Our GoFundMe Link

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This is our link to our GoFundMe Campaign. The money raised is used for Anam in one way or another, whether it's for gear, classes, or vet bills. Actually it's the same with this blog too. We do get some reimbursement from the ads you see on the page. Anything we make from them goes toward the same things. If you can donate, please do. We would appreciate it greatly! Anything helps! But keep in mind simply clicking on links, sharing our blog and/or our GoFundMe Campaign also helps immensely too!

Anam says he sends wet nose kisses and tail wags to everyone! :)

Business Law According to the ADA

I just wanted to give a quick post today and some reading material until I have a chance to get everything all caught back up. This is a link to a manual for businesses on how to be prepared for handicapped customers by the ADA. It goes over lots of things but mainly Service Dogs are covered fairly early on and Anam and I feel it's important our friends know the rules. Don't worry! It's an easy read! Even a cat could handle it! (Anam wanted to include that part... Gwen is not happy about it!) On to the fun stuff!...

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/smallbusiness/smallbusprimer2010.htm

This life isn't easy...

One of the guys in a group for spinal cord injuries I'm in passed away this afternoon after a battle for his life this past week. He had a blood clot that hit his lung and despite some serious great efforts just couldn't be reversed and he died. I'm so sad for his family.

This terrifies me on a very personal level too. I've had my own fight with blood clots and luckily won but it's something I have to watch for all the time. With decreased feeling in my legs, that's hard, along with less mobility which increases the chances. Its not just getting around that becomes the challenge when you have a spinal cord injury. Its not feeling well, figuring out why you don't feel well, what do I do about this... everything becomes such an emergency. A cold isn't just a cold any more. Now it's a chance to land you in the hospital for God knows how long because your body can't handle it. You have to always be on the watch for signs of a stroke... That's fun! When you're not injured, you take for granted how much your spinal cord does for you. You know it's important! But you just don't realize How important. For example... if your bladder becomes distended (full) and it sends a message to your brain. A normal spinal cord relays the message and you know you have to go to the bathroom as soon as you get a chance so you start planning for that action by looking for a bathroom or figuring when your break is, etc. With an injury the message gets broken up and the body panicks. Blood pressure goes up but heart rate can drop, body temp rises above injury site, muscles start to spasm, headache, and possible stroke... all because you have to go to the bathroom. Nothing is "normal" anymore. You have to plan your week to use energy in the right places and conserve in the right places just to be able to feed yourself or take a shower. A doctor's appointment becomes a 2 day event: 1 day for getting ready and the appointment and 1 day to recover from it.

I hear all the time how it must be nice to "Get to stay home". Yes it's wonderful to sit here and hurt non stop to the point you don't sleep, wonder if today you'll have a stroke or a seizure, maybe fall and break something again, will I be able to stay awake enough to eat today so I don't get sick, did I take my medicines... yes, its a fun life. I will gladly trade with anyone who would like to try it, even for a day, but you take the disability and all that goes with it too.

Very few people know what I go through on a daily basis. I hear how strong I am... No I'm not... I have no choice. What a great attitude I have... Wrong again... No one is around on the bad days and I stay quiet.

So tonight, I shed tears for Ory and his family and friends. His struggle is over and no longer does he have to live in fear and worry. I shed tears for myself and living in the middle of my struggle but most of all I shed tears for the lost of my former self that I still see in my dreams as she takes me dancing through the night from adventure to adventure where no one is afraid to love me for fear I might break. She's the one I miss the most in this reality I've been given.

April 4th, 2015

Today I decided to take Anam to Hobby Lobby for a little public access training. I've been having issues with the Autonomic Disreflexia mess and Anam has been doing really well alerting to the spells here at the house. So I figured I would see how it went while we were out since I seem to have more small spells when I'm walking or moving about because my back swells and puts pressure on my spine. (This is why I'm "suppose" to be in a wheelchair instead of walking a lot)

I was nervous about taking him. I geared up with the cards that have the ADA laws, went over TN law in my head a couple times, made sure his Service Dog tag was on his harness, we even had a chat about being a good boy and how important it was to listen and do well. Still, I was terrified of confrontation and that Anam would just go "puppy". He's only 7 months old after all! But he's been such a great dog lately with my dad in the hospital and having to be kenneled so much and all my down time from stress crashes. He needed something different! I didn't think about it being Easter weekend in a craft store... that means lots of people!

We loaded up and headed out. There was a handicap parking space in the perfect spot. Our Hobby Lobby has a huge grassy field next to it. I figured couldn't hurt to take a just in case potty run. Walked out and told Anam to go potty. The goofball fake pooped! He knows he's suppose to go potty before he gets to do good stuff. He had just gone before we left the house so I figured, if anything, he would have to pee ... Nope... fake squat poop. I got tickled! Ok... Works for me! Let's do this!

Through the door we went. A few people gave us strange looks but honestly, there's not a lot of service dogs around here so it's kind of neat to see one. I don't mind the looks of curiosity. Past employees at the front, all smiles, no one stopped us. I couldn't find what I wanted so I had to ask. The employees (there were 2) answered my question and kept glancing down at Anam who was standing at my side like a perfect gentleman. The girl asked what breed he was and I answered lab with a little something special and she giggled. The lighting in there showed his bridle strips on his sides pretty well. She looked at him and said he was handsome. He knows!

