My Buddy

This is a blog about all things puppy raising, but this is also the blog started because of my dear Mr. Dante.  So, you all get occasional updates about my golden boy whether you want to or not! Ha!

 Dante has settled into life as a pet fairly well.  I think his biggest hurdle to overcome was getting used to being home a lot more.  When he was in training he lived for public outings.  He loves to explore new places, but with a crazy school schedule, and Dante being on pet status now, it's hard to make time for special places to take him.  

Last week I took Dante to our outdoor mall for a Starbucks date and some walking in unusually nice weather.  I think I have forgotten how many people used to stop me and comment about Dante's good looks! ;-)  I am being honest when I say that no less than ten people stopped to tell me how beautiful he is during the 20 minutes we sat on the patio.  And yes, Dante heard every word and it all went to his head!

Dante is so happy when he is out!  I have been teaching and building on some fun things that he had learned in Advanced Training (more on that later).  Dante is a true golden (fine golden/lab cross, whatever), and loves to have something in his mouth all the time.  So I asked him to "hold" things for me while we walked and walked.  He is so proud of himself too!

Stopping to be rubbed by little children, and watching the water fountain with that sweet smile, make for a simple, but oh so fun afternoon with my favorite buddy!

Wordless Wednesdays: Brothers and Best Buds

Wordless Wednesday: No Paparazzi Please

Two

On Thursday the 19th Dante turned two years old!  Poor, neglected boy did not get a blog post on his birthday, but I just keep telling myself that we had too much fun to have time for that.  There was lots of ball playing, and running free with squeaky toys:

Last year, we made a special trip to the doggy bakery.  I knew that I was going to do that with each of my puppies on their only birthday with me, but this time was Dante's first of many birthdays as mine.  So, I guess the tradition has really just begun.

Dante knows that this place is his store, and goes borderline crazy every time we have been there.  It does not help that the owner and employees spoil him rotten, so I resort to basic just-don't-lunge-at-toys-you-want-or-jump-on-the-counters behavior.  Not great, I know but heck, he's not in training anymore (but don't worry, his training isn't going to pot -- he keeps his skills up and is learning new, fun ones too; more on that later).

Before heading home, we drove through Starbucks.  Dante was sitting in the passenger side with my sister, and the lady at the window commented on how beautiful he is.  I said thank you, and told her it was his birthday, and she came back with whipped cream for him!  I only allowed him a little bit, but he loved it!

Lots more play time (are you sensing a theme here?), and then Dante and Moray got their birthday treats!  They have this whole eating thing down to a science:  check it out first while we Wait:

Look off into the distance, resisting the urge to break the Sit command:

Check with me:

Okay!

Yeah...the plates weren't really necessary in hindsight...

Then switch places to be sure the other one did not leave any precious crumbs: 

Happy birthday, Dante!  This time last year I did not know where you would be now.  Often I marvel at the potential and intelligence that you possess, but there are moments that remind me that you are right where you belong too.  Some of which are when I take away the dishtowel you stole for the millionth time today, but especially in the way you look at me with those always-sparkling eyes and understand every word I say and every move I make.  I love you, my very own Mr. D!

Thankful

Thanksgiving is over, December is here, the tree and lights are up, and only ten weekdays days stand between me and Christmas break.  It is easy to wish away the days and weeks until (fill in the blank) happens, but right now I am cherishing this past week.

On our way home from the airport last Monday.

It has come with some adjustments for all of us, but has been so, so sweet.  

I have been surprised by how much Dante has grown and matured during his time in Advanced Training.  He is a calmer, more solid dog, interacts much more appropriately with Moray, and has better house manners.

For a little while it was hard not to be disappointed about his release because he is so much better, but there have been a few moments throughout the week where Dante pulls his antics, and I know deep down that his release was the right decision.  Not only the right decision for him, but I think we all do better without the pressure of such high standard to fulfill.  This goofy golden obviously is not going to be stuck in a mold.

Dante is still getting used to his new role as spoiled rotten pet, co-puppy raiser, and warmer of the bed.  He does not quite understand why Moray gets to go on outing and he does not, but he'll get there with the help of the privaleges that have come his way.  *wink*

He did, however, get to come along to pick out our Christmas tree on Friday, and to the tennis courts Thursday afternoon.

Keeping his skills up, and loving not having to wear a gentle leader anymore.

Dante with two of my sisters.

Today I am grateful for the memories we have already made, and the ones that await in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Home

 On Monday, November 25, 2013 Dante arrived at his forever home.  

He came eleven days after he was released.  At times during that week-and-a-half, it seemed way too long, but I am glad I had a little time.  Don't get me wrong: I love Dante with all of my heart, and am truly, very, really, so happy to have him as my very own, but I needed that time.  

Dante's career change did not come as a total surprise, but it is still hard news to digest.  After twenty-three months of training, hoping, and striving, letting go of that dream for him was hard.  

