It's only seven short/long days before I go into intensive training with my new guide dog. Short because there is still quite a bit of stuff I need to get done before going, like laundry, but it's also long because when you're excited for something like this the days usually seem to drag. However, this guide dog experience is a bit strange for me.
The last two times away training there was only me to think about. This time I am leaving at husband and three other dogs at home. It's kind of odd because although I am so excited, part of me is kind of sad because I'll miss them all; especially the husband of course. I'll be in the hotel for only two and a half weeks and Mr. K is allowed to come visit, but leaving him behind for that amount of time, even though it's not that long, makes me miss him a little bit already. That's a good thing, right? ;)
So that is how it's different this time around. I had never really thought about it before-having to go away to get a dog and having family still at home. The last two times, all I could think about was the upcoming adventure and question what kind of dog I would get. This time around, I already know who my dog is. Another difference. Not bad, just different. In fact, knowing who SHE is makes it all that more exciting.
Woops. Did I say she?
Since training dates have been confirmed, I figured I could at least tell you that I've been matched with another girl. I always thought I was better suited to work with females and so was excited to find out I had been matched with a girl. I've seen her three times now. The first was to do our initial harness walk to see if we were in fact compatible; the second to have her meet the fuzzy family; and the third was completely by chance. Her trainer has been bringing her into our neighbourhood as promised and so one morning when out relieving the dogs, I ran into the pair going off to train in the rain. The trainer said that they were reviewing the route to the vet and the previous morning they had already gone over the route to the gym. It would appear that everything is moving right along. Now, I just have to get myself ready by getting that big pile of laundry finished so I'll have clean clothes during training.
We won't have laundry facilities on the site unlike the other training centre I've been to before. So, having enough clothes to last nearly twenty days is going to be a necessity. I also have a few essential toiletries to pick up such as toothpaste. I probably shouldn't make off with the tube that Mr. K and I share. The trainer said we could pick up anything that the other student or I may forget, but the more prepared I am probably the better. Besides, who wants to get caught without toothpaste?
Other than getting those little details taken care of, I'll spend the next week enjoying my family, fuzzy and non, and just let time do its flying/dragging thing that it does when one is excited.
PS: So: I told you she was a girl, but can anyone guess what type of dog she is?
Showing posts with label On The Move. Show all posts
Showing posts with label On The Move. Show all posts
Monday, February 04, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Confirmed
Two posts in one day. I'm out doing myself. ;)
But, this one couldn't wait.
I got the call this afternoon to say that I'll be going into training with my new dog on February 11th. So exciting!
The trainer will pick me up that morning and we'll go to the bus station to get the other student. I'm assuming she's not living in Edinburgh. Then, it's off to the hotel to learn our way around and to get settled in. I'm sure I won't sleep all that much Monday night because Tuesday the dogs arrive. Again, so exciting.
It's still just under two weeks away and so somehow I'll have to keep my excitement under wraps or I'll drive myself nuts before the 11th. That said, it's so nice to have a date because now it feels like it's actually happening. :)
But, this one couldn't wait.
I got the call this afternoon to say that I'll be going into training with my new dog on February 11th. So exciting!
The trainer will pick me up that morning and we'll go to the bus station to get the other student. I'm assuming she's not living in Edinburgh. Then, it's off to the hotel to learn our way around and to get settled in. I'm sure I won't sleep all that much Monday night because Tuesday the dogs arrive. Again, so exciting.
It's still just under two weeks away and so somehow I'll have to keep my excitement under wraps or I'll drive myself nuts before the 11th. That said, it's so nice to have a date because now it feels like it's actually happening. :)
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Merry Christmas 2012
Merry Christmas, everyone!
I can't believe how quickly this past year has flown. I think I've said THAT for the last four years really.
Christmas was nice this year with my parents flying over to spend time with Mr. K, me and the dogs. We had a wonderful meal cooked by my parents consisting of turkey, SALMON, salad, mashed potatoes, dressing and chocolate cake for dessert. I was so full after supper was over, I could hardly move; exactly THE way Christmas dinner should be. MOM AND I HAD ALSO ATTEMPTED A TRADITIONAL BRITISH DESSERT RECIPE EARLIER IN THE WEEK CALLED MINCE PIES WHICH ACTUALLY TURNED OUT QUITE WELL. THERE AREN'T MANY LEFT OF THOSE.
Our day started with my mom making French toast, bacon and cinnamon coffee. I'm a huge fan of flavored coffees and finding them this side of the pond has been difficult. When we visited the German Christmas market on Sunday evening, we came across a vendor that sold a variety of flavored coffees and I made off with a package of Irish Cream and Cinnamon. I was really torn as there were so many choices, some of which included Blueberry Muffin and Chocolate, but I settled on the two aforementioned flavors. Mom and Dad also brought two big bags of Hazelnut coffee with them and we've been enjoying that as well. We may have also enjoyed a little Bailey's in that coffee as well this morning.
After breakfast it was gift opening time for everyone. I got a pair of "feety" PJ's (I love the silly things), a casual dress, Body Shop products and a tea set with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on it. Winter boots and coat, new walking shoes and a hoodie were also gifts I got earlier. I was a very lucky girl this Christmas season.
Tenie and Lindsay didn't forget about us either and sent gifts with my parents for us. Mr. K got a Lego Star Wars tree ornament and I got a Tim Horton's coffee mug ornament. If you're Canadian you'll understand my ornament. If you're not, look up Tim Horton's or "Timmy's" as we Canadians like to call it and you'll understand. :) The girls also sent over a singing card that played "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" with a Dachshund on the front. For those of you WHO don't know, Lindsay adopted Baloo, one of our Dachshunds, when we moved over here and so the card was defiNITELY fitting. They put some cash in the card so that Mr. K and I could go out to dinner together. All very thoughtful and sweet gifts.
The dogs weren't forgotten either. Hermione got her Kong Wobbah, Otis his elk antler chew and Roscoe his squeaking squirrel. I also made a batch of banana and honey treats and some sweet potato chews. Everyone seemed happy with their presents. Hermione has gone crazy death shaking her replacement toy-the last one had to be thrown out due to over use-Roscoe walked around happily wagging his tail and softly squeaking the squirrel and Otis made off into a corner to be alone so that he could chew his antler.
Once presents were opened, mom started on getting the turkey into the oven and then she and I took all three dogs for a good long off leash run. It's done nothing but rain the last week or so and it was nice to have the sun poking out today. We returned hOME nearly two hours later with three very tired dogs. Hermione was so muddy that I spent nearly ten minutes wiping her down once we got home. Her feathers are so long and SHE is so low to the ground that the mud just clings to her. Roscoe needed toweling off as well as he decided that prancing through mud puddles and splashing about in little pools was a good idea, but he wasn't nearly as difficult to clean as miss princess butt.
We finished the evening off by calling various family members. We even got to talk to Mr. K's family via Skype. I can't say how fantastic Skype has been for us since moving so far away from our families. It was great to see everyone laughing and all of our nieces and nephew got to see us and the dogs too.
So, with a full belly and heart I am writing this out; sitting snugly in my bed in my feety pajamas. NO JUDGING! TRY THEM ONCE AND YOU WILL NEVER GO BACK. Roscoe is asleep on my feet and Otis is on my lap. Hermione took herself to bed. She actually likes sleeping in her own crate at night and will voluntarily go in. I think she needs some alone time sometimes and that is where she gets it. So, from my snug, sleepy self to you: Merry Christmas! Hoping that you had a wonderful day.
XOXO
I can't believe how quickly this past year has flown. I think I've said THAT for the last four years really.
Christmas was nice this year with my parents flying over to spend time with Mr. K, me and the dogs. We had a wonderful meal cooked by my parents consisting of turkey, SALMON, salad, mashed potatoes, dressing and chocolate cake for dessert. I was so full after supper was over, I could hardly move; exactly THE way Christmas dinner should be. MOM AND I HAD ALSO ATTEMPTED A TRADITIONAL BRITISH DESSERT RECIPE EARLIER IN THE WEEK CALLED MINCE PIES WHICH ACTUALLY TURNED OUT QUITE WELL. THERE AREN'T MANY LEFT OF THOSE.
Our day started with my mom making French toast, bacon and cinnamon coffee. I'm a huge fan of flavored coffees and finding them this side of the pond has been difficult. When we visited the German Christmas market on Sunday evening, we came across a vendor that sold a variety of flavored coffees and I made off with a package of Irish Cream and Cinnamon. I was really torn as there were so many choices, some of which included Blueberry Muffin and Chocolate, but I settled on the two aforementioned flavors. Mom and Dad also brought two big bags of Hazelnut coffee with them and we've been enjoying that as well. We may have also enjoyed a little Bailey's in that coffee as well this morning.
After breakfast it was gift opening time for everyone. I got a pair of "feety" PJ's (I love the silly things), a casual dress, Body Shop products and a tea set with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on it. Winter boots and coat, new walking shoes and a hoodie were also gifts I got earlier. I was a very lucky girl this Christmas season.
Tenie and Lindsay didn't forget about us either and sent gifts with my parents for us. Mr. K got a Lego Star Wars tree ornament and I got a Tim Horton's coffee mug ornament. If you're Canadian you'll understand my ornament. If you're not, look up Tim Horton's or "Timmy's" as we Canadians like to call it and you'll understand. :) The girls also sent over a singing card that played "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" with a Dachshund on the front. For those of you WHO don't know, Lindsay adopted Baloo, one of our Dachshunds, when we moved over here and so the card was defiNITELY fitting. They put some cash in the card so that Mr. K and I could go out to dinner together. All very thoughtful and sweet gifts.
The dogs weren't forgotten either. Hermione got her Kong Wobbah, Otis his elk antler chew and Roscoe his squeaking squirrel. I also made a batch of banana and honey treats and some sweet potato chews. Everyone seemed happy with their presents. Hermione has gone crazy death shaking her replacement toy-the last one had to be thrown out due to over use-Roscoe walked around happily wagging his tail and softly squeaking the squirrel and Otis made off into a corner to be alone so that he could chew his antler.
Once presents were opened, mom started on getting the turkey into the oven and then she and I took all three dogs for a good long off leash run. It's done nothing but rain the last week or so and it was nice to have the sun poking out today. We returned hOME nearly two hours later with three very tired dogs. Hermione was so muddy that I spent nearly ten minutes wiping her down once we got home. Her feathers are so long and SHE is so low to the ground that the mud just clings to her. Roscoe needed toweling off as well as he decided that prancing through mud puddles and splashing about in little pools was a good idea, but he wasn't nearly as difficult to clean as miss princess butt.
We finished the evening off by calling various family members. We even got to talk to Mr. K's family via Skype. I can't say how fantastic Skype has been for us since moving so far away from our families. It was great to see everyone laughing and all of our nieces and nephew got to see us and the dogs too.
So, with a full belly and heart I am writing this out; sitting snugly in my bed in my feety pajamas. NO JUDGING! TRY THEM ONCE AND YOU WILL NEVER GO BACK. Roscoe is asleep on my feet and Otis is on my lap. Hermione took herself to bed. She actually likes sleeping in her own crate at night and will voluntarily go in. I think she needs some alone time sometimes and that is where she gets it. So, from my snug, sleepy self to you: Merry Christmas! Hoping that you had a wonderful day.
XOXO
Sunday, December 16, 2012
My Strange and Wonderful Spaniel
I have owned a few different breeds of dogs in my life, but up until now, never a Spaniel. In fact, until we moved to Edinburgh I had never even "seen" a Spaniel. Since I have to pet dogs to be able to see them, I am sure this is why I had never seen a Spaniel before. Where I grew up, people had big dogs-German Shepherds, Labradors, Collies and mixes of these medium to large breeds. So, I didn't exactly know what I was getting myself into when we picked a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as our newest family member back in February of this year. Everything I read said that they were the calmest of the Spaniel family and the perfect lap dog. I haven't owned another type of Spaniel, but my condolences go out to those dog owners. ;)
How do you ever get to sit down? If I had a tail, Hermione would have me chasing it from the time she wakes up in the morning until we go to bed at night. (I say that as she naps on the couch beside me. I may be exaggerating a bit, but just a bit). :)
To be honest, I'd never have another breed; unless I could have a Great Dane, or a Mastiff, or a Husky or...okay...you get the point. I love her, but she is undoubtedly a nut.
You never know what Hermione Sophia will do next. She holds perfect points at unsuspecting prey with no training; she death shakes her toys and sounds like an evil Wolverine who weighs only 5 kilograms; she jumps as high as my hip or higher even though her head hardly clears half way up my calf; and so much more. We met her mom, but part of me wonders if her dad had been a Cocker Spaniel instead because of her hunting tendencies, but the breeders assured us she was a purebred. Honestly, who cares. She's one of the coolest little dogs I've met and I'm not saying that because she's mine.
I know she can be a bit much for some people, but in her defense she's still a puppy and her training is coming along quite nicely. In fact, Mr. K and I have thrown around the idea of putting her into agility; note the comment above about how high she can jump.
Of course she has her holy terror moments where I want to pull out my hair; note previous comment about death shaking/wolverining everything. Not to mention, she must have been a paper shredder in her previous life because she will destroy any paper she comes across. And, it's not like she just comes across it and destroys. Oh no! She seeks paper to shred into little bits, turning our couch or living room floor into a shredded paper graveyard. Despite her crazy antics, she can be super sweet and she always manages to surprise you.