Anam walked through there like he owned the joint. Casually glanced as we walked by people but that was it. As we we're looking for the Modge Podge (serious craft-a-holic here) Anam brushed my leg with his nose and I thought he was just wiping his face usual so I ignored it. Then he came to a dead halt and sat down in the aisle which shocked me to no end. I looked at him and as usual asked "what's wrong buddy?" and he nosed my leg and pawed my foot. Oh! Alert! Got it! I was so focused on going through the store I forgot all about that part! He gets really upset when I ignore his "work". He's very proud of his job. I stood in the aisle and waited. Just like clockwork it hit. That flush heat wave of my upper body that brings nausea, perspiration, quick mild headache, dizziness and that "oh dear Lord please don't let me pass out" feeling that feels like it takes hours to pass but it's only seconds. I felt Anam press against my leg and sit on my foot... then it was over. We moved on. My question was answered. Yes, Anam will alert while out! Supplies found! Mission accomplished!

When we were heading up front I had no choice but to walk right by a couple and I could see it on her face that she was melting. I thought "oh no... I'm going to lose him". They stopped and asked questions about Anam's breed and about service dogs, commented on how well behaved he was, asked his name and chatted for a minute which I don't mind at all. It's a chance to educate people about service dogs, rescues, also about Brown-Sequard Syndrome and cancers. Another customer and I guess her elderly mother, came up behind us and the "mom" made kissy noises at Anam. The lady with her said "that's a service dog... You're not suppose to do that". I turned and smiled. Then they asked a few questions and apologized for the kisses. The 5 of us stood talking for a few more minutes. The whole time Anam just sat beside me, calmly, like no big deal, even through the kissy noises. He almost looked bored. I was beaming with pride! We said goodbye and went on our way. We got up to the counter and stood in line. There were 2 ladies and a little girl in front of us. One lady said to the little girl "oh look! A puppy!" The little girl (probably 8ish) turned to her and very matter of factly said "Nana, that's her service dog and it's working. You don't talk to working dogs no matter how cute they are!" The little girl looked at me and I smiled and said "High Five Sister!" which earned me a huge smile in return and a high five. Anam didn't move. The cashier said people bring in dogs and fake service dogs all the time and they don't really care as long as they aren't on the floor or cause a problem (she had been telling me about a miniature poodle)but she was so excited to have a Real Service Dog in the store and to please feel welcome back any time! I just keep thinking We Did It! Our 1st Really Crowded Store! YES! No one even questioned him or if he was still in training or not. So Proud!

We went to the car and I seat belted Anam in. I looked at him sitting there with his chest puffed out looking all proud and tears filled my eyes. He's such a smart dog. As much as he's a goofball and ignores me sometimes, when it counts, he steps up and does a beautiful job! What did I do with out him? As a reward we went to Sonic and he got a water with ice in it. He LOVES thier crushed ice! (So do I) He was a very happy puppy... and I had watery drool running down my arm. Totally Worth It! (I got a Peach Ring Slush as my reward! Hey! I trained him! LOL)

February 23rd, 2015

Today is a Big Day!!! My best friend is coming to stay for a few days before she moves to the great white north. (booooo!) She also has a service dog, Anna, and a Emotional Support Dog (soon to be Service Dog and one of my favorite pooches of all time!!) Lexi, who will be with her. Anam will get to meet them for the first time! He has met his Auntie M before but not the dogs so I'm a bit nervous but I have high hopes this goes well! THEY'RE HERE!

Soap Box Ranting: Grocery Store Trip

This post actually isn't about Anam ... hard to believe but true! I talk about he and I a lot and not so much about "why" I need a service dog and the things I go through as a Disabled Person. I think that's just as important as what all we do for training. This is just sort of a rant about my grocery store trip today that I want to share. I guess you could call it a Pet Peeve that people don't consider how hard they are making life for the people who really do need the equipment meant for the handicapped customers... it's not for entertainment. I would do just about anything not to Need a handicap parking place or that motorized scooter to shop with and to just be "Normal" again. Anyway... A little insight to what it's like from a Handicap point of view.


