Amazing Day!

Fall, aww yes, that time of year when you step outside and there is that chill in the air. Each time you step there is the crunch of leaves under your feet and it invigorates you and you just want to run and play.

This particular morning there was a sense of specialness in the house, then somebody said birthday. Now even us K9’s enjoy a good party so I knew this was going to be a special day.

The day started off like a normal Sunday. We attended church, where I enjoyed lying on the floor and snoring like I do. Then I heard the announcement, puppy truck! This caused me to be on K9 alert since the last time I heard the words puppy truck I took a ride so I was a little apprehensive but still up for the adventure. Now with my favorite boy at the wheel we were off heading in a southerly direction and I settled in on the floor to nap. Before I knew it the van was slowing down and everyone inside was looking for the puppy truck. As the van came to a screeching halt I heard screams of delight “look at all the cute puppies”. I sat up from the floor and gazed out the window and yes there were puppies but I still had a little misgiving about this adventure. None the less I was excited and ready to go and guide my master to the spot. Upon reaching the puppies I was soon relieved this was not my truck and these humans were just there to gaze at the cute little puppies that were being handed out to become one of me, yes a Guide Dog. Wow did this bring a sigh of relief.

I spent the first part of our visit schmoozing since I do this so well and then it was back to the van and off for another adventure. All in one day and what could be next? Once again the van came to a stop and I noticed more and more people and as I looked around I could see pumpkins and I could tell we were in the country which meant smells and things to chew on and oh yes, more people meant more schmoozing. As our family exited the van, we were off to hunt pumpkins, run through corn mazes, eat kettle corn; well at least I tried to eat what my master dropped, but he would not allow me to. We had fun, fun, fun, lots of laughs and lots of pictures. During the time that the kids were going through the corn maze I waited and waited. But while we were waiting I noticed a younger looking me… that is, a younger yellow lab but the difference was that I was a working guide dog and this little guy had a green “guide puppy in training” jacket on. We had run into the Bellevue Puppy Club “For Your Eyes Only” and I was so excited to see my younger cousins and to show them who they could become when they grew up. Oh yes I schmoozed since one guide dog in a crowd is enough to draw a crowd, but me and all of my other 4 legged cousins, we just screamed “pet me”!

After a while it was time once more to get in the van and now we were headed home, yes time for dinner and my stomach was growling since it was past my time. After having a nice bowl of food and a short walk outside it was time oh yes to snuggle in and reminisce about the wonderful day I allowed my master to have and it was all because of me, yes I am amazing and so was this day! Happy Birthday to my awesome master!

Pawpular One In Class - Tillicum Middle School

I am always amazed at how diligent my master is in arranging special assignments for us.  He spends countless time on his communication devices scheduling all of these venues so that I can walk in, light up the room and get as many scritches as pawsible! Oh, I think that I am supposed to say something about how it also allows us to go and share our message. Don’t tell him, but I am definitely the most pawpular one here!

Friday started like any other day with my master and I walking my girl, Becca, out to the end of the driveway so she could head to school.  Little did I know that we too would be going to school too! And you know what was even better than this? We were he heading to her school, Tillicum Middle School!! 

 Yep! My bag was packed, checked and rechecked. And soon enough we were off!

As we arrived, I recognized the school layout and easily guided my master to the school office. Once inside I stopped, cocked my head a little bit to the side and made eye contact with office staff in an effort to announce that there’s truly, Arbuckle the cuteness had arrived! My master introduced us (but of course they knew us and recognized me since I am very unforgettable!). We were redirected to a chair where we were placed in a holding pattern. I lay on the floor waiting eagerly, with my eyes locked in on the door, to see who was coming to get us. 

Before I realized it the door to the office opened and in walked an energetic young lady, with curls hanging down off of her head.

Wait..What!?! I recognize this girl!

It was my girl! The one who gives me treats every morning!

Did she have a treat now? Could I be so lucky as to have two in one day!  Life does not get any better than this!!  

But to my dismay she said “let’s go” and took us to the classroom.  What was already going to be a great day just became a great-grand-wonderful! You see, not only did I get to come to school today, but I now got to spend the day with the girl I love and my master, oh yes this was going to be a great day!

