Hiya!
This is Balloo the baby typing to you. Mama says I can use the 'puter thingy this morning 'cause I asked her. I don't sneeeeeak like big sister Aria does. Oh, but I alreadeeee told you about that.
Anyway, I wanted to borrow the 'puter thingy 'cause I am thinking that there is impending doom. Like my words? Big sister Aria used Google for meeee and found them for meeee. Okay, back to my impending doom.
I am thinking that Mama's been thinking 'cause I heard her say something to Grandma over the ringing, ear monster that I am going somewheres on Friday. I didn't hear it all 'cause I was too busy sleeeeeping 'cause that is what I do after zoomieeeeees with big sister Aria and big brother Doc. But, I am thinking that it has something to do with the doctor. I don't know why. We alreadeeeee have our own Doc. Why do I neeeeed to go visit a different one? Besides, I like our Doc better 'cause he doesn't use pokey tooks, erm, tubes...um, tools. Yes. That's it, pokey tools. I am thinking that I don't like the pokey tubes, I mean, tools.
I heard Mama tell Grandma that the sugary, no the supery...surgery? Well, the thingy will help. Help what? I am thinking she might be talking about my little habit of thinking I am in charge of big sister Aria, Doc and Roscoe. There's big brother Glacier too, but he mostly ignores meeeee. I'm not sure how though 'cause I am the baby and very cute. Anyway, I can't help it. If big brother Roscoe goes pee outside, 'cause that is where you are supposed to go, I have to pee on top of it. I can't stop myself. The other day, my leg lifted on Daddy's weight bench. I was sooooooo embarrassed. I swear! My leg did it on its own and suddenly I was peeing. I went and hid under Mama's legs because I was so aflamed...erm, ashamed.
So, you seeeeee? There is impending doom! I Balloo the baby, I am thinking, am going to the doctor's on Friday and will have to have sugar. Hmmmm, isn't sugar yummy stuff that Mama says I can't have? I'm confused...
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Monday, March 07, 2011
Massage Monday: Breast Cancer Awareness
Before you read on, just know that today's topic may be sensitive to some.
Breast cancer is something that can effect everyone. There is a common misconception that men cannot get breast cancer, but this untrue. It is true though, that men do get it less frequently than women. In October you can see the pink ribbons of Breast Cancer Awareness month everywhere, but is this something we should only think about once a year? I don't think so, so that is why I have decided to make breast tissue health the focus of today's post.
There are several preventative measures that people, particularly women, can take in order to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer. The first most important one is communication and awareness. When I was a young teenager-I think they are called Tweenies now-my Mom sat down and talked to me about breast cancer and what I needed to do in order to either prevent or catch it before it was too late. I feel that this openness on my Mom's part made me comfortable in discussing it and even in researching breast tissue health. I remember broaching the subject with friends in university once and many of them being uncomfortable talking about it. Me being me, kept pushing the subject and it soon came out that most of the women who were uncomfortable, had not had the opportunity to talk about it when they were girls. Not talking about breast tissue health does not make breast cancer go away. It's not one of those things where if you don't talk about it then it doesn't exist.
The next important preventative measure is something that most women have been introduced by physicians, nurses and maybe even their Sex Education teachers; the self examination. Not all breast cancer can be caught through self examination, but it definitely improves the odds. Who else knows your body better than you? If you're uncomfortable with it, that is fine. It's not a subject you need to bring up at the dinner table,
"So I did my monthly self exam today..."
It doesn't have to be that blatant. The bottom line is, just do it.
The next preventative measure is still under going research, but it's something to consider. Some research would suggest that the under wires on bras restrict the lymphatic system, clogging it and contributing to breast cancer. The lymphatic system is a very sensitive system that can actually be addressed through lymphatic drainage techniques that a massage therapist can perform. The therapist would most likely have taken a course specific to lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is incredibly important in immunity and protecting the body from foreign organisms that would otherwise make us sick. The system is so sensitive that feather light strokes moving towards the heart can get the fluid moving and remove any lymphatic blockages. There are a lot of lymph nodes in and around the breast tissue, right where the under wire of bras would compress. If the system is so sensitive that feather light strokings can move the fluid, can you imagine what a bra's under wire does to the lymph vessels squishing it 10 to 12 hours a day?
As I have said above, this is new research and it may not be a belief you subscribe to, but it is something to think about. I personally agree with the research and switched to wireless bras. Victoria Secret and La Sensa carry very nice wireless bras that you could even wear under party dresses. Wireless does not mean sports bra or unsexy. :)
When you are exercising, or sitting in a sauna sweating it out, experts suggest wearing wireless bras or workout tops with the built in bras. Exercise and even sweating in a sauna, are ways to get your lymphatic system moving. If you are wearing a restricting bra, the breast tissue is not able to flush out the old lymphatic fluid and bring in healthy, new lymphatic fluid. Some even go so far as to say that you shouldn't wear a bra at all when exercising, but for some people-me included, especially if I am out in public-that is not an option. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are comfortable with.
Using a Rebounder-or mini trampoline-can actually also be helpful in flushing lymphatic fluid throughout your body. All that is reuired is you standing on the trampoline and bouncing: you don't even have to jump! The bouncing contracts your muscles which in turn squishes the lymphatic vessels and nodes. This on again off again pressure assists with the flow of the lymphatic fluid. If you someone who holds a lot of water, this also helps with that. By shunting the lymphatic fluid along, your breast tissue is again receiving that new lymphatic fluid.
The last preventative measure that is extremely effective, but the majority of women will not be comfortable with this, is breast massage. I bet you were wondering when I would get to the massage part right? Well, here it is. At the college I attended, we were taught the proper technique for breast massage. The students had to learn the theoretical aspects, but were not forced to perform or receive breast massage. I opted to do both. I was nervous and a little weirded out, but I figured that if it was ever something a client asked me to do, I wanted to know what it felt like and how to do it properly. I picked two of my classmates that I was comfortable with and who were incredibly professional. They were also both women. Strangely enough, once the massage started, I relaxed more and even almost fell asleep. There are many ways the breast massage can be performed and it is all up to the client's preference.
The massage can be performed over the sheets or without sheets. The therapist is never to touch the nipple and the client can also purchase "nipple covers" if that makes them feel more comfortable. One of our classmates was extremely nervous, but wanted to participate for the same reasons I did, so she got smiley face stickers and covered up with those.
If you opt to get a breast massage the massage therapist should have a separate consent form for you to sign. This form protects both you and the therapist. That said, this form and your signature, does not give the therapist license to do whatever they want. As I have said, breast massage, and massage for that matter, is for your benefit and should be performed within your comfort zone.
Breast massage can also help women, or men, who have had removal of breast tissue. Scar tissue forms after surgery and can restrict arm movement and also damage or constrict the lymph nodes in the breast/under arm areas. Massage can reduce scar adhesions and keep lymph fluid moving despite damaged lymphatic vessels. The breast massage will not completely remove scar tissue or regrow lymph nodes. It is a therapy not a cure.
If you are a woman who gets very sore breasts before menstruation, breast massage can be incredibly beneficial for you. The massage basically moves the congestion out of the tissue and brings nutrient rich fluid into the area. This congestion is what causes the tenderness. If you are a woman whose family has a history of breast cancer, then breast massage can be beneficial for you.If you are someone whose shoulders roll forward, then breast massage can help you as well. There are strong muscles under the breast tissue that pulls your shoulders forward. Having those muscles released can reduce pain and muscle tension. If breast massage is a little bit too out there for you, the mini trampoline and wireless bras may be more fathomable alternatives.
In conclusion, breast tissue health is important whether it is October or not and taking preventative steps-whether it is breast massage, wireless bras, self examination, bouncing on mini trampolines-will all improve your breast tissue's health.
