Saturday was Doniphan's birthday! He turned one and we did a few things to celebrate, but will post on that after I upload the pics :)
I sometimes think that he's older and should know alot more and then forget that he still is really young. Finishing out an older dog has it's pro's and con's. One con being that he came with a particular mindset, differing from Cobra's, and that he'll have to adapt to my teaching and training methods :) I'm optimistic! After all, I've only had him 2 months, he's bound to learn something from me, right?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 09, 2009
4th Of July Festivities
Our 4th Of July celebration consisted of a parade, carnival, cookout then fireworks.
Actually, the celebration started on Thursday when most of my family (9 adults and 8 kids) floated down a local river for almost 6 hours. It was fun, I hadn't done it in several years and now that I'm older, I enjoyed it even more. I had several cows cross the river in front of me and almost hit one! Had to paddle out and away, but I survived :)
Friday was just kind of a hang out day and then that night, we set off some of the fireworks I bought in Missouri (Fireworks are illegal in Iowa) There were pretty awesome, except that one tipped over and shot into our woods! We panicked for a minute, but after checking it out and seeing that there was no fire started, we lit some more :)
Friday Morning I got up early and me and my niece headed to the parade route to save seats. It was packed! More packed than in recent years. Not very many people were there, but almost all the spots were taken up and down main street. we surprisingly found a good spot on a corner and it turned out very nice. It was a lucky break. The parade started at 10 and lasted till almost 12. Doniphan did excellent! No problems with the sirens and guns being shot off, the only things is he is very sniffy. He would rather sniff the ground that care about being startled with noises.
After the parade, we went straight to the carnival. Boy, I really wished I would have brought his Gentle Leader. Every minute it seemed like I was telling him to leave it, no sniff, or mind his business! Since I haven't had him for that long, I'm finding out all of his little habits, and in this case, BIG habits. I now know what I need to work on with him in addition to his retrieving commands (he lacks in that department too)
He did great with all the rides and noises and such. Like I said, he could care less about all that stuff, it was the crumbs and smells he wanted :)
Actually, the celebration started on Thursday when most of my family (9 adults and 8 kids) floated down a local river for almost 6 hours. It was fun, I hadn't done it in several years and now that I'm older, I enjoyed it even more. I had several cows cross the river in front of me and almost hit one! Had to paddle out and away, but I survived :)
Friday was just kind of a hang out day and then that night, we set off some of the fireworks I bought in Missouri (Fireworks are illegal in Iowa) There were pretty awesome, except that one tipped over and shot into our woods! We panicked for a minute, but after checking it out and seeing that there was no fire started, we lit some more :)
Friday Morning I got up early and me and my niece headed to the parade route to save seats. It was packed! More packed than in recent years. Not very many people were there, but almost all the spots were taken up and down main street. we surprisingly found a good spot on a corner and it turned out very nice. It was a lucky break. The parade started at 10 and lasted till almost 12. Doniphan did excellent! No problems with the sirens and guns being shot off, the only things is he is very sniffy. He would rather sniff the ground that care about being startled with noises.
After the parade, we went straight to the carnival. Boy, I really wished I would have brought his Gentle Leader. Every minute it seemed like I was telling him to leave it, no sniff, or mind his business! Since I haven't had him for that long, I'm finding out all of his little habits, and in this case, BIG habits. I now know what I need to work on with him in addition to his retrieving commands (he lacks in that department too)
He did great with all the rides and noises and such. Like I said, he could care less about all that stuff, it was the crumbs and smells he wanted :)
Here he's posing in front of a ride that basically goes around in circles. My Brother and two nieces were in there when I took it, but as you can see, it was too fast :(
My Sister-in-law thought it would be neat to put the hat on that she bought for one of her girls, on Doni. He didn't know what to think of it, but surprisingly, he stayed. I was impressed!
On Friday night we shot of more of those illegal fireworks. We usually go to see them, but since we had so many of our own, we decided to stay home and enjoy them. Again, no problems, he could care less. I brought him out and he was really interested in my parent's chickens, not the noises. Oh well, animal distractions are a big one for him that we will need to work on.
We had a good 4th and I'm glad I had a leash in my hand to participate in the activities again with :)
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Moved
Let's go back to the weekend of June 27th. My parents, all three brothers and their families came down to Kansas to help me move back to Iowa. I had most of the packing done, in boxes, and marked, so I didn't need help packing. Thank goodness, because I'm sure if they helped me, things would be misplaced and I'd have no idea where to look!
They came down on Friday and we left Saturday morning. I had my SUV filled with all 5 dogs, two cats, one t.v., speakers 5 boxes, a suitcase and one crate. Yeah, it was pretty full, I should have taken a pic of it, but my camera was broken :( We had two trailers a 34' one and a 16' all filled to the top with my stuff. I didn't realize I had all this stuff!!
We stopped in Missouri to pick up some fireworks for 4th of July weekend and got in North Iowa in the afternoon sometime. Most of my things are in a rented storage unit partly because they are more protected in one of those. My parents have alot of room out on the farm, but mice, cats, etc...would get into stuff and I didn't want to deal with that. So, my clothes and other needed things are here at my parents house.
