So, when my landlord gave me my answer he was over in person to look at some mold that was appearing in my flatmate's room. I was also in the middle of washing the dishes in between studying for two exams this week. So, I guess I was in sort of numb shock. I was so hoping he would say yes. And foolishly I had visions of my birthday gift to me being an email to my supervisor putting in for a puppy as soon as he could get me one. Guess I will settle for some material possession.
Even though I have two more exams in this next week, today was my second one for this week and I finally had time to really think about it. And, I'm confused and sad. Obviously I am sad because I will have no puppy. But also because German Shepherd. *sad face* Now I'm just hoping that GDB back home starts using them again. Haha! We'll see. What confuses me the most is his answer to why he didn't want me to raise. He said, "We just don't think a dog belongs in student residence."
Now, that's fair enough. Really and truly I understand that. You don't know if someone will move in in a few years time that is allergic to dogs or they could ruin the carpet and the students can do that already. But, it makes no sense to use that argument when he's allowing me to board. I've had a puppy here every month. Usually it is just Frankie, but with the prospect of different puppies with different relieving habit coming in and out of the house I just don't see the logical grounds for the argument.
I mean, he came to fix the boiler when I was out and I had left Major home because he would relieve and you always avoid situations where there will definitely be an accident and he didn't even realise that I was on a puppy sit because we keep the house so clean.
I'm not going to bring this up to him because that would be like looking a gift horse in the mouth and I might just get it taken away from me. And obviously, it's his decision as it's his house so I'm not going to push it or anything. So, I'm not complaining. I'm just very confused.
The Complete Adventures of Raiser Erin and a couple of naughty puppies.
Showing posts with label No More Puppy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label No More Puppy. Show all posts
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Got My Answer
He said no. What are you gonna do right? All I really wanted was an answer and I got one. Oh well...I guess it was worth a try. He definitely wouldn't have said yes if I never asked. Am I disappointed? Yeah. A lot. It would have been nice to have a puppy around again. Guess I'll just have to wait until I'm done with University. Only a year and a half left. I can do that.
At least I still get to puppy sit. That'll keep me tied over until I can raise again full time.
At least I still get to puppy sit. That'll keep me tied over until I can raise again full time.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
No Puppy for Erin
Well, it looks pretty official now. I don't think a puppy is in my near future. The landlord we are looking to rent with seems to be sticking with his decision of not allowing pets of any kind. I know. I could argue that a Guide Dog Puppy is not a pet and I could argue that with new "dog" technology it is possible to keep a dog and keep the house smelling relatively nice. Really, with the weekly cleaning of our house back home with 3 dogs and 2 cats my friends have said that they can tell that animals live there, but that it isn't overpowering and it definitely doesn't smell.
I know, I could argue all of these things but we want to make sure that we get the house first. If we prove to be good tenants and keep the house really clean...maybe he'll change his mind. I guess I could bring it up winter break of 2012-2013.
I am trying to work out starting a puppy here. It all depends on when we'd be moving in to the new place and when I want to be home over the summer. I guess I could apply for the GDB internship and that could decide when I'm home and if I could have a puppy over the summer.
We shall see...guess I'll just have to spend my time here puppy sitting as many puppies as possible.
I know, I could argue all of these things but we want to make sure that we get the house first. If we prove to be good tenants and keep the house really clean...maybe he'll change his mind. I guess I could bring it up winter break of 2012-2013.
I am trying to work out starting a puppy here. It all depends on when we'd be moving in to the new place and when I want to be home over the summer. I guess I could apply for the GDB internship and that could decide when I'm home and if I could have a puppy over the summer.
We shall see...guess I'll just have to spend my time here puppy sitting as many puppies as possible.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A Much Needed Update
Sorry for being a little absent over the past week. I've been enjoying my spring break by sitting around playing computer games and watching TV all day. OK, I've actually been spending and hour or two a day on school work, but you all get the idea. It's been nothing but relaxation. In fact, I've been so relaxed that I forgot to renew three books online from the library on the day I was suppose to pick up my mother from the airport. *sigh* I guess that was one thing on my "to do" list that didn't get done. Oh, well. Nothing to be done now except pay the fine and get on with it since I have no one to blame but myself.
Anyway, I thought I would share a few updates. Some of them are good and some of them aren't so good.