Breast cancer is something that can effect everyone. There is a common misconception that men cannot get breast cancer, but this untrue. It is true though, that men do get it less frequently than women. In October you can see the pink ribbons of Breast Cancer Awareness month everywhere, but is this something we should only think about once a year? I don't think so, so that is why I have decided to make breast tissue health the focus of today's post.
There are several preventative measures that people, particularly women, can take in order to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer. The first most important one is communication and awareness. When I was a young teenager-I think they are called Tweenies now-my Mom sat down and talked to me about breast cancer and what I needed to do in order to either prevent or catch it before it was too late. I feel that this openness on my Mom's part made me comfortable in discussing it and even in researching breast tissue health. I remember broaching the subject with friends in university once and many of them being uncomfortable talking about it. Me being me, kept pushing the subject and it soon came out that most of the women who were uncomfortable, had not had the opportunity to talk about it when they were girls. Not talking about breast tissue health does not make breast cancer go away. It's not one of those things where if you don't talk about it then it doesn't exist.
The next important preventative measure is something that most women have been introduced by physicians, nurses and maybe even their Sex Education teachers; the self examination. Not all breast cancer can be caught through self examination, but it definitely improves the odds. Who else knows your body better than you? If you're uncomfortable with it, that is fine. It's not a subject you need to bring up at the dinner table,
"So I did my monthly self exam today..."
It doesn't have to be that blatant. The bottom line is, just do it.
The next preventative measure is still under going research, but it's something to consider. Some research would suggest that the under wires on bras restrict the lymphatic system, clogging it and contributing to breast cancer. The lymphatic system is a very sensitive system that can actually be addressed through lymphatic drainage techniques that a massage therapist can perform. The therapist would most likely have taken a course specific to lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is incredibly important in immunity and protecting the body from foreign organisms that would otherwise make us sick. The system is so sensitive that feather light strokes moving towards the heart can get the fluid moving and remove any lymphatic blockages. There are a lot of lymph nodes in and around the breast tissue, right where the under wire of bras would compress. If the system is so sensitive that feather light strokings can move the fluid, can you imagine what a bra's under wire does to the lymph vessels squishing it 10 to 12 hours a day?
As I have said above, this is new research and it may not be a belief you subscribe to, but it is something to think about. I personally agree with the research and switched to wireless bras. Victoria Secret and La Sensa carry very nice wireless bras that you could even wear under party dresses. Wireless does not mean sports bra or unsexy. :)
When you are exercising, or sitting in a sauna sweating it out, experts suggest wearing wireless bras or workout tops with the built in bras. Exercise and even sweating in a sauna, are ways to get your lymphatic system moving. If you are wearing a restricting bra, the breast tissue is not able to flush out the old lymphatic fluid and bring in healthy, new lymphatic fluid. Some even go so far as to say that you shouldn't wear a bra at all when exercising, but for some people-me included, especially if I am out in public-that is not an option. Ultimately, it comes down to what you are comfortable with.
Using a Rebounder-or mini trampoline-can actually also be helpful in flushing lymphatic fluid throughout your body. All that is reuired is you standing on the trampoline and bouncing: you don't even have to jump! The bouncing contracts your muscles which in turn squishes the lymphatic vessels and nodes. This on again off again pressure assists with the flow of the lymphatic fluid. If you someone who holds a lot of water, this also helps with that. By shunting the lymphatic fluid along, your breast tissue is again receiving that new lymphatic fluid.
The last preventative measure that is extremely effective, but the majority of women will not be comfortable with this, is breast massage. I bet you were wondering when I would get to the massage part right? Well, here it is. At the college I attended, we were taught the proper technique for breast massage. The students had to learn the theoretical aspects, but were not forced to perform or receive breast massage. I opted to do both. I was nervous and a little weirded out, but I figured that if it was ever something a client asked me to do, I wanted to know what it felt like and how to do it properly. I picked two of my classmates that I was comfortable with and who were incredibly professional. They were also both women. Strangely enough, once the massage started, I relaxed more and even almost fell asleep. There are many ways the breast massage can be performed and it is all up to the client's preference.
The massage can be performed over the sheets or without sheets. The therapist is never to touch the nipple and the client can also purchase "nipple covers" if that makes them feel more comfortable. One of our classmates was extremely nervous, but wanted to participate for the same reasons I did, so she got smiley face stickers and covered up with those.
If you opt to get a breast massage the massage therapist should have a separate consent form for you to sign. This form protects both you and the therapist. That said, this form and your signature, does not give the therapist license to do whatever they want. As I have said, breast massage, and massage for that matter, is for your benefit and should be performed within your comfort zone.
Breast massage can also help women, or men, who have had removal of breast tissue. Scar tissue forms after surgery and can restrict arm movement and also damage or constrict the lymph nodes in the breast/under arm areas. Massage can reduce scar adhesions and keep lymph fluid moving despite damaged lymphatic vessels. The breast massage will not completely remove scar tissue or regrow lymph nodes. It is a therapy not a cure.
If you are a woman who gets very sore breasts before menstruation, breast massage can be incredibly beneficial for you. The massage basically moves the congestion out of the tissue and brings nutrient rich fluid into the area. This congestion is what causes the tenderness. If you are a woman whose family has a history of breast cancer, then breast massage can be beneficial for you.If you are someone whose shoulders roll forward, then breast massage can help you as well. There are strong muscles under the breast tissue that pulls your shoulders forward. Having those muscles released can reduce pain and muscle tension. If breast massage is a little bit too out there for you, the mini trampoline and wireless bras may be more fathomable alternatives.
In conclusion, breast tissue health is important whether it is October or not and taking preventative steps-whether it is breast massage, wireless bras, self examination, bouncing on mini trampolines-will all improve your breast tissue's health.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
The House of Poop
So it would seem that Mr. K and I have moved from The House From Hell to the House of Poop.
When we first moved in, just over a week ago, our three miniature Dachshunds-Aria, Balloo and Doc-decided that their potty training no longer applied and that they could use the carpeting throughout the entire house as their very own gigantic pee pad. In the week or so that we have been here, the inside bathroom mishaps have decreased and we think Doc is the one doing most of the indoor pooping. We have only had him for three weeks and he was a kennel dog until we brought him home. He is already eight months old and did not have any kind of house training. That alone helps us to understand his choice of toilet a bit more.
On top of the inside pooping, we do get them to poop outside in our back patio area. It's not a huge area, but it's big enough for them to run about even with the patio table being back there. The other day I was hopping around like a fool, tossing a Kong ball we had just purchased for all of our fuzzy family members, and I hopped myself right into poop. Every day I go on poop patrol, but as a blind person sometimes you miss, either that or someone went without my noticing and I didn't get it picked up before I plunked my shoe down in it. At least I was waring shoes.
On top of the dog poop we have had a human poop problem. Well, actually we're not sure if it was human or dog, but our main floor toilet over flowed. At the time I noticed it, I had just run in to wash my hands and there was water on the floor. I didn't think anything of it and carried on. I knew Mr. K was better at fixing toilets than I was, so I opted to wait for him to get home.That was probably a bad idea. By the time he got to it, the door had been closed all night and apparently what I thought was just water was waste product as well. The bathroom smelled horrible when he opened the door! We had been flushing paper towel down the toilet after we had cleaned up puppy poop-I know, toilets don't like paper towel-so it is entirely possible that this is what it was. Regardless of where the horrible stench originated from, it was not pleasant. Thankfully with some fantastic plungering by Mr. K and a few Swiffer Wet Jet pads and a lot of cleaner, the bathroom has been restored to its original state.
As you can see, our housing situations have been interesting, but if I was given the choice between the House From Hell and the House of Poop, I pick Poop.
