Why oh why is everything so complicated?
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Monday, June 03, 2013
Monday, August 27, 2012
Honey, I'm home!
So we're now safely at home in Waterloo (where my fiance lives), and I'll be heading back to Ottawa (where I go to school) in about a week. This has got to be confusing for poor Arden, but I'm sure he'll be just fine.
So I have good news and bad news. Let's start with the good. Arden was an absolute superstar all day on both flights, and then the hour-long ride back to my fiance's place. It was his first time flying, and I worried about potential anxieties on the plane, or an upset tummy, or even just his ears popping. I made sure to feed him ice as the planes took off and landed, and am hoping that that was at least useful. At the very least, he wasn't too thirsty. we made sure not to feed or water them too much before leaving, so as not to deal with "the urge" all day. He only sat up a bit during landing and take-off, but rested really comfortably for the duration of the flight.
The bad news is that I'm not really sure what's going on with these airlines, especially with respect to their policy on accommodating guide dogs. I flew both flights with Air Canada, and when I got to the check-in counter in sanfrancisco, was told that he and I would only have one seat. I asked not to sit next to anyone, and because the plane wasn't full, they accommodated that "request", but had the plane been full, it would have been me, Arden, plus some random (and justifiably disgruntled) stranger next to us in a two-seater. They told me that if we needed an extra seat, we'd have to buy it. Well, as I said, the first portion of the journey was ok, because the flight indeed hadn't been full, so we were able to get a two-seater to ourselves.
When I transfered in Vancouver, it was quite another story. First, let me say that it seems to be a chronic problem that airports are understaffed. every time I've flown anywhere, I'm always greeted by a panting, exhausted agent who's taken over for so-and-so because that person had too many people, or they ran out of wheelchairs, or they're pissed off about something or other. As if that wasn't bad enough, arden and I got dragged onto the moving escalator without being told that we were even approaching one. I couldn't even hear it move so as to stop myself, and as soon as we lurched onto it, my heart caught in my throat, because Arden didn't have his back boots on! The agent was very upset with herself, and apologized profusely, but that did very little to console me. As we all know, the escalator is a one-way ride--it's not like we were really able to just back ourselves off of it. I managed to reign in my panic for Arden's sake, and talked to him really animatedly as we approached the end. He jumped off with all four feet, giving himself like three feet of air. Thank god...but my worries were not yet over.
we arrived at the boarding gate, and were quickly informed that the flight was full, and that Arden and I would be sharing a two-seater with someone else. I was really kind of shocked, because I knew that GDB had indicated to the airline that I was travelling with a guide dog. And I don't really understand what the point is of telling the airline that you have a service dog if that doesn't change anything at all about your seating arrangements-we're legally not under any obligation to inform people of our dogs, and often do so just so they can plan to have us take up the required space. well, I kicked up quite a fuss at the counter about it--I managed to remain polite and professional, but made my worries clear. Arden is a few pounds hsort of being 80 lbs, and is about 26 inches tall. And he's also a very, very long dog. I kept reminding the people at the counter that the person next to me would not have any place to put their feet at all. So then they were like "ok, we've moved you to 5D, there's more space there." So, boarding pass in hand, I got on the plane.
"hello, Ms. Linch!" they greeted me cheerfully. except that my last name is not Linch. So then there was this whole big kafuffel because I had Ms. Linch's boarding pass, and where was she anyway, and who had my boarding pass? so then they placed me in the airplane's little kitchedn area while the rest of the passengers got on. So muchf or pre-boarding to avoid this crowd, but what're you going to do, right? As I stood there hearing people get on, I heard someone approach the flight attendant and say "I asked for a seat that was perfect! and I didn't get one!"
"I'm sorry?" she replied.
"I mean, I need to sit next to the emergency exit! and my TV isn't even working!"
And it really occured to me, for perhaps the millionth time, that what you complain about in life is so, so relative, and so dependent on what you're used to, what you've been trained to expect, etc.
