the Doggie Daily

Dec 17, 2011

2012-01-07T17:25:00.001-08:00

the jade update

We are doing great, no need to worry! We went today and did a couple of test walks across the stage where we did well and she was not at all bothered by the applause of a couple hundred at a graduation event tonight. The ceremony is at 10am, I will call you after to let you know how it went. We will be back in a few days so we can go on Costco run or something with you towards the end of the week if that would make you more comfortable. But I assure you, we are doing far better than I expected we would be at this point!

-Jade

-----------------

and the charlie report

jackie reported he landed at steve's very successfully- and all seemed fine.

i hope i hear more today

i forgot to remind steve our paychecks are the emails i can cut and paste...

*********************

hillary will be covering megan from now to Wednesday -- ( i love those college kids with their paucity of funds) they job swapped..

*********************

this will be a short doggie because it is mary's day to be with santa in Malden-- theresa takes her every year...

should be fine--- but because there is some confusion about the reg of our horse trailer---- janine has borrowed one for us to use..

sounds so simple--- except--- mary barely tolorates our "open" stock trailer where she can turn around and step out.

donkeys in general do not back up well--- they want to see where their feet are going

even that does not sound like a monumental problem--- except

a normal horse trailer has 2 stalls and the horse backs out.

there is great possibility for murphy's law to set in-- so i will be going with theresa.

***********

i remember a show horse who would not back out and we would to put her collar on and tie it to a tree and pull the trailer slow,y out from under her- once she touched the ground she would back very quickly...

i was only the 12 year old groom'n gofer -- but the owner showed her in the old madison square garden -and i remember an episode of flying backwards across-- was it 7th avenue???

********************

mary will get out--- somehow--- and get in--- and out and in again ( she has a jesus job around suppertime at some church in manchester)

bud is helping theresa

and paul has offered to come along with tom

i am taking dogs and plan to sit in a nice worm place somewhere

so i will be gone and hillary will be running the show around here...

nerve wracking day--- starting with jade's graduation..

Dec 20, 2011

2012-01-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

WONDERFUL DAY---

YOU ARE SPARED MY RAMBLING... APPARENTLY THE VIDEO OF PISTOLAND JADE ONSTAGE -- WILL BE ON BLUETOOTH TODAY---PLUS A CUT AND PASTE FROM AL AND TESSA

SOMEHOW THAT BLUETOOTH DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT-- WHATEVER YOU YOUNG FOLKS DO ONLINE -- GO FIND IT

Hi, Just touching base here. Well Tess and I made it through the Holiday shopping season! Shopping is all done, not bragging the money ran out so We're done! We've even been Malled this season (but not mauled!). Tess is a trooper she just walks along doing Her job occasionally stopping to point out which stuffed toy She'd like. Otherwise She's all business. To be bias She's great! Our routine is first thing in the morning out to go then back in for coffee and wait for My Personal care attendant to arrive. Then Our morning walk, back home for a sip or two of coffee and it's "ready to go to work Tess?" She comes over and gets dressed and out to a store We go. (I try to get out Monday thru Friday just so She doesn't get slack in Her performance) In the supermarket all the cashiers know Her by name, it's Hi Tess! Most of the local Wal-Mart employees know Her too. Me on the other hand I'm what's his face or the guy with Tess. I'm used to it and really don't mind. As I said just touching base and letting everyone know all is going fine here.

Taking a moment to wish everyone out there Happy Holidays from the Berkshires here in Western Ma. To You the Staff and Volunteers at SDP warm snuggles and sloppy licks from all the "Puppies" and a heart felt thank You from all of Us who benefit from the love and care of these fantastic Dogs you provide and allow Us to bring into our lives. We are all blessed by these life changing Dogs and thankful. By doing Your work so well with our dogs it allows Us to resume a more active lifestyle and function in society. At times We get so caught up in this "normal" living We may tend to forget those who put in the basics and did the ground work in getting them to Us. So for Myself and Everyone else out here a big Thank You Again! We hope Your Holidays are everything You could hope for! Sincerely Al&Tessa

****************************************

AND STEVE AND CHARLIE ARE HERE IN THE CABIN...

SO WE WILL BE OUT AND AROUND LATER THIS MORNING..

CHRISTMAS CROWDS ARE GREAT PRACTICE=== SO HERE WE COME.

******************

P.S. VIVIAN DID I SLEEP THRU YOUR VISIT???? IT HAPPENS WITH US OLD FOLKS...

Dec 21, 2011

2012-01-07T17:23:00.001-08:00

how can i do a daily doggie with photo's from jade still appearing...

here is the youtube it is much clearer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIbjLnft4hQ&context=C344481fADOEgsToPDskIG8_fliYgX97C5cUsQufaW

what a feat--- well actually-- what 4 feet.--- jade said the halt was due to her tripping and pistol caught her.

it scared one of the robed celebrities who started to follow Jade down the ramp and finally said " gal- you are doing great on your own"

Pistol/Bristol has gone from ROCK EATER to SUPERSTAR.

remember how we worried about her gut and the 3/4 " stones produced in her poo.

jade said she might be around Monday or Tuesday as she is settling in-- i think she means in Andover--- but i am not sure. she is due to go to law school there in january

***********

jade--- we are here 365 days--- christmas is much like all the others--

janine has offered to cook some kind of meal so we will not starve--- hopefully.

janine's cooking is notoriously random..

for that matter janine is notoriously random...

which includes spectacularly good

....sometimes

****

earlene-- paul-- and bud are away on holiday for 10 days- all 3 gone at once.... this will be rough without them--- all 3 of them do a huge job picking up details-

for instance---paul empties the trash-- so i can see it 10 days from now kitchen will be knee deep in cereal boxes and plastic bottles..

plus chaos will not understand where they have gone--- maybe they should do the old trick of leaving a jacket here for her to sleep on...

**********

Mark has done a super job of producing an envelope of critical dog pictures

jade has one on theresas desk now of pistol - and there is one envelope there for heydawg.

------------

V2 wrote a great letter to include in the TOH mailing.... which should go out today???

*********

steve is here with charlie-- and the interaction between them is fine...-- charlie hangs around him -- sniffing the environment --- not always in hiss lap-- which is good--

he willingly sticks his head in the harness and collar-- another sign that all is well..

and the walking is casual--- maybe a little fast still-- after all a dog's purpose in walking is to get somewhere and there is no reason to go slowly..

steven has some problem with rushing into a crowd of people---- so either charlie will learn to go slower--- or steven will get over the worry- either way it will work.

bud2 says he enjoys having indy move everyone out of his way--- and she is black--charlie will be better -

only because he is a harlequin--"louder than a christmas necktie"

***************

colleen said she took olive home instead of crimson..

i am not too sure how that could happen-- i didn't think olive was here--- and can not figure out just who colleen has with her.

i could walk to the barn and find out-- but that is like some of the medical test expenses--- what difference would it be one way or another..

(tom just had a finger xrayed--- not broken-- just splinted---so the logic is--- if it was broken it would not have been splinted? medicare paid the bill).

i prob ably shouldn't go there--- but it is similar to the snowplows running about in one inch of snow--- just to keep them in business for so they are there when we have 2 feet of snow..

so.....who colleen has taken at home with her is no cause for action on my part --- whoever she has will get the best of care and training and eventually i will know which---.

***********

today

the late morning trip really should be to costco-- with steve and charlie

we are just about out of coffee cups

now that is a disaster.

**************

oh.... a PS.---- opal is pine cone dismailer-- so that was what was blocking her gut a couple weeks ago- to discourage that i have bought a bunch of beef "marrow" bones--- on which they love to chew and freezing them means slower chewing

sounds like a perfect solution--- except--- the marrow causes spectacular poo's

so get ready-- and eventually we should collect them before they bury them/dig them up/ and shatter them

also not to be given to dogs going out in public.... right...

Dec 22, 2011

2012-01-07T17:22:00.001-08:00

dinner with Jade and bristol last night was fun--- and jade mentioned she had time to kill for the next 3 weeks---

that is like waving a red flag in front of a bull

get over here and do something helpful.

i waited last night til her car moved ( my long history of cars that do not run..) and she did not turn toward andover-- choosing to go either to the ice cream stand or the mall. --- i left.

george????? bristol needs spaying--- and has something very wrong with her back feet--- they itch--- i can relate to that.

at one point she had her back foot in her mouth up to the hock-- and was chewing on it with her back teeth.

jade would be around to babysit bristol and you could educate jade while you did the surgery????

and george is leaving for africa???

****************

we have a new developer--- giselle

apparently came in from the woods looking for winter accomodations- and spotted an unused - heated- dry - area and has done the infrastructure system of entrances and exits---to set up a condo- she is now stocking it for the winter-- and works nightly from midnight til 4am just to stay clear of the normal traffic.

her routine is to get in the box of dog bones---rattle and rummage around til she finds one of her likeing-- work it noisily up and over the top of the box then drop it off the shelf to the floor--- BANG-- then slither it across the floor to the kitchen area where her access sounds like it is among the plastic containers. the routine seems to be on a 20 minute cycle.

to be able to observe the operation i moved the box of milk bones to the middle of the floor---and found she--- probably" she" is not much bigger than the milk bones she was storing.

i have to admire her planning and carrying out her preparation for what she knows is coming... winter...

oh that congress was that wise

**************

jem and husband--- adi members --- are coming here after christmas - potentially to spend a few days learning how great danes train differently than goldens and then taking a pup or two with them to develop as service dogs. we could spare 2--- as yet to be decided--- with the provision that if they can not develop them - they are to be returned to us.

***

i was very disappointed that lu (ECAD) never found out danes were anything but a comical pet. we gave her shev ( fido and spot's mom) and a black pup--- who i am told is a comical 180 pound dog with very few manners.. ....darn.

so any we place out to other training facilities now-- the people have to be willing to come and spend time to see what we do.

and before you all start the "not xxxx's" keep in mind January is coming and we need pups for tower of hope gala in may...

count backwards

gala minus 4 or 5 weeks so they would be cute = born march April

minus 63 days gestation--- bred january-ish

and it is almost january---

plus good ole momma nature will decide when she feels like starting a litter... so it could happen almost any time

cast of characters

those with testicles----

bumpy--- frankie--- jasper ( now truman)-yellow & bently( too young) and sterling(a blue wildcard-)- bobby ( retired... also neutered)

and the girls still with ovaries

merlow(with lynn) -- moxie ( with jack) --olive(?too soon)-- chaos (?too soon? spay?)- pistol ( career girl now)--pi & opal- (too young)

who did i forget???

and remember -- we have 2 pups coming from denmark

male harl and merle female about a month old now.-- for fall of 2013?

looking at what we have produced last year---

i see nothing wrong with the frankie litter-- that does not mean i consider him "proven"----- charlie crimson pi XL and corky so far so good.

thumper was "proven"

bobby was "proven"

enough of that.

paul and tom are taking charlie and steve back home this morning... WESTERN MASS.. AKA 413 AREA CODE

and we THINK AL AND TESS LIVE ONLY A FEW MILES FROM STEVE AND CHARLIE---

CHRISTMAS DAY PLANS--- WE WILL DO A POT OF BBQ CHICKEN FOR ANYONE COMING TO HELP.

SAME ON NEW YEARS-- PLUS IT SEEMS LIKE THE SHITTING SHOULD HAPPEN JAN 8TH---WE DONT'T EVEN HAVE THE PRIZE MONEY YET

Dec 23, 2011

2012-01-07T17:21:00.001-08:00

if you can't lick 'em join 'em.

time to think "out of the box"..... literally

i had a nice quiet sleep--- i put the box of dog bones outside-- over the front door ... but then i realized-- that was wrong-- --

-Having already proven herself as superior in the creative department

...Mrs Giselle P. Rat---in her search-- would then find something far less convenient than a few dog bones-- so i broke 4 in half and put the 8 pieces in the middle of the floor to save her from rattling around in the cardboard box.. and this morning- they are all gone --- and i never heard a thing.

**********************

next problem for out of the box.... in the training department---

bailey-- wandering loose would never go bite anyone--- and has been patted by thousands of all ages and types-

i am positive if i forced her to stand still while george looked in some orifice or another-- she would bite him... a blood type bite- serious

i know some things--- and i know that.

---- just because she once took a cookie from him does not prove a thing. the look she gave him was not a nice thank you-- but rather 'don't you move or i will bite-- cookie or not.'

out of the thousands of people--- for some reason- she does not care to be touched by george. and i darn well better take her word for that.

*****

Tiffany-- bailey's great great..great grandmother- 9 years of things like working the crowd loose at the topsfield fair's 1/2 million people-- there was one 10 year old kid at the pru tower she growled at and backed away from. and went back to working the crowd----

next year out of the thousands----- same kid--- same response

***************

i tell this because bernard took manny to the vet and apparently manny did not want his temp taken- which started the struggle which ended up with the vet getting bitten-- bernard on the floor wrestling manny trying to hold him down. the fact that it was a no blood type bite indicates to me manny knew better but no one was listening to him).

i am sure this will cause some discussion with george and i --- but--how much simpler is a bit of chemical " just a drop of ?ace"-- one for the dog -- one for the owner- one for the vet and everyone relaxes...

bailey is not aggressive--- but she would bite george-- and maybe others i don't even know about--- but left to her own -- she just avoids confrontation.. confront her and you would have your hands full of 130 pounds of muscle.. and then she would be mad at me.

******

study the extremes of the bell curve if you need to do something to a 2000 pound horse that seems nervous--- you pay attention-- if it is 4 pound yorkie you pick it up and slap a muzzle on it and proceed.

ultimately the horse gets no worse--- but the yorkie starts biting everyone in question. "small dogs are yappy biters" right... i have been bitten by many--- "man handling" could make any one nervous.

i remember connie the corgi a dog i borrowed constantly and did many commercials with her- beautifully trained--explain what you need and she willingly did some amazing things--- pick her up and "man handle" her into place and she bit right thru my thumb.... clearly my fault.. i learned.

that is opinionated--- not aggressive.

think Mary and her argument with janine...--- she would kick or bite if crossed --- she will chase Janine-- and tip over janine's wheelbarrow

no one else has a problem with he....there is a lesson there..

lesson is when handling any animal bigger than a gerbil watch for the animal's reaction before proceeding.

*************

however i have suggested bernard come for an overnight and lets have a look at manny and see if we can figure out what he is thinking.

*************

Jade and the usual crew went to costco--- that was 5 dogs--- and it was like old home week... we met up with anne--- molly's grandmother and hillary's father.. as we huddled behind the cheescake sampling table---

when we broke up and started for the exit.. jade took bristol's harness and said GO - i think she rounded the corner by the freezer on one wheel as bristol happily dashed off.

*************

i can not tell you who gave us 80 pounds of beef scraps because i am not totally sure it is legal--- but it will be a huge help-- frozen in 10 pound lumps-- plan is to start the wood fire in the kitchen-- put that huge stew pot on in the morning-- with a bunch of rice and anything else logical--- and use it for the supper meal. he saud they constantly had plenty of it..

almost as good as a pallet of cans-- maybe better.

******************

george said he could spay pistol this morning so she is NPO and due here in about a 1/2 hour.

i forgot to ask paul or megan to be a few minutes early..

jade can sit with pistol while she wakes up.. and then come back here for intensive care--- she should be ready to go home with jade by suppertime

in the meantime she will have the floor in front of the heater.

and theresa will be here along with hillary and ?karen? and anyone else ?irene?

whatever--- keep the coffee pot going.

Dec 24, 2011

2012-01-07T17:20:00.001-08:00

Pistol/bristol is now spayed and tucked--jade baby sat her for the surgery and recovery-- then moved her to our "intensive care" area in front of our coffee pot

pistol stayed here only because i was concerned with getting into and out of jades car... so jade went home without her--( home is now andover) and will pick her up this morning.

she is ready

--all systems are working fluids in and out solids in and out tail wags

she should be kept quiet--- but jade can deal with that.

*********************

hillary is due here again today-- doing a great job-- i think molly is due here too

rob is ok but had an accident with his car so is without wheels..

everybody has one i guess.. probably a good lesson in murphy's law--

i remember----janine slid our yellow VW bug into the back tire of a school bus where it got stuck - it looked like a foal nursing off the mare.

maybe you had to be there.

***********

this bunch of pups in the deagle house want to talk--- they LOOK -- so when pistol leaves and tom sits in the tv room-- i may try and get them to the nut house for a change of sceneery--- while i poke around there.

************

there are a few plans for people here tomorrow--- all available would be wonderful--- and get these pups into the guest house with people--- and ... around--- for variety.

for those who need a tv for whatever football games are on... we have one in each house--- so patting and watching would be helpful

would that be the same as walking and chewing gum?

*****************

i need to get the wood fires going and start some of that beef boiling with rice..

this could work really well

lots of things work well if the system gets designed and executed properly.

we try.

Dec 25, 2011

2012-01-07T17:18:00.003-08:00

this roast beef deal is best thing since sliced bread

i gurgled a 10 pound frozen lump in the iron pot on the wood stove in the nut house-- smelled WONDERFUL all day-- better than fabreee big time

what worries me is that there is some law about donating it to us.. we need legal advice quickly by our various legal heads--- you know board of health type stuff....

one option is for us to buy it from them $1 boxful--- might put it in a different category for which there are no laws yet (i love those)

another is to spray it with green veg coloring by way of marking it not for human consumption

it is such a wonderful deal--- i can't believe it won't have some regulation forbidding it.

hillary fed it out last night--- i do not yet have the poo report--- but they have been slowly getting beef with that pallet of cans

**********

another heads up--- i have been giving marrow bones to th e house dogs--- they can cause amazing poo ...

not to be given to dogs in training !!!!

**********

now about these people who are coming to learn about danes.. on wednesday...

let me rephrase that --- i am going to try and help them unlearn all the pat- handy dandy rules of dog training that they have read about.

i heard rumors of them wanting to temperament test the pups. this is some weird thing where- among other things you roll the pup onto it's back and see how long it struggles--- --- we don't do that---we let their moms-- but we don't. i think it might be appropriate to set them in the guest house and put all the pups in with them--- and --- hopefully not have the worlds biggest dog fight.

****

so now i am having to figure out just what we do- and breaking it down into digestable lumps-

the biggest is -- i think----- we do not use our muscles to control them( if at all possible)

i have often said--- you should be able to carry a tray of 4 cups of coffee in the same hand that has the dog's leash- and not spill anything.-

and now that i have said that--- i better go try it --- BAILEY HERE I COME

THUMPER WAS PERFECT And bailey can be--- but i better sharpen her up before anyone asks me to demo that.

**************

typical case--- getting into and out of the van--

newcomers repeat the word wait-- then they put their hand on the dog's chest and hold them back

.--- no--- tell them to wait and if they step forward a little surprise snap on their nose and say wait.... and they say "oh .... i forgot"

the surprise is the thing--dogs do not like surprises. there is a whole bunch of dog training in that one maneuver.. quick snap.

like raising your sandwhich higher and higher while telling them not to touch it...no----. leave the sandwich on your lap and tell them you mean it by making a quick movement toward them in a threatening manner- that is what their moms would do.

and then the loose leash-- a very quick snap into place and then release the leash-- and they learn to stand quietly-- EVEN THE OCASSIONAL PIT BULL CAN LEARN THAT-

THAT CHAIN COLLar is a tool--- not a control device.. the real choke collars are those leather "normal" collars where the dogs never learn not to pull so the gag themselves constantly trying to pull their owners around.

advertising would have you believe the chain hurts their windpipe and a gentle leader is better..

i have used the chain collars for years and not collapsed one windpipe--- and i have witnessed the anger ,frustration and misery of that gentle leader- i guess that is why some trainers roll pups on their backs-- to see if they will submit to a gentle leader -- instead of simply training them.

advertising....??? see my tirade on christmas.

************

why do we make such a big deal of this christmas "giving" --

"i had to buy something for the children"

my kids are not that fussy ---- they would like gifts any time of the year--

what is the matter with any old random date like July 19-- i had a friend in Scotland who celebrated the 19th of every month.

kind of spread it out- far more enjoyable.

?scrooge??? yes--- i am.. but how many times have i heard "i will be glad when this holiday is over."

like banging your head on the wall-- feels better when you stop-- so i stopped.

why do we make such a deal? religion went out the window long ago-

i did not hear handel's messiah once this year

but someone sent me the silent version---

http://voxvocispublicus.homestead.com/Index.html certainly worth a look

************************************

itoday----i am told we have some people on schedule for kennel feeding--- i hope so---

and paul and earlene are coming--- she with food--- so we expect the normal Sunday stew activity

Dec 26, 2011

2012-01-07T17:18:00.001-08:00

made it so far....

update-----

after searching all the puppy paws for torn toenails and minor injury--- earlene found out chaos just came in heat.. CHAOS gets this one off---

but we hope to "catch" moxie and merlow to give us pups for the tower of hope gala.. they should be due in soon..

************

bristol and jade located 3 dunkn donuts between here and plymouth.... so apparently they are fine.