First, Danvers from my puppy group is graduating today with his blind partner from the Oregon campus! Congrats to him and his two family raisers. I knew from the start that he was one of those puppies who, if he passed the medicals, would go on to be a Guide. He's just such a wonderful boy and his partner is super lucky to have him. I also hear that he is super lucky to have his partner. Apparently, his new partner is a wonderful guy. He'll be following Pauli and Rocco to Canada. That makes him our third puppy in a row to be placed in Canada. *grin*
Next, little Teesha was Career Changed about a week ago before going into harness training. She was apparently have some inappropriate people reactions in the kennel and she started baulking when going into the vet's office (which is pretty funny because her raising family owns a vet clinic). We like to say that she knew that's where she was spayed and definitely didn't want to go back there. Haha! Her raisers adopted her and will be taking a break for a while since they now have two Career Changes and a few pet dogs and cats. Hopefully, this summer Hilly and I will be able to get together with both Rockford and Teesha. The two "T" sisters loved Hilly.
Thirdly, there's our puppies still in training. Lance *finally* made it back into phase 8 after being dropped back to phase 7 for six weeks! Hooray! We're hoping that Mary will get the call in the next few weeks about him being in class. Hey, they obviously saw something special in him to work so hard with him. Then there is Stuart and Tippin. They are both in phase 4. That's half way there for both of them! Go pups!
Finally I'll update you on my situation.
As April 11 draws nearer I am finding myself regretting not keeping Indie. I know it was the right thing for him, but I'm missing him. Isn't that funny. I'm missing the puppy I never got to meet. I'm thinking about asking to borrow Frankie for a day so I can have a baby around even if it is just for a little while. There is another reason I am regretting not taking Indie besides me missing him. You see, we're looking to move next year. Not because we don't love this place, but because we know of a four bedroom house that is super close to campus and is about 100 pounds cheaper a month in rent that what we're paying now. We are friends with the people who will be moving out of "#11" so we know what the house's problems are and what benefits it provides. Now, we also know that the current tenants have a pet dog. You guys might remember Qualia, well she lives in this house. Because of this, we all assumed that my condition of "the new house must allow me to keep my puppy" would be met. I figured I would have to pay a deposit or something, which I was fine with. Well, the landlord is now saying "no pets of any kind." I'm more than a little bummed. Rented places in Aberdeen are hard to come by and this one is perfect in every other way. Plus, I would save over 200 pounds a month in rent and bills. It's really an opportunity that I can't pass up. Not only because of the savings but because it's the only other 4 bedroom house on the market that is within everyone's budget and if I backed out now two of my friends wouldn't have a place to live next year.
I think what bothers me most about it is this. The landlord is worried about the smell. That's fair enough. Any house with a dog has a distinct odour. I'm very aware of this and I'm very aware that I am renting. So, when there's a dog over here I sweep everyday and vacuum as often as it needs. I also bathe my dogs at least every month not only to keep them clean but because part of their job is going into public. I want my dogs to offend as little as possible. Which means good and frequent grooming. So, while I can't erase the smell I can certainly lessen it. But, here's my real issue, one of the current tenants has not cleaned his room since moving in last summer and whenever the door is opened a sickly smell wafts through the house. I swear, it smells worse in that room than a house with a dog has ever smelt. Especially if the house is cleaned on a weekly basis. I've never had someone cringe when I opened the door to my house. Lisa and myself almost threw up when his room door was opened. If the landlord is so worried about smell, he should have kicked this guy out a long time ago. At least we would keep things cleaned.
Anyway, I've asked the landlord if it would be possible to keep my boarder status because having one dog for less than a week every other month probably would not make the house smell. It would give enough time between sittings to air the whole place out. But, as it stand right now, I will not be getting Guide Dog Puppy #4 in the near future. We'll see if this new landlord turns around and says "yes" but it's looking unlikely.
Anyway, I thought I would share a few updates. Some of them are good and some of them aren't so good.