Finally, they sorted themselves out, and someone came up to me, apologized profusely, and told me that they'd put me in first class because there happened to be an extra seat there. I still ended up sitting next to someone--a very kind, elderly gentelman who had also been upgraded for some reason or other, and managed to finish like, a bottle of wine each to comfort ourselves. So, I was really pleased with the flight attendants, who did everything they could to make Arden and I as comfortable as possible. But I'm really confused about the airline's policy about service animals. When I travel on the greynound, or with Via-rail, the seat next to us is always reserved as well, in order to accomodate the dog on the floor. I can't have been the first person to encounter this problem,and am surprised that it hasn't been addressed from a policy perspective. Either that, or the policy has been mis-applied. Granted, I slept for a million hours last night and am still in my PJs, so I haven't actually called anyone or looked anything up, but I fully intend on seeing this one through. Can you please comment on your experiences or understanding of existing policies? Is this just an Air Canada thing?
I will update later on how Arde and I are doing. So far, he's really enjoying being at my fiance's place, and I keep him close to me at all times. I don't think I'll be doing any harness work with him until a bit later this week though (thank you, construction!), and hopefully that'll be just fine as well.
Thanks again for reading, and i'll likely keep updating since that's what I tend to do.
So I have good news and bad news. Let's start with the good. Arden was an absolute superstar all day on both flights, and then the hour-long ride back to my fiance's place. It was his first time flying, and I worried about potential anxieties on the plane, or an upset tummy, or even just his ears popping. I made sure to feed him ice as the planes took off and landed, and am hoping that that was at least useful. At the very least, he wasn't too thirsty. we made sure not to feed or water them too much before leaving, so as not to deal with "the urge" all day. He only sat up a bit during landing and take-off, but rested really comfortably for the duration of the flight.
The bad news is that I'm not really sure what's going on with these airlines, especially with respect to their policy on accommodating guide dogs. I flew both flights with Air Canada, and when I got to the check-in counter in sanfrancisco, was told that he and I would only have one seat. I asked not to sit next to anyone, and because the plane wasn't full, they accommodated that "request", but had the plane been full, it would have been me, Arden, plus some random (and justifiably disgruntled) stranger next to us in a two-seater. They told me that if we needed an extra seat, we'd have to buy it. Well, as I said, the first portion of the journey was ok, because the flight indeed hadn't been full, so we were able to get a two-seater to ourselves.
When I transfered in Vancouver, it was quite another story. First, let me say that it seems to be a chronic problem that airports are understaffed. every time I've flown anywhere, I'm always greeted by a panting, exhausted agent who's taken over for so-and-so because that person had too many people, or they ran out of wheelchairs, or they're pissed off about something or other. As if that wasn't bad enough, arden and I got dragged onto the moving escalator without being told that we were even approaching one. I couldn't even hear it move so as to stop myself, and as soon as we lurched onto it, my heart caught in my throat, because Arden didn't have his back boots on! The agent was very upset with herself, and apologized profusely, but that did very little to console me. As we all know, the escalator is a one-way ride--it's not like we were really able to just back ourselves off of it. I managed to reign in my panic for Arden's sake, and talked to him really animatedly as we approached the end. He jumped off with all four feet, giving himself like three feet of air. Thank god...but my worries were not yet over.
we arrived at the boarding gate, and were quickly informed that the flight was full, and that Arden and I would be sharing a two-seater with someone else. I was really kind of shocked, because I knew that GDB had indicated to the airline that I was travelling with a guide dog. And I don't really understand what the point is of telling the airline that you have a service dog if that doesn't change anything at all about your seating arrangements-we're legally not under any obligation to inform people of our dogs, and often do so just so they can plan to have us take up the required space. well, I kicked up quite a fuss at the counter about it--I managed to remain polite and professional, but made my worries clear. Arden is a few pounds hsort of being 80 lbs, and is about 26 inches tall. And he's also a very, very long dog. I kept reminding the people at the counter that the person next to me would not have any place to put their feet at all. So then they were like "ok, we've moved you to 5D, there's more space there." So, boarding pass in hand, I got on the plane.
"hello, Ms. Linch!" they greeted me cheerfully. except that my last name is not Linch. So then there was this whole big kafuffel because I had Ms. Linch's boarding pass, and where was she anyway, and who had my boarding pass? so then they placed me in the airplane's little kitchedn area while the rest of the passengers got on. So muchf or pre-boarding to avoid this crowd, but what're you going to do, right? As I stood there hearing people get on, I heard someone approach the flight attendant and say "I asked for a seat that was perfect! and I didn't get one!"
"I'm sorry?" she replied.
"I mean, I need to sit next to the emergency exit! and my TV isn't even working!"
And it really occured to me, for perhaps the millionth time, that what you complain about in life is so, so relative, and so dependent on what you're used to, what you've been trained to expect, etc.