When we first moved in, just over a week ago, our three miniature Dachshunds-Aria, Balloo and Doc-decided that their potty training no longer applied and that they could use the carpeting throughout the entire house as their very own gigantic pee pad. In the week or so that we have been here, the inside bathroom mishaps have decreased and we think Doc is the one doing most of the indoor pooping. We have only had him for three weeks and he was a kennel dog until we brought him home. He is already eight months old and did not have any kind of house training. That alone helps us to understand his choice of toilet a bit more.
On top of the inside pooping, we do get them to poop outside in our back patio area. It's not a huge area, but it's big enough for them to run about even with the patio table being back there. The other day I was hopping around like a fool, tossing a Kong ball we had just purchased for all of our fuzzy family members, and I hopped myself right into poop. Every day I go on poop patrol, but as a blind person sometimes you miss, either that or someone went without my noticing and I didn't get it picked up before I plunked my shoe down in it. At least I was waring shoes.
On top of the dog poop we have had a human poop problem. Well, actually we're not sure if it was human or dog, but our main floor toilet over flowed. At the time I noticed it, I had just run in to wash my hands and there was water on the floor. I didn't think anything of it and carried on. I knew Mr. K was better at fixing toilets than I was, so I opted to wait for him to get home.That was probably a bad idea. By the time he got to it, the door had been closed all night and apparently what I thought was just water was waste product as well. The bathroom smelled horrible when he opened the door! We had been flushing paper towel down the toilet after we had cleaned up puppy poop-I know, toilets don't like paper towel-so it is entirely possible that this is what it was. Regardless of where the horrible stench originated from, it was not pleasant. Thankfully with some fantastic plungering by Mr. K and a few Swiffer Wet Jet pads and a lot of cleaner, the bathroom has been restored to its original state.
As you can see, our housing situations have been interesting, but if I was given the choice between the House From Hell and the House of Poop, I pick Poop.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
"Do Not Pet Me. I Am Working."
"No. I'm sorry. He'll forget his job," is what I say to most kids under the age of eight. When explained like this, the children usually say "oh" and carry on their merry way. I wish the interactions with adults were so easy. Most people think that I have problems with kids wanting to pet my working dogs; current and past, but it's the adults that can't seem to restrain themselves. There are different types of petters too. You'd never know it, but people have different approaches when trying to pet Glacier or Jetta. Sure I've had a few kids come running up and start petting before saying anything or before I can stop them, but when they are asked to stop, they respectfully leave the dog alone. Adults on the other hand, are a whole different story.
First of all, I think parents who don't teach their children to ask first before petting are more responsible for their child interacting with m working dog than the child is. It's a good rule for any kid to be taught. You never know if a dog may have a past that makes them nervous around kids. Maybe the dog has aggression issues. What if the dog owner-working team or not-is in a hurry and don't have time to stop and have their dog petted? It's just safer for everyone if kids are taught to always ask first.
The adults that irritate me the most are the ones who say, "I know I shouldn't pet him, but I love dogs" and then proceeds to touch my working dog. This is type one of the Petting Type. Really? We can't practice a little self control here? You don't see me grabbing your steering wheel while you are driving just because I "know I shouldn't, but I love cars." It's the same thing; very unsafe. At least with these kinds of petters I can usually stop them because I know what they are doing, but there are other types of petters I can't stop and these are the most problematic.
A good example of Type One Petters is exhibited in a man who approached me in Starbucks where I was sitting studying. My roommates were off picking out books in Chapters and I had settled down at a little table with my study notes and a cup of raspberry hot chocolate. As I sat there I could hear people making comments about Jetta. Harmless really; just admiring her looks, her good behavior. Nice things to hear, but then Mr. "Can't Keep His Hands to Himself" walked up. He asked me a few questions about Jetta, which I answered even though it was obvious I was engrossed in my studies. We discussed the usual protocol when dogs are working, AKA not looking/touching/feeding/engaging them and a few other general things about Jetta herself. He continued prattling on and then suddenly his voice disappeared. He was still talking, but it was more at floor level. I felt Jetta's leash, which was tucked under my bum, move a little and heard her tail start whacking the table leg. I was astonished that this man, who I had just told was not allowed to pet Jetta because she was working, was sitting on the floor in Starbucks with her. Did he think I wouldn't notice his voice moving and Jetta reacting? I waited a minute to make sure he was really rubbing her ears and then said, "excuse me sir, I am trying to study and she is trying to work, please remove yourself from the floor and leave us alone." I kind of surprised myself because I am not always so outspoken, but adrenalin got the better of me and my mouth took over.
I don't think people realise that I know when my dog is being pe. I get cues from the dog like he starts acting funny. He moves around and may or may not start wagging his tail quite vigorously. Sometimes he moves closer to me and turns his face into my leg. At guide dog school we are taught to read our dogs' body language. It is through this interpretation of movements that we are able to be guided safely. The dog also learns to communicate to the handler through his or her body language. For example, I was out Christmas shopping this past December in a very busy mall. Glacier was doing very well guiding me around other shoppers and the millions of displays that were plopped randomly in the middle of the mall's hallways. We were coming up to a particularly busy area, which I noticed due to the increase in noise. Glacier also changed too. His head came up and thrust forward and his chest was puffed up. I think he was saying to everyone "stay away from us. I am doing my job."
The second type of petters is what I like to call the Sneaky Petters. When these sneaky petters touch him, I can tell because he moves differently.
Sneaky petters are the petters who reach around and scratch the dog's head when you're walking by, or pat his shoulder when you are standing in a line. Sometimes the sneaky petters stay long enough for me to notice and ask them to stop, but other times it is a "drive by" petting and I can't do anything about it. I always tell people that my working dog is just an extension of my arm. You wouldn't talk to or pet my elbow would you?
It is so rude and disrespectful when people touch/talk to/feed working dogs. A few friends and I were in a restaurant once with two guide dogs and a puppy in training. There were sighted friends at the table, but we were involved in conversation. So much so that not a single one of us out of four people noticed that a customer from the table across the aisle, gave Glacier a french fry. It happened to quickly and we were so unsure that none of us knew what to say or do. The server later asked if that was wrong because he had seen it happen and was going to say something, but wasn't a hundred percent sure if it was incorrect to feed a working dog.
I think there are a few reasons why people interact with working dogs. Part of it is that most working dogs are gorgeous and well groomed dogs that look happy to be out. That in itself is very enticing. I also think that people do not understand the consequences that the handler has to deal with after the "no interacting" rule has been broken. For months after that french fry feeding incident, I had to correct Glacier a lot for scrounging, when before that it wasn't an issue. Food scrounging is not allowed because it is kind of rude on the dog's part. Having public access is a privilege not a right and misbehaving dogs can jeopardize that. Eating people food can also make working dogs sick or gain weight. Both of which are obviously unwanted in a working dog. Scrounging can also be dangerous for the working team. If the dog is so focused on that doughnut lying in the gutter instead of what is out in front of him or her, the handler could trip, walk into a street or have a not so positive interaction with a car. Unwanted petting causes the same danger concerns.
If I allow you to pet Glacier while in harness, he may see you one day walking down the street and think "Oh my friend. Goody!" He then will drag me over to you despite the five lanes of traffic between us. He will also start seeking out petters because he thinks this is an okay behavior. In his quest for ear rubs, he may walk me into poles, off curbs that could result in me twisting my ankle, or pull me down a flight of stairs. That is why when Glacier is working-AKA wearing his harness-he is not to be talked to, petted and absolutely under no circumstances may he be fed!
Now, other working dog teams may have different rules, but each dog works differently and responds differently to attention and food. I know one handler that allows people to pet her dog if it is sitting very calmly even if it is in harness. This extra attention does not impact their working relationship, but as I said, each team is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
One thing that I have noticed in relation to petting that the yellow labs get bombarded much more than the black labs do. I'm sure it is the same for different breeds, but I only have experience with working a black and yellow labrador. Glacier is almost 25 pounds heavier than Jetta and yet, people are drawn to him like bees to honey. The first time I noticed it, I had just brought Glacier home and was coming out of a bank. We had been home for probably three days and I was working easy routes with him to get him comfortable and confident. He was a bit unfocused and excited, as most 18 month old labradors are, but was doing really well until a lady reached out and started petting him as we walked by. We were moving! I was shocked. People had attempted to pet Jetta in harness, but we were always standing still.