I'm really frustrated tonight. This weather has been murder on me and my spine. Today is the first day I've been able to get out (after chipping the car out of ice) and I really needed to go to the grocery store (I didn't believe the weather man when he said it was going to be bad... it's usually a lie) I go to one grocery store and they had cleared ONE handicapped spot which was taken. The rest of the empty parking places were icy and I was not going to fall! So I go to the other grocery store... parking lot cleared which was great and open handicap spots! Go in and no scooter carts. Great... have to walk it. OK.. deep breath... I can do this. I head off using the cart to support me. In the bread aisle there's a lady on a scooter laughing with her daughter about not feeling like walking and her daughter being "totally embarrassed". That's fine... what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. I keep going, hobbling along, through produce where a lady literally gets "huffy" because I guess I was too slow and almost hit me with her cart as she went around me muttering "my God!"... I let it go. At this point I'm starting to sweat which is my indication I'm hurting but I don't have a choice, I HAVE to get stuff! Anam is OUT of food and the other critters need veggies and I have been eating some weird stuff because I've been throwing together bits and pieces of what I had left. Deep breath! Remember, Bad Heath Care in Prison! Head over to the other aisles and there are 2 teenage boys "taking turns" on a scooter cart. There's a loaf of bread in the basket and one of them does have crutches and his knee in a brace... he's not the one on the scooter. "Mom" stops at the end of the aisle and tells them if they are done playing to come on she's ready to go and has a basket full of stuff. They hurry off, kid on crutches still not on the scooter. I get my soy butter and another deep breath. 2 more aisles with some lady not paying attention and actually hit me in the butt kind of hard and then said "Excuse You!" I replied with "I didn't realize I was in your way Your Highness being in front of you and all." She looked offended, she should have been because that was the Nice version of what I wanted to say. Now I'm starting to shake along with the sweating. I'm almost scared to let go of the cart for fear of falling. My cane is in the cart but it won't really help at this point, my legs are too weak and my back is hurting too bad. Ms. Hateful goes on. I keep going and realize my left foot isn't lifting all the way up. Here comes Mom and Daughter with Daughter hiding her face because Mom is being silly and still embarrassing her. Great! Next aisle. Reading labels (I have tons of allergies) Ms. Hateful again comes close and mumbles something. I mumble back "Not today lady, Not Today!" she looks at me and says in a hateful voice, hand on hip "Excuse Me?" and I look up from the label and don't even say a word and she changes it from a question to a statement... "oh, excuse me" very nicely. Not sure the look on my face but I think it may have been scary. Back to the label and figuring best price. Dad and son come up aisle, dad on scooter, son pushing cart. Dad runs into my cart, cart bumps me, I lose my balance that I didn't really have and start to go down because nothing is working right to help catch myself. Son is a super hero and some how makes it past dad and the cart, around my cart, behind me and catches me before I do much more than a hard lean and a squeak. (He looks to be in his mid 20's) I'm still waiting to hit the floor when I hear "Oh my God! Are you ok?" The dad feels awful because it's his first time driving a scooter (ice injury, broken ankle) and swears to surrender his license. I explained he didn't hit me that hard and my situation and thank the son 100 times for being so quick on his feet. We talk briefly about why it's so important not to take handicap spots and the motorized scooters if you don't need them and the dad says he feels guilty using the scooter. I tell him he Needs it with a broken ankle and we discuss the several other people they have seen "playing" while they have been there. We say goodbye and I hug the son for saving me. I'm almost done, just a few more aisles left. I've almost made it! Another near miss from Ms. Hateful but got an apology (I really wish I knew what the look was, I think it would come in handy from time to time) Saw an elderly man and an elderly lady on scooters and I'm pretty sure the were racing each other subconsciously, and if it hadn't hurt to stand there I would have watched longer. Cream cheese and eggs, then the check out. Dodge 3 separate employees who just didn't pay any attention to where they were going and I almost ran into them. Check out! My favorite cashier guy! He makes a comment about me not being in the scooter and being ghost white. I tell him there wasn't any when I came in. His comment "Yeah, they manager doesn't care who uses them so a lot of people who need them don't have them." Great! I'll be addressing that later. New bag boy... everything is smushed. Don't even care at this point, just want to sit down in the car. The cashier guy puts my 1/2 price kit kats in a separate bag and tells me I look like I need them first thing when I get in the car... he's right! I sit there for a minute and eat a kit kat waiting for the spasm to stop so I can drive. I watch 3 cars park or pull out of handicap spots that are obviously not handicapped because they are either running into the store or from the store to the car. If you can run, you can park a few spaces down. And that's in the amount of time it takes to eat 2 mini sized kit kats. That's one trip to the store. What happened to nice people? Considerate people? I would love to say "Oh they just don't raise them like they used to" but that's not it because it was all ages, all races, didn't matter. Our world is rude. Today it really bothered me.

Sorry to ramble on so much but it did get to me. My pain level is sky high now because I had to push myself to make it through. Could I have turned and left instead of shopping... yes. But I needed those things badly and I had no one else and no other way to get them. Had a few people just stop and been considerate it would have been ok. I'm proud of myself for making it through, I'm pretty tough when I need to be but the price I end up paying for the next couple of days will be pretty high. But I'm disappointed in what our society seems to be becoming.

February 16th, 2015

We had an issue today. Anam loved the snow last time and ran around and had an absolute ball... so today we waited not so patiently for it to build up so we could go out to play for a bit. The deal is we go out and after he goes potty I let him off leash to play as a reward. Today was no different and I'm sure he knew what was up, I could see the excitement on his face. I took the leash off and he was gone... literally. He forgot his name, what come here meant, stop meant nothing, sit was ignored, and I'm pretty sure he had never seen me before. Usually I can walk away like I'm going to leave him and he comes running... not today, he went farther. Went towards him and he ignored me. I was not happy. Here's my awesome dog being a complete idiot in the middle of an ice storm (we're in TN) which has my back and legs in a tizzy and I'm trying to waddle across icy yards to catch him without falling. Suddenly, his brain re-engaged and he looks up with a surprised looked like "Oh Hi! Why didn't you just call me?" and he trots over to me. I put the leash on his collar and he FLIPS OUT. I had to take and use the handle part with lease through it to make a slip collar to get him to the house. It was a full on toddler tantrum because he didn't want to come in! At this point he was soaked. I got a towel and started drying him off on the front porch before letting him in and he decides to act like he's going to bite me. Now mind you he didn't, it was more of a mouthing thing and a threat but still not something I approve of. He really got his feelings hurt when I grab his muzzle and shut his mouth with a firm No. He came inside and went to his kennel to pout for almost an hour... he's really good at holding a grudge. Ohhhh I can't wait til he grows out of this phase!

A Little Explanation...