Finally, they sorted themselves out, and someone came up to me, apologized profusely, and told me that they'd put me in first class because there happened to be an extra seat there. I still ended up sitting next to someone--a very kind, elderly gentelman who had also been upgraded for some reason or other, and managed to finish like, a bottle of wine each to comfort ourselves. So, I was really pleased with the flight attendants, who did everything they could to make Arden and I as comfortable as possible. But I'm really confused about the airline's policy about service animals. When I travel on the greynound, or with Via-rail, the seat next to us is always reserved as well, in order to accomodate the dog on the floor. I can't have been the first person to encounter this problem,and am surprised that it hasn't been addressed from a policy perspective. Either that, or the policy has been mis-applied. Granted, I slept for a million hours last night and am still in my PJs, so I haven't actually called anyone or looked anything up, but I fully intend on seeing this one through. Can you please comment on your experiences or understanding of existing policies? Is this just an Air Canada thing?
I will update later on how Arde and I are doing. So far, he's really enjoying being at my fiance's place, and I keep him close to me at all times. I don't think I'll be doing any harness work with him until a bit later this week though (thank you, construction!), and hopefully that'll be just fine as well.
Thanks again for reading, and i'll likely keep updating since that's what I tend to do.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Dear puppy raiser
How do you begin to thank the first pair of hands, the first committed heart, the first loving arms that ultimately began your dog's journey to you? how do you even begin to thank the people who made the ultimate sacrifice that can be asked of anyone on this earth: to enter into a relationship where the end has already been built in? knowing that the culmination of all your love, all your efforts, all your energy will ultimately lead to your loved one being taken from you? we spend so much of our lives in fear: fear of the unknown, of losing the people we love, of not being successful. We are taught to trust cautiously, for we don't know who or what lurks around each corner, what motives they have, what intent they might have. And in some ways, this keeps us safe. But does it not also lead to our overlooking some of the most generous and compassionate hearts this world has to offer? I don't really know how you did it: loving him through his accidents in the house; not really batting an eyelash when your favourite pair of shoes or a family airloom ended up in a chewed mess on the floor. How you took him to work, to school, all while he was in those delicate stages of puppyhood: tentatively sniffing his way around this insane, crazy world, and trying to figure out why he couldn't do all the same things all these two-legged creatures could do. And you taught him: not only to sit, potty outside, and not to bark down the neighborhood--you taught him trust, and kindness, and love and unconditional acceptance. And I want you to know that wherever Arden goes in this world, I will forever see you in him. When he lovingly leans his big yellow head into my lap, or rolls around with me on the floor and covering me with yellow fur, there you are. When he obediently watches my every move, and looks up adoringly, there you are. My dog will never be without the people who first taught him love and safety, because he had to get those things from somewhere, someone. And so with every step I take, and every beat of his endless heart, there you'll be. You are inextricably linked to us now, and every time Arden swerves me around an obstacle; every time he disobeys my forward command in order to save my life, you will have been part of the reason why. Every successful being has had someone rooting for his or her success, and you have been the root of Arden's success. Thank you for being the first hands and heart that loved my angel dog. I am honoured to be connected to you in this way, and know that as long as there continue to be people like you around, there is more good than bad in this world. so, from the bottom of my and Arden's hearts, and with many hugs and wags, we thank you. You will move forward with us always.
We're a graduated team!
9:47 Pm
As I write this segment, I'm in much the same position I was in when I wrote my last one--cross-legged on the bed, Arden's warm back pressed against my left leg as he sleeps next to me. And I couldn't be a happier person in the world.
Shortly after I wrote that last segment, I got dressed and headed off for lunch. We were served grill-cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, and powdered cookies for dessert. Someone must have really had a sense of humour, because serving a bunch of dressed up people soup and powdered doughnuts is just asking for disaster! We somehow managed not to make a royal mess of ourselves though, and were soon off.
As we rode to GDB's main campus, I realized that this would be our last trip in the van together. It was really bittersweet, because despite how much I'm looking forward to going home, I'm really going to miss my classmates and the trainers. It was such an unlikely group of people to get so close to one another--we were a class who ranged in age from 26 to 70, and came from so many different walks of life. and there was just so much mutual support, so much understanding, and tons upon tons of inappropriate conversations that had us in stitches night after night.
