Seeing Eye, Day 10
After I posted my blog for yesterday, I indeed ordered wings, and poppers, just before park.
I had a great time with classmates, and my instructor in the common lounge, which is our main hang out area.
I woke at 4:30, for some unknown reason, and the usual 5:30 park came round. The wakeup song was The Coffee Song, by Frank Sinatra.
At park, I used the toileting harness for the first time, and Vanya gave me a present. The toileting harness is a strap that goes around the dog's waist, and clips together just above the tail. A bag is clipped, or hooked underneath, to catch things. It makes pick up much easier, especially if they are sick, as everything just goes in the bag.
I took the shuttle in and had my solo. My crossings were great, and the alignment was spot on. I overthought some things, though, and went around a nonexistent barrier, as I'd forgotten she stopped near a tree. I corrected when I shouldn't have, and after completing the proper barricade, I didn't turn my shoulders in the right direction. Vanya was heading for some steps into a business, but we sorted it, and she had a huge prase party as we continued on our way. I don't o why, but sidewalks, and such just felt different to me this morning. Things happen, and it's definately a learning exercise. I know what happens when I overthink a route, I get muddled and forget things. But, we worked great as a team, which is what all this is about after all.
Pauline Alexander was our hostist again this morning, and yesterday's afternoon hostist was Caroline Mattoon, who I'd never met before. She is the mother of one of the instructors at The Eye.
At lunch, we sat with someone from puppy development. I learned that as each pup is born, they get a number in sequence. All TSE dogs have a tatoo on the inside of an ear. It's stamped, so if they are ever lost, and call Seeing Eye, they can be returned to us.
We started free lance today. On this trip, we walked a bit to get to Century 21, to do escolator work, both up and down. I heel Vanya on/off the escolator, and wrap the leash when coming on. I then step in front of her, giving the "rest" command, and start walking off just before she does. Then, I pick up the handle, and go. We need to work on our inside pace, as she is a speedy, but that will come in time. She very happily stopped in front of the Godiva chocolate display. She's got excellent taste!
We then went to the Morris Frank and Buddy statue, and I got a pic, which is on facebook. After walking through the park, in which some squirls were playing, we crossed on an island, and went back to the DTC. It's nice working with Vanya, and not thinking about a route, just seeing us work together, reading her movements coming up through the harness. It's truly fantastic.
After dinner, we had the vet lecture, with Dr. Holly. Lots of information was given, and good questions were asked. She always provides lots of tips. We will visit the vet before we leave TSE.
I can't believe I've only had Vanya a week, and she's working so well. There is something very special about being in a retrain only class. I'm not sure what it is, but we've all been with dog 1, have all struggled with things relating to our dogs, and can give support to another classmate if/when asked.
After last park, it was back to the common lounge for conversation and adult beverages. Vanya was exhausted, and had a puppy dream. I've no clue what it was about, but she barked a few times, and at the end, growled. She's a heavy sleeper, and when it's time to get her up, she has to be woken first. When she's up, she's ready to go, and do.
Tomorrow, we get our new harnesses, which is always exciting. They've been oiled for us, but will still have that new leather smell.
Breakfast: Orange juice, cereal, french toast with bananas and streusel toping, bacon, or oatmeal.
Lunch: White bean inescro soup, fisherman's platter, rice, broccoli, turkey sandwich or salad, peach pie alamode, fruit
Dinner: Cranberry juice, stuffed chicken breast, carrots dinner roll, or cheese salad or sandwich, cheesecake and fruit
Weather: 41/45f, 5/7.2c, partly sunny.