******

going to be a rough week--- bud is in CA and earlene has the week off so paul and she are off roaming ----

however magan is back and kyle is on the schedule for driving tom today

***********

and anne promised to be back in "efficient mode" after christmas--- with a grant idea and figuring how to get 2 pups here from denmark.

************

the pups here need a crash course in "how to be a well behaved dane" before those other trainers come here on Wednesday and think we are nuts.

yesterday's lesson was " you mean all that trash is yours????--and we can't have ANY??" PLUS sitting on pauls head on the couch 5 PUPS AT A TIME is 4 pups too many... back to the spoon feed lessons and "WAIT"

danm black dogs-- earlene was the on ly one who knows their names--

best i can do is 4 blacks 2 hARLES AND A MERLE.

EVEN SO--- WHEN WE WENT TO SERVE SUPPER

I THOUGHT THAT WAS 6 PUPS-- a bad sign

GONNA BE A ROUGH WEEK--

BUT I DID A HARD SUDUKO PUZZLE AT 3AM WHEN BOTH TOM AND CHAOS WERE UP WANDERING. THANK HEAVENS I AM OFF THOSE "DO NOT OPERATE MACHINERY " PILLS.

*****

THE BEEF-- THE POO REPORTS HAVE NOT BEEN DEVISTATING--- THE FIRST "GO ROUND" I BOILED THE FROZEN LUMP---- WHICH MELTED ALOT OF THE FAT--- BUT I THEN USED THAT FLUID TO MOISTEN THE DRY FOOD... SO THOSE STOOLS WERE A BIT SLIPERY--- PLAN OF THE DAY NOW... BOIL-- EITHER LET THE FAT HARDEN AND SKIM OFF--- OR JUST FEED THE LUMPS OF MEAT.

WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT THE OPTIMUM APPROACH ...GEORGE???

THAT IRON POT WEIGH'S ALOT--- AND IT IS TH E ONLY THING WE HAVE BIG ENOUGH

***

ALSO THAT restaurant MANAGER SAID HIS CREW LOVED THE FACT THAT WE CAME THERE EVERY WEDNESDAY WITH THE DOGS...--

I WASN'T AWARE WE DID-- BUT IT IS NOT A BAD IDEA... FOR 80 POUNDS OF DOG FOOD WE CAN SPEND $30 ON LUNCH FOR 5 OF US.

JUST ONE OF THOSE WIN WIN SITUATIONS..

AND THE ONION RINGS ARE GOOD TOO.

*************

ALONG WITH THE BEEF--- WE GET A RECTANGUAR CONTAINER--

HERE WE GO--- ALONG WITH MY HUNDREDS OF COSTCO ROUND BUCKETS I CAN NOW COLLECT RECTANGULAR ONES..

.... ALONG WITH LITTLE GLASS JARS AND ALOT OF OTHER THINGS

I THINK THERE IS A NAME FOR THIS AFFLICTION...

AT LEAST THAT COLLECTION DOESN'T EAT OR RUN UP VET BILLS

***************

NO POLLY AND BOB TODAY--- I FORGET WHO ELSE SAID THEY WOULD SHOW--- HELP IS NEEDED..

I MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET THE BIG DOG BED DONE IN THE NUT HOUSE TODAY

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO USE THE FENCING TO KEEP THEM FROM PULLING DOWN ALL THE CEILING INSULATION.

I HAVE 60 YEARS OF WATCHING HORSES TURN FENCING INTO KINDLING ---, STALLS INTO FIREWOOD--- AND PASTURES INTO MUD. I WAS HOPING TO FARE BETTER WITH THIS DOG PROJECT.

Dec 27, 2011

2012-01-07T17:17:00.001-08:00

not much inspiration this morning.

full day yesterday and today trying to get together how to train a dane for these people arriving tomorrow.

we produce nearly perfect service dogs- with fantastic reliability ( so far---- i hate tempting fate)

but to get it down to " how to" is a challenge

there are not many " do this and that will happen"

but a whale of a lot of "DONT DO's"

it will be fun

megan better check the guest house today.. it had a rough Sunday stew because it was cold out and we made it into a "party kennel"

****

i assume bristol is doing well--- megan and i recalled the costco visit where jade gave pistol the word to "go" and she ran off carreening around the 90 degree corner on one wheel narrowly missing a head on colllission with the ice cream freezer...

goes to show danes are not for the meek. -----at least pistol is not ....

*****

which brings up kieth and hattie--- have a grand life with hudson and barney . were here yesterday on vacation from atlanta---

barney baby sits hudson on the very unusual situation when kieth has to leave him home--- and hudson is dealing with slippery floors in his own amusing way--- sometimes backing out of a situation--- or turning circles a time or two to figure it out.

************

in their similarities...... they are all different in their effort to understand the humans with whom they live.

*********

like they are all timid---the BIG problem is the entire dog world is taught the word timid goes with bite--- as in timid/fear biting.

i think without exception - our danes it is "fear--- mommy mommy mommy" as they run to lean on your leg for reassurance.

i would not tolorate -for one second - a dog who is scared and runs forward- that is the fear/bite/aggression.

AND

if you back a scared dog who is grumbling/ growling into a corner and get bitten-- that is a perfectly understandable reaction and serves you right.

just leave the dog alone and no problem

and then there is chaos who thinks it is fun to chase janine

people are here---

i must away

Dec 28, 2011

2012-01-07T17:16:00.001-08:00

guests arrive today and hillary showed up yesterday to bring the house up to parr

it will be slightly complicated arrival because of the "GREAT BEEF EXPERIMENT"

THE MANAGER OF THE ROAST BEEF SANDWICH STORE THINKS WE GO THERE EVERY WEDNESDAY

I WAs not aware that we did every wednesday--- but it is not a bad idea--- and if we can get 80 pounds of beef scraps just for having lunch there-- then it is REALLY not a bad idea.

got to eat somewhere.

so the guests arrive at logan about 10 which with baggage claim etc could put us back at the area of the roast beef place around lunch---

plan is for jade and megan,,, and ?karen and a few dogs to meet us there.

******************

the great beef expirement progresses-- in an effort to remove the grease- at least til their stomachs get used to more fat.....the plan has been to heat in about 1/2 gal of water on the wood stove... remove the meat chunks and set the pot on the porch in the cold to harden the fat,, then remove it for the chickens ( who love it too)

and that did work--- except

today it is 50 degrees outside now--- so the plan for removal of the fat/grease - did not work today.. it is all still fluid-- with fat floating

so plan B must be devised.--

probably plans C<D<E<and Fwill be devised also

but at the moment the very rich desireable fluid is under a layer of fluid fat...

it is not something you put down the drain--- here in the world of septic systems

putting it down the chickens is far better

even if they do not lay eggs at this time of year with the short days.

we could try and fool mother nature and leave lights on a timer making the days longer

but if you think we could keep all that straight, i have a bridge in brooklyn i'd like to sell you.

******************

AND SPEAKING OF CHICKENS....

WE will do the chickenpoo thing on jan 8th-- instead of 1/1/12.

partly due to the fact that you all got sidetracked and have not bought your numbers yet

even with the beef--- these guys have to eat in January also..

www.memsaic.com/app/wall.cfm?sid=0FD5CCB2AAE9D7

click away

******************************************************************************

now---for the chicken management lesson of the day

our supply of chickens--- and interesting ones--is getting depleted

we are going to need to re supply the bunch..

need to know section-------- or hit that delete button...

there are 2 ways to get more chickens ( THE BOY GIRL PROCESS IS OUT OF THE QUESTION FOR US)

buying pullets ( half grown ready to lay eggs) at the hatchery in essex--- those are all barred rock--- speckled grey/black

or---- and herrrrrrre we go..

strombergs --a poultry supply outfit --- online-- go ahead GOOGLE STROMBERGS CHICKENS---sells day old chicks at about $3 each-- and they have some really wild looking ones

facts

-along with 100 breeds and 2 sexes.. there are 3 types of chickens

1 egg layers--

2 those who grow quickly on little feed-- think fried chicken---

3 and the colorful bunch not known for anything useful

***

they can tell the sex of a chick for the first 24 hours ONLY then not for weeks.

boy chickens in the egg laying breeds are less than useful- either free or cheap..

you can buy females--- males-- or as hatched

YOU MUST BUY MINIMUM OF 25--- and it can be made up of different breeds---with a min of 5 per breed.

the strange looking ones are sold only "as hatched"

all that to explain how we ended up with that rooster from hell who chases and bites everyone

it is a science--- most chicks NATIONWIDE are hatched on a monday... sexed and shipped on a Tuesday -- for arrival at the post office 6am on Wednesday or thursday-

i have never had any problem with this--- in all weather---the po keeps them adaquately warm-- and they can not forget them because they are so noisy.

*****

we can do that to re-supp;y our bunch

however--- the babies need place to grow away from the rooster from hell--- ?like behind the tee tent??? IN GOOD WEATHER...

and worse-- the first week---- 90 degrees--- and reduce it 5 degrees per week for a few weeks.

thAT IS THE HARD PART.

IT CAN BE DONE--- BUT WILL REQUIRE AN extra EFFORT ON THE VOLUNTEERS-- but weird chickens are amusing to have roaming in that pen ---- under the tinfoil pie plates to keep the hawks away..

RIG HEAT LAMP IN THE LAUNDRY-- OR SOMETHNG

I AM NOT HAVING BABY CHICKENS RAISED IN OUR BATHROOM--- AS I OFTEN HAD TO DO DURING MYANIMAL EPISODE DAYS OF PROVIDING ANIMALS FOR PHOTO...TV... ETC...

SO IT IS YOUR CALL

*********************

MEDICAL UPDATE

PUMPKIN IS LIMPING LESS... YESTERDAY NEARLY CARRYING A FRONT FOOT--- AND A SLIGHT TEMP 103.4

MY UNOFFICIAL DX IS LYME-- SO WE STARTED THE DOXY FOR 30 DAYS

WITHOUT THE TEMP I WOULD HAVE LET IT GO FOR A FEW DAYS AS POSSIBLE NORMAL INJURY...

SHE IS EATING - DRINKING - AND FIGHTING WITH HER SIBLINGS HERE IN THE HOUSE WHERE SHE SPENT THE NIGHT

***********

MEGAN--- CHORE OF THE DAY--- TAKE EVERYONE'S TEMP--- THEY ALL LOOK FINE BUT IT - MIGHT BE INTERESTNG TO RESTABLISH THE NORM--

***********

THE NUT HOUSE IS NEARLY READY FOR THE "HATS" TO MOVE INTO THE SUITE "C"

*****************

I HAVE ORDERED ELECT HEATERS-- THE NEW NUTHOUSE IS TOO BIG FOR A MILKHOUSE HEATER- THE SECOND ONE IN KENNEL 9-10

AND FOUND AN ELECTRITIAN WHO IS OF THE CASH RELIGION.

*************

THE POO REPORT

WHAT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR IS FIRMER

Dec 29, 2011

2012-01-07T17:15:00.003-08:00

short doggie...

we have a repetative barker driving me nuts and i have to go see who that is.

jen and chuck have arrived and it is trial by fire - as they are inundated with black and white pups

got to hand it to jen-- she bravely bashes on " the one with the small white patch on the nose is who?"

i am suggesting if she can not decide between 2 dogs, i would prefer they take the black ones just because i can not remember who they are..

and --- jen has a background is animal training-- like marine ones--- and is not stuck on all the "roll them on their back" concepts of the dog training books.

i have a feeling this might work-

it is certainly worth the try. i think she is legit.

as for the FATE end of this deal.... sitting here with megan we thought pumpkin might be a good one to give them-- at which point pumpkin ran around on 3 legs--- i will go along with that---- fate telling me not to give her pumpkin

even tho after 3 days of life in the house and doxi... she is considerably better..

the reason chuck is with her is if she takes 2 on the plane--- that could be fun on one of the busiest travel days of the year.. again --- she is up for it. we will figure out something.

***************

in trying to convey ourt training methods---- i realize how few words are needed to have a dog be a very useful balance dog.

first of all is bulk management

like "WHOA" AND "will you get out of my way" and things like that

so i will try and perfect the language with jen.... she is more inclines to give commands liKe " down- stop- brace- step sideways-- move ahead"

*********************************

today schedule

i am out of paper towels--- so that smacks of a costco trip 10:30 ish- may as well go there as anywhere--

i would like them to meet heydawg and gay somewhere -- so we will try that connection.

the heaters have arrived for the nut house and kennel 10

other than that.....

Dec 30, 2011

2012-01-07T17:15:00.001-08:00

jen and chuck are waddling thru puppies

jen makes reams of notes-

i guess that is what organized people do-

then after all that - it is a gut feel anyway.

my only direction was that at least one had to be one of the blacks that i can not tell apart anyway.

they seem to be tilting toward taupe and stanley-- a good choice- 2 lovely dogs and there has been a minimum of wailing about "oh no not xxxxx"

i am sure jen will stay in touch---and report in

i have explained these are our children and we need to keep track of them in the daily doggie.

WE ---- 5 OF US-- WENT TO COSTCO YESTERDAy

it was a bit cold turkey for taupe --

making me think----- we should - from the start adopt the "go do things and then go back to normal" routine in a more definite manner.

namely "i will hold you back from joining your sibling and megan---- and very shortly stay with me and we will find them again." with a little more accent on "hang in there with me" and not as much "stay under my control and i will let you talk to her later"

there is a fine line....

seeing their partner as the one to save them from all the things a timid dane is fearful of- works better on the long run.

the "under control" is a switch that can go on or off./

of the 3 "hats" --- .

bentley will hang in there with me

yellow will figure "you dropped my leash- i am getting out of range"

and opal "i don't believe in being under control anyway"

they need work--- as soon as the nuthouse is finished

*****************

fate has caused us to keep pumpkin --- as the minute jen was about to arrive, pumpkin was on 3 legs--- couple days of doxy and she is markedly better.. so that seemed to be fate saying "not pumpkin"-- who--- of all the pups--- is not the most agreeable--- she has been spoiled by 3 days in the house-on the couch.

they-- jen and chuck -- are leaving today for new years in new hampshire somewhere and will e back sunday--- so anyone wanting to meet them be here for the stew then flyihng back to south carolina with 2 dogs on tuesday--- one of the busiest travel days---

somehow we will figure that out.

planes out of boston have to be big ones--- i remember the planes out of toronto which were truly just not big enough for 2 service dogs..

and i had hudson--- cute little 170 pound hudson

colleen had ?? bailey and took the next plane.

********************

AND WE WILL NOT BE POO-ING TIL NEXT SUNDAY-- JUST BECAUSE BEING NEW YEARS IT WILL BE TOO CONFUSING TO GET EVERYONE TO BUY IN BY THEN.. SO GET TO IT...

*******************

WE HAVE AN APPLICATION FROMA PERSON WITH BAROCA APHASIA- THAT IS A NEW ONE FOR ME--- IT INVOLVES COMMUNICATION-- NON VERBAL. how frustrating that must be.

*************

may i refer everyone to the old movie "miracle worker" - with patty duke as the young hellen keller.

there is a moment where helen realizes that the movements her teacher is making in her hand W A T E R -- means the fluid out of the well.

these dogs do come to that point--- at which time we should take advantage of that

bentley is at that point ... opal the young female dog ( read b i t c h ) has not come to that stage yet

second stage is achieving boredom--- and by then you nearly have a trained dog.

******************

after they leave we have to work on getting steve and charlie back for some

longer sessions of service dog vs play in the snow with the kids

*************************

now stool reports

we are not feeding milk bones for a while--- we are expirementing with the concept that they may cause a loose stool

there had to be some reference to stools--- or it would not be a daily doggie/

Dec 31, 2011

2012-01-07T17:14:00.001-08:00

i will be very glad to get back on a normal schedule

can any of you tell me if you will be around on sunday???

*****************

next problem..

history--- last "granting period" tower of hope sponsored 2 dogs--- at $14,000 each

---life blood to us

yesterday's heart ATTack of the day-- i got an email from louis----toh--- saying we had not sent in nearly enough or correct stuff. louis is our toh contact--- replacing peter with whom we survived very nicely

fact--- i had sent a sample of what paperwork we were doing to louis--- at his request---and in the skuffle he thought that was our final "request" or whatever they call the grant application....and listed a bunch of stuff we were " missing"--

missing was a terrible word to use on stuff theresa sent in--- -- she reads the directions---she does not do "missing" kindly--- ..

--- then ---he realized that so this morning's email said he would look at toh for the final "submission"

when he said it was all wrong-- i assumed it was-- not realizing we were referring to 2 different doccuments---

which caused me to go back and maybe look it over from their perspective-- i went to their web www.thetowerofhope.org and please all of you who might have a few minutes--- go there--- read their mission statement--- and then the people they have helped-- and study the one paragraph bio's -

i think that is what they want/need

i was sending in stuff to convince them we were doing a great job--- where - i think they want something they can use to attract donors to give them the money that then comes to us...they already know we are good.

at any rate--- i started to get as many facts as i could into one paragraph when i realized

JADE !!!! you are now an educated and smart graduate--- so share the wealth and get over here and re-do these bio-s to maybe match what they need.

it is very much like the sh#tpicking cardboards---getting them already cut into the rectangles that fit in blue jeans back pocket is wonderful--- getting folded cereal boxes is better than nothing--- but with a pile on the floor--- there is no time to cut them up--

i think that is like the tower of hope meetings--- i think i gave them too much-- i was wrong to assume they had the staff to rewrite---

*****************

the other news is jen and chuck are off to nh for overnight and will be back sunday--- so i hope a few of you will be around to meet and greet.. even if it is jan 1st--- you can not all be hung over.......

*/***************************

the homelless kid on our calendar who is walking bailey---i did get in touch with his mother to see if we could help in any way--

apparentl;y - they are still in a shelter in beverly --- and he needs sneakers and snow pants-- -- so that is my extra chore for the week. to pick up mom and him and go shoppping.

along these lines---here is the picture from last summer--- anyone got clothes that would fit this guy?? he was a nice polite boy --

Jan 1, 2012

2012-01-07T17:13:00.003-08:00

i am always glad to get those huge parties in times square overwith without any crazy fool deciding to break a water main and flood it.....etc

thanks to a special donor we can have a champagne breakfast-- especially if some one brings the donuts so it can qualify as breakfast...

*********************

now dogs..............

these 2 litters are of the stage now where they are trying to achieve dominance--- it looks ever so innocent at the start-- normal tumbling and chewing on each other--- except too often lately it is one down and 2 or 3 chewing.--- i yell-- they stop-- but that is temporary... if the spirit moves them it could turn into a life threatening battle of 3 against 1.

the changes are ever so subtle... i just handed out marrow bones- and bailey is lying on the couch with her bone in front of her--- well within reach of the pups--- but they do not dare touch it. she is not eating it--- just staring at any pupp that comes near.

she has established her position in the pack

it is necessary to guard hazel's bone for her -- because as bottom of the totem pole she will give it up as they move closer 1/2 inch at a time

second lowest is order who will continue chewing while growling as yellow just stands over her ----just looking....

even tho there are more bones than dogs in the area.

those males with their "i want hers also" need watching.. they also may need to learn whiffle...

or--- bentley's trick.... i will just chew this old bone next to her juicy bone --- and we can just swap.

****

we have all watched mary inching her way toward the food table waiting for an opportunity to grab the tablecloth and run----- that is exactly what is going on right now with bones...

how close can i tiptoe and just convince you that you really don't want that bone enough to risk my bulk/weight/teeth...

***********

order told me all this yesterday-i wanted to put her out with the hats in the nut house--- and she would not go thru the gate---

just stood back 10 feet wagging her tail--saying " i really don't want to associate with those roughnecks"

i shut the gate and she ran right up to me--

message recieved.

so the break up is.... the girls-- order-hazel and opal on the lower beds side of the nut house... and the two boys yellow and bentley go on the high bed side

maybe what should happen is to put one of the males in with the girls and let them educate him.

******************

with the rest of the pups in the deagle house or barn....--- only 2 at a time out to roughhouse--- and even then we should keep our eye on them.

this is also the point at which one pup might stand at the topp of the ramp and not let the other up to the warmer bed..

so we have to deal with that. blue emergency bed at the bottom???

*******************

n.b. maybe these dogs should not go out in public for 48 hour as the marrow that they love is a laxative.

**********************

today

sounds like the usual crowd will be back on deck.... along with jade who said she would come along and diddle with these toh grant apps.

i am up--- coffee is on...

i have heard from

Sunday sandy

earlene and paul

bud

colleen--- who has some boy type clothes to maybe help that kid who is in the picture with bailey on the calender..

jen and chuck will be along this afternoon.--

i noticed a lot of you bought numbers yesterday --- the dogs thank you-

for those who did not..... don't let the 2012 stop you.. you have a week before we sh#t

Jan 1, 2012

2012-01-07T17:13:00.001-08:00

i am always glad to get those huge parties in times square overwith without any crazy fool deciding to break a water main and flood it.....etc

thanks to a special donor we can have a champagne breakfast-- especially if some one brings the donuts so it can qualify as breakfast...

