first trip home

I have to write and report about mine and Shannon's first trip home. Yesterday I relaxed for some of the day and then went out with my friend Lori. Shannon did wonderful for the most part accept for one thing which I will try to describe to the best of my ability. We went to this one place and as me and Shannon were making our way inside the door there was this brick thing that was in the shape of an L. with the long part of the L. up in the air with nothing under it. The part that was up in the air was about five feet tall. To top it all off not sure if this made a difference or not but the stupid fancy thing was black and it was dark. Shannon all most cleared me but not all the way and I go crash into the thing. Don't worry I was not hurt at all, I don't have a hard head for no reason now. I corrected her and we reworked it and she got it right. On the way out I worked with her again and she did pretty good. I worked with her until we got it right. I didn't run into the stupid thing again but all most. I'm just glad I was not using a cane because my cane would have went right under that thing for sure. From what I was told there was more than one its some kind of art. Some kind of unsafe art I might add. This kind of thing really goes to show that guide dogs are not perfect and make mistakes too. I'm not exactly sure how wide the opening was between these things and the door, but when me and Shannon were working on her missing the unsafe obstacle it seemed like there was not much room between them. Lori was behind my right sholder the entire time and watched Shannon work me around those things. After that adventure we made a wal-mart run where Shannon did wonderful work. Lori was so wonderful letting Shannon work and observing from behind. She was giving me dirrections so I could direct Shannon where to go. Lori is so wonderful I told her last night she would be a great guide dog instructor. She is very patient and if you have to rework something five times to get it right it doesn't bother her at all. So many people don't understand how important it is to rework an error most people will say will you hurry up and come on. Guide dogs sometimes don't compensate enough and when that happens its very important to correct the dog and do it until the dog gets its right. I can't wait to work Shannon in the city, me and Lori are going this weekend to work with Shannon on the bus stop and around where I work. We may even go downtown and do some work there. In the wal-mart parking lot last night we had a good traffic check someone pulling out of there parking space. Shannon and Muffin my retired guide dog absolutely love each other. They are both here beside my chair side by side, wish I had a camera. Not sure what I am going to do today, but I will keep updating as I can, stay tuned. Until next time...

Home early

Home why you ask because they sent us home early. Sorry I did not get on here and post last night, I didn't do much stuff with the computer at all. Tuesday night it started snowing and the snow flakes from what I was told were the size of fifty cent pieces. It kept snowing and freezing rain all night long and there is another storm coming in today so to play it safe they sent us home yesterday. My flight left at 12:15 and I was so happy to go home. I left for the airport around 9:45and arrived in Charlotte at 2:15. I came right home and let Shannon get adjusted. She met Muffin and they loved each other so wanting to play. Freckles one of my cats did not like it too much that another dog was in her home and hissed at Shannon. I put her outside for that one. I showed Shannon around the house and she is so relaxed and happy that you would have thought she had lived here her entire life. She has a crate and a brand new bed and she slept there last night and I did not hear a sound out of her. She has been going outside to use the bathroom just fine. Wednesday were our last two trips one in town and one to wal-mart. Shannon did wonderful on both, part of the town trip was a solo, and wal-mart we were sent to find something and she was great. I told her outside when we were leaving and she took me right there. I'm probably going to relax and unpack today, I need it. It is sure nice finally being home and seems so much warmer than up in New Jersey. I took Shannon out this morning in shorts believe it or not. I will continue to post about our progress so stay tuned. Until next time..

Tuesday's trips

in less than 48 hours I will be home and I can't wait. This mornings trip was in town and it was raining which was not too much fun. Shannon could have cared less even though she was pretty wet. She worked wonderfully through it all being very slow when we approached snow or melted snow. The end of the trip was a short solo and I did fine. I was doing doubles with another person in class. It was some where we had ben before and that I knew pretty well so I was ok. The bottom of my pants were wet so I had to put them in the dryer when I came back. This afternoons trip was pretty short but it was still a good trip. We did some store work in wal-mart and Shannon was like always amazing. Two more trips tomorrow to the mall I think and doing the bus and train and I will be able to go home. I'm leaving from here pretty early on Thursday morning because my plane leaves around eight. They are suposed to get snow up here on Friday and I am so glad I will not be around. If I don't see anymore snow for a few years it will be too soon for me. Guess I'm going to go hang out for a while, I'm all most finished packing, one more load of wash and I'll be done and that can wait until tomorrow night. I'll write tomorrow I'm sure. Until next time...

Rainy Tuesday morning

Yes! Its Tuesday all ready and I was going to put Monday in the subject line. One more day closer to going home. Its raining/snowing/icy outside not fun at all. Yesterday and Sunday were really nice days, I think Sunday was the warmest day yet. Sunday night we all went to this restaurant that had really good food. I ate way too much of course, and think I have gained some of the weight I had lost back but not totally sure of that. Yesterday the morning trip was outside doing street and traffic work. Shannon was amazing, I didn't have to get onto her at all. She slowed for the snow and the cracks in the sidewalks and we had wonderful street crossings. In the afternoon I did some more store work which was nice. I had my exit interview and vet visit yesterday as well. Four more trips and the airport and I'm home. Sunday it was like 65 degrees at home which made me want to go there even more. Sunday was a really nice day to relax and when I get home I'm going to be doing allot of relaxing for sure. My nose is stuffy and my head hurts, off to take care of that and go eat in a few minutes. Will write more sometime. Until next time.

short update

Yesterday was Saturday and we only had one trip in the morning. The trip was walking to duncan Donuts one way and coming back another. I did doubles with another student and things went pretty good. Shannon was great and at one point we were really going fast down the block. I have to admit that I'm ready to go home. I have enjoyed my time here but I'm ready to work Shannon in my home area. Three more days of training and I leave on Thursday morning. Yesterday afternoon I tried packing all my stuff to make sure it would fit in case it didn't I could send some stuff home. I think everything will fit but it will be pretty tight. Last night a few of us hung out for a while. We watched a video and ate snacks. Today is a pretty relaxing day, all of the students and a few instructors are going to a restaurant tonight which should be really fun. I'm not sure what else is going on today, but I'm going to take advantage of relaxing. All most time for breakfast and I want something to eat imagine that one. I'll write when I have more to say. Until next time...