Most dogs aren't huge fans of grooming. Glacier used to try to make himself really small if he saw me coming with the Zoom groom; not easy for a 35 kilogram Labrador. Jetta just used to run as fast as she could; and that was fast. Roscoe pretends he's not there, but I always find him. Otis hasn't figured out how he feels about it yet. Most will tolerate it, but most don't enjoy it. Not Hermione. She loves being combed. All I have to do is pick up the comb, she hops in my lap and she stretches out to be combed. Her ears in particular are her favourite. How weird is that? If I start combing those beautiful feathery ears of hers, she goes to sleep and she won't wake up or move until I have stopped combing.
Do you see what I mean when I say she's strange?
She chases anything that moves, stalks paper victims and death shakes her fleece tug toy until it slaps her in the head violently, but get out the grooming comb and she settles in for the long haul. Mr. K thinks it's because she likes to be pretty. I'm sure he's right. She is the princes after all.
How do you ever get to sit down? If I had a tail, Hermione would have me chasing it from the time she wakes up in the morning until we go to bed at night. (I say that as she naps on the couch beside me. I may be exaggerating a bit, but just a bit). :)
To be honest, I'd never have another breed; unless I could have a Great Dane, or a Mastiff, or a Husky or...okay...you get the point. I love her, but she is undoubtedly a nut.
You never know what Hermione Sophia will do next. She holds perfect points at unsuspecting prey with no training; she death shakes her toys and sounds like an evil Wolverine who weighs only 5 kilograms; she jumps as high as my hip or higher even though her head hardly clears half way up my calf; and so much more. We met her mom, but part of me wonders if her dad had been a Cocker Spaniel instead because of her hunting tendencies, but the breeders assured us she was a purebred. Honestly, who cares. She's one of the coolest little dogs I've met and I'm not saying that because she's mine.
I know she can be a bit much for some people, but in her defense she's still a puppy and her training is coming along quite nicely. In fact, Mr. K and I have thrown around the idea of putting her into agility; note the comment above about how high she can jump.
Of course she has her holy terror moments where I want to pull out my hair; note previous comment about death shaking/wolverining everything. Not to mention, she must have been a paper shredder in her previous life because she will destroy any paper she comes across. And, it's not like she just comes across it and destroys. Oh no! She seeks paper to shred into little bits, turning our couch or living room floor into a shredded paper graveyard. Despite her crazy antics, she can be super sweet and she always manages to surprise you.
Most dogs aren't huge fans of grooming. Glacier used to try to make himself really small if he saw me coming with the Zoom groom; not easy for a 35 kilogram Labrador. Jetta just used to run as fast as she could; and that was fast. Roscoe pretends he's not there, but I always find him. Otis hasn't figured out how he feels about it yet. Most will tolerate it, but most don't enjoy it. Not Hermione. She loves being combed. All I have to do is pick up the comb, she hops in my lap and she stretches out to be combed. Her ears in particular are her favourite. How weird is that? If I start combing those beautiful feathery ears of hers, she goes to sleep and she won't wake up or move until I have stopped combing.
Do you see what I mean when I say she's strange?
She chases anything that moves, stalks paper victims and death shakes her fleece tug toy until it slaps her in the head violently, but get out the grooming comb and she settles in for the long haul. Mr. K thinks it's because she likes to be pretty. I'm sure he's right. She is the princes after all.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
These Shoes Were Made for Walking
You know you have really worn down your shoes when your husband randomly says to you,
"do you need new shoes? Maybe we should go look at some."
These are the words that came out of Mr. K's mouth Friday morning when we were at the mall waiting to meet a potential guide runner. I knew my shoes were bad, but I didn't know they were that bad.
Back in June, Mr. K and I both got new shoes because of how much walking we do. Since moving to Edinburgh, our main mode of transportation is our own two feet. So, it was no surprise that we wore out our shoes pretty quickly. This time though, it was just my shoes that needed replacing.
On top of the regular walking I would normally do-going to the grocery store, meeting friends for breakfast Etc-my amount of walking has increased exponentially since moving into our new flat. With having kilometres and kilometres of cycling paths just right outside my door, Hermione and I walk a lot. Not only do we stick to our normal routes, but as soon as I get comfortable with one path, I get brave and we go exploring new ones. Just today, for example, we walked for over an hour, navigating a few paths we already were familiar with and then wandering down a branch we've never walked before. Yesterday our adventures took over two hours because Carmen came with us and having her sighted navigating abilities drastically increases the places we could potentially go. In the course of two days, my new shoes have already accumulated over four hours' worth of walking, if you include my trip to the local cafe and out to dinner Friday night. So, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised when Mr. K asked me if I needed new shoes.
I had known for a while that I needed new ones. My heels had begun to hurt when out for walks wearing my old pair, a tell tale sign that your shoes need to be replaced, but I felt bad saying I needed new ones so soon after purchasing the last pair. However, Mr. K had been investigating the state of my shoes the day before, which he told me later, and realised that I was in desperate need of a replacement pair. The backs are all broken down, with the plastic showing through on the inside and even the insides of the soles are worn down. The funny thing is that even though I knew I needed new shoes, I had no idea just how badly I did.
I had gotten used to my feet hurting when I got home that I was shocked when I went out for the first time in the new shoes and was pain free upon arrival back at home. My heels didn't hurt, the balls of my feet weren't aching and my arches didn't feel like they had been over stretched. Realistically, I should know better. as an athlete I've always been aware of feet health and in massage college the idea of good shoes/healthy feet was really driven home. But, as I said above, it was almost like I got used to it and completely missed the signs that my shoes were on the fritz.
I guess the point of my giant ramble about getting new shoes is that it's probably more important than we think to have good shoes and to replace them when they are in need of retirement. For people who have occupations where they stand or walk all of the time, or even just for people who recreationally walk a lot, foot care is so important. If you have foot, leg or even back pain, try getting a new pair of shoes. Pain in your knees/ankles/hips or any of the previously mentioned areas, is an indication that your shoes have reached the end of their life. I certainly was reminded of that when my husband so kindly suggested I get new shoes.
"do you need new shoes? Maybe we should go look at some."
These are the words that came out of Mr. K's mouth Friday morning when we were at the mall waiting to meet a potential guide runner. I knew my shoes were bad, but I didn't know they were that bad.
Back in June, Mr. K and I both got new shoes because of how much walking we do. Since moving to Edinburgh, our main mode of transportation is our own two feet. So, it was no surprise that we wore out our shoes pretty quickly. This time though, it was just my shoes that needed replacing.
On top of the regular walking I would normally do-going to the grocery store, meeting friends for breakfast Etc-my amount of walking has increased exponentially since moving into our new flat. With having kilometres and kilometres of cycling paths just right outside my door, Hermione and I walk a lot. Not only do we stick to our normal routes, but as soon as I get comfortable with one path, I get brave and we go exploring new ones. Just today, for example, we walked for over an hour, navigating a few paths we already were familiar with and then wandering down a branch we've never walked before. Yesterday our adventures took over two hours because Carmen came with us and having her sighted navigating abilities drastically increases the places we could potentially go. In the course of two days, my new shoes have already accumulated over four hours' worth of walking, if you include my trip to the local cafe and out to dinner Friday night. So, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised when Mr. K asked me if I needed new shoes.
I had known for a while that I needed new ones. My heels had begun to hurt when out for walks wearing my old pair, a tell tale sign that your shoes need to be replaced, but I felt bad saying I needed new ones so soon after purchasing the last pair. However, Mr. K had been investigating the state of my shoes the day before, which he told me later, and realised that I was in desperate need of a replacement pair. The backs are all broken down, with the plastic showing through on the inside and even the insides of the soles are worn down. The funny thing is that even though I knew I needed new shoes, I had no idea just how badly I did.
I had gotten used to my feet hurting when I got home that I was shocked when I went out for the first time in the new shoes and was pain free upon arrival back at home. My heels didn't hurt, the balls of my feet weren't aching and my arches didn't feel like they had been over stretched. Realistically, I should know better. as an athlete I've always been aware of feet health and in massage college the idea of good shoes/healthy feet was really driven home. But, as I said above, it was almost like I got used to it and completely missed the signs that my shoes were on the fritz.
I guess the point of my giant ramble about getting new shoes is that it's probably more important than we think to have good shoes and to replace them when they are in need of retirement. For people who have occupations where they stand or walk all of the time, or even just for people who recreationally walk a lot, foot care is so important. If you have foot, leg or even back pain, try getting a new pair of shoes. Pain in your knees/ankles/hips or any of the previously mentioned areas, is an indication that your shoes have reached the end of their life. I certainly was reminded of that when my husband so kindly suggested I get new shoes.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Mr. G and His Great Move
So, it's official: Mr. G will be moving in to another home. I have spoken with the guide dog organisation and they have strongly suggested that I re-home him in order to give my new working relationship the best chance to succeed. It took me a while to accept this option. I had actually seriously contemplated going back to being a White Cane user, but I have worked with dogs for nearly ten years now and going back to a cane just makes me cringe. However, I was willing to do it so that Glacier could stay with us.
The only thing is that, since Glacier is so young, I'd be using a cane for at least another six or seven years. I'm not entirely sure I could do it for that long. With being completely blind and deaf in one ear a guide dog acts as an extra safety net for me when out traveling. So, with my safety in mind and Glacier's bet interest, I have decided to re-home him.
Fortunately, he will be moving in with a friend That means, we'll get to see him and also get regular updates. Glacier and Roscoe can also have play dates. I am going to miss him like crazy of course, but I think it's the best for everyone.
Glacier has always wanted to be an only dog I think and he'll be the centre of attention where he's going. My friend is able to take Glacier to work quite often and he works outside, so Glacier will get to romp freely. Also, my friend is excited to take Glacier to pubs, leash free runs in the surrounding woods and he has a fenced in backyard. It really is ideal.
I've also seen the two interact and they seem to be best buds already
In the mean time, Glacier is retired, but I am waiting for a new dog and going crazy. Glacier definitely doesn't want to work anymore and putting the harness on him is just dangerous and, to me, slightly cruel. He tries to sniff everything and everyone and doesn't seem to know how to walk in a straight line any longer. He'd much rather be
racing around and being a goof than guiding me. I still work him every morning on the cycling path outside our flat, but for the most part, he's become a pet. He's spending tonight and last night at Tenie's flat for another sleep over. He seems quite contented there; going for walks in the park and lying on the couch watching TV with the girls.
So, although it's been a very difficult decision, I'm actually very excited for Glacier to move in with our friend. I know he'll have a lot of adventures in front of him and ones that he will be able to enjoy.
The only thing is that, since Glacier is so young, I'd be using a cane for at least another six or seven years. I'm not entirely sure I could do it for that long. With being completely blind and deaf in one ear a guide dog acts as an extra safety net for me when out traveling. So, with my safety in mind and Glacier's bet interest, I have decided to re-home him.
Fortunately, he will be moving in with a friend That means, we'll get to see him and also get regular updates. Glacier and Roscoe can also have play dates. I am going to miss him like crazy of course, but I think it's the best for everyone.
Glacier has always wanted to be an only dog I think and he'll be the centre of attention where he's going. My friend is able to take Glacier to work quite often and he works outside, so Glacier will get to romp freely. Also, my friend is excited to take Glacier to pubs, leash free runs in the surrounding woods and he has a fenced in backyard. It really is ideal.
I've also seen the two interact and they seem to be best buds already
In the mean time, Glacier is retired, but I am waiting for a new dog and going crazy. Glacier definitely doesn't want to work anymore and putting the harness on him is just dangerous and, to me, slightly cruel. He tries to sniff everything and everyone and doesn't seem to know how to walk in a straight line any longer. He'd much rather be
racing around and being a goof than guiding me. I still work him every morning on the cycling path outside our flat, but for the most part, he's become a pet. He's spending tonight and last night at Tenie's flat for another sleep over. He seems quite contented there; going for walks in the park and lying on the couch watching TV with the girls.
So, although it's been a very difficult decision, I'm actually very excited for Glacier to move in with our friend. I know he'll have a lot of adventures in front of him and ones that he will be able to enjoy.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
When Nettles Attack
It hasn't even been a week since we've moved into our new flat, but I have taken full advantage of the cycling path that is right across the street. All three dogs quite enjoy walking along it and I find it a relaxing way to exercise Hermione without having to worry about pausing at curbs or cars running us over. Not to mention, my part time guide runner and I have gone out on three runs, starting on that particular branch of the path. It's so nice to run outside sometimes as opposed to doing all of my workouts on the treadmill at the gym.
I do have to be aware of cyclists though of course, but most will ring their bells upon approaching us and I can move out of the way. There are always other walkers, runners and dogs, both on and off leash. These distractions aren't nearly as bad as vehicular traffic though and I quite enjoy the mornings, walking down the path.
Apparently, though, cyclists are not the only danger that I may face when out for a walk, which I learned the hard way. Who would have thought plants could pose a threat on your morning stroll?
Yesterday morning I took Hermione and Roscoe out to do their business after eating their breakfasts. Glacier had gone to Tenie and Carmen's flat for a sleep over, a way to try to help him transition from his working role to pet role. So, I brought Roscoe down to the path with me. I did put his harness on him just as a visual cue to others that I am blind, but just walked myself as it's a straight line and usually quite easy to navigate.
Both dogs were really well behaved for the most part and quickly relieved themselves. It was a nice sunny morning, which are rare here, and so I let Hermione sniff around a bit, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Just as I was getting ready to head back up the path and home, two little barking dogs started heading towards us. Roscoe became very excited and a bit anxious as he has been attacked before and barking dogs now make him a bit vocal.
