Working-K9: December 2010 Posts

Saturday, December 25, 2010
Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and throughout our home,
All was still, peaceful, and as quiet as a mouse.

My booties were chewed and laid without care,
In the hopes that I'd find treats soon in there.

My human was nestled all snug in her bed,
While visions of beef snacks danced in my head.

My human in her nighty and I in the buff,
I don't know what she was dreaming but I was dreaming of foodstuff.

When out on the yard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet and barked a crazy mad chatter.

Awoke did my human and gave out a yell,
But I wasn't deterred as I ran for a quick smell.

I pressed my nose to the door frame crack,
I strained and I stiffened all ready for the attack.

My human got out of bed; she did stumble and stagger,
As she came down the hall to see what was the matter.

When suddenly we realized we had nothing to fear,
For it were only a sleigh and eight little deer.

I gave my human a loving lick,
Knowing then that it was only St Nick.

I called to the deer like it was a game,
I called to each deer, I called them by name.

Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

Bring me some treats, bones and more!
For this is all I ask, I beg, I implore!

Alas all they heard was "bark" "bark" "woof",
They jumped, jilted and stomped a hoof.

From there they took off, that's right they flew,
Away with my treats, goodies and, oh ya, St Nick too.

Oh why didn't I know they couldn't speak dog?
I guess I'll have to go back to sleeping like a log.

As I turned to escort my human to bed,
She laughed and gently patted me on the head.

Maybe my barking really was a nuisance,
I just couldn't control my own puppy-like exuberance.

I was so sad; my disappointment was quite clear,
So she gave me some biscuits, I made them disappear.

Then my human hurried back to her bed,
I followed behind gladly, and happily fed.

I do hope St. Nick and his deer get over the fright,
And try once again next year on this very night.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Some notable events

Several months back my human started volunteering her time to help our US Veterans whom where in need of service dogs. The American Service Animal Society helps veterans to train their own dogs to work a service dogs. Those that don't have dogs are encouraged to adopt from a local shelter or rescue. Many of these dogs are in-home companion service dogs yet others are trained to work in public just as I am. For this my human volunteers her time to help teach the Veterans how to train the behaviors and tasks that are required for their dog. I go along sometimes to demonstrate the skills and behaviors.

We really hadn't been at it all that long when we learned that the ASAS was nominated as one of the "12 who care" by the local news channel 12. The ASAS founder invited my human and I to the honoree luncheon and when free food is offered we show up. In reality it was quite an honor.

Because of our efforts and our endless desire to help from Amber raise money to get her own Service Dog, we were given a table at the ASAS event known as Woofstock in November.

It made for a log day and with the help of our local friends, most of which are also disabled folks we managed to raise just a tad over $200 for Amber and met so many wonderful people. Each year the Woofstock event seems to get better and bigger.