When we got to campus, we all went into the big board room to await the arrival of the raisers. We were told to take off the dogs' harnesses, since there was nothing at all "professional" about the upcoming reunion, and there was going to be no attempt to reign in any of the dog's exuberance upon seeing its raiser. The puppy raisers came in one group at a time, so as not to simultaneously rush the board room and generate complete and utter mayhem. After the first few groups came in, I just sat there and listened. I could hear excited dogs jumping and dancing about, and snippets of conversation about so-and-so as a puppy. Where's Arden's family? I thought. Just then, the class supervisor came up to me and said they'd be in shortly. My heart raced; it was like dog day all over again, only this time I was meeting his raisers! Would they like me? Would he remember them? I barely had time to indulge all my fears before Arden's leash was nearly dragged right out of my hand. all four paws were off the floor and right on top of her, and my heart soared. I was so glad that he was so excited, and so happy to meet her at last! She and I had been exchanging e-mails for some time now, and so it was great to finally meet in person! she was every bit as fantastic as I'd imagined she would be and then some--I can definitely see why Arden is such an incredible dog. The minutes flew by as we just sat together and bragged about Arden, which was not hard to do at all. He was still going nuts the whole time, and sort of bounced back and forth between she and I, probably thinking "this is perfect! everyone I love is here! Let the party begin!". It must have been so amazing to be Arden today, now that I think of it. After chatting for a while, we were whisked away to take photos. There was one taken of just Arden and I, and one with the puppy raiser as well. Almost as soon as that was done, it was time to go and actually graduate. I left Arden with her, all harnessed up and professional. My classmates and I made our way across the parking lot to a grassy area outside the admin building where the graduation was to take place. and just like that, it began. They didn't show the "soulmates" video, which I thought they showed at most graduations--it's ok though, as things moved along pretty quickly. My primary instructor was the one doing the presenting, so she introduced all of us, and we all hooted and hollered and generally caused a ruckus because we were all so happy. Oh, just typing out all of this is making me feel sad again, guys. I got so attached to all the people I was with these past three weeks, you know? Heck, I even feel attached to those of you who are reading this, and I'm going to miss updating everyone! ok, sorry about that sidetrack...moving on!
When it was my turn to speak, I included a short speech I'd written up for Arden's puppy raiser. I made sure to mention that it went out to all the puppy raisers out there, and I'll be posting that immediately after I post this. I would post it now, but it'll just make the entry too big.
Once graduation was over, there was a lot of milling and mingling about. Several people approached us to congratulate us, and I actually got to meet a bunch of other puppy raisers, as well as some people on the GDB lounge mailing list! To everyone I met, thank you so, so much for coming out to support Arden and me! It means so much to me that you came out and shared the celebration with us, especially because my own family and loved ones could not come (they're just busy building igloos in Canada).
After we were done schmoozing, Arden's raisers and I headed back to the Inn, where Arden and Bobbie (his raiser's current dog) romped and played in my room. If we didn't intervene to stop them, they'd probably still be playing right now! I also took the opportunity to feed Arden, and then we were off to dinner. One of my classmates and her dog joined us, and we all headed to The Cheesecake Factory, which is among my favourite restaurants in the states. we actually don't have one in Canada, so I try and take advantage of it whenever I'm in the states. The conversation over dinner was wonderful, and the food (as I suspected) did not disappoint at all. For the record, I had their red velvet cheesecake, which has you believing you're headed straight for hell, it's just that sinfully good. And can I say how much more in love I fell with Arden's raisers? we're absolutely going to stay in touch, and I'm so lucky to have expanded my network of loved ones all the way to Bakersfield, California!
And now I'm exhausted, and still have a bit of packing left to do. After we said goodbye to Arden's raisers, he and I just lay in my bed together, and I thought of all the funny things that happened to Arden and I in class, or funny things his raiser told me about him, and I held him, and laughed and laughed and laughed. It was actually kind of ridiculous. He just snuggled closer, thumped his head down on the pillow next to me, and sighed that sigh that so perfectly says, without any words at all, "Oh, this is perfect, isn't it?"
Yes Arden, it is. I love you.
And just because I'm having a hard time letting go of this blog, I'm going to probably post another entry tomorrow--we have a very long day ahead of us. We leave GDB at 4:00 in the morning, and I have my first flight at 7:00, land in Vancouver at 9:00, leave Vancouver at 11:00, and arrive in Toronto at 6:30 eastern. So it'll be a very long day indeed. See you back in Canada, everyone!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Pre-grad update
8:51 AM
I'm updating the actual blog every time I write a segment today, because after dog day, this is probably the most momentous day I'll have here at GDB.
