9 Weeks Old

Nelson's Notes:  You should see how much I have grown in just a few days!  I am learning a lot.  I know my name, know how to sit and am starting to practice a few more commands.  I love to run and play.  I love to play with my toys, but I am happy to share with the big dog when she asks (or takes). I also love to just hang out by myself on the cool tile floor or hide behind the big bush eating grass when I can slip away.  I do not like a lot of things too.  I do not like wearing a leash and when I went for a walk on that leash I simply refused to go.  I do not like that leash.  I do not like it here, I do not like it there, I do not like it anywhere.   Well I take that back,  I like that leash when I put it on and get to play and have adventures.  Those are fun!

 Lia's Notes:  I keep waiting for him to disappear like some of the other dogs, but this one is not going away so I am starting to accept him.  Sigh.   I guess he is not so bad.  I taught him how to play chase and tag, but he gets confused and thinks we are playing hide and seek.  I do not like hide and seek so I get bored and wander off.  Then he chases me again.  My other favorite game is Who's the Boss  because I always win.  I am not sure he even tries that hard, but that is ok with me too.  I also am getting better about sneaking his food and toys because he gets the good stuff and it is not fair, he needs to share with me.  After all, I am the boss.

















Susan's Notes: Has it only been 10 days?  I feel like it has been at least double that, especially because I am SURE Nelson has doubled in size since I got him.  I was shocked when I counted tonight and determined that he was only 9 weeks old.  He is going to be a BIG boy!  I am pleased to say that he does love to play, is eager to try new things and work on new tricks.  He and my keeper dog, Lia, are getting along much better and they almost look forward to seeing one another.  However we do have a LONG way to go.  House training was not as instantaneous as I thought it would be.  Nelson is also very stubborn and independent and still lives up to the name No Fear Nelson.  For these reasons I have been VERY nervous about taking him to school with me.  Up to this point we have been blessed to have my mother's help during the day, but tomorrow he will start school.  We had a practice day last Saturday and except for one little incident he was an ANGEL, I got so much work done!  Now we are going to add a lot more teachers, many kids, and a real-demanding workload and I am hoping and praying that he and I can pull it off.  Luckily we go to the wonderful Malvern where we have nothing but support and I am confident that it will all work itself out.

Nelson Arrives!

Nelson's Notes:  I am 8 weeks old.  I have left my litter mates behind and I am ready to conquer the world!  I have no fear.  I want to explore everything I can, run everywhere, chase everything and chew on most things.  I admit some of these new experiences are a little scary and that makes me cry but I am learning that they turn out pretty well and it might be better to just quietly go with the flow and have fun.

Lia's Notes:  Another one.  She brought home another puppy.  Sigh.  I wanted to believe it wasn't true so I spent the first day avoiding him, he did not go away.  I spent the next day ignoring him, he could not be ignored.  My next step is to reclaim my house, and everything in it.  That little bed: mine.  Those little bones:  mine.  The yard:  mine.  That person:  mine.  The person told me I have to be gentle, and I want to make her happy so I will gently quietly reclaim my place as queen.  That will show that puppy.

Susan's Notes:  I have had Nelson for about a day and a half and I am shocked at how much I am learning already.  He is not my first puppy, and sure I forgot how LITTLE they start out and how every little thing has to be taught slowly and purposefully.  I forgot how torturous the cries could be.   Those are all things, I think I will quickly forget again as I get wrapped up in the learning and teaching that comes with a new Canine Companions for Independence puppy.  I have learned that puppies have VERY different personalities and Nelson's strong independent personality is more striking than any puppy I have had before.  I believe this will work in his favor.  He takes on every new challenge with joy and comes out the other side smiling.  He also makes ME think a little bit harder because I need to be one step ahead of him.  He can be a very quiet little entrepreneur and I know I will need to work hard to show him who the real queen (person in charge) is.   He will be a lot of fun to train and I do think he can make have a wonderful future and career ahead of him.  Like all the kids at my school, he too is college bound.

Good News!

Susan's Notes:  I am about to embark on this adventure again!  I am so excited.  I cannot wait to get started, and keep an eye on this blog for great Pup UPdates to learn more soon!  For now, some answers to some FAQs.

Puppy's Notes:  The question I hear the most is "Can I pet him?"  and I don't really understand it but sometimes the answer is "Yes, if he is sitting." and sometimes it is "No, I'm sorry."  I LOVE to be pet!  I love the attention, but there is this small growing part of me that knows that I need to focus on my human and do the work she is asking me to do no matter what. I have a GREAT life.  I get to run around and be a normal puppy at home, playing, chasing, fetching, getting into trouble BUT I am also extra special because I get to go places and do things that other dogs do not when I put on my cape.  I am a leader dog and I am awesome every day.  I am awesome when I am at work, at school, at home and I will be awesome when I grow up.  No matter what.

Susan's Notes:  There are a lot of questions involved in raising a foster puppy, and I hope that this post will help you to learn some answers. Here are some of my FAQ:

Q: Can you tell me more about the puppy?
A: He