Entering the class room for Mrs. Genoway I was directed to the front and took my place on the floor. Of course I was on my best behavior, cocking my head, looking around, smiling with my eyes and before I knew it (Just like always!) I had students asking my master if they could please pet me. And of course he said yes!!

Ahhhhhh scrrrrtiches!!

My Master shared our story, and even though I have heard it told before I am always ready to respond when he shares about me. I lifted my head and looked at him at all the right moments. I did not fall asleep or snore during his presentation. I like that he talks about us and I wanted to be ready to look as cute as pawsible!  Yes he would tell them things like don’t feed me or pet me unless you ask and then he would proceed with the rest of his presentation.  

When he had finished the students asked questions about how does he ski or how does he use a computer, and oh yes there are always a few that would ask about me: how did I become one of these dogs?  How old am I? How long will I work as a guide dog? I would just smile as my Master would share the answers since for some reason when I talk they seem to not be able to understand me.

We had four different classes to speak to that day and all of the kids were great to watch. They were excited to see me and they learned a lot from my Master. One of them even suggested that we become motivational speakers. 

Great idea!!  

I think we will continue to do exactly that… Educate, motivate and share how to interact with life so that you might go out and have a life no matter what happens and to be able to trust people in all situations. Oh and of course when at all pawsible, get an endless amount of scritches!  

Wags to You!

Arby 

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

Don't forget to go and sniff around at my Dad's website and like us on Facebook for updates on our book and other barking news!

Paws Off-Line & A Book About Me

Greetings K9 friends and kennel buddies!

Yes, I know that I have been absent from blogging but rest assured, this is because my owner has been working on something called a book? I don’t know much about what that is, but I do know that I am featured in it. And let’s be honest, I don’t mind being the center of attention one bit! This has meant very limited time for me to jump on the computer and plawg away. It seemed that every time I got my paws warmed up, I would turn around and there he would be, back on my communication thing! 

Now, let me give you a little background on how I found this out. You see, one day a couple months ago, I was so upset over this whole ordeal and itching to get back to plawging that I just had to know what was going on. So I waited in ambush in the office, planted underneath the desk. He will never see this coming! So when he strolled in, I quickly barked out the question that had been slowly savoring in my mouth,

“What are you doing?! And why on earth are you spending so much time on the clicking box?

Instead of looking startled and caught off guard, he looked at me kindly and smiled. What came out of his mouth next made my tail wag and put a slobbery smile on my face! As he sat down in the office chair and began rubbing the top of my head he said,

“Well Arby, I am writing a book called Wags to You! Short and Long Dog Tails. And if you have to know, you are in it! So, please be patient as we both know good things come to those who wait.” 

I looked back up at him and thought about it for a little bit. And he was right! Whenever I get the chance to eat a succulent piece of ice, it is always set right in front of me. And by right in front of me, I mean right between my paws and underneath my nose. Instead of being able to go to chow town on it, they make me wait! While you might be thinking that this is cruel and unusual punishment, you should have seen what I went through at Paw Camp! 

I do have to say though, that waiting for that thawing piece of ice makes it just that much better and really does make me appreciate it more every time I get one! 

Aaaaaannnnd from that day forward, ya know, I was okay with him spending time on the computer knowing that yes, we would still go for walks, ride buses, airplanes and…wait for it…drive cars! (Ha, we wish!) So, ya maybe not drive but you know what I mean. And who knows, maybe even cross paths with you as my dad promotes his book in your community. So pay attention next time you go to the dog park, pet store, or for those of you who are working dogs, make sure to be smiling as you never know when a celebrity K9 might walk in. 

Wags to You! 

Arby

District Rotary Convention

Thursday morning started like all mornings do. Dad let me off my tie down, fed me my breakfast and then took me for a nice walk. Upon returning to the house everything seemed normal. People were up and doing the normal activities. Breakfast was being had, lunches prepared and dad had settled in with his selected blend of coffee.

Upon everyone leaving the house for there places it was just dad and I. Nothing abnormal as dad entered his office with me following shortly behind. After he had spent some time working on the computer he got up and entered the bedroom and I spotted it. 

Suitcase on the bed! Ohhhh I know what this means!!

ROAD TRIP

While I had yet to be told of any trip, I was so excited about my new found knowledge that I was not going to let dad out of my sight.