This morning at breakfast, the excitement in the room was contagious. even all the dogs were more riled up than usual, and when one dog would begin to scramble or make out with another dog, they all perked up and wanted to join in the fun. We didn't really stop the frolicking, because we had our own excitement and nervous to contend with. Nervousness, you ask? How could you be nervous.
Well, it didn't occur to me until one of my classmates brought it up last night, but she made a really good point. Neither of us had ever done a graduation ceremony where the puppy raiser hands you the leash "in public" on stage. So, as she articulated last night, "What if the puppy raiser goes to hand you the leash, and your dog doesn't want to go with you?" and like a bullet from a high-powered rifle, my mind was off. I instantly envisioned teetering up to the stage on the arm of one of my instructors, heart beating so loud that the microphone would pick it up. Then, with tears in her eyes, the puppy raiser would hand me the leash, effectively "relinquishing" Arden to me. I'd smile, all teary-eyed myself, and give the leash a gentle tug to remind Arden that he should be at my side. But he'd stay facing her, all four paws firmly planted on the ground. My heart would skip a beat, and I'd give the leash a bit of a stronger tug, whispering his name and wondering if I had treats somewhere to coax him with. An instructor would finally have to intervene to rescue the situation from even more epic embarrassment, and my puppy raiser would feel equal parts happiness and sadness, and so would I, I suppose. And then Arden would finally, grudgingly heel at my side, his head still cranked in her direction. Ugh ugh ugh. Don't get me wrong; I can't wait to see how delighted Arden'll be when he sees his raisers. I want him to be over the moon to see them, because my hope is that one day, that's what his attachment to me will be like. But I also do want him to sort of perhaps maybe come back to me for the sake of a public event, you know what I mean? I'm totally cool with him going nuts and hanging out with her all day even, but I'm so scared he'll take one look at me and be like "f you, biatch! I'm finally home again! Unlike you, she's a real "dog person!"" and I'll be all crestfallen and then we'll all awkwardly apologize to one another and reassure everyone that Arden still loves them. Oh Arden, what a wanted man you are!
Confession number 2: As I type this segment, he is lying next to me...on the bed. That is all.
Training day 19
1:02 Pm
This morning cannot be described in any term other than simply perfect. The entire class piled into the vans shortly after breakfast, and we were off. We cruised down the highway for some time before turning off onto a very windy, narrow road with a jutting cliff edge off to one side. My instructor drove the van expertly and cautiously, because the winding road was making for some turning and churning stomachs (for both humans and dogs, it would seem). When we got there, we waited for the others to arrive before setting off.
Once we took off, Arden and I stayed with the group for a bit before doing our usual "take off" and there we were once again: alone in the woods, the redwood-scented air filling our lungs. Occasionally, I'd reach out to my right and trail my fingers along the bark of a redwood tree, or feel a point in the trail where the tree had been carved into a bench. We walked over some bridges; his nails clicking along the wood, and heard nothing but the small, clear streams that framed our path. Occasionally, we'd cluster together as a group and take pictures--we even got a few pictures of just the dogs sitting together on a bench! I plan on uploading some pictures as soon as I get permission from the handlers.
At one point, the three of us stopped and gave our instructor a gift we'd purchased for her. It couldn't really come close to expressing our gratitude towards her--I've always said that being paired with a guide dog is akin to an arranged marriage, and she was the expert that actually helped us understand one another's language and make the match actually work. I can't imagine how proud she must feel (or ought to feel, at any rate) of the work she does. How incredible would it be to have a job that has such a direct influence on the people you're working with. I mean, think about it. She gets a dog who's a wriggling bundle of happiness, who knows its obedience, but no guide work. Then, in a matter of months, she's managed to teach the dog how to guide a blind person around things, through crowded shopping malls-everything. Not to solicit attention while in harness; not to sniff everything it passes. And then, then to match it with just the right person so that a perfect team can go off into the world and do incredible things just by being together--I can't even imagine how rewarding that must feel. She's incredible though, and I hope she knows it. So L, here's to you.
