What a Day!

Now, most of you think that us K9’s just lie around the house, sleeping, eating, drinking (some of us have a problem with this, but I’m not one to point a paw!) and obtain some good ole full body massaging…er uhm scratching from our masters.  Well, not that any of that isn't true, but being a guide dog I have a very strict set of rules and must be ready to go, all suited up, at a moment’s notice. I like to think of myself as being on call just like one of those fire dogs, and just as important too! But before I get too carried away, what I was trying to say is that I never really know when, where or exactly what’s going to happen each day. All I do know is that each day, from the moment I wake up, is going to be an adventure. And I am definitely one for adventure!
   
This morning didn't start like any ordinary morning though.  I awoke to my master getting in the shower which was a little out of the ordinary since he usually comes in, wakes me up, takes me downstairs to feed me my breakfast and then takes me for my morning walk. Well, this did not happen today.

Okay, now you must understand that as I lay there on my bed catching a few more jumping sheep and dreaming of some scrumptious savory kibble in my bowl, that I was also wondering what was up for the day!

After the shower turned off (Man do I wish I had been able to drink some of that water!), after my master shaved, and only after he got dressed did I realize that he was wearing his speaking clothes. 

Speaking clothes!? 

Well, maybe not exactly his normal speaking clothes but definitely not his normal attire for the day. I was beginning to get an idea that I, I mean we, yes we, might have a great day in store! 

I didn't think of asking any questions as I raced down the stairs, slid across the hardwood floor and raced to the garage door. Breakfast time!! As soon as this was over and I had my morning walk, I was a happy boy.

*Knock*

*Knock*

*Knock*

What?! A knock at the door…Who could that be? 

I trotted over to the door, sat and cocked my head ever so slightly. As I waited for my master to come and open the door I wondered who could be here so early. This was definitely not turning out to be just any normal day!

As the door opened and I saw who it was, I could not help but do a little Arbuckle truffle shuffle (for those of you that are unaware of what that is, let me explain it to you. So you see, whenever I get excited, there is this little wiggle that starts at the tip of my tail. Before I know it, it is working its’ way up my back legs and through my spine. By that time my whole body is shaking with excitement and I can barely stand still) for the lady that stood in the door way is the one who loves to give me scritches that are impossible to replicate!

Before I knew it, the engine of the van was started and I was changing into my work clothes. Now it was time to go to work, so I walked Dad from the house to the van and assumed my normal place between the captain chairs and settled in for the ride. I still didn’t know where we were going, but I am always up for a chauffeured ride and a little bit of business!

After a few turns here and there and a couple of speed bumps I realized the van was coming to a stop. I scurried over to the window and tried to get a better look at where we were stopping. I noticed a large building surrounded by some sort of green utopia that definitely needed to be explored by my nose, but that would have to wait. 

I soon realized that that large building looked a lot like a school, being that I have been in and out of so many, I have become quite familiar with their layouts, so no biggie! I guided my master to the large front doors and tracked down the office. I made quite the entrance and, well not to boast or anything, do have to say that these folks liked me. (I mean who doesn't?!)

A man entered the room and introduced himself to my dad. He said that he would escort us  to the class room that my master would be speaking in and that I would be able to sniff, stare at the crowd with one eye open and snore…I’m forgetting one last thing…oh yes of course! And pay attention to my dad as he spoke.

Yes, he was doing what he does and what he loves. Educating students about how just because life hits you hard, that life does not stop; It’s about turning those stumbling blocks into stepping stones. I lied there on the ground like I had never heard this presentation before. His voice has always soothed me, and I am always interested in what he is doings. Buuuuuuuuuut, I do know that after the presentation, all of these strange people will be pushing and shoving to come rub my soft silky coat and give me plenty of scritches. 

I sure hope they do! AH I can’t wait!!

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, it was all over. A few scritches here and there and it was time to go back to work. I led dad from the class room back to the van, making sure to stop by the office for one last scritch. Through the maze of students, children, sons and daughters, down the stairs and out the door; oh yes, just another day in my guide dog life!

Okay when all of you K9s just lie around the house remember that there are those of us who enjoy a great days work. There just isn't anything I would trade to be able to go out and get to do what I have been raised and trained to do. Yes oh yes oh yes I love assisting dad! Especially when he is doing what he enjoys doing. So keep it up Dad and keep booking all of those great places so that I get to continue having all of these wonderful adventures.

Wags to You!

Arby

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