New York

My current facebook status says: In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York
New York, New York
That is lyrics to a chorus of a song that just totally fit today. I have never been in a city as big as New York in my entire life. At first it was pretty overwhelming but I was able to relax and take it all in. If you can work a guide dog in New York you can work a guide dog anywhere in the world. Shannon did absolutely wonderful and did not seem stressed out at all. She worked wonderful around all the people and everything going on. She did get a little distracted at one point by some horses, birds, and a dog. Once I got onto her she really did wonderful work. We started out at 42nd street and took the subway down to 59th street. We walked a few blocks to Central Park and walked around for a few minutes. Then we walked some more to 45th street all most the entire time walking along 8th street. We turned at 45th street and crossed 8th street walked toward 7th street or somewhere around there and went into the ESPN Zone restaurant and had lunch. It was a really cool place and I did not get out of there without buying something of course. The food was wonderful too so I can't complain. The blocks were pretty short and at one point Shannon kept wanting to take me into the expensive stores. There were so many people and so much traffic that I couldn't do that every day. I did enjoy myself and I can now say I've ben to New York. It would be a good place to take a vacation for sure, there is so much to do and see. This trip really helped me know that I have a very confident guide dog in Shannon. When she is in harness for the most part she is very focused. It just amazed me that with everything going on nothing at all seemed to bother her. I think I was more anxious than she was being in a big place having no idea where I was at. Not much longer until I get to go home, It wil go by fast I am sure. I don't have anymore trips today and one tomorrow. Shannon now has her head in my lap and she is so adorable. I think I am going to relax until its time to feed her. I feel much better today for sure. Until next time...

long day

I know the subject line for this one says it all. Today was truly a long day and I am ready for it to be over. This morning a few students left to go home, they have had a guide dog from here before. This time next week I will be home with my wonderful girl Shannon. This mornings trip was probably the longest one I have been on and by the time it was over I was sure ready to be back. Shannon did wonderful work but again I can't stay on my two feet. My right foot got caught in a crack and you guessed it down I went. I have bad ankles and I don't think that helped any at all. They started to hurt and maybe that's part of why I went down. When I was little I broke my right foot so it turnes out to the right and when I try to make it straight it hurts. Its always that foot getting caught in the cracks of these sidewalks. I am fine I got right back up and went on my way. When I fell Shannon went down with me and I was more worried about her than myself. She started wagging her tail and giving me kisses as if to say are you all right. For the rest of the trip she was so sweet and so careful. I did not work with my instructor but another instructor because my instructor was at the airport. He told me that me and Shannon worked wonderful and our trip was very good. I had to joke about the fact that I fell again, I'm just so thankful it was only my knee and that I didn't twist my foot. I had to go to the nurse when I got back and she put some stuff on my knee that burned. Shannon put her head in my lap as if to say what can I do to help which was so sweet. That trip was so long that when I got back I was so hot that I took off everything I could get away with for sure. This afternoon I went on another much quieter and not as long of a trip. I stayed on my two feet this time and Shannon was wonderful as always. She was so careful taking me around all the snow and everything else. I am in some pain, my ankles, legs, knee, and arms all hurt. I guess I am just falling apart or something. This morning we had a meeting about guide dog access and the guide dog laws. The meeting was pretty intresting I must say. I'm tired and want to go relax, I think I'm going to New York tomorrow but not totally sure yet. One more week, just one more week, praying I can make it through all right. Hopefully I will not be as sore tomorrow. Until next time...

Wednesday trips

My subject lines are not that creative at all. It seems though about all I have done today is eat. Breakfast was these wonderful pancakes and I had more than I should've. Lunch I didn't eat much because I was so full, and this afternoons trip was going to get ice cream which I had a vanilla milkshake, and dinner is in a little over an hour. Thank goodness for all the walking or I would really be in trouble ha ha ha. This mornings trip was doing some more country work which I was not too thrilled about. You basically walk in the road with no sidewalks and the dog has to stay as far over to the left as they can. You have to stop every so often to make sure your not out in the street. I'm just glad I don't live in the country, and hopefully I'm done with that trip for a while. There was no traffic and it was way too quiet out there, if you got lost you would pretty much be S O L. I kept having to tell Shannon to stay to the left. It was just difficult and annoying. My instructor worked with her for a few minutes and she was so happy to get back to me it was so adorable. This afternoon we went and had ice cream and walked a few blocks to the place. Shannon did perfet street crossings and everything. Some of the students in this class are leaving tomorrow and there will not be many of us left. Last night we had a meeting on dog attacks and what to do if your dog is attacked. There was a short video which I requested a copy. Hopefully I will not ever have to deal with a thing like that. Shannon had a bad dream last night I think because she barked pretty loud, she sure has a big bark for such a small sweet girl. Not sure what is going on tonight, probably not a meeting because of so many people going home. One week and I'll be going home. I miss home in some ways, training is starting to make me pretty tired. Some people I'm sure think guide dog training is a vacation, its so not a vacation its work on both the new dog and the handler. Its pretty cold outside but thankfully not allot of snow around on the sidewalks. Its hot downstairs and just sitting around makes me hot. I've not wanted a coat all day long even working outside. I am probably going to go home and think fifty degrees is shorts weather, don't be surprised ha ha ha. Guess that's all, going to go check e-mail before its time to feed Shannon. I'll write sometime soon. Until next time...

Tuesday trips

Today's trips went very well I should say. Last night it started snowing but because it was pretty warm yesterday the snow pretty much melted as it hit the ground. There was only about an inch that stuck and the roads were not bad at all just a little wet. We went on our trips this morning and mine was to the court house and doing some work inside the building going through the metal detectors. The walk there was a short walk and Shannon did wonderful. We walked around for a while and Shannon did wonderful with everything. When going through a metal detector The handler puts the dog at sit, makes a long leash, goes through and then calls the dog. This was good practice for doing them in airports and other places. This afternoons trip was a walk to a bank and doing some work inside of the bank. We walked back and had to work some strange street crossings and Shannon was amazing. She did wonderful work inside the bank as well. Last night we had the going home lecture, even though I am staying the entire time I have had a dog before. We discussed how to handle your dog when getting home around all your family and friends. The Seeing Eye strongly suggests leaving the dog on leash with you for two weeks and then gradually giving the dog freedom in your house. We discussed introducing other dogs to your new dog which I don't think Muffin will have a problem at all. Most of the stuff I all ready knew from having a dog before. Some of us ordered pizza last night and it was pretty good. During my trip this morning it was snowing and was so cool. Its the kind of snow that is nice coming down but not all over the ground. It was snowing pretty hard too. Not sure what else is going on tonight. I need to post this and get ready to go and feed Shannon. I will write more when I am able. Until next time..