Feb. 1, 2015
Currently, I'm working without a computer so I've been writing on my phone. My phone isn't always reliable, so I write on Facebook or as much as I can here and save it... sometimes I get crazy and go "old school" and actually write in a composition book (it's yellow and sassy) and then transcribe it over to here. This process has not been the most... should we say "fun"... BUT hopefully that will end in about 12 hours! Once again, my amazing daddy has come to my rescue and he believes he has fixed my computer! Yay! So until I get everything caught up (which should be very soon) bare with me please! But be warned... once I'm back with my beloved computer, there is a very good chance there will be tons of graphics and miscellaneous cuteness!

UPDATE:
Feb. 4, 2015
I have my computer back! The blog has gotten a facelift and I've almost gotten all the posts entered and updated. (there's a couple more at this point) So hang in there... It's almost there!! I've add a subscription button so feel free (no seriously... please) to subscribe!

Taking a Service Dog in Public...

This was written by a friend of mine named Tina... it's wonderful and so true! I wanted to share it with you so maybe you could get a little bit of insight as to what goes on on a daily basis for someone that needs a Service Dog and the frustrations that go along with it. Tina and Bayne are also another team that started at a shelter just like Anam and I! They're pretty cool too! :)

Tina McCrory wrote a new note:

Taking a Service Dog in Public. Oh, I'm so LUCKY!

February 1, 2015 at 12:58am

I decided not to go to the event I had planned on going to today, but even when I was considering going, I had decided that I was too sick to take Bayne with me. Too sick? How can you be too sick to take a SERVICE DOG with you? Isn't that what they are for? Let me explain what it's like to take a service dog with you everywhere you go, especially for those people who think "You're so LUCKY that you get to take your dog everywhere with you". It's not easy, it takes a lot of work and a lot of energy, it's not a relaxing walk in the park.
Before you leave the house you have to make sure you have everything you need for him. Treats, poop bags, water supply, water bowl, mat, boots, etc. You brush him out to get rid of all the loose hair so he doesn't drop it everywhere. Spray him with deodorizing spray to ensure he doesn't "smell like a dog", wait 5 minutes, then brush that out. Get him in his gear and make sure it fits right and is clean and professional looking, no dirty spots or hair all over it. Spot clean if needed. Get him and all his gear loaded into the car.
Once you get to where you are going...having twins myself, I can honestly say that it's like taking 2 year old twins out with you by yourself. Not that the dog acts like a 2 year old, but you are hyper vigilant of everything going on around you like you would be with 2 small children. A car driving by may see you but they may not see your dog, so you are constantly aware of where he is in relation to vehicles passing by, the same goes for shopping carts in a store. You are aware of where your dog is and what he is doing every single second. Not only do you have eyes on the back of your head, but also on both sides and the top of your head, too.
You get stared at, pointed at, you hear the comments everyone makes about you being blind, or comments so exasperating that you can't help but roll your eyes or grimace in disgust. You're constantly scanning for "threats" to your dog....people trying to walk up and pet him without asking, kids trying to run up and pull his tail, people talking to him or calling out to him, barking at him, offering him food, etc. One eye on your dog, one eye on everything and everyone around you, all while trying to do what you need to do, get your shopping done, drive the electric scooter without running over anyone or into anything. Constantly making sure your dog is comfortable and safe. Making sure he's hydrated and doesn't need a potty break. That he's not walking on hot concrete, laying on a floor that's too cold, walking through something dirty or dangerous, making sure you are giving him enough room to make turns or that he has enough room to walk next to you without running him into items or blocking the whole aisle or walkway. Watching for people who are afraid of dogs, so that you can turn around and go the other way to give them space. Warning people before you walk up behind them with your large dog so that they aren't startled when they glance over their shoulder and see this "beast" walking behind them. Apologizing when you DO startle someone. Fielding questions from curious people, smiling and saying thank you to the people who compliment your dog, correcting those who say he's wearing a muzzle, blocking those who are heading towards your dog with their arm stretched out ready to pet him, explaining that he can't be pet because he's working, praising your dog for doing such a good job of ignoring people, food, etc.
You are constantly 100% aware of EVERYTHING going on around you, you have to be. There's no zoning out. You can't spend 2 minutes reading a label. You read 2 words, you check your dog, you scan your surroundings, you read 2 more words, you check again, you read 2 more words, you have to stop to answer more questions or smile and thank someone. You're on guard, on alert, always scanning, always making sure your dog is doing what he's supposed to be doing. You are in the spotlight and you have to be "ON" every single second you are out. It's never ending. Just like shopping with 2 year old twins.
I'm not complaining at all. Having him with me so that he can help me when I need it is definitely worth all the extra time and energy he takes, but there is a point when a disabled person just may not HAVE that extra energy to put into it. That's where I'm at right now after my hospital stay. Until now, I never realized exactly how much work goes into taking him out with me, but just the THOUGHT of having to expend that much energy today makes me exhausted. It does make me thankful that I have had enough energy to do it all the other days and I can't wait until I have it again. In one sense, I guess you can say we are "lucky" to get to take our dog with us everywhere, but it's honestly not as easy and "fun" as it seems. Nothing about having a disability is easy or fun, not even taking our best friend/medical equipment everywhere with us.