*********************

now dogs..............

she has established her position in the pack

it is necessary to guard hazel's bone for her -- because as bottom of the totem pole she will give it up as they move closer 1/2 inch at a time

second lowest is order who will continue chewing while growling as yellow just stands over her ----just looking....

even tho there are more bones than dogs in the area.

those males with their "i want hers also" need watching.. they also may need to learn whiffle...

or--- bentley's trick.... i will just chew this old bone next to her juicy bone --- and we can just swap.

****

we have all watched mary inching her way toward the food table waiting for an opportunity to grab the tablecloth and run----- that is exactly what is going on right now with bones...

how close can i tiptoe and just convince you that you really don't want that bone enough to risk my bulk/weight/teeth...

***********

order told me all this yesterday-i wanted to put her out with the hats in the nut house--- and she would not go thru the gate---

just stood back 10 feet wagging her tail--saying " i really don't want to associate with those roughnecks"

i shut the gate and she ran right up to me--

message recieved.

so the break up is.... the girls-- order-hazel and opal on the lower beds side of the nut house... and the two boys yellow and bentley go on the high bed side

maybe what should happen is to put one of the males in with the girls and let them educate him.

******************

with the rest of the pups in the deagle house or barn....--- only 2 at a time out to roughhouse--- and even then we should keep our eye on them.

this is also the point at which one pup might stand at the topp of the ramp and not let the other up to the warmer bed..

so we have to deal with that. blue emergency bed at the bottom???

*******************

n.b. maybe these dogs should not go out in public for 48 hour as the marrow that they love is a laxative.

**********************

today

sounds like the usual crowd will be back on deck.... along with jade who said she would come along and diddle with these toh grant apps.

i am up--- coffee is on...

i have heard from

Sunday sandy

earlene and paul

bud

colleen--- who has some boy type clothes to maybe help that kid who is in the picture with bailey on the calender..

jen and chuck will be along this afternoon.--

i noticed a lot of you bought numbers yesterday --- the dogs thank you-

for those who did not..... don't let the 2012 stop you.. you have a week before we sh#t

Jan 2, 2012

2012-01-07T17:12:00.003-08:00

i dunno what happened

but i am now in a rush--- i am picking u the homeless kid and his mother and go and find some sneakers and snow pants--- colleen gaeve me a small collecton of snowpanst and things-- but i said i would take her shopping

so i am

i had some thoughts on putting a rope on dogs and oi need to write-- or re writ that

tomorrow

p.s greg is a super trench digger we will get electricity to the nuthouse soon

Jan 3, 2011

2012-01-07T17:12:00.001-08:00

whoops..the hurrier i go the behinder i get

i had so many emails to answer yesterday that i thought i had done the DD

********************

and i meant to "discuss" the rope situation---

you can not hold out a rope and say "please stick you head in here so i can make you do something you do not want to do"

they ain't stupid

under normal conditions.....you can hold out a rope and ask them to stick their heads in it and give them a chunk of this lovely roast beef that is around now.. and then do something they don't want to do-

however --- at the moment we are back to square 1 with some of them call-- cheese-- let go

then maybe square 2 call cheese put rope around neck.. cheese then remove rope and let go.

and i have seen it in several situations.. probably the worst is opal--- the dog i often handle--- have i not been thinking????? you can not rush in this situation--- as mad as it can make you... got to think your way round.

i saw one of the pups take off under that situation- and a person run after it with rope flapping--

that is how you teach them to run away from you..

unfortunately some of them have learned that already..

you want an example of how sophisticated this can be?? pick up the container that has the toenail clippers in it-- and i guarentee you will not be able to locate bailey.... who has--- for the moment ---also gone deaf.

as opposed to a dane the adams had who knew the sound of striking a match who would then come and sit by the "soon to be warm" fire

****************

i had an email from jen--- they have landed ok--- she sent a picture--- but no comments yet..

they were going to take a second dog-- stanley-- but stanley started growling at chuck... and i have given it thought-- what did he do to upset stanley.??. the example chuck gave was -- chuck was lying on the couch with his back to stanley--- and he came over and sniffed-- then backed away and growled and barked..

now that i think about that bizzarre story-- i bet stanley was saying " how come you are on my couch"

**********************

morning routine around here now..

one house dog--- bailey-

-let her out--

let out the 2+2 dogs from the deagle house--

go light a fire in the nut house ( while no one pee's but th e concept is there)

let them in the house ( where they then pee)

start coffee

type then

let the hats ( opal yellow and bently) into the nut house which is now warm)

and put these 4 pups in the back dorm room/deck

gives me a chance to look over the deagle house 4 ( order and hazel plus 2 huge blacks--- one male one female ---names yet to be figured out when megan gets here--)

that cute little pile of puppies works when they weigh 5 pounds--- but they struggle to all fit on the sofa beside me now that they weigh 80 pounds. ---- one keeps falling out.

*****************

theresa and i took dillan( the kid in the photo with bailey) and his mom to get him some sneakers--we took bailey too so he could walk her-- theresa got a good picture but i don't know how to turn it right side up..

it looks like colleen's outgrown collection will fit him nicely -- he is a nice little boy---we will keep our eyes open as to how we can help that one.

**************

i have to comment on the dozen people in line at kohl's returning things..

-------this chirstmas fiasco is marketing at it's finest.

also because the sneakers that were $49 before christmas... were $37

now don't tell me christmas is a religious holiday

bah humbug

****************************

that goes along with arguing about praying in school--- whats the matter with teaching reading writing and rithmatic-- ??

we can't even get that right--- why add stuff??

we teach religion so we know which side of what war we are supposed to be on

*************

back to the dogs--

we to worm and bring shots up to date on moxie merlow and noel---

in anticipation of breeding one or two of them..

********************

costco-- today

along with getting theresa's son from the eye doctor and me to the tooth removal guy

bob put the single seat in the smaller van--- and suggested we toss the "back seat" because it does not screw down-- making it just one more flying object ---

***

order is lovingly licking hazel's nose where bailey bit her yesterday-- order is a nice pup--- a bit bossy -- but nice dog

if i put down one bone--- she would have it. the rest would watch.

****************

gisselle was found to be sleeping in the file drawer.. she commutes to the area under the dishwasher. i think that is where she stores the dog bones.

i am told there was a huge renovation project under the spiral stairs of the laundry building.....several inhabitants were encouraged to live elsewhere-

but there is no end to them... chemical solutions are definitely OUT,

************

john is now dealing with the trench to the nut house and the electrical friend of his..

and so it goes

Jan 4, 2011

2012-01-07T17:11:00.001-08:00

Moxie has started to drip.--

doesn't sound like much ... except that starts it all again...

IN 8 DAYS WE WILL NEED TO TALK TO BUMPY AND SEE HOW HE FEELS ABOUT A SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP. IF SHE BETES HIM-- WE WILL KNOW HE HAS TO WAIT ANOTHER DAY OR TWO...

george--- i will stop by and see what she has had for vACCINATIONS --HER FAMILY IS JACK PAAR-- AND WE SHOULD WORM HER JUST FOR GOOD LUCK?? THAT ALL WORMER??

************************

TAUPE IS NOW HOPE--- GOOD NAME CHANGE---

Hi,

Thank you again for all the hospitality and for the chance to try one of these danes in our service program. We are calling Taupe Hope so please let your volunteers know so if they see pictures on our PAALS facebook they know it's her. Hope was nervous at first in the airport, but calmed down once we got through security(very nice folks) and got to rest while waiting to board the plane. Of course, she was a rock star-children, flight attendants, security, adults-all were drawn to her and commented on her beauty and good behavior. She did not get sick or have any accidents during our travel. She slept almost all of the flight. She refused to go down Charlotte Airport stairs, but did the elevator nicely. She was very nervous around bus traffic outside airport, but rode one nicely. She did great in her new car seat harness once back to my car and rode perfectly to Columbia (about 90 mins from Charlotte). She got a couple of vaccines already and will get some more Thurs. Will test fecal today. She slept through the night beautifully here. Doesn't like to be left alone yet-understandable so we are working on getting her acclimated to her new life. Will keep you posted,
Jen

*********************

AND "MAUDE" --- ONE OF THE "MERLE GIRLS" ANNIE BELLA AND MAUDE--- WAS DONATED TO SUSAN IN 2005

Thanks for your concern. Susan was running through the raindrops but I'm pleased to report that she has had a remarkable turnaround.. We are no longer going to Mainet- Our disease is slowing us down considera. Maude continues to be a delight-hopefully Susan will become strong enough to again use her as a working dog. We hope this e-mail finds you in good health. Also, we hope your project continues to flourish. HAPPY NEW YEAR
David Thomas

*********************

I WISH I COLD HAVE GONE TO THE MALL YESTERDAY--AS EVERYONE PILED IN THE COA VAN--- IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BE FUN--- MEGAN KAREN JADE AND ANNE--- WITH 4 DOGS- MUST HAVE BEEN A SHOW STOPPER... ESPECIALLY WITH JADE PRACTICING BRISTOL PULLING HER MORE SLOWLY THAN USUAL.

************

MY BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE DAY WAS TO FIND COAL-- FOR THE STOVE IN TH E NUT HOUSE--

APPARENTLY ALL COAL IN EASTRN MASS COMES THRU BOSTON COAL IN HYDE PARK--- BUT A FEW P;LACES-- LIKE THE LOCAL AGWAY FEED STORE ( IN DANVERS) HAD NUT AND STOVE COAL IN #50 BAGS. $12 PER BAG.

WHICH CAUSED ME TO CALCULATE HOW MUCH PAUL LIFTED YESTERDAY---

IF "A PINT IS A POUND THE WORLD AROUND"-- THEN THOSE CASES OF WATER /BLUE TOPS HAVE TO BE ABOUT 25 POUNDS

INTO THE DURANGO- OUT AND INTO TH E SMALL VAN-- OUT INTO THE HOUSE TIMES 2 IS 300 POUNDS

THEN THE COAL 2 BAGS 50# EACH - THERE IS ANOTHER 100 POUNDS

AND A BLOCK SALT LICK FOR MARY---ANOTHER 50 POUNDS INTO THE FORT WHRE SHE EATS HER HAY BY THE GATE

FOR THOSE OF YOU PLANNING TO OWN DONKEYS AND HORSES--- I GOT THE PINK SALT LICK BECAUSE IT HAS TRACE MINERALS -- THE WHITE IS JUST SALT.

MAYBE MARY WILL STOP LICKING THE CAR FENDERS NOW.

**********

LOST AND FOUND....

WE NEED A SPECIFIC LOCATION

FOR STARTERS.....

14 PAIR OF GLASSES -- BOTH SUN AND PRERSCRIPTION

6 GLOVES-- ALL RIGHT HAND

PATRICIA LOST AN EARING IN THE T-TENT-- THIS IS NOT THE USUAL NEEDLE IN THE HAY STACK--- SOMETIMES WE LOCATE BITS OF METAL EASILY-

AND I HAVE TO MENTION CLOTHING-- WE HAVE A LOVELY CHILDS GREY JACKET--- WITH SKI TAGS ON THERESA'S CHAIR

A BLACK SOMETHING HAS BEEN ON THE FRONT SEAT OF THE DURANGO FOR WEEKS

JANINE--- I HAVE LOCATED THE SKI MOBILE SUITS-- WINTER IS HERE.

******************

bernard and mannie are arriving and will be around tomorrow-- Thursday

***************

for dog training

megan has planned to take the train with a couple people and dogs-- from beverly to lynn -- and meet colleen for some girls club gig --

colleen took the small van home --- to l;ynn--- and will bring them all back when she comes to feed

***************

should work...

*************

MY TOOTH IS GONE-- I HAD A CHOICE OF NOVACAINE OR PROPATOL ( MICHAEL JACKSON'S DRUG OF CHOICE) BUT SINCE I SAW NO PROVISION FOR ADMINISTERING OXYGEN-- AND PROPATOL HAD SO MUCH BAD PRESS -- I OPTED FOR NOVACAINE.

DARN....

Jan 5, 2011

2012-01-07T17:10:00.003-08:00

hey dawg is with us for 10 days-- he us a very sensitive funny dog,,

he would not settle down until i sat with him and read a bedtime story- then went to bed--- and 3am he started talking to me- i let him out- and in and he went staight and sat next to a bag of dog food gay had left for him.

i can not believe gay feeds him at 3am--- so my other thought was he was going to protect his bag of food from gisselle -- our resident rat --who is living under the file cabinet with a stash of milk bones

we have not yet been able to trap giselle and move her elsewhere

hey is here for 10 days-- i forget where gay went but taking him was complicated so we have him.

***********

bernard and manny will be along today

*************

MOXIE HAS ARRIVED--- DRIPPING-- SO START CONTING... THESE COULD BE THE PUPS WE NEED FOR THE TOWER OF HOPE GALA IN MAY

******

PI HAS GONE VISITING HILLARY-- WITH HOPES SHE CHARMS HILLARY'S MOTHER AND DOES NOT EAT THE COUCH

************

today's SERIOUS topic is the worshiping of running water

next to heat,--- running water is a primary concern in the farming department and should receive the utmost consideration..

i remember ( here we go) we had a house fire ?1969? and i had 30 horses in the barn-

the barn water came from the house... SO IT WS GONE.... and i spent hours filling 55 gal drums with water from neighbors to bucket to thirsty horses.

and then there was the day of the unexpected dip in temp and i had a 55 gallon block of ice SLIDING AROUND in the back of my small pickup

******************

TODAY... HERE... the basic problem-- the%^&(*^&% horses and their water

we and the horse bunch are incapable of using a hose in the winter because it must be totally drained after each use--- by unhooking it--- putting thE END IN THE ARENA ( LOWER THAN THE ALLEY) THEN GO BACK TO THE OTHER END AND RAISE TH E HOSE UP OVER YOUR HEAD WHILE WALKING TOWARD THE ARENA-- THEN BLOW IN THE HOSE TO BE SURE THERE IS NO GURGLE.

THERE IS NO SHORTCUT. BECAUSE......

WHEN IT STAYS ATTACHED TO THE WALL IN THE ALLEY, IT FREEZES AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE FROST FREE VALVE TO DRAIN BACK TO THE FEED ROOM-- SO IT FREEZES AND WATER IS THE ONLY KNOWN SUBSTANCE TO INCREASE IN SIZE AS THE TEMP DROPS. FROM 4 TO 0 CENTEGRADE

IT CAN EASILY SPLIT A $25.00 PIECE OF PLUMBING.. WHICH IT DID.

SO PLAN "B" WHICH I HAVE TRIED TO INSTILL BEFORE -=--IS TO FILL THE TANK IN THE ALLEY- WHICH HAS A COVER AND A HEATER-- THEN BUCKET TO THE STALLS WHICH SHOULD HAVE 2 BUCKETS EACH--- ON THE ALLEY WALL THEY ARE LABELED WATER 1 AND WATER 2 SO YOU CAN AIM OVER THE WALL WITH THE SMALLER DIPPING BUCKETS.. DIPPING BUCKETS NEVER SIT ON THE FLOOR--- AND ARE HUNG AFTER USE.

I USED TOP HAVE COLOR CODED BUCKETS---BUT THEY WENT OUT THE WONDOW AND WE HAVE ENOUGH COSTCO BUCKETS FOR DIPPING--

WE JUST NEED TO FIND ENOUGH STURDY STALL BUCKETS--- EACH STALL NEEDS 2 INCLUDING MARY.

THERE IS NO SHORTCUT-- THIS IS NEW ENGLAND AND WE HAVE ALOT OF HORSE PEOPLE WHO ARE NEW COMERS- WHICH COULD COST ME $25 EVERY TIME THEY WATER THE HORSES.

*******************

IN THE "IF YOU NEED TO KNOW" DEPARTMENT

you have to know all this--- or you will get wet trying to resolve it..

so back to our barn and our water supply-- it comes from this house in a 5'deep trench-- then raised to the surface into the feed room ( now warmed) thru a "gate val;ve" (fancy faucet which when turned off -- drains the pipe back down to th emain at 5' below)

THERE IS A NORMAL EMERGENCY SHUT OFF BEHIND AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE SINK

IN ADDITION--- THE 10 OUTSIDE FAUCETS HVE BEEN TURNED OFF ( RED LEVER OVER THE SINK) FOR THE WINTER--- WITHTHE FAUCET IN #10 LEFT OPEN

IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG WITH THT GATE VALVE--- THEN WE ARE LOOKING AT AN IMMEDIATE PROBLEM NEEDING MASTERSON'S BIG HOLE DIGGERS TO RESOLVE..

SO LEAVE THAT ALONE..

CASE CLOSED

Jan 6, 2011

2012-01-07T17:10:00.001-08:00

DARE I TRY AND USE THIS?? SEEMS TO BE WORKING AT THE MOMENT..

WHEN IT HICCUPS IT WILL NOT GIVE ME THE SIGN IN SCREEN..

**********************************

MOST I,MPORTANT--- THE CHICKEN [POOING WILL BE THIS NEXT SUNDAY AND WE ARE ALOMST UP TO NORMAL SO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT.. CLICK ON

RIGHT AT THE MOMENT YOU HAVE A CHANCE OF 1 IN 134 OF WINNING THE $500 YOU WON'T GET ODDS LIKE THat anywhrere.

*******************

we have a lot of aDULT DOGS ALL OF A SUDDEN--- IT IS LIKE MUSICAL CHAIRS WITH DOGS.

MANNY AND HEYDAWG WILL NOT NEED BREAKFAST AS THEY GOT INTO 3 DIFFERENT CONTAINERS OF FOOD... - ALONG WEIHT A FEW OTHER THINGS.

PAUL GOT THE WATER WORKING AGAIN IN THE BArn thank heavens--- it is now set up for dip and pour for the horses -- sorry but that is how it will be til spring thaw--- unless something worse happens

****************

some woman called and said if i was janine's mother-- then she had left another horse in our barn at 2am... with all kinds of comments about where it was eventually to go..

she agreed it would live on hay and water-- and she didn't know if the messy coat was "rain rot" or just plain filth from the rescue pens.

and i do not know where janinie even is?????

*****************

today

project is to get the ceiling insulation covered so the dogs can not pull it down

and you all know colleen got the house in boxford

this is a greeat thing for serv dog project

she is a good trainer-- good business woman-- and pretty good comedian\]

what el;se could we ask for??

Jan 7, 2011

2012-01-07T17:09:00.001-08:00

manny is dealing with boot camp around here---nice dog-- couple kinks to work out ---- he is used to living without puppies crawling over him sniffing away. altho if we really study the actions--- it is the boys he does not want surveying his rump. he is not so fussy about the girls-- like crimson in the coa van.

he had an "accident " in kelly's yesterday megan and i got right on it--- literally--

and they had a mopper-upper person even tho megan and i had it pretty clean...

bless those cardboards...

*********

Just a short note to thank everyone.

Mannie's reaction to you all was absolute pleasure on my part.

Thank you for everything

Bernard

************

sounds like charlie is doing fine-- i have suggested steve keep an exact diary of their wanderings so if ADI comes down on my head for letting him take charlie before 1 year old..... i will have paperwork.

*********

ADI loves paperwork www.adionline.org

before ADI accreditation----- i purchased a 500 page ?ream? pack of papers for the printer every 6 months and trained 4 dogs a year.

now we buy 6 cartons of paper every 2 days and train 6 dogs a year.. this is progress??

what happened to this paperless society

*****

Hey Carlene,

Just touching base with you. Charlie and I are doing fine and I get him out as much as possible. yesterday for seven hours, brought water and food with us while we were out. I am trying to size up my schedule and I have three appt's on Tuesday the tenth.....if it is OK with you and the guest house is available, Can we return after Tuesday?Do you have any questions for me? Charlie is doing good with the cold weather and snow. He loves to play in the snow but once the harness is on he is at work. I am glad to hear that you are having some good things happening rather than the Negative issues (Water). Stay safe and I look forward to working with you and your staff soon.
Sent from my iPad2 - Steve C. Girard

*******************

we are trying to split up the supply type chores between the weekly volyunteers..

like----- *** those white pvc pipes that are all over--- should contain the grocery bags which are hanging in the kitchen..

*** the leashes gravitate from the house to the feed room... someone needs to bring them back up the hill

*** the vans-- and the cleaning up thereof... dirt on the floor plus water equals rust so in that case clean is better

*** and business cards--- we do not have that in any kind of system-- they should be in all the vests and "parachutes" including my wallet- the fact that i never have any is stupid..

*** restocking the soda in the guest house refrig.

*** and there is always the ubiquitous laundry

and things like that

********************************

fyi that godin coal stove i got as a bargain on ebay for $200 - yesterday paul and i loaded up both that and the pot belly one--- and the pot belly one was cold long before the godin even cooled down enough to get it covered with a garbage bag...

new they sell for $1300 and more-- they seem to function well too..

now go do the chicken thing--- and if you already have-- then get one other person to buy one too... it is very critical------and we will be "drawing" this Sunday 3pm

please---
help pay for the dog food
with a chicken poo brick the game is the first sunday of the month at the farmwww.memsaic.com/app/wall.cfm?sid=0FD5CCB2AAE9D7
www.servicedogproject.org
***********************************Carlene White"My service dog is a passport to a life not dominated by my disability"
emails are the preferred form of communication--- and if you do not hear back within 24 hours assume computer malfunction.




