need to take it easy. Give me a break- I am a young lab – let me RUN. All the doctors are still trying to figure out why I got sick twice/three times. I am waiting for some more blood tests to come back – maybe that will tell them why.(I am still on anti-biotics) In the meantime, Barb and Mark are not falling for the “I am sick let me do what I want” routine. They make me wait in the crate before I eat, wait to go outside, wait to come inside, wait, wait, wait. They are also working on something called “settle”. I am supposed to just lay down without wiggling. Boy is that hard! Please keep up the good wishes.

Bristol