Monday's trips

I totally forgot to post something that is like two days old. Its pretty important to me at least. I had to come down here and write while I still remembered it. Saturday afternoon my trainer had to take Shannon for a few minutes to reatake her picture because she was not sitting still. My instructor was also Shannon's trainer and when I first got her she would get really excited to see him. We had pictures the other day with our dog and a photo of our dogs by themselves. When my instructor came to get Shannon she seemed happy to go with him. I went to sit and wait on them to come back, they were not gone very long at all but I started to miss Shannon. When they came back I could tell she was coming down the hallway. Shee saw me and pulled my instructor really hard to get to me, I remembered him saying gees. She was so happy to see me, I have not ever been around a dog that was as happy to see me as Shannon was that day. I really think she knows she is mine, because when my instructor walks by she will sometimes wagg her tail and that is pretty much all. I love her so much and when she wants attention she will do what ever it takes to get it. The morning trip went very well, we did some city work in town and Shannon did wonderful taking me around all the snow banks. We did a country trip this afternoon where there are no sidewalks and I am so glad I don't live in that kind of area. I had to bring my cane to check to make sure I was at the edge and not out in the street. Every so often I had to suggest left to Shannon and I felt like the entire time I was saying left left. It was a pain and I'm glad it is over. Not one of the most enjoyable trips for sure. At Southeastern we did allot of country work but I don't remember ever using my cane. I have not ever walked where there are not sidewalks so I don't really remember. There was hardly no traffic maybe two or three cars, it was extremely quiet which was probably the only nice thing about it. Shannon did wonderful work taking me around the snow on the edge of the street. When there are no sidewalks I feel kind of lost. Shannon was happy but I know she is always happy no matter what. She wanted my attention so bad earlier that she put one of her big paws on my leg as if to say pet me now. The weather is calling for more snow tonight maybe around three to five inches. After I leave here I am sure I will not want to see snow for a long time. Its pretty when you can stay home, but going out and doing trips in the snow is no fun for this North Carolina girl. Not sure what else is going on for the rest of the afternoon. I have asked to have Shannon's puppy profile e-mailed to me and when I get it I'll try to post it here. I made the photo of Shannon my profile picture on facebook. I have been told she looks allot like Muffin so it may be hard to tell them apart. I will write more soon I am sure. Until next time...

Short update

I could have posted yesterday, but we did not go on any trips. The day was pretty relaxing which was just what I needed. There is a photo of Shannon on facebook now. One of the instructors took the photo with her phone and tagged me in the photo. Its on my profile somewhere I think. She was a brat though when we were trying to get the picture. She would not sit still for nothing and I had to get onto her. Sometimes she gets really really happy and I have to calm her down. I think there are two photos on facebook. I finished the book I was reading and hung out. Football is not on for another six months and I have no idea what I am going to do with myself. It felt kind of strange being a Sunday and no football was on at all. I did play allot with Shannon yesterday which she loved. I really think her three favorite things are work, play and seeking attention. No idea what is going on today, I'm sure I'll find out at breakfast, and of course I want food. Saturday night I did not feel very good, for some reason my throat hurt, I took some medicine and felt fine. We had a short meeting Saturday night and that was pretty much all. If I didn't write in my last post A soda exploded every where the other day, and it was kind of funny. The book I have been reading is about the history of The Seeing Eye. I don't read very many books but this one intrested me. Some of the staff who are still working at The Seeing Eye are in the book which is cool. I read it in about three days, I think that's a record for me. I will post hopefully when I get back today if I have time. Until next time...

Saturday trip and more

I am staying downstairs for a while because I am washing my clothes. Last weekend when I did wash I left my stuff downstairs to go on a trip I came back after lunch to change out my stuff from the dryer. My clothes were folded and something was missing. I'm staying until they finish this time for sure. Today because its the weekend we only have one trip and this morning we did some more work in stores. We went to a coffee shop and worked from there. I went into a sporting goods store and worked on the escalators one more time and Shannon did wonderful going both up and down. When you get on you work the dog up to it then put your hand on the moving bar and step on with one foot. When you are about to step down the dog is at heel one step behind you. Once you step up or down you hold the back strap of the harness and once the bar moves you step off with your dog. Shannon could have cared less for sure. It was different than what I remember at Southeastern, I may be wrong because its been eight years but I think we worked the dogs on. I only did it once so I can't fully remember. I went into pet smart and got some food to change Shannon from iams. She did wonderful work in the store she sniffed a few times but those things happen. Her clearence work was wonderful in both places. We walked to and from the coffee shop and her work was wonderful. She is a very loving girl and I am falling more in love with her every day. Something happened yesterday to someone in class that made me laugh so hard I cried. A few groups went to the mall and this one person was working with the follow command with the dog. You give the follow command and the dog follows whom ever is in front of you. The dog stepped out and took off and the person ran into a really large sign knocking it over. At that point all anyone probably could do was laugh, people passing by stopped to see what was so funny. Just the way the story was told made me laugh so hard I cried. I just pictured this big sign falling over and allot of laughter. This class is amusing for sure, I get at least one good laugh a day. Again dogs are not perfect and things happen no one was hurt accept hurt from laughing so hard. The rest of today and tomorrow is pretty much relax time which is amazing. I got Shannon a few more toys today so I'll be able to play with her some later. We got about five inches of snow at my house. Muffin would not go out in it last night and this morning she needed to pee so bad she went near the door. She does not like storms and will avoid them at all costs. I guess I am finished for now, will post more when I have a chance. Until next time...

