Showing posts with label release. Show all posts
Showing posts with label release. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sunday, December 22, 2013
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
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.
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.
Today I am grateful for the memories we have already made, and the ones that await in the weeks, months, and years to come.
 |
| 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.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
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.)
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.)
Friday, November 15, 2013
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.
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.
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