January 30th, 2015

After I dropped off the bunnies this morning for their spay surgery, I came back to the house and picked up my co-pilot. We paid bills, went shopping, made new friends (he's doing much better with his fear of men... no issues today at all), had lunch out and about, explored a little, and Anam got his usual celebrity treatment he's used to. He made no effort to remember anything he's learned about manners and only proved he needs the head collar we were shopping for. Then we went and picked up our bunny girls! It was like he knew they needed extra gentle care. Normally he yips at them to talk to them, not today. Today when I put their carriers in the car he did that labrador cheek puff greeting and a very gentle sniff and that was all. I was surprised because he's been wide open all day to the point I was almost sorry I had brought him a couple times... but he was gentle with the bunnies. I got everyone set up in their houses when we got home and Anam, Gwen, and I came in the bedroom and I turned on the tv and sat on the bed. Gwen went to her favorite window and Anam immediately jumped on the bed and this picture has been it since then. He's out! For a pup who was terrified that first day of being in the car he sure has gotten over it! Bless his little pointy head! He wore himself out being a pain today! LOL

And so the don't feel left out... Anam's Beautiful Sisters

Athena

Persephone

January 29th, 2015

Today was an emotional roller coaster for poor Anam. We went for a potty break and bird watching (he's just discovering birds but hasn't quite figured out those shadows he likes to chase on the ground come from the same birds he stares at in the trees as they fly... oh my special Pupcake! ) and then in for a yummy breakfast. He's such a good boy! We've been working hard on "place". That's where he has a designated place to sit and wait for his instructions, or all the treats I bribe him with while he's learning. This way I don't step on him or trip over him but he's still close by so when he's a full grown working boy he's right there ready to help if needed. We use bath mats for him to sit on. He's doing really well with it. If he "forgets", all I have to say is "is that where your place is?" and he bounces over to his rug with that happy-go-lucky puppy smile and flops down with a look of accomplishment and great pride... and waits for his treat. So breakfast is made in his bowl and we head to the bedroom and his kennel.

Our day was pretty normal for a bit besides having to take the nasty mite medicine, which in all honesty he's really good about. We took some time in the afternoon to go out and play some fetch for awhile. It was really windy but still lots of fun. Anam seems to almost grasp the concept of bringing the ball to me... well, close to me... past me? OK! We have a lot of work yet on this one! He did actually bring the ball to me and actually put it in my hand once. I'd like to think it wasn't a complete accident. One out of a hundred isn't all that bad... right? We still had fun no matter what. It lightens my heart to watch those long puppy legs and huge paddle feet flop around as he bounds after the ball. Those ears flapping in the wind as he runs with the ball and a look like it's the most valuable thing in the world. I have as much fun as he does I think. Now there's a tired puppy. Our other "trick" is bringing in our toys. So I got him to pick up his ball and we headed to the house for a little nap time.
Back to normal again with playing, cat teasing, dinner... and then the horrible part happened! You see, Anam's sisters, Athena and Persephone, are getting spayed on Friday (they're bunnies). So I waited until late to clean their cages since I had to take out all food and water by midnight. Anam is still a little too excited about the bunnies, not in a mean way, but in a smack every thing with his huge puppy paws kind of way... so he had to go in the kennel. There was a protest... for over an hour... loudly. The bunnies and I ignored him the best we could and now there are clean cages and well cuddled bunnies, although they are not happy that there is no hay, pellets, water or veggies since they are having surgery. Afterwards, I was rude and took a long, hot shower before I freed the poor, tortured puppy from his captivity where he had been held against his will for months! (just ask him... he'll tell you it was months!) I finally came to my senses and we did our last potty run of the night and ended this roller coaster of emotions. Being a puppy is hard, but being a puppy in a house with other animals is impossible! The world should know a puppy as cute, adorable, smart, and important as Anam should be the center of ALL attention in the house... just ask him, he'll tell you it's true!

I hope you can see the full on pout of this poor tortured puppy as his nose his stuffed through the bars of his kennel. Poor thing had to sleep on cushy fleece blankets with his 2 favorite toys. I feel so guilty... I'm so terrible. <insert eye roll here>

January 27th, 2015

Anam had his first official visit to the vet today. He forgot he knew anything and was nervous. Of course, I forgave him. Still a good boy, but very nervous. The exam and all went great and all his shots are up to date and fine. The vet was very nice and won him over with in seconds. He had Anam looks great and is a handsome boy! Like we didn't already know that!! He does have a little problem left over from his shelter days... tape worms. The vet said no big deal and not a threat to any of the other critters because it only spreads through eating an infected flea or an actual little worm. (gag!) He checked him over and there was no signs of fleas! Meds were given for that and taken in the beloved cream cheese of happiness when we got home and that's it! We have to keep up the Ivermectin for 3 more weeks and then a recheck. He gained a pound so now he weighs 28.7 lbs. but I promise you it feels like 200 lbs when he jumps you mid looney puppy run through. Now we're home for a nap!

January 26th, 2015

Just took Anam out and there's a good 1/2" of snow on the ground. He looked confused at first then started going crazy. After he did what he was suppose to, I let him off the leash and he tore around the yard at hyper speed with his butt in low drag mode. Too funny! What is it about snow that makes dog just lose it?

