Bo Peep

Yes- I'm on all kinds of meds now for everything the other ones did to mess me up. I feel good, not great, but did lots of loads of laundry and even scooped poop. So, I'm on the mend. This isn't even MY foster dog. I'm fostering a foster. LOL. I got this e-mail from one of my trainers. ********************************************************************************************** Dianne: I'm so sorry you were in the hospital! Hopefully you'll get the proper medicine now. I definitely support not keeping Tia. I honestly don't think she has the temperament to be a therapy dog. You have a HUGE heart in wanting to help, but sometimes that size of heart can stop a person from being completely objective when evaluating a dog. I'm proud of you!!! Get well!! Alice

I have now had two professional trainers tell me she will not work out in public. She was coming so nicely here at home. When I was in the hospital, I left her with a friend that is also a professional trainer and Tia was after the other dogs and that just can't happen for a service dog. So, it's with deep regret, that Tia will be going back home and I will not be her foster mom anymore. She's such a sweet pet (at home) I hope they find her a home.

I'm feeling so much better today. Did a ton of laundry. My son's way of helping, even at 32 is still the same as when he was a teen-ager, take everything out of the closet and put it in the basket. So, 8 loads later I'm almost done. Usher still has one more week at the trainer. I bet he doesn't even miss me. I was wrong- it wasn't my amino acids that were low it was my potassium. They never really tell you anything- LOL.

Just spent 5 lovely days in the hospital, but I'm much better now. Thanks for asking!!

ty both- I'm sure he's having fun. I'm really really shaky. Can't drive anywhere. They said it should take 2 weeks. The other 2 dogs aren't getting any exercise, but Bliss has always been a couch potato.

Since the pharmacy made a mistake and I'm going through some not so fun withdrawals, my trainer was in town and picked up Ush. He's going to keep him for 2 weeks and "work his magic". That should give me time to feel good enough to make the drives for lessons without my furry guy not missing a step. I packed his food, wrote a note of what words he knows and his crate is filled with his favorite toys. He will sleep inside and my trainer has a 13 year old daughter that he will LOVE. Just thought I'd keep you up to date- I still have the other two to keep me company, but already miss Usher. Dianne

In just a week, she is coming along nicely. She heels on the left, sits when I stop, walks on a loose leash. She has learned "stay", come, paws up, paws down is potty trained and a joy of a dog. I'm going for Usher's training lesson early tomorrow- well....I have to get up early to let my pills kick in. Then have an obedience lesson with Tia for the "take it" command. Just thought I needed a little extra "hands on help" Only trouble is she eats my socks. LOL. Here she is again- I kind of think I like smoothies now.

Thanks Sue- I rarely write checks and wouldn't you know it- the machine ate it. Glad to help- Good luck ev1- someday...... yea, right- LOL. You guys do it for me. I'll live in YOUR shoes........or boots....

I put my HUGE photo's on photo photo bucket. They re-size them automatically- Thank doG. I hope his works. Let me know. ETA= I have my camera class in a few weeks- hopefully this will help- LOL.

Owning a service dog with numerous patches on his vest- "Working-please ask before petting" I have found that the WORST people are Dr's and nurses. I also use the leave it command-one of my favorites- if I drop a pill on the floor, he knows for his own safety it is NOT a treat- I also use a hand movement in public to reinforce his and THEIR movements for both of them to "back off", Not saying he is an evil dog- just saying he is too friendly. A simple wave in their direction. Most parents are very good with their children saying "This dog is working" 99% of the time. Usher has calmed down quite a bit where people notice and ask "May I pet your dog?: If it's a good day, I say yes- but then it takes him a little time to get back on track- that is now a service dog and not just a pet at a store. I don't feel that the dog should be corrected because of encounter with a stranger, but these things are expected in life. A dog is a dog and should know it's place. It should not leap up on anyone, no matter what they are doing-- and they do odd things. LOL. I had a man walking with heavy gloves. It's cold outside. My new rescue barked at him- very odd- I asked him if he would mind being an experiment-I explained that the dog was fresh, yet friendly. He removed one glove and back to friendly dog- so.......we all have our upsets, especially with rescues. Never can tell what happened to them before. Good luck and keep us informed. As always- Dianne

Thank you so much for your response. I guess I haven't been as patient as a million times. This is one smart little ten month old dog. I told the woman 3 months to get her trained. LOL. But with 2 other dogs in the picture, it isn't coming along so smoothly. I don't want to give her a 1/2 trained dog- she only deserves the best (also the dog, too) I put the other 2 up when training- we have our own room to train in. I just taught Usher "oops" and he picks up whatever I dropped. Heavy objects are more difficult for him, yet he still tries. I wonder if the new dog "Tia" could learn by watching him?

