Monthly Archives: April 2014

day 4, can you say tired?

30 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Okay, only one post today because there literally hasn’t been a chance to post before this.  I have American idol playing in the background, but there’s no way I’ll make it to the end. After all, it’s on an hour later here so won’t end till 10. eeek.

 

Today, it was one run, go here go there and go the next place, with hardly a chance to breathe in between. In the morning we drove to Portland. I went out first in the morning. We walked a nice six to eight block route in downtown to a coffeeshop. Then we went back a little different way to make it a bit of a shorter route. In the afternoon we did the same route again. It was quite warm, definitely over eighty degrees.

 

Petunia was wonderful Already she is beginning to relax. Her mouth is open and her tail high, sure signs a dog is feeling comfortable. We made a few minor erros and they wer easy to fix or correct.

 

After that we drove to a store to do some building work and practice moving turns. I bought a cute small like mini backpack. It’s black with multi-colored sequins. It’s just to be able to carry small things on our routes without carrying my huge purse and killing my shoulders.

 

But it felt like doing three workouts in one day and I was sure hobbling by the time we got back.

 

But now we get to start working our dogs int he buildings, and I love that. We’ve just been taking them  around on leash here in the dorm. Each little thing we do, walking from my room to the dining room or to the relieving area, having her guide me, builds both our confidence.

 

And that’s really it for today. sorry this is short but I just don’t have the energy for more  tonight. I plan to try to write more aobut my thoughts for the day tomorrow.Oh, I found out where Petunia was raised. I don’t know if her raisers are going to come to graduation yet, but I know who they are. I won’t post that for now until I know that they know about her being in class.

 

 

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day 3, a busy day of work

29 Tuesday Apr 2014

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This is the first chance I’ve had to post, and even this will get interrupted for dog relieving time in a few minutes.

 

After breakfast which was this incredible banan bread with peanut butter and banan slices, we met in the fireside room to discuss the plan for the day. Then we drove to downtown Gresham.

 

I was the first to go out. I went with April, my primary instructor, and Keith the class supervisor. Keith walked near me, helping to prompt me with things, and I’m sure, there to grab me if I had any balance issues.

 

I was blown away but Petunia’s work. It was a short route, just a few blocks with easy turns and simple crossings. But there were a lot of elevation changes, wheel chair ramps, driveways sloping up and down as you walk across them. Things like that can cause balance issues for me. But petunia seemed to sens when she needed to slow down, or when she needed to stop for a particularly step slope, or when she could just breeze on through. It was amazing really. Sure, we have lots of learning to do, but whereas yesterday I was feeling like I was not knowing how to interact with her, tonight I feel so confident of our progress and future.

 

We had lunch there in Gresham, a fantastic brito that I had in a bowl. Then we had another workout.

 

The route was a little longer than the morning. There were more turns and crossings. There also was what I’d call a crack int he sidewalk, though it was really a sort of lip to a grate. We patterned Petunia to this because it is something I would definitely fall over. April guided me and we just led her to it and stopped. Praising and celebrating, to let her know that stopping there was a very good thing. Then we went back and I had her guide me, and she stopped right where she should. We had a huge party there!

 

Since she isn’t very food motivated, we tried some high value treats, things that are more interesting than standard old kibble. She liked those for a while, and then got bored and stopped taking them. So we’re working on all the other ways we can praise and reward and motivate her. Lots of hugs and neck scratches, joyful praise, and even silliness, making silly sounds and playing with her a bit.

 

We were finished early, so when we got back here, three of us got to go, one at a time, to the free run, a fenced in grassy area, where the dogs can run around and let off steam. She ran and she rolled, she got mud on her head, she snorted and snorted and just had a blast. Every time I called her to come to me she came, gently touching me with her nose. This is so important to me after Bianca’s terrible recall. so, I really praised her for it.

 

We also got to start grooming them today. We have our packs with a couple different brushes and toothbrush and paste. Petunia enjoyed grooming very much. I love grooming my dog. It’s a relaxing time for both of us, it’s good health for her and makes us both bond together better.