First, Danvers from my puppy group is graduating today with his blind partner from the Oregon campus! Congrats to him and his two family raisers. I knew from the start that he was one of those puppies who, if he passed the medicals, would go on to be a Guide. He's just such a wonderful boy and his partner is super lucky to have him. I also hear that he is super lucky to have his partner. Apparently, his new partner is a wonderful guy. He'll be following Pauli and Rocco to Canada. That makes him our third puppy in a row to be placed in Canada. *grin*
Next, little Teesha was Career Changed about a week ago before going into harness training. She was apparently have some inappropriate people reactions in the kennel and she started baulking when going into the vet's office (which is pretty funny because her raising family owns a vet clinic). We like to say that she knew that's where she was spayed and definitely didn't want to go back there. Haha! Her raisers adopted her and will be taking a break for a while since they now have two Career Changes and a few pet dogs and cats. Hopefully, this summer Hilly and I will be able to get together with both Rockford and Teesha. The two "T" sisters loved Hilly.
Thirdly, there's our puppies still in training. Lance *finally* made it back into phase 8 after being dropped back to phase 7 for six weeks! Hooray! We're hoping that Mary will get the call in the next few weeks about him being in class. Hey, they obviously saw something special in him to work so hard with him. Then there is Stuart and Tippin. They are both in phase 4. That's half way there for both of them! Go pups!
Finally I'll update you on my situation.
As April 11 draws nearer I am finding myself regretting not keeping Indie. I know it was the right thing for him, but I'm missing him. Isn't that funny. I'm missing the puppy I never got to meet. I'm thinking about asking to borrow Frankie for a day so I can have a baby around even if it is just for a little while. There is another reason I am regretting not taking Indie besides me missing him. You see, we're looking to move next year. Not because we don't love this place, but because we know of a four bedroom house that is super close to campus and is about 100 pounds cheaper a month in rent that what we're paying now. We are friends with the people who will be moving out of "#11" so we know what the house's problems are and what benefits it provides. Now, we also know that the current tenants have a pet dog. You guys might remember Qualia, well she lives in this house. Because of this, we all assumed that my condition of "the new house must allow me to keep my puppy" would be met. I figured I would have to pay a deposit or something, which I was fine with. Well, the landlord is now saying "no pets of any kind." I'm more than a little bummed. Rented places in Aberdeen are hard to come by and this one is perfect in every other way. Plus, I would save over 200 pounds a month in rent and bills. It's really an opportunity that I can't pass up. Not only because of the savings but because it's the only other 4 bedroom house on the market that is within everyone's budget and if I backed out now two of my friends wouldn't have a place to live next year.
I think what bothers me most about it is this. The landlord is worried about the smell. That's fair enough. Any house with a dog has a distinct odour. I'm very aware of this and I'm very aware that I am renting. So, when there's a dog over here I sweep everyday and vacuum as often as it needs. I also bathe my dogs at least every month not only to keep them clean but because part of their job is going into public. I want my dogs to offend as little as possible. Which means good and frequent grooming. So, while I can't erase the smell I can certainly lessen it. But, here's my real issue, one of the current tenants has not cleaned his room since moving in last summer and whenever the door is opened a sickly smell wafts through the house. I swear, it smells worse in that room than a house with a dog has ever smelt. Especially if the house is cleaned on a weekly basis. I've never had someone cringe when I opened the door to my house. Lisa and myself almost threw up when his room door was opened. If the landlord is so worried about smell, he should have kicked this guy out a long time ago. At least we would keep things cleaned.
Anyway, I've asked the landlord if it would be possible to keep my boarder status because having one dog for less than a week every other month probably would not make the house smell. It would give enough time between sittings to air the whole place out. But, as it stand right now, I will not be getting Guide Dog Puppy #4 in the near future. We'll see if this new landlord turns around and says "yes" but it's looking unlikely.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Postponed
Well, the title says it all. I've had to postpone getting my Little I. *sad face*
It's not because of the doubts I was having involving my social life. In fact, there wasn't much I could do to stop it. You see, I was due for minor surgery back at the end of February. Unfortunately, there was a bit of miscommunication between my GP and the dermatology clinic. When I got there they said that it would take five to six months for them to get me the surgery. I agreed to this because I was thinking that in five or six months the puppy would be between seven and eight months old and I wouldn't have to carry him/her (this was before I knew about Little I) outside to go potty or to the vet or bend down to clean up accidents on the floor or pick up accidents on walks. Well, I got a letter on Saturday telling me that my surgery date had been moved up.
