Looking Back: Moving On

When I first gave Thornwald to a different raiser, my heart was crushed. I put all my energy into raising him, but as time passed, it hurt less. I love him and I learned so much from him, but if being with a more experienced raiser will help him succeed, then letting go is exactly what I needed to do as part of raising him. Soon afterward, I started to experience weird symptoms and I was very thankful that I was not in charge of Thornwald at that moment. I could not drive and I was in no state of mind to give him the best lessons a hyper, seven month old puppy needed. I was so happy to see him when I got to visit him and I was proud. It was like visiting a child at college. It was shocking, but I was never angry. I did this for Thornwald and whomever would benefit from him. Anyone who thought it would be impossible to give him up weren't thinking in the same mindset that I was thinking. 

I am so glad that I was able to raise Thornwald and would never trade that time for anything. I love my current dog, Cash, and I was able to help him through his recovery (he was an underweight stray) because of what I learned with Thornwald. 

I now see service dogs and what they do in such an amazing new way. It's fantastic to see these dogs from the beginning. Susquehanna Service Dog does that. I love hearing success stories or seeing service dogs in public. I love knowing that these lovable animals can do so much and that such a fantastic organization can make this happen for so many people. And they are trying to expand. 

Now that I am moving back with my parents, I won't be able to volunteer for Susquehanna Service Dogs, but they won't be far from my mind. I hope to find a way to raise money or donate supplies they might need. They inspired me to see the potential in all dogs. They showed me the importance of consistency and positivity. I've been able to translate their teaching methods to other aspects of my life. And for the first time in my life, I was able to overcome my mental health issues because my life was not focused on me, but on a puppy, its potential, and the person he would eventually help.  

And as a bonus, they showed me how to train my own dog. 

If you are looking for a place to donate to, consider them! Just send them an email or look at their list on their website. You won't regret it.

Esther

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.

Dog Park Shenanigans!

Dog parks are great resources for any community. I love being able to watch Thornwald happily frolic around and get his needed lab exercise. 

A lot of dog parks only have places for the dogs to run, but Lancaster was lucky enough to receive a half-million dollar dog park when a local resident won a contest from Beneful. 

Every dog has their own personality and it is fun to watch the dogs interact and learn how to play with different dogs. 

I'm not a big fan of small puppies in the large section of dog parks, even if they are large breeds. Unless the dog has been heavily socialized, your cute puppy is going to be frightened and many dogs won't understand how to play with such a youngster. 

Luckily, our local dog park has enough fun stuff to do that it is hard for them to get bored. 

Dog Parks are For the Dogs (But People Can Enjoy Them, Too!)

Until I became Thornwald's puppy raiser, I had never visited a dog park, but I soon learned that a Labrador Retriever puppy needs much more exercise than a walk or two a day can provide. Whenever the weather was bearable, I would take an hour or two to drive him to the park so he could run around and play without being restrained by a leash or with me trying to keep up! I researched the nearby dog parks and there are two in my area, one requiring a yearly membership, so we ventured to Beau's Dream Dog Park to see if it was an appropriate outing location for Thornwald.

When I had first researched the park, I learned that this park had received a makeover in 2013 as the winning recipient in the 2012 Beneful Dream Dog Park. The park is an amazing facility and offers a variety of surfaces and activities for the dogs to participate in while they visit. Even though the park is small (something that they could not change), the way that the design is set up creates enough resistance and surfaces that dogs tire out and still have enough room to get their required exercise to remain healthy.

I take Thornwald to this park quite often and I have found that most of the dog parents are respectful of the property and watch their dogs. I have also found a strong community within the owners which I did not expect. On numerous occasions, other dog owners have helped me watch out for Thornwald and I have returned the favor. He has several dogs that he has become fast friends with and it is so sweet to see them interact. On several occasions, I have seen other dogs protect Thornwald when other dogs have become aggressive. This does not happen as often, but it is great to know that his dog friends look out for him.

The facility is absolutely stunning. There are water fountains for the dogs, a splash pad, turf "grass," a tree that throws tennis balls, bone shaped benches, and even a shaded area with chairs for the dog parents.

Going to the dog park is one of Thornwald and I's favorite activities and I am glad that not only the residents of Lancaster have kept the park nice, but the city also provides support and tennis balls. It is a great resource and it has solved my puppy energy problem.

Hiking is Hard Work!

As part of my medical treatment plan, I have been instructed to start exercising more often. As much fun as just exercising at home really is, I decided that this spring/summer/fall, Waldo and I would take up hiking! I took advantage of the first real non-winter day and loaded the car up for a trip to the Middle Creek Wildlife Preserve for a day of hiking.

