Goodbye Thornwald: Onto Another Adventure

I'm trying to write this without crying, but I do need to update everyone about Thornwald. He was finally discharged from the Palmyra Animal Clinic, but he won't be returning home with me. This decision was made by Susquehanna Service Dogs based on how he has been doing in classes. As many of you might know, Thornwald gets confused and distracted quite easily. As much as I have tried, it is still difficult to get his attention and the people at Susquehanna Service Dogs want to try out another trainer to see if he will do better in another household or environment. This does happen quite often, and although it is quite painful for me, I know that he will be in good hands. They promised that I will be able to see him and if the trainer needs a sitter, that I might be able to sit him. They will be setting up a time that I will be able to see him in a week or two, but for now, it will be a difficult transition to not having him there.

My goal is to put my energy into better my health and finances. I hope to be able to raise another service dog when another litter is born, but for now, I will be contacting local animal shelters and possibly doing volunteer work with them. For now, I hope to use my free time to help other dogs and animals. I know that this is not the end for Thornwald, but hopefully, the beginning. I will miss him, but if this is what is best for him, and the new environment will be better for his training.

My First Time in Lancaster City: I'm Not a City Dog (Yet!)

Even though we live in the Lancaster area, we do not go into the city. There is nothing in the city that I cannot buy outside of the city with free parking. The only resource in the city that I use are the Lancaster General Health resources (doctors and emergency department).

Knowing Thornwald needed to visit a city, I decided that a day in Lancaster would be perfect! I had it all planned. I was going to take him to Central Market, the Lancaster Art Museum, the Library, City Hall, and a few stores. My plan was to get him used to walking around busy streets with new sounds and to visit places that he might visit with a handler. I had him walk over new textures and go to places with new smells.

Our first stop was Rite Aid, and even though he has visited numerous Rite Aids before, he was distraught over how crowded it was in this store. We then continued to visit Central Market. He did not do too badly at the market, but I did not want to keep him there too long because he was having a lot of difficulty keeping focused with all the food smells. I wanted him to leave successful! We practiced stopping at crosswalks and when there was a lot of traffic sounds, I made sure to give him treats to help calm him and associate the sounds with a positive vibe. I was even able to get him to sit and pose on a sewer grate! \

Unfortunately, for young Thornwald, the experience was overwhelming.  Most of our time was spent walking, but when we made it to the Library, he freaked out and started to jump on me and bite my legs. I took him out of the Library and he calmed down. I am not sure what element about the trip freaked him out, but for now, I will be slowly introducing him to the different smells and sounds of the city. Hopefully, we will be able to visit a city for more than an hour before he gets stressed.

Visiting the Family: Sara is Home

 

Esther finally had a day off so we headed up north to visit my human family! They don't quite understand dogs and the cat doesn't like me, but Esther's Mom always makes me stuff! She made me this new bed that I can't destroy and is also comfortable! The first night was scary with thunder and lightening. I heard there was hail, but either way, it was scary! I was so glad that Esther was so close by, but I'd forget and start barking and she'd have to remind me. 

The next day, we spent most of the morning at home, but we did take time to go vote! I wanted to vote, but dogs can't vote so I opted for a pro-voting picture instead! 

Next, we were off to the grocery store! It was rather boring and I started getting fussy so Esther and I went outside to explore. We started by waiting for horses. None showed up. I was disappointed. I wanted to meet a horse. We even found a pay phone.

After shopping, I was ready for a nap, but everyone else insisted we needed to look at cars! How many cars does this family go through in a year? The first stop, I walked around and looked at cars, but I soon realized that I know nothing about cars! Esther and I snuggled in the back of her fiat instead. Finally, it was time for dinner... Not for me. :( I was quite bored, but I did try staying under the table. It's just so difficult! 

The waitress gave me some ice and a after the meal, Esther and I went outside to look around. 

And don't you wish you were this cool? 

That night was less scary. I didn't feel too scared in my crate. Esther was right there beside me. 

Fast forward two days:

I met Mikey! He's pretty awesome! I hope I get to see him again soon! 

Esther has today and tomorrow off so who knows what we will do! I know it will be fun!