Today was a day filled with all sorts of celebrations... to begin with, it's our 32nd wedding anniversary!!!! It's hard to think back on all that time, but I am so very blessed to say that Ed and I have had (are having) a wonderful life together. Dave (head trainer) said he felt bad that I was spending our anniversary at NEADS, but I told him... "when you marry your best friend, every day is your anniversary" and I truly feel that way!!!! So, my dear Ed, even though we didn't spend it "together".... it was a wonderful day and I love you very much!!!!
Now, since we didn't visit NEADS in July, it was Debbie's first check in. I was anxious for Dave to see her, because I think she is amazing. I love working with her, and my prediction is.. she'll go the full way and make service dog for sure. She has a great working attitude and seems more that up for anything that you put her up to..... it's been a great couple of months with her....
We did the usual check in talk. Kathleen is without a puppy right now, so the Maine dogs are just Rayvan and Debbie.... and since they are fairly close in age, they are doing many of the same things. Dave is pleased with their progress....
Debbie was very good, laid quietly and listened to the conversation.....
Then she got bored and decided that a nap would be a better way to spend her time. This is just how she is... either "on and working" or "down and sleeping"... an excellent habit for a service dog to get into....
Before we headed to the city, Dave pulled the van out and thought it would be fun for the puppies to "play on the lift".... He likes to put the puppies on together, that way they get confidence from each other. I don't think Debbie needed any help from her friends... but she had a good time sitting on the lift and asking me for treats!!!!
And when she and Rayvan began to goof off... that was all the better. Puppies don't play when the are afraid... well, these two certainly weren't "afraid".....
Riding the lift... piece of cake... or rather... treat!!!!!!!
Then it was off to the city... she looks so little in this big place. As usual, it was hot, noisy and busy. I'm the one that probably doesn't care for it... Debbie... just checked out the scereny....
We made our usual lunch stop at the hospital... by now, my little girl was pretty worn out. She snored the whole time under the table......
I hated to tell her that this was next.... elevators!!! I am doing better with them, but I doubt that i will ever "love them".... fortunately this trip.. Dave thought that Debbie had done plenty and he didn't ask us to ride the elevators... just practice stepping on and off... (which by the way, has to be done quickly and orderly.. especially when other people are around...)
From there it was over to the train... which we always try to meet as one is either pulling in or out. Those trains are loud, even just sitting there.... Again, my little Debbie just checked it all out....
In fact, i think she found it rather boring.......
Last stop.. the bus station. And she still stays nice and steady... doing anything that is asked of her....
The day, as it always does on check ins - zoomed by. And a very tired little puppy came back to the farm.
Ed invited me out for dinner, but after being on the road all day... we decided to save that for another time....
Happy anniversary my love... and good job Debbie!!!!!
Today, we were invited to Linda and Jim's home (Linda is our chapter leader).. for an afternoon of pool side fun. Actually it was a pool party for the puppies, and I can tell you... they certainly enjoyed that. Linda and Jim don't mind the dogs swimming in their pool, and being (mostly) retrievers... they were in it all afternoon....
Little Debbie had no troubles keeping up with the big guys.... in total there were 11 dogs.......
And I have to say, "my" little spitfire kept them all moving.......
Chloe - Linda's golden - is quite the swimmer, and even when she doesn't have guests... she loves to swim in "her" pool... this is Rick's Moxie, swimming right with her.... Moxie loves the water as much as Chloe does.....
Debbie would rather play tug... and was happy to take the toy from the ones who had swum out to get it.....
She did hop in one time... but wasn't that happy about it, and preferred to be "up on land" chasing and tugging.... it was a grand afternoon... and none of the humans swam!!!! (little too cool for us)... but I can tell you... we all brought home, very tired dogs!!!!
and here's just a sweet picture of Hunter and Trevor, enjoying the sunshine....... (nothing do to with the blog story!!!!)