I was happy, but the surgery date was just five days after Little I was suppose to get here. I thought about it for four days and finally decided to do what's best for my Little I. I would get him and then immediately have to ship him off to a sitter for a month. Then when I got him back it would only be a week until the week of finals. That's when I was going to ask for a sitter for the week anyway. So, in the two months that I would have Little I, the pup would only be with me for two weeks.
I really wish it didn't have to be this way. But I know that it's what is best for my Little I.
I do know why GDB back home doesn't give up the name of our puppy before they get here though. It was so much harder for me to make this decision because I knew who I was getting. I'm so attached to this puppy already and it hasn't even come home to me yet. I was getting Little I all of these toys and a new bed and some new blankets. I'm so sad that I can't have him anymore.
Now, with me telling you his gender, I can tell you who would have won the Name Game out of the people who have put in guesses. I was going to receive a Male Yellow Golden/Lab cross (1/4 lab and 3/4 golden) named:
INDIE
So far Ashley would have won with 2 points.
Well, that's all for now. I should know in another month and a half what my new puppy assignment is and as soon as I know you will all know. I'm missing my Indie already, but I know he'll be happier with a raiser who doesn't have to send him to the sitters right away. And, now, I'm for sure able to have a baby because it'll be summer when I get one.
It's not because of the doubts I was having involving my social life. In fact, there wasn't much I could do to stop it. You see, I was due for minor surgery back at the end of February. Unfortunately, there was a bit of miscommunication between my GP and the dermatology clinic. When I got there they said that it would take five to six months for them to get me the surgery. I agreed to this because I was thinking that in five or six months the puppy would be between seven and eight months old and I wouldn't have to carry him/her (this was before I knew about Little I) outside to go potty or to the vet or bend down to clean up accidents on the floor or pick up accidents on walks. Well, I got a letter on Saturday telling me that my surgery date had been moved up.
I was happy, but the surgery date was just five days after Little I was suppose to get here. I thought about it for four days and finally decided to do what's best for my Little I. I would get him and then immediately have to ship him off to a sitter for a month. Then when I got him back it would only be a week until the week of finals. That's when I was going to ask for a sitter for the week anyway. So, in the two months that I would have Little I, the pup would only be with me for two weeks.
I really wish it didn't have to be this way. But I know that it's what is best for my Little I.
I do know why GDB back home doesn't give up the name of our puppy before they get here though. It was so much harder for me to make this decision because I knew who I was getting. I'm so attached to this puppy already and it hasn't even come home to me yet. I was getting Little I all of these toys and a new bed and some new blankets. I'm so sad that I can't have him anymore.
Now, with me telling you his gender, I can tell you who would have won the Name Game out of the people who have put in guesses. I was going to receive a Male Yellow Golden/Lab cross (1/4 lab and 3/4 golden) named:
INDIE
So far Ashley would have won with 2 points.
Well, that's all for now. I should know in another month and a half what my new puppy assignment is and as soon as I know you will all know. I'm missing my Indie already, but I know he'll be happier with a raiser who doesn't have to send him to the sitters right away. And, now, I'm for sure able to have a baby because it'll be summer when I get one.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
At Last...I Think
Right, so I emailed Graham again about whether or not I needed to sign one more thing. This was the second or third time I had emailed him about it, but I'm assuming the other emails got lost and are now floating aimlessly about the interweb. Anyway, he said that yes I did have one more thing to sign and that he needed his colleague to draw up the agreement. At least I was remembering correctly.
I have no idea when I'm going to sign this agreement. I hope it's soon because I really want to be able to say, "Hey Graham, I know I signed up to be a boarder but the best time for me to get a puppy of my own would be end of March. Think you can make it happen?" But I really don't know how. I would, of course, take the time between now and the beginning of my spring break to puppy sit as many times as possible, but I just can't take being puppyless much longer. I've waited a year and half (not including the summer with Hilly) to have my own puppy again and I'm so ready for that to happen. I went over to Erin's blog and she said something that really rang true. Not having a puppy is really BORING! Haha! I guess no one understands the puppy raising addiction quite like other puppy raisers.
Perhaps I should just say that? I'm ready for a puppy. I'll throw in a pretty please too just in case. I don't know though. I want my saying it to be perfect and I just haven't found the perfect way of saying it. I'd also like it to be in person if possible...but the next time I see him will be at the meeting on the 31st of January. Maybe I should just send him an email.
