Greenwood had a beautiful fall festival on Saturday. To avoid the harsh neglect that my dogs suffer at festival time, Sammy was invited on a field trip with Sharon and Phil and their puppy Phantom to go to the training day at Guide Dogs of Texas in San Antonio. He got a little car sick, but otherwise had a great time meeting all the other pups. He was a little afraid of Phantom at first, but that's understandable to anyone that has met "potato puppy."
Greenwood was closed Monday for a festival recovery day, to make up for the festival neglect, I took Sammy and Toby to the dog park on Riverside Dr. It was a welcome sniff fest for Toby, but Sammy mostly sat under my chair and kept an eye on things from there. Just before we left, I saw some nice little dogs playing in the small-dog area. I took Sammy in there and he actually played happily with a pug, a dachshund and a min pin. Toby was a little embarrassed for the Sammy.
After the dog park, we headed over to the coffee shop, Ruta Maya for a latte'. Sammy acted like a old yellow dog and slept soundly under the table by Toby.
Sammy ate all his breakfast this morning. That is a first. He usually passes on breakfast. I hope his appetite picks up because he is on the thin side.
Toby and Sammy have a nice bond. It will be sad to see the break up when Toby graduates in November.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
First Day of School
Sammy was a perfect gentleman on his first day of preschool. The Greenwood School children all fell for his charms. I’m not sure if I can put video on this blog. If you don’t see a video of him playing with the kids, then check it out at our webshots album.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568128740zDmCHD
Sammy took a break from preschool today to go with me to vote at Randall’s. He was relieved to see me vote straight blue, since he is a yellow dog. His first training walk required a bit of duck tape to get the vest to stay on. I could sew it, but he is growing so fast I think I would be unsewing it in a few weeks. Anyway, I suited him up by the truck and we headed into Randall’s. There was a big noisy commercial truck by the entrance, but he bravely walked right by it, only stopping to run backwards seven times on the way to the door. He tried to accept treats for encouragement, but they seemed to keep going down the wrong pipe. Once he got out of reverse and into first gear, we made it into the produce section. He found the smells to be comforting, then he saw the people and knew he was in heaven. Instantly happy to be prancing around in his new vest getting praise and pets from all the voters in line. While I made my selections in the booth, he found a red smudge on the floor. It might have once been a red hot or a gummy bear. He had it just about cleaned up by the time I finished voting. A job well done, he walked proudly back to my truck. The noisy commercial truck was not so scary on the way out. I don’t think he went into reverse a single time.
Sammy was a perfect gentleman on his first day of preschool. The Greenwood School children all fell for his charms. I’m not sure if I can put video on this blog. If you don’t see a video of him playing with the kids, then check it out at our webshots album.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568128740zDmCHD
Sammy took a break from preschool today to go with me to vote at Randall’s. He was relieved to see me vote straight blue, since he is a yellow dog. His first training walk required a bit of duck tape to get the vest to stay on. I could sew it, but he is growing so fast I think I would be unsewing it in a few weeks. Anyway, I suited him up by the truck and we headed into Randall’s. There was a big noisy commercial truck by the entrance, but he bravely walked right by it, only stopping to run backwards seven times on the way to the door. He tried to accept treats for encouragement, but they seemed to keep going down the wrong pipe. Once he got out of reverse and into first gear, we made it into the produce section. He found the smells to be comforting, then he saw the people and knew he was in heaven. Instantly happy to be prancing around in his new vest getting praise and pets from all the voters in line. While I made my selections in the booth, he found a red smudge on the floor. It might have once been a red hot or a gummy bear. He had it just about cleaned up by the time I finished voting. A job well done, he walked proudly back to my truck. The noisy commercial truck was not so scary on the way out. I don’t think he went into reverse a single time.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A different dog today!
Sunday, October 19, 2008--After a day and night of rest, Sammy is a new dog. He is cheerful, confident and playful. He is a little cautious about meeting new people, but once he gets a sniff or two, he’s fine. Sammy is in love with Toby, and Toby is being the devoted big brother. Sammy's tools are firm and regular, so we may chance a puppy walk before dinner.
I’ve started a new album for Sammy on webshots. Please take a look.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568128740zDmCHD
I’ve started a new album for Sammy on webshots. Please take a look.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568128740zDmCHD
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tired puppy arrives!
Oh what a tired puppy. Sammy's day started at 5:00 am in Tulsa where he said goodbye to his birth family. He landed mid morning in San Antonio and was whisked away to the vet for shots and microchip. The implant hit a vein, so he has a little boo boo on his shoulder. He arrived at The Greenwood School where I, Tracy Schagen, will be his puppy raiser. He is making some fuss about the crate, but not too bad. He is tired and gives up easy.
Toby is our other guide dog puppy. He is so happy to have a new friend. Toby is 15 months and schedule to graduate in November, but they will have lots of fun together for a few weeks. Sammy’s other new friend is Dixie. She is our senior resident, a 13 year-old dachshund. She is quite pleased with Sammy’s social skills. He did not offend her in any way and is the first puppy to integrate without getting an ear notched.
I noticed something interesting about Sammy; he doesn’t jump on children or play rough with them; however, he does jump on adults. He is learning fast, but really wants lots of affection where ever he can get it. I’ve watched the dynamic and every time he jumps on someone, they pet him. As soon as the new wears off, I’ll get all the Greenwood parents to help me teach him “four on the floor.”
Toby is our other guide dog puppy. He is so happy to have a new friend. Toby is 15 months and schedule to graduate in November, but they will have lots of fun together for a few weeks. Sammy’s other new friend is Dixie. She is our senior resident, a 13 year-old dachshund. She is quite pleased with Sammy’s social skills. He did not offend her in any way and is the first puppy to integrate without getting an ear notched.
I noticed something interesting about Sammy; he doesn’t jump on children or play rough with them; however, he does jump on adults. He is learning fast, but really wants lots of affection where ever he can get it. I’ve watched the dynamic and every time he jumps on someone, they pet him. As soon as the new wears off, I’ll get all the Greenwood parents to help me teach him “four on the floor.”
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sammy's first day!!!
Sammy's first day!!!
Sammy's first sit at the training center. Sarah worked VERY hard to get it! Lots of liver needed :)
A boy and his duck
Look at those PAWS! Oh my!
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