 

After dinner, we had a session about playing with our dogs and were given three toys for our dogs.

 

And that’s really it for the day. We have an all day session in downtown Portland tomorrow. I’m exhausted, so I’m going to wrap this up and get ready for bed. I have pictures and will try to upload them, but in case I can’t figure that out, check out my facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/sherriola

 

Happy trails to all!

 

 

Day 3, wrap up from dog day

29 Tuesday Apr 2014

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Can I just murder my laptop?

 

Anyway, I didn’t write too much last night Sorry everyone. After we got our dogs, we just spent time in our rooms with them. Later, the instructors called up down to the room where we have our meetings, the fireside room, and we had some discussions about using food rewards and what would be going on for the rest of the day. We were introduce to our classmates dogs, verbally anyway. We won’t interact much with each other’s dogs because it’s important for our dogs to bond to us. I won’t mention student or dog names in this blog without permission, so I’ll just say that Petunia is the only yellow colored dog in the class.

 

After meeting with everyone, we broke up and went with our instructor on a short walk outside. Petunia and I were not smooth or comfortable together, but that isn’t to be expected at this stage. She’s probably thinking, who the bloody gell is this idiot? But seriously, she did pretty nice work all the same.

 

After that, we came in and practiced walking up and down the halls here with our dogs heeling, as I said last night, walking at our side, not guiding, so not pulling ahead. If they don’t heel, we stop and pull them back into position until they are where they should be. If they get distracted, we do what is called a time out, where we grab the leash with both hands, right up by the collar and pull them into us. We stand still, not interacting with the dog at all for about ten seconds. they tell me it works wonders, because not getting contact from us is like a correction in a way, but time will tell. The juno did a good job of showing it, but I have to wait and see what I think in regard to a real dog.

 

We’re supposed to give them tons of kibble, walk a few paces then stop and reward, walk on stopa nd reward, that kind of thing. It’s tricky with Petunia so far, because since she stops accepting kibble after a while, that isn’t going to be the best motivator.

 

Honestly, It’s hard to get used to this, when for 39 years, if your dog didn’t heel, you either gave a leash correction or said, no, heel, or something. that little word no wants to come out of my mouth so badly. lol.

 

Last evening, she only ate part of her food. They put an antibiotic powerder on the evening meal, and she doesn’t like it. She also has not done her business except to pee at 5 last night. But she didn’t need to go out in the middle of the night. Hmmm. the only other golden guide I had didn’t relieve for 2 days! Yikes.

 

Currently, she’s quiet on her tie-down. I made coffee this morning, but the covered mug they gave us yesterday leaks anytime I try to drink it, so I’m going for a coke.

 

Today we will go into Gresham and start learning a route to a coffeeshop. Oh happy happy day!

 

 

day 2, part 3, dog time!!!!

28 Monday Apr 2014

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I’m sorry people have had to wait so long to hear the news. It’s really been no stop running all afternoon and evening. this is the first chance I’ve had to sit down at the computer, and really all I want to do is sleep.

 

But enough of that. I know what you really want to know.

 

my dog is a female golden retriever named Petunia. She is beautiful. She is the more yellow gold color, not the red. She is about 19 months old and stands 23 and 3/4 inches tall. She has a fluffy head and neck and chest and tail. Her coat on her back isn’t as long as some goldens but much longer than a lab. She hs the cutest ears that are kinda long and always cocked back like she’s listening.

 

I wanted a golden so very much. I had a golden before, and it’s been fifteen years since then. I’ve loved all the labs I’ve had, but a golden was my heart’s desire and I’ve got her.

 

We practiced heeling, that’s walking up and down the hall and into rooms with the dog walking at our sides, not pulling ahead. They are not guiShe gets excited and wants to pull ahead. We also did a short guiding route on campus.

 

For people unfamiliar with the process, it will take a while for things to mesh. I’m used to my Olga’s working style, and Petunia is used to her trainer. We have to learn to work with each other, and that can take a while. But I’m pleased with our progress so far.