Maybe it was the fact that he was So. Close. to making it into the Hearing Dog program.  Most likely, it would not have been any easier if it happened a month or two ago.

But one thing I have come to learn in the last eleven days: Dante is truly where he belongs.  

It may not be where I originally envisioned him, but I have no doubt that his purpose in this world is just beginning.

More than that, I know I cannot keep all this Happy to myself.

But I sure am blessed to get to share in it.

(And since you made it through that long, sappy post: here's the video of the reunion.)

11.14.13

About 9:40am Thursday morning, Moray and I were just getting out of the car to head to Chemistry class when I received a text from my sister.  It was the simple words that our Puppy Program Manager called and our mom was on the phone with her right then.  There is one thing every puppy raiser dreads when they have a puppy in Advanced Training, and that is a phone call.  

All I knew as Moray and I walked into the building was that it was indeed the dreaded call, and that it had been decided that Dante will be released from Professional Training.  I was still waiting with a promise that my mom would call me as soon as she was off the phone.  I thought I was holding it together fairly well.  My best friend was waiting for the previous class to let out, and as soon as she saw me knew something was not right.  She hugged me and the tears that started then came and went for the rest of the day. 

Dante is Dante and there is no one that can change that.  Our PPM told us that although Dante's behavior and commands are impeccable on-leash, as soon as he thinks he can get away with something, he gets a mind of his own.  Dante is off the charts smart, very independent-minded, and needs a strong hand to manage him and give him the discipline he needs.  She told us that when she told his trainers Dante was our first puppy, they could not believe we were able to teach my hard-headed boy all that we had.  Not that I want that to come across as bragging or anything like that, but she assured us it was just his personality, and there was not much we could have done differently to curb this behavior.  

She told us that Dante's release was a hard decision for them as well.  They had been doing a lot of sound work evaluating him for the Hearing Dog program, and he was doing fantastic and excelling in it.  The decision boiled down to the fact that Dante is just not trustworthy enough for placement.

Even though I have seen this coming for some time, it is hard news to accept.  For almost two years, we have worked and striven toward the dream that Dante would become a Service Dog.  There have been many ups and a few downs along this journey of puppy raising, and it is extremely hard to let go of that dream.  Being honest, it is hard to realize that Dante's future is no longer in "limbo" with the hope he could still make a placement.  It is final, and even though he will have a great life, and still will share his love and laughter in different ways, the passing of this dream for him is hard to come to terms with.

While we are still figuring out a travel plan and agenda for Dante, we know he will be coming back to spend life as a spoiled rotten "Change of Career" pet; me as his forever family, and he as the very first dog I will ever call my own.

2nd Advanced Training Report

Last week I was surprised to receive Dante's second Advanced Training report.  Canine Companions' training schedule goes by semesters.  Each semester lasts three months; between each matriculation/graduation.  Normally, dogs are in training for two semesters, but sometimes three if they do not make a match during Team Training.  This past weekend was Graduation, so that means that Dante has officially made it through his first semester!

Dante has started learning to work alongside a wheelchair now.  He is working on "get" -- to retrieve something off the floor, "hold" -- to hold something in his mouth, and "push" -- to push drawers closed/buttons, etc.  They are also doing sound work with him, so that means Hearing Dog training could still be in the picture.  

Dante was a tough puppy to raise.  He is very independent, energetic, and off the charts smart.  He knows how to challenge, and will take advantage of you if the slightest chance presents itself.  I have hoped and prayed he would mature and these issues would fade in a new place, with many new things to learn, and under the guidance and experience of professional trainers.  Unfortunately, these issues are coming up again.  The only thing that surprised me was that they said he is showing some slight signs of stress while training as well.  The comments in his report also said that they are keeping close attention on him, but are concerned about these issues.  
 

Odina & Dante right before their first flight to Orlando for Turn In.

In all honesty, it was disheartening but not surprising to read his report.  I know that CCI and his trainers are giving him every chance they can.  I know that they want him to succeed as much as I do, and are doing their very best to steer him in the right direction.  I also know that each Canine Companions dog chooses their own path, and whatever Dante chooses to do will be the very best place for him.

Advanced Training Report!

Last week I finally received Dante's first full training report.  I have been relatively calm about it for the last few weeks, but the day and morning before it popped up in my inbox, I was a little crazy.  I was road-tripping the day it came, which potentially meant 14 hours in a car with little to do but obsessively check email.  I'm happy to say it came by noon, and I exercised enough self control to only check twice before it came.  Ha!

 Dante has been assigned to his trainer, and has been working on the "hold" command (to hold something in his mouth).  He is still working all commands ambulatory, so has not been introduced to working with a wheelchair yet.  There are two sets of behavior charts: one good behavior, and one bad.  All the boxes in the good (eg: attentiveness, loose leash walking, etc.) were checked except "calm" and "interacts appropriately with other dogs."  The not-so-good chart had anxiety, assertiveness/dominant, barking, growling, hackling, and rough play with other dogs checked off.