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daily doggie

Nov 20, 2011

2011-12-16T09:42:00.001-08:00

the yuppy puppy..( gumball machine with dog treats)

we need some volunteers to really concentrate on getting these pups to use it--- or we need to take it away.---.problem is the adults know-- and bentley knows and the rest of the pups stand around waiting for bently to spill some.

doesn;t seem right-- gigi doesn't know either..

we need some attention to that matter.

*********************

construction wise-- paul and earlene showed yesterday with a heavy duty pupe cutter and we whipped out the frames for the chain link-- and then ran out of pipe-- but with luck today we will get that done.

and the chimney has been fastened to the ceiling--- so we can try a bigger fire today

i have some coal somewhere here--- in a trash can..

need to experiment with that -- and the timeing--

and how long does a big chunk of a log last....? overnight??

this is certainly not a kennel like anyone elses kennel

******************

looking forward to jade 's arrival tomorrow

*****************

So Carlene, you told me that Jim thought he couldn't have another dog but after two weeks he realized life without a dane is just no longer an acceptable lifestyle. I think that might be on your theories to test. The grief transitions into the feeling of not wanting to do it again which transitions into the feeling of having no option but to do it again.

I am flying up tomorrow night and cannot believe I will be alone

. Katie accompanied me on my last 3 dozen flights. A flight attendant can help me on a plane but not like she could. And everyone from the front desk to security to flight attendants knows her by name, the questions are always painful but it reminds me of how many people had their day made just by seeing her. I just appreciate everything everyone at SDP did to get Kate ready for working life, the love that you all gave her and the time you gave me with her. Thank you.

-Jade

******************

so now we have to put another together for her

i am always in fear of making some decision which would be detrimental to a "partnership"- but that is no reason not to try and get it right.... again.

per ADI rules anyone who has lost a dog has highest priority in getting another.

plus---- jade will be living about 10 miles away as she will be going to law school in andover...

****

besides with all her experience she is capable of dealing with another dane quirk-- they all have them

for example bobby--- perfect bobby-- continues his absolute fear of bathtubs and sinks--- other than that he is very level headed.

****************

speaking of quirks-- i have a bunch of relatives arriving in the area-- from -texas----dc and colorado- organized by daughter gwen-

i don't know if anyone will be staying here-- they are not really into the dog project- but i probably should get the coa van cleaned up.

usually there is a group who want to chase the Myopia "Thanksgiving Hunt" it is a photo op big time...

Janine has ridden that for years --- has organized for a horse for one of my horse type nieces-

it is a spectacular out door event for thanksgiving morning--- - hounds--- and red coats etc...

being a "drag" hunt ( the route it takes is predetermined by someone riding earlier while dragging a very messy towel with a scent on it)

i don't know who told me it was annesette on the drag rag...

at any rate -for those who might want to go--- it probably will start 10:00 the back side of appleton farms the area of Cutter Rd and Highland street--- in ipswich

i will check the time and location with janine- but it is around there somewhere.. and it is possible to chase them as they go thru winthrops -- past turner hill and into bradley state park..

take great care if you have a dog with you--- that is a pack of hounds- a pack is a pack

interesting fyi-- the hounds are kenneled with a bunch of goats who's general actions are like a deer's -- except goats butt dogs--- so early -- as pups--they learn to stay clear of those kind and don't wander off the annesette chasing deer. is the theory

****************

Hi, just touching base, I think anyone with a Service Dog can list off some defining moments with Their Dog that deepen the bond or reassure Them of that bond and strengthen Their relationship. I don't know it is hard to put into words. The other day I got a no worries message from Tess, We were in the checkout line of a department store, it was crowded and after so many people ohing and ahing over her and asking about her, plus it was almost time for my next dose of med's I was frazzled, crashing (med's had cut out and I was trying to hold it together and get out of the store). As we inched along in line Tess kept turning facing back and I wanting to get out of there, kept turning her back around. I kept telling her to behave and turn around, then it happened, I bent down a little and whispered Tess....before I could say anything else She raised her head and planted a kiss right on my face! Looking in her eyes I read, (sensed?) Calm down I've got it, I'm handling this. I smiled and said well thank you Tess! The clerk told me my total I paid, Tess swung around tucked in close to me (for extra support?) and We strolled out of the store. To some it doesn't seem like much, but if You have a Service Dog you'll know what I mean. (Magical Moments)

I'd like to thank You again for making it possible for this wonderful Dog to come into My life! Sincerely Al&Tess

******************

that is reassuring to hear since we have a very long way to go with this bunch of pups,

every once in a while i look over this tribe and wonder what on earth i have got myself into--- and then one of the partnerships sends an email reminding me.

so on we go/

Nov 21, 2011

2011-12-16T09:41:00.001-08:00

the biggest news today is jade is due here .

that is the biggest news unless..... gigi is very restless-- she has had 3 cookies and 2 bowls of food --- been on the deck--- and out front with yellow ----and is standing looking at me...

she is not due til ..Thursday -> Sunday

she is big.. and has a well developed mammaliary system-- i have not measured but for those of you interested in statistics--- i would say they are hanging 4.5 inches

i have not felt any kicking yet--- but she is soooooo thick.

**************

Sunday Sandy reports that lindsay is doing well in the therapy department..SS is a nurse and takes her to work occasionally to the delight of the nursing home patients etc....

****************

it was a fun Sunday stew-- the visual----

at one point 3 guys were struggling to loosen up an old ambulance gurney with hammers and a blow torch -- while greg 1 was wandering around with a trash can of coal on his shoulders --- greg 2 and a family with 3 kids were chasing pups up and down the hill- and someone else was struggling to get a chunk of hay out of mary's mouth..

(hay should not be pasted together in clumps--- that smacks of mold--- janine take note)

*****

we had 2 new stewers--- a "clicker trainer" from newburyport and a volunteer from gorden college--- both arrived as megan was trying to corral dogs and get them fed.

which brings up----- people should not blather when megan is trying to think.

( blather = an old scottish word for conversations like "blue towels were on sale at Sear's last week" i.e. a piece of information of no use to anyone---- not to be confused with "the barn is on fire" type conversation)-

***

megan does a terriffic job- so let her-- and when she is working she needs to be able to think.--- the last thing she is supposed to do every day is a walk-around- where she stands in front of every dog and verifies water and heat. ...it is her responsibility even when she is not the one feeding....

there are sooo many details-- it is not fair to burden her mind with "blue towels on sale at sears"

tell her all that when she is hanging around drinking soda--

************

re:clicker training --- if you have super timing- it can be a valid training device if you are teaching "tricks" -- i prefer to think we are educating dogs - not teaching tricks. --- also a clicker is one more thing for me to misplace---

i remember...( here we go) thumper-- who would pick up something i dropped-- no problem-

however--- i was giving a demo of how a dane could actually be trained to pick up something and hand it to you.

i dropped it -- he instantly picked it up

somebody said lets see that again

i dropped it again-- he looked at me and very slowly picked it up

the 3rd time i dropped it-- he smiled and said "forget that---- i am not a trick dog"

*******************

construction report

earlene and i worked on the chain link fences

paul screwed the chimney to the roof and we set 'er roaring.

it gets hot in there-- granted it was 60 degrees outside--- but it must have been 100 inside ( 40 degrees difference?? they can live with that.)

we need some thermometers-- and another little white box that turns a light on when the temp goes below 55 degrees.

*****************

earlene cleaned the windows of the van--- in prep for the onslaught of my relatives.

they do not live in the world of dane slobber on the windows.....

----- poor them.

***************

Dec 10th, 2011

2011-12-16T09:40:00.001-08:00

poor randys roast beef--

we (4) had lunch there today--- the "pups" were great- but you can not stuff 4 DANEs IN harness under the table... megan got one under-- the rest sprawled in clear view so on one would trip over them..

i try not to go to the same restaurant more than once a month. randy's has open floor space

a critical HOW TO reminder ---- waitresses carrying a tray DO NOT LOOK DOWN-- SO WHEN THE DANE IS IN THE AISLE --- MOVE A CHAIR TO BLOCK THE WAY-- EVEN A HARLEQUIN ON A DARK RUG COULD LOGICALLY CAUSE A SPILL --- IN CASE I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT TO ANY NEW RECIPIENTS..

******************

I CAN TRY AND PUT JADES PICTURE HERE--

Pistol is great. I realized there is a correlation between how tight her harness is and how fast she pulls the chair, so that's good. Despite knowing Kate, some folks have been a little apprehensive about such a big dog named after a gun. So I started calling her Bristol and as was the goal, she didn't notice. We are meeting the woman from the other program for lunch today, so I'll let you know how that goes later.

***
Lunch went great. Jen and her husband were very nice and loved Pistol. She was great. She is getting used to laying down for long periods and therefore only got up when two ladies stood over her making kissy noises. Why people do that and then act surprised when the dog responds is beyond me... But anyway, Jen and her husband loved her.

-Jade

**********************

THe jen to whom she refers is from another program and would like to try a dane or two--- i have decided if anyone wants a pup of ours they have to come here and learn the difference between danes and goldens--- otherwise there is a big chance the dog is doomed..

a properly raised dane pup can do balance work with about 2 days training--- now if you want the dane to retrieve your dropped wallet--- that will take 6 months.

thumper taught me that in front of an audience once--- i dropped something and he promptly picked it up and put it in my hand- second drop he hesitated--- the third drop he clearly said-"you idiot.... i am not a trick dog" and would not even look at it.

**********

but for balance work--- they are right there.

**************

opAL AND BENTLY ARE LEARNING THAT TOM'S HAT IS ONE OF MY POSSESSIONS-- AND THEY MAY NOT TOUCH IT EVEN IF IT IS ON THE FLOOR.

ANOTHER TRAINING CONCEPT--- I DON'T KNOW IF I PUT THIS IN THE DD OR NOT.

IF YOU HAVE A SANDWICH ON YOUR LAP AND THE PUP COMES OVER-- YOU MUST NEVER PICK UP THE SANDWICH AND RAISE IT HIGHER AND HIGHER--- THAT IS HOW YOU TEACH A DOG TO STand on his hind legs --- YOU LEAVE IT ON YOUR LAP AND SNAP HIS NOSE IF IT GETS CLOSE WITH A "LEAVE IT" ----- THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT MOM WOULD DO.. SPEAKING DOG LANGUAGE ----THE PUP WILL LEARN THAT HUMANS ARE FOOD AGGRESSIVE--- AND THEY BETTER NOT PUSH THEIR LUCK..

it worked that way in the van yesterday--- which was crowded 4 pups charlie-crimson-xl- and corky-- plus bailey and luna for the ride.

(that was 4 people and 700 pounds of dogs)

we had the leftovers in a bag for the chickens--- and the pups were mauling jacky to get at it-

she threw the bag to me--- AND I Put it on the floor with a "leave it" and they all walked around it and did not dare touch it..

a further concept was i only snapped the nose of 2 of them--- and the rest decided not to try.

****************

next report

george's office party--- and the selection of random prize winners-- which will be done by our method of letting the chickens decide.

megan filmed one "episode" and then george said he had a second prize -- so we(+jacky and karen) did up a second numbered table and set out the chickens

after 100 seconds--- i said "it never takes this long" and with that-- out came the poo on a number--- which shall remain secret until we play the film at george's party.

we have a good concept going--- with a little perfection this could be an even greater concept for SDP....

********************

and steve---- he will learn to be careful about what he puts in an email to me--- i love cut and pasting,-----

sometimes he better put "not for publication"

Dear Carlene and crew,

I want to thank you for all your patience with me and all the help you gave me in just a few days of visiting with you and Charlie. I do miss him dearly already and slept terrible without him last night. I am back to checking over my shoulder and not wanting to go outside. I just can't tell you how much charlie helped my balance and PTSD. I have been looking at his picture every hour. What a goof ball!

I told you on my visit about some things that us younger veterans go thru and what really helps. such as letting the dog alert us to our surroundings, such a huge help for us that still can't handle startling sounds. The other thing that i noticed was when I told charlie to "WoW" he stopped but then I just nudged him to stand in front of me where I gently rubbed his back and he blocked me from any type of crowd or unknown situation. This was so helpful to me and stopped the sweating that I normally went through.

I tell all of this just for your information when you run across other veterans who fight the same battles. The only issue I was having and I believe as I work with him more it will get better is.... He walks faster than I do and keeps me more tense. I don't know what you think about that but is it something Megan could work on , trying to slow his pace down? It would help me with my balance better. If you believe it will be better for me to adjust together with him, of course I will. I am just trying to give you some feed back and I know you will let me know what is best.

I really want to thank you and Megan for all the help you have given me, I, for the first time, feel whole again and it feels great. I look forward to meeting again soon. I assume Megan will be working with Charlie a lot. Is it possible to get Megans email address so I can keep in contact and get regular updates? Thanks. Tell Doctor Tom I said Hello and we will talk soon.

Love Steve

*******************

i have to forward this video--- it makes cesar look like a beginner

notice the control the guy has on getting them to one side or the other as they pass other dogs--- and the control in traffic.

this guy knows what he is doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qFP28ANXLLA&vq=medium

there are a lot of details in this video worth watching.

#1 they are getting plenty of exercise

#2 dogs pack behind a leader.

Dec 12th, 2011

2011-12-16T09:35:00.003-08:00

george's party and mark's sh#tting video were a mutual success.

that thersa's restaurant 114 middleton is a good place to eat--well done on all scores--

i was a wreck for fear of a mechanical malfunction of the 2 video'd sh#tings--- but george had his big tv there--- and the discs worked well- everybody laughed appropriately .

at the last minute gwen ( blue dog gwen) went with me-- thank heavens- because after the party we loaded the ladders--- she backed out and started for rt 114--- and the coa van said-- "not bloody likely"-and died...-the engine light had come on.

well in my carreer i have rarely driven a car that did not have the engine light on constantly..., so i tried to drive it... and it said "you either" and quit again.

with luck it limped into a parking spot under a light and there we sat--every few minutes i tried to turn on the key and the temp gauge would shoot for the OVERHEATED and die.--

it was lying-- it had to be--- it had not run long enough to even warm up-so we sat in the cold-- and called home--

earlene sent out the troops (3 men) armed with great intentions - antifreeze and water

now--- so help me--- gwen can swear to this--

the 3 just laid their hands on the van

paul opened the door--- bud leaned against it---greg opened the hood-- i turned the key and it started and ran all the way home without a hiccup-- with greg driving.

i rode in the car---- i had no faith in that "laying on of the hands"

paul thought gwen and i were nuts-- and we did not have a thing to drink !!!

we will never hear the end of that one.

****

Sunday stew apparently functioned well . .... in the guest house. with 7 puppies and a few adults--

***********

noel needs some tender loving training.. she is a bit too vocal in her disapproval of strangers--

i have to respect it only for a split second--- because bailey -yesterday reminded me she has the right to voice an opinion about 1 person in every 934 people that pat her. she does not approve of george-- even when i insisted with a rope--- she had this "don't cross me" look about her-- and was capable of snapping--- with blood.

she gave plenty of warning--- which is one reason everyone has to watch and read what their dog is thinking..

she took a cookie from george--- and he seemed "ah well ---see a treat will work every time" --- but the look on her face was "you don't buy me off for one lousy milk bone" and clanked her long toenails back into the tv room.

**********

today-- Monday

polly/bob day

and i want to go over with megan the one on one puppy handling. time has come for them to realize "they are trying to get me to do something"

very much like patty duke as hellen keller in the movie miracle worker when helen realizes the the movements in her hand mean WATER

these pups are ( read--- should be) ready to learn

as opposed to "how can i teach these humans to feed me a cookie"

Dec 13th, 2011

2011-12-16T09:35:00.001-08:00

TOWER OF HOPE---LOUIS CALLED AND EMAILED THE DETAILS FOR SENDING GRANT REQUESTS IN DECEMBER--- SO I WILL CONCENTRATE ON THat today--- their support is critical for all these pups now in real training...

*******************

the nut house enables us to swap pups around mixing the litters and changing location-

both deagle house and nut house are respectably warm-- and kennel 9-10 is not quite respectably warm---but livable...and gives them a different view to be swapped around... also it gives megan a chance to leash walk them all one at a time as they go from pillar to post.

*****************

which reminds me--- the duct fan that moves air from 8 to 9 is making noise i.e. needs replacing--- and we have one to replace it---currently unused in the nuthouse...

and (here is a good one.... for all of you) those computers that you throw out--- have a wonderful little fan in them--- so before you pitch it out... unscrew the fan and cut the wires

they are very relaible and cost about $25 each-- every computer has one--- some dc -- some ac we can deal with either--- they move just enough air without causing a breeze...

next problem is i have a collection..... somewhere

so that can be today's scavenger hunt.

**************

dog training...

charlie is lovely-- a little lively-- but lovely-- his main problem we are working on is speed.

in dog thinking... if you want to go from A to B ---you do not meander--- but do a simple "dog trot"

people are more suited to meandering -- so charlie needs to be reprogrammed - he can se no reason to go slowly.. he is learning. he does a great "one step" on the stairs... but needs a slower "first gear."

*************

now about this "dog trot"

here we go--- and i bet geroge does not agree---but....

dogs should trot squarely--- with diagonal feet moving forward at the same time--'

some dogs "pace" --- a swinging motion with both legs on one side moving together ( not to be confused with a running gallop).

if we have a pup that paces--- and we have not had one in quite a while--- i remove it from the program because it is my belief that something is wrong somewhere-- and it makes a better pet than sturdy support dog.

for $5000 i am sure either george or tufts vet school could figure out why-- but it doesn't matter..in my exsperience "somethin's gonna give" sometime.

to demo exactly what i mean.... normally--- as you walk your left foot moves forward as your right hand swings forward-

just try that the other way with left foot and left hand moving forward

it doesn't feel right. and in dogs-- it is my belief that it predicts trouble down the line.... maybe not.. what do i know???

*******************

on the topic of george telling me i am nuts--- we can discuss hairy teeth-

this is a good one.

tooth picking--- as in tartar removal-- there is a new veternarian water jet that does a beautiful job for $700- however a screwdriver chips the stuff off the teeth too. ( that is how vets used to do teeth too)

megan and i cleaned teeth yesterday---

over years...i have had a pretty good look at teeth--

and i have discovered that my danes ( i have not checked elsewhere) my danes usually have at least one black hair coming out of their eye tooth. usually just one.... and i told george-- he dismissed it as too bizzare and said--WITH GREAT AUTHORITY- that hair was from licking/ grooming themselves and my immagination had gone wild--er..

i was not convinced and hung in there--- then one day i had bailey there-- and behold the one black hair on each of her canine teeth-- george gave me the "licking " theory----- and --- with delight i reminded him BAILEY IS WHITE.

so he looked-- and finally displayed the intellectual curiosity i expected of him.

so now he is as confused as i..

since many of our danes have a common genetic foundation of BMW and deagle from belgium--- could be it is specific to our danes

so would you all look into that and give me a report --

a gauze pad will discover that if you don't have a screwdriver.

*********************

both bud and paul are going to be away after christmas so i will be looking for drivers for tom --- hillary??? robbie??? anybody

************************

SINCE I HAVE NO CUT AND PASTE----- I CAME TO THIS--- WRITTEN LAST CHRISTMAS --

*************************************************

I am overwhelmed with ridiculous statements about which to write????

starting with

Merry Chrismas-

bud rob mary and i did a jesus job last night..Mary was 1000% with all those little kids and tiny fingers she managed not to do a thing wrong.as she devoured 1/2 a box of grannola bars---- so i had a lot of time to stand around and watch..

the fact that the budget cuts have eliminated many music programs in the schools means that nobody knows all the words to jingle bells let alone oh come oh come Emanuel-- the schools probably don't even have a christmas choral concert anymore because the security issue of keeping the schools open cost too much and would keep people from shopping for one night..

so nobody sings.

and very few are merry-----

i heard "go pat the donkey once --- we have to go."

i wondered where???

it is not un-american to skip the entire fiasco.

when gwen and janine were 5 and 7- they totally understood shopping in January they could get twice the presents because of the 50% off sales.

that lasted for a couple years- then we gave it up entirely

and just ate a bowl of whipped cream

it was a lot easier and cheaper.

i got the phone call from my daughter that every mother longs to get

"You were absolutely right"

"these %^$*&* kids need nothin --- want everything .... I quit"

scrooge? yup..

if i get a lump of coal in my stocking, i will thank santa for the heat it would produce.-all the rest is advertising.

**********************

i bet i am merrier than most who- thanks to christmas have credit cards overflowing.

i am bad....