This afternoon, we're going to be meeting with the people from admissions to get our dogs' binders. The binders will have all their information: medical history, our guide dog user contracts, and I'm sure a bunch of other stuff. After that, one of my classmates has offered to help me pack, and I'm taking her up on that one readily. I suck at packing, so the help will be much appreciated.
8:14 Pm
Most of this evening was spent just being silly with either my dog or my classmates, and sometimes even being silly with my classmates' dogs. One of the dogs in our class weighs a whopping 45 lbs, and we all want to put her in our back pocket and take her home. She and her handler are so perfect for each other. Come to think of it, all of the matches in our class have seemed incredible.
So, graduation is tomorrow, and I'm sure it'll be bittersweet. I of course cannot wait to get home, see my fiance, and get down to showing my dog his new life, but I'm also really worried. I'm scared that all the problems lurking beneath the surface will suddenly reveal themselves, and somehow, Arden won't be able to guide. Like I've said countless times before, I seem to be programmed to constantly anticipate the worst, and it really gets in the way of really enjoying what's happening at the moment. Who knows--someone could psychologize me one day and conclude that it's probably so that I can cope better with disappointment when it actually does happen, but let's face it--we're rarely prepared to have our hearts broken in any way. But this morning in Muir woods, I really found myself enjoying everything with my dog, and there was just so much hope and happiness in my heart. I knew I'd feel the dread--it'll probably set in a bit once I'm left alone at the airport. I'm sure a part of me will want to scream "No! I'm not ready yet!", but when we were walking along the trails, it was just us, and it was just right. I need to have more faith in Arden, and also in GDB. It's been an incredible whirlwind this past three weeks, and I don't think I'd change a single thing about my training experience. I was anticipating so much more stress, so much more scrutiny, but I found little to none. And so I'm looking forward to graduation with an open heart and an open mind. In sum, it's time to celebrate! I will update tomorrow evening, and there will likely be pictures! Thank you so, so much for following me through this journey--it's been intense, and I've done my best to be as honest and candid as possible. That was hard at times, but I'm naturally an emotional and introspective person, and so I think it's inevitable that it comes out in my writing. Thanks also for the comments, e-mails, and phone calls of encouragement and support; they really compelled me to continue writing and updating. One day, I want to read back through all of this and just remember our first steps together. And just think about where we've been, and also where we're going. It's going to be really hard when something really funny or cute or exciting happens, to not just rush to my computer and write about it so I can post it later. who knows--maybe I'll keep this blog alive. It's hard though, because I've been so insolated from my life for the past three weeks--I know I'll go back, and there my life will be: waiting for me to pick up where I left off.
Thanks again, everyone. we'll talk tomorrow, and I'll also update once Arden and I are home. I'd also love it so much if I could stay in touch with those of you who want to. Please feel free to either comment, or e-mail me at shermeen.k@gmail.com
Thanks again, and I'll see you tomorrow--it's not over till it's over!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Training day 18
12:05 Pm
I actually slept well last night, I think. I woke up about an hour later than normal, but actually felt pretty refreshed.
This morning, we headed back to Fisherman's Warf. Unbeknownst to be, the admissions department can actually ship a box of stuff to you if what you purchased can't fit in your suitcase! so, and much to my fiance's dissatisfaction I'm sure, I ended up buying a really nice Sanfrancisco shirt. I really hope I won't need an extra box for it, but you never know. Anyway, the route we did was really nice. Arden weaved expertly through pedestrians, though he did jump a curb. He was hilarious, because even after I shoed it to him, he jumped it again. He got it on like the fifth try, and I just ended up laughing. he's definitely not a curb-jumper, but I just found it hilarious that he can do so many complicated and wonderful things, but there'll always be this one curb, or this one crossing, or this one thing that'll trip up any dog and there won't be any apparent reason for it. Anyway, it was more funny than serious, and all his other curbs were as excellent as they always are. Most of our turns were even good, come to think of it!
My instructor told me that I had to try an In and Out burger (In and Out is a California fast-food chain), so we stopped off and I loaded up. I got a picture of Arden and I, In and Out bag clutched to my chest, standing right outside the restaurant door.
This afternoon, we're heading back into San Anselmo again so we can re-do the right clearance route. There's also apparently a dog boutique store there, so I might pick up a thing or two for Sir Arden's wardrobe while I'm there.