It looks like we're off on a big adventure!!!! Well, I guess, in a way we are... but maybe not quite as exciting as it would seem.....
It's our annual shavings run..... fortunately, we have a lumber mill not that far from the farm, and it's easy to go and get a load of them. Just a matter of doing it... and calling in the troops....(I can do it myself, but having help is much better!!!)
And for as much goofing off as she does.... my little barn fairy is a very good helper too!!!! (and so is her MOM!!!)
After we got the shavings home and put away in the barn, it was time for some play....
The swing set is getting some use.... I can't believe how big Abbie has gotten since we bought this last year. I can't wait to see Reagan out there on it as well.... "Babys and Papas" always should have a swing set....
Abbie telling Debbie that she can't climb the "rock" wall......
On Friday, it was a day to spend back in our home town... time to get ready for the Annual Firemen's Muster.... the weekend always begins the same, with Ed pulling "Protection II" out of storage and the "Red Shirts" getting her all polished up for the big parade.
Reagan was so interested in the activity... as a little boy, I don't doubt that firetrucks will become a very popular item one day.....
He was all smiles for the men and got a lot of attention......
Friday evening, Ed attends the banquet hosted by the Red Shirts... so... we gals decided to go out to dinner. We picked this place because not only do they have good food... but outdoor seating.. which is a good place for Debbie to go and practice her manners......
She very quickly and happily went "under" for me... I was so pleased and surprised... and then....
I saw the "reason" why......she wasn't really doing her "work"... she saw a "goodie!!!"
And I think she was a bit surprised and disappointed when she knew I that I had caught on.... "no goodies for you little girl!!!!"
Saturday was the muster day.... it begins with the fire truck parade... Reagan's first!!!!
And Debbie's too... though neither one knew exactly what they were in for. But we were prepared.... I had an escape route all planned out if Debbie got worried, and for little Reagan....
His Daddy had brought ear protection. Those fire trucks can be mighty loud when you are standing there right in front of them.... and what fire fighter isn't going to use the siren or air horn when they have the golden opportunity to do so!!!!!
Abbie knew what to expect and waited anxiously for it to begin.....
She was happy to explain to her little cousin how this all works......
He looks pretty happy to just be part of the excitement....
Everyone is waiting!!!!!
Nate brought ear protection for Abbie as well.. she was pretty sure that she wouldn't need them, but was worried that Debbie might..... so she shared them.....
Not too sure how Debbie felt about having those heavy things on her ears.... but she was good sport about it.......
And here comes the parade... which is always lead off by the Red Shirts......
Our little beetle proudly carries the Queen once again....... it's a great little car and each year it's honored to have this duty....
Abbie did decide that ear protection was a good idea... especially when she saw Reagan wearing his....
Debbie was awesome during the parade.... she got a little annoyed with all the noise, but never "ran" or tried to get away... I have really good feelings about this little girl....
Just watching them go by.......
Abbie really enjoyed watching too... and was quite happy to get a lollipop to boot.....
So another year done...... I have to say, I love "field day" as we fondly call it... I attended my first one when I was 5 months old (just about Reagan's age)... and I haven't missed one yet!!!!!
After the parade we went to the field to watch the competitions.... it's so nice because they are really gearing this towards families... lots of good food to eat....
And Abbie was more than thrilled to find the "jumpy house".... I knew just where she was all afternoon, because she only came out long enough for a quick bite, and something to drink and it was back to jumping......
Debbie was a big hit and schmoozed the crowd..... people now begin to ask me about "this year's puppy"... guess I have been raising dogs for a while now when folks remember that this is what I like to do.....
And then, the whole day ends with the lobster bake. To be honest, I was so hungry by the time we got to the bake that I didn't get very many pictures.... especially where lobster (one of my favorites) is involved....
Our whole family was there.... I guess this is what you consider "true tradition"......
Especially when we pass it on from generation to generation.... until next year "Firemen's Muster"!!!!!
