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. 

But It Tasted So Good: Socks are For Feet Not For Eating

The weekend after Thornwald got back from his puppy sitter, he started acting lethargic and uninterested. At first, I thought he was just tired, but he started to walk with his head down, and by Tuesday, he started vomiting. This morning, I brought him to the vet and they did a x-ray and saw a sock (or a sock-like object) in his colon.

 

He is currently staying at the vet while they try to remove the sock. Hopefully, they will not have to resort to surgery. If he starts to feel better by the weekend, I have a few activities planned (light of course) for him. I just hope he starts to feel better soon!

Tracking Purchases/Mileage for Susquehanna Service Dogs

While raising Waldo, it is important to track the money that I spend and the miles that I drive towards his training. This year, I started with an envelope that I kept all my receipts, but I soon realized that come next March, I'd be kicking myself for it. I needed a better solution.

I realized that every receipt needed to be easily found, but a monthly report would be best when actually preparing taxes. I decided that I would enter each receipt into an excel spreadsheet. I would include the date, amount, store, items purchased, and file number. For each receipt, I assigned a file number so that I would be able to easily find any receipt if I need to reference it at a later time. This way I wouldn't have to worry about finding the dates and keeping the receipts in order. If you've ever combed through receipts, you probably realize how different each receipt is concerning date and amount. An uniform number at the top right of every receipt allows a clean, easy organization system. I will organize these receipts by uniform packs of receipts that are labeled with their contents. This way, the small papers won't fall around. I haven't quite decided where I am storing the receipts, but I will most likely use a small shoe box organizer on my bookshelf.

This system will be great when doing my taxes next year for receipts, but what about mileage?

I will be tracking my mileage in another page of the same workbook in excel.  I'm going to state the date, the purpose, and the miles. This will keep all the information together in one file!

I hope my ideas help you and I will update this post with pictures once I take 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

2015-The Year of Giving Back

Waldo and I have a lot of fun together, but sometimes, we need to give back a little. I've decided to dedicate my life to giving back to the community this year so we are going to focus on shelters-both human and animal. Right now, we are couponing free items to donate and I hope to make some toys for the animals of the shelters. Hopefully, we can do a lot this year! 

Pet Smart vs Petco vs That Pet Place vs Pet Supplies Plus

As much as I'd like to individually compare items at each store, that is not what this post is about. I will be comparing the setup, product selection, and atmosphere's of each pet store. These are the four pet stores that are closest to me, but I will review any new stores that I visit outside of Lancaster, PA. 

Pet Smart

I've been to a lot of Pet Smarts and I have always liked the atmosphere. I'm pretty sure that's why I always return! The employees at my local Pet Smart remember Waldo and I are always helpful. They have a large selection of everything I could possibly need. I've found dog aspirin to waterless shampoo! Their selection on most items is impressive and I love that they have a Martha Stewart line. I usually get Waldo's food at Pet Smart because of the location and how we are treated in the store. Every Pet Smart I have been to has been similar. 

Petco

The atmosphere of Petco isn't as open and the layout isn't as easy to maneuver, but it isn't difficult. I've found a lot of unique products at Petco, especially toys. They have more pop culture-based toys and organic food than Pet Smart. Their pet accessory section is actually larger than Pet Smart at most stores and I've seen some cute and functional clothing or protective wear for animals. They also have a 5% back towards another purchase which would be great if the nearest store wasn't 20 minutes away. It might just be me, but I like straight aisles better than aisles around a hub. That's probably why I prefer Pet Smart over Pet Co. 

That Pet Place

This place is massive. The aquarium that is attached (part of That Fish Place) is also a store. As for the fish part of the store, I wasn't very impressed. It seemed very dingy and bland. It didn't seem like the setup was purposeful and the aisles were messy. The pet store was better, but not as well organized as other pet stores. The toy selection was great, but it didn't seem much better than any other store that I've seen. There were a few unique products that I haven't seen and a large selection of dog food, but there the rest of the sections seemed bare. As for the other animals, the store had more than most. I saw more bird and fish supplies than any other store, but for dogs, there wasn't anything that special. 

Pet Supplies Plus

I had never heard of this store even though it is a chain store. The store closest to me is quite small, but they have a large selection of food and toys. The only other section that seemed full was the health and bath section. There were very few choices in accessories, crates, bowls, travel, etc. Since Waldo travels with me almost everywhere, I usually stop in those sections so I was disappointed. 

Out of these four stores, I have to stick with Pet Smart. The atmosphere and location are two major points that influenced my decision, but it also has larger sections than two of the other stores. There are some perks to the other stores, but unless my first choices fall through, I probably won't be making the trip out there. 

Frozen Treats: Pupsicles!

Waldo loves ice so I've been trying to create recipes that are both frozen and healthy for Waldo. The ice is great for this sore gums. Poor puppy! 

I've been searching the Internet for creative ideas when I came across this idea... Frozen Pupsicles! (http://wearwagrepeat.com/2013/08/diy-gourmet-pupsicles/)

I modified the idea slightly to include teething sticks and here are some photos!