Dec 14th, 2011

2011-12-16T09:34:00.001-08:00

we have a group of pups addicted to plastic... water bottles ( with tops removed) may have started something...

before i had the coffee made this morning they had eaten--- well parts are missing-- of the plastic storage box containing our financial files.

now --- how do you think the IRS will deal with " the dogs ate my records" ???

actually--- our accountant said he hoped we would do a home audit because the irs would never believe this place otherwise.

-----our accountant's name is Rob--- i never thought about it before--

******************

i am very exited to announce the partitions in the nut house are no longer in the state of wiggle.... and are bolted up,, down... and sideways

i have not found any chain link hinges--- neither home depot or lowes have any-- not the huge gate hardware at $24 per... but the simple post and ring for maybe $6

our training mission today will have to be to a bigggg hardware storefor a few more pieces.. ?? seabrook home depot??

i forgot if i am supposed to shop at lowes --- or not shop there-- i forget the details of the news program.

**************

speaking of infrastructure and preparing for the future-- we have some woodland creature ( squirrel rat or chipmunk) who has been working on an easy access to the area by the coffee pot for a week.. ----. problem is--- their engineering department did not take into account the counter is a 2" thick maple butcher block. ..... currently bently and opal are sitting staring at the cupboard with my collection of plastic jars which holds up the thick counter..

the noise from within is exactly like when they chew on our oak sofa's aka dog beds.

i wonder what they are thinking.. ? rural sprawl?

whatever is in there is very bold--- the dogs are now chewing on the door to the cupbard.... stay tuned...

*****************

charlie is doing wonderfully---

next problem is we need a photo of charlie and steve to submit to TOH who has sponsored the training of dogs for veterans and their families...

steve is 3 hours from here- ( also charlie is 3 hours from steve)

*******************

we do have some driving opportunities for the next couple weeks

paul is going somewhere for 10 days

bud gone a week

megan couple days

fortunately hillary is broke ( normal student condition)

and other students may be around--

we need one to take charlie to steve's and get a picture of them together.

********************

i like broke students-- i built animal episodes on the stregnth of janine's broke classmates from BU. i could tell her i needed 4 fit helpers to chase pigs down storrow drive for some movie at 6am for $100 a day.. and 4 bleary eyed college kids would be standing on a corner waiting for me at 5:59 am.

******************

antifreeze-- is a very bad word-- to a dog-- it tastes good and wrecks their kidneys - killing them. -- doesn't take much

tom's car haS A leak- and just buying a jug and filling it up is not an option--a partailly filled jug is really a terrible thing to have.. they can be tipped over.

there is such a thing as pet friendly antifreeze -- prestone lowtox or some such-

but instead of just adding it i decided why not actually fix the leak..

not a bad idea-- i have lived too long with the duct tape mentality that actually fixing something is a new concept.

***********************

now i will try and copy and paste 2 pictures of "our new puppies" from denmark.

"our new puppies" -aka new stud dog for 2013??? got to plan ahead.

and a merle girl to keep him company

girl one

boy one

Dec 15, 2011

2011-12-16T09:33:00.001-08:00

OTHERWISE KNOWN as today's tirade-

ANIMAL traINING-

THERE IS A WHOLE TRAINING LESSON HERE- IN AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOR.

IN OUR KITCHEN- WE DUTIFULLY HAVE TRASH-- PLASTIC--CANS-- GLASS

AND MOST OF THE PEOPLE AROUND HERE GET IT STRAIGHT

---NOT ALL--- BUT MOST..

EVEN THE MOST RELIABLE WERE TOTALLY THROWN OFF THEIR STRIDE YESTERDAY BY THE REVERSAL OF THE "CANS" AND " PLASTIC"

I AM SURE... SOMEONE SWEPT THE KITCHEN-- AND IN RETURNING THE CONTAINERS TO THEIR LOCATION REVERSED THEM... BECAUSE PLASTIC WAS IN FACT PLASTIC IN THE BOTTOM BUT 1/2 WAY UP IT ALL TURNED TO CANS... AS PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY PITCHED TO THE LOCATION.... NOT TO THE SIGN THAT SAID "CANS"

I DO NOT THINK A DOG WOULD HAVE MADE THAT ERROR.

WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US?

AND WE ARE SUPERIOR----WE CAN READ...

OR SO THEY SAY..

***************

I AM NOT SURE THAT IS TRUE EITHER--- YOU CAN HANG ANY SIGN YOU WANT ON A HARNESS THAT SAYS DO NOT DISTURB-- GET LOST--- OR WHATEVER--- AND PEOPLE WILL NOT READ IT ..

THE ONLY TIME I HAVE HEARD OF ANYONE READING A BADGE IS WHEN I GAVE MELISSA A PATCH FOR ANNIE THAT SAID "ASK BEFORE YOU PAT"

THAT POINTS OUT THAT I HAD A GAP BETWEEN READ AND THINK

BECAUSE ONE OF ANNIE'S CHORES IS TO DEAL WITH THE FACT THAT MELISSA IS DEAF.

***********************

*******************

AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOR?

THERE ARE HUGE LEGAL RAMMIFICATIONS OF HAVING A FLIGHT OF STAIRS WHERE ONE STEP IS HIGHER THAN THE REST.

WE PATTERN QUICKLY AND THEN ANYTHING THAT CAUSES US TO THINK IS WRONG.

ESPECIALLY IN POLITICS.

**********

ALL THIS CAME ABOUT BECAUSE I WENT TO A CHAIN LINK DEALER WHO HAD HIS OFFICE IN HIS CELLAR--- ONE STEP WAS DIFFERENT-- AND I TRIPPED 3 TIMES BEFORE I THOUGHT ABOUT WHERE MY FEET WERE.

***************

NOW DOGS.....

****************

WE HAVE CONCENTRATED ON CHARLIE--- AND HE IS DOING WELL

CRIMSON MUST HAVE BEEN STUNG BY A BEE--- BECAUSE LATELY SHE JUMPS LIKE SHE HAS BEEN SHOT IF YOU TOUCH HER REAR END--- SPINMMING 180 DEGREES. THAT WILL BE A GOOD ONE TO GET RID OF.

***************

UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE NOTHING TO CUT AND PASTE--

COME ON GUYS---- THERE ARE A FEW WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM IN A BIT..

I NEED MATERIAL

OBVIOUSLY

Dec 16th

2011-12-16T09:30:00.001-08:00

charlie is going to spend a couple overnights with steve--jacky and husband are taking him out to plainsxxxxx---? pitsfield ---nearly albany.. megan packed his "overnight bag"

then vivian( wife of very tall greg from Sunday stews) will visit him on Monday and try and figure out how to get charlie--or charlie and steve--- back for more training./

somewhere in this book of directions ADI put out, i think i read that a certified serv dog must be a year old..

charlie looks a year old-- and he can pass all the public access tests..

so we will call him a service dog in training-

all the public access laws apply to" in training" also.

STEVE.....please try and stay off the front page of your newspaper til we get a few more hours in training both you and charlie

REMINDERS

since he is young( the dog--- not steve)--- i have to remind steve to be careful about scolding him. danes are soooo sensative you can not raise the volume of "SCOLDING" that you would use trying to get a beagle's attention..

and cut that cardboard to fit in your rear jeans pocket with at least one plastic bag. it is flat--- you will not know it is there.

experience comes from bad experience--

it has happened to me only twice in all these years--- but last time in costco i simply moved my shopping cart to straddle the mess til i got organized--and when people saw me picking something up-- they figured i had dropped it.

welllll the third mess..

was more colorful-- paul and i were coming out of an elevator in the hospital with a young jasper-- he gagged once--- both paul and i grabbed our trusty emergency equipment in our back pockets - the second gag was productive-- but by that time paul had an open bag and i was at it with the 2 pieces of my cardboard--- i don't think the mess was on that floor for 5 seconds..

paul's cardboard made a second swipe and we were gone...

talk about professionals !!!

****

everybody gets to be an expert at something.
*****************************

ADI's book of directions does not include emergency situations like sending off pistol with 2 days official training.

*************

i have a nasty feeling today is the last hurrah for weather over 50 degrees

that number has something to do with the pvc cement--- so i better get that drain pipe glued today

isn't that fascinating???

Nov 23, 2011

2011-12-09T07:30:00.001-08:00

it doesn't take much to confuse me

but---

i now have to ask that you all stop using today tomorrow and yesterday

and go with DAY things like WEDNESDAY.

i had a nasty mixup because someone stayed up late Monday night and sent me and email referring to "tomorrow". in my haste i checked the date of the email which said it was emailed tuesday-- therefore tomorrow would be wednesday--- except the email was written at 12:07am which for the person who had not yet has a few hours sleep tomorrow was Tuesday .

taking 20 minutes to figure out what day it is-- is putting a strain on my abilities.

i think anne is coming over today--- but i can't be sure--

same with theresa--- there were a bunch of tomorrows and today's in her email and things like that -- so i gave up trying to figure that out.

**************

jade... doing very well-- but during the night --- last night----( Tuesday to Wednesday night) i remembered THAT LOOK that i got from pistol as paul jade and i sat in the van and ate lunch-

it was clearly "where's mine?"

now here is the critical part----

i gave her 2 tiny bits of my sandwich-- which got me "at least someone loves me " look.

and jade said "pistol will not be getting any people food" and that is correct--HOWEVER she better carry a doggie snack for pistol at least for the first month.....

jade worked out a marvelous working relationship with katie-- and m,aybe katie accepted watching a group eat-- but pistol was disappointed that no one brought her a snack for lunch.

these pups get used to "wait your turn for a spoonful of canned food" and that was the look pistol had in the van "when is it my turn?"

it is pretty annoying to have a dog watch the every movement of your jaw as you chew your food..... think--- LUNA's pitiful look-- but this is pistol who is just trying to figure out why everything is different... and where is megan with the cheese????

BESIDES JADE HAS A GREAT SHELF/POUCH/ UNDER HER WHEELCHAIR SEAT AND CAN CARRY A WATER DISH THERE... AMONG OTHER THINGS..

****

so altho i dish out treats after a training session... i think in this case a few bites of cheese -- will define the situation better in pistol's mind.

other than that pistol and jade are doing fine-

******************

today ( that is wednesday...) plan is to go for a train ride.

yesterday ( tuesday) we spent time getting pistol to pull jade uphill.

in our enthusiasm -- she got the concept at speed- but the direction was a little random-

there was a photo op missed there as i wildly chased jade when they careened around a parking lot hitting pillar and post-- plus a few cars and a ups truck

on the way to the train we may hit liberytree mall where there is a slight hill in the floor.. WE CAN GO FOR A CONTROLLED WALK/PULL.

true-ism you can not teach a dog to pull running downhill at 90 mph.

paul has offered to drive-- and chaperone us on the train---

then after the train--- a run by costco... those pumpkin cheescakes looked just too good yesterday.

and that would be a "normal enviromnment" for pistol after a challanging train ride.

now to study the train schedules--- how many trains can we get on and off in 2 hours??

? inbound 2 stops to salem

outbound 6 stops to rockport

inbound to beverly

and outbound to newburyport???.

and back to the van in beverly

something like that

in the rain.

ANNE -- IF YOU GET HERE FOR THIS JAUNT--- YOU CAN BE THE UMBRELLA PERSON

Nov 25, 2011

2011-12-09T07:29:00.003-08:00

Jade and pistol are on the plane

very funny story to type on a cpu when i land. we are on-- safe and sound. awesome in the airport. even pulled a bit.

-jade

***************

whew --- that is 1/2 the worry--- now to get off the plane and safely into her car-- which should happen in about 2 hours???

***************

my nerves are shot !!!

***************

i should not tempt fate and say anything before jade gets landed in her appartment... but..... technically------ this is where "educating the dog" is far superior to simply training one. pistol is usually a very sensible dog-- not the kind of thing you can do with clicker training.. .

beth (super clicker trained dog-- & gets this DD)-- could get her lab to pick up a random object- a blue pail - 100' away and place it on a random chair in the t tent in no more than 5 minutes while beth sat in one place--

that was impressive,,,

the clicker theory ( oh boy am i gonna get it) is for the dog to " make a suggestion" and i will click when it is correct. this is how beth did it.

dog standing in front of beth -- click--treat

standing then look in the direction i want you to go-- click--treat

look ---then walk in that direction- toward the object ( a blue pail) -- click--treat

walk toward and stand near the pail -- click--treat

stand at the pail and look for something to do- like touch the pail -- click--treat

go touch the pail and pick it up -- click--treat

bring it toward me -- click--treat

pick up the pail and walk-- toward the chair -- click--treat

pick up th pail and put it in front of the chair -- no click...

go pick it up again and put it on the chair -- click--treat

**************

now apply that to pistol at the airport-- going thru security---

one wheelchair one leash-one clicker and bag of treats -

2 hands-

pistol stop -- click--treat

pistol step in that doorway -- click--treat

TSA--- push button -- call security-- investigate the strange metal object----

get second opinion-- dog stuck in doorway waiting for a click- treat

security tests clicker-- dog jumps forward looking for treat-- jade reaches in her treat pouch- security doesn't understand what she is reaching for and pulls gun.

jade might have ended up in jail--

all over a clicker

***************

i am holding my breath til she lands in her car..-- my worry is having jade drop the short leash and pistol gets loose--and someone walks by who uses that strange hand cream "lush" that megan uses --- so pistol goes looking for megan-

stranger things have happened.. pistol was almost tagging along with jade after 2 days intro--- but she loves megan and complicated with megan's hand cream-- murphy's law could set in.

******************

we made it thru turkey day thanks to paul and earlene who drove--- and lois molly and Sunday sandy who managed the farm- and everyone survived.

janine rode in the myopia hunt-- and knowing what a madhouse it usually is we were there for a great parking place for tom to stay in the car- paul and earlene got out to watch the horses gather--- but it was cold--- so i called ann-- who is a winthrop and asked if we could park in her driveway - she knew where they would be going -- it being a drag hunt- we had the entire hunt go within 50 feet of the van. it is a photo op--- big time.

we all went to gwens for a dinner that they had been cooking for 3 days--- and it was super-

desert was supposed to be a pie per state from each family group- that fell thru in the confusion of flights, rental cars, and security. nobody brought pie but it was an interesting idea. gwen had anticipated that problem...

it was fun--- and no political arguements--- at least yet.-- it is a high powered group- which is amusing.

*************

back to the dogs--- and the dribble

gigi produced one dark red glob about 3"diameter last night-

and this morning her bed is churned up-- as in digging--- nesting...

she has not yet started to tear up the bedding--- that usually indicates labor is starting. she will stand on a blanket-- reach down grab it in her teeth and pull up-- with great force.... tearing even the strongest material

i am going to need "her friends" here-- she is still leary of me--- and in the throws of labor it could get very confusing... i hope her friends will be around--- close---- and when she starts ripping--- it still could be 12 hours--- but it also cold be 20 minutes..

cheers

Nov 26, 2011

2011-12-09T07:29:00.001-08:00

daily doggie??? aka the drip and drool report

after 2 significant contractions--- just to keep everyone on their toes ---gigi is enjoying a wonderful night of snoring..

megan and greg have watch gigi and nightime tv

they are going to be some kind of tired today.

hopefully some of the regulars will come and take over the watch.

i think i finally felt some puppy movement--- i have been worried--- could be gigi is soooooo thick that any movement is muffled with her bulk.. i dunno

*******************

and from jade.....

Pistol was terrific.

We got our boarding passes, went through security and went to the gate accompanied by my mom. It was good for the worst case scenario but there was not even a minor hiccup.

On the plane I had her go in head first and then turn around as the eyes of the flight attendents will burn a hole in your back after a few attempts in reverse. Before I told her to lay down the pilot came out of the cockpit, saw her, said he had danes and knew how they were. He told the flight attendants to move me to a row where the armrests go up so she could lay on the seat. I know that is typically a no no but I wasn't going to tempt fate. She thoroughly enjoyed sitting up tall with her head way above the seats observing the boarding procedure and there were so many flashes going off so people would believe them I felt like I was traveling with Lindsey Lohan

***************

anne--- denmark anne ---- has been dealing with a kennel in denmark who had pups on t'day- -- we need a new influx of genes so i asked her do the translating to try and buy a harl male. then because i don't like to ship one pup alone--- i asked if they had a merle female-

merles are not showable there either so are usually destroyed at birth-- as they were--- and maybe still are-- in the "normal" akc kennel.

big gamble--- but we need new bloodlines---and this is a highly regarded kennel in denmark... so we gamble

here are the two we are haggling for---- just born ---

i think this would be considered color similar to PI i.e. not an akc PREFERED color--- but not as bad as merle

i like white on merles

Nov 27, 2011

2011-12-09T07:28:00.003-08:00

GIGI IS ASLEEP ---- KATIE IS NOT

POOR KATIE

THE WAITING IS CALLED ANALYZING EVERY PHART

SHE HAD ONE GOOD BLANKET RIP AND WENT BACK TO SLEEP

********************

REPORT FROM JADES MOM

You wouldn't have known that they had only been together for 3 days, Pistol was perfectly behaved through security and while waiting at the gate.
becky

***

*******************

AND.... SOMEONE EMAILED ME ABOUT TRYING TO HITCH 2 DOGS TO A CART AND NEEDED INPUT-- SO I WROTE OUT SOME OF MY TRAINING PROCEEDURES

IT TOOK SO LONG I MAY AS WELL CUT AND PASTE IT HERE as the dd

WHO KNOWS---MAYBE ONE OF YOU ALL ARE TRYING TO HARNESS A DOG ALSO

EVERYBODY ELSE---- HIT THAT DELETE BUTTON

********************

BRIEFLY-- THESE ARE A FEW--- BUT NOT ALL-- THE THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE DOGS..

START NOW BY DRAGING - ON THE END OF A 6' LEASH....AN EMPTY MILK JUG WITH A FEW STONES IN IT WHILE WALKING YOUR DOG-- AND WORK THE JUG CLOSER EACH TIME TIL IT OCCASIONALLY TOUCHES THEIR HIND LEGS

DOGS HAVE THE PANIC AND RUN THAT HORSES HAVE--- BUT

DOGS CAN BE TAUGHT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT SOMETHING THEY ARE DRAGGING--

- DONKEYS CAN ADAPT VERY FAST TO THE CONCEPT- AND PREFER TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE DRAGGING- I USED NO BLINDERS ON MY 8 HITCH OF DONKEYS

HORSES CAN NEVER BE TRUSTED WITHOUT BLINDERS AS IN NEVER,

ALONG HERE YOU WANT TO TEACH A RELIABLE WHOA-- I OFTEN DO THAT WHEN THE MILK JUG HITS THEIR HIND LEGS.. PLAN AHEAD--- IF THE CART SHOULD EVER HIT THEM IN THE REAR-- YOU WANT THEM TO STOP.. NOT RUN.. SO A GOOD WHOA IS CRITICAL.

AND WHOA MEANS STOP--- NOT WANDER SLOWER TO A WALK/STOP

WHEN YOU HAVE THAT OUT OF THE WAY... I THEN" HARNESS" THEM IN PAIRS-- AND I USE A HORSE HALTER AS A HARNESS-- WORKS PERFECTLY.

BUY THE KIND WITH THE ADJUSTABLE CHIN STRAP - THIS WILL ENABLE YOU TO LOOSEN IT SO THEY PULL WITH THEIR SHOULDERS--

IF YOU PLAN TO GO 1000 MILES--- MAYBE YOU SHOULD FIND A DIFFERENT SOLUTION--- HOWEVER I DOUBLE ENDED SNAP THEM TOGETHER AT THE GIRTH AND COLLAR -- WALK THEM OFF - PROBABLY WITH ANOTHER PERSON BECASUE A PANIC TWIST IS HARD TO UNDO--- AND MINE HAVE ADAPTED WITHIN MINUTES.- MINE USUALLY HAVE TROTTED OFF IN UNISON VERY QUICKLY

THE EXERCISE I USE IS TO HAVE THEM MAKE A LOOSE FIGURE 8 ABOUT 30' CIRCLES= WHICH I DO BY CALLING THE NAME OF THE INSIDE DOG-- AND AS THEY TURN A FEW TIMES, STEP BEHIND THEM AS THEY TROT SO THAT THE OTHER DOG IS THE "INSIDE" DOG

WITHOUT TOO MUCH EFFORT YOU CAN GET THEM TO TURN TOWARD THE NAME YOU CALL--- THAT IS AS FAR AS I WENT WITH ACTUALLY STEERING THEM--

A COUPLE KIDS AS "SIDEWALKERS" IS NICE FOR THE FIRST FEW TIMES--- AND IN OTHER CRITICAL SITUATIONS ( LIKE PARADES)

EVEN THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES HAVE SIDEWALKERS--.

COUPLE OTHER WORDS OF ADVICE---

YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF BRAKE-- A LEVER HINDGED TO PRESS ON THE FRONT WHEEL--- SOMETHING--- DOGS DO NOT HAVE THE BULK

OR THE HARNESS BREECHING TO SLOW UP AND STOP A WAGON.. AND YOU CAN HIT A DOG IN THE REAR JUST SO MANY TIMES BEFORE THEY EITHER RUN OFF OR WON'T MOVE AT ALL .