I'll be looking for a house and hope to be moved out of my parents house within the month. Once you've tasted freedom, its hard to go back :)
I start my new, old job at Tractor Supply tomorrow. I can take Doni with no problems so that's one reason I took it on. I also know what I'm doing there and didn't have to deal with the added stress of learning a new job, that's a plus. I will need to eventually go somewhere else because the money isn't that great for house payments, if ya know what I mean.
Well once I get my camera software uploaded, I'll be able to post some pics. Sorry, this post is just words, I know so boring :)
They came down on Friday and we left Saturday morning. I had my SUV filled with all 5 dogs, two cats, one t.v., speakers 5 boxes, a suitcase and one crate. Yeah, it was pretty full, I should have taken a pic of it, but my camera was broken :( We had two trailers a 34' one and a 16' all filled to the top with my stuff. I didn't realize I had all this stuff!!
We stopped in Missouri to pick up some fireworks for 4th of July weekend and got in North Iowa in the afternoon sometime. Most of my things are in a rented storage unit partly because they are more protected in one of those. My parents have alot of room out on the farm, but mice, cats, etc...would get into stuff and I didn't want to deal with that. So, my clothes and other needed things are here at my parents house.
I'll be looking for a house and hope to be moved out of my parents house within the month. Once you've tasted freedom, its hard to go back :)
I start my new, old job at Tractor Supply tomorrow. I can take Doni with no problems so that's one reason I took it on. I also know what I'm doing there and didn't have to deal with the added stress of learning a new job, that's a plus. I will need to eventually go somewhere else because the money isn't that great for house payments, if ya know what I mean.
Well once I get my camera software uploaded, I'll be able to post some pics. Sorry, this post is just words, I know so boring :)
Friday, July 03, 2009
It Was an Accident, Really It Was!
Alright guys, alot has gone on and there's alot of it that I just don't have pics for because mine finally bit the dust. More like I made it bite the dust because I slammed it in the car door :( Oh well it was time for it to go, so I bought a cheap one until I can afford a really nice one.
It was an accident, It's not like I strategically placed it in the seal of the door where the door and floor comes together :)
So this upcoming weekends activities i will have pics for! *crowds claps and cheers* But the other events, such as moving, going out etc...no...*crowd aw's*
Have no fear, when I have more time I will update more! Time is a little short because of moving back into my parents house, starting my job next week, trying to talk to Realtors about houses, trying to find a house, changing things into my new address....list goes on and on, but you don't want to hear all that. Just trust me when I say that I have only a little bit of precious time that is used on the dogs and cats and then I'm back in the money world.
Well, got to get up early tomorrow, but if i get my camera set up, maybe i can post about a few things! Keep your fingers crossed!!!
Take care!
Sarah and the gang
It was an accident, It's not like I strategically placed it in the seal of the door where the door and floor comes together :)
So this upcoming weekends activities i will have pics for! *crowds claps and cheers* But the other events, such as moving, going out etc...no...*crowd aw's*
Have no fear, when I have more time I will update more! Time is a little short because of moving back into my parents house, starting my job next week, trying to talk to Realtors about houses, trying to find a house, changing things into my new address....list goes on and on, but you don't want to hear all that. Just trust me when I say that I have only a little bit of precious time that is used on the dogs and cats and then I'm back in the money world.
Well, got to get up early tomorrow, but if i get my camera set up, maybe i can post about a few things! Keep your fingers crossed!!!
Take care!
Sarah and the gang
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day!!
So in honor of father's day, I thought I would post a pic of Doni's dad on here. His name is Buck and he is a big boy!
In the picture of Doni I have on here :) you really can't tell they're related, but they do an awful lot alike :)
Happy father's Day to everyone's Dad and of course to all of those dog's and their Dad's
In the picture of Doni I have on here :) you really can't tell they're related, but they do an awful lot alike :)
Happy father's Day to everyone's Dad and of course to all of those dog's and their Dad's
Friday, June 19, 2009
Doni Boy!
Well as I stated in a few earlier posts, I was watching Doniphan for a fellow puppy raiser while she was on vacation. It turns out, that while she was on vacation, she was doing some serious thinking and decided that it wasn't quite what she wanted to do, so I have decided.....
To finish raising him!! I know I know, 5 dogs is really a bit much, but I can take it on, besides It's nice to finish one out that's already basic-command trained :) Also, He is sibling to Lisa's Ellie, so He is from the Kansas county litter.
Let the adventures begin! Oh, I suppose you guys will want regular updates.....I am a bit rusty, so I will try my hardest. I'm sure once I get moved back and start a new job, posts will be more regular. As for now, they will still be limited because of moving chaos :) Ya know how that goes.
Sorry to Say......
Hi everyone, I have some news...to start off, I will no longer be an Apprentice Guide Dog Trainer at KSDS, Inc. I have decided to leave, not because of anything related to KSDS, but for my own personal reasons. I love it here soo much, but because I moved here from 7 hours away, I feel that I need to be closer to home so I can be with my family, watch my nieces grow up, be with friends, etc...