I had him sit, knowing his history and that he had a tendency to bolt towards the dogs because he wanted to play. He sat, but suddenly bolted and nearly snatched the leash out of my hand. Hermione was a bit frantic since Roscoe was acting like a crazy dog and started hopping around on the end of her leash. I reeled her back in, not entirely sure where the other dogs were or if they were even on leash. Just at that instant, Roscoe bolted again, running Hermione over and sending her into a frenzy. She yelped and went tearing off into the bushes next to the path, probably seeking cover and safety. What neither of us knew was that she had hopped straight into a nettle infested area.. When she landed, she began yelping louder, probably because the nettles stung her, and I panicked thinking that the other dogs were free and were attacking her. all of this happened so quickly that I made the split second decision to let Roscoe go and plunged my arms in up to the shoulders to get Hermione out of whatever predicament she was in. I also thought if the dogs were free and in attack mode, Roscoe had a better chance of running away or defending himself if not attached to me. Plus, he had been yanking so hard on the leash that I was barely hanging on.
Don't poke the mama bear, I suppose.
With the adrenalin pumping through my veins I hardly noticed anything was amiss and I pulled Hermione out, who instantly stopped her racket. I then realised that she was not under attack and that I was minus Roscoe. Thankfully, the owners of the little yappy dogs had snagged him and were in the process of bringing him back. I am also thankful that they weren't angry and thought that Roscoe had just been excited, which he had been, but I was not impressed that he had managed to escape me.
By the time they returned Roscoe, I think the adrenalin had subsided slightly because it was then that my hands and wrists started burning. I don't mean, "ouch, that kind of hurts" burning. It was most like, "what the crap just happened. Were there fire ants in there?!" kind of burning.
I quickly became concerned that I had thrust my hands and arms into something poisonous. Not only was I concerned for me, but for Hermione too.
When the two women and their now quiet dogs reached Hermione and I, I told them that i was stinging and asked what I had grabbed Hermione out of. They told me it was nettles and I was confused and relieved all at once.
I knew nettles couldn't kill me, but at that moment I felt like my hands needed to be chopped off. I got Roscoe back from the women, thanked them for their understanding and hurried home to wash my now throbbing digits.
Mr. K was up and about when I got back and swiftly checked Hermione over for any nettles that might still be on her. He found a couple and plucked them free then helped me strip my sweatshirt off, whereupon, I submerged my hands in cold water for a long while.
I have no idea if I did the right thing. I've never encountered nettles before and let me tell you, I never want to encounter them again. My hands continued to burn and tingle, as though they were asleep, for the rest of the day and only this morning did the uncomfortable tingling turn into itching.
For most of the day yesterday, anything touching my hands or wrists was painful; clothing, water, condensation from a glass. Holding on to the dogs' leashes was uncomfortable. I am just glad I was wearing something with sleeves because if I hadn't my discomfort would not have been just on my hands and wrists. There are spots that still itch a bit, but I'll take the itching over the horrible tingling.
So, what did I learn from my little nettle experience?
Don't touch nettles.
Other than that, I'm not sure I would have done anything different if something like that were to happen again. Mr. K said next time to pull Hermione out of the bushes by her leash, but I'm sure if I have to fetch her from the forest again, I'll probably do it the same way I did it last time. No point in inuring her even further.
As for walking on the path with Roscoe: I'll probably make him wear his halty so he can't go galloping off after whatever dog he chooses. That is if I decide to bring him again.
I think Hermione learned her lesson well. This morning when we went on our after breakfast walk, she stayed clear of any bushes that contained nettles. No scavenging in the under brush for her.
Nope.
She trotted along beside me, happy to stick to the paved path.
So, take it from me, don't go sticking your hands into a nettle bush because they attack back.
I do have to be aware of cyclists though of course, but most will ring their bells upon approaching us and I can move out of the way. There are always other walkers, runners and dogs, both on and off leash. These distractions aren't nearly as bad as vehicular traffic though and I quite enjoy the mornings, walking down the path.
Apparently, though, cyclists are not the only danger that I may face when out for a walk, which I learned the hard way. Who would have thought plants could pose a threat on your morning stroll?
Yesterday morning I took Hermione and Roscoe out to do their business after eating their breakfasts. Glacier had gone to Tenie and Carmen's flat for a sleep over, a way to try to help him transition from his working role to pet role. So, I brought Roscoe down to the path with me. I did put his harness on him just as a visual cue to others that I am blind, but just walked myself as it's a straight line and usually quite easy to navigate.
Both dogs were really well behaved for the most part and quickly relieved themselves. It was a nice sunny morning, which are rare here, and so I let Hermione sniff around a bit, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Just as I was getting ready to head back up the path and home, two little barking dogs started heading towards us. Roscoe became very excited and a bit anxious as he has been attacked before and barking dogs now make him a bit vocal.
I had him sit, knowing his history and that he had a tendency to bolt towards the dogs because he wanted to play. He sat, but suddenly bolted and nearly snatched the leash out of my hand. Hermione was a bit frantic since Roscoe was acting like a crazy dog and started hopping around on the end of her leash. I reeled her back in, not entirely sure where the other dogs were or if they were even on leash. Just at that instant, Roscoe bolted again, running Hermione over and sending her into a frenzy. She yelped and went tearing off into the bushes next to the path, probably seeking cover and safety. What neither of us knew was that she had hopped straight into a nettle infested area.. When she landed, she began yelping louder, probably because the nettles stung her, and I panicked thinking that the other dogs were free and were attacking her. all of this happened so quickly that I made the split second decision to let Roscoe go and plunged my arms in up to the shoulders to get Hermione out of whatever predicament she was in. I also thought if the dogs were free and in attack mode, Roscoe had a better chance of running away or defending himself if not attached to me. Plus, he had been yanking so hard on the leash that I was barely hanging on.
Don't poke the mama bear, I suppose.
With the adrenalin pumping through my veins I hardly noticed anything was amiss and I pulled Hermione out, who instantly stopped her racket. I then realised that she was not under attack and that I was minus Roscoe. Thankfully, the owners of the little yappy dogs had snagged him and were in the process of bringing him back. I am also thankful that they weren't angry and thought that Roscoe had just been excited, which he had been, but I was not impressed that he had managed to escape me.
By the time they returned Roscoe, I think the adrenalin had subsided slightly because it was then that my hands and wrists started burning. I don't mean, "ouch, that kind of hurts" burning. It was most like, "what the crap just happened. Were there fire ants in there?!" kind of burning.
I quickly became concerned that I had thrust my hands and arms into something poisonous. Not only was I concerned for me, but for Hermione too.
When the two women and their now quiet dogs reached Hermione and I, I told them that i was stinging and asked what I had grabbed Hermione out of. They told me it was nettles and I was confused and relieved all at once.
I knew nettles couldn't kill me, but at that moment I felt like my hands needed to be chopped off. I got Roscoe back from the women, thanked them for their understanding and hurried home to wash my now throbbing digits.
Mr. K was up and about when I got back and swiftly checked Hermione over for any nettles that might still be on her. He found a couple and plucked them free then helped me strip my sweatshirt off, whereupon, I submerged my hands in cold water for a long while.
I have no idea if I did the right thing. I've never encountered nettles before and let me tell you, I never want to encounter them again. My hands continued to burn and tingle, as though they were asleep, for the rest of the day and only this morning did the uncomfortable tingling turn into itching.
For most of the day yesterday, anything touching my hands or wrists was painful; clothing, water, condensation from a glass. Holding on to the dogs' leashes was uncomfortable. I am just glad I was wearing something with sleeves because if I hadn't my discomfort would not have been just on my hands and wrists. There are spots that still itch a bit, but I'll take the itching over the horrible tingling.
So, what did I learn from my little nettle experience?
Don't touch nettles.
Other than that, I'm not sure I would have done anything different if something like that were to happen again. Mr. K said next time to pull Hermione out of the bushes by her leash, but I'm sure if I have to fetch her from the forest again, I'll probably do it the same way I did it last time. No point in inuring her even further.
As for walking on the path with Roscoe: I'll probably make him wear his halty so he can't go galloping off after whatever dog he chooses. That is if I decide to bring him again.
I think Hermione learned her lesson well. This morning when we went on our after breakfast walk, she stayed clear of any bushes that contained nettles. No scavenging in the under brush for her.
Nope.
She trotted along beside me, happy to stick to the paved path.
So, take it from me, don't go sticking your hands into a nettle bush because they attack back.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Jail Break
We have officially been living in our new flat for three days and I totally love it. There is so much more space and the quiet of the neighbor hood is so refreshing. I've already made good use of the cycling path right across the street; walking both Hermione and Glacier while using Mr. K's white cane. It would seem though, that I'm not the only one who loves our new flat. Of course the dogs like it, but what about Hamish the Lionhead rabbit?
Hamish has been set up comfortably in the living room right in front of a big window. He seems to enjoy the fresh air that comes in when we open that window and has actually been quite active the few times we've let him out of his cage; hopping about the living room and using the TV stand as a hiding spot from sneaky foxes. Not that we have any foxes. Our three dogs hardly notice him. Hermione is the most interested and I think it's because she wants him to play with her. Hamish, needless to say, is not interested, but she continues to engage him. Glacier and Roscoe don't even move when Hamish goes hopping by, passing inches from their noses or paws. They really are great dogs.
Last night we let Hamish out for some exercise and close to bed time, Mr. K returned him to his cage. We left Glacier and Roscoe to sleep in the living room because we don't have beds for them yet, and since they have become spoiled, they require soft, squishy surfaces to get their beauty sleep. So, they snooze on the couch. Hermione was wrangled in and ushered off to our room and we all fell fast asleep.
Around 9 this morning-Hermione let me sleep in today-Hermione started rolling about and whacking Mr. K and I with her paws, her sign that it's time to get up and take her out. I scooped her up, got dressed, released the big boys from the living room and took everyone out for their morning relief time. When I got back in, all three dogs relieved, I unlatched Hermione's leash and she went tearing off to the living room. I thought nothing of it as I figured she was bee lining for her bowl since it most certainly was past breakfast time. But when I entered the living room, she was nowhere near her bowl. She was skittering around under the bunny's cage instead and I thought I heard Hamish hopping, but shrugged it off as him hopping in the cage. That was all cleared up though when Mr. K came sauntering in seconds later and asked me why the bunny was out.
The bunny was out?
How the crap did the bunny get out?
All we can figure is that when Hamish was put back in last night, the latches on his cage weren't clipped into place and he pushed the side of the cage up and hopped down. We were both shocked that he had jumped out because it's at least a 3 foot drop, but he obviously made it because there he was hopping about happily, acting as though he owned the living room.
We have no idea how long he was out for, but Mr. K and I were both so grateful that our big boys aren't bothered by the bunny because that could have ended very badly. Not to mention, it's a good thing the living room door was closed because he could have ended up anywhere in the flat.
It took a little coaxing on Mr. K's part-more like bribing with bunny kibble and some fresh greens-to get Hamish back into his cage this morning, but eventually he was safely locked back in. This evening after his little romp, Mr. K was sure to check the clips were in place and secured. It always amazes me that just when you think you're settling into a routine or getting too comfortable, something happens to shake things up a bit. I am very sure the universe has a sense of humor. As I have said a million times before, and probably will say a million times again, there is never a dull moment in this household.
So, lesson of the day: make sure your bunny's cage is properly latched because otherwise he may ninja escape.
Hamish has been set up comfortably in the living room right in front of a big window. He seems to enjoy the fresh air that comes in when we open that window and has actually been quite active the few times we've let him out of his cage; hopping about the living room and using the TV stand as a hiding spot from sneaky foxes. Not that we have any foxes. Our three dogs hardly notice him. Hermione is the most interested and I think it's because she wants him to play with her. Hamish, needless to say, is not interested, but she continues to engage him. Glacier and Roscoe don't even move when Hamish goes hopping by, passing inches from their noses or paws. They really are great dogs.
Last night we let Hamish out for some exercise and close to bed time, Mr. K returned him to his cage. We left Glacier and Roscoe to sleep in the living room because we don't have beds for them yet, and since they have become spoiled, they require soft, squishy surfaces to get their beauty sleep. So, they snooze on the couch. Hermione was wrangled in and ushered off to our room and we all fell fast asleep.
Around 9 this morning-Hermione let me sleep in today-Hermione started rolling about and whacking Mr. K and I with her paws, her sign that it's time to get up and take her out. I scooped her up, got dressed, released the big boys from the living room and took everyone out for their morning relief time. When I got back in, all three dogs relieved, I unlatched Hermione's leash and she went tearing off to the living room. I thought nothing of it as I figured she was bee lining for her bowl since it most certainly was past breakfast time. But when I entered the living room, she was nowhere near her bowl. She was skittering around under the bunny's cage instead and I thought I heard Hamish hopping, but shrugged it off as him hopping in the cage. That was all cleared up though when Mr. K came sauntering in seconds later and asked me why the bunny was out.
The bunny was out?
How the crap did the bunny get out?
All we can figure is that when Hamish was put back in last night, the latches on his cage weren't clipped into place and he pushed the side of the cage up and hopped down. We were both shocked that he had jumped out because it's at least a 3 foot drop, but he obviously made it because there he was hopping about happily, acting as though he owned the living room.
We have no idea how long he was out for, but Mr. K and I were both so grateful that our big boys aren't bothered by the bunny because that could have ended very badly. Not to mention, it's a good thing the living room door was closed because he could have ended up anywhere in the flat.
