The Education and Training continues

May 8, 2011

I know it has been awhile since I posted but so much has been going on and I have been too tired to think.  My sweetie has been training me and I seem to be a moderately slow learner.   I absolutely can not remember which way is right or left.  Thank goodness my sweetie can read my mind.  The instructors have been putting us threw the ringer, but we are surviving!!!!  They took us out and one of the instructors was in a car and scared the bejesus out of us.  They came screaming up to us as we were crossing the street and my sweetie did the right thing and stopped me, however it did not stop my scream or my language.  The devil car continued to turn in front of us and my sweetie got smart and did not want to cross the street when she saw the bad devil car.  What a day! My sweetie is smarter than me.

Being trained to use a guide dog is alot of work and you really need a good memory.  Oh, I forgot you also need to have alot of energy which is somewhat I am lacking at the moment.  We are up at 6 and by the time the day is over, I am draging myself to a single bed and I am just plain tired.  I do not want to admit that age may have something to do with all this, but really 14 straight days are alot.  My feet, arms, legs and perty much everything aches.  Thank goodness for Advil!!!!!!   You know, I never really believed in stretching and warming up before you went out to walk... but I do NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I have complained enough.  I am learning so much and every minute is worth it.  This is not as easy or simple as I thought it would be, but I know I am learning how to do things to make myself and with my sweetie, we are a real team that can face the world and whatever it throws at us. 

So, until next time Happy Mothers Day to all. nancy.

Teamwork!

So Much To Learn

May 2, 2011

It has been a few days since I last posted.  The reason is because I am so tired when I finally get back to my room and have time to think, I only want to sleep.  My sweet dog and I have to learn so much together and it is going to take some time.  We are progressing , but at a slow pace.  Our instructor is wonderful  and says we are right on time.  I have to remember the correct command and my sweetie has to follow the command even if it is the wrong one.  Like when I tell her turn right but I really mean left.

Anyway, we are doing fine hope you all are too.  nancy

First night and first full day

April 29, 2011

Ok, it has been many years since I had a baby to take care of on my own.  Well, last night I had a new baby, who  woke up every 2 to 3 hours.  She cried and made alot of noise.  I was told to leave her alone and see if she would calm down, she did but I was still awake.  Anyway we made it through our first night with no accidents.  She ate well and did her buisness correctly.

The morning started at 6, with me getting ready for the day, then feeding, watering, and giving her a break.  Then breakfast and we were all loaded on a bus and taken to the park.  It was wonderful and it was a beautiful day in New York.  I walked her with the harness for the first time.  We walked about one mile and we did ok.  We still have so much to learn about each other.  We are bonding and it feels right.  So, with practice we should get better and better.

Have to get ready for dinner and after dinner another lecture and hopefully a good night sleep.  Will post again tomorrow.  Love to all, nancy

She is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April 28, 2010

Well, the wait is over and she is even more grand and wonderful than I dreamed.  I was told this morning her sex and name.  Then we were sent back to our rooms to wait for the trainers to bring us our dogs.  It took awhile but then a knock came at the door and there she was, just perfect.   All the time, work and waiting was over and worth every minute.

I have been around dogs and owned dogs for most of my life, but I still have so much to learn.  It's all about the footwork and hand motions.  Oh, don't forget the commands and which foot to start on.  You know, that is a little hard for me since I can't really tell my right from my left.  LOL

Well, they are coming to help us feed, water and take the dogs out.  So, I must close for now.  I Am So Very Happy.  nancy

I am here in New York

April 27,2011

I can not believe it, but I am really in New york and at guide dog school.  Yesterday was alot of waiting and traveling.  All the planes were delayed for reasons unknown.  However, we all made it and had a great dinner and then a lecture.  There is so much to learn.  We were given our dogs leases and told to work the leather to make it softer.  There is a tie down in our rooms where the dogs sleep, no dogs in the bed.  We will be busy most of the day and lectures alfter dinner every night.  I may not need anything to help me sleep as this is not the activity level I am use to at home.

Sorry, this is so short but must go now.   Post again soon.  nancy

Easter Sunday

1 more day until I leave!

April 24,2011

All I can say is I am so excited and just can't hide it........

Today is Easter Sunday and it has been a gorgeous day.  Love, hope and faith are all in the air.  I am very thankful for all my blessings.

I have washed all my clothes and have a plan on what I need to take.  However, since the weather has warmed up, I am rethinking everything.  I am working hard on staying focused.  That staying focused is really hard, infact it has gotten harder with age.  LOL

OK, enough I just want to say again I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully, next post will be from New York.  Love to all, nancy

PS
Here is a link I found on youtube from the Guide Dog Foundation, it is awe inspiring.  It is wonderful!