Sunday, March 14, 2010

After 4 months of not working

Nala has been retired for 6 moths now. In the beginning,I would use her once in awhile to keep her happy but have now not worked her at all in 4 months. She seemed to adjust to not going out with me any more. I have been using Shaman full time now.I am beginning to trust him more every time we go out. I am so glad that he is getting better about working around other dogs now.Any way,getting back to Nala. I took her out when I met Rachel and her husband Jeremy and their guide dogs for lunch. We had a good time and a great lunch at Jerry Bob's Restaurant. They read the menu for us and brought water for the dogs. I used Nala as I did not think Shaman was ready to work around other dogs after his pitbull attack. Nala was perfect. Even after not working for 4 months, she did not forget any of her training.I also used her when I went to the bank this month as Shaman was having a bout of diarrhoea that day. She new the routine and worked perfectly.Last night,I went to Rachel's home for dinner.Jeremy is quite a good cook and we had a yummy Taco Salad. We were having fun talking about stuff and I screwed up and did not keep track of the time. I missed the last bus!I ended up rolling it all the way home and was glad I had used Nala as she knew the way and got me home safely. It took us a little over an hour to get home, but we made it safe and sound.I don't think Shaman would have been up to that kind of challenge yet. Nala knows the area and he does not. I gave Nala lots of hugs and kisses and a treat of ice cream,her favorite!I am sure that Shaman will be a great guide dog. It just takes time and patience. The trust will come with time.I know I will be able to trust in him just as much as I trust Nala. It took time for me to trust her. Shaman and I are still bonding.Every thing will come in time. To be continued....................

Shaman has made great progress

Shaman has made great progress in his recovery from the pitbull attack. I was in Pets Mart the other day picking up supplies for my cats, dogs. rats,and Bearded Dragon. Several dogs came right up to Shaman and he made no attempt to growl or bark at them. He moved on when I gave the forward command and did not get distracted by the other dogs. I think he is finally getting over the attack and the subsequent dog aggression problems.I will keep working with him around other dogs to make sure he becomes the guide dog I know he can be.I am very proud of him and he seems to get better at guiding me every time we go out. I believe we are still in the bonding process but I am getting to trust him more every day.To be continued..................