It took a little coaxing on Mr. K's part-more like bribing with bunny kibble and some fresh greens-to get Hamish back into his cage this morning, but eventually he was safely locked back in. This evening after his little romp, Mr. K was sure to check the clips were in place and secured. It always amazes me that just when you think you're settling into a routine or getting too comfortable, something happens to shake things up a bit. I am very sure the universe has a sense of humor. As I have said a million times before, and probably will say a million times again, there is never a dull moment in this household.
So, lesson of the day: make sure your bunny's cage is properly latched because otherwise he may ninja escape.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Feels Quite Right
Have you ever noticed when something is right you just seem to know? I've been experiencing that a lot lately, including with my difficult decision to retire Glacier. We're still working and will continue to until a suitable replacement guide is found. I have had my moments, but I am growing more comfortable with my decision every day.
But, even though Glacier's retirement has been weighing heavily on my mind, another small life change is going on and it is most certainly "quite right."
Sunday we were given the keys to our new flat. We had a walk through, just exploring everything more thoroughly and I couldn't have been happier. We sat in the living room for about twenty minutes just chatting and it felt so comfortable. I was very happy that it was much quieter with regards to traffic and we could hear song birds instead of Sea Gulls. One of our neighbours downstairs also seem friendly and the building itself seems quite quiet.
There are so many little quirks about the place that we didn't notice when we walked through at our viewing that I love. For example, the bathroom door has a pane of textured glass in it that definitely gives it character. The taps on the sink and bath tub are the old ones that have a separate for the hot and cold, but the toilet has definitely been replaced and is quite new; much nicer than the one here.
The main bedroom has textured walls, which is tastefully done with small leafs and vines. There is a shelving unit that runs beneath the main window and we are going to turn that into my work station for school. It will be nice when the sun shines through those windows and I'll also be able to open up the window for some fresh air while I'm working.
As far as we can tell, the communal garden is fenced in and there is a park about a five minute walk away. The cycling path right outside our flat door leads to so many places, including the park, that we could probably walk all the way back to the old flat without having to walk on the noisy city streets if we didn't want to.
I'm really impressed with our new living space and can't wait until we are completely moved in. We are still staying in the old place because our big furniture, such as our bed and dryer, can't be moved until Friday. We also don't have internet or phone at the new flat yet. Actually, our internet was supposed to be disconnected from this flat last Friday, but it seems to still be working.
Later today I'm going to head over and unpack some things in order to have empty suitcases to refill. The cafe on the corner serves the best breakfast at the most reasonable prices we've had/seen since moving here and I may stop in for a scone. Apparently, according to a review I read about the place, they also have the best scones in Scotland. While there on Sunday, we also discovered that it's dog friendly, which made me happy because that means that Hermione can come along if I take myself for a coffee.
There is another pub not far down the road that sits on a pier out into the water that is also dog friendly. It's actually a really cool place because if you sit on the patio, you can hear the waves hitting the breaker wall and we all know how I feel about water. ;)
Despite it taking me a bit longer to get excited because my mind was elsewhere, I am super excited now and in love with a piece of real estate. The internet is supposed to be turned on in the new flat on Thursday and once that happens, I promise to be better about posting more regularly.
Happy Monday :)
But, even though Glacier's retirement has been weighing heavily on my mind, another small life change is going on and it is most certainly "quite right."
Sunday we were given the keys to our new flat. We had a walk through, just exploring everything more thoroughly and I couldn't have been happier. We sat in the living room for about twenty minutes just chatting and it felt so comfortable. I was very happy that it was much quieter with regards to traffic and we could hear song birds instead of Sea Gulls. One of our neighbours downstairs also seem friendly and the building itself seems quite quiet.
There are so many little quirks about the place that we didn't notice when we walked through at our viewing that I love. For example, the bathroom door has a pane of textured glass in it that definitely gives it character. The taps on the sink and bath tub are the old ones that have a separate for the hot and cold, but the toilet has definitely been replaced and is quite new; much nicer than the one here.
The main bedroom has textured walls, which is tastefully done with small leafs and vines. There is a shelving unit that runs beneath the main window and we are going to turn that into my work station for school. It will be nice when the sun shines through those windows and I'll also be able to open up the window for some fresh air while I'm working.
As far as we can tell, the communal garden is fenced in and there is a park about a five minute walk away. The cycling path right outside our flat door leads to so many places, including the park, that we could probably walk all the way back to the old flat without having to walk on the noisy city streets if we didn't want to.
I'm really impressed with our new living space and can't wait until we are completely moved in. We are still staying in the old place because our big furniture, such as our bed and dryer, can't be moved until Friday. We also don't have internet or phone at the new flat yet. Actually, our internet was supposed to be disconnected from this flat last Friday, but it seems to still be working.
Later today I'm going to head over and unpack some things in order to have empty suitcases to refill. The cafe on the corner serves the best breakfast at the most reasonable prices we've had/seen since moving here and I may stop in for a scone. Apparently, according to a review I read about the place, they also have the best scones in Scotland. While there on Sunday, we also discovered that it's dog friendly, which made me happy because that means that Hermione can come along if I take myself for a coffee.
There is another pub not far down the road that sits on a pier out into the water that is also dog friendly. It's actually a really cool place because if you sit on the patio, you can hear the waves hitting the breaker wall and we all know how I feel about water. ;)
Despite it taking me a bit longer to get excited because my mind was elsewhere, I am super excited now and in love with a piece of real estate. The internet is supposed to be turned on in the new flat on Thursday and once that happens, I promise to be better about posting more regularly.
Happy Monday :)
Monday, July 02, 2012
A Fond Farewell
Of course things are changing around here again. Nothing ever stays the same, which is probably why it's a good thing I keep a blog. If I didn't, I'd probably lose track of my own life. ;)
Seriously though, our family has changed a bit and we're also moving...again. But, let me start with our family changes.
First of all, we lost two of our Sugies. Both Fiona and Plato have gone to the rainbow bridge, both quite suddenly and quite unexpected. We're not sure what happened at all, but we've decided that perhaps Sugar Gliders do not do well in our household. So, with that in mind, Mr. K contacted Gus and Fiona's breeder to see if Yoda could be of any use for her as a neutered male. She is a fantastic breeder and I would tell anyone looking for a Sugar Glider in the UK to purchase their Sugies from her.
She responded saying that Yoda would be great in assisting one of the mating pairs with raising the joeys. Sugar Gliders live in colonies in the wild with numbers anywhere near 16 Sugies and so it is not unusual for them to help each other out. Because Yoda is neutered, he won't fight the other male for his wife and all will be well. We thought that was a great idea and were so happy and thankful that Yoda would be going to live with an expert and that he would have a very happy life playing nanny.
So, we packed him up with his cage, toys and other accessories and he moved out on Saturday. It was sort of bitter sweet. We were sad to see him go, but we know he's in a much better place. The breeder will be able to use the cage for more Sugar Gliders and we are glad that it will get some good use. He apparently has settled in well, with Candy and Tom accepting him, and his name has been changed to Dale. We wish Candy, Tom and Dale all the best.
So, our family has shrunk by three members in a course of a few months. We think Fiona may have gotten sick, but Plato just sort of died randomly. We don't know if he choked on his food or had a heart attack, but whatever happened, everyone is much happier where they are now.
Despite our family getting smaller by three, we had another member join our fuzzy ranks. Enter Hamish the Lion Head Rabbit. That's right, we have a bunny. He is about 12 weeks old and the fluffiest little dude ever.
We heard that he needed to be re-homed due to a family's allergy and we offered to take him on. Mr. K had bunnies growing up and he always wanted another rabbit. So, Hamish came to live with us. He seems to be warming up to us and isn't afraid of the dogs at all. Hermione wants him to play with her; Glacier wants to mother him; and Roscoe could care less. So, I think Hamish is fitting in just fine. We've talked about getting Hamish a friend because bunnies like having bunny company, but we'll see how much room we have when we move.
That brings me to my next point; our move.
Just over a month ago our flat started falling apart. Actually, it's been slowly falling apart since about February, but we decided that it wasn't anything major and that we'd be fine until I was done with my university program, but things got worse. One of the window frames broke off in my hands when I was trying to close it because it had dry rot and it hasn't been fixed properly. There is a piece of wood nailed over the hole. The other windows also have dry rot, so it is possible they will crumble into little bits at any time as well. Our heat stopped working and our gas makes horrible squealing noises if it is left on too long to heat the water. Don't even get me started on the water not staying heated properly. The list could go on and on. So, Mr. K started looking for two bedroom flats, thinking that if we were going to move that we'd get a bigger place.
I took up the search as well and fell in love with a two bedroom flat that is only a ten minute walk from where we live now. We viewed it and I was convinced. We put a deposit on it as soon as we walked out of the door from the viewing and finally signed the lease last week. We get the keys on the 15th of July and I am so excited. Not only do we have more room, but we also have a communal garden at the back, a cycling/walking path right across the street and a little cafe just on the corner of our street. We also have moved closer to the sea and that always makes me happy. The icing on the cake was that it was only 25 quid more than the place we are in now, which means we get all of those great things without breaking the bank. It's also on a quiet residential street, which will be nice as well.
Mr. K and I have both agreed that we are not moving any time soon after we move into that flat. We had originally moved in here thinking that one day we'd move out to find a bigger place, but we are both sick of hopping from home to home. It's time to put down some roots.
As you can see, there have been and are going to be a few changes in our lives, but you know me, I probably wouldn't have it any other way. Well, except for the moving so often part. :)
Seriously though, our family has changed a bit and we're also moving...again. But, let me start with our family changes.
First of all, we lost two of our Sugies. Both Fiona and Plato have gone to the rainbow bridge, both quite suddenly and quite unexpected. We're not sure what happened at all, but we've decided that perhaps Sugar Gliders do not do well in our household. So, with that in mind, Mr. K contacted Gus and Fiona's breeder to see if Yoda could be of any use for her as a neutered male. She is a fantastic breeder and I would tell anyone looking for a Sugar Glider in the UK to purchase their Sugies from her.
She responded saying that Yoda would be great in assisting one of the mating pairs with raising the joeys. Sugar Gliders live in colonies in the wild with numbers anywhere near 16 Sugies and so it is not unusual for them to help each other out. Because Yoda is neutered, he won't fight the other male for his wife and all will be well. We thought that was a great idea and were so happy and thankful that Yoda would be going to live with an expert and that he would have a very happy life playing nanny.
So, we packed him up with his cage, toys and other accessories and he moved out on Saturday. It was sort of bitter sweet. We were sad to see him go, but we know he's in a much better place. The breeder will be able to use the cage for more Sugar Gliders and we are glad that it will get some good use. He apparently has settled in well, with Candy and Tom accepting him, and his name has been changed to Dale. We wish Candy, Tom and Dale all the best.
So, our family has shrunk by three members in a course of a few months. We think Fiona may have gotten sick, but Plato just sort of died randomly. We don't know if he choked on his food or had a heart attack, but whatever happened, everyone is much happier where they are now.
Despite our family getting smaller by three, we had another member join our fuzzy ranks. Enter Hamish the Lion Head Rabbit. That's right, we have a bunny. He is about 12 weeks old and the fluffiest little dude ever.
We heard that he needed to be re-homed due to a family's allergy and we offered to take him on. Mr. K had bunnies growing up and he always wanted another rabbit. So, Hamish came to live with us. He seems to be warming up to us and isn't afraid of the dogs at all. Hermione wants him to play with her; Glacier wants to mother him; and Roscoe could care less. So, I think Hamish is fitting in just fine. We've talked about getting Hamish a friend because bunnies like having bunny company, but we'll see how much room we have when we move.
That brings me to my next point; our move.
Just over a month ago our flat started falling apart. Actually, it's been slowly falling apart since about February, but we decided that it wasn't anything major and that we'd be fine until I was done with my university program, but things got worse. One of the window frames broke off in my hands when I was trying to close it because it had dry rot and it hasn't been fixed properly. There is a piece of wood nailed over the hole. The other windows also have dry rot, so it is possible they will crumble into little bits at any time as well. Our heat stopped working and our gas makes horrible squealing noises if it is left on too long to heat the water. Don't even get me started on the water not staying heated properly. The list could go on and on. So, Mr. K started looking for two bedroom flats, thinking that if we were going to move that we'd get a bigger place.
I took up the search as well and fell in love with a two bedroom flat that is only a ten minute walk from where we live now. We viewed it and I was convinced. We put a deposit on it as soon as we walked out of the door from the viewing and finally signed the lease last week. We get the keys on the 15th of July and I am so excited. Not only do we have more room, but we also have a communal garden at the back, a cycling/walking path right across the street and a little cafe just on the corner of our street. We also have moved closer to the sea and that always makes me happy. The icing on the cake was that it was only 25 quid more than the place we are in now, which means we get all of those great things without breaking the bank. It's also on a quiet residential street, which will be nice as well.
Mr. K and I have both agreed that we are not moving any time soon after we move into that flat. We had originally moved in here thinking that one day we'd move out to find a bigger place, but we are both sick of hopping from home to home. It's time to put down some roots.
As you can see, there have been and are going to be a few changes in our lives, but you know me, I probably wouldn't have it any other way. Well, except for the moving so often part. :)
Monday, June 18, 2012
We're in the News!