Friday trips

Today has been a pretty good day. I did nto get down here this morning because I started a book and it is pretty good so I have been reading it during my down time. The book is called Love Leads The Way The Miracle of The Seeing Eye. Last night we had a meeting on giving our dogs freedom in the room and leaving them alone. The suggestion was to leave them alone for a few minutes and after a few times of everything going ok extend the time longer and longer. I left Shannon for a few minutes and she could have cared less. When I came back she was happy to see me wagging her tail. This morning we were going to go to the court house we walked there and it was closed. The trip this morning was probably my worst yet. There was allot of snow and being from North Carolina I'm not that great walking in snow and ice. I'm kind of afraid of falling. We get boots for our dogs for when its hot or there is salt on the ground to melt the snow. The salt is not good for a dogs paws. Shannon did not like the boots at all, she was stepping high and pulling strange in the harness for a few minutes. I was pulling back on her because of all the dang snow and she wanted to play. She was goofing off and I had to get on her at the start of the trip. After a while things began to come together but I was frustrated and that was not a good thing. I decided after lunch that I was not going to worry about it anymore, those things happen its all about building a relationship that is not always perfect. Every relationship takes work and its the same with a relationship between guide dog and handler. Shannon loves attention and is happy just getting it. She was very playful this morning and had allot of energy. I had some time after lunch and I played with her before I left for my next trip. We went to Century twenty-one a department store and worked around the store and on the escalators. I am not a fan of those things at all, I went up with Shannon and I was some what unsure. We got off and she was wagging her tail so hard and every bit of anxiety I had went right away. We did it a few more times and she did wonderful. Her clearences in all the stores we have been in are wonderful, she didn't even try to sniff walking through the pet store yesterday which totally amazed me. My last guide dog would sniff every chance she got. Her work was wonderful getting there and back, the only thing is she bumped me into that same durn parking meter. Its really becoming a joke, its out a little further than the rest. There are like five of them on this one block but for some reason if I'm to bump into any of them its that same durn one. I could have not been happier with the trip this afternoon. Shannon was such a good girl and totally amazing in the store. She is relaxing by my chair as I type this, I can't even put into words how wonderful this girl truly is. When we came back she was wanting to play and being goofy, flipping upside down and rolling around on the floor. She is always so happy and that really makes me smile. She is even happy working and smiling all the way. Not sure what is going to happen tomorrow. I saw on facebook that its snowing at my house, I kind of wish I was at home to enjoy it. Muffin is doing wonderful which totally makes me happy. I'm going to relax and probably read some more of this book. Until next time.

We made it out today

My current facebook status from this morning says snow on the ground, snow on the ground, walking like a fool when there's snow on the ground. I was not sure this morning if because of all of the snow if we were going to be able to get out today. We did but I didn't have to walk like a fool with snow on the ground. The first trip this morning was to a local super market in town. I worked Shannon around for a while and she did wonderful. I had to get onto her once for sniffing but that was all. I spent money for the first time since I've been here. I got a twelve pack of diet coke and some donuts of course. I tried to find the tasty cake brand but this store didn't have them. This afternoon we went to a pet store about twenty minutes away and at first I worked Shannon around and purchased her a few toys. She did wonderful work and did not even atempt to sniff a thing until I was ready to pay. She noticed some treats on the counter and sure wanted those things. When we got back I gave her one of her toys to play with and she loved it. The Seeing Eye feeds a veariety of foods but Shannon is on iams. I want to change her food when I get home after a few days. Muffin my retired guide dog is on Natures recipe and I'm thinking about putting Shannon on the same thing. Suggestions are welcome of course. I have also thought about Natural Choice or Natural balance. I'm intrested on what other people feed there dogs. The pet store we went to today has all most any type of food you can think of. I'm getting ready to go and find out if they have a web site so I can check it out. Tonight we have a short meeting and a classmate is leaving tomorrow so I'm going to help her pack. Shannon is responding to me more and more everyday, she is truly an amazing girl and the closest thing I have to my sight. Not sure what tomorrow holds, but I'll update when I can. Today was a pretty low key day, I heard the sidewalks were still pretty bad. Until next time.

What day is it?

Any of my follwoers miss me??? ha ha ha!!! Posting a short update before breakfast, have to know everything right??? Not even sure what today is, the days are all starting to run together. We got allot of snow not sure exactly how much, but its extremely windy outside this morning. Shannon stopped playing in the snow long enough last night to do her thing outside. Not sure if we are even going anywhere today, heard the roadss were pretty bad. If we do it will probably be wal-mart or something like that. On another note my parents lost power yesterday at home because of the high winds. A tree fell down I think. Not sure when I am coming home, I am leaning toward staying the whole time because there are still something I want to do like going to New York city. We have all ready missed like about two days of class because of snow. I got here late because of snow and ice. We may not get out today so there goes another day because of you guessed it snow. I still have some time to think about it though. Seems as though facebook has changed there site and no one likes it. I don't go to the regular site anyway, so I don't really care. I use the moble site on my computer or lite.facebook.com Some people are so mad they are thinking about deleting there accounts. Guess that's all, Its way too early and I need a soda. I have a headache and a stuffy nose. I opened my window this morning and felt allot better. I must be allergic to something in this building or all the heat. If we go to wal-mart I'm getting some sodas for sure. Can't forget I'm hungry imagine that one. Until next time.