They noted that Dante's distractibility and fearfulness are both low, and a moderate amount of energy was marked (which I was surprised that it wasn't marked as high).

The comments made by his trainer were: 

Dante has finished his initial medical and temperament testing and begun training.  He showed prey/chase drive on the temperament test, and we will continue to monitor him for this concern.  He is responsive to correction and easy to motivate with praise.  He barks and growls while displaying large hackles during play with other dogs.  We are using a long leash when playing to be able to make corrections for any inappropriate behaviors.  He is hard to manage when brushing his teeth, and we are working on this in training.  He cradles well and is good for nail trimming during our grooming routine.

 While Dante's report could have been better, a lot of the time things that have never been an issue while with puppy raisers will pop up during advanced training, so just the fact that his report did not surprise me is good in my books!  The only thing that I did not expect was struggling with brushing his teeth.  Dante has always been high-energy, and hard to keep under control while playing, but I suspect being in a new place and probably slightly stressed has played into that.  He looks like he is doing well interacting with people, and is eager and easy to train.

The areas of concern with Dante are definitely legitimate, but I know his trainers are working and striving toward his success as hard as I'm sitting here hoping.  I may have had my doubts, and this is still far from graduation, but Baby Boy!  You've made it through your first report!  Know that your raiser is still cheering you on, and again wondering if I can make it two more months till your next report!

Update!

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised to get my first update on how Dante is doing in Advanced Training.  I will not receive his first training report for another month, so while this was just a generic email sent to all puppy raisers who recently turned in pups, it was still nice to get something.  

In the last three weeks, Dante has made it through his preliminary temperament testing, a thorough health exam to clear him to continuing in training, as well as a field trip.  He has been assigned to a trainer (I will not know who until his first report), and has been working on proofing the 30 commands he learned with me.  

While it is so, so, so hard to not get minute by minute updates on Dante; right now no new is good news.  Dogs in Advanced Training (or the puppy program for that matter) can get released at any time, so no phone call from CCI today means he is doing well enough that they want to keep him tomorrow.

I miss that little Firecracker like crazy, but am also very excited for him.  Now to start counting down to his first real training report, and not die of impatience before it comes!

Our "last hurrah" of an outing -- SeaWorld Orlando, the day before Turn In.

Updating

Life around here doesn't look like it is going to calm down any time soon.  Hence the lack of blogging.  Unfortunately, it has fallen down on my list of priorities, which I hate, but for now is just how it is.

I have many, many thoughts still swirling in my head about Dante and turn in (has it only been 2 weeks?!?).  I am not a self-proclaimed writer, but I need to write to get my thoughts straight for my own good.  These I have chosen not to write on the blog because I do not like to feel that I have to justify my feelings, and while I hate to feel that I leave "loose ends" on here, that is just the way it is for now. 

Now on to Moray!  Although I hate to have a lag in blogging, it almost feels right in this case -- a kind of "reset" to Everything Moray.  

Moray is such a sweetie!  Oh my!  Do I love this age!  He now responds to not only his name, but "Hey Gorgeous!" as well.  ;)  The last two weeks have taken some adjusting for him too.  Since he arrived in June, he has had at least one, but up to four other dogs in the house all the time.  

It feels so serene around here with only one puppy.  So far, he has amazing house manners.  Having a puppy that (so far) ignores anything inappropriate in the house, and only goes for his toys is so weird.  I still stand in awe that at 4.5 months, he is better in the house than a certain Golden we all know-and-love was when he turned in at 20 months!  I know it won't last long.  The Terrible Teens are just around the corner, but it is nice to have hope!  

We have been in school full-force for a month now.  I have a very full schedule with co-op, homeschool classes, and class at the community college.  It will be a few months before Moray can keep up with that, but he is making good progress in his training.  

I always hate to compare puppies, but it is hard not to note the differences.  Moray is not nearly as high-energy as Dante was, and he is learning to settle very well.  He came to co-op on Friday for the first time.  We meet in a church, and it is pretty calm with not that many people, and he did fantastic.  Slept or played with toys the whole time.  The only complaint one could have was the noises he makes in his sleep, but if that is it, it is the least of my worries!

We are getting ready to head into "big boy status" as 5 months is less than two weeks away.  This means wearing the "official" Canine Companions Puppy in Program vest, and going on public outings.  He is ready.  Moray has grown a lot in his commands and maturity in general.  He gets so serious when his vest and gentle leader go on.  It is so adorable!  He loves to work, learn new things, and go to new places.  Not much else you can ask for!

I do not have much to say about these, other than that in writing this post I have realized just how few pictures I have of this cutie.  Moray loved his first visit to the grocery store to learn about carts though!