It's 11:02 pm and we just went out again (I'm afraid to say no... he just started ASKING to go out!) and we barely cleared the porch before he went nuts because now there's more snow. I just gave in and got him to hold still long enough to take the leash off and let him go. He was running and kicking up snow so it looked like a smoke screen behind him. I swear I could hear him giggle! He would run in circles so he could run through the spray. If he got too far away he would come back to me at full speed then kangaroo hop around me a couple times and take off again jumping at the big snowflakes trying to catch them. Its too funny! I thought I was going to wet myself! Anam was good though. If he got to far and I called him he came back or if he went towards the front where he's not supposed to be and I told him no he turned immediately and headed to where he knew was ok. He was great! I knew he didn't want to come in but I was freezing so I knew his feet probably were too. I called him and walked to the porch and he came immediately up with me, no hesitations. I didn't even put the leash on since there was no one out and we went in. When I took his sweatshirt off it was damp so I'm glad I brought him in when I did. I hung it up on the closet door and he sat under it and stared at it. He knows wearing it means going out to do fun things. And before anyone teases us for dressing my dog... teaching him to get use to wearing a sweatshirt, coat, whatever, makes it easier when it comes time for him to wear his service dog vest and backpack... and he's adorable!

January 24th, 2015

Today was our first day off leash in the yard. Anam did fabulous! My intent was to wear him out so he would sleep in his kennel quietly so I can give the bunnies some peaceful run time. He's doing the "must keep moving... no nap, No Nap!" thing!  (I sound goofy... just ignore me!) The "quietly in his kennel" did not work... we just ignored him.

January 21st, 2015

What a busy morning! Anam supervised me unloading and reloading the dishwasher, chased and was chased by the cat, played with his chew toys, chased 3 tennis balls at one time, lost another tooth (a really sharp one - I'm grateful!), played with toys some more and ran around all crazy, went outside a bunch, practiced our commands and tricks. That makes for a very tired puppy dog!

Afternoon Update:  Anam has figured out he's now big enough to jump on the bed. This is a great delight to him causing him to jump around in excitement like a lunatic and fall off the bed... which causes him to run and jump back on the bed again then, rinse and repeat. I tried to video it but I couldn't. ... partly because he was all over the place and partly I was laughing too hard and trying not to be pounced to death by an excited puppy! Am I going to live through puppyhood? But he's so cute when he falls asleep and has his little puppy dreams. Oh my... I'm one of the sad "Dog People" aren't I??? At least he's too big to fit in a bag and carry around every where!

Sleepy Puppy!

January 20th, 2015

I have a sad puppy. He's in his kennel tonight. Usually we have cuddles at bedtime for a while til he falls asleep for a bit but tonight my back, legs and arm are hurting pretty bad so he had to go straight to bed in the kennel. He's got the pouting thing down perfect! I feel like I've beaten him and taken all of his toys away! sigh... wow... do they teach them how to guilt your new human at the shelter or what? He has his chin on his chew toy, looking up at me and doing the heavy pitiful sigh every few seconds. Oh my heart is breaking! Stay Strong! Must Stay Strong! Add a broken heart to that list of things that hurt! :(

January 16th, 2015

Well... 2015 starts out with possibly my first solo visit to the emergency room. I think the puppy may have just broken my wrist.
Soooo... that was at 8:45 pm. I spent the rest of the night in the ER. My wrist wasn't broken, just badly sprained. Anam had gotten his first bath, which went wonderfully well! We went outside to run off some of the puppy crazy zoomies and his leash zigged when I thought it was going to zag and well... it hurt! The ER staff got a huge laugh but were incredibly nice. 2 weeks in a brace and if not better then a follow up from there. Had to cut bedtime cuddles short because Anam kept trying to chew the brace off my arm. Oh the joys of puppyhood!

Anxiety and a friend ...

Anam is only 4 1/2 months old so he's still a "prospect" for a Service Dog and we've only been together 2 weeks. I was in complete denial that I had anxiety issues until I got him and realized I would get "upset" and he would bug me until I paid attention to him, starting with pawing or licking on up to full on flop in my lap, then as soon as I talked to him and pet / played, whatever he went back to his toy or what he had been doing. Reading what several of the people in groups for service dogs go through and the things their SDs (Service Dog) do for them made me stop and think, and realize I wasn't just in a "mood". There was more to it and I needed to face it and I was really lucky I had stumbled across a pup that I wanted to train as a SD for mobility and related things that was smarter than me and could help me out of those nasty, tear filled wells of sadness just by saying, as one oh so wise group member said "Look Squirrel!", with love and furry distraction. So for Anam, he's not trained for anything but "parlor tricks", I wasn't aware I was having anxiety attacks at all, just that I was terrified of "something", I was sad about it, and I was horribly anxious about a million things related to it. He senses it and distracts me by being my buddy. Sometimes we cuddle up and he noses my hand until I find his ear in my fingers (my favorite thing! Lab ears are silky soft!), sometimes it's forced bellyrubs or playing with a toy. Any kind of a distraction that pulls me out of where ever my brain falls into. It helps knowing there's someone there for you that doesn't judge. He doesn't care about the "whys" of it all, just that it's not right and he doesn't like it and wants it fixed. How amazing is it though that at 4 1/2 months old he knows what to do. We really don't give animals enough credit for their intelligence! It's been a really tough time in my life and having Anam as a friend who's always there for me has meant the world. People underestimate the power of a shelter dog!

Dress Up Your Pet Day...