There is an actual welcome center when you get to the site. Inside, there is an area for children and an observation area in addition to the museum. Waldo and I first went hiking on the conservation trail. Waldo was very distracted by the wildlife, but we did spend a lot of time focusing on loose-leash walking and leave it. Luckily, I did not end up falling, but he did pull me a down a couple hills...

After going on the trail, we then proceeded to the observation area next to the lake. There were a lot of interesting people and dogs. We tried to get a glimpse of the waterfowls, but they were a bit too far for us to see. I'm including some photos of our trip.

There weren't that many waterfowl left, but it was interesting to see how many people were interested in watching these birds. We might go back when it is warmer, but for the distance, I think that Waldo and I have a lot of interesting options closer or the same distance that we still need to hike! We will definitely return, but for now, we will be trying out a few more trails in the mean time.

Everyone Loves a Puppy: Taking a Puppy Into Public

When I first started taking Waldo into public, I was worried about how he would react to new situations and sounds, but now, it's the people around me that bother me more. I have found that most people are curious and supportive of him and even though he always draws attention to us, that doesn't really bother me. (I had a bright red pixie cut for a while. People stared at me more then.) For me, I try to take Waldo out on most of my errands, but there are many problems that can happen even when you legally can bring a dog with you... Or some interesting situations. 

1. People can't keep their hands off of him!

I might be walking or standing still in a store and people will B-line to him. Or even worse, they will call to him. If you ask, he can say hello, but stop grabbing him. I assume the harness makes people feel at ease, but it's inappropriate and is sometimes painful for the person with the leash! 

2. Everyone talks about you

It doesn't matter where you are, every person is talking about you. I try to imagine that they are discussing the importance of service animals or something similar, but it's usually about how cute he is or how big his feet are... I get it. He's going to be huge. 

3. You will hear about every lab they've ever known. 

Labs are great. Can I buy my milk?

4. People Will Look at You as an Imposter

I've felt offended in two different situations. The first was in Panera when this manager had to deal with a customer who complained. She asked and I explained and she was fine with it. The couple, who were sitting near me, complained and made her take out her manual. The second time was at a Perkins. The very moment I walked into the door, the manager demanded paperwork. He then continued to glare at me. It was unprofessional and awkward. I had my friend pay and I took waldo outside after we ate. 

5. Children Love Puppies and You'll Hear All About It

And they will beg to play with him. And scream.

6. Stereotypical Tough Men Also Love Puppies and They Will Want to Pet Your Puppy

And they melt over them. It's endearing.

7. People Will Remember You

This is similar to when I had red hair. People just remember you wherever you go. And they also comment on how big he has gotten. He's going to be a big dog. I get it. 

8. If A Person Knows Anyone With a Service/Guide Dog, They Will Tell You About It. 

And they all know someone. Time I will never get back. "Sir, I have somewhere to go and I don't know you or your half-sister's father-in-law's best friend's step-son nor do I want to know his life story."

9. Do you get paid for this? Everyone seems to need know this and are shocked by the answer. 

I get paid in slobbery puppy kisses. 

10. How Are You Going to Be Able to Give Him Up? I Wouldn't Be Able To...

Good thing you aren't going to...

And finally, 

THROW YOUR CIGARETTE BUTTS IN THE GARBAGE SO I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WALDO EATING THEM. 

The Small Dog with a Big Heart: Our Car Accident

On Friday morning, I was driving from downtown Lancaster and slid into the back of another vehicle. This last storm had ended over 24 hours prior, and I was in second gear, going 15 mph, and was over a car's distance from the car in front of me. There was a red light so I started to slow down and my car kept going. The rest is quite obvious. This post is not about my misfortune, but about how Waldo handled the situation. 

My dear Thornwald (Waldo) did not react to the accident. I hurried to get him out of the back of the vehicle. He reacted the way that I thought he would... by exploring the area and trying to meet anyone that stopped to see if we were okay. He was very well behaved and stayed close to me. I was worried being so close to the road, but Waldo stuck very close to me the whole time. I have a panic disorder and I have had severe panic attacks in less severe situations. After I had dealt with the phone calls and tow truck, Waldo and I climbed into the tow truck and he calmly placed his head on my lap. He is usually more energetic when in new situations, but he just sat there calmly. He looked up at me with the sweetest look. He calmed me down and prevented me from having a panic attack. I could not believe how he understood his role so quickly. 

The next few months are going to be very difficult for me, but I know with Waldo by my side, I will be able to get through them. If you would like to help me support Waldo during the next few months, I have setup a GoFundMe page where you can donate. Any amount is helpful, but do not worry if you cannot. Your thoughts and prayers are enough.

Thank you for your support, Waldo and I both appreciate it. 

Esther and Waldo

Our GoFundMe Page