This month, we made the trip down to NEADS abit sooner than our usual Thursday. There had been some talk that it might be turn in day for both Ginger and Leo, and if so, we needed to get them there, so they could go on the next van headed to the prison. With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to have a playdate with all the service puppies... afterall, with this big fence - what could be better.
The brothers... Edgar and Otis got together right away. I don't think dogs know that they are related in a way, but I do think they understand they have a connection.. at least it seems that way to me when I see Ginger and Leo together and now these two....
My yard is full of retrievers... how did that happen --- I'm a spaniel person.....
After a couple hours of playtime, this is what the group looked like. Quite happy to chill while the humans warmed up with some treats and a good visit. If this isn't proof that a tired dog is a good dog... than I don't know what is.....
After playdate, we headed over to a favorite restaurant for dinner with Kelli and Rick (Ginger and Otis).. not only is the food good... but they make it very clear about the way they feel with regards to service dogs!!! Ya Poor People's Pub... you can bet we'll come and visit you.
So, the next day, we were up bright and early and on the road to NEADS. Ginger seemed to sense something and rode most of the way with her head over the seat, just to be close to me. Is it hard to give up a service puppy.... well, you tell me....
When we arrived at NEADS.. the first thing Dave said was "no turn in today"... there's a lot of planning, arranging, scheduling that goes into all this training "stuff".. and for this month, it did not all come together. Ginger and Leo are heading back for a little bit longer.
We had such a good time working at the train station, that we told Dave we wouldn't mind going back there again. There are so many great "things" to work with - plus things that you don't expect...and certainly different from being on the farm. Here we practice "under"... Dave is giving Stoney a little extra help with his....
By now, Ginger has this one down pack... she has done many (many) unders..
A time to do questions and answers.. go over where the puppies are in their training levels.. and just a moment to chat and enjoy being all together as friends and as puppy raisers...
We headed out to the loading platform hoping we might have the good luck of having a train pull in. We lucked out, and actually had a huge freight train come thru. At first it caught everyone's attention, but after the 20 (or so) car went by, all the dogs lost interest.
After the train station, we went over the hospital to do (ughhhh) the elevators. In case you didn't know.. I am NOT an elevator person, and would avoid them at all costs. So.. for me to ride one over and over and over again... is huge. I do it for "my dog"... but won't say I am exactly happy about it. From this photo, doesn't seem like it bothers Bernice or Kathleen!!!!
And then, the trip home usually looks like this.. hum - tired dog thing???
So, now we wait to get the official word from Dave with regards to turn in. I know it won't be much longer that Ginger is here with us... but while she's here, the days will be filled with enjoyment.
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