Monday, June 28, 2010

Letting the Cats know a dog is coming!

Yesterday, I sat down with one of our cats, Minime, and stroked her and talked about the dog that's coming for the first time. Yes, I know she probably doesn't know what the words mean, but she knows something's going on. She's been extra affectionate around me as if to remind me that she's still number one (which she is). I love both my cats, but she has the greatest tabby smile, an overlong crooked tail and stripes all over her. She's sweet and silly and funny and bounces on my LazyBoy rocker, she does everything she can to make me laugh. Even when I accidentally step on her tail or a paw because she's always under my feet and I didn't see her, she always comes back and lets me apologize and stroke her and all is forgiven. So, I'm so excited about the new Guide Dog, but will always love my wonderful kitty, Minime.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Gathering My Stuff for GDB Training

Little by little, I've been ordering things on-line that I'll need for the 3 weeks at GDB. Today, a couple of sweat suits for lounging in my room came and a fanny pack, which can hold my cell phone, other things, and most importantly, dog treats. According to GDB, praise and dog treats go together when reinforcing the correct response. I think I have most of my personal items, so, in August, I'll have to start getting things the dog will need when he/she gets home, like a doggie bed, bowls, food, toys, setting up the dog's profile with my local vet. I really am ANTICIPATING.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

People Get Excited About Guide Dogs

Ever since the word got out I was accepted at GDB in San Rafael, people have been so excited, encouraging and inquisitive. Many of the questions and comments have come from my friends at the BVIC (Blind & Visually Impaied Cener of Monterey County). They want to know what kind of dog I'll get, how long the training takes, but just happy that I'd be getting a Guide Dog. Most people really like dogs, but a Guide Dog has a special feeling to it because for a blind person, your life is in the Guide Dog's paws! I got a call from one of my fellow board members who asked if she could email a previous BVIC employee who trained me in Braile. Of course, I said yes. She also has a tape of Tom Sullivan, a well-known blind actor, storyteller, singer, author, and many other wonderful things, in which he talks about his time at the San Rafael campus of GDB. I'm looking forward to listening to it.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Mango (the Guide Dog)

Although Guide Dogs come with their own name (after all they're usually 1 1/2 to 2 years old before they become part of a team), my husband has decided to call the dog Mango just to make it more personal, plus he likes to eat mangos. So now, that the new wood floor is in and looks beautiful, he says Mango will have a great time sliding down the hallway. I try to dissuade him from thinking the dog will run around the house free and easy, even though the opposite is true. The dog will be on a tie-down and probably in a "crate" at night so that he'll learn the ways of the household. But, it's okay for now to call the dog Mango, it just means my husband is really getting into the spirit, which is great. October seems a long way away right now, although I have a lot of things left to do (like listen to all GDB's CD's again, make sure I have enough clothes and other things to last 3 weeks. So, little by little I'm gathring them up. I've ordered a fanny pack so I'll be able to carry dog treats and other stuff during the training. ANTICIPATION is definitely the word of the day!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Where to Put My Guide Dog?

Today was a rest day, because tomorrow the floor installers will be ripping out the old carpets in the hallway and master bedroom and lay new wood flooring. So, naturally I thought about the new space and decided that the dog will have his own space near the foot of the bed near the french doors. He/she will be in a "crate" at night (not what you may think, but one especially designed for dogs of all sizes to rest and relax away from distractions and also to learn boundaries in the house). As we have 2 cats who virtually own every room in the house, we do have to find a way to get along. My dear husband, who has been trepidatious about getting a dog has jumped in with both "feet" to help organize and fix up areas inside and outside for the "dog". Making sure there are not spots outside that would harm his little feet (big feet?). I feel lucky to be able to train for a Guide Dog and I also think that will be one lucky dog when he/she comes home.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Guide Dog in the Garden

Today, thinking about how my Guide Dog will need to go outside for play rest times and to relieve him/herself. Well, these are real considerations because our gardner came today to put in new flowers out front. He noted that once I get the dog he will no longer be able to put weed killer in the back yard because a dog might lick its paws after being outside and get sick. So, there's another thing to consider when getting a special new family member. My husband and I have 2 cats and have always only had cats, so, adding a dog to th mix will be quite interesting, to say the least. But, more on this in another blog. Good Night!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Studying for Guide Dog Training

When I received all the reading material and CD's, I started listening to them right away. I'm getting a great preview of what it will be like to be on a campus for 3 weeks with my new Guide Dog. The CD's are very detailed about how to take care of a Guide Dog, the training involved; even though they've already been trained, they will have to learn all about their new handler's needs. Mostly, being consistent in training at school and home will provide a great Guide Dog.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

First Day of Blogging my Guide Dog Anticipation

Hi, this is my first ever blog post. I'm very excied about being accepted by Guide Dogs for the Blind as a student this October. I think about it every day and night and all the things I need to learn. I hope to be super ready when class time comes around!