The difference is evident when we go out with Mr. K and Roscoe. Most people will move towards petting Glacier, but rarely will they go for Roscoe first. I think part of it is because Roscoe is black and because Mr. K is a big dude. People have also assumed that because Roscoe is wearing a sign that says "Do not pet me. I am working," but Glacier is not that it is okay to pet Glacier. I have considered putting a sign back on Glacier's harness, but I haven't noticed a difference with it on or off. The only thing that was good about the sign was that it gave kids something to read and they could relay to their parents that "you shouldn't pet that dog." Right now I'm not using a sign because Glacier's harness handle is too short for the signs that LDB provides. (Harness handle length is based on the person and dog's related heights and since Glacier is so tall and I am about average, we have a short harness handle).
So as you can see, there are many different types of petters out there and some are easier to deal with than others.
PS: Thanks to Puddles for the inspiration for this post. :)
First of all, I think parents who don't teach their children to ask first before petting are more responsible for their child interacting with m working dog than the child is. It's a good rule for any kid to be taught. You never know if a dog may have a past that makes them nervous around kids. Maybe the dog has aggression issues. What if the dog owner-working team or not-is in a hurry and don't have time to stop and have their dog petted? It's just safer for everyone if kids are taught to always ask first.
The adults that irritate me the most are the ones who say, "I know I shouldn't pet him, but I love dogs" and then proceeds to touch my working dog. This is type one of the Petting Type. Really? We can't practice a little self control here? You don't see me grabbing your steering wheel while you are driving just because I "know I shouldn't, but I love cars." It's the same thing; very unsafe. At least with these kinds of petters I can usually stop them because I know what they are doing, but there are other types of petters I can't stop and these are the most problematic.
A good example of Type One Petters is exhibited in a man who approached me in Starbucks where I was sitting studying. My roommates were off picking out books in Chapters and I had settled down at a little table with my study notes and a cup of raspberry hot chocolate. As I sat there I could hear people making comments about Jetta. Harmless really; just admiring her looks, her good behavior. Nice things to hear, but then Mr. "Can't Keep His Hands to Himself" walked up. He asked me a few questions about Jetta, which I answered even though it was obvious I was engrossed in my studies. We discussed the usual protocol when dogs are working, AKA not looking/touching/feeding/engaging them and a few other general things about Jetta herself. He continued prattling on and then suddenly his voice disappeared. He was still talking, but it was more at floor level. I felt Jetta's leash, which was tucked under my bum, move a little and heard her tail start whacking the table leg. I was astonished that this man, who I had just told was not allowed to pet Jetta because she was working, was sitting on the floor in Starbucks with her. Did he think I wouldn't notice his voice moving and Jetta reacting? I waited a minute to make sure he was really rubbing her ears and then said, "excuse me sir, I am trying to study and she is trying to work, please remove yourself from the floor and leave us alone." I kind of surprised myself because I am not always so outspoken, but adrenalin got the better of me and my mouth took over.
I don't think people realise that I know when my dog is being pe. I get cues from the dog like he starts acting funny. He moves around and may or may not start wagging his tail quite vigorously. Sometimes he moves closer to me and turns his face into my leg. At guide dog school we are taught to read our dogs' body language. It is through this interpretation of movements that we are able to be guided safely. The dog also learns to communicate to the handler through his or her body language. For example, I was out Christmas shopping this past December in a very busy mall. Glacier was doing very well guiding me around other shoppers and the millions of displays that were plopped randomly in the middle of the mall's hallways. We were coming up to a particularly busy area, which I noticed due to the increase in noise. Glacier also changed too. His head came up and thrust forward and his chest was puffed up. I think he was saying to everyone "stay away from us. I am doing my job."
The second type of petters is what I like to call the Sneaky Petters. When these sneaky petters touch him, I can tell because he moves differently.
Sneaky petters are the petters who reach around and scratch the dog's head when you're walking by, or pat his shoulder when you are standing in a line. Sometimes the sneaky petters stay long enough for me to notice and ask them to stop, but other times it is a "drive by" petting and I can't do anything about it. I always tell people that my working dog is just an extension of my arm. You wouldn't talk to or pet my elbow would you?
It is so rude and disrespectful when people touch/talk to/feed working dogs. A few friends and I were in a restaurant once with two guide dogs and a puppy in training. There were sighted friends at the table, but we were involved in conversation. So much so that not a single one of us out of four people noticed that a customer from the table across the aisle, gave Glacier a french fry. It happened to quickly and we were so unsure that none of us knew what to say or do. The server later asked if that was wrong because he had seen it happen and was going to say something, but wasn't a hundred percent sure if it was incorrect to feed a working dog.
I think there are a few reasons why people interact with working dogs. Part of it is that most working dogs are gorgeous and well groomed dogs that look happy to be out. That in itself is very enticing. I also think that people do not understand the consequences that the handler has to deal with after the "no interacting" rule has been broken. For months after that french fry feeding incident, I had to correct Glacier a lot for scrounging, when before that it wasn't an issue. Food scrounging is not allowed because it is kind of rude on the dog's part. Having public access is a privilege not a right and misbehaving dogs can jeopardize that. Eating people food can also make working dogs sick or gain weight. Both of which are obviously unwanted in a working dog. Scrounging can also be dangerous for the working team. If the dog is so focused on that doughnut lying in the gutter instead of what is out in front of him or her, the handler could trip, walk into a street or have a not so positive interaction with a car. Unwanted petting causes the same danger concerns.
If I allow you to pet Glacier while in harness, he may see you one day walking down the street and think "Oh my friend. Goody!" He then will drag me over to you despite the five lanes of traffic between us. He will also start seeking out petters because he thinks this is an okay behavior. In his quest for ear rubs, he may walk me into poles, off curbs that could result in me twisting my ankle, or pull me down a flight of stairs. That is why when Glacier is working-AKA wearing his harness-he is not to be talked to, petted and absolutely under no circumstances may he be fed!
Now, other working dog teams may have different rules, but each dog works differently and responds differently to attention and food. I know one handler that allows people to pet her dog if it is sitting very calmly even if it is in harness. This extra attention does not impact their working relationship, but as I said, each team is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
One thing that I have noticed in relation to petting that the yellow labs get bombarded much more than the black labs do. I'm sure it is the same for different breeds, but I only have experience with working a black and yellow labrador. Glacier is almost 25 pounds heavier than Jetta and yet, people are drawn to him like bees to honey. The first time I noticed it, I had just brought Glacier home and was coming out of a bank. We had been home for probably three days and I was working easy routes with him to get him comfortable and confident. He was a bit unfocused and excited, as most 18 month old labradors are, but was doing really well until a lady reached out and started petting him as we walked by. We were moving! I was shocked. People had attempted to pet Jetta in harness, but we were always standing still.
The difference is evident when we go out with Mr. K and Roscoe. Most people will move towards petting Glacier, but rarely will they go for Roscoe first. I think part of it is because Roscoe is black and because Mr. K is a big dude. People have also assumed that because Roscoe is wearing a sign that says "Do not pet me. I am working," but Glacier is not that it is okay to pet Glacier. I have considered putting a sign back on Glacier's harness, but I haven't noticed a difference with it on or off. The only thing that was good about the sign was that it gave kids something to read and they could relay to their parents that "you shouldn't pet that dog." Right now I'm not using a sign because Glacier's harness handle is too short for the signs that LDB provides. (Harness handle length is based on the person and dog's related heights and since Glacier is so tall and I am about average, we have a short harness handle).
