off to NEADS

well..... here we are again, check in day at NEADS... and there won't be too many more of these for Ginger and Leo. The clock is ticking down and turn in day is just around the corner. But in the mean time, we still have lots of training and good times ahead.








This month, Dave had T's brother, Honor, and Ginger and Leo's sister, Clover come and join us... so, we were a big group... however... for the Maine Chapter, as of today, we're even bigger.....












Say hello to "Stoney"... a four month old lab puppy that will be going home with Samuel (and his Mom Kate)... yup, another puppy raiser team has come on board!!!!









Course, you know me.. always looking for that good photo for the blog... good looking group of future service dogs!!!! and from left to right...
Samuel with Pia, Barbara with Clover, Teena and Freedom, Rick and Otis.. Ginger and I, Kathleen and Leo, Honor (can't think of his owner's name!!!) and Bernice and T.......










Today was micro chip day, so while we each waited out turn, Dave suggested that we try the new "puppy path"......












Ginger was excited to give it a try. Volunteers have created the path with all sort of "different" things for the puppies to work with....

So, Ginger practiced "sit-stay" on cobblestone...

"down-stay" on sand

"sit-stay" on pebbles.... (she's giving me that "how much longer" look)

And of course, benches to "hide" under....

"where's that golden???"

Then off to the training room.... I don't know Dave, this might not be such a good look for you!!!! But, again, it's all about the things that puppies can handle!!!!

And what's a trip to NEADS without heading into the city.... hhuummmm... city, thunderstorms and elevators... all my "favorites"... (NOT)

How many service dogs can you get on an elevator... we got seven....

Taking a little break from elevator work - thank goodness - I guess that was today's theme, because I have never ridden an elevator so many times in my life!!!!!

And heading for home... but you can plan on needing a good half hour just to leave. The dogs attrack so much attention. This lady just had to have a few moments with Ginger...

and she was happy to oblige....

We were also told that turn in will probably be in October... a little later than I had thought, so, it means that we have the golden girl around for a bit more..... fine by me!!!!!