 

And wonder of wonders, she’s not super food motivated. so, after a while, she stopped taking food rewards. she didn’t eat all her dinner, and except for at the 5:00 relieving, she hasn’t done her business. I might be getting up in the middle of the night!

 

She’s now asleep on her bed next to mine. And I’m going to make one  phone call and go to bed.

 

I’m sorry this is brief. I have so much in my heart, but I need sleep!

 

 

day 2, part 2, the morning adventures

28 Monday Apr 2014

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I am now sitting in my rooim, waiting for the instructors to bring my dog to me. I know nothing about the dog yet.

 

So, what we did this morning. We met together and got to be introduced to our class instructors. We have a great team. We talked about the schedule for the day, and about things like food rewards, obedience and guide work commands and tecniques for handling any issues. Then we each went out with the person who will be our primary instructor to practice heeling the dogs and afew issues like goiong through doors, correcting with a techniques called time out. The instructors carry a rolled up dog rug and put a collar and leash on it. That is know as juno.

 

We had a break and then met up again for a pace assessment and guide work exercise. April, my instructor tried to simulate my dog’s pace, and it felt good, so I think we will do well.

 

After that we had a fire drill, ugh, and then a discussion of how we will meet our dogs.

 

We will receive our dogs in our rooms, and later we’ll all meet together to introduce our new partners to our classmates.

 

New Dog could be here any minute!!!!

 

oh for lunch I had a grilled cheese on sour dough. and kim, my buddy, friend, partner in crime, person who has seen  me through so much and actually still likes me, she sat at my table and we had a great time chatterin.

 

And now, we all get to wait to find out who new dog will be.

 

Hang in there!

day 2, part 1

28 Monday Apr 2014

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Good morning!

 

This day will have multiple posts, so check back.

 

It’s currently just about 5 am and I’ve been up for an hour. Today’s schedule is as follows:

breakfast 7:30

Meet in the fireside room with our class instructors at 8:30, bring new leash and treat pouch with about a cup of kibble.

There will be Juno obedience and guide work. for people who don’t know what that is, it’s the trainers holding the leash or harness as we practice giving obedience and guide commands, learning corrections ad such. There will also be a pace assessment so they can be sure they are matching us with dogs who fit our preferred walking speed. There will also be a fire drill somewhere in the morning.

Meeting to discuss receiving our dogs at 11:30

Lunch at 12:30

Receive our dogs at 1:30 PM! yayayayayayay!!!!!!

 

Post dog receiving:

spend time with our dogs, then practice obedience and a little guide work.

dinner 5:30

after dinner a meeting aobut something I’ve already forgotten. oops, have to listen to the schedule again. Oh yeah, the water, relieving and feeding schedule for the dogs. lol.

Last dog relieving at 8:30 and then the evening is ours.

There will be other discussions during the day but I forgot the list.

 

Let me describe the room. This used to be a double room, but now all rooms are single. so it has two entrances, two closets, sets of drawers, desks sinks and back doors. There is one bathroom with the shower and toilet.

 

When you come in the room to the right is a set of shelves. When I arrived they already held a roll of paper towels, a laundry bag, a small bin with kibble for the dog, a grooming pouch with dog brushes and such thing. Beyond that is a low set of drawers, the top one has a lock. I have my clothes in the drawers with my meds and wallet and things in the locking drawer. Problem is I can’t get the damn key out of the lock!

 

Keep moving forward and there is a desk tot he right. It’s a little high for me and the chair is a little low, so my arms hurt from trying to type without touching the mouse pad. I need and external keyboard! Keep walking straight and you run into the bed. A double bed and a little shelf above the pillows at the head of the bed. level with the pillows.

 

On the opposite of the room, there are sheves and drawers to match but no bed. In the closet is a small refrigerator. there is also a recliner and a bean bag so you could cuddle up with your dog there or sit and read with your dog on the beanbag beside you.