I got the most wonderful smooth coat BC from my trainers wife- I almost don't want to send her away!! I discussed this with him and he said ...........if my wife & I had space for . one .more. dog- LOL- we'd take her. I have heard those words uttered many times before. Usher will "pick up" anything I just use the "take it"command but it's been 2 years since I' have been trained it and could use a little help. So, if anyone could be so kind with their knowledge, please send me a PM or post on here. TYSVM- As Always- Dianne

funny stories= still no lights- but I love them. Keep 'em coming!

When I lived in Oregon. I had a carpeted Blazer- the old type- brown and white. My ex- hubby's boss said "Did your wife get two new big black dogs?" Nope, he said- Well, she's been at the auction again- only for him to return home with two nice Angus calves in the field. And no.....they didn't poo on the way home- lucky me!

You have learned some great advice- me, too. I realize my trainer has been doing the correct "there" command. Our whistle is same as a stop- mine are very loud- trying to work on that. He uses his mouth and is quiet- thus making the dog respond on much lighter terms. Me, I have always yelled and have tried to stop that. Always working. I hope some day Usher will be a trial dog, if not- we enjoy our lessons and if you read our blog, he is coming around nicely. I should have to tell you- I have learned so much more than I "thought" I knew. Wish I had lower ceilings and could change my bulb. Working in the dark here- LOL. As always- Dianne

For me- now that I'm not an idiot- it means "stand your ground and walk up". Always learning. Would love to here different answers. Dianne

Hi Kelly- I guess some people would say I have a "kelpie trainer" because that is his chosen breed. He also trains border collies, Aussies, healer's, etc... Each in their own way. I also go once to twice a month to a woman in Open- just to get the rules straight. I have been told by my old trainer, that the new one is very good- That's good enough for me! The woman I visited in ID that's in Open- said Usher was coming along VERY nicely- he did a little driving that she didn't know he could do. If you check with most border collie trainers, they ALSO train other breeds and vise versa. When I was out to the Open gals house- she had an Aussie there- not uncommon for people that train dogs to be versatile in many breeds. I would only say "do your research" you don't want an AKC person, a ranch person is fine. I really am fond of my new trainer and his family. I got a call for a service dog- they are lending me her for 2-3 weeks, to see if she can just retrieve for a wheelchair bound lady- if it doesn't work, he and his wife don't want me to get "stuck with 3 dogs" LOL. I babysat the little grandkids and am stuck with a cold- forgive my spelling errors. Dianne

I am so sorry that you lost a beloved one. As always Dianne

I'm sure Buster will offer up a poem to ease your heart- Paw hugs and kisses from Idaho- I have been there too many times.

yes- I would.

I enjoyed my 3 years as a tech. When I got too shaky to hit a vein, it was time to quit. Also, the pain of taking a dog down for his last walk- "dead dog walking" was a little more than I could handle. Humane Society- They do what they can, but there are too many dogs. Please spay and neuter your dogs. I did mine and he is a great dog, but if they want to go to find a dog...........I will lead him to his breeder- not me. As a job as a vet tech- it doesn't pay very well. I got 13.00 an hour and that was good. I loved my job, can noy fo iy again. Yet I try.... Oh how I try.

Just caught onto this- Major mojo coming from the BC's here in Idaho. Best of wishes. Lots of love and paws crosses.

I had an all white faced dog that loved her "perfume"- cow pies. She'd roll in that every morning. I know where you're coming from.

Yes!!!!

Never too cold for the dogs in Idaho. It's "me" that hates to put all those clothes on to play. "Color me crazy" When it gets really cold, I WILL NOT miss a lesson- except lots of snow- etc...... I don't have a pick-up. I have a PT Cruiser. THAT"S difficult in the snow. I didn't expect to get into this sport again with my health and no farm. But .........addiction takes you to places unknown. Dogs feet can take it- well, here, it's either snowy or muddy. I prefer muddy- although it messes up my car. That's what I bought it for- some bag balm on their paws will help. Also that horse tape- I've used it on my Mom- LOL. Cheaper than buying it at the drug store. Comes in pretty colors, too. My ex had me but bag balm on my belly when I was pregnant - no stretch marks, so I guess it works- LOL.