So as you can see, there are many different types of petters out there and some are easier to deal with than others.
PS: Thanks to Puddles for the inspiration for this post. :)
Pet Blogs United: Foster Friday ~ Meet Cha Cha
Oh poor baby girl-and trained too!!! Who wouldn't want her?Pet Blogs United: Foster Friday ~ Meet Cha Cha: "Cha Cha is a wonderful dog who has been at Animal Haven Shelter in Soho, NYC for the past 8 months (much longer than any other dog) and for ..."
We Are Honoured
In the last week "At A Glacial Pace" has received two honours. there are visual badges to go with these honours of course, but after messing with my Mac for an hour trying to figure out how to display them, I have decided just to tell you about them.
The first honour was our very first blog award. It was given to us by Brooke and her gang over at
It was an "Awesome Blog" award and we were very excited to be picked. This award requires that you tell people seven things about yourself that people may not know and give fifteen other blogs the award. The first I can do, but giving the award to fifteen other blogs may be difficult. I can name them, but putting up their links may be tricky. I don't know everyone's URLs. So, I'm just going to tell you seven things and sit down one day to figure out how to link more effectively to other people's blogs. :) :)
Seven Things you May Not Have Known
1. I went blind at the age of three due to Retinalblastoma (AKA cancer in the retinas). This means my eyes are prosthetic. Cool eh? LOL
2. My very first pet dog was a 90 pound yellow lab named Sasha. He was my best friend for 13 fantastic years.
3. My roommates and I adopted cats when we were in university-named Loki and Sisu. When my roommies moved to Scotland to complete their Master's degrees, I took the cats. Unfortunately upon meeting and falling in love with Mr. K, I gave the cats up because he is incredibly allergic to them. We both loved them, but he suffered. He never asked me to give them up: I did it so that he could breathe. Thankfully my parents took them and they are happy little kitties. (Sorry. That was a long one).
4. My favourite colour is purple.
5. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a College Diploma in Massage Therapy.
The last two will be about Glacier since the blog is named in his honour.
6. Glacier has an enormous head, which has gotten him the nicknames "fat head" and "bobble head." All said lovingly of course.
7. Glacier can probably destroy any toy you put in front of him. He ate through:
a hockey puck in less than ten minutes,
ripped the biggest black Kong you can get into two pieces in about fifteen minutes,
he crunched his way through an elk antler in approximately twenty-five minutes...Etc.
So, now you know more about Glacier and I. :) Thanks Brooke.
The second exciting honour came from one of our favourite blogs to follow written by Dog Foster Mom. She listed "At A Glacial Pace" as one of five featured blogs for the month of March. The other four blogs are really interesting and I am glad she featured them. Never mind that...I am honoured that my blog was featured with those other fantastic blogs. I was so surprised and excited to see my blog up there I had to read the post twice. Dog Foster Mom has a fantastic badge that tells everyone that you are a "featured blog," but me being technologically uninclined, can't figure out how to show it. I also can't seem to link to her blog either. LOL
That said, if you want an interesting read, head over to Dog Foster Mom's Blog. You can probably get there through my comments as she leaves excellent questions and comments for me all of the time. And for you screen reader users out there, she also-under the instruction of Rudy's Raiser-puts descriptions in her photo links. That way, you know what the pictures are. :)
Again, thanks Dog Foster Mom!!!
There you have it; our first bloggy honours. :)
The first honour was our very first blog award. It was given to us by Brooke and her gang over at
It was an "Awesome Blog" award and we were very excited to be picked. This award requires that you tell people seven things about yourself that people may not know and give fifteen other blogs the award. The first I can do, but giving the award to fifteen other blogs may be difficult. I can name them, but putting up their links may be tricky. I don't know everyone's URLs. So, I'm just going to tell you seven things and sit down one day to figure out how to link more effectively to other people's blogs. :) :)
Seven Things you May Not Have Known
1. I went blind at the age of three due to Retinalblastoma (AKA cancer in the retinas). This means my eyes are prosthetic. Cool eh? LOL
2. My very first pet dog was a 90 pound yellow lab named Sasha. He was my best friend for 13 fantastic years.
3. My roommates and I adopted cats when we were in university-named Loki and Sisu. When my roommies moved to Scotland to complete their Master's degrees, I took the cats. Unfortunately upon meeting and falling in love with Mr. K, I gave the cats up because he is incredibly allergic to them. We both loved them, but he suffered. He never asked me to give them up: I did it so that he could breathe. Thankfully my parents took them and they are happy little kitties. (Sorry. That was a long one).
4. My favourite colour is purple.
5. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a College Diploma in Massage Therapy.
The last two will be about Glacier since the blog is named in his honour.
6. Glacier has an enormous head, which has gotten him the nicknames "fat head" and "bobble head." All said lovingly of course.
7. Glacier can probably destroy any toy you put in front of him. He ate through:
a hockey puck in less than ten minutes,
ripped the biggest black Kong you can get into two pieces in about fifteen minutes,
he crunched his way through an elk antler in approximately twenty-five minutes...Etc.
So, now you know more about Glacier and I. :) Thanks Brooke.
The second exciting honour came from one of our favourite blogs to follow written by Dog Foster Mom. She listed "At A Glacial Pace" as one of five featured blogs for the month of March. The other four blogs are really interesting and I am glad she featured them. Never mind that...I am honoured that my blog was featured with those other fantastic blogs. I was so surprised and excited to see my blog up there I had to read the post twice. Dog Foster Mom has a fantastic badge that tells everyone that you are a "featured blog," but me being technologically uninclined, can't figure out how to show it. I also can't seem to link to her blog either. LOL
That said, if you want an interesting read, head over to Dog Foster Mom's Blog. You can probably get there through my comments as she leaves excellent questions and comments for me all of the time. And for you screen reader users out there, she also-under the instruction of Rudy's Raiser-puts descriptions in her photo links. That way, you know what the pictures are. :)
Again, thanks Dog Foster Mom!!!
There you have it; our first bloggy honours. :)
Friday, March 04, 2011
Rally Obedience: Class One
Since Wednesday is usually "What's This Wednesday" around here, and I was all sorts of frustrated yesterday, I missed posting about Glacier's first Rally Obedience class. The class takes place every Wednesday night for the next six weeks.There are eight students in the class and one instructor and one assistant. Glacier is the only yellow lab, but there is a chocolate lab, a golden retriever, two shelties, a Bernese Mountain Dog, another dog I can't remember and I'm not sure what the last dog is because he/she was not there.
The class was started off by everyone introducing themselves and their dogs. I went first and somehow I introduced myself standing backwards to the circle. LOL How I got facing the wrong direction I have no idea, but I realised it after the first person introduced herself and her voice was coming from behind me. Woops. Nothing like a first impression.
After some debriefing about collar types-anything goes except shock and prong collars, which is just fine with me-class rules-no talking when the instructor is talking-and a few other things, the class began. Our instructor, I will call her Miss B, showed the class a few different Rally signs and explained what they meant. Because I had skipped right into the Rally Novice class, we aren't really learning any new cues, but rather polishing the handler and dog's performances and the ability of the handler to interpret the different instructional signs. Miss B was quite good at describing what the signs looked like to me. I won't actually need to know this if I choose to show my dogs because I will have someone interpreting the signs for me at competitions, but I still like to know what the signs look like for my own interest. After explaining two or three signs the class would split into two groups and practice.