Oh Sweet Anam Cara who tried to break my arm and made me spend hours in the Emergency Room..... I have a Surprise for you when I get this brace off my arm and can crochet again! Look what one of my Favorite sites posted!!! Oh I do love Moogly!!! If you have any awesome crochet patterns to add put them down in the comments with a link to the patten!!! Anam will appreciate it! :)

Moogly

Yesterday was Dress Up Your Pet Day! grin emoticon But don't worry, you can tell them it's today and they won't know. Here are 10 free ‪#‎crochet‬ patterns to celebrate, via Underground Crafter! http://undergroundcrafter.com/…/dress-up-your-pet-day-2015…/ 

(I hope the links transferred over ok!! If not PLEASE let me know and I will fix it!)

January 15th, 2015

Anam and I did our last potty run and came in. I got the veggies ready and started feeding critters and filling water bottles. Suddenly, there was a thundering sound coming from the hallway, then a skidding sound. The strange thundering started again, but this time there was a loud air leak with it that sounded a lot like a cat. I turned to see what exactly was going on as the sounds drew closer. Anam was in full on Scootybutt run and the cat was high up the cat tree. Anam had ears back and flapping, butt tucked and running back and forth, sliding into everything, making laps through the house! Those big paws tripping him up on the corners. It's the first time I've seen him do that. It was priceless! One lap he would have his Kong, next lap it was his rag toy, then switch... too funny!
His personality is really starting to come out and he's a little comedian! We've only been together for 9 days but he's My Buddy. I had an anxiety attack last night because of pain and he pestered me until he finally was able to puppy barrel roll in to my lap and I realized he was worried which made me worried about him... then I realized what was going on with me. I started petting him and calming down immediately to the point where I could think straight. He's already got this Service Dog gig under control! I'm really not sure who rescued who. And I really think he's gotten taller already!

January 12th, 2015

3 successful potty trips today for the puppy and the last one included a POO! We did a happy dance in the yard... it included a poo potty song to the tune of Shake It Off... it was good... so good our neighbor jumped the fence and danced with us! He had just gotten home from work and was laughing at us and decided to join in. He took Anam on a jog in the yard for me too since I can't run. Anam loved it! I love my neighbors! It's the simple things in life!

The Best Meme...

January 11th, 2015

Crate Training Day 1: Dear God help me! BARK BARK BARK

I have an emotionally betrayed puppy. But I realized I'm exhausted and having to get up and take him out, up early, and asleep late has me warn out. I fell asleep through 2 solid hours of barking. Wow... my mom always said I could sleep through anything. ... guess she's right! But I blame myself. All week we have been inseparable. He's been sick and I'm a push over. The crate was in the garage and I had to get it unburied, pulled out, and cleaned off... so until then he just stayed with me. Now he's "alone" ... but we can make it work.

So after a bit I went to "Save" the poor tortured puppy. Well... he flipped his little puppy mind. I couldn't get him to settle at all. Noises were drowned out by the even louder barking. My spray bottle for my plants was sitting there. .. hmmm... just distilled water... squirt... quiet and quite surprised puppy. Said "Quiet! "... treat... Quick command to sit... puppy sat, opened door, called puppy, command sit again, put on leash, outside for good walk, lots of potty and now cuddles and sleeping off barking for 2 hours. YES! Success for the most part!! Happy Dance!

January 10th, 2015

Shhh... Don't tell my mom but this Anam! I borrowed her phone and wanted post about something GREAT! Today was tough. We met a week ago today, me and my new momma and it's been pretty awesome. I get lots of love, pets, and scratchins'. I had a really bad tummy ache and she took care of me! She even figured out how to rub my belly to make the hiccup things go away. We cuddle all the time and I've learned lots of stuff like Sit, Lay Down, Leave It, and not to sniff the cat (cats are very angry and very sharp... watch out for them!) but today I had to learn a horrible lesson... how to "freight train" ... no that's not right! "Crate Train" that's it! Momma opens the box door and I knew to go right in! I even sat down! Momma says I'm super smart! But then she closed the door AND LEFT! She forgot me! She was gone for weeks! I called out, and called out but she didn't come back! She left me ... "the best puppy in the world"! Finally... she came back and we had a thing called a "discussion" about barking and "losing my mind" (which makes no sense 'cause I know where it is!) and we opened a great present from our friend Heather and her furkids Blanche and Minion. They sent me a sweatshirt, collar, treats and a super nice card! It made the day better. I put some pictures up so everyone could see! What great friends! I have some growing to do, but I'll get there soon! Thanks Williams Family! That was so nice of you! Still not sure about the Crate Training thing though.

January 9th, 2015

Anam hadn't eaten hardly at all still. I know he's hungry. I can get him to eat rice or bread but if it's any where near the Science Diet food you can FORGET IT!! I can't blame him... if I had thrown up as much of that mess as he had, I wouldn't eat it either! I can tell he's lost weight. His little puppy pudge is gone and I'm so sad for him. He's starving! I decided today I didn't care if it voided some warranty or whatever and bought him some Purina Puppy Chow. He loves it! I figured since he hasn't eaten much in days I would feed him several tiny meals through the day and let his tummy stretch back out. I fed him by hand so he couldn't gobble it fast and we made it a game. A couple pieces for a shake or a sit, a couple more for a down... whatever. He had fun and he ate!!!! Best part... He didn't get Sick!!!! My heart is soaring!!! We did 4 meals over the day and he did fine. There was lots of potty breaks but that's ok! He's going to be fine! Oh my baby Pupcake scared the life out of me!!!! Fingers still crossed this continues as well as today!!!