He quickly packed his suitcase, went to the office and packed his computer bag. Waiting ever so patiently I knew he would have to go downstairs and pack my bag. If I could, I would go and pack my own bag, but these things that I have known as paws, make it hard for me to open zippers. I have yet to figure out what those extra things are that you humans have on your hairless paws!

Sure enough, he headed down to the garage and grabbed my bag! I stood by and watched, being careful to make sure that he put enough food for me into each plastic bag. He even packed my bone and rubber tug-o-war ring. This was going to be a good day!

Before I knew it, the van had returned home and it was now time to pack and make ready to head for Coeur d’Alene. From what I picked up with my acute listening skills is that we were headed to the Cousins house. This day just keeps on getting better!!

As darkness fell and we quietly approached Cousin Cody’s house, I was quite excited. When we turned onto the Taylor's street, I leaned as closely to the window as I could and eagerly waited for my chauffeured door to be opened. As I got close to the house door I could hear him clickety-clack running down the stairs to meet me with a hug! Unfortunately, because it was so late, we were not allowed to play at all as it was straight to bed for me. 

Now early next morning, my master was awakened by his wife saying that I was wining and needed to go out. Even I know that wining in the morning to go out will get me no where! And on cue Dad said that I would be just fine. At that moment, another high pitched wine was heard. My dad's wife, Karrie literally jumped out of bed from the sound of it! I, knowing what it was, just wagged my tail and waited patiently. Finally, they both realized that it was my Cousin Cody who was sitting outside the door saying "Come out and play!!" 

After breakfast had been enjoyed, it was time to harness up and go to work for a day in school. Now you see, I like schools. While to some they could be boring and all, for me this means loving scritching and interaction with lots of children and adults. But don't go telling anyone that I really like people, that would be a cat-astrophy!

After having lunch with my nephew and a presentation in his classroom it was time to leave and head for the convention.

Now this place was huge and to my delight it was also full of more people. After dad talked to the lady at the desk, they gave him something flat that he put a piece of tape on for identification. It was time for me to get back to work and I assisted dad from the desk to the our room. However this time, neither him or I knew where we were supposed to be going, so we explored the convention center a little bit on the way to where we were supposed go. A little challenge has never stopped either of us!

After a couple of tries we managed to find our destination. We got settled in our room and then he announced time to head to dinner.

Upon reaching the conference room it was to my delight full of people which meant more scritching but in such a prestigious environment I had to be on my best behavior while dad talked I smoozed. If you didn't know, I can do this very well.

The next morning I was informed there was a presentation to deliver which meant I had to be on my best behavior again, so bring out the camera and I will show you how it is done! Dad was pleased with my behavior as I laid on the floor and listened to him once more. He’s good at what he does, but you know it would not be pawsible if I did not get him there. So let’s remember who the real pawpular one here is!!

Yes, it was a busy weekend, full of scritching, people and once again a successful adventure for both him and I!


Wags To You!

Arby

Don't Eat Off a Fraternity Floor

Friday started off as a normal day, the sun was shining warm, with a hint of spring and the birds were singing. Normal as that is, I also happened to notice that dad was packing his suitcase. Not wanting to jump to any conclusions, I proceeded to speculate as he packed. As nosey as I am, when dad went down stairs I had to follow. Low and behold, he was grabbing my travel bag! By now, all speculation had become concrete...ROAD TRIP! But to where I still did not know since I didn't think we had anything scheduled for this weekend. But as we all know, I never turn down the chance to embark on new adventures!

Before I knew it we were settling into our ride which would last about 4 hours and have us ending in Oregon. As I would later discover it was dad’s weekend at my favorite boy’s college. Oh boy was I psyched!!! Not only was I going to get to see my buddy, Jacob, (my big brother) but I also get to meet all of his friends. Meeting new friends is always the best because I knew that they would have lots of scritches for me!! Note to self: Jacob has great friends!

We got to McMinnville and Jacob would take us to his house show us around and I would get to see his roommates again, they all love me!!! We then headed to a restaurant with 2 other dads that we had ridden down with and now my nose went into overdrive! Between his house, the campus, and the pizza parlor I was lovin’ the smells!