An article was written about Mr. K and I by a freelance journallist. We were interviewed almost four months ago, but the newspaper has been sitting on it. They finally published it today. It can be found
here. ..if anyone is interested. :)
here. ..if anyone is interested. :)
Friday, June 15, 2012
Soggy Scotland
It's another cold, rainy day in Scotland. To be honest, I don't really mind the rain so much; not here anyway. Most days when it rains, it's more of a misty sort of sprinkling that will eventually soak you if you stay out in it too long, but it's not so much that you can't take the dogs for a walk. I can usually take Hermione on a good half hour to 45 minute stroll before I feel the need to remove my soggy coat and shoes. Today, however, is definitely a rainy day to be contended with.
The kind of day where it's good you can stay indoors, cuddled up under a blanket, with a cup of coffee in your favourite mug and three dogs squishing you on the couch. A good book wouldn't go amiss either. I didn't even know it was raining when I first took Hermione out this morning, but if I had been listening, I would have heard the cars splashing through the puddles on the street and would have been a bit more prepared. I stepped out the front door only to be blasted by a huge gust of wind the sprayed me with rain coming down so hard and being blown so strongly that it was sideways.
It's the kind of rainy day where the wind is howling down the streets and the drops are so fat and falling fast that only six minutes outside to let your puppy do her business, leaves your coat soaked through. It's also the kind of rain where the cracks and bumps in the roads and sidewalks end up filled with water and if it keeps it up, we'll have sidewalk flooding. Not to mention, there are a lot of cracks and bumps on our street because it is made entirely of cobble stones. Have you ever seen a cobble stone street after a down pour? Not pretty, unless you're a duck.
It's this kind of rain that I think people believe happens in Scotland all of the time. I'm glad it doesn't because for how often it rains, we would never be able to leave the house. I can handle the misting/foggy rain, that feels more like a mister you might have in your back garden if you live in a hotter part of the United States, but these down pours keep even the bravest souls indoors; Wellies, and umbrellas or not.
So, yes, it rains in Scotland and it can be kind of soggy, but today it is more than a little soggy; it's a lot soggy.
The kind of day where it's good you can stay indoors, cuddled up under a blanket, with a cup of coffee in your favourite mug and three dogs squishing you on the couch. A good book wouldn't go amiss either. I didn't even know it was raining when I first took Hermione out this morning, but if I had been listening, I would have heard the cars splashing through the puddles on the street and would have been a bit more prepared. I stepped out the front door only to be blasted by a huge gust of wind the sprayed me with rain coming down so hard and being blown so strongly that it was sideways.
It's the kind of rainy day where the wind is howling down the streets and the drops are so fat and falling fast that only six minutes outside to let your puppy do her business, leaves your coat soaked through. It's also the kind of rain where the cracks and bumps in the roads and sidewalks end up filled with water and if it keeps it up, we'll have sidewalk flooding. Not to mention, there are a lot of cracks and bumps on our street because it is made entirely of cobble stones. Have you ever seen a cobble stone street after a down pour? Not pretty, unless you're a duck.
It's this kind of rain that I think people believe happens in Scotland all of the time. I'm glad it doesn't because for how often it rains, we would never be able to leave the house. I can handle the misting/foggy rain, that feels more like a mister you might have in your back garden if you live in a hotter part of the United States, but these down pours keep even the bravest souls indoors; Wellies, and umbrellas or not.
So, yes, it rains in Scotland and it can be kind of soggy, but today it is more than a little soggy; it's a lot soggy.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!
To all of the Moms out there-with human or fur kids-happy Mother's Day to you!!!
Moms should be recognised for their sacrifices all year round, but it is nice to set aside a day to remind us of just how wonderful the women in our lives are.
When I was younger, I celebrated my mom and my grandmas, but as I've gotten older this day has given me an appreciation for all of the women who act as a role model or caregiver to someone else.
I am forever grateful to my Mom and since I am very far away this Mother's Day, I miss her dearly. I don't think moms will ever know just how much they are appreciated and loved. The dedication, love, loyalty and support that I have witnessed over the years is amazing and I can only hope that I have learned to be as equally supportive, patient, dedicated and all of the other great things a mom figure can bring to our lives.
Thanks Mom for being a great role model and for being my Mom. I love you and miss you. XOXO
As for my own fur kids: Hermione let me celebrate Mother's Day by allowing me to take a two hour nap this afternoon. LOL Oh, puppy antics; how I love them. Glacier and Roscoe are the best fur sons any mom could ask for. They are both snoring on the couch right now.
Happy Mother's Day! :)
Moms should be recognised for their sacrifices all year round, but it is nice to set aside a day to remind us of just how wonderful the women in our lives are.
When I was younger, I celebrated my mom and my grandmas, but as I've gotten older this day has given me an appreciation for all of the women who act as a role model or caregiver to someone else.
I am forever grateful to my Mom and since I am very far away this Mother's Day, I miss her dearly. I don't think moms will ever know just how much they are appreciated and loved. The dedication, love, loyalty and support that I have witnessed over the years is amazing and I can only hope that I have learned to be as equally supportive, patient, dedicated and all of the other great things a mom figure can bring to our lives.
Thanks Mom for being a great role model and for being my Mom. I love you and miss you. XOXO
As for my own fur kids: Hermione let me celebrate Mother's Day by allowing me to take a two hour nap this afternoon. LOL Oh, puppy antics; how I love them. Glacier and Roscoe are the best fur sons any mom could ask for. They are both snoring on the couch right now.
Happy Mother's Day! :)
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Our Household: Part 6
Of course we all know the one and only Glacier; the guy for whom this blog was renamed from "Jess and Jetta's Adventures" to "At A Glacial Pace." The funny thing is, I think even when Glacier retires and has gone to the Rainbow Bridge-let's hope we don't have to worry about that for a while-the name "At A Glacial Pace" will remain. Out of all of the dogs who have passed through my life, Glacier has taught me the most about loyalty, hard work, friendship and partnership. Without getting too mushy, Glacier has, as every guide dog owner will tell you, changed my life. But, it's been in this incredible way that I never knew would happen. He taught me to speak up for what I believe and also that I should not be afraid to ask questions. I have always done these things, but my journey with Glacier has driven these lessons home.
Let's take some time to get to know this big guy better. :)
There is nothing "glacial" about this big guy; except for his colouring and size perhaps. He walks very fast and makes quick decisions to keep us both safe. I do have to admit though, he thinks about things a lot harder than Jetta ever did and if I interrupt his thinking process, he gets flustered.
As most of you know, Glacier is a 33 kilogram, or 75 LBS, Yellow Labrador; a huge change from my little Jetta. When I first met him, I was convinced that he'd be more difficult to handle due to sheer size, but in a lot of ways I was wrong about that. He is much lighter in the harness, which means that he doesn't lean as heavily into the chest strap of his working harness. This was a shock, as I thought that if he was bigger, he'd pull harder. Of course when he sees someone or something he likes, he can pull harder than Jetta ever could, but when we are just walking along, and he is minding his own business, he is very light.
Another surprise was how sensitive he was and still is. Jetta was stubborn and required a much heavier hand to keep in check, whereas, Glacier often just needs a verbal reminder and he's back on track. It was a hard lesson to learn as I worked with him for almost two years before realising this. It nearly cost us our working relationship. Once I discovered that gentle verbal reminders and just snapping my fingers were all he needed, we began to bloom as a working team. Now, three and a half years later, I think we are finally finding our groove. I've been asked why I stuck it out so long with him and my simple answer was that because I knew he loved working and that he was good at it: I just had to figure out how to be the handler he needed to be successful.
Aside from working, Glacier loves a lot of things that you would consider regular dog things. You can't have all work and no play. One of Glacier's favourite thing to do is find a particularly dirty patch of grass or mud and roll in it until he turns into a Chocolate Lab. It doesn't matter where we go, he always manages to find a hole for his rolling pleasures. Murphy's Law; the white dog gets the dirtiest. I've also mentioned before how he loves to lie in wait for any unsuspecting passing by pup, usually Roscoe, and then run full tilt after them and tackle them.
Glacier doesn't necessarily do a lot of things that would be considered typical to a Labrador because his formal training would have discouraged such behaviors. Retrieving, for example, is not one of his strong suits. In fact, I don't even think he knows how retrieving is supposed to work. Often times, if you throw something he doesn't even chase it. He also does not like swimming, but I'm not sure if that is because of his training and upbringing or because he's just a strange sort. The one thing that is not negated by his training is his love for food. In that regard, Glacier is a Labrador deep in his bones.
Speaking of food, Glacier had a horrible habit of eating everything when I first got him; especially things that were not edible. He ate velcro, Brillo pads, floss, earphones, a doll's face...the list could go on and on. I don't know if he has an oral fixation or what, but his eating of everything got him into a lot of trouble; including surgery to remove the velcro, doll's face, pen cap, goggle strap and whatever else they found. Most recently, he decided it was a good idea to snap the end off of a soft, puppy Nylabone and consume it. That resulted in him throwing up every morning for two weeks until he finally threw it up. It doesn't matter how Glacier proof I think something is, he always manages to surprise me. His oral fixation has lead to some pretty useful and interesting experiences though.
When we first arrived here and were staying with Tenie and the girls, Tenie dropped a peach on the kitchen floor. Glacier strolled over, picked it up and brought it to me, setting it into my lap minus teeth marks. The soft peach was completely unharmed by Glacier's very powerful chompers. I think that if he had been trained to be a service dog, he would have done well. When people come to visit, he always has to greet them by carrying something to them, such as my slippers, a shoe, his bone, a blanket he's snatched from the couch...he never hurts the objects, just shows them off.
For those of you who have been reading for a while, you will know that even though he does not destroy his "gifts," he definitely has the power to do so. Glacier has one of the strongest set of chompers I have experienced. He destroyed a hockey puck in less than seven minutes and tore the top off of a Black Kong (King sized), in less than fifteen minutes. There aren't very many toys Glacier won't destroy and so we are very selective in our household as to what we buy for the boys, and Hermione as well. Otherwise, we would have a toy graveyard in our living room very quickly.
A few quick, fun facts about Glacier:
1. Glacier was born March 16, 2007. His Mom's name was Babe and his Dad's name was Sigh; both dogs were a part of the Leader Dogs for the Blind breeding program.
2. Glacier was raised in Marquette Michigan and his puppy raiser was a teacher; I believe for a Kindergarten class.
3. Glacier was not the only one from his litter to graduate from Leader Dogs for the Blind as a full fledged working, guide dog. He had a few siblings in my class; one of them was named Murphy.
4. Glacier is one of the only dogs I know who refuses to play with the Kong Wobbler properly. Instead of whacking it around to make the kibble fall out, he'd rather sit down and try to chew the top off.
5. One cue Glacier refuses to learn, or remember, is "follow." At Leader Dogs for the Blind, the guide dogs are trained to "follow" a sighted person that is pointed to by the handler. No matter who we're following, Mr. K or Tenie, Glacier decides to not follow. I don't know if he thinks they are going the wrong way or if he feels like making up his own route, he will not follow. In malls or such places, where we are all traveling as a group, I often have to heel him and take an elbow; otherwise, I will not be arriving at the same destination as everyone else. In his defense, apparently "follow" is one of the hardest cues to teach a dog and since he does everything else so well, I suppose I can give him a bit of a break. That is a new conclusion I have come to as I have worked very hard over the years to get him to follow reliably.
So, there you have it. Some old and new information about Glacier; the big Yellow Fellow with the big heart.
Let's take some time to get to know this big guy better. :)
There is nothing "glacial" about this big guy; except for his colouring and size perhaps. He walks very fast and makes quick decisions to keep us both safe. I do have to admit though, he thinks about things a lot harder than Jetta ever did and if I interrupt his thinking process, he gets flustered.
As most of you know, Glacier is a 33 kilogram, or 75 LBS, Yellow Labrador; a huge change from my little Jetta. When I first met him, I was convinced that he'd be more difficult to handle due to sheer size, but in a lot of ways I was wrong about that. He is much lighter in the harness, which means that he doesn't lean as heavily into the chest strap of his working harness. This was a shock, as I thought that if he was bigger, he'd pull harder. Of course when he sees someone or something he likes, he can pull harder than Jetta ever could, but when we are just walking along, and he is minding his own business, he is very light.
Another surprise was how sensitive he was and still is. Jetta was stubborn and required a much heavier hand to keep in check, whereas, Glacier often just needs a verbal reminder and he's back on track. It was a hard lesson to learn as I worked with him for almost two years before realising this. It nearly cost us our working relationship. Once I discovered that gentle verbal reminders and just snapping my fingers were all he needed, we began to bloom as a working team. Now, three and a half years later, I think we are finally finding our groove. I've been asked why I stuck it out so long with him and my simple answer was that because I knew he loved working and that he was good at it: I just had to figure out how to be the handler he needed to be successful.
Aside from working, Glacier loves a lot of things that you would consider regular dog things. You can't have all work and no play. One of Glacier's favourite thing to do is find a particularly dirty patch of grass or mud and roll in it until he turns into a Chocolate Lab. It doesn't matter where we go, he always manages to find a hole for his rolling pleasures. Murphy's Law; the white dog gets the dirtiest. I've also mentioned before how he loves to lie in wait for any unsuspecting passing by pup, usually Roscoe, and then run full tilt after them and tackle them.
Glacier doesn't necessarily do a lot of things that would be considered typical to a Labrador because his formal training would have discouraged such behaviors. Retrieving, for example, is not one of his strong suits. In fact, I don't even think he knows how retrieving is supposed to work. Often times, if you throw something he doesn't even chase it. He also does not like swimming, but I'm not sure if that is because of his training and upbringing or because he's just a strange sort. The one thing that is not negated by his training is his love for food. In that regard, Glacier is a Labrador deep in his bones.