I was pretty impressed with Glacier. He was a little unfocused since there were so many dogs around and he technically wasn't doing any guide work, but the more signs we did the better he got. Glacier wasn't the only one with focusing issues. There was one dog, and I don't know who, that was bouncing all over the place. I was glad when Miss B said that the dogs are not to socialize with each other while in class because this was a working atmosphere for the dogs and handlers. If the dogs are allowed to be all crazy when they are in class, then it has set the tone for competitions. The dogs would think it was okay to meet and greet every other four legged furry creature that went by and that would not allow either of the dogs to focus and perform well. This suited me just fine because it means that Glacier can work on his "dog distractions." Dog distractions are exactly what they sound like; Glacier being distracted by other dogs. In harness it is very important that guide dogs do not interact or try to play with dogs that they may encounter. If the guide dog is distracted by another animal, or human being for that matter, that could prove to be dangerous for the handler. So when Miss B said no puppy play, only on our own time, I was very happy.
The cues that we practised were quite easy and Glacier did very well. We had to do "sit" and then a "down." We also had to practice a few different turns, including a 360 circle. I was so excited when I was able to turn in a circle and end up back at the spot where we started. Glacier has to walk with a loose leash and so I have to rely on my own sense of direction to tell him, and myself, where to go. We also had to make 90 degree turns to the left and right. Glacier and I are very good at the right hand turn, but need to practice the left. He walks way out in front of me when turning and I accidentally bump him with my knee or trip over him. So, in the next couple of days, it is my goal to be able to make that turn smoothly and without Glacier and I tripping over one another. All of the turns and "sits" we did all have fancy names, but I figure that is just confusing.
We also need to practice his "sit" and "down" positioning. He likes to cross over in front of me instead of lying parallel to my side.
When we were at Leader Dogs for the Blind, his "sit" and "down" position were perfect. He would just slide into a "sit" or "down" right where he was if I asked him to. Now he wiggles his bum or takes a few steps so that he ends up lying in the wrong spot. So, I suppose that is another goal of ours.
I have also received a document from the AKC outlining the accommodations that have to be made for a blind handler. I am very excited that there are actually rules in place to ensure equal opportunity to compete. I haven't looked at the document yet, so here's to hoping that the rules are actually useful. :)
I think it was a good class and in the long run I believe that it will be good for Glacier. It makes him focus on me regardless of the distractions around us. Miss B is very good about not interacting with the dogs as well, which I think is also good for Glacier. Rally Obedience class is time that he and I get to spend together having fun and learning at the same time.
The class was started off by everyone introducing themselves and their dogs. I went first and somehow I introduced myself standing backwards to the circle. LOL How I got facing the wrong direction I have no idea, but I realised it after the first person introduced herself and her voice was coming from behind me. Woops. Nothing like a first impression.
After some debriefing about collar types-anything goes except shock and prong collars, which is just fine with me-class rules-no talking when the instructor is talking-and a few other things, the class began. Our instructor, I will call her Miss B, showed the class a few different Rally signs and explained what they meant. Because I had skipped right into the Rally Novice class, we aren't really learning any new cues, but rather polishing the handler and dog's performances and the ability of the handler to interpret the different instructional signs. Miss B was quite good at describing what the signs looked like to me. I won't actually need to know this if I choose to show my dogs because I will have someone interpreting the signs for me at competitions, but I still like to know what the signs look like for my own interest. After explaining two or three signs the class would split into two groups and practice.
I was pretty impressed with Glacier. He was a little unfocused since there were so many dogs around and he technically wasn't doing any guide work, but the more signs we did the better he got. Glacier wasn't the only one with focusing issues. There was one dog, and I don't know who, that was bouncing all over the place. I was glad when Miss B said that the dogs are not to socialize with each other while in class because this was a working atmosphere for the dogs and handlers. If the dogs are allowed to be all crazy when they are in class, then it has set the tone for competitions. The dogs would think it was okay to meet and greet every other four legged furry creature that went by and that would not allow either of the dogs to focus and perform well. This suited me just fine because it means that Glacier can work on his "dog distractions." Dog distractions are exactly what they sound like; Glacier being distracted by other dogs. In harness it is very important that guide dogs do not interact or try to play with dogs that they may encounter. If the guide dog is distracted by another animal, or human being for that matter, that could prove to be dangerous for the handler. So when Miss B said no puppy play, only on our own time, I was very happy.
The cues that we practised were quite easy and Glacier did very well. We had to do "sit" and then a "down." We also had to practice a few different turns, including a 360 circle. I was so excited when I was able to turn in a circle and end up back at the spot where we started. Glacier has to walk with a loose leash and so I have to rely on my own sense of direction to tell him, and myself, where to go. We also had to make 90 degree turns to the left and right. Glacier and I are very good at the right hand turn, but need to practice the left. He walks way out in front of me when turning and I accidentally bump him with my knee or trip over him. So, in the next couple of days, it is my goal to be able to make that turn smoothly and without Glacier and I tripping over one another. All of the turns and "sits" we did all have fancy names, but I figure that is just confusing.
We also need to practice his "sit" and "down" positioning. He likes to cross over in front of me instead of lying parallel to my side.
When we were at Leader Dogs for the Blind, his "sit" and "down" position were perfect. He would just slide into a "sit" or "down" right where he was if I asked him to. Now he wiggles his bum or takes a few steps so that he ends up lying in the wrong spot. So, I suppose that is another goal of ours.
I have also received a document from the AKC outlining the accommodations that have to be made for a blind handler. I am very excited that there are actually rules in place to ensure equal opportunity to compete. I haven't looked at the document yet, so here's to hoping that the rules are actually useful. :)
I think it was a good class and in the long run I believe that it will be good for Glacier. It makes him focus on me regardless of the distractions around us. Miss B is very good about not interacting with the dogs as well, which I think is also good for Glacier. Rally Obedience class is time that he and I get to spend together having fun and learning at the same time.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Slowly Going Crazy!
My head is about to explode. I don't eve know where to start. This moving thing is just insane. I think I need a vacation. :) Don't get me wrong, I love the new house. There is a lot of closet and cupboard space and the lay out is really nice; with the two bedrooms upstairs and the living area downstairs. The neighbourhood is pretty quiet too, but there is so much to do and I find I get sleepier earlier each day.
The first issue is the Dachshunds thinking the entire place is their giant pee pad. Most of the house is carpeted, with the exception of the two bathrooms and kitchen, and so I think they just decided that carpet works as a good pee absorbent. So, with that in mind I have been hyper vigilant with them. I am constantly bringing them out to potty and when I can't watch them I put them in a doggie pen we bought that is attached to Kyo's old crate. They actually have a lot of room in there, but of course they are used to roaming free so they are not happy about it. When they are in there I don't have to worry about surprise poop or pee spots, but I am always reminding them to "quiet." They aren't barking exactly, but a more high pitched squawking, or chirping if you are Balloo. We live in a townhouse now and that kind of noise is not acceptable. I feel horrible penning them in, but I can't be cleaning up poop and pee every half an hour. Each day the messes have decreased, but they are still way too frequent.
Last night we did have some progress and today as well, when someone finally used the many puppy pads I have placed throughout the house. That made me feel so much better I almost cried with relief. LOL
The newest development that our resident monkey, AKA Aria, can climb out of the pen. I don't think she's the one pottying in the house, so I guess it's not a huge deal, but it drives the other two crazy when she is running free and they are in their little house. I put her in her own crate this afternoon while I unpacked to be fair to the other two, but she started squawking as well. I also feel bad that they are not able to run around as much as they are used to because I feel like they are not getting enough exercise. I thought of maybe buying a few hockey balls-incredibly durable-and playing fetch with them in our little back patio area for some entertainment. I am trying to have play and cuddle sessions with them to let them know they are still loved, but I still feel guilty. Practically speaking, the puppies pottying in the house is bad for several reasons, but the thing that concerns Mr. K and I is that the carpet will get stained and we won't get our deposit back. Not to mention, puppy potty in the house is stinky and unsanitary. Any of you Dachshund lovers out there have any suggestions?