Upon entering the pizza parlor there was a cute little girl who approached my cuteness as I reeled her in with my amazing stare, “pet me, I know you want too”, and I raised my eyebrows at her!! BINGO…she got my dad’s attention, asked, and to my pleasure he let her meet me and then pet me.

Life is good!

After being a good boy and lying on the floor, I wasn’t even rewarded with a dropped pizza crust, nothing, nada! And to my disappointed it was time to leave and head back to the fraternity. Upon entering there was music playing and odors my nostrils have never smelled before. A crowd of people meant it was time for me to turn on the charm and do some work. Yes oh yes I managed to do this in a huge way and if dad had not had a tight hold on me I might have just become the new mascot of Theta Chi.

As I came into the Fraternity I noticed a morsel that was lying in the corner and I, being of K9 origin, thought this was would be a nice little snack. Well you need to remember this is a guy’s fraternity house. Now I am not a finicky eater and one who puts all sorts of things in my mouth without even thinking, so I stretched as far as I could and snagged it off the ground… WRONG CHOICE! This crusty, old piece of bread might have been there for a couple of years including a good amount of parasites from who knows what science experiment. Note to self, do not eat off the Fraternity Floor! (Not like they don't clean but no one can clean good enough with a tongue like this!)

After a day of travel, smells, and people, I was definitely ready for a good night’s rest, and then I found out that no one really rests on dad’s weekend. So even though I was not home, and in a strange town, and did not get to sleep with my boy on his mattress, I was happy to just be in his room with all of his smells around me!

And remember guys, DO NOT EAT STALE BREAD OFF THE FRATERNITY FLOOR!! Eruff said.

Wags to You!

Arby

Christmas Visit

Christmas Trip
Christmas had us loading up the family van and heading east bound from Bellevue to Coeurd’ALene Idaho. A journey that this vehicle has made many times since we have family there and visit them fairly often.
Now this particular morning it a bit cold, but was a sunny, bright beautiful December day and all were scurrying around like squirrels collecting nuts, each on a mission and not paying much attention to me, Arby the dog.
To be fair, yes I did get my morning treat and that was all good. I did notice that dad had loaded my bag full of food and all of my other items necessary for travel so all was good for me.
Now the family completed loading the van and it was time to hit the road. Everyone took their places and I took mine behind the passenger seat on the floor and settled in for a 4 hour road trip.
As the van headed out of the driveway and soon to be on I90 East I had visions of visiting Idaho in my head. Oh yes IdeeHo and yes we were on the road again. I wanted to stick my head out a window and let my tongue hang out and enjoy the fresh air. But it was way too cold and my window does not go down!!! So I enjoyed the scenery from inside as it went screaming by at 70 mph.
As my family enjoyed music and laughter in the van I would sleep and dream of IdeeHo. You see one of the families we would visit had a dog named Cody (he’s my cousin!) who was about the same age as me but his lineage leaves a question as much as his manners around me, or should I say lack of manners!! Oh yes I would have to mind and that would be hard as Cody would want to go run and play and play some more in the backyard. Once we had run around his yard about 15 times, we would come in to the house to just lie around and sleep. That is, until Cody would instigate a wrestling match, okay so I had a little to do with that!
Well I had been told that this visit was gonna be a little different since we weren’t staying at Cody’s house this time but instead were staying at a different family members house. As I lie there taking this all in I thought “this is going to be very peaceful and relaxing”. You see this family member has my “sister” retired guide and she a bit older than me is not gonna want to play just sleep and look at me and give me advice about what it is like when you get to be like her.
Upon entering this house in CDA I was a bit surprised when I heard a small yipp and a little furry thing come running by, hit the skids and say howdy who are you my name is Dasher a 10-week old Heins 57 mainly Chow- Rottweiler-St. Bernard mix, who are you and what is that funny thing on your back and why are you wearing a metal collar and lets go play and can I have your bone do you wanna play chase, wanna help me pull on Lacey’s leg, can I have your kibble, do you like water, do you like to run outside and chase cats can you grab your tail or your back leg, do you wanna chew on shoes, do ya do ya do ya!!! All of this was imparted even before I could ask what happened to the quiet house with the retired guide dog?
So all in all it was a wonderful Christmas. Santa Paws was good to me and yes… Christmas was a little different this year as it was run over by a little ball of energetic fur!!!