Speaking of food, Glacier had a horrible habit of eating everything when I first got him; especially things that were not edible. He ate velcro, Brillo pads, floss, earphones, a doll's face...the list could go on and on. I don't know if he has an oral fixation or what, but his eating of everything got him into a lot of trouble; including surgery to remove the velcro, doll's face, pen cap, goggle strap and whatever else they found. Most recently, he decided it was a good idea to snap the end off of a soft, puppy Nylabone and consume it. That resulted in him throwing up every morning for two weeks until he finally threw it up. It doesn't matter how Glacier proof I think something is, he always manages to surprise me. His oral fixation has lead to some pretty useful and interesting experiences though.
When we first arrived here and were staying with Tenie and the girls, Tenie dropped a peach on the kitchen floor. Glacier strolled over, picked it up and brought it to me, setting it into my lap minus teeth marks. The soft peach was completely unharmed by Glacier's very powerful chompers. I think that if he had been trained to be a service dog, he would have done well. When people come to visit, he always has to greet them by carrying something to them, such as my slippers, a shoe, his bone, a blanket he's snatched from the couch...he never hurts the objects, just shows them off.
For those of you who have been reading for a while, you will know that even though he does not destroy his "gifts," he definitely has the power to do so. Glacier has one of the strongest set of chompers I have experienced. He destroyed a hockey puck in less than seven minutes and tore the top off of a Black Kong (King sized), in less than fifteen minutes. There aren't very many toys Glacier won't destroy and so we are very selective in our household as to what we buy for the boys, and Hermione as well. Otherwise, we would have a toy graveyard in our living room very quickly.
A few quick, fun facts about Glacier:
1. Glacier was born March 16, 2007. His Mom's name was Babe and his Dad's name was Sigh; both dogs were a part of the Leader Dogs for the Blind breeding program.
2. Glacier was raised in Marquette Michigan and his puppy raiser was a teacher; I believe for a Kindergarten class.
3. Glacier was not the only one from his litter to graduate from Leader Dogs for the Blind as a full fledged working, guide dog. He had a few siblings in my class; one of them was named Murphy.
4. Glacier is one of the only dogs I know who refuses to play with the Kong Wobbler properly. Instead of whacking it around to make the kibble fall out, he'd rather sit down and try to chew the top off.
5. One cue Glacier refuses to learn, or remember, is "follow." At Leader Dogs for the Blind, the guide dogs are trained to "follow" a sighted person that is pointed to by the handler. No matter who we're following, Mr. K or Tenie, Glacier decides to not follow. I don't know if he thinks they are going the wrong way or if he feels like making up his own route, he will not follow. In malls or such places, where we are all traveling as a group, I often have to heel him and take an elbow; otherwise, I will not be arriving at the same destination as everyone else. In his defense, apparently "follow" is one of the hardest cues to teach a dog and since he does everything else so well, I suppose I can give him a bit of a break. That is a new conclusion I have come to as I have worked very hard over the years to get him to follow reliably.
So, there you have it. Some old and new information about Glacier; the big Yellow Fellow with the big heart.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Our Household: Part 5
We're back to the humans today and so that means you get to read all about me. Don't worry, I won't make the post too long. ;)
I don't know whether I go looking for adventure or if I just turn everything I do into an adventure, but I always feel like I have some story to tell. That is part of the reason why I started this blog so many years ago. That said, usually my stories involve me in some way, since it is my life, but I am not usually the focal point. In fact, I find it hard to write about myself: I think a lot of people do, but I'll try to give you a small glimpse into what makes me tick.
I was born with an illness called Retinal Blastoma, which is cancer in my retinas. Nobody knew until I was about two and I had lost both of my eyes by the time I was three. Both of my eyes are prosthetic and I can't tell you how many pranks I've played on people with them. Not to mention, the unintentional things that happen when you have prosthetic eyes. Anyway...
Despite being a blind kid, I think I had a pretty good childhood. Sure, there was some bullying and most definitely some exclusion by other kids, but I had one friend who I met when I was seven and she and I have been inseparable ever since then. In fact, the longest we were apart was when she moved to Scotland for her Master's degree and I wasn't far behind her. That friendship made all the difference in the world. I was so lucky, and still am very lucky, to have had Tenie as my best friend. Together we took on the world, but not in your typical little girl way.
When we played "house" the dolls we played with weren't our children, but were being babysat and would be picked up by their moms at the end of the day. When we played "Barbies" our Barbie dolls were witches and wizards and battling evil for the greater good of the world. We found games in hopping around in cardboard boxes, riding tandem bikes, singing at the top of our lungs and fishing in a river with fishing nets and thigh high rubber boots. We were pretty creative kids and I am so glad I had her to share those experiences with. We definitely made our own adventures back then.
I did attend a school for the blind for three years, but it was my decision to go and it was my decision to return to the public school system. Tenie was there of course and she made navigating high school so much more enjoyable. I went off to university a year ahead of her, but fate was kind and she ended up at the same university a year later. By that point, I had been working with Jetta for a year and had attended one Paralympic Games.
All in all, I attended three Paralympic Games-Sydney, Athens and Beijing-and swimming had been a huge part of my life. The swimming trials for the Paralympic Games were actually a few days ago and it was the first time in 12 years that I wasn't there. It's kind of a funny feeling; kind of sad, but also relieved as well. I retired from swimming at the end of Beijing and moved on to massage therapy college, with Glacier in tow.
2008 saw some big changes, with me beginning to work with a new dog and I also met Mr. K. Retiring from swimming that year also forced me to redefine who I was and find ways to fill my time. Sometimes I still struggle with that. After spending so long, committing so much time and energy into one activity, you almost don't know what to do with all of the extra time.
I graduated from massage therapy college, got married, moved to SC, had many experiences with various dogs and then ended up in Scotland, waiting to go back to school for my Master's degree in the fall. Of course, other things happened along the way, but I would have to write a novel and I'm not sure it would sell. :)
I have a lot of interests: such as jewelry/soap making, dog training/behavior, reading, writing, volunteering, singing, attempting to train for a triathlon (which has sort of been put on hold), horseback riding Etc. I've never been able to sit still well and I think having retired from swimming has increased my need for movement.
The famous quote for this blog seems to be:
"there is never a dull moment"
and although I like to blame it on my dogs, I think I'm really good at putting myself into those situations. Honestly though, I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
I don't know whether I go looking for adventure or if I just turn everything I do into an adventure, but I always feel like I have some story to tell. That is part of the reason why I started this blog so many years ago. That said, usually my stories involve me in some way, since it is my life, but I am not usually the focal point. In fact, I find it hard to write about myself: I think a lot of people do, but I'll try to give you a small glimpse into what makes me tick.
I was born with an illness called Retinal Blastoma, which is cancer in my retinas. Nobody knew until I was about two and I had lost both of my eyes by the time I was three. Both of my eyes are prosthetic and I can't tell you how many pranks I've played on people with them. Not to mention, the unintentional things that happen when you have prosthetic eyes. Anyway...
Despite being a blind kid, I think I had a pretty good childhood. Sure, there was some bullying and most definitely some exclusion by other kids, but I had one friend who I met when I was seven and she and I have been inseparable ever since then. In fact, the longest we were apart was when she moved to Scotland for her Master's degree and I wasn't far behind her. That friendship made all the difference in the world. I was so lucky, and still am very lucky, to have had Tenie as my best friend. Together we took on the world, but not in your typical little girl way.
When we played "house" the dolls we played with weren't our children, but were being babysat and would be picked up by their moms at the end of the day. When we played "Barbies" our Barbie dolls were witches and wizards and battling evil for the greater good of the world. We found games in hopping around in cardboard boxes, riding tandem bikes, singing at the top of our lungs and fishing in a river with fishing nets and thigh high rubber boots. We were pretty creative kids and I am so glad I had her to share those experiences with. We definitely made our own adventures back then.
I did attend a school for the blind for three years, but it was my decision to go and it was my decision to return to the public school system. Tenie was there of course and she made navigating high school so much more enjoyable. I went off to university a year ahead of her, but fate was kind and she ended up at the same university a year later. By that point, I had been working with Jetta for a year and had attended one Paralympic Games.
All in all, I attended three Paralympic Games-Sydney, Athens and Beijing-and swimming had been a huge part of my life. The swimming trials for the Paralympic Games were actually a few days ago and it was the first time in 12 years that I wasn't there. It's kind of a funny feeling; kind of sad, but also relieved as well. I retired from swimming at the end of Beijing and moved on to massage therapy college, with Glacier in tow.
2008 saw some big changes, with me beginning to work with a new dog and I also met Mr. K. Retiring from swimming that year also forced me to redefine who I was and find ways to fill my time. Sometimes I still struggle with that. After spending so long, committing so much time and energy into one activity, you almost don't know what to do with all of the extra time.
I graduated from massage therapy college, got married, moved to SC, had many experiences with various dogs and then ended up in Scotland, waiting to go back to school for my Master's degree in the fall. Of course, other things happened along the way, but I would have to write a novel and I'm not sure it would sell. :)
I have a lot of interests: such as jewelry/soap making, dog training/behavior, reading, writing, volunteering, singing, attempting to train for a triathlon (which has sort of been put on hold), horseback riding Etc. I've never been able to sit still well and I think having retired from swimming has increased my need for movement.
The famous quote for this blog seems to be:
"there is never a dull moment"
and although I like to blame it on my dogs, I think I'm really good at putting myself into those situations. Honestly though, I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Our Household: Part 1
It was recently brought to my attention that not everyone who reads this blog may necessarily know everyone who makes up the Mr. and Mrs. K household. I thought that I would take a few posts to re-introduce everyone; kind of a reminder to some and maybe even to myself. Some family members do not live with us anymore, but are still considered a part of our family. I think we should pay tribute to those fuzzies as well. I thought today we'd start with the dog who began this blog with me.
It was in December of 2006 that I started writing this blog; at least, I think it was 2006. I had started it to try to document the things happening in my life so that I could look back. A lot of things have changed since then, but the one thing that remains is that the dog who inspired those first posts still holds a very special place in my heart and I miss having her around.
Jetta, a 53 LBS Black Labrador, was my first guide dog. She and I were matched on July 03 2002 and we worked together until August of 2008. Our working relationship was a bit shorter than most, but she was a very busy girl, guiding me practically around the globe, and so I really think she deserved an early retirement.
Besides going to swimming competitions all over the world, Jetta was there during some pretty significant times in my life. She is the one who walked me across the stage when I graduated from my under Grad program and although less glamorous, she made sure I was safe during every day tasks. She even kept me from getting run over by a semi-truck on our university campus. I posted about this incident, with a few choice words.
Jetta taught me a lot about working with and training dogs and also stole my heart with her little hip wiggle and big attitude. She was always plotting and sometimes her carefully laid plans were worth the waiting. Once, we found her with all four paws on Tenie's dresser, attempting to steal the chocolate bar Tenie had pushed up against her mirror. Other times her schemes didn't go as planned, like when she would sneak off to Tenie or Carmen's rooms in order to avoid going to swim practice at 5 AM. I often caught her before she even made it to the girls' doors, but she definitely put in her best effort.
Jetta is now eleven years old and living a happy life with my parents. Retiring her wasn't a difficult decision for me as she decided for herself, as only Jetta would, but giving her up was hard. I knew where she was going and I could see her from time to time and that made my decision a bit easier. I was moving to a new city and getting a new guide dog and I didn't feel that I was in a position to keep her, learn a new city and bond with a new guide dog. So, my parents happily took her.
Since retiring, Jetta's adventures haven't ended. She hasn't necessarily had to fly on planes anymore, but she has taken many road trips. She gets to go camping and run around in the forest. Basically, she gets to be a real dog. I always get to see her when visiting my parents and she insists sleeping on my feet. She even loves Mr. K to death, which is kind of funny because Jetta is not your typical Lab. She is not super affectionate and usually keeps to herself. Even when my mom takes Jetta to the dog park, she would rather go off and sniff and frolic on her own.
So, even though Jetta is on a completely different continent, I still consider her a part of our family. She may not necessarily live in our household, but she is most certainly in my thoughts.
It was in December of 2006 that I started writing this blog; at least, I think it was 2006. I had started it to try to document the things happening in my life so that I could look back. A lot of things have changed since then, but the one thing that remains is that the dog who inspired those first posts still holds a very special place in my heart and I miss having her around.
Jetta, a 53 LBS Black Labrador, was my first guide dog. She and I were matched on July 03 2002 and we worked together until August of 2008. Our working relationship was a bit shorter than most, but she was a very busy girl, guiding me practically around the globe, and so I really think she deserved an early retirement.
Besides going to swimming competitions all over the world, Jetta was there during some pretty significant times in my life. She is the one who walked me across the stage when I graduated from my under Grad program and although less glamorous, she made sure I was safe during every day tasks. She even kept me from getting run over by a semi-truck on our university campus. I posted about this incident, with a few choice words.
Jetta taught me a lot about working with and training dogs and also stole my heart with her little hip wiggle and big attitude. She was always plotting and sometimes her carefully laid plans were worth the waiting. Once, we found her with all four paws on Tenie's dresser, attempting to steal the chocolate bar Tenie had pushed up against her mirror. Other times her schemes didn't go as planned, like when she would sneak off to Tenie or Carmen's rooms in order to avoid going to swim practice at 5 AM. I often caught her before she even made it to the girls' doors, but she definitely put in her best effort.