 

outside the external doors are a patio area and a relieving are where we will take the dogs in the second week of training. In the first week, we’ll all go to a central location to relieve so our trainers can assist us.

 

The dorm itself has an exercise room, a snack room with a microwave and soda and snack machines, a library with braille and audio books, a music room, several rooms to hang out and socialize with classmates, the dining room of course. it’s huge and beautiful.

 

I think that’s it for now. I’ll be back sometime later today. Oh by the way, my breakfast will be, scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, fruit and toast I think. mmmm.

 

day 1,arrival

28 Monday Apr 2014

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Hey everyone,

 

I’m here; I’m here!

 

I’m so tired, but relaxing in my room now.

 

I stayed at my friends last night and slept on their couch so I didn’t sleep

well. Not until their cat came and curled up on me purring away. That got me

to sleep finally.

 

One of my classmates actually lives a stone’s throw from

me, but we’d never known each other before. We were on the same flight and

the flight attendants switched out seats so we could fly together. We are

both nervous fliers so that made it much nicer.

 

My friendLeota met me at the gate and we had a lovely time together. Her dog Flyer, a now retired guide dog she raised,

was with them and he’s adorable. I love him. Wanted to steal him away. We

couldn’t find a restaurant for breakfast that didn’t have lines out the

door, so we just went back to their place and Rob cooked breakfast,

scrambled eggs, hash browns and sausage. And coffee, oh lots and lots of

coffee! it was delicious and exactly what I needed. I was so hungry by then.

 

And that golden puppy they’re taking care of, she’s so sweet and beautiful.

I never wanted to let her go!

 

We arrived here at the GDB Oregon campus and I got oriented to my room. Amazing rooms. I’ll describe them later. I met

the the chef and got my dinner order, met the nurse and she took my grocery store order for some coke andsome starbucks frappuccinos. I unpacked, got my network set up on my laptop and iPhone.

 

We had the meet and greet in what they call the fireside room. We have six students, all retrains. We have five women and one guy in the class. Everyone seems very friendly.

 

For dinner I had parmesan chicken with linguini and broccoli and homemade

bread. Mmmm. The food here is going to be amazing. and I hate to admit it but way better than the other campus. the chef came in and got our meal orders for the next two days. you’re all gonna drool as you hear about the food. and there’s always a vegetarian option and even options if yu don’t like what’s on the menu.

 

Later we had the dorm tour. I had been feeling pretty lost at first. I used

to run around the old SR dorm with no cane, but I’m taking that old thing

with me now. But now I’ve had the tour the dorm makes more sense to me.

 

Now I’m doing email and waiting for the night staff person, to come and

bring me a coffee maker and grab Olga’s harness. And then I’m going to

shower and head for bed! Apparently, they don’t have a student student coffee maker in the snack room anymore, so someone from the dorm staff brings down a carafe at 6, but I’m always up so long before that. they have small pots a student can have in their room, so that’s what she brought me.

 

 

 

I’m so happy to be here.

 

 

Abrief note aobut these updates. I can’t get the stupid mouse pad on my laptop to stay turned off, so if the posts are weird sometimes, it could be that this things switches focus without me knowing

Sherry

On my own

26 Saturday Apr 2014

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I thought it was time for a little check in. Tomorrow I leave for training.

 

Olga went to her new home on Tuesday. It was sad to see her leave, knowing she’s not coming back to live with me. But I know she’ll be happy in her new life, and that’s what really matters. On Wednesday, I checked with Judy, her new mom, and she said Olga had a good night. They were about to go for a nice long walk and meet some other family members. then they would be off to the pet store to stock up on food and whatever. so, I know Olga is in good hands.

 

Bianca just left to go to my friend’s house for the two weeks I’m away. I sent her food, her glucosamine and her favorite treatrs, baby carrots! Well, hell, the carrots won’t stay good till I get back anyway. lol. Beanie will be in good hands with Becky.

 

Now my home is dog free and it feels so weird. I don’t like it.