DURING YOUR INITIAL STAGE WHEN NO ONE IS RIDING IN THE CART- GET "SOME KID" TO WALK BEHIND WITH A ROPE AND PULL BACK KEEPING THE CART FROM RUNNING INTO TH E DOG.

AND... AS FOR A 2 WHEELED JOG CART--- THERE IS A VERY NICE ONE MADE WITH A THIRD WHEEL TO KEEP THE PRESSURE OFF THE DOG'S IF YOU LEAN FORWARD.. I FOUND MINE. SOMEWHERE IN ???? OREGON??WASHINGTON??

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU OR THE DOG WEIGHS --- BUT I KNOW YOU MUST TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION --- IN A 2 WHEEL CART- THAT IF YOU LEAN BACK YOU CAN TIP OVER BACKWARDS--- SO SOMEHOW YOU NEED A "CART STRAP"

WHICH IN MY CASE HAS OFTEN BEEN A PIECE OF BALING STRING----

WITH ONE DOG IT GOES FROM THE SHAFT-- UNDER THE DOG'S GIRTH- AND TIED TO THE OTHER SHAFT.. WITH 2 DOGS IT IS A LITTEL MORE CREATIVE--- BUT YOU SHOULD FIGURE OUT SOMETHING.

DO NOT DECIDE YOU WILL NOT LEAN BACKWARDS--- BECAUSE YOU WILL-WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.. MURPHY'S LAW.

I SAW A WOMAN DRIVING A MINI HORSE-- TIP OVER BACKWARDS-

SHE HAD A CART STRAP ON --- BUT SHE WAS LARGE-- AND THE LAWS OF PHYSICS SUCH THAT SHE PICKED UP THE MINI HORSE..

ARE THESE DANES YOU ARE HITCHING? ALSO WHERE ARE YOU FROM...

THEY DO WORK AND ARE SPECTACULAR-- BUT DON'T PLAN A 2 MILE PARADE THE 4TH OF JULY ---

THEIR STAMINA ON HOT PAVEMENT IS ZERO

FOR PARADES WE PULL A QUEEN SIZE BED ON A WAGON BEHIND A CAR- WITH A BUNCH OF DANES ( AND ME) ON THE BED.

MUCH EASIER !!!

IF I CAN FIND A FEW PHOTO'S I WILL SEND THEM

*********************************

Nov 28, 2011

2011-12-09T07:28:00.001-08:00

gigi--- is becoming more and more uncomfortable---greg stayed overnight with her--- and from the balcony i could see she had nested ( i.e. rearrainged the bedding )

in all 4 couches-- we are going to loose another futon wherever she decides to have them...

we have counted to 63 many times -- i even got the calender out and numbered the squares--- and Sunday was #63 from her first cover...-- but there were 4 days--- and thanks to our microscope--- we found that sperm live a day or two after the cover.

so with one foot firmly planted in midair.....we watch...

greg has gone home--- i am now on duty til some other volunteers arrive..

***********************

opal--- not feeling well--- i have a feelling she ate too many pine needles or some such-- with their first day in the nut house.

she is drinking a lot of water--- but throwing it up too..

megan took her home--- and reports nothing staying down yet-- we may need to go see george.

w also learned that the bedding should be on the uphill side of the nuthouse-------

***

greg pounded in a few posts and we got a temp fence up

temp... HA ! --- probably 2 -3 years temporary...

******************

PAUL AND BUD TACKLED THE LIGHTING IN THE SAND AREA--WHICH INVOLVED MAny long ladders--- which are now empoyed as laundry driers...

******************

i have already participated in cyber monday--- or whatever this is called... i ordered 2 hav-a-hart traps--- as something large is chewing on the flooring-

we live in the woods--- so it could be almost anything--

we have several OWL SNACKS ( mice) to be delivered to george for his rehabilitating owl project.

jessica declared herself "the frozen rodent delivery company"
be careful with little plastic bags in our freezers--

if we catch anything in the hav a hart--- then he could serve a proper OWL DINNER.

it is critical that we do not use any chemical rat killer--- consequently we have healthy rats in the barn--- i don't really mind those as long as we are not over run -- maybe that great horned owl that was in the arena is a help. rats are why we had such great owl pictures from the visitor in the arena last week.

with effort we can make a positive out of almost anything....

but i do not want any of those in the house.

i have seen no tell tale evidence of rats (fyi rat do do is large brown rice--- more like brown orzo) --- but the chewing was not mice....

and snap traps for rats could be complicated with pups around

spilled dog food is an invitation..

we need to remove the invatation...

(?why do i equate spilled dog food to well paying jobs in texas?)

*****************

project of the day is to try and send money to denmark for 2 pups.

??? via paypal???

i may try and send $20 test---.

anne is helping with that one..

***************

and it is a brooksby village day for polly and bailey

***

the rest of us sit around staring at gigi's belly

Dec 2, 2011

2011-12-09T07:27:00.001-08:00

GIGI IS SO MUCH BETTER THAT WHEN I LET HER OUT--- I HAD TO GO FIND HER--- SHE WAS QUITE HAPPY TO GET BACK IN THE WARM HOUSE--- BUT SHE HAD WANDERED ALL THE WAY TO THE BARN--

SHE GOT VERY ACCUSTOMED TO EVERYONE SITTING AROUND PATTING HER--- SHE IS A LITTLE DOWN NOW--- SO PATTING IS GOOD.

AND WE HAVE TO WORK HER IN TO THE HOUSE CROWD

I HEARD RUMORS THAT THE BLUE FAMILY MIGHT LIKE TO HAVE HER KEEP STERLING COMPANY FOR A BIT...

THIS WOULD BE A GOOD THING.

*************

SHORT DOG TODAY--

**************

I AM TRYING TO GET THE CHAIN LINK PANELS DONE--- 3 PER DAY-- AND IT IS A REAL "FEMALE DOG"

OBJECT IS TO STRETCH THE CHAIN BETWEEN THE FRAMES--

IT HAD MEGAN AND KAREN-- NEARLY CURSING--- AS THEY TRIED TO HELP STRETCH IT.

**********

SO WE QUIT AND WENT TO LUNCH-- WITH CHARLIE, PI, AND CRIMSON.

***

CRIMSON HAS A MOST PEQUILIAR ACT.

ONCE IN THE VAN SHE IS DETERMINED TO CLIMB UP AND OVER THE BACK OF THE SEATS WHICH ALREADY CONTAIN A PERSON

I HAVE SEEN JACK RUSSELS DO THAT --- BUT WITH A DANE--- THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY FEET ---

ESPECIALLY WHEN PI DECIDES "OH THAT LOOKS LIKE FUN" AND JOINS HER-

FUNNY FOR ME TO WATCH-- MIGHT NOT BE SO AMUSING IF THEY TOOK OFF RUNNING OVER THE TOPS OF THE SEATS IN AN AIRLINE,

WE HAVE A BIT OF TRAINING TO DO WITH THE LITTLE DEARS.

LITTLE--- PROBABLY OVER 120 POUNDS--- AND GROWING.

*******************

PUPPY RUNNING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS HAS THE ADDED COMPLICATION OF THE HUGE PUDDLE MADE BY THE OVERFLOWING IPSWICH RIVER

MAYBE 6" DEEP--- 5 ACRES

OUR BUNCH FOUND IT YESTERDAY AND BOUNDED THRU SPLASHING WITH GREAT DELIGHT..

FINALLY RETURNING TO THE WARM VAN

ONE OF THOSE-- LET NATURE TRAIN THEM --- DEALS

WARM IS GOOD--- THEREFORE GETTING IN THE VAN IS GOOD.

*************

I THINK WINTER HAS ARRIVED--- OR AT LEAST IS SNEAKING IN

TO THAT END --- WE HAD A LOAD OF "LYNNPACK" DELIVERED TO FILL THE HOLES IN THE DRIVEWAY-- IT IS THE LEFTOVER FROM BREAKING UP ROCKS IN A GRAVEL PIT -- I THINK.

SO MY BELOVED POTHOLES ( AKA SPEED BUMPPS) ARE TO BE FILLED.

LET ME WARN YOU--- THAT IS NOT AN INVITATION TO GO ANY FASTER

BECAUSE IF YOU THOUGHT THE BUMPS WERE NASTY--- YOU HAVE NOT SEEM ME GET MAD AT SOMEONE DRIVING TOO FAST IN THE YARD.

ONCE INSIDE THAT GATE IT IS 1/2 MILE PER HOUR--- OR PARK OUTSIDE THE GATE-- WE CAN NOT DEAL WITH LOOSE PUPPIES AND DRIVERS WHO ARE MOVING FASTER THAN A SLOW ROLL.

AND EVEN THAT MAKES ME NERVOUS

*********************

THE CHICKEN SH#TTING IS COMING ALONG-- THERE ARE SEVERAL WHO DONATE MORE THAN THE $10-- AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT--- BUT $10 PER DAILY DOGGER WORKS TOO.

AS OF TODAY WE HAVE ONE PALLET OF FOOD PAID FOR.

PROBLEM IS IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE PALLET

?HOW MUCH MORE??

LAST I TESTED I THINK IT WAS 70 SCOOPS OF FOOD PER BAG-

WE HAVE ABOUT 30 DOGS--- GENERICALLY EATING 4 SCOOPS PER DAY

120 SCOOPS ALMOST 2 BAGS-- A PALLET IS 28 BAGS..

FIND A FRIEND---

IDEALLY SELLING 200 NUMBERS WOULD PAY THE COST (PRIZE AND MEMSAIC,CREDIT MCARD CHARGES ) AND PAY TH EFOOD BILL

THAT WOULD BE 1 CHANCE IN 200 AT WINNING.

GO FOR IT.

TELL FRIENDS.

Dec 4, 2011

2011-12-09T07:21:00.001-08:00

by all rumors mark and barbara have a bunch of food--- sounds good

and Mary's friend "AUNTIE" is said to have 3 deserts and 10 pounds of carrots

what more could we need????

***************

for openers--- i think we should move the table eastward away from mary's nose-- at least once every Sunday she catches us not paying attention to her and she grabs the tablecloth as we all scream at her.

she waits for the diversion.. i can just hear her"here come those cute puppies--- and everyone will look at them so i can grab all the plasticware and get them to chase me to the barn."

****

i saw a tv show on pickpockets--- and all i could see was MARY's 4 steps.

1 wait for everything to look quiet and normal

2 create a diversion

3 grab the goods

4 run like hell.

happens every week

so much for comparative IQ's

***************

kieth called... hudson had stopped jumping in his truck- in pain somehow---

now if i say that to 99% of dog owners---

they would say "dane hips are bad...--- dysplasia nothing you can do..."

luckily kieth did not go that road--

i don't know why he is better---

but a couple days on doxycycline

and a break in roughhousing with barney

and he is better... so it was either lyme or barney

or to be more correct-- could be neither but you certainly should not assume the statistically more probable of dysplastic hips.

i don't want to tempt fate--- but .....

***********

danes have sooooo many bad reputations-

sometimes it is comical

i listened to some guy tell me they got a cute little dane pup--- "it was so sweet-- it would jump up and put his feet on my shoulders and lick my face--- but eventually we couldn't handle him--- danes get too strong"

GOOD MORNING !!!

i wonder what his kids are like????

******************

often when people see me in costco-- they offer me their grandchildren to get trained as well as the dog i have with me..

i turn that down....

******************

busy day

get mary dressed in her pack saddle and faux xmas gifts ( will take many carrots to get that done)

put the chicken sh#tting together YOU HAVE TIL 2:30 TO BUY A NUMBER

2:30 is when i get the numbers off the computer.... and add any that we have sold here--- then number the table. and apply the chickens at 3:00.

*****************

santa arrives 1-1:30 and leavces 3:00ish

*****************

tom has got off cycle-- he got up at 1:30 yesterday morning--- and went to bed at 4:00pm last night--

currently dressed and waiting for a ride to breakfast with nancy and george #2.

**********

megan is due...

gigi is snoring

so i willl go try and get the kennel partitions up.

i need help tightening them--- but that can be done after they are standing.

***

maybe we can get some wood split today

bud has a sore hand--- so he has been promoted to the wood advisory committee

and as you glide smoothly over the ex- potholes in the driveway .... thank paul.

Dec 5, 2011

2011-12-09T07:20:00.001-08:00

WHAT A GREAT SANTA-- AND ALL THAT WHITE BEARD IS REAL!

WE had a great stewing on all levels

many new faces---

lotsa loose dogs--( no dog fights)

marks music

barbara's hams--in addition to lotsa other food -- mostly eaten

****

and bud won the $500 -- it is always fun to have someone win who is actually here so we all can enjoy the fun..

***

bud 2 was here with family and indy--wants to work on visiting vets with indy-- we can do that...

****

annie--- #401 ---the first service dog i put out--- was here with melissa-- so we had 3 of that litter annie bella and lindsay-

***

with so many creative people in attendence it rolled !

the rest of the pictures---- in tabloo form ---will be forthcoming

and people coming to work here for the next few days do not need to bring lunch--- we have barbara's ham in sandwich form---

************

i am delighted jade and pistol are doing soooo well.

jade intends to walk across the stage to get her diploma in 2 weeks -- and i do not doubt she can do it

but i am a nervous wreck...

i am scared the audience will stand burst into applause at which time pistol--- who has only been with jade a very short time--- will decide it is a fire drill or some such----and bolt out the door- dragging jade with her.

but what do i know.

i figure jade is destined to make the front page one way or another-- it is a great thing that jade is so cheerful- she can handle either with a smile...

************

Pistol is doing so good! We are flip flopping between going at a walking pace and going 90 mph. We have the one step crawl nearly perfected. We went for a walk yesterday and the pace was ideal. I have taken her to a bunch of events with clapping and she is completely fine with that. Now I am going to bring her to some really crowded events and confirm that she can handle graduation. We have 2 weeks to practice but she is so eager to please I am confident she could do it tomorrow. :)

************

steve is due in the guest house to meet the dogs... today probably around noon 3.5 hour car ride to get here

*****************

today is recovery day

things like get the amish buggy back in the arena

and all those christmas packages--- we should be able to do something creative with them... they have that final touch barbara and crew puts on things--- silver bows etc

i get them wrapped in red paper with duct tape--- but these have the final touch...

*********************

puppys to the fairground--- things like that today

and........ we made $1400 on last months wall

GUESS WHAT?

NAG TIME FOR JANUARY www.memsaic.com/app/launch.cfm?sid=0FD5CCB2AAE9D7

AND FOR THOSE MATH TYPES--- SINCE WE SOLD 140 TICKETS --- THAT GAVE YOU A CHANCE ON 1 IN 140 ON WINNING THE $500

EVEN IF WE SELL ALL THE NUMBERS THE ODD WOULD BE 1 IN 350

STILL FAR BETTER THAN ANY OLD MASS LOTTERY !!!

(don't figure it is me nagging--- these dogs insist on a square meal !!)

Dec 6, 2011

2011-12-09T07:18:00.001-08:00

steve has arrived and is in the guest house with charlie- charlie is delighted to have sofa privileges.

we can put some miles on him today

after my 9:00 dental apt--( steve said he doesn't wake up til after 9 anyway)

so that is the plan 11:00 maybe home depot and lunch???? without megan-- she distracts charlie... and i need plywood for the ceiling----. home depot will be a male friendly atmosphere without too many "got a saddle for that beast?"

i am not sure what our exact long range plan is--- i can not see charlie in steve's home til after they take down the christmas tree-- or whatever..

having steve here gives us a better line on exactly what charlie should do--- so the vague plan is for steve to return in january.

**************************

megan took a strange video of the details of a sh#tting to maybe use in george's staff holiday party-

it is totally possible to package that deal with video

maybe a slightly more involved one than we did --- but we were in a hurry.

the winning number??? she is sworn to secrecy and i forgot --perfect pair.

******************

pistol is doing great--- and here is her magazine ad

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/weddings/articles/a_modern_classic/page3

******************

short doggie---- i have fish to fry

Dec 7 2011

2011-12-09T07:12:00.001-08:00

opal...

is sooooo sweet and lovely--- and delighted to be in the house overnight as guard against whatever large woodland creature ate 1/2 a loaf of bread off the counter night before last.

in her cleverness she found that crunching a large quantity of plastic water bottles kept them at bay--- or more logically in the cellar--

and since she was awake she decided to figure out that yuppy puppy treat dispenser which rewards the dog for pushing the lever by dropping a few dry treats into a metal dish-- the rattle is like the coins in the one arm bandits in las vegas.

plus it is raining--- and no way can she be expected to get herself wet when she can get me to put whatever she deposits on the floor--- outside

and she is a walk'npooper

as gigi - clanking around with her long toenails tip toed around and around saying "what is this mess... and when are you going to clean it up?"

it was an active night.

******************

while on the stool report---

this may prove to be fascinating....

fido does not feel well- when he doesn't --- his whole posture and demeaner lets you know.. plus his stool is not even normal for this crowd.. so megan collected a sample and ran it to george.

now here is the interesting part--- really....

amid the semi normal goo- there were many white lumps- which when pressed went "poof"--dry type poof--- according to megan-- like lumps of flour when you make gravy.

looked strange even to george

"strange" in veternary lingo usually means "expensive" but george said he could be kind on this one.

so off that went to idexx ---- a very efficient lab deal where there is an idexx box outside most vets offices--- samples picked up at suppertime-- the reports are in the email in the morning.. so i anxiously await the "poof" report.

***

i told my husband about investing in idexx years ago--i am not a stock market type--- but somewhere along the line i can not believe that could not be a good company.

****

************************

charlie and steve-

doin' fine.. bud 2 and indy came here yesterday and wandered around with us-- which was very helpful.--- home depot then costco for lunch.

steve said he has not been as comfortable in a big store in years due to charlie's swivel head...-- and charlie stopped him from falling twice.

after months of trying to get dogs to stop with the swivel head routine--- turns out for these vets--- that is one of the most valuable "services". they let them know what is "around" .

these vets do not do "startle " well at all-- after a year of having someone jump out from behind a wall and shooting at them--- they have a significant problem with that concept

this sums up our training with a dog.

one vet --- who shall remain nameless-- said that when he comes here for training he brings a second set of underwear.

good idea.

*************

today--steve said he could help me hold up the ceiling ply-- usually no problem to brace it up with a piece of strapping--- except these rafters are not exactly 16" centers.. like the wall studs--- creative carpentry---each one is a little different..

but the floor will drain !!!

*************

an d we will go out with charlie to anyplace steve might think challanging

i don't know what could be worse than costco for lunch--- but we can travel

maybe walmart-- that is a whole new bizzare

i wish he could take charlie home now--- but with 5 kids and christmas i think he better wait til january.

************

tomorrow paul and tom will drive him back to wherever---o ut by albany

and he can return after the holidays ..adi says these dogs should be a year old before placed..one look at charlie you would never guess he is 8 months old.

*********************

and theresa will deposit the latest check from the December chicken bingo wall......$1400.

keep up the good work-- it is critical... i kid you not !!

*****************

i was hoping i would get the idexx report before sending this--- but maybe george slept late

Dec 8, 2011

2011-12-09T07:11:00.001-08:00

another short doggie

*************

we have the bare minimum of the chicken pooing for geroge's staff party

hopefully mark can improve on it saturday but i will clear this with george today..

******

steve is still here --- pending weather for paul to drive him home. just got an email paul might want to drive that today it is 3.5 hours.

he is good with charlie --- so far i think it will work well.-- i hate to make any definite statements til they go down the driveway. plan is for him to come bck after jan 1st

***************

jade and pistol--- i am not a facebooker--- but there is a great shot of her with pistol out there somewhere... biggggg dog

*************

having molly feed when colleen is here is working well --- then colleen and megan get to spend more time with th e pups.

*******************

and time has come to work bailey and luna back in the house--no more special care for gigi---a group is fine as long as someone is here to referee

she doesn't go out in the rain either

***************

Dec 9, 2011

2011-12-09T07:04:00.001-08:00

re : carlene's nuthouse...

i am at a point where i need help--i have already discussed chain link that is knuckle knuckle-- well--- this is not.... but... sitting on the floor in the nice warm nuthouse--- it can be made into knukle knuckle--- about 5 minutes per knuckle-

if it was not warm in there i would never get it done---

maybe if i can find a cd player to make it more cheerful it would go faster..

i have to admit i am getting tired of it.

there are enough kennel panels to mean i can have the house dogs to there as long as i am there to supervise--- but they need to get up off the floor pretty soon

so i want to start on the "lofts" but can't with all these knuckles that i have to do first..

and for diversion i sai d i would split wood 15 min a day--

not hard--- we have a splitter--- just different muscles-- and today bud will be here to pull the starter rope

i do not get along well with rope pulling gas engines..-- i HAVE A painful history of rope pulling nervous breakdowns.