I have no idea when I'm going to sign this agreement. I hope it's soon because I really want to be able to say, "Hey Graham, I know I signed up to be a boarder but the best time for me to get a puppy of my own would be end of March. Think you can make it happen?" But I really don't know how. I would, of course, take the time between now and the beginning of my spring break to puppy sit as many times as possible, but I just can't take being puppyless much longer. I've waited a year and half (not including the summer with Hilly) to have my own puppy again and I'm so ready for that to happen. I went over to Erin's blog and she said something that really rang true. Not having a puppy is really BORING! Haha! I guess no one understands the puppy raising addiction quite like other puppy raisers.
Perhaps I should just say that? I'm ready for a puppy. I'll throw in a pretty please too just in case. I don't know though. I want my saying it to be perfect and I just haven't found the perfect way of saying it. I'd also like it to be in person if possible...but the next time I see him will be at the meeting on the 31st of January. Maybe I should just send him an email.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Hilly's an Official Ambassador
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| Hilly at PWAP's fundraiser. She's laying down with her Pet Ambassador scarf on and being a very, very good girl. |
I don't have much to report about GDB over here. There hasn't been any more fundraising events since the last one and I'm still trying to stay strong and not put in a puppy app until January. I won't lie, it's getting harder by the day. Not only did little "Eli" arrive in the group two weeks ago but Meghan and Emily are getting another puppy in just three and a half weeks! Puppies, puppies everywhere but not a ball of fur to cuddle.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Puppies Everywhere
I'm seeing puppies everywhere! Cute little things with cold noses, wet tongues, and puppy breath. Not only did my group receive this little guy on Friday but it seems all of the blogs I'm reading are talking about when they're getting their new puppies or have little ones already!
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| A picture of Eli, the newest member to PWAP. He's a black lab with a huge tongue! He's also Hilly's cousin and this picture reminds me a lot of her. |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A Short UK Update
As most of you know from my last post, I'm back in Scotland. This first week back has been...interesting to say the least. I won't go into details, but Aberdeen gave me an odd sort of welcome home. Mostly, I've been setting up my new room in my new flat (I'm so grown up) which has included having to buy a lamp and some new curtains and will probably eventually mean moving around my furniture to make it easier to work at my computer at my desk. But, I've also been getting prepared for this Saturday.
This Saturday is when I'm going down to the Guide Dogs for the Blind training center in Forfar. I'll get to take a tour and see the differences between training in America and training here. It should be really interesting and I'm really, really looking forward to it. I'm really hoping they'll let me see some of the dogs in training and show me the harness and, of course, the puppy kennels. See, I still haven't decided if I'll be getting a puppy here or not, but I am willing to bet you all the coins in my pocket right now that I soon as I see a litter of eight week old Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds then I'll decide right then and there about getting a puppy. I do have a big request here; no labs. Haha! It's not that I don't like labs, but GDB doesn't use German Shepherds or Flat Coated Retrievers back home so those are the breeds I'd like to do. Of course, I'm not just going to sign up when I see the puppies (or will I?). I do have a lot of questions to ask about raising a puppy here and what my suppose system would be. I have questions like, "What happens if I get a really soft puppy who can't go to University with me right away?" and "Would I be able to transfer the puppy to a new raiser?" and "Is it possible for me to get a transfer?" While I really, really want a baby puppy as it's been over a year since I've had one and almost three years since I've had one at eight weeks old, I am aware that a transfer puppy would be so much easier for me in my situation right now. And if I can get a transfer I can wait until the beginning of summer break to get one, if I need to get a baby puppy then I would need to get one during spring break to ensure that it was at least six months old before I take it to classes with me. But, I do know that GDB here does things a little differently and, unlike back home, they aren't having a sudden crop of soft puppies being born (but those things come in waves so I bet when I'm back home and want nothing but a soft tempered puppy they'll only be able to find me Freyas and Roccos and Hillys).
For interested raisers who are just now discovering my blog, you can see how much thought goes into getting a new puppy. This is a full time job even though you're not getting paid to do it. I absolutely love doing it, but the pros and cons of my situation do need to get weighed. Another thing that some other people may not have to worry about is my flatmate. I need to ask whether or not they'd need her on the volunteer sheets as well even if she doesn't do much with the puppy except play with it. If she does, that might take a little convincing. But, don't let the hard decisions turn you off of raising. It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun too.