snow day

I have not seen as much snow today ever in my life. It started snowing last night and I don't think has stopped. I think it slowed down for a little while and then after lunch picked back up again. Me and one of my classmates went outside to see the snow. It was coming down so hard I could hear it. We went out a few steps and both of our dogs wanted to play in the snow. Shannon has wanted to play all day and this morning she was flat down in the snow. We did not go out today and she is full of energy. We had a few meetings where we watched two videos on The Seeing Eye, and the vet came and talked to us for a while. We also had a meeting on dog care and were taught how to pill our dogs, clean ears, and anything else we needed. I also was told about Shannon's puppy raisers and she had a wonderful puppy home. I found out about some of the things she likes, all about the other dogs she got to play with, and in the puppy profile it said she was easy to raise, a great dog who was not ever distructive, and loved to please. Everything made me smile, and I know I have a wonderful and special girl. I noticed this morning Shannon doing what I like to call a frog pose. Her back feet are out as far as they could go, and she is on her stomach. It was so adorable and made me laugh. She has been so playful today and did not want to go out when it was time for her to go to the bathroom. All she wanted to do was play in the snow and she got a little too excited. One of my classmates made up part of a song that said Shannon stop playing in the snow, its time to park you know. I thought it was very amusing. Maybe in about an hour she will bwe too tired to play in the snow. I went back to my room and played with her and hopefully got some of her energy out. I was able to go out and see the snow and wow is it allot. I'm not sure if we will go out tomorrow or not, depends on how much more snow we get. I did have the option to order some extra stuff like leashes, food bowls, and brushes. I am still not sure if I am staying the whole time or not, I should know something soon though. Last night we didn't have a meeting, so I pretty much relaxed. There are some students that I am sure want to go out tomorrow, but if its not safe I would just soon stay here. Guess that is all, not much happening on a snow day for sure.

trips today

I really think we are going to get the snow the weather report is calling for which would be just fine with me. When I was on the afternoon trip a few snow flakes fell. The morning trip went well, I had to get onto Shannon because she was paying attention to this guy and all most ran me into a pole. I had to work on the street crossings because I was not going straight across. The reason for this is that I was pushing Shannon and was not lined up correctly. I have this habbit of when I get to a down curve I am lined up to cross the street but I turn my body just before I am about to cross. Other than that the trip went very well, I was doing doubles so that seemed to help allot. The second trip I did allot better with my street crossings and Shannon did great work accept for at the end when she ran me into someone. I had to get onto her because she had plenty of room to go around. These things happen, guide dogs like us are not perfect. They make mistakes, and we make mistakes it is all part of working as a team. A guide dog and handler is a relationship and any relationship takes work. Dogs will test there handlers by doing things like not clearing obstacles. Its the handlers responsibility to let the dog know with a leash correction that is not acceptable. It does not mean that the dog is a bad dog, the dog just made a mistake. In the past with my first dog when I would give her a direction and she would do as I told her and I told her left instead of right the public assumes that the dog knows where to go and its the dog who was not doing there job correctly. The handler has to know where they are going and the dog takes them by the directions they give. A dog can not judge traffic its the handlers responsibility to know when its safe to cross. A dog only does what it is told, if the handler messes up its not that the dog is not a good dog. I know through out the all most eight years working my first dog I made lots of mistakes. Mistakes are sometimes how you learn. I hope I explained that all correctly, I'm not the best at explaining things. The second trip I did doubles as well, if it snows tomorrow we may not be able to get out and do any work. This trip is our second solo trip and it was pretty difficult. I think I am free for the rest of the night which is fine with me. I'm kind of tired and just want to relax. Shannon sure has a goofy side and was trying to show it today, and she sure enjoys playing. I tried to get my soda this morning but the drink machine for some reason didn't like one of my quarters. I was too lazy to walk all the way up to my room on the top floor to get one quarter. One of my classmates had a soda that was hot but I drank it anyway. It was very sweet of her to give me one. I did get a few laughs today before lunch and before my first trip. The inside joke was braught up again one that I probably will never live down. I think that is all for now, going to check e-mail I think. More tomorrow, hoping we get snowed in.

early morning update

I could really use a soda right about now. I think as soon as I am done posting this I'm going to go and get one. The weather is still calling for snow to start today around four P.M. I have noticed something around here that when its going to snow the weather gets warmer. Thirrty degrees back home is freezing but I guess I have been here so long that I'm getting used to the cold. I went outside this morning with a sweat shirt and a shirt under neath. I was hot so had to go inside and change. We have our two trips today, but if it snows like the weather channel says we probably will stay in tomorrow. I think the weather channel is calling for like twelve inches or something like that. If it happens it will probably be the most snow I've ever seen in my life. Shannon is so adorable when she wants attention she is going to get it. I was trying to type a few minutes ago and she kept on takeing her nose and hitting my hand as if to say pet me forget that stupid thing you are using. She is being very playful today, I had to get onto her outside because she saw her trainer and went nuts. She likes to put her head in my lap which is so sweet. Last night we had a meeting about dog food, toys, and some other stuff. The school gave us some letters and a few DVD's about going home with our dogs which are really good. The traffic meeting was great but to the point which is nice. We talked about traffic checks and ways you can untrain your dog for traffic. For example stepping out in front of the dog before giving the forward command, rushing the dog across the street, and its never a good idea to cross in the middle of a block its not safe. You should always listen to the traffic and determine when its safe, its never a good idea to go in the middle of a light because you don't know how long you have until it changes. Sighted people tend to cross in the middle of a cycle, but I don't. I don't care if I have to wait an entire cycle I'm not doing it even if the person says its safe to go. Its not good for me or my dog. On that trip yesterday I used muscles that I didn't even think I had. One thing I did forget there was an obstacle both times and Shannon did wonderful taking me around it. It was some tape across the side walk and we had to go slightly into the street to get around it, just at the edge of the curve. There are allot of fun people in this class. A few of them make me laugh really hard. There is an inside joke that the entire class knows about by now, and its hysterical. Yes the indside joke involves me imagine that, and allot of people in the class are giving me a hard time. Its one of those things that what happens at The Seeing Eye stays at The Seeing Eye. I laughed so hard the other day I started crying, I thought I was not going to make it to the top of the stairs. I should be getting some photos of Shannon e-mailed to me. When I get them I'll try to post them here, but I will post them on facebook for sure. Guess I better get ready to go to breakfast and get my soda. I'm hungry imagine that. I'll post later on I hope.

