When Your dog is still working off harness

You know when your guide dog is still in work mode, when she makes sure you won't fall down the stairs at your parent's  house by blocking the stairway.
Last night I went to my parent's house for dinner. As I was leaving the bathroom, Mint of course, was waiting for me outside the door. As I was walking towards the couch, she placed herself by the stairs to make sure I wouldn't fall down the stairs.
I think Mint is always on work mode, even when she isn't on harness.

Happy Valentine's Day

Mom says she doesn't like Valentine's Day, but that's another story and not why we're here. I'm here to share my "dating profile".

Name: Ori

Tagline: "But  mmoooomm"

Age: 4

Breed: pure German Shepard but a Golden Retriever at heart 

Jobs/ certification/ tricks: Leader Dog, guard dog, irritating mom, mom's dress up toy, I know most tricks in the book and if you want a show ask Mom

Interests: Helping mom, sleep, irritating mom, being outside, playing with others, being in a classroom, treats, world/ people watching

Looking for: My new best friend. I don't care what breed you are, as long as you're willing to love me and be my friend.  Someone who is nice to Mom. Has to love being outside and goofing around. 

I "borrowed" this idea from Leader Dogs For the Blind.

♡Ori

PD: A black and tan GSD laying on the ground surrounded by orange leaves.

The Other Day

I took Ori out to go to the bathroom and she was snorting snow like it was crack. My dog is so weird.

☆Katie

Mint The Rockstar

 It's amazing how much Mint remembers; especially when it comes to finding places. Majority of the time, she knows where we are going, better than I do.
On Thursday, I took a substitute teaching job, at a high school in Farmington. The school is small, with 70 students attending the school. I was subbing for a social studies class. The students were great with Mint. They respected my rules without question.
When it was time for the students to have their lunch, I had to use the restroom. The secretary showed me where it was on the way to the classroom. The first amazing thing she did was find the main door so that I could take her out. When we came back, I asked Mint if she knew where the bathroom was. With the wag of her tail, and a confident step, she lead me right to the bathroom. After that, she knew exactly where the classroom was and  without missing a beat. She even took me right to the desk.
The same things happened again yesterday, when I went back for the second time.
I don't know what I would do without Mint in my life. I know that I would feel completely lost.
Even though Mint and I have been together for 5 years, it is still hard for me to trust her at times; especially in unfamiliar places.  My goal this year, after working with my field rep, is to allow her to do her job, and for me to trust her completely.  .

There's a Hole in my Plush Toy

The first version is what the dog would sing and the second is me actually finishing the song. I blame my dad for this.

There is a hole in my plush toy dear owner, dear owner there's a hole in my plush toy, dear owner a hole

Ah forget it

There is a hole in my plush toy dear owner, dear owner there's a hole in my plush toy, dear owner a hole

And how shall I fix it dear Ori, dear Ori and how shall I fix it dear Ori, and how

With needle and thread dear owner, dear owner with needle and thread dear owner, with needle and thread

I can't see it to do that dear Ori, dear Ori I can't see to do that, dear Ori I can't

♡ Ori

☆Katie

The last two weeks

Sorry, not sorry for being on here lately. School comes first. Here are some things that have been going on 

- going to classes

- learning to dry land mush (dog only)

- meeting new friends

- having a ladies night (pictured below, it is totally staged)

- playing in the snow with new and old friends

PD: four dogs with bowls in front of them laying in the hall. Two German Shepherds, one Aussie and one Old English Sheepdog.

☆ Katie