Now, on to thisshort long update, but I'm almost done I promise. This week *hopefully* I'll get to see two of the puppies that I got to know last year; Bailey and Vale. I met Bailey for the first time when she was about six months old. But I really got to know her later on at ten months old and Vale is just about six months now I think. I met him when my friend first got him, so I'm excited to see how big he's gotten.
And lastly, I Skyped with Hilly the other day. She's doing well, but my dad says that it's obvious that she misses me. It's quite comforting to know that she knows who her person is. Hopefully that will stay for the whole three years so she's ready to come back and live with me when I get home. She was being really naughty and jumping on the furniture and jumping up on my dad, but you can tell that he really likes her. I really can't wait to see her again. Though, I might have to plan my summer break around something else this summer, but I plan on seeing my girl soon.
That's all for now. Pictures will come of the training center and of Bailey and Vale.
This Saturday is when I'm going down to the Guide Dogs for the Blind training center in Forfar. I'll get to take a tour and see the differences between training in America and training here. It should be really interesting and I'm really, really looking forward to it. I'm really hoping they'll let me see some of the dogs in training and show me the harness and, of course, the puppy kennels. See, I still haven't decided if I'll be getting a puppy here or not, but I am willing to bet you all the coins in my pocket right now that I soon as I see a litter of eight week old Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds then I'll decide right then and there about getting a puppy. I do have a big request here; no labs. Haha! It's not that I don't like labs, but GDB doesn't use German Shepherds or Flat Coated Retrievers back home so those are the breeds I'd like to do. Of course, I'm not just going to sign up when I see the puppies (or will I?). I do have a lot of questions to ask about raising a puppy here and what my suppose system would be. I have questions like, "What happens if I get a really soft puppy who can't go to University with me right away?" and "Would I be able to transfer the puppy to a new raiser?" and "Is it possible for me to get a transfer?" While I really, really want a baby puppy as it's been over a year since I've had one and almost three years since I've had one at eight weeks old, I am aware that a transfer puppy would be so much easier for me in my situation right now. And if I can get a transfer I can wait until the beginning of summer break to get one, if I need to get a baby puppy then I would need to get one during spring break to ensure that it was at least six months old before I take it to classes with me. But, I do know that GDB here does things a little differently and, unlike back home, they aren't having a sudden crop of soft puppies being born (but those things come in waves so I bet when I'm back home and want nothing but a soft tempered puppy they'll only be able to find me Freyas and Roccos and Hillys).
For interested raisers who are just now discovering my blog, you can see how much thought goes into getting a new puppy. This is a full time job even though you're not getting paid to do it. I absolutely love doing it, but the pros and cons of my situation do need to get weighed. Another thing that some other people may not have to worry about is my flatmate. I need to ask whether or not they'd need her on the volunteer sheets as well even if she doesn't do much with the puppy except play with it. If she does, that might take a little convincing. But, don't let the hard decisions turn you off of raising. It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun too.
Now, on to this
And lastly, I Skyped with Hilly the other day. She's doing well, but my dad says that it's obvious that she misses me. It's quite comforting to know that she knows who her person is. Hopefully that will stay for the whole three years so she's ready to come back and live with me when I get home. She was being really naughty and jumping on the furniture and jumping up on my dad, but you can tell that he really likes her. I really can't wait to see her again. Though, I might have to plan my summer break around something else this summer, but I plan on seeing my girl soon.
That's all for now. Pictures will come of the training center and of Bailey and Vale.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Update
Alright, I know I haven't been posting all that much but as I've said before, it isn't easy to come up with posts for a puppy raising blog when you do not currently have a puppy in training. But rest assured that Hilly and I are both still alive and well.
Hilly, in fact, has blossomed as a Career Changed puppy. I am a little mad at her because as of right now (the weekend of her initial recall) she's totally ready to go in for training. I'm a little mad at myself too because I wish I could turn back time to our last eval with Jim and say, "Give me one more week with her and I promise you she'll be ready for training!" Ah, well. Can't turn back time so I suppose I shouldn't spend time dwelling on it. I'm just glad that as soon as I'm home for good she and I can start therapy work. If you haven't checked out Hilly's Blog you really should. She's showing you guys of the new tricks she's learned since being released form the program. I've also applied for her to be a GDB Pet Ambassador so that I could possibly take her when I do my talks about what it's like to be a puppy raiser. Unfortunately the scarf hasn't come in yet so I doubt it'll arrive before I leave.