6:32 Pm
Like I said earlier, our afternoon was spent in San Anselmo. Arden and I got another chance to do the right clearance route, and with the exception of my "encountering" one garbage can, the route went beautifully. It was so obvious that Arden had good carryover from when we were there last week, and it also became even more obvious than it had before that he really doesn't like getting in trouble. As soon as you point out that he's made an error, he sort of looks up, licks his lips a lot, and kind of puffs them out a bit. Then, as he re-works the issue, he sort of perses his lips again in concentration. Oh my gosh guys, I just have such an adorable dog.
After we'd completed the route, we all decided to hang out at a dog boutique called "Dogville" (I think). Our instructor is also a huge dog lover (go figure), so she was also eyeing the store down while we shopped. I bought Arden another squeaky tug toy that seems quite indestructible, as well as a collar with elephants on it, some more doggy cologne (this one in vanilla-almond), and an ID tag that's of angel wings and a halo (because he's an angel dog!). On the back of it will be engraved Arden's name, as well as my contact information should Arden decide to take off for the hills one day.
While we were browsing the store, these two elderly women came in and began talking to us about our dogs. They were immediately fascinated, but not necessarily in a good way.
"So do you guys beat your dogs?" one of them asked.
"I'm sorry?" I was shocked. did she just say what I thought she said?
"Are you joking? Did you just ask us if we beat our dogs?"
"Yes, that's what I asked."
I was very tempted to respond and say "yes, only not in pet stores" but I held my tongue. This woman was obviously either quite the character, or really unaware or confused. I think I just sat there slack-jawed while Melissa talked to them about positive reinforcement and all that good stuff.
"Well, those dogs are so skinny." I heard one of the women mutter to her friend as they left the store. Our dogs are most certainly not skinny; they're actually trim and fit, which I suspect is a far cry from whatever animal has the misfortune of being her pet. I've certainly been made aware that there are some people in this world who think that no dog should do anything but "be a dog", and that includes not working, and I already know that nothing I say will likely change their minds. and I'd rather not waste my time trying to. Like seriously, did that woman legitimately think we beat our dogs? as if I would have said "Oh yeah, all the time!". I swear, some people!
I had such a good afternoon, though. A combination of a really good route and some shopping is basically my idea of perfection.
When we got back to the inn, Arden and I actually had a very rousing game of tug; I'm delighted that he's actually a tugger! It's kind of hilarious, because he has no traction on the wooden floors here, so he was basically sliding around the room as I dragged him about with the toy, trying to bash his yellow head this way and that to get some leverage. He finally managed to drag me over to his carpet where he could dig his feet in and we played what I'm sure he thought was a more fair game. At one point, I managed to wrestle the tug toy from his teeth, and hurled it a little to enthusiastically across the room. We heard it crash very loudly into something, and that kind of brought the game to a grinding halt, as we both thought "Oh shit". Turns out I had managed to toss the toy behind the air conditioner. I fished it out, and it was game on again. We just had so much fun together!
You know, it felt so good to just run around the room and be silly with my dog--it's something I should probably do more often. Things like that don't come to me as naturally though, but times like these serve as such a good reminder of how much fun it can be. And he deserves it so much. We then had five minutes for a very quick snuggle and then it was off to dinner!
7:10 Pm
Ok, so I was just sitting here reading e-mails, when I heard a knock on the door. The following thoughts all occurred to me all at once:
-Oh shit, Arden's not on tie-down.
-I have to get that door.
-I don't have time to tie him up! down! to anything!
So I launched off the bed, and yelled a "stay" towards Arden's corner. It was the nurse coming to ask a quick question. We chatted briefly at the door, and then she was off. I turned around, to find that Arden was lying quietly on his carpet, just like I'd asked. Bolting was never a fear I'd had for him, but you never know-he's a young dog, and I've only had him for two weeks. But nope-there he was, lying perfectly still. I basically unloaded my bate pouch into his mouth and praised him like it was going out of style. I just love him! I love him!
8:43 Pm
The day is winding down, and I'm promising myself that I'll at least be horizontal before 9:00. So this is going to be a quick last segment. Tomorrow the class goes to Mure Woods, a very scenic trail through a wooded area, complete with tree-scented air and bubbling streams. It seems like such a wonderful and stress-free way to end class. I'm sure it will be bittersweet though, as I've never been good at letting go of anything--good or bad. Anyway, before I descend into more melodrama, I'm going to say goodnight and we'll speak tomorrow!
.JPG)
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