We knew going into this that Dachshunds were particularly difficult to potty train. It's not that they aren't smart enough to learn. In fact, they are probably too smart for their own good. If I am in one room, they will sneak off to another to potty so I don't know it's happened. Being blind is compounding this problem as well. I know if I could catch them at least once or twice and take them out right away, they would learn that inside bathroom breaks are not okay. But I can't catch them until the deed is done and I think they know that.
What is frustrating is that Aria and Balloo were basically potty trained at the House From Hell. If it was raining, they would usually go outside but refuse to go and come in and use a puppy pad. Doc hasn't even been with us for three weeks yet and his "accidents" were getting fewer, but moving has brought us back to square one. Up until yesterday, they wouldn't even use the pads. It's like they forgot what the pads were. I know they're stressed and they probably can sense the stress coming off of me as well which isn't helping the situation. I would walk them to ensure that they went. I love walking, but I don't know the area and I'm afraid if I go out on my own I'll get lost-more on that later. They also can hide in a lot of places in the house because of all of the boxes.
Speaking of boxes, the unpacking is driving me nuts too. Just when I feel like I'm making progress, I find more stuff. I think this frustration stems from packing for two weeks straight, moving and then having to unpack it all again.
The getting lost thing is irritating too. I know all of this stuff will rectify itself with time, but sometimes I think, "if I could see this would be so much easier." That sounds bad and I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I have had a lot of opportunities in my life that I otherwise would never have had if I could see. I actually think my disability has been a blessing in disguise, but right now I wish I had a set of working eyeballs. :)
Glacier is worrying me a bit as well. Today we went out to drop our rent cheque off and his working wasn't very good. He jumped a few curbs and even jumped one when a car was coming. It scared me. I made him redo all of the curbs and he got them right the second time around. I knew he was going to be rusty and probably need a few reminders because we haven't worked properly in eight months. This was something I was concerned about living at the House From Hell right from the beginning. It's also hard because Roscoe is Mr. guiding Pro. He always has been. Glacier and I have had to work hard from day one. Not as much as Jetta and I had to: my goodness that little girl was a handful. It is difficult to watch Roscoe and Mr. K work so nicely knowing that they have had the same life experience in the last eight months and then watch Glacier jump a curb with a car coming. (For you non-guide dog people, "jumping a curb" means he didn't stop when he reached the curb. He just kept walking. Guide dogs are supposed to stop at the curbs to show their handlers that they have reached an intersecting street. At this point, the handler makes the decision whether to cross or not based on the flow of traffic). It doesn't help that almost everyone we interact with-our friends down here-talk about how horrible Glacier is in comparison to Roscoe. I am a good handler and I know that, but having Glacier making mistakes like that makes me feel like I am doing something wrong. I feel judged when people make comments about how good Roscoe is at "following" and how badly Glacier "follows." Glacier and I never did a lot of "following" up until we moved down here and most guide dogs don't "follow" as well as Roscoe does. (Following means that the guide dog follows the sighted person or the guide dog handler in front of them so that everyone can walk together). I know with some work he will improve, but I'm not sure how we'll get that work. I suppose I could just go out and wander around and hope I remember how to get back. It would be a great confidence booster if we make it back in one piece. The only problem with that is that if I don't know the route, I won't know if Glacier is making mistakes. This unknowing would not lend itself to me being able to correct him. Certain mistakes like jumping curbs or not taking direct orders I can fix, but if he crosses wrong I won't know if it was wrong or if it was because there was an obstacle or no curb on the other side of the street. I still may try to venture out on my own and see what happens. If you check in tomorrow and my post is titled something like "Where am I" you'll know I got lost. :)
Anyway, thanks to everyone who reads this post to the end. It's more of a *itch fest today than anything. I'm going to head inside because it's gotten cold out here and hopefully the puppies have pottied by now. LOL
See you tomorrow.
The first issue is the Dachshunds thinking the entire place is their giant pee pad. Most of the house is carpeted, with the exception of the two bathrooms and kitchen, and so I think they just decided that carpet works as a good pee absorbent. So, with that in mind I have been hyper vigilant with them. I am constantly bringing them out to potty and when I can't watch them I put them in a doggie pen we bought that is attached to Kyo's old crate. They actually have a lot of room in there, but of course they are used to roaming free so they are not happy about it. When they are in there I don't have to worry about surprise poop or pee spots, but I am always reminding them to "quiet." They aren't barking exactly, but a more high pitched squawking, or chirping if you are Balloo. We live in a townhouse now and that kind of noise is not acceptable. I feel horrible penning them in, but I can't be cleaning up poop and pee every half an hour. Each day the messes have decreased, but they are still way too frequent.
Last night we did have some progress and today as well, when someone finally used the many puppy pads I have placed throughout the house. That made me feel so much better I almost cried with relief. LOL
The newest development that our resident monkey, AKA Aria, can climb out of the pen. I don't think she's the one pottying in the house, so I guess it's not a huge deal, but it drives the other two crazy when she is running free and they are in their little house. I put her in her own crate this afternoon while I unpacked to be fair to the other two, but she started squawking as well. I also feel bad that they are not able to run around as much as they are used to because I feel like they are not getting enough exercise. I thought of maybe buying a few hockey balls-incredibly durable-and playing fetch with them in our little back patio area for some entertainment. I am trying to have play and cuddle sessions with them to let them know they are still loved, but I still feel guilty. Practically speaking, the puppies pottying in the house is bad for several reasons, but the thing that concerns Mr. K and I is that the carpet will get stained and we won't get our deposit back. Not to mention, puppy potty in the house is stinky and unsanitary. Any of you Dachshund lovers out there have any suggestions?
We knew going into this that Dachshunds were particularly difficult to potty train. It's not that they aren't smart enough to learn. In fact, they are probably too smart for their own good. If I am in one room, they will sneak off to another to potty so I don't know it's happened. Being blind is compounding this problem as well. I know if I could catch them at least once or twice and take them out right away, they would learn that inside bathroom breaks are not okay. But I can't catch them until the deed is done and I think they know that.
What is frustrating is that Aria and Balloo were basically potty trained at the House From Hell. If it was raining, they would usually go outside but refuse to go and come in and use a puppy pad. Doc hasn't even been with us for three weeks yet and his "accidents" were getting fewer, but moving has brought us back to square one. Up until yesterday, they wouldn't even use the pads. It's like they forgot what the pads were. I know they're stressed and they probably can sense the stress coming off of me as well which isn't helping the situation. I would walk them to ensure that they went. I love walking, but I don't know the area and I'm afraid if I go out on my own I'll get lost-more on that later. They also can hide in a lot of places in the house because of all of the boxes.
Speaking of boxes, the unpacking is driving me nuts too. Just when I feel like I'm making progress, I find more stuff. I think this frustration stems from packing for two weeks straight, moving and then having to unpack it all again.