Speaking of which, today is my last full day with Hilly. I leave for LA tomorrow afternoon and then my plane leave Wednesday evening. I plan to make this last day count because I'm still not sure if I'm coming home for winter break or not (plane tickets are expensive ya know).
That brings me to Puppy Raising while in Scotland. I'm still on the fence about it. I have a list of questions that need to be answered before I even consider turning in an application. Then I know that I don't want to have a puppy until at least spring break. But, I am going down to the training center in Forfar on September 17. I'll be able to ask all my questions there and take a tour and have a lot of fun seeing how things are done in the UK. I'm sure I'll see a litter of German Shepherd puppies and that'll be the end for me. I'll be hooked and sign up right then and there. Haha!
Well, that's all for now! Hope everyone is enjoying their end of summer.
Hilly, in fact, has blossomed as a Career Changed puppy. I am a little mad at her because as of right now (the weekend of her initial recall) she's totally ready to go in for training. I'm a little mad at myself too because I wish I could turn back time to our last eval with Jim and say, "Give me one more week with her and I promise you she'll be ready for training!" Ah, well. Can't turn back time so I suppose I shouldn't spend time dwelling on it. I'm just glad that as soon as I'm home for good she and I can start therapy work. If you haven't checked out Hilly's Blog you really should. She's showing you guys of the new tricks she's learned since being released form the program. I've also applied for her to be a GDB Pet Ambassador so that I could possibly take her when I do my talks about what it's like to be a puppy raiser. Unfortunately the scarf hasn't come in yet so I doubt it'll arrive before I leave.
Speaking of which, today is my last full day with Hilly. I leave for LA tomorrow afternoon and then my plane leave Wednesday evening. I plan to make this last day count because I'm still not sure if I'm coming home for winter break or not (plane tickets are expensive ya know).
That brings me to Puppy Raising while in Scotland. I'm still on the fence about it. I have a list of questions that need to be answered before I even consider turning in an application. Then I know that I don't want to have a puppy until at least spring break. But, I am going down to the training center in Forfar on September 17. I'll be able to ask all my questions there and take a tour and have a lot of fun seeing how things are done in the UK. I'm sure I'll see a litter of German Shepherd puppies and that'll be the end for me. I'll be hooked and sign up right then and there. Haha!
Well, that's all for now! Hope everyone is enjoying their end of summer.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
November 21: Dog Distraction
I saw this cutie patootie outside the food store the other day when I came out with my groceries. He looked at me as if he really wanted to play with me. It might have been because he could hear my dog tags jingling on my bag and he thought that I had a dog he could play with. But I like to think that he knew I was a dog person and that I loved him on first sight. I just wanted to sit down and give him a cuddle and play with him. Then I remembered that I had groceries and that the owner of this dog might think it a little weird if they came out of the store and I was sitting on the wet ground cuddling their dog. What can I say? I'm dog distracted. I should have someone walk beside me with a bag of small biscuits and make me give them eye contact every time a dog crosses my path. 
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Did You Miss Me?
Hey Everyone! I know I've been a really bad blogger as of late, but what with Rocco's transfer, all of my packing and saying good byes, and my trip I haven't had much time on the Internet. You all hear right! As of right now I am officially a student at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. This is why Rocco was transferred. GDB doesn't allow their dogs over seas as puppies you see.
Anyway, I have pictures from his transfer date and pictures of my trip which I think you will all enjoy because there are a few special guest coming! Can any of you remember who they are? Well, you'll just have to wait and see until I have finished unpacking and getting set up here before I can download pictures and write a post, but that should be no problem for you guys seeing as it's only 7:30am for the guys back in California.
Updates and pictures real soon! I promise!
Anyway, I have pictures from his transfer date and pictures of my trip which I think you will all enjoy because there are a few special guest coming! Can any of you remember who they are? Well, you'll just have to wait and see until I have finished unpacking and getting set up here before I can download pictures and write a post, but that should be no problem for you guys seeing as it's only 7:30am for the guys back in California.
Updates and pictures real soon! I promise!
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