can't even remember what day it is

The days are just starting to run together for sure. Yesterday was a very quiet day which was totally amazing. There were no trips at all, so I hung out and relaxed. Last night we had a super bowl party with so much food. Sandwiches, chips and several kinds of dip, hot dogs, shrimp, and even some ice cream. I have to say I had way to much to eat, but that happens sometimes. The super bowl was wonderful, at first I thought the Colts were going to beat the Saints, and at half time the score was ten to six Colts. The Colts scored one Touch Down in the second half and it was all Saints the rest of the game. The final score Saints thirty one Colts Seventeen. The game sure made me happy, I wanted the Saints to win. Allot of people came and ate, but I think there were only about four of us students watching the game.
Today has been a busy day for sure. We started working on a new trip which is pretty long that we have to solo on Wednesday morning. This mornings trip was great, Shannon did wonderful work. She did run one curve that we had to rework. There was a dog distraction and she wanted nothing to do with the other dog. There was also a traffic check which she did wonderful. I did doubles this morning and this afternoon with two different students. This afternoon Shannonb did wonderful work again. We had one traffic check and it was some one pulling out of a parking lot. Shannon has a goofy side, but when she is in harness she is a wonderful worker. It takes allot to distract her which I totally love. This trip has allot more traffic and allot more people walking around. She doees wonderful with street crossings and everything else. I think we are working on the same trip tomorrow. The weather is calling for snow to start tomorrow night, but who knows if the snow will really happen. We have a meeting at four about traffic, and another tonight about what types of food to feed your dog. I don't know if I posted this or not, but I found out Shannon was born on March 30, 2008 and there were including her ten in her litter all the goldens names started with the letter S. Shannon is 23 inches tall and weighs about fifty sevedn pounds. She was so good last night at the party with all of the food around her, she could have cared less. That is all for now, but I will post probably tomorrow. If there are any questions feel free to ask away. If anyone has sent e-mails I have them, but the web mail site is a pain, so I will respond when I get home. Don't want you to think I am ignoring you.

Day six only one trip

I was disappointed this morning when the weather forcast was calling for allot of snow and New Jersey didn't get much at all. I think we got about an inch and that was all, the weather was forcasting anywhere from three to ten inches. I heard Washington D. C. got allot of snow though. We had to do our Saturday trip with snow on the ground, that was a real experience. Its the first time I have worked a guide dog in the snow for sure. We did the same trip as yesterday accept this time I did not have to do the entire thing myself. I was able to do the solo with someone else and that was wonderful. With all the snow it made it easier as well. The traffic sounds allot different when it is snowing, so we were able to help one another know when it was safe to cross. We both got back and did not make any wrong turns. Shannon ran me into the same parking meeter, and I joke now that she is making sure I am awake and paying attention. She ran me into a different pole today, but accept for that she did wonderful. She wanted to play in the snow, and I had to get her going a few times. I did not fall believe it or not, there were some slick places for sure. After the trip I hung out until it was time to leave. A couple of us were having allot of fun. There is this guy who is really funny and we were talking about the super bowl, and he said he would watch it but he didn't know much. He asked who was playing and he thought the Colts were the Texas colts. I didn't get a chance to say the Saints were playing until a long while after that. He didn't know that the Cowboys were a Texas team and in Dallas. . A few funny comments were made, and honestly that conversation when to hell in a hand basket. Its one of those times when you laugh so hard and can't explain what happened later. I was laughing so hard I was crying. It was four of us in the conversation. When you get four people together all making comments it gets pretty funny. I explained all the NFL teams and where each team was, and therr were some funny comments about that as well. I have to say this morning it was really cold, when I came back inside the training center, I really thought my butt was forzen and has to get warm. My left hand was pretty cold too, the wind was blowing and blowing some snow around. I am so glad that solo is over, a few of us went and got donuts afterward and I had some hot chocolate which was really good. Last night did not consist of much, someone made some really good milk shakes and of course I had to have one. Its pretty quiet for the most part today, we don't have anymore trips and tomorrow is a free day which is fine with me. Its the day of the big game the Super Bowl. There are a few football fans in this class for sure me included. After while I am going to find out Shannon's birthday and some more information about her. If I had to guess I would say she is around two years old. Ohter than that not much else, I will write later.

Day five and trips

Its Friday but sure doesn't feel like it. New Jersey is suposed to get snow, but not sure how much. From what I have heard each weather station says a different amount. We have one trip tomorrow, but if there is allot of snow I am sure it will be canceled. This morning I had a really bad headache thart just would not go away. Last night we had a meeting on how to control our dogs in public. If you are talking to someone and are stopped for more than three seconds your dog should be sitting, that way your dog has something to do. If not the dog could be doing something that it shouldn't when you are not paying attention. Your dog is only as well behaved as you make it. This morning we had a meeting on the dogs sinces which was very intresting. The first trip in town this morning went very well, Shannon ran me into the same parking meeter as yesterday and we had to rework it. We also had to rework a dog distraction, but other than that she did wonderful. The trip this afternoon was our practice solo and I went by myself. We did fine accept for Shannon brushing me up against a bush, not clearing me for a hanging object, and going into this Church parking lot. I turned one block to soon but made it back ok. My instructor was very proud of the trip, and I have to admit I was a little worried I would get lost. The trip was about ten blocks long, you walk four blocks and turn left, walk a block and turn left, walk four blocks and turn left walk a block and turn right to cross the street back to the training center. Shannon did wonderful work and I couldn't have done it with out her. We had a traffic check and a big obstacle in the way. The instructor that pulled out in front of me yesterday and I called a jack ass thought it was hysterical. My instructor told me he hadn't seen him laugh so hard. I was sure given a hard time at lunch, and started calling him J. A. for Jack ass. I am so glad I survived the solo, and can relax. Hopefully trips will be canceld tomorrow! Sunday should be pretty much a free day. I don't think we have much until or after dinner. I am off for now, but will update when I get another chance.