KSDS in whole (staff, graduates, puppy raisers, etc..) is so wonderful! I love this organization and want to continue to be apart of it. That is why I have asked if I can continue being a puppy raiser. It is my first love, you could say, and having that opportunity to take that crazy, wild, disobedient thing and turn it into someones life partner is a feeling beyond words (most of you know what I'm talking about :)
I have made so many friends through this whole thing and I cherish it. You guys are awesome, and I am soo looking forward to being a puppy raiser again.
Sarah and the gang!!!
KSDS in whole (staff, graduates, puppy raisers, etc..) is so wonderful! I love this organization and want to continue to be apart of it. That is why I have asked if I can continue being a puppy raiser. It is my first love, you could say, and having that opportunity to take that crazy, wild, disobedient thing and turn it into someones life partner is a feeling beyond words (most of you know what I'm talking about :)
I have made so many friends through this whole thing and I cherish it. You guys are awesome, and I am soo looking forward to being a puppy raiser again.
Sarah and the gang!!!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Memorial Weekend Fun
I know this is late, but I can't help it! There is no excuse it's just that I'm busy, forget, not enough time, etc... I suppose if I had a puppy of my own it would updated alot more :)
So for the Memorial day weekend, I spent it with KSDS puppyraisers! Nothing better right? :)
We first headed up to Northern Iowa (where I'm from!) and stayed with a fellow puppy raiser so that Lisa and Ellie could go visit her first dog, Runza who is now a guide dog. She had a great time spending the day with them. I stayed at the puppyraisers house we were visiting and I wasn't alone. Want to know why? cause I was puppysitting.........none other than Ellie's brother, Doniphan!!! His puppy raiser was on vacation so I volunteered to take him. He is awesome! Love him to death, he is really good with other dogs and people, overall great.
After Lisa and Ellie got back, we headed to a cabin on a local river to eat and make s'mores, of course ;) That was neat for the dogs, they had various animal pelts and stuffed wildlife throughout the cabin so that was neat. The dogs took to running up and down the stairs :)
The next morning, Sunday, we left for eastern Iowa to attend a big puppyraiser gathering. I was so excited, not only to see everyone, but guess who came? Cobra and his partner, Beth!!! Cobra looked great and just had a blast with all the other dogs. He and Doniphan even played together.
Doniphan by the Clam Man statue.
Doni and I testing out the water. Not really, wanted to test his reaction the the water. A little scared, but snapped out of it quickly. I really wanted to get on the boat behind us. Very nice!
So for the Memorial day weekend, I spent it with KSDS puppyraisers! Nothing better right? :)
We first headed up to Northern Iowa (where I'm from!) and stayed with a fellow puppy raiser so that Lisa and Ellie could go visit her first dog, Runza who is now a guide dog. She had a great time spending the day with them. I stayed at the puppyraisers house we were visiting and I wasn't alone. Want to know why? cause I was puppysitting.........none other than Ellie's brother, Doniphan!!! His puppy raiser was on vacation so I volunteered to take him. He is awesome! Love him to death, he is really good with other dogs and people, overall great.
After Lisa and Ellie got back, we headed to a cabin on a local river to eat and make s'mores, of course ;) That was neat for the dogs, they had various animal pelts and stuffed wildlife throughout the cabin so that was neat. The dogs took to running up and down the stairs :)
Doniphan and I on the stairs of the cabin,
The next morning, Sunday, we left for eastern Iowa to attend a big puppyraiser gathering. I was so excited, not only to see everyone, but guess who came? Cobra and his partner, Beth!!! Cobra looked great and just had a blast with all the other dogs. He and Doniphan even played together.
Ellie (L) Doniphan and Cobra
Baby Fleetwood lying by Doni. Fleetwood is from the Cadillac Litter
Here I am playing tug with Ellie
3 of the Kansas County Litter were present: Republic (L) Ellsworth (Ellie) and Doniphan
This group shot was taken after 5 or so dogs had already gone. We didn't think of doing it until later ;) L to R: Tango,Houlihan,Weber (brother to Miriam's Mosier) Chesney, Cobra, Doniphan, Mimosa and Ellie.
Beth, Cobra and I. For those of you unsure, I raised Cobra who is now a Service dog in Iowa
After the big get together, we decided to take a few of the PIT's to the local park for distraction and socialization work. They did great! A few barked at some of those scary statues, ya know, the ones that don't move ;) other than that, it was perfect, they did great.
Doniphan by the Clam Man statue.
Doni and I testing out the water. Not really, wanted to test his reaction the the water. A little scared, but snapped out of it quickly. I really wanted to get on the boat behind us. Very nice!It was a great weekend! On Monday, we went to Beth and Cobra's to let the dogs take a break from all the driving, in their backyard. It was on the way, and they had a blast!
Again, it was a great weekend, wouldn't have missed it for the world!! Glad I had a puppy to take otherwise I would have that naked feeling ;) You guys know what I mean, right?
Doniphan in front of the county he was named after :)
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