pet visits and neads....

One thing that is always a favorite of mine, and the doggies as well... are the pet therapy visits. This time is was at the children's center.. which I think is the doggie's favorite place to go. The kids love to see them....

and I'd say the feeling is mutual. Livy was raised with Karen's boys, so she is well used to kids.... and the more active the better.... she seems to know just how to promote a calmness in everyone....this little chap was pretty excitable when he first saw her, but then when she did this... he just sat right down and began to pet her...

The children at this center are special needs... so it's fun to see how the interact with the dogs.....

Some are a bit afraid, others plunge right in, so it takes a good steady dog to handle whatever comes their way...

The staff enjoys the visits as well.... and the morning always goes by very quickly. 

Livy says... "I love my job, but I have my eyes on you Mom!!!"

It would seem that the cats have pretty much decided that this is the way you spend your winter days. They certainly don't go out much this time of year... and dear little Annabelle is safely in the tack room, enjoying the warmth and getting her weight back on after her days of being lost. There is such a peace for me when I know "everyone is happy, safe and well"....

And Joey!!! we had our first official check in at NEADS.... he is turning out to be such a fun puppy, and is up for anything.....

Showing everyone that he knows how to 'greet politely".... (and everyone always like to fuss over the puppies...)

The news on Bella is that she will not be continuing her work as a service dog. We sort of knew this from the start, but she just doesn't enjoy it, and would be so much happier as someone's beloved pet. She get nervous in the city and when things are too busy... we're going to keep here with us until the right adoptive home is found, but I know she will land in the best of hands....

We headed into the city, Joey thought everything was great and was curious about anything new. This is a bit statue, and he walked right over to it and climbed up. Silly boy....

We popped over to the train station, the trains were moving about, and again.. Joey was just chilled.... everyone likes what they are seeing with this boy....

The big freight trains were moving cars around, Joey stood and watched for the longest time. Again, more curious than anything....

Bella came with us, but as you can tell by her ears pinned back, she was less than impressed with the freight train. So, again, more proof that her best job is going to be someone's cuddle bug....

It was cold in the city... but no snow!!!! funny how "just a few miles" will make such a difference in the weather. I think they have had colder weather than we (or is just that the city always seems so cold).... and they have had some ice storms... but walking on clear sidewalks seems strange somehow to me...

So, we head for home once again.. another successful training day, with more (and warmer) ones to come. What a great thing to be a part of this.. I love being a puppy raiser...

and two young dogs are going to be very happy to get back to the farm after this tiring day!!!