*****************

i am delighted to report

no scooping poop in the house this morning...i have graduated the 5 "house dogs" to bedtime in the dog dorm--with access to the deck.

gigi t the laundry---

chaos was left in here attached to the sofa

she apparently has a bigger bladder.

****************

while i am not the topic--- bobby---off and on loose stool--- which now that he is living a normal like-- colleen and i thought it could be the milk bones-- sh she is going to scientifically test that theory..

with so many here the concept of "who made that pile" and "what did you eat yesterday..". is just beyond our capabilities.

with her one dog existence she can properly study that.

************

yuppy puppy

the advertized method of getting the treat is pushing the lever with a paw... many of ours seem to learn to push it with their nose..

except opal--- uses her eye.

she has retrieved so many left over treats stuck in the chute by turning her head sideways-- and in the process she has hit the lever with her eye-- she now does that purposefully.

**************

the driveway--

bless jeff masterson--- or maybe his dad jack.... he bounced in and out of our collection of potholes in the process of picking up his daughter molly that when he had some hot top left over he sent a crew here to take the bounce out of our driveway

paul had done a great job with lynnpac ( stone stuff) and then the masterswon crew arrived with a mammoth truck of leftovers- and a bobcat and roller to finish it properly. they even filled the holes connecting to the street

would you believe it !!!

******************

we got 7 rabies shots and staples out of gigi i while the truck blocked the driveway

**************

in the process paul and tom made a hasty exit with steve before that truck raised the body 25 feet in the air.-

it was a long drive-- but they all survived--- and charlie is looking round with that "what happened? ' look about him,

*************

a low growl from chaos told opal she may not have one more 1/2 inch of that sofa..

and opal believed her.

***************

jackie??? as in construction jackie--

are you around today to bend wires???

******************

i have no cut and paste--- but there is a super picture of jade and pistol on her facebook--- i cn try and put it here--- but i am not going to try very hard

i have to go bend wires..

. after i check my spam folder--- it has gone weird lately

Nov. 18, 2011

2011-11-17T19:29:00.001-08:00

thanks to AOL , computers and other terrorists-- i had about a dozen emails in my spam folder that did not belong there.

i will flip thru it more often now... if you are writing to me use "dogs" as the subject- regardless-- so i can spot the emails

and if any of you want off this daily doggie list -- just let me know...

it terrifies me that all of you might actually read this.

*************

************

RECORDS AND MEMORY STUFF--

we do talk... megan colleen and i-- and we go over problems dog ARE HAVING. AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM.

WE NEED A QUICKER MEANS OF COMMUNICATION ABOUT TRAINING--- MEGAN AND COLLEEN ARE LIKE SHIPS THAT Pass in the night- they slide silently past each other 3 days a week.

I SUGGESTED IF THEY hAVE ANYTHING UNUSAL THAT THEY PUT IT ON A POST IT NOTE AND STICK IT QUICKLY IN THE PROPER LOOSE LEAF-- POLLY CAN EVENTUALLY STRAIGHTEN THE NOTES OUT.

************************

AND MY BIGGEST PROBLEM--- GIGI--- TRYING TO GET HER TO RELAX IN THE HOUSE IN PREP FOR HER "CONFINEMENT"

SHE WAS ASLEEP ON THE COUCH-- AND I WANTED HER TO GO OUT BEFORE I WENT TO BED.

SHE DID GO OUT--- IT HAD NOT OCCURRED TO ME THAT SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE SEEN A FLASHILGHT BEFORE .. SHE WANDERED DECISEVILY TO THE BARN--- AND ONLY MY VAST EXPERIENCE WITH LOOSE ANIMALS-(4h kids) I WAS ABLE TO HERD HER IN THE BARN--- THEN THE ALLEWAY-- THEN #8 STALL-- WHICH IS OUR GERIACTRIC STALL WITH THE GENTLY SLOPING RAMP TO THE SLEEPING LOFT.

I LEFT HER THERE..

STRONG DOG--- NO WAY COULD I HAVE HELD HER-

A SCARED DANE IS A SCARED DANE

AND SHE IS BIG-

THAT CHEST IS 15" WIDE BY ACTUAL MEASUREMENT.

MEGAN YOU HAVE SOME WORK TO DO THERE..... WE DON'T NEED TO HAVE HER RUNNING AROUND THE YARD DROPPING PUPS HERE AND THERE BECAUSE SHE IS SCARED...

CALL CHEESE ROPE-- PREFERABLY IN THE DARK WITH A FLASHLIGHT

IT IS CALLED "PLAN AHEAD"

*****************

TODAY

we forgot to ask george yesterday what to do if Tucker ate 1/4 a bottle of liver flavored dog vitamins.. seeing as it is too late now---

we will have to assume" what gets down will get out " hopefully

*****************

WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A STOVE LIGHTING CEREMONY TODAY -- THE PIPE IS IN... THAT TINY DREMMEL SAW IS A WONDERFUL THING...... SO FAR..... AND POWERFUL ENOUGH FOR ANYTHNG I WILL DO.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GIFT ITEM--

AND FACED WITH 2 DEAD DRILLS- I WENT AND BROUGHT ANOTHER $29 EL CHEAPO DRILL.

******************

PLAN IS TO HANG THE CHAIN LINK FRAMES FROM THE RAFTERS TO PLAN IN A DIDACTIC MANNER.

MAYBE Add A LITTLE CARDBOARD and duct tape for a good look

***********

and the dogs can have access to it from nut hill today if it turns cold.

probably the house dogs bailey luna ---yellow opal and bently

should add pi she needs people handling...

**********

Nov. 17, 2011

2011-11-17T19:28:00.005-08:00

from bud and indy
Indy is doing well since her bought with bloat. She eats a bit more frequently, three times a day, with no medication. We recently to a trip up to Maine visiting an old friend of mine and dealt with some rather extreme crowds. She did great. Even received a few complements to that effect from a gentleman who raised golden for Guiding Eyes.
During some particularly difficult times getting around lately Indy has been right there. She almost seems to see the difference and is snapping into work mode on her own.
She is a true partner. Thank you all ...
*************
"thank you all"    these updates on the dogs are a paycheck for all the volunteers who spend hours doing things that would never pass an OSHA inspection.
*****************
as i am trying to weateherproof the nut house- i have not done too much with the dogs--- but megan and colleen have-- and we do discuss various things so i can sit around--- they both have remarkable instincts.- which is a delicate balance between concepts ---- "i know you have a natural instinct"   and "knock it off--- not a chance."-
a mark of a good trainer is that the dogs understand what is expected- the mark of a super trainer is that they then happily do it.
****************
colleen- reading bobby's actions- has noted he will not willingly go within 3 feet of her grooming tub--- or her kitchen sink.. i am not sure why that is- just one of those dane quirks.,, as opposed to most the other dogs of ours who are constantly hanging over the tub wanting to play with the water. he will willingly take a bath--- but 3 people have to lift him in-
that will give her a project to work on with him
******************
re book reading
i am reading condileezza rice's book re her white house years --i forgot the name--- something about honor--- aside from being a physically big heavy thing... it is- for me-- well written=-   i.e. no impossibly long words-- just ones that remind me of a vocabulary i once knew before i considerably shortened the legnth of my individual words .... to maybe 4 letters
fact--- from her book-
because of 20% starvation --the north korean population is 5" shorter than the south korean and one of the big concerns of the south is if they unite there will be an influx of mentally deficient short people.
keep those school lunch and food stamps coming-- we have enough problems without that one.
*********
another fact that i got out of jimmy carter's white house book was..
the president is expected to buy his/her own "household" food except if it is a state dinner.
*********
i wonder if they have a separate can of Pledge for the furnature in the   office vs private quarters.
when congress runs out of idiot investigations - they can try that one.
so much for education.
***************
molly comes here on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons--- when colleen is here also- molly is experienced at feeding etc-- so colleen suggested she feed on those days so colleen can fool with the pups more.
sound good...
molly - you are on....????
**********
construction report
bud noticed we don't quite have the suggested space between the super stove chimneys ( 2")- and since we have 4 others on the property probably the same- including the t-tent....i really didn't want to struggle with that heavy skill saw to make the hole bigger- BUT
fate... me and fate-- i have tried many different elect saws for years--- and they all have been too heavy making straight lines nearly impossible for me.-- then--- in home depot yesterday a DREMMEL SAW.. $129--- cute little thing says it would cut thru 3/4 " ply - that nut house is 1/2 "--- i really could have used that weeks ago.. .. it also has a metal cutting blade-- for that chain link pipe--so thanks to bud's observation --- i had an excuse to buy it.
the metal cutting blade for the regular skill saw was $30
works well so far--
and ---- my good drill is stuck.... meaning i have to go back to the "portable drill" . ?portable??? for whom??? not me...-- the fool battery has to weigh 18 pounds ... well nearly.
******************
lesson of the drill?
   it is amazing the mental set back of that stuck drill...... it gives me a much better appreciation of the "drive" some of our applicants have.   i nearly quit and went to watching tv over one discouraging stuck drill.
it took a while for me to get back to the attitude .... "if a hammer doesn't work- get a bigger hammer."

Nov 16, 2011

2011-11-17T19:28:00.001-08:00

this weather !!--

that is too mild a start for a daily doggie--- BUT --- it meant that we could try and leave chaos pups in the deagle house overnight---lessening - by far-- the cleanup activity in the morning

maybe not 3 bags full.

during the day they have been introduced to that deagle house and attached annex and 1/4 acre hill--- into which have been dug BIGGGGGGGGGGG holes.

last night--- with gigi's pending puppy production-- we fed them there and left them out--- they would not settle---- with at least one barking too far away.. so before bud left he went and got chaos ( mom) - they all gathered and settled in the 3 beds-- i checked up--- and they were all flat out.

maybe chaos should spend time with them-- it might straighten mark out-- he is a bit too quick to dominate-

i can not say agressive--- because i do not like that word with our dogs-- he just wants to be sure everybody else accepts him as boss.. he doesn't chew them up-- just a quick bite and walk around stiff legged. holes have been poked in several-- but not a real chewing up.. no spurting blood and stitches

there is a distinction

********************

i appaerntly have one more warm day to get the stove functioning- so we can finish the inside in the warmth of the wood fire.

i did put up a fire extinguisher by the door.... a big fire extinguisher.

with bob's help the floor is down-- not glued-- but down. i told you it is sometimes best not to know exactly how "something is done" we never had to cut off the post in the middle-- and did manage to lift the floor over it.

stove is under the chimney--- i will get that attached after a quick trip to a hardware store-

and the stainless steel sink is cleaned and in place... that will be the place to dump water buckets etc--- seein g as there will be no official running water--- maybe fill one of those coolers with a spicket???? we have one somewhere.... it is orange... go look----

and hot water off the stove???

paul painted the rest of the t-111

and we are off and running.

********************

megan is back on duty-

and was seen doning laps around the pond to put more muscle on tucker( she was in the golf cart)

puppies had a fairgrounds run

a lovely volunteer chore would be to clean up the 2 vans after we use them..

muddy paws make for odd smelling carpet

and does anyone do windows???--- dane drool and nose smush decorates most of the glass

*******************

Just an update on Bobby,

He has been very entertaining to say the least. He is having a crash coarse in service dog training, I think he has been in.. and out of my car at least 30 times going here and there and everywhere in the last 3 days.

The first day at work with me was a bit unsettling for him but he did very well! I do work inside the building to a Animal hospital so after the week he had with his surgery I can understand why he was not to happy to be there. But he was a trooper and to spite his shaking he willingly did whatever I asked him to do and was more than willing to greet all the dogs coming in for a grooming.

He kept his distance from the tub watching everyone else get a bath, unlike Tucker Crimson and Charlie who are practically in the tub with the other dogs while I wash them!!

We then ran lots of errands Costco, petstore, bank, school...ect which he did well but was extremly happy to see the exit door and get back in the car. He did very well at the gym, was actually enjoying the sprints we were running, but quickly decided that was to much work and found a corner to lie down and just watched all the people run back and forth which he could not figure out why we would do that so he fell asleep!! When we got home he ran up my stairs and ran straight for his new bed ignoring the fact that there was a total stranger to him(the carpenter working in my house) right next to his bed. He was so happy to be in it it didnt matter what was going on in the house!

He has been to a soccer and hockey game and has willingly put up with a very abnoxious 3 year old, and several strange people that just feel the need to get in his face and give him a big kiss!!!(why people do that to a very large dog that they do not know is mystery to me). But he is doing very well in spite of my (now his) busy schedule.

we will see you tues

Colleen

Nov 15, 2011

2011-11-17T19:27:00.003-08:00

doggie updates

YOU WILL all be delighted to hear ---no complicated stool reports this morning

even weird bumps on mark are improving.. that fl;ea comb at least makes him look better-- and in fact he seems to be....

he needs to be re-socialized with his littermates- --- done by using his mommy's training method--- if he pushes his head up and over another pup's neck so he can bite- grab him by the scruff and knock him to the floor--- count to 3 and turn your back on him and let him wonder why that happened.-- and it usually happens when you first put him in with the group..

he must not be left there where you can not hear a battle--- because if they all get together and flatten him- it could get nasty...

do not grab him by the neck andgive him al lecture no no no -- because all that teaches is to avoid being grabbed by the neck-

you really need to tap in to the "when i did A then B happened"-- with no split second in between

that is the million dollar dog training lesson of the day.

that is also why you do not call pups - with cheese in your hand and then tell them to sit-- the "come" lesson gets lost.. if you want to train "sit" the routine should be "come" cheese then "sit" and cheese.

it goes into their head better as "A" then separate lesson "B". as they get older you can modify that

i once had a dog which we used in movies that i could yell at her 20 feet away "sit" and the dog would sit .... at which point i had to go to her and deliver the cheese---

i remember a comet commercial.... well-- no ...not that exciting-

****************************

and now .... a size comment on gigi --WOW --- with 2 weeks to go- and THEY SAY ( you know that bunch ... "they"..) the pups grow most in the last 2 weeks.

gigi os a "broad dog" anyway-- and the doggie doors are the 14" between the studs in the wall--- this is nearly a problem now

so better get the nut house occupieable and get her up here before she gets stuck in a doggie door-

if she does set wedged.....--- remember one end of her has teeth

i would volunteer to apply the vasoline/olive oil and push--- let megan pull.

****************

greg and robbie got the insulation done..

remember they are part of this " BLUE CREW" of gigi breeders

earline is organizing a puppy call list- remember the rules--- if you are on that list--- i call after the first pup is born--- and if that is at 2am you are expected to appear....

none of this "i would like to but not at 2am." routine.

this is for the daffy dedicated crew.

****************

if i can get the floor--- at least some of the floor--- in place so i can cover it with the sheet metal i found in the barn--- i can get the stove operational just as the weather turns... \

*************

bob and polly are Monday crew--- bob will be a big help- it is not that he is a construction expert- but he is great at standing around thinking how something might work.... and when you are dealing with a structure that does not have one right angle, conceptualizing without being hindered by preconceived facts is the way to go.

one great thing---the floor home depot gave is has 4" squares in the pattern ..

i can count them better than i can measure with the tape and those confusing little 1/8 and 1/16th lines. assuming i can even find a tape.

*************

our scaffolding is working famously for laundry drying-- MAYBE we can get it off the fences--- we do have a dryer-- but with the volume it would be too expensive to run--- besides sunshine is more sterilizing??????

with the scaffolding and sunny day so much laundry got done- we barely have room to store the clean folded---

unless you have been here i don't think you have any appreciation for the amount of laundry we do in that commercial wascomat.

the Sunday stew

patricia had a friend here - from france- who staggered around with armloads of wet laundry hoisting it skywards onto the scaffolding- i think it was a first for her... but she was game.

by the time we finished 3 casserole dishes and some white chocolate lumps all the laundry was dry and folded.

the outdoor fire felt and smelled gooooood.

*********************

i do not understand this one...

OH MY LORD Pink is awsome. So good. Scratches at the door to go out. Minds when called. Playing with Bruin. Slept with me all night without a peep. Whent for a long walk a Gorden college this morning did very well. Whole family in Love, Love might be a little strong for Bill. See you on Monday, maybe Priscilla

***

pink is the one who prefers to eat goose poop to coming when called. i was all set for her to be a lot of problems

so much for being hindered by preconcieved facts.

if any have trouble getting to the December puppy food wall, it is because of words like " preconceived cache" off our web.

i think it works here.. let me know... we need to keep this going...

especially with gigi our "747 wide body model"

Nov 13, 2011

2011-11-17T19:26:00.003-08:00

the following contains graphic information

reader discretion is advised

horrors--- megan hath an illness -

SHE HAS AN AILING TUMMY

let us pray it is the 24 hour variety and she will be back on deck Monday.

i am told there is a "thing going round"---- 2 exits- no waiting kind of thing.

**************

in keeping with delectable breakfast conversation....

chaos might have something similar-

she got up this morning to tossed up great quantities-- of food..

it was food-- undigested fluidized food.

at 4am???? how come it was still in her tummy as food from last night's supper? ALOT OF IT --- MORE THAN 8 5X7 INDEX CARDS WORTH

BLOCKAGE comes to mind immediately- except she is sooooo happy especially to flirt with tucker

other possibility--- we should start keeping the dog food in the back hall

she can lift th e lids- and she is impossibly fat--

she drank water for a very long time

she bears watching--- she is weird today---happy weird but worse than usual---

can anyone remember when she was in heat last????

************

to say gigi is big is an understatement-- if she was a person i would say twins in 20 minutes type big.

we have to get her up here for a few walk thru's today

i had no idea she was that big.

i don't go in the kennel that often with competent megan in command--

***********

i had to go to the barn last night.... alice came ( she had pistol before moving into an apartment)

alice lost her bulldog pretty much to age--and alice needed company-

once you are used to a dog around-- not having one is not acceptBLE-

WE WEnt down to select her an overnight companion-- she took crimson... and as far as 11pm was doing well... i am anxious to hear this morning's report.

i am always terrified when a person has a bad problem with which the dog should help, the dog then has some pequiliar disaster which just complicates things... shouldn't happen--- but does..

***********

funny - no one ever comes to get company when a spouse leaves- proving once again dogs are more supportive...

Crimson did great on the way here. Very relaxed. Had her head on my arm the entire time. So sweet, reminds me a lot of clara/pistol. She is just checking things out around the apartment now. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for letting me take her for the night. It makes things less lonely when you have a 90 lb. dog next to you!

alice

************

i have to be careful what i say now..... i am told a friend of gwen's ( daughter gwen)- is on the final stage to become a judge... and she gets this dd from gwen--

we have those 2 judge's outfits she is welcome to borrow.

luckily she has a great sense of humor

now most of the funny stories i know about her, are not fit for publication.

darn.... what a pity.. there are some good ones.

***************

today

going to be a challenge--

megan has lined up sub's-- luckily she has several volunteers well trained

In the morning you will have early sandy and k3 and her husband joe. And in the afternoon you will have Sunday sandy. She said she is going to come in earlier than she usually does.Alright well I'm going back to bed hopefully i can sleep a little bit to make this feeling go away.I'll keep you updated.

Meg

********************

i think we best get ready for gigi's pups - which means a place to get the rest out of the house--- as in the nuthouse

i hope we can do something about getting the floor down--

anybody got any ideas how to do this?? i don't think we can cope with 30 feet of floor at once --- we may have to have one seam--- arrainged so pups can not chew on it-- ripping it up in 20 minutes or less.

the nut house is empty and swept-- all ready for floor ----it has 4 walls-- great roof--2 semi doors-- lots drafts, enabling us to use that hill as a run while i work there because dogs can now get in out of the cold . it is

"capable of being warmed with the bullet heater-- being careful it does not take all the oxygen out of the air- got to get the stove operational

maybe a quick run to costco this morning-- we need a fire extinguisher..\

all i know about flooring is --- don't get a pebble under it...

greg said he could do the ceiling insulation--- not a floor dependent chore

there is a sit on milkcrate and screw walls job....a few minutes at a time type volunteer job--- and with heat--- the pups can be in there while screwing walls together.

and a couple windows--- dogs like to stare at the house front door-- so we need windows of lexan - one from each "loft" bed on that side.

****************

the cut and paste--

eh??

havent had a indy report in a while????

or a few others---

the sh#tting is up and running for December's puppy food- don't forget they have to eat over the holidays too !!!

clicking is working ( thanks maria)

Nov 12, 2011

2011-11-17T19:25:00.003-08:00

i think mark's lumps are better

problem is when you try 3 new possible cures at once you can not be sure

which of the 4 things it is-- new food, new antibiotic, new shampoo--- and i bet you forgot ole mommy nature--- who might have got tired of making bumps on him.

the nearly clean house in th e morning is wonderful--- but..

there has to be a but...

we have to get everyone shifted around because gigi--- who's pregnancy has not been determined by george---only by his chief competitor--Dr.Speculation.

gigi has to come to the house and settle 7-10 days before whelping-- and she is a high powered pistol packin momma- and she is fat--- with droopy boobs.

due date --- thanksgiving + 2 or 3 days

female dog x dog fights related to pregnancy fall into categories

1. i would really like to beat you around--- but i am soooooo fat--- i can just snarl.