day four morning and afternoon trips

I have all ready completed both of my trips for today. The morning trip went really well, accept Shannon ran me in to one pole of some sourt. I had to correct her and rework it and she did wonderful. Going into lunch she bumped me into the side of the wall and we had to rework that one as well. On the second trip she ran me into a traffic sign and we reworked that one and she did perfect.
The first drip was a doubles trip where one block I would lead out and the next block the other student would lead out. Shannon did wonderful work and she did amazing during the traffic check. She got a little distracted by a dog on the sidewalk, but my instructor told us we looked great. The second trip I did by myself just me and my instructor. We had two traffic checks on this trip and as I was pulling out to cross a car turned in front of me. I said that jack ass turned in front of me and it was the planned traffic check. Shannon did wonderful on both, she made me very happy. There was some snow and ice on the sidewalks and she did wonderful slowing down for all of it. We had some obstacles in our way and she did great. She tried to eat some snow and I had to get onto her for that. She loves putting her head in my lap and leaning against me which is so adorable. We have a solo on Saturday morning and we are working on the trip now. I'm not sure if we have to go by our selvs or if we will be able to do doubles. I know the way pretty well and am doing good judging the traffic patterns. When the parallel traffic serges its safe to go, but you should always listen for turning cars. My instructor keeps telling me that we look like we have been together for years. There is a call for snow tomorrow night, they are calling for a few inches but not sure if it will even happen. I think we have dinner and a meeting tonight but not totally sure. I am literally falling in love with Shannon, she is just more than wonderful. There is a command that Seeing Eye Uses Hup Hup which is used when the dog stops for some reason or slows down in the middle of a block. Its also used if you don't know if you need to go forward or not, you can tell the dog to hup hup and the dog will find the way. There is only a left handed leash correction and a double handed leash correction. Southeastern has a right handed leash correction where you correct with your right hand and I'm having to get used to notb using it. A left handed correction you drop the harness handle and pull back on the leash. Its different for sure, but I'll get used to it. I think that's all for now, will update soon.

more from yesterday

Last night we worked the dogs in harness for the first time to dinner. We are now starting to work the dogs in the building. At Southeastern we never were allowed to work the dogs in the building. We did not work the dogs until we got to the place we were going and got out of the vans. At Seeing Eye we are allowed to work the dogs in the building and on and off the vans. Shannon is so wonderful and so well behaved. Each morning I playh with her to get some of her energy out and it seems to work really well. At Seeing Eye we do not use the find command, its forward, left, and right. There is also a suggested right right or left left command. I am not a fan of stairs at all, so I choose to heal Shannon down the stairs. Today I think we are going to add some more blocks to our trip in town, which should be really fun. Yesterday we started judging traffic and telling the dog to go forward when we thought it was safe. Last night my instructor told me that me and Shannon look like we have been together for years. That comment really made me smile for sure. Today we are starting something different. Instead of all of us going to town at the same time there is going to be first trip and second trip. If you are on first trip you go into town and come back. Second trip waits to go into town at around ten in the morning. I really think I am going to like this allot better, when I sit around I get really tired and my energy goes away. All this good food isn't helping much either. In a few minutes it will be time for breakfast and I'm hungry. Facebook did something really strange this morning. I loged in and was checking updates, I went to another page and it wanted me to log in again. That has never happened before, and I didn't log in, I got out of the site. May try to get back on in a little while. For now that's all, but I'll update when I have another chance.

afternoon trip

The morning trip was canceled because of snow. I think N. J> got a few inches. It was pretty relaxing this morning which was just fine with me. Me and my instructor did some obedience work and Shannon did wonderful. We worked on come, heal, sit, down, and instead of the stay command Seeing Eye uses rest. The come is different as well from what I am used to. At Southeastern when you give the come command the dog comes and sits in front of you. At Seeing Eye the dog comes around to your left side and sits. It is taking some getting used to, but I know I will be fine. I don't usually write aboue food but today we had Mackaroni and Cheese my favorite, and it was wonderful. I have not consumed the junk food that I consumed yesterday for sure. Today we did the same trip as yesterday, the only difference was that I did doubles which means me and another student did the trip at the same time. I would lead for one block and cross the street, and the student I was doing doubles with would lead the next block and cross the street. It was great, and allowed me to really trust Shannon. She did wonderful work and I couldn't have been happier. We also experience what is known as a traffic check. This is when a car pulls out in front either out of a drive way in the middle of a block, or out in front in the middle of a street crossing. Shannon noticed the car and suddenly stopped from what I was told about four feet away. I was really proud of her for that! We had about an hour meeting this morning discussing traffic checks and street crossings. When there is a traffic check the dog is suposed to either stop or back up. The dog is rarely ever in a posision where they have to back up, but it can happen. The snow has all most all melted, we encountered some today while walking, and Shannon was focused on working but from what I was told by the look on her face she wanted to play in the snow. She always seems happy while working, but when we were walking across the snow her ears were back. She is a very happy playful girl who always wants to please. Tonight we start working our dogs in the building to meals. We were all taught in the class how to use a tool known as the gental leader. It works when a dog is pulling to hard, and has other uses I am sure, but I don't like the thing and will be glad when I don't have to use it anymore. Shannon is not a fan either. I have talked to my family and Muffin is doing great which makes me happy. I know she will be happy to see me when I get home. I don't think there are any other meetings tonight. There is dinner of course and that's pretty much it, I'm going to take advantage of relaxing for sure. I will update more once I have time. That's pretty much all for now.

short post

I have a few minutes, so I thought I would give you guys an update.
Last night was pretty quiet. I pretty much relaxed because I was tired for some reason. I heard Shannon bark for the first time last night. I guess she heard something outside and had to tell me all about it. We got nyla bones and I gave it to her last night, she played with it for a few minutes, and then didn't want it anymore. For those who don't know a nyla bone is a big hard toy that dogs absolutely love. They can chew on it for a really long time and it does not go away. Its a great toy for stress relief. This morning she was very proud of herself for going to the bathroom, and she wanted to play once we got back in my room. She is a very playful girl, and I know I will have lots of fun playing with her once I get home. There is snow on the ground, so it will be intresting working her today. Hopefully I won't fall and bust my ass, that would not be cool. I fell yesterday with nothing on the ground. We got a few inches, and if it were this much back home everything would be canceled. I am sure we will do both trips into town today. It was snowing last night and was pretty cool. This North Carolina girl isn't used to snow at all. Its all most breakfast time and I want something to eat. GTG when it comes to food I'm out like a fat kid in dodge ball.

