Gus, Day 8

 Laura isn't the only one making progress with Gus.  Amarin is not very fond of animals, but is learning to enjoy Gus in his own time.  He asks to hold the leash and tries to do commands with him. Today, Gus listened and Amarin gave him a treat...and then quickly wiped off his hand because he doesn't like dog slobber.

 Sitting still without backing away from Gus.

 Tethering training started today.  We will tether Laura to Gus so she doesn't wander away.  She loves holding hands with people, but to move her forward in her independence, this seemed like a good step to take.  Here, people pull gently on the dogs while they are in a "down."  The dogs have to stay put, even though they may be pulled a little across the floor.

 Gus did great, and was gentle with Laura while trying this at the mall today.  Now we just have to convince Laura to hold on to Gus' strap so she can keep up with the team.

Gus, Day 7

So the morning sessions of training are very interesting.  Teams are sharing their challenges, successes, and funny stories.  Each day we can see progress with the teams, even if it's baby steps.

We're half-way there with our training class, but will continue to train for as long as we have our dogs.  Service dogs are a lot of work, and take a lot of time.  But the payoff is so great.

One family visited today that has had their dog for three and a half years.  The dog provides services for their son that they couldn't even imagine.  The family has kept records, and the dog can detect a seizure through scent 24 hours in advance!  It's the same kind of scent work a dog does to detect explosives or drugs...just a different scent.  And during the class, another dog detected low/high blood sugar levels in a boy with diabetes three different times.  The family confirmed it through test strips.  Amazing!

Gus went with us to KFC tonight.  He was good as gold.  He didn't go near food, or even show interest in it.  He stayed in a "sit" or "down" the whole time.  Such a well mannered boy.  He continues to handle stairs and elevators well, obeys most commands, and is just working so hard.  Laura loves petting his nose and giving him kisses.  

We had all of our dogs on the floor at once today, providing distractions.  99% of the time, they stayed in a "down" command.

 Poor Gus just couldn't help himself.  He loves to play, and Schilling was right there!

Tomorrow we work on tethering.  Laura will be tethered to Gus so she can have more independence out in public.  This will be very interesting.

Gus, Day 6

Day 6 already with Gus?  Doesn't seem possible, yet it feels like we've been here a long time.  I'm missing my hubby and littles at home.  But I know this is all worth it for Laura.

Today was very interesting.  The dog's practiced seizure alert (diabetic and epileptic), and retrieval.  It's amazing how these dogs can be trained to recognize scents and movements in order to alert parents to seizures.   Talk about a sense of relief knowing that the dog can help detect a seizure in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep.

Gus is doing retrieval for Laura, so if she drops (or throws) her cup, toy, etc., Gus can retrieve it for her.  So far, he is retrieving her cup.  She thinks it's a game, and tosses it again.  Lovely.  I think throwing the tennis ball will be their favorite pass time.

We went to pick up pizza tonight and had textbook conversations.  First...all the pizza place workers came out to see Gus.  He is just so handsome!  Then came the questions:
1.  Is he a service dog?  Yes

2.  What service does he provide?  Mobility and retrieval

3.  What kind of dog is he? A golden doodle

4.  Can we give him a (people) treat? No, people food upsets his tummy.  But thanks!

Then a dad with 4 young boys came in, and while the dad was ordering, the boys lined up staring at Gus.  I asked them if they would like to give Gus a treat.  Only the youngest was brave enough...then the older brothers followed suit after they saw their youngest brother wasn't devoured.  I also showed them how to do "high fives" with Gus.  They loved that!  Pretty soon the dad came running over..."Did they ask to feed him?"  Yes...and it's really OK to pet and talk to most service dogs as long as the dog is being obedient.  But it's always wise to ask first.

Gus is doing stairs and elevators very well, basic commands, and is loving Laura.  He rides perfectly still in the van, and lies down motionless and quietly in a restaurant.  He is learning to leave Laura's toys alone, and is not easily distracted by dropped food...now the tennis ball is another story! :)  He's a great pup!

Gus, Day 5

 Gus is "lapping."  It makes me happy.  Gus doesn't mind doing this until I started wiggling.

 More practice with "lapping" at training today.  Some dogs fall asleep, but not Gus.

He's kind of a wiggle worm, too.

 I like Gus' paws.