Jetta is now eleven years old and living a happy life with my parents. Retiring her wasn't a difficult decision for me as she decided for herself, as only Jetta would, but giving her up was hard. I knew where she was going and I could see her from time to time and that made my decision a bit easier. I was moving to a new city and getting a new guide dog and I didn't feel that I was in a position to keep her, learn a new city and bond with a new guide dog. So, my parents happily took her.
Since retiring, Jetta's adventures haven't ended. She hasn't necessarily had to fly on planes anymore, but she has taken many road trips. She gets to go camping and run around in the forest. Basically, she gets to be a real dog. I always get to see her when visiting my parents and she insists sleeping on my feet. She even loves Mr. K to death, which is kind of funny because Jetta is not your typical Lab. She is not super affectionate and usually keeps to herself. Even when my mom takes Jetta to the dog park, she would rather go off and sniff and frolic on her own.
So, even though Jetta is on a completely different continent, I still consider her a part of our family. She may not necessarily live in our household, but she is most certainly in my thoughts.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Sand and Sunshine
Today was an incredibly gorgeous day and so we-Tenie, Carmen, Glacier, Roscoe and I-took full advantage of the rare appearance of the Scottish sun. The air was still brisk, since it is still in fact February, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
Our day started with Glacier, Roscoe and I walking over to Tenie and Carmen's flat to meet them. Technically, the Guide Dog Association forbids us working our dogs and walking another at the same time, but I did it anyway. First of all, I know my dogs and know that I will be safe. I am also extremely comfortable with the route from my flat to the girls'. Not to mention, sometimes life happens and I am going to have to walk a dog while I work Glacier. As long as it doesn't impact his working, which it does not when it is Roscoe I am walking, then I will continue to do it when necessary.
Carmen greeted us at the door with a cup of coffee for me. The boys and I had a great walk over, despite Roscoe thinking he should go visit another dog about a block from the girls' flat. I felt his body tense up and I knew we were approaching the other creature and so had him sit and stay until he had calmed himself down. I sipped my coffee and chatted with the girls and once Carmen and I were done our tasty beverages, we all headed out; Tenie walking Roscoe, Carmen guiding me and Glacier heeling on leash like a "real dog."
The walk we took was a good 20 to 25 minute walk; through a park, along a path in a cemetery, down a long road and eventually out on to a promenade that ran beside the North Sea. I have always loved the water and loved oceans/seas even more. There's something fascinating about a body of water that is so large. It's soothing and frightening all at the same time. Today the waves were long, rolling soothing waves because there wasn't a wind to hurl them at the wall. I've been living here for five months now and it was the first time we've been to the sea since my arrival. What's up with that?
It was gorgeous. The sun was warming our faces and we could hear the water splashing on the concrete wall. The dogs were in Heaven as well; sniffing and investigating for as far as their leashes would let them; or at least, as far as we'd let them.
Even when out for off duty walks, Glacier and Roscoe are expected to behave in a specific manner to ensure that bad habits are not being learned and enforced. If the boys are allowed to sniff too much when out walking like "real dogs," then they may transfer that behavior to when they are working. So, they did sniff here and there, but it was held in check to a certain degree.
We wandered along the promenade for a while, passing shops and restaurants, other pedestrians and dogs and buildings of every description. Glacier and Roscoe stopped from time to time to meet other dogs; a Labrador here, a Collie there and everything in between. The people and dogs were out in full force, probably trying to take advantage of the Vitamin D supply just like we were.
We stopped at a little cafe and took seats outside. Glacier had his working harness with him, but Roscoe's had remained at home as Mr. K wasn't able to come with us due to homework deadline constraints. This lack of Mr. K meant Roscoe was a dog for the day, but also meant he lost his public access privileges as well. We ate delicious lunches, listening to the waves crashing on the shore. People walked/cycled/ran by and dogs stopped to say hello to Roscoe and Glacier, who were tied to my chair. At one point, Glacier's leash came free and I sprang from the chair to get him back. A dog had come to greet the boys and in his enthusiasm, Glacier had managed to yank his leash out from under my bum. Due to my frantic leap for Glacier's leash, Roscoe was able to gain some ground as well because the chair I had been sitting in, and he had been tied to, no longer had any weight in it to keep him from sprinting off. Both dogs were excellent though and stayed when I told them to and I was able to collect leashes without further incident. The Greyhound's owner was quite apologetic, but I told him I wasn't worried about it. Glacier's leash was then tied to the chair as that was a more secure anchor for it. I fell completely in love with the little area.
When we were finished eating, we decided to head back. All of our hands were freezing from eating outside, but once we started moving again and were back out in the sun, we quickly warmed up. For our trek home, we opted to take a beach walk back. The boys had been so good that we figured they deserved a good off leash run. There are several little paths leading from the paved promenade down to the sand and we took one of these and released the boys after they sat in a "stay" and waited patiently for their "okay." They both took off like shots, kicking up little sand storms behind them.
We met several different dogs as we made our way down the beach; all of whom were friendly and wanted Glacier and Roscoe to play with them. We met three small dogs of an unidentifiable breed who ran in yapping circles around the boys' ankles. One of these little noise makers ran to me and firmly planted its butt on my feet. Glacier noticing this, promptly came over to me, but the little yapper barked in his face. Glacier backed off and so we decided it was time to move on.
Further along we came upon a Labrador playing fetch. He was happily chasing a stick out into the waves until Glacier and Roscoe came along. Then, he wanted nothing to do with stick or owner and spent a good few minutes doing the doggie handshake. We finally managed to extract our two from the sniff fest and keep moving.
The last two dogs we came to were another interesting crew. The biggest of the two, and the biggest of all four of the dogs, was a big black shaggy thing that must have been Irish Wolfhound mixed with Labrador. His name was Oscar and he was a nice guy, but he, Glacier and Roscoe decided that a game of "mounting" dominance was fun. We could hardly get the three separated. Every time we tried to leave, Oscar came hauling butt after us and the scenario played out again. Finally, his mama grabbed a hold of his collar and waited for us to get a ways down the sand before releasing him again. He didn't follow us that time. What can I say? Glacier and Roscoe are just that attractive. ;)
We walked further, Glacier and Roscoe running circles around us and then ploughing into the sea. Glacier got to play his most favourite game called,"The white dog gets the dirtiest." He would race into the sea and come sprinting back out only to stop, drop and roll. In the three and a half years that I have had Glacier this was his first experience at the ocean-or the sea-and he absolutely loved it. As we neared the end of the beach, we clipped the leashes back on and retraced our steps back to the girls' flat. That is where I put Glacier's harness back on and Roscoe became my charge again. Glacier's guiding home was excellent and confident and Roscoe trotted along beside me, behaving nicely because he was worn out from his excursion.
Wen we got home, it was shower time for two very filthy boys. Roscoe was first as he had pretty much dried and the sand had mostly flaked off of him on our walk home. Glacier on the other hand was a mess and I spent a good 15 minutes spraying him off, which he was not happy about. Both boys got a bit extra in their supper because all of the running and walking they did today. They are now crashed out, paws twitching and ears flickering.
Do you think they are dreaming of the beach again?
Our day started with Glacier, Roscoe and I walking over to Tenie and Carmen's flat to meet them. Technically, the Guide Dog Association forbids us working our dogs and walking another at the same time, but I did it anyway. First of all, I know my dogs and know that I will be safe. I am also extremely comfortable with the route from my flat to the girls'. Not to mention, sometimes life happens and I am going to have to walk a dog while I work Glacier. As long as it doesn't impact his working, which it does not when it is Roscoe I am walking, then I will continue to do it when necessary.
Carmen greeted us at the door with a cup of coffee for me. The boys and I had a great walk over, despite Roscoe thinking he should go visit another dog about a block from the girls' flat. I felt his body tense up and I knew we were approaching the other creature and so had him sit and stay until he had calmed himself down. I sipped my coffee and chatted with the girls and once Carmen and I were done our tasty beverages, we all headed out; Tenie walking Roscoe, Carmen guiding me and Glacier heeling on leash like a "real dog."
The walk we took was a good 20 to 25 minute walk; through a park, along a path in a cemetery, down a long road and eventually out on to a promenade that ran beside the North Sea. I have always loved the water and loved oceans/seas even more. There's something fascinating about a body of water that is so large. It's soothing and frightening all at the same time. Today the waves were long, rolling soothing waves because there wasn't a wind to hurl them at the wall. I've been living here for five months now and it was the first time we've been to the sea since my arrival. What's up with that?
It was gorgeous. The sun was warming our faces and we could hear the water splashing on the concrete wall. The dogs were in Heaven as well; sniffing and investigating for as far as their leashes would let them; or at least, as far as we'd let them.
Even when out for off duty walks, Glacier and Roscoe are expected to behave in a specific manner to ensure that bad habits are not being learned and enforced. If the boys are allowed to sniff too much when out walking like "real dogs," then they may transfer that behavior to when they are working. So, they did sniff here and there, but it was held in check to a certain degree.
We wandered along the promenade for a while, passing shops and restaurants, other pedestrians and dogs and buildings of every description. Glacier and Roscoe stopped from time to time to meet other dogs; a Labrador here, a Collie there and everything in between. The people and dogs were out in full force, probably trying to take advantage of the Vitamin D supply just like we were.
We stopped at a little cafe and took seats outside. Glacier had his working harness with him, but Roscoe's had remained at home as Mr. K wasn't able to come with us due to homework deadline constraints. This lack of Mr. K meant Roscoe was a dog for the day, but also meant he lost his public access privileges as well. We ate delicious lunches, listening to the waves crashing on the shore. People walked/cycled/ran by and dogs stopped to say hello to Roscoe and Glacier, who were tied to my chair. At one point, Glacier's leash came free and I sprang from the chair to get him back. A dog had come to greet the boys and in his enthusiasm, Glacier had managed to yank his leash out from under my bum. Due to my frantic leap for Glacier's leash, Roscoe was able to gain some ground as well because the chair I had been sitting in, and he had been tied to, no longer had any weight in it to keep him from sprinting off. Both dogs were excellent though and stayed when I told them to and I was able to collect leashes without further incident. The Greyhound's owner was quite apologetic, but I told him I wasn't worried about it. Glacier's leash was then tied to the chair as that was a more secure anchor for it. I fell completely in love with the little area.
When we were finished eating, we decided to head back. All of our hands were freezing from eating outside, but once we started moving again and were back out in the sun, we quickly warmed up. For our trek home, we opted to take a beach walk back. The boys had been so good that we figured they deserved a good off leash run. There are several little paths leading from the paved promenade down to the sand and we took one of these and released the boys after they sat in a "stay" and waited patiently for their "okay." They both took off like shots, kicking up little sand storms behind them.
We met several different dogs as we made our way down the beach; all of whom were friendly and wanted Glacier and Roscoe to play with them. We met three small dogs of an unidentifiable breed who ran in yapping circles around the boys' ankles. One of these little noise makers ran to me and firmly planted its butt on my feet. Glacier noticing this, promptly came over to me, but the little yapper barked in his face. Glacier backed off and so we decided it was time to move on.
Further along we came upon a Labrador playing fetch. He was happily chasing a stick out into the waves until Glacier and Roscoe came along. Then, he wanted nothing to do with stick or owner and spent a good few minutes doing the doggie handshake. We finally managed to extract our two from the sniff fest and keep moving.
The last two dogs we came to were another interesting crew. The biggest of the two, and the biggest of all four of the dogs, was a big black shaggy thing that must have been Irish Wolfhound mixed with Labrador. His name was Oscar and he was a nice guy, but he, Glacier and Roscoe decided that a game of "mounting" dominance was fun. We could hardly get the three separated. Every time we tried to leave, Oscar came hauling butt after us and the scenario played out again. Finally, his mama grabbed a hold of his collar and waited for us to get a ways down the sand before releasing him again. He didn't follow us that time. What can I say? Glacier and Roscoe are just that attractive. ;)
We walked further, Glacier and Roscoe running circles around us and then ploughing into the sea. Glacier got to play his most favourite game called,"The white dog gets the dirtiest." He would race into the sea and come sprinting back out only to stop, drop and roll. In the three and a half years that I have had Glacier this was his first experience at the ocean-or the sea-and he absolutely loved it. As we neared the end of the beach, we clipped the leashes back on and retraced our steps back to the girls' flat. That is where I put Glacier's harness back on and Roscoe became my charge again. Glacier's guiding home was excellent and confident and Roscoe trotted along beside me, behaving nicely because he was worn out from his excursion.
Wen we got home, it was shower time for two very filthy boys. Roscoe was first as he had pretty much dried and the sand had mostly flaked off of him on our walk home. Glacier on the other hand was a mess and I spent a good 15 minutes spraying him off, which he was not happy about. Both boys got a bit extra in their supper because all of the running and walking they did today. They are now crashed out, paws twitching and ears flickering.
Do you think they are dreaming of the beach again?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
My Girl Can't Sit Still
Hi there: Glacier here. I don't know if any of you have noticed, but my girl has itchy feet: she can't sit still. It amazes me that she can sit down and read a book without jumping up to do something.
Right now, hers is doing 87 million different thingies! No, really.
Hers has started volunteering with Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland; hers is constantly doing thingies for the Blogville PAWTY; hers has another blog (you can read it
here. and hers Highness Crazy Lady is training for a triathlon! And, now! Hers has decided it's a good idea to train for her triathlon AND raise moneys for the Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland.
I tell ya! Hers doesn't know how to stay still!
Can anybodies come and tie hers to the couch?