January 8th, 2015

Well Anam did really well today. He went to my doctor's appt with me and impressed everyone. They couldn't believe he was a shelter pup with no previous training and that we had only been together 2 days. He wowed them with his Sit, Lay Down, Walking on a Leash like a Gentleman. When Dr. Bailey came in to talk Anam sat between my feet and then laid down without being told anything at all. Such a gentleman! We came back home and fixed dinner. He still didn't want to eat so I made him some rice. After giving him his meds and tricking him into eating a bit, we did a potty break and then the little heart stealer crawled in my lap and fell asleep.
I got to thinking as I sat there with that puppy head resting in my lap and losing the little bit of feeling I have left in my legs... I'm happy. It's only been a few days that I've had Anam but he's already changing my life. I feel better. My pain level is decreasing which is fantastic considering the cold front blowing through should have me in tears. Anam and I walked a lap around the yard Tuesday and I didn't even notice we had made it back to the house and I wasn't hurting or winded. I'm sleeping better. I want to do things... I made toys for Anam out of a rag rug that was falling apart today and will make him a coat (or try to) tomorrow because he shivers at night when we go out to potty. I didn't realize how sad I was over the recent life events that have happened until I started to feel happy again. I'm singing stupid songs and getting back to the old ME! All thanks to a goofy, big pawed, brown-eyed labrador puppy who loves to snuggle. What's that saying? Whoever said you can't buy love never bought a puppy.

January 7th, 2015

He's drinking water and keeping that down. He's perky and pesky this morning... the cat has threatened his life several times already. So fingers crossed his meds and the rice stuff helps his tummy and the throwing up! He didn't gobble it up like I thought he would... he wanted to eat off the spoon... so silly! But easier to watch and control so ok. Currently, he's trying to convince the cat they should play together... the cat is teaching him very bad language. But no throwing up so far! Keep your fingers crossed! My poor little Pupcake!


Update:  We had another puke session. Not as bad and he's still not wanting to eat much. Still playful and happy though and thankfully drinking water. I'm far more upset than he is. I just hate this!!!

January 6th, 2015

I'm sitting outside the shelter waiting for the vet. Anam has been throwing up A LOT! I called and they had me come straight down. The parvo test came back negative (thank God!) So we do a shot to calm our belly and some 5mg pepcid and then a skin scrap to check what all this itchy stuff is... just to make sure! He was a pretty good boy. We have to watch for a few days to make sure parvo is really off the table though. I don't even want to think about that! It's freezing cold and I'm terrified. I just found this little guy and I don't want to lose him. It breaks my heart to see him sick. Every time he eats, he throws up. They have me feeding him Science Diet. First chance I get... That changes!


Update: The shelter vet called: the skin scrap showed mites but the good news is it's the non-contagious kind so no worries for the other animals or me! I'm going to try to get him to eat some rice or something tonight. I don't know if it's because his tummy hurting or if he hates the dog food but he won't eat. Aughh!! My heart is breaking!!

Surveying his new territory

Across a crowded room...

Where do I begin? Let's see... A little background would help. May 17th, 2013 I went into surgery for a radical hysterectomy because of endometrial cancer... long story short, my spine was damaged along with my intestines during the surgery. Several surgeries, procedures, and various things that should be considered torture later, two and a half months had passed and i was finally going home! I had awoken that day after surgery paralyzed from the ribs down and no one knew if I would get the movement back or not. I fought and clawed my way to be able to stand, then to take a few steps, then walk a bit, then walk on my own, and now mostly I use a cane and walk like a penguin, but at least I walk! I'm left now with what's called Brown-Sequard Syndrome. Basically half my spinal cord is severely damaged which leaves half my lower body pretty bad off and the other side of my spinal cord has some damage which, of course, means some damage to that side of my lower body. My balance is terrible, lifting, bending, etc. are pretty much out of the question. There are days I'm bed ridden because of pain. Recent events have found me living alone now and I'm a high-risk fall "victim". Enter the really cool part!

In 9 hours I will be going to pick up the new man in my life. He's a bit young, but we can work around that. Big brown eyes framed by long eye lashes that I promise you seem like they are just looking straight into your soul! He's a bit short, but I'm certain he still has a lot of growing to do. Beautiful chocolate brown hair with not a one out of place. Maybe I shouldn't tell you this but... well... he's a really good kisser too! I met him on Saturday and in minutes, no, seconds! My heart was gone! I should paste my Facebook post... it says it all and in the heat of the moment!

"I said I would never fall in love again... the heart breaks were just too much. But there we were, in that crowded room, among all that chaos and noise. Our eyes met. He walked over like he owned the joint. He tripped but played it off like he meant to do it. I stood there thinking I'm too old for this, he's way to young, this could never work... or could it. Then, he gave me that knowing look of his that said everything I needed to know and reached out to me. My hand betrayed me and reached back for him. It was over in an instant but I had to at least look like I had some control so I said "sit", and he did. The kid close by tried to distract us but it just didn't work. He stared into my eyes with a challenge of "what's next? I can do it all! Let me prove it to you!" Defeated, I requested a private room so we could explore our love affair further. Anxious, and nervous, I waited. He arrived and again I thought he was just too young for me! There he was suddenly in my lap, kissing me ever so gently and lovingly. I let him walk away, I called him back, I asked him to prove his love several times and with out hesitation he did so every time! I knew my heart was lost, yet again! i had been here before. All that was left was the paperwork. He moves in on Monday and we start the rest of our life together. I'm sure we're soul mates!"