 Gus received his official vest today.  It has a handle for Laura to hold, and will be appropriate for when we go to stores, etc.  We will use a different harness that she can hold to help her balance on uneven walking surfaces.

 I was "helping" Jeremy again today.  I even matched his shirt, just to look official.

Today was also our first day training at the mall.  It was a challenge overlooking all the sights, smells, and people, while trying to focus on commands.  Mom's brain is fried.

Gus, Day 4

 Today during training, Laura decided to help Jeremy.

She stood in front of him and kept staring, and smiling, of course.

 Hanging out with her favorite pup.

 Gus was intently watching a fly on the ground.  Nothing gets past him!

 I walked into the bedroom and saw this...

 

partners in crime.

 Not sure who the ring-leader is...

 But I have my guesses.

Gus, Day 3

 Day 3 with Gus...more intensive training, and more fun.  My brain is beginning to fry.

Jacob chilled out with some animal crackers.

 Amarin joined some new friends on the trampoline.

 Laura was exhausted from watching Mama and Gus train.

 Laura decided here to join Gus in snack time.  She seemed to enjoy his dog food just fine.

 Snuggle time on the mutt mat.

 Biggest development today...Gus came back to the hotel with us.  He will be with us now 24/7.

I chickened out taking him to dinner tonight.  I'll be ready in the morning to manage him in the hotel restaurant.  We did practice our commands, though, and he's doing well.

 Finally, back to the hotel for some r&r.  Laura continues to smile at him, and loves playing with his nose and mouth.

Not All Work

 We're working hard with our dogs here.  But it's not all work!

We're with 13 other families, and we're making the most of our time together.

A few of us families sat outside while our kids played bball and hide & seek.

 Laura enjoyed swinging on our lunch break.

 Movies every night!  Laura looks very impressed with National Treasure 2.

 

 BK boys! Never too old for the crowns!  This is becoming Jacob's favorite expression for the camera.

 Trying a new drink...it's a cold drink, with tapioca balls that get sucked up the huge straw.

I've tried it...weird texture.

 Twinkies...mom had a brain hiccup when trying to buy healthy snacks!

 Lots of giggles!

Lots of fun!

Gus, Day 2

 I forgot to post this photo yesterday from my phone.  This was Laura's first glimpse of Gus.

 On to day two.  It's so important that Gus bonds with Laura, so I keep dropping little treats in her lap for Gus to find.  She loves the attention from Gus, and hopefully Gus is associating Laura with lots of yummy treats.

 More training today.  Such a good boy keeping his eyes on me.

 Good boy, Gus!

 Gus's brother, Boeing, is also in this class.  Have you ever heard of a black golden-doodle?

 Laura loves playing with Gus's mouth and face.

 It's common knowledge that Laura LOVES water...even if it means playing in the water dispenser while Gus drinks.  I was impressed that her playing in his dish didn't even phase him...he just kept right on drinking.

 Could he look anymore relaxed?  Look at those back legs!

 She loves kissing Gus!

 It was a good day!

Gus

 We made it!  We were about 40 minutes ahead of schedule this morning, but still were not the first ones to arrive!  There were some pretty excited families from all over the country,  ready to meet their dogs.

 Here's the welcome sign for our Sept. class.  We are sitting in the same place we did last time we were here.

 This young man is getting a dog, too, and quickly befriended Jacob and Amarin. He is such a fun, happy kiddo.  We agreed to overlook the fact that he is wearing an MSU hat! :)

 Gus was the first dog introduced.  Doesn't he look like he's smiling?  He is big dog, and his paws are HUGE!  I wonder if he's done growing?

 I helped Laura feed him treats, and since Gus hadn't eaten breakfast yet, he was more than eager to eat!  Here goes our grocery bill again!

 This is our friend's dog, but I love how Laura photo-b'mbed the picture!

 High five, buddy!

 "I'm happy, Mama."

 Looks like they're having a heart-to-heart.

 Hugging her new friend.

 OK, now a hug this way.

 Laura loves touching his fur, and playing with his mouth. She even leans over to give him kisses...which he gladly returns.  Gus loves tennis balls, and Laura loves tossing them.  They had a great time...until Gus's strong jaws quickly deflated the ball!

It was a fantastic first day of training.  We practiced basic obedience commands...not for the dogs as they are already trained...but for us as the new handlers.  Gus did great and clearly loves attention.  So excited to get back there tomorrow and train more with him.

Great job, Olivia and Beth!