XX
Glacier
Right now, hers is doing 87 million different thingies! No, really.
Hers has started volunteering with Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland; hers is constantly doing thingies for the Blogville PAWTY; hers has another blog (you can read it
here. and hers Highness Crazy Lady is training for a triathlon! And, now! Hers has decided it's a good idea to train for her triathlon AND raise moneys for the Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland.
I tell ya! Hers doesn't know how to stay still!
Can anybodies come and tie hers to the couch?
XX
Glacier
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sneakings and Discoverings
We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog for a very impawtant news release from our under cover Dachshund who has boldly gone where no Dachshund has gone before, or should go. To give you this impawtant report, our very own Glacier.
Take it away Glacier!
****
...Is this thing on...?
Helllooooo...
Oh, ahem.
Hello Blogville. This is Glacier reporting to you from a very secret location. It is so secret that my camera dude, Roscoe, was not allowed in.
What does that thingy have to do with my very impawtant report?
Why is we showin' our readers that our agent stoles my bone?!
Watevs...
Where was I? Oh yes...
..
We have received a very interesting report from our under cover Dachshund that the construction of the Valentine's Day Queen and King crowns is well under way. Our agent risked his life to bring us the report that the crowns are still in their beginning stages, but that he saw a lot of shiny stuffs in the room where the crowns are being held.
He had to traverse rough terrain, fighting gale force winds and deep snow.
And had to be the sneakiest of sneaky as the crown making room is under heavily armed guards.
*shudders*.
Brave, brave Baloo, erm, I mean, Special Agent Spotty Man.
This is all of the informationals Special Agent Spotty Man was able to give me as of right now, but he plans a sneakier, secret attack on the Crown Making room. So we will know fur sure that the crowns are bein' made and that the armed guards aren't just keepin' the shiny stuffs for themselves. Thank you Special Agent Spotty Man for going where no Dachshund has gone before and should never go.
This is Glacier, signing off fur now.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Dear 2011
Dear 2011:
I cannot believe that you are already drawing to a close. So much has happened this year. So much so, that I have no idea where to begin. I think, besides the first year I made the Paralympic Games in 2000, or perhaps my first year of university in 2002, you have been one of the busiest, craziest years I have had. So many wonderful and amazing things have happened and for those I m grateful. There have been a few tenser moments, but I am just as grateful for those as well. The harder moments have taught me much about myself and have helped me grow. Looking back, I am still in awe at half of the things that happened and feel very blessed.
***
2011 In All Its Glory
1. In January of 2011, Mr. K and I lived in a house that was not ideal; not even close. The water shut off nearly every other day and was off for at least two to three days at a time. We started looking for a more suitable living arrangements even though we had intentions of moving to the UK as soon as possible. We had four dogs living with us: Glacier, Roscoe, Aria and Baloo.
2. In February we moved into a much better dwelling and Doc joined our ranks. It was then that I really started noticing problems with Glacier's working. This was also the month that solidified our plans to move to Scotland. Before Doc moved in, we had Roscoe, Glacier, Aria and Baloo Tider tested in order to begin the paperwork to bring everyone to the UK.
3. March was filled with puppies and their pooping issues. Dachshunds who were potty trained decided that they liked the carpet of the new house instead of going outside. We knew all three Dachshunds could not come with us, as we had originally bought Doc for Mr. K's sister, and the more we looked into it, the more we realised that we should re-home our little family members. It was a painful, and difficult decision. Glacier's guiding issues were becoming more apparent. I contacted Leader Dogs for the Blind in the hopes that they could help Glacier and I.
4.. In April, I headed home to Canada with Glacier and Baloo. Glacier and I were going back to Leader Dogs for the Blind for retraining and Baloo would be finding a new home with a high school friend; as long as they liked each other. It turns out, they fell in love almost right away and Baloo moved in with her just days after getting to my parents' house. Glacier and I worked hard for twelve days at LDB and left a much happier, confident working team.
5. May came quickly and I spent the majority of the month getting things in order for mine and Mr. K's wedding. I loved being home with my family, but I missed Mr. K terribly. May was also the fateful month that started making my triathlon dreams into a reality. Our wedding was fabulous and I couldn't have asked for a better day or husband, for that matter. May was also the month that saw Doc and Aria re-homed as well. It was difficult and parts of me still wishes that I could whisk them across an ocean to be with us.
6. June was a crazy month, attempting to finalize my passport and my Portuguese identity card. It was this card that would allow us to move to the UK without having to worry about Visas. I also found out that I could in fact get pregnant, but that it was not medically advisable.
7. Glacier and I returned to SC and sweated the month out,packing and planning to leave. We had vet appointments and we tried to sell, or at least, give away our belongings that we could not take with us. My parents visited for a while and helped us get a lot of things done in preparation for the move. The house felt so empty with only two dogs in it.
8. August snuck up on us and we worked feverishly to ensure that everything was set for our departure. We ran into a few glitches, such as the State vet saying that we may not be able to fly with our dogs because things were not documented correctly on our forms. We nearly watched seven months of planning go up in smoke. I worked to get as much of the house packed up as I could and some patient friends assisted with getting the rest of the stuff out once we had flown away. We ran into a small glitch in Boston when we tried to transfer flights and the guy assisting us through the airport didn't speak english. Then, on top of that, the airline didn't have record of our guide dogs, despite Mr. K speaking at least three times to them about it over the phone. After standing at the counter for almost an hour, we were cleared. Our flight was pretty good, considering we were flying so far and we had no issues once we entered London England. We spent a few days touring London and almost walked our feet off. We arrived in Edinburgh and stayed in Tenie and Carmen's flat, which they shared with two other girls. We stayed there until we could get things straightened out for our own flat. We did a few touristy things, like going to the zoo and a few festivals as well.
9. It was in September, after some waiting and assertive conversations, that we were able to move into our own flat. Tenie and Carmen had picked it out before we had even arrived, but it took nearly three weeks for us to be able to move in. When we finally did move in, the hot water didn't work, but it was resolved. We spent the month settling in and getting to know our surrounding area.
10. It wasn't until October rolled around that I started feeling more comfortable with walking around on my own. Glacier and I experienced a huge regression in his guiding when we first arrived, which followed us basically through September. I worked hard with him, being consistent and resetting my mindset. I was to look at him as a working dog, not a pet. I knew that, but somehow in the move, I had lost that perspective. We celebrated Halloween dressed up in the Steam Punk fashion.
11. November was a great month for me. Triathlon training really started coming together with me finding a guide and receiving a whole lot of help from various sport minded organisations. Mr. K and I also brought Gus and Fiona home, our two little Sugar Glider joeys.
12. December was a month for the Holidays and even though Mr. K and I didn't go home, we had a good month. We went to the Christmas market and had a great time experiencing the food, drinks and crazy crowds. Gus and Fiona joined us that day in their bonding pouch, but Glacier and Roscoe stayed home as we figured the crowds would be liable to crush them. We had a few dessert parties with the people living at Tenie and Carmen's flat and went out for drinks one night, sampling nearly every festive mixed drink they had on the menu. The night before the girls headed home for the Holidays, one of Tenie's flat mates had us over for a delicious dinner and we were able to say farewell to everyone. Mr. K and I spent Christmas together and it was enjoyable, despite our families being far away. Even though December was a joyous month, it also brought sadness when Gus passed away due to an unfortunate accident on Boxing Day.
As for today, December 31?
Mr. K and I will be going to pick up Yoda and Plato, two new Sugar Gliders, so that Fiona may have some playmates. Tonight, we may wander to a local pub and have a few celebratory drinks and talk about 2011 and maybe even of 2012 and what it will bring.
To everyone out there: Happy 2012. May it bring you joy and be everything you hope it to be. :)
Love,
Jess, Glacier, Roscoe, Fiona, Plato and Yoda
I cannot believe that you are already drawing to a close. So much has happened this year. So much so, that I have no idea where to begin. I think, besides the first year I made the Paralympic Games in 2000, or perhaps my first year of university in 2002, you have been one of the busiest, craziest years I have had. So many wonderful and amazing things have happened and for those I m grateful. There have been a few tenser moments, but I am just as grateful for those as well. The harder moments have taught me much about myself and have helped me grow. Looking back, I am still in awe at half of the things that happened and feel very blessed.
***
2011 In All Its Glory
1. In January of 2011, Mr. K and I lived in a house that was not ideal; not even close. The water shut off nearly every other day and was off for at least two to three days at a time. We started looking for a more suitable living arrangements even though we had intentions of moving to the UK as soon as possible. We had four dogs living with us: Glacier, Roscoe, Aria and Baloo.
2. In February we moved into a much better dwelling and Doc joined our ranks. It was then that I really started noticing problems with Glacier's working. This was also the month that solidified our plans to move to Scotland. Before Doc moved in, we had Roscoe, Glacier, Aria and Baloo Tider tested in order to begin the paperwork to bring everyone to the UK.
3. March was filled with puppies and their pooping issues. Dachshunds who were potty trained decided that they liked the carpet of the new house instead of going outside. We knew all three Dachshunds could not come with us, as we had originally bought Doc for Mr. K's sister, and the more we looked into it, the more we realised that we should re-home our little family members. It was a painful, and difficult decision. Glacier's guiding issues were becoming more apparent. I contacted Leader Dogs for the Blind in the hopes that they could help Glacier and I.
4.. In April, I headed home to Canada with Glacier and Baloo. Glacier and I were going back to Leader Dogs for the Blind for retraining and Baloo would be finding a new home with a high school friend; as long as they liked each other. It turns out, they fell in love almost right away and Baloo moved in with her just days after getting to my parents' house. Glacier and I worked hard for twelve days at LDB and left a much happier, confident working team.
5. May came quickly and I spent the majority of the month getting things in order for mine and Mr. K's wedding. I loved being home with my family, but I missed Mr. K terribly. May was also the fateful month that started making my triathlon dreams into a reality. Our wedding was fabulous and I couldn't have asked for a better day or husband, for that matter. May was also the month that saw Doc and Aria re-homed as well. It was difficult and parts of me still wishes that I could whisk them across an ocean to be with us.
6. June was a crazy month, attempting to finalize my passport and my Portuguese identity card. It was this card that would allow us to move to the UK without having to worry about Visas. I also found out that I could in fact get pregnant, but that it was not medically advisable.
7. Glacier and I returned to SC and sweated the month out,packing and planning to leave. We had vet appointments and we tried to sell, or at least, give away our belongings that we could not take with us. My parents visited for a while and helped us get a lot of things done in preparation for the move. The house felt so empty with only two dogs in it.
8. August snuck up on us and we worked feverishly to ensure that everything was set for our departure. We ran into a few glitches, such as the State vet saying that we may not be able to fly with our dogs because things were not documented correctly on our forms. We nearly watched seven months of planning go up in smoke. I worked to get as much of the house packed up as I could and some patient friends assisted with getting the rest of the stuff out once we had flown away. We ran into a small glitch in Boston when we tried to transfer flights and the guy assisting us through the airport didn't speak english. Then, on top of that, the airline didn't have record of our guide dogs, despite Mr. K speaking at least three times to them about it over the phone. After standing at the counter for almost an hour, we were cleared. Our flight was pretty good, considering we were flying so far and we had no issues once we entered London England. We spent a few days touring London and almost walked our feet off. We arrived in Edinburgh and stayed in Tenie and Carmen's flat, which they shared with two other girls. We stayed there until we could get things straightened out for our own flat. We did a few touristy things, like going to the zoo and a few festivals as well.
9. It was in September, after some waiting and assertive conversations, that we were able to move into our own flat. Tenie and Carmen had picked it out before we had even arrived, but it took nearly three weeks for us to be able to move in. When we finally did move in, the hot water didn't work, but it was resolved. We spent the month settling in and getting to know our surrounding area.
10. It wasn't until October rolled around that I started feeling more comfortable with walking around on my own. Glacier and I experienced a huge regression in his guiding when we first arrived, which followed us basically through September. I worked hard with him, being consistent and resetting my mindset. I was to look at him as a working dog, not a pet. I knew that, but somehow in the move, I had lost that perspective. We celebrated Halloween dressed up in the Steam Punk fashion.
11. November was a great month for me. Triathlon training really started coming together with me finding a guide and receiving a whole lot of help from various sport minded organisations. Mr. K and I also brought Gus and Fiona home, our two little Sugar Glider joeys.
12. December was a month for the Holidays and even though Mr. K and I didn't go home, we had a good month. We went to the Christmas market and had a great time experiencing the food, drinks and crazy crowds. Gus and Fiona joined us that day in their bonding pouch, but Glacier and Roscoe stayed home as we figured the crowds would be liable to crush them. We had a few dessert parties with the people living at Tenie and Carmen's flat and went out for drinks one night, sampling nearly every festive mixed drink they had on the menu. The night before the girls headed home for the Holidays, one of Tenie's flat mates had us over for a delicious dinner and we were able to say farewell to everyone. Mr. K and I spent Christmas together and it was enjoyable, despite our families being far away. Even though December was a joyous month, it also brought sadness when Gus passed away due to an unfortunate accident on Boxing Day.
As for today, December 31?
Mr. K and I will be going to pick up Yoda and Plato, two new Sugar Gliders, so that Fiona may have some playmates. Tonight, we may wander to a local pub and have a few celebratory drinks and talk about 2011 and maybe even of 2012 and what it will bring.
To everyone out there: Happy 2012. May it bring you joy and be everything you hope it to be. :)
Love,
Jess, Glacier, Roscoe, Fiona, Plato and Yoda
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