2. just get lost--i feel awful but still have teeth.

3. get out of ,my way i am having trouble keeping track

4. do not look at my child that way

don't laugh

we ran into exactly that at wendy's hamberger stand

the line was long----counter people working hard at an impossible chore---

and a woman scooted in front of me and said......" my SON did NOT get his drink"

i guess the momma tendency is not bound by species.. i honestly do not think a man would have phrased it that way-

more likely ----he would have told the kid to go thirsty

actually if it was her husband without the soda --- i doubt she would have phrased it that way either.

there was a ring to that " my son " just like a mommy's snarl over a puppy.

**********************

i am told i had the wrong web for the December sh#tting i think i have it right here on this---

maria did you fix the web ????

****************

we took tucker to libertry tree mall ( i.e. a relatively deserted mall with straightaways.

he was delighted to pull me in my defective wheelchair with the wobbly front wheels..

after one run the full legnth- i sent megan off to look for marbles and could actually have him pull me without many disasters at all.

he seemed to think it was great fun- i didn't have time to politely ring the bicycle bell to warn people of impending avalanche of dog and faulty wheelchair.. the security people on their segways were left in the dust !!

*******************

how could i forget to report that crimson has had blood spots in her stool--- it is an anal gland problem-- george said it should be infused with antiboitic-- i told him i did not infuse anal glands... exfusing was enough of a challange. so he did that.

****************

coming down th e homestretch with construction.

let me clarify something-

perfection is expensive

i am too old to be doing this in the first place

if there is a big hole and i stuff in a chunk of plywood with hinges covering 99% of the hole... then that will be called a door.

draft? don't forget this will have 4 dog in-outs with no door at all..

so what is 1/4 inch???

*****************

note from jade

I appreciate all of the condolences. I miss Kate a lot but I'm okay. It's just very lonely.
** **

she is due here nov 21st to meet with our collection of current dogs

Nov 11, 2011

2011-11-17T19:25:00.001-08:00

mark is a nocturnal pup--- i thought it was only cats that stayed up all night

the shreading of coffee cups is far superior to plastic bottles-- especially at 2am

the graB scoot and chase is a lot quieter with the coffee cups.

PLUS ---- SERIOUSLY--- THOSE TOPS COME OFF--- AND CAN BE TORN INTO SWALLOWABLE PIECES--- ESPECIALLY THE BLUE "SPORT TOPS.

BRIGHT PUP THO--- HE DISCOVERED IF HE PULLED ON THE PLASTIC BAG LINER OF THE RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES THAT LOTS OF THEM POURED OUT ALL OVER THE KITCHEN (READ NOISY TILED ) FLOOR ENABLING HIM TO DESIGN HIS OWN PUPPY SOCCER GAME...

it's TIME HE GRADUATED TO THE ROOM WITH THE 3 HATS.. HIS SKIN IS SLIGHTLY BETTER- I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS THE PILLS ETC--- OR JUST A DAILY BATH.

WE SHOULD WORK ON INTRODUCING HIM TO THOSE 3-- HE IS VERY USED TO SLEEPING ON TOP OF ANOTHER DOG-- LIKE MOMMY..

THE HATS ( YELLOW, BENTLEY AND OPAL) MAY NOT TAKE KINDLY TO THAT.

********************************************

THE NUT HOUSE HAS AN UNSULATED DOOR--- I MADE IT SLIGHTLY TOO BIG AND WHEN SOMEONE IS HERE TO HELP, I CAN JUST SAW IT OFF TO FIT THE HOLE./

BEAUTY IS IN THE FUNCTIONALITY ...

************

AND THE WALLS-- ALL CUT AND lined up REady to be screwed in place

hopefully by some volunteer sitting on a milk crate----

i have to comment--- for all those of you in the construction business-- these crazy stainless steel screws ---that came with the polymax walls ---with square holes instead of "phillips head" do not get my stamp of approval.

*******************

continuing with the daily venting

*****************

nor does the household vairety front loader washing machine get any gold stars.....-. the commercial wascomat we use on the dogs is a wondrous thing. ... but the maytag version for household use does not cut the mustard.

if you inadvertently try and wash a turkish towell - there is just not enough water to get it wet -- just damp- so when i wash towels i have to add another gallon by pouring it in the little hole on the top and pray the rinse and dryer get the soap out.

***************back to the dogs

megan took pink and teal home for an overnight- to try and get pink to pay a bit more attention to her surroundings.

poor teal--- he is beautiful--- but he looks like a girl.-- he also has a white coloration in his eyes --- perfectly normal- especially in harlequin danes---which unfortumately looks like exudate from an eye infection-- i am constantly checking only to find it is his normal coloring.

and colleen says bobby is absolutrely no problem at home or work-- except he can not figure out why he is there-

looking back.... he has not done much car travel-- and his last 2 experiences going to georges might have made some impression---even with anesthesia.

colleen "reads" a dog very well...

after years in the grooming business she has the insight not found in generic dog owners.

she is as good as cesar at describing how a dog feels about things--- like bathtubs and water. cesar was a groomer too.

**************

hi carlene

I just wanted to get your permission before I contact "Santa Frank" to have him appear the 1st Sunday next month as Santa Claus for the Chicken @#$% BINGO. We can do some photo opps with him and the dogs. Of course if anyone wants to have their children photographed etc. I will contact him and see if he is available. I will also take care of his compensation for the day. What do you think?

Here is the link to the photos of Frank from last year's Christmas party:

http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/shared/36303/kaglnztm19yx2oc
now that is a good looking santa

i say that from experience of 20 years of driving 8 donkeys with antlers into Boston's best hotel ball rooms with inebriated santas that photographed best only from a distance.

of course i think it is a great idea to have him at the December sh#tting

which should remind you all--- click away--- the December puppy food wall is "out there" ready.

along those lines--- cnn had a story- from australia with the typical cow plop bingo and the cow did not plop

along with driving donkeys- as animal episodes,--- i provided shampoooed cows for several boston plops-- and i don't think one of them ever plopped

i realize i should not tempt fate- but we have a much better success rate

with considerable lower overhead...

is that a marketable fact???? pooing is better than plopping???

now go click

Nov 9, 2011

2011-11-17T19:24:00.001-08:00

many dozens of daily doggers have sent their condolences to jade - and tho it can not approach the loss to jade, it is very difficult for all of us to get back on stride.

we must concentrate on jades comment

I am just trying to focus on how much love and joy she added to my life in the two and a half years I have had with her.

**********

now...

we must get back to work on this tribe of not yet quite spectacular dogs

aka--- the pups

now that the coa van (aka "jitney") has a new starter we can do some puppy runs today at the fairgrounds.

megan and karen had one of those marvelous moments when --- with the 2 litters of pups mixed together on puppy hill...megan was able to call one litter out from the group.. by just having a different sound---

puppy puppy puppy

and i forget what she uses for the other group...

boy is that interesting. .... definitely needs to be developed---

*************

now for the back to basics DD

w/r/t Bobby's scrotum --- because of internal problems---it became necessary to neuter Bobby-and george did that.

couple days later the 2 golf ball size lumps that had been removed had become an obscene looking 2 baseballs... or cantelopes... big....

something-- blood--was dripping into the empty scrotum-- and it wasn't going down. george's Sunday morning vet decided she'd let george deal with it Monday morning... and he did.

it was a spectacular bit of surgery--- it is amazing how far blood under pressure can spurt .

Bobby is now fine-- and 5 pounds lighter--

colleen said she would like to have him-- which would be fun for bobby- she has a grooming business in lynn-- so he will go there with her- and be around here tues wed thurs afternoons-- when she feeds.

*****************

and we have his bloodlines around..

there is always the question of am i missing something in the genetics of breeding these dogs... the master list of 99% of our dogs hangs in the guest house and includes health comments--- have a look

********************

construction of the nut house. aka carlene's nut house.-

the white polymax walls are nearly up-- not perfectly- but up with one nail waiting for a strong arm or two to straighten them out.

not being able- in the semi darkness-- to tell the difference between a 6 and an 8 raises heck with the measurements- but they are up.

***

plan is to leaf blow the floor and get the roll of flooring in there and somehow unroll it before it gets cold and brittle..

probably have to run the bullet heater in the door to keep it flexible.

i then have another piece of flooring if needed.... to cover it until we stop dragging things around... like stoves and chain link.

***********

Good morning Carlene
We are so happy for Gay and Hey!
I mentioned David just finished a round of infusion therapy. He's a little weak and queasy, but it passes. Any way, I wanted to share our experience at the clinic at Holy Family Hospital. They have adopted a new policy: "No service dogs in the actual infusion room, due to some patients having compromised immune systems".
So Bella and I were placed in a dark, cold corner between an elevator and a dead-end hall way. Bella is allowed to help David to his treatment chair, but once he is settled, the dog must leave. So David spends the next 1 1/2 to 2 hours alone. On the second and consecutive days, I drove David to Holy Family, leaving Bella at home. Lucky it is only seven minutes away. I got him settled and rushed home to a very confused dog. We have never left her home alone ever, not for any length of time. When his treatment was almost complete, Bella and I went back to pick him up. It makes David so happy. The nurses even said his BP spiked without Bella, then settle when she came to get him. A little side to the story is Bella's reaction to David after each of the five doses of Solumedrol. Bella stared David down after we came home. Intently examining his face, and slightly woofing, very low. The steroids make David's eyes dialate big time. He is very sensitive to light and sound. As he tried to rest, Bella would look deep into his face, then camp down at his side. As they rested together she was so sensitive to his every move, wince, sigh. She really cares about him. She really has his back. It's beautiful...
Elena
***********************

steroids---- i have a feeling dogs can sense a person on steroids-

it is too long a story--- but that is the 3rd steroid story i know of.

**************

an fyi that i can not resist...

BEWARE----if any of you have accounts with the peoples bank - once called danvers bank once called beverly bank--

i have had many problems- among them -- duplicate postings to several accounts.

here's a simple example----I printed out--- from their web- the details of an untouched IRA account which gave me

interest--- last year 83 cents

year to date $64.79

neither of which is anywhere near correct.

this is just one demo--- so i sent it in to the state banking bunch---"i hope you are watching people's bank" letter----- and got back the response they are not state regulated--- you have to deal with the federal group in houston texas.

so i did that----

it smacks of change the name- give everyone a big bonus- and start again...

but what do i know....

theresa and i have moved the our accounts across the street-

i have never had such a huge bank balance--- and it is simply because i don't have any checks to pay the bills--- yet --- including masterson's $9500 to solve the puppy laundry water problem. (molly.. tell jeff the checks are on order....? that has to be a new excuse...)

new account means a whole bunch of new passwords--, security questions--, credit cards --account numbers-- and other things i just don't do well.

************************

now to attack my file of login numbers/words

Thank you so much for raising such a spectacular dog and allowing her to light up my life.

Nov 6, 2011

2011-11-17T19:23:00.005-08:00

or is it daily doggie?? -- one of those binary decisions that stump me.

training details----

went to costco with jody and stormy - to try and work thru some of her issues with stormy

just off the top --- stormy is a big girl-- and if jody forgets to talk to her - stormy is inclined to wander and overwhelm her.

case in point-----walk by the meat counter with her leash hanging at about 20 inches and that nose drifts right over to the meat- next thing you know her mind is on meat and she is dragging jody a bit too strong. --walk properly with a 6" leash-and it's near perfect---- stormy's concentration is much better..

in 25 words or less

in harness is working--- for both person and dog--- do not expect perfection if you are not ready to do your half. especially with a dog under 4 years old.

in the horse world it would be called "no loss of contact"

however---- it must never be tight. ----- if necessary, tug and release but never tight...

how tight?-- the leash in generic working mode must not make any indentation in her neck- but it is right there --- for conversation purposes... that is ( and sometimes an emergency brake)

it is one of the ways you talk to your dog.

if you are working on the command "go slower you are walking to danm fast"

it should be "go slow....( hesitate and if no response do a significant tug on the leash) ---you are going too danm fast"

after which --- when they slow down you must cheerfully say " thank you"-- or alternately "that is sooo much better"

it is the"release" then cheerful part that is critical

properly done -- this "command" becomes "slower" and no yank is necessary---and the dog will say "sorry--- i forgot" after which you say "thank you"

stormy is a good dog--- and means to do everything asked of her for jodi ( not for me--- i could not walk her 10 feet away from jodi without a huge argument--- i had to walk her into a pole to get a minimum of control)

which makes me think--- one of jodi's issues is stormy will not commit to a jump into a car--- she crawls--- preferably waiting for someone to direct her rear foot.. today we could try having me hold the dog( somehow) and getting jodi in the car--- and see if stormy will leap

she is not lightfooted--- like bailey

*********************

the other today project ALONG WITH THE SUNDAY STEW AND CHICKEN POOING--

between megan and i-- we should take martha thru the training process-- from liver in left pocket--- to figure 8--- to loose leash---

with slight deviation to come for cheese -- wait-- and back. get that far and they are paying attention to you and can go on to achieve boredom before you go any further.

THIS MARTHA PERSON WITH JODI---

SHE SHOULD BE V3 FOR VIM VIGOR AND VITALITY... SHE HAS ALOT OF BOUNCE- I AM SURE YOU WILL ENJOY MEETING HER

********************

BOBBY MAY NEED TO GO TO GEORGE'S TODAY TO GET DEFLATED -GEORGE IS AWAY AND WILL BE BACK MONDAY MORN.

HE MUST BE HAND WALKED--- AND DON'T OFFER TO TOUCH THE "SURGICAL SITE" NOW APROXIMATLY THE SIZE OF 2 BASEBALLS,

************************

W.R.T.

POT LUCK PART OF THE SUNDAY STEW---

I REMEMBER THE DAY EVERYONE BROUGHT A CHOCLATE CAKE-- AND WE ATE ALL 6 CAKES.. IT WAS FUN... BUT....

A HEADS UP

WE BOUGHT 3 CANS OF WHIPPED CREAM AT COSTCO--- WE SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH OF THAT..

AND I HAVE HEARD RUMORS OF A FISH CONCOCTION AND A LAMB "DISH" BUT YOU NEVER KNOW.

AND IF SOMEONE DOESN'T COOK--- BRINGING COFFEE CUPS IS ALWAYS A WELCOME OPTION. CREATIVITY IS ENCOURAGED..

FIRST TIMERS ARE WELCOME AND FORGIVEN FOR ARRIVING EMPTY HANDED.

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THE REST OF YESTERDAY'S NEWS I CAN NOT PUT IN AN EMAIL FOR FEAR I WOULD LAND IN JAIL--- LITERALLY

SO I WILL SHARE IT WITH THE STEWERS

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INTERESTING --

CHAOS IS NOT ON DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME YET-- SHE HAS BEEN WANDERING VOCALIZING FOR AN HOUR AND I SAID "PAUL AND EARLINE WOULD BE HERE TODAY--- BUT WAIT" AND SHE DID--- BUT IT IS NOW 10 OF 7 AND SHE IS AT THE WINDOW... ON THE DAYS HE COMES, HE GETS HERE AT 8

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ALSO WITH 4 STAINLESS STEEL BUCKETS OF WATER SITTIN HERE-- WHEN SHE GOES OUT SHE GOES TO A WHITE BUCKET FULL OF RAIN WATER..

MAKES ME WONDER IS SOMEONE SCRUBBED THE BUCKETS AND DIDN'T GET ALL THE SOAP OUT?????

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WE WILL CHICKEN POO TODAY

MEANING THE WEBSITE WILL REMAIN "OPEN" TIL 2:45 WHEN WE TAKE THE NUMBERS OFF THE WEB AND PUT THEM ON THE TABLE

THE HENS ARE INTRODUCED AT 3:00 AND THE LONGEST IT HAS TAKEN IS 15 MINUTES--- SHORTEST 2 MINUTES

IF THEY LAY AN EGG THERE IS A $50 BONUS

SO THERE...

NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE THE CLICK THING--- GO DO IT NOW.

Nov 7, 2011

2011-11-17T19:23:00.003-08:00

i don't know if this picture bit works... however....

at the chicken poo.....

THE NUMBERING PROCESS-- EACH NUMBER WAS ENTERED 4 TIMES TOTALLY at random.. i read the numbers off the memsiac wall list - 4 people write in the squares

the numbered board and winning poo #229 if you look closely

altho it was poo'd on the line, the majority --- by weight-- was clearly 229

we had a lot of fun- laughs---a good crowd--- and ate well

what more could you ask of a Sunday???

THE NERVOUS BREAKDOWN OF THE DAY WAS MY COMPUTER/ PRINTER REFUSED TO SPIT OUT THE LIST OF NAMES / NUMBERS WITH EMAILS AND WOULD ONLY GIVE US THE BRICK NUMBERS WITH THE PICTURES... LUCKILY WHEN POO LANDED ON 229 WE QUICKLY ID'D HEYDAWG AS THE WINNER. WE COULD HAVE FIGURED IT OUT EVENTUALLY.

I CONTACTED MATT ( MEMSIAC ) WHO WILL HAND FEED US THE LIST AT 2:45 BY EMAIL IN CASE WE GET IN TROUBLE AGAIN.

i shut down that wall -- and will open decembers'

I HATE COMPUTERS MORE A ND MORE EACH DAY--- THAT IS HARDLY NEWS.

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bobby--- we took him in for george's vets to check THESE HUGE MASCULINE APPENDAGES on sunday--- and they opted to let george straighten it out on Monday morning---SO WE GAVE BOBBY A DURAMAX (PAIN KILLER) -- megan and i will go as soon as she gives the place a quick run around.

it is probaBLY GOING TO BE GENERAL ANESTHESIA--- WHICH COMPLICATES THE DAY--- HOPEFULLY SOME OF the REGULAR VOLUNTEERS APPEAR TO

DO WHATEVER WITH PUPPIES ... IF HE IS REALLY KNOCKED OUT I MAY LEAVE MEGAN THERE...

POLLY AND BOB WILL BE HERE ABOUT 9:30---PAUL SAID HE'D BE AROUND WITH JIM CARPENTERING --- AND BUD IS DRIVING TOM TODAY.. BUT THE PUPPIES ALWAYS NEED SOME PERSONAL ATTENTION... ONE ON ONE.

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BIGGEST TRAINING COMMENT OF THE DAY---

FOR BOTH JODI- STORMY-- AND GAY-HEYDAWG-- YOU LET their LEASH OUT TO LET THEM WANDER- AND IFTHEY DRAG YOU AROUND--- IT IS REALLY YOUR FAULT... WHEN IN PROPER HARNESS AND COLLAR THEY BOTH BEHAVE VERY NICELY IF YOU KEEP THE LEASH AT WORKING LEGNTH--- NEVER TIGHT--- BUT NEVER WANDERING -- LET THEM GET 2' IN FRONT OF YOU AND THEIR MINDS ARE 100 FEET AWAY.

I JUST MADE THAT UP--- BUT IT IS A GOOD ONE.

EVEN BAILEY--- WITHOUT COLLAR OR LEASH--- IF SHE STARTS TO WANDER-- SHE FOLLOWS HER NOSE AND IS GONE - IF I NOTICE AND SPEAK TO HER SHE WILL TAGG ALONG WIH ME..

THERE IS REALLY NO COMMAND... JUST BAAAAAAAILEY BEHAVE.

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SOMEHOW I HAVE GOT TO GET US OUT OF THE NEW PEOPLE'S BANK (AKA DANVERS BANK AKA BEVERLY BANK)

I WILL SPARE YOU THE DETAILS- BUT PER THEIR DOWNLOADS--- DEPOSITS AND CHECKS ARE POSTED TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS- AT THE SAME TIME.... RAISING HELL WITH THE STATISTICS

I WAS RELYING ON THE DANVERS BANK AND QUICKEN TO KEEP OUR ACCOUNTING STRAIGHT---A HUGE MISTAKE-

I NOW HAVE A DRAWER FULL OF CASH WHICH WILL GO IN THE OTHER BANK IN TOPSFIELD TODAY.

THIS WILL DELAY BILL PAYING TIL I CAN GET SOME CHECKS PRINTED.

I USED TO DE-BUG PROGRAMS AS A BUSINESS-- THIS BANK THING IS A BEAUT--- AND I BET SOME GOLDEN HANDSHAKES SLID MONEY AROUND WITH THE NAME CHANGE..

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AND to think I LANDED IN JAIL FOR A LEASH LAW VIOLATION ( a true story)

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the ongoing consturction - i am shifting to chain link detail --- all these rolls lying around that janine found--- are 10'.. i have tried shortening/cutting and rebending the "kuckles" and it does work -- there are a few places inside where 7.5' would be better than the 6'

remember thumper's love life and the many 6'fences he topped.

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poor bobby--- he has a problem we hopefully will fix so colleen can take him to work--in public

sure can't do that now.