 

I’m just about ready for tomorrow. All my clothes are packed. I just have to add my toiletries and electronics. Of course, my laptop will be the last thing I pack before bed tonight. Trying to pack clothes for Oregon when I’m in a spell of beautiful warm weather here has been interesting. The school has rain gear, so I think I’ll use theirs and bring my own jacket or coat for days when it’s cool to cold but not raining. I just can’t bear to pack any sweaters or other warm clothes! I’ve got long pants but mostly short sleeves or three quarter sleeves on the tops.

 

I had such a meltdown the other day, as I was planning getting to the airport. I truly hate flying. And getting to and going through the airport stresses me so badly I can hardly stand it. I even considered asking the doctor for one tranquilizer just for the trip out. But I’m too damn stubborn for that kind of thing.

 

Things have worked out through. My friend will drive me to the airport. and I called the TSA cares line to arrange to have an agent meet me and escort me through security and to the gate. Now that we can keep electronics on during the flight, I plan to read during the whole flight and maybe even have something like a mimosa, an acceptable morning alcoholic drink! lol.

 

another friend is meeting me in Portland at the airport so I won’t have to wait for the people from GDB. we’ll go to breakfast and stuff before heading to campus where I’ll get settled.

 

And Monday afternoon is dog day! I’m just about counting the hours. lol.

 

So, keep me in your thotughts and prayers tomorrow as I embark on my journey.

 

 

training news!

18 Friday Apr 2014

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Okay, if you’ve read about Olga’s retirement, I mentioned I had exciting news to share. If you haven’t read about her retirement, please read that post too!

 

So, I’ve been on the waiting list for the right dog and in home training. But I know it can be hard for them to have staff available for in home training. So, I emailed admissions this week and told them I would be willing to go to class.

 

Well, today, I got a call from Keith, a class supervisor at the Oregon campus. He told me they have a dog for me, a very special perfect match kind of dog, and can I come to the next class!

 

Oh did I forget to say that class starts on April 27? Yikes.

 

What answer did I give Keith? Come on, can ya guess? Three guesses and the first two don’t count!

 

I! SAID! YES!

 

Oh boy, it’s gonna be just great telling work on Monday. But with my physical needs, the right dog is hard to find, and hwen it’s available I have to go.

 

So, yes, I’m going to train with my new dog on April 27. I’ll actually meet the dog the next day after working with the instructors for a while, so they can teach me any new commands–or help me break bad long time handler habits and shortcuts. I’ll be there two weeks, graduating on May 10, probably flying home the next day.

 

have I ever mentioned how much I really hate flying? Well, I really hate flying. Don’t wanna do it. Gotta do it though. Oh dear.

 

So, I’ll be quite busy, picking clothes and things and packing what I can, so I can be ready to leave in eight days. wow.

 

Wish me luck!

 

I’ll be writing here about my training so don’t forget to check back or subscribe for updates.

 

Okay, start guessing. am I getting a Labrador, a golden or a lab/golden cross.

 

 

Olga’s retirement

18 Friday Apr 2014

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Okay, I actually have two very exciting posts today. I’ll let this one be all about sweet Olga.

So, I interviewed several different people who expressed interest in adopting Olga. The last couple I met are an older husband and wife. They work from home. they are former puppy raisers for Guide dogs for the blind, GDB. They go for nice long walks every day. And, every May they leave for property they own on a lake in Michigan, spending the entire summer there. Olga likes them. and after much deep thought and prayer, I chose this lovely couple for Olga’s retirement.

This is sad for me. Olga is a special sweet dog, but she’s going to have an amazing life with her new family. She won’t be second or third in line for my attention. she won’t be left home all the time. She will be well lopved. Judy was in tears when I told her I chose them.

I am completely at peace with my choice. and they may even ask me to dog sit from time to time, once they get back from their summer. so, Olga won’t be completely out of my life, but by then, she’ll be thoroughly adjusted to her new life, and I’ll be bonded with Newie. that’s my temp name for my new dog, since I have no info about the dog. grin.

So, wish Olga well. and Read the next post!