day two and second trip

I will go ahead and say you don't even want to know what all I have eaten today. Grits, three donuts, two tacos, chocolate cake, and some rice. I have not eaten anything but junk. My instructor keeps giving me a hard time saying I ate forty donuts. Don't know why I've had so much junk, but if its around and its donuts Hope will take care of them if no one else wants one. The second trip went very well, first trip on sidewalks and around not much traffic. Shannon did great but for some reason my foot got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk and down I went. I felt fine afterwards but my knee hurt just a little. Kind of reminded me when I was in training with Muffin I fell and twisted my foot. I have not fallen in all most eight years, so guess I was due for one. My instructor keeps on telling me how good me and Shannon look together. I really think we were meant for each other. This afternoon we did a second trip in the same place as the first trip this morning. This time I started judging the traffic and telling Shannon forward when it was safe to go. We had a wonderful trip and I stayed on both feet this time. I must sure be thinking about Muffin, because I have called Shannon Muffin two times today. I said Muffin sit and Shannon sat. I didn't realize what I had done at first. This morning we had a meeting on leash corrections and how to give one by putting a little tug on the leash. One thing I learned is your dog is as well behaved as you make it, and gets away with things you let it. That is so true, because the dogs behavior falls totally for the most part on the handler. The dog will do what you let it get away with. One part of the meeting discussed praise and a happy voice is praise, touching the dog is praise, giving the dog a hug is another form of praise. There were a few diminstrations which were pretty funny. I laughed so hard I cried. When you give a leash correction you pull the leash as soon as the dog does something you don't want such as a work error for example running a curve. If you wait a second or two the dog has moved on to something else, and the correction is not as effective. We also discussed dogs being afraid of things and ways to work through it. If the dog is showing a sign of fear never correct, that could make the dog more fearful. Being confident will help the dog. It may snow tonight but I really hope not, I have not ever really worked a dog in the snow before. I am done with trips for today, all that is left to do is take care of the dogs and dinner. I will be glad to relax for sure. Shannon is doing great and I really love this girl. I will update when I get another chance.

Guide dog info

I know I was mean and made my readers wait by not telling you guys what I got. The suspense is over! I got a female golden and her name is Shannon! Like I said yesterday she is extremely sweet and I am falling in love with her. She gives allot of kisses and loves to be touching me in some way. She still gets excited when she sees her trainer, but last night she sat there while I was brushing her and totally ignored him. When I got her yesterday the wait seemed like forever. I told my instructor yesterday what I wanted in my next guide dog, and I kept on trying to get him to tell me but of course he wouldn't. Yesterday when I met her she reminded me so much of Muffin. She came up to me as if I was the best person in the world. I thought of the first time I met Muffin and cried. I was some what embarrassed but there wasn't much I could do about it at that point. I was so happy that is for sure. If you want to know what she looks like I can't tell you. My instructor told me but I was crying to much and not paying attention. Our first walk went wonderful and my instructor was very pleased. She made it through last night just fine and she's doing great right now by my chair. I have been told several times that she always looks like she is smiling. I didn't get a german Shepherd, but I know I am going to be happy with my girl. Muffin will just love her I am sure. Me and one other person got Goldens. I think there are two Shepherds in the class, and the rest are labs and lab/goldens. There are seventeen students in the class including me from all over the country, from Washington State to Florida. Not sure what is up for today, but I know it will be a busy one. If any of you have tried to comment and thought it didn't go through, keep commenting away. I have it set so comments come to me first through my e-mail and I have to post them to the blog individually. If you want to know anything feel free to ask. I will try to be as detailed as I can, but sometimes time may not allow it. I will post every chance I get I promise! More later!

New Guide Dog is finally here

I posted on facebook that I was going to keep everyone in suspense on what dog I got and I am going to do the same here ha ha ha. I had to wait and so do you ha ha ha. I am mean I know, but you will find out soon enough. I went to Southeastern Guide Dog in Florida for my first dog and there are some differences in methods I guess you can call it. Here the leash goes around your wrist and then in between your thumb and index finger. This way the dog can not get away. At Southeastern the leash just went between your two fingers. Muffin got away from me one or two times so that makes since. A heal is when the dog walks right next to your left leg not pulling out in front. When the dog is under a chair/table for example the leash is put under your foot and then under your leg. This keeps the dog from moving very far away. I will tell you that I all ready have my dog, and we have went on our first walk together. There is a nature path which is a very relaxing easy walk. My instructor kept on telling me how good me and my dog looked together. Another instructor who was observing all of the students told me that he didn't know who was smiling more me or the dog. The first trip was great, and I am really starting to love this dog. After lunch and the time I got my dog seemed like a really long time. My instructor was also my dogs trainer, so you can only imagine the excitement when my instructor comes any where near. It will get better over time I am sure, its the first day so you can't expect much. I have no idea what tomorrow holds, but I am sure I will be pretty busy. I won't keep you in suspense much longer I promise. One more meeting at seven and I have the rest of the night to myself. I'm kind of tired, didn't sleep much last night, and its starting to catch up with me now. I didn't have much energy this morning at all, thank goodness for diet coke! Sometimes I don't know what I would do with out it, and today was one of those days. I'm off for now, will post soon!

day one

If there are spelling mistakes or typos sorry, I am too lazy to go back and fix them. I will try my best not to make mistakes. Its the second day of guide dog training and its all ready been a busy morning. Each group of about three or four students is assigned to an instructor who works with the students and there dogs. In order to find just the right match the instructor goes out with each student individually with a guide dog harness and a leash to get the walking speed and the persons pull. The walk was about eight blocks long, and I have a medium to fast walking pace. One thing I kept wanting to do was go before the instructor which is not a good thing for working with a guide dog. The dog has to go first not me as the handler. When I would go first we joked around and called it a false start, throw some football terminology in there. Other than that I did pretty good, we get our dogs around one in the afternoon just after lunch. I have no idea of what type of dog I am going to get. I really want a golden or a shepherd, but that does not mean I will get one of those dogs. There are two people here who have guessed what state I am from based on my accent. I thought it was pretty funny, and both people had to guess all most every state in the Southern United States before figuring it out. I did not get to watch the Pro Bowl last night, have no idea who won, so someone let me know please. Its way too cold for me, the wind is what makes it so cold here. Back home schools are closed because of the ice and snow, and if I was at work I would have had a free day off from work. My work goes by the schools which is a wonderful thing. Guess not much until lunch and then I will have my dog. I will update as soon as I have a chance.