The getting lost thing is irritating too. I know all of this stuff will rectify itself with time, but sometimes I think, "if I could see this would be so much easier." That sounds bad and I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I have had a lot of opportunities in my life that I otherwise would never have had if I could see. I actually think my disability has been a blessing in disguise, but right now I wish I had a set of working eyeballs. :)
Glacier is worrying me a bit as well. Today we went out to drop our rent cheque off and his working wasn't very good. He jumped a few curbs and even jumped one when a car was coming. It scared me. I made him redo all of the curbs and he got them right the second time around. I knew he was going to be rusty and probably need a few reminders because we haven't worked properly in eight months. This was something I was concerned about living at the House From Hell right from the beginning. It's also hard because Roscoe is Mr. guiding Pro. He always has been. Glacier and I have had to work hard from day one. Not as much as Jetta and I had to: my goodness that little girl was a handful. It is difficult to watch Roscoe and Mr. K work so nicely knowing that they have had the same life experience in the last eight months and then watch Glacier jump a curb with a car coming. (For you non-guide dog people, "jumping a curb" means he didn't stop when he reached the curb. He just kept walking. Guide dogs are supposed to stop at the curbs to show their handlers that they have reached an intersecting street. At this point, the handler makes the decision whether to cross or not based on the flow of traffic). It doesn't help that almost everyone we interact with-our friends down here-talk about how horrible Glacier is in comparison to Roscoe. I am a good handler and I know that, but having Glacier making mistakes like that makes me feel like I am doing something wrong. I feel judged when people make comments about how good Roscoe is at "following" and how badly Glacier "follows." Glacier and I never did a lot of "following" up until we moved down here and most guide dogs don't "follow" as well as Roscoe does. (Following means that the guide dog follows the sighted person or the guide dog handler in front of them so that everyone can walk together). I know with some work he will improve, but I'm not sure how we'll get that work. I suppose I could just go out and wander around and hope I remember how to get back. It would be a great confidence booster if we make it back in one piece. The only problem with that is that if I don't know the route, I won't know if Glacier is making mistakes. This unknowing would not lend itself to me being able to correct him. Certain mistakes like jumping curbs or not taking direct orders I can fix, but if he crosses wrong I won't know if it was wrong or if it was because there was an obstacle or no curb on the other side of the street. I still may try to venture out on my own and see what happens. If you check in tomorrow and my post is titled something like "Where am I" you'll know I got lost. :)
Anyway, thanks to everyone who reads this post to the end. It's more of a *itch fest today than anything. I'm going to head inside because it's gotten cold out here and hopefully the puppies have pottied by now. LOL
See you tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
"What's This Wednesday?"
Wednesday has arrived again and so that means another picture or two will be dragged from my archives for you lovely people to view. For those of you who may be new, I post a picture every Wednesday and you guess what it may be. "Why on Earth are we doing this," you may ask.
Well, because I am blind and I have no idea what the pictures are either. Sure, I took most of them, but after up loading them to my computer, I have no clue what they are. :) Sounds like fun right? Well, let me tell you, things are about to get funn-er...ahem, more fun.
A prize for this month's "What's This Wednesday" contest has been donated by a very generous
I can't tell you what the prize will be, and not because it is a surprise, but because I really don't know what it is. It is supposed to arrive in the mail tomorrow with the other product that I have ordered for Glacier, which I will tell you all about once it arrives. VIP Products makes incredibly durable toys and I am very excited that they have agreed to be this month's sponsor. Please feel free to go and check out their site. There are toys for big and small, short and tall. All right now I'm sounding like a Nursery Rhyme. :) So with no further fanfare, I give you today's photos. :)
Hopefully there is a dog in there somewhere since the prize donated by VIP Products is technically for dogs. LOL
Happy Wednesday
Well, because I am blind and I have no idea what the pictures are either. Sure, I took most of them, but after up loading them to my computer, I have no clue what they are. :) Sounds like fun right? Well, let me tell you, things are about to get funn-er...ahem, more fun.
A prize for this month's "What's This Wednesday" contest has been donated by a very generous
I can't tell you what the prize will be, and not because it is a surprise, but because I really don't know what it is. It is supposed to arrive in the mail tomorrow with the other product that I have ordered for Glacier, which I will tell you all about once it arrives. VIP Products makes incredibly durable toys and I am very excited that they have agreed to be this month's sponsor. Please feel free to go and check out their site. There are toys for big and small, short and tall. All right now I'm sounding like a Nursery Rhyme. :) So with no further fanfare, I give you today's photos. :)
Hopefully there is a dog in there somewhere since the prize donated by VIP Products is technically for dogs. LOL
Happy Wednesday
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
The House From Hell Has Its Last Laugh
So it's official: we are no longer living in the House From Hell. We got everything moved out by Sunday and Mr. K and I cleaned the horrible house as best we could. The last of our stuff was delivered ever so kindly by our friend to our new place probably around 7 Sunday night. It's been a long couple of days, but thankfully we're rid of that place. But not before it could get its last jab in.
As I said, Mr. K, our friend and I went back to the house on Sunday after having a very exhausting Saturday. Mr. K and I cleaned the place and our friend brought a load of things we weren't able to get the day before to the new place. I scrubbed the kitchen counters, sink, stove top and the island. I also attacked both bathrooms and even gave the tiles in the shower a good scouring. Meanwhile, Mr. K swept up sand/dog fur/shredded paper, mopped the floors and then went over them again with a vaccuum. We both filled a million garbage bags and dragged them out to the curb. Okay, maybe it wasn't a million, but it sure felt like it. Mr. K and our friend also checked the backyard over for holes and filled them in where necessary. Our furry little friends like to dig down to the cooler sand when its hot out and made quite a mess back there. At one point, Mr. K and I took a break, waiting for our friend to return with the shovel and vaccuum. We went out and sat on the front porch to enjoy the sunshine. It was a gorgeous day and we were both grateful the rain held off. We sat and chatted, remembering what we actually liked about the place. It was our first living space together as a married couple and so I guess it will always hold some kind of sentimental value that way, but we could also remember a lot of things we didn't like about it. I think teh house heard because when Mr. K leaned forward to get up, the front porch ripped the shorts he was wearing. Has anyone heard of a vindictive house? Well, I think I found one. LOL
Needless to say, we are much happier where we are now. We are kind of having to re-potty train the Dachshunds as the place is quite large and I think they think the carpet is a gigantic pee pad, but they're starting to get better and I am getting better at remembering to let them out excessively to ensure they potty outside.
Other than that, and the air conditioning unit needing to be charged, we love it here. We even got out yesterday and worked Roscoe and Glacier down to a little Mexican restaurant we found sort of by accident. The food is delicious and more than reasonably priced, so I'm sure we'll be heading back there sooner than later. Glacier did great navigating around parked cars, over uneven terrain and along sidewalkless roads.
So, even though the House From Hell managed to get in one last attack, I think we've won the war. :)
As I said, Mr. K, our friend and I went back to the house on Sunday after having a very exhausting Saturday. Mr. K and I cleaned the place and our friend brought a load of things we weren't able to get the day before to the new place. I scrubbed the kitchen counters, sink, stove top and the island. I also attacked both bathrooms and even gave the tiles in the shower a good scouring. Meanwhile, Mr. K swept up sand/dog fur/shredded paper, mopped the floors and then went over them again with a vaccuum. We both filled a million garbage bags and dragged them out to the curb. Okay, maybe it wasn't a million, but it sure felt like it. Mr. K and our friend also checked the backyard over for holes and filled them in where necessary. Our furry little friends like to dig down to the cooler sand when its hot out and made quite a mess back there. At one point, Mr. K and I took a break, waiting for our friend to return with the shovel and vaccuum. We went out and sat on the front porch to enjoy the sunshine. It was a gorgeous day and we were both grateful the rain held off. We sat and chatted, remembering what we actually liked about the place. It was our first living space together as a married couple and so I guess it will always hold some kind of sentimental value that way, but we could also remember a lot of things we didn't like about it. I think teh house heard because when Mr. K leaned forward to get up, the front porch ripped the shorts he was wearing. Has anyone heard of a vindictive house? Well, I think I found one. LOL
Needless to say, we are much happier where we are now. We are kind of having to re-potty train the Dachshunds as the place is quite large and I think they think the carpet is a gigantic pee pad, but they're starting to get better and I am getting better at remembering to let them out excessively to ensure they potty outside.
Other than that, and the air conditioning unit needing to be charged, we love it here. We even got out yesterday and worked Roscoe and Glacier down to a little Mexican restaurant we found sort of by accident. The food is delicious and more than reasonably priced, so I'm sure we'll be heading back there sooner than later. Glacier did great navigating around parked cars, over uneven terrain and along sidewalkless roads.
So, even though the House From Hell managed to get in one last attack, I think we've won the war. :)
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