JoyUnspeakable

Ok, journal. Here I am again. Today was an interesting day for me, because we had a whole lot of exciting adventures at Canine Partners. The drive there was fun, as always, and I am so thankful to Kelly, Joe and Lizz for providing my transportation. I had the opportunity to meet Showbo’s brother, Fenix, and he also had patches of skin problems. Oh, journal, I am still worried about Showbo!

We again began with the sharing of journals, which was very emotional on Pat. Please pray for her, journal, that her apartment complex becomes more understanding of her service dog. Following this time of sharing, we discussed health care issues, which was very helpful for us all. And, before lunch, we were given a lesson on nail clipping, which made me very nervous. Thank God Dave will be permitted to do this task, because I accidentally caused Showbo to bleed. Sorry, Showbo!

Tori, who works for Canine Partners, provided us all with a great lunch, and I am using these enjoyable times to better know everyone in team training. After lunch came the obstacle course. Oh, I developed a quick trust with Showbo, and we accomplished this job with no problems. Actually, Showbo took me through the course, and, in fact, she did the “go pay” command without a verbal command from me. She did awesome!

It will be really great to have Showbo proudly by my side at all times. I can’t wait! I went with David to the Dominican Republic last December, and Showbo would have been really helpful. Not only would she have provided me with her service skills, but she would have been able to guide me, on occasion, between the hotel and the beach. Unfortunately, though, she may not have been permitted to visit the Dominican Republic, since the Dominican dogs are stray pets, and not nearly treated like princesses, like Showbo.

I almost forgot. Showbo and I took our first car ride today, along with Eric and grover, around the block. We both really enjoyed it, I think, and Showbo does well with the “load up” command. She did, however, almost take off my arm when we were disembarking the vehicle. We will need to practice this, I guess.

Ok, time for bed. Good night, journal.

Hi, I’m back. Today is my uncle’s birthday. Happy birthday, Stan.

Today was a little shorter in time than yesterday, but it felt longer. We shared our first day of journaling, and then we practiced the basic commands of heel, down sit, and Showbo knows left and right. Showbo is a very smart puppy, because she was ready and willing to go around, or pass, the team in front of us, while we were doing laps. I also learned the easy and wait commands individually, since Showbo knows where she wants to go and when she wants to go there. J

Unfortunately journal, I was concentrating so much on learning and practicing these few commands that I seldom praised Showbo. She probably does not like me very much. I did make up for it, though, when we incorporated the click and treat method. She bumped my hand with her nose several times, which rewarded her with a treat. Then, the nightmare came, where I had to re-harness her after her daily brushing. She did not want back in the harness, and she definitely showed it.

Lunch was very good, and thanks to Gina’s mom, Marta, for cooking it. During lunchtime, I had the pleasure of meeting, and holding Ellie, who is a poodle puppy with painted toe nails. I am strongly thinking of getting Showbo’s nails painted, too.

Cyera, my kitten, missed me today, but she still greeted me at the door with a ‘meow’, or two. She joined me on the deck during dinner, and I kept thinking about how Showbo will be out there with us, keeping Cyera in line.

Well, it is now time to listen to my homework, and then I am going to bed. Good night, and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Hey, journal. It’s me, Marie, and you will be hearing from me a lot over the next 3 weeks. Well, I finished my first real day of doggy training today. I did not do too much physical labor, but it was very mentally and emotionally draining. I awoke earlier than I usually do, because the training began at 10, which is my usual wake up time. Oh well!I thought this day was never going to get here.

First, I needed to change the people were going to host, because my kitty is not hypo-allergenic. Then, we had trouble finding the clicker video, but I was able to complete all the homework assignments. And then, the Tuesday before this began, I heard that Showbo, my beautiful service poodle, may have a rare poodle skin disease. Tuesday was an extremely rough day, and I made a bunch of prayer requests for Showbo, and we should get the results this week. Lastly, my husband and I heard the news that the new family that was going to be staying here had a death in the family, which came immediately when they arrived. That was a major bummer also, and I need to make other transportation arrangements. Canine Partners is understanding and willing to work with me, though.

My goal is similar as it was a year and a half ago, but I really am looking forward to Showbo’s services to me. My MS is currently in remission, praise God, but Showbo will be able to help me in such a way that I can save my physical strength.

I usually have no fear, but the thought of Showbo possibly having a disease that will hinder her as a service dog, is my main concern. She needs our prayers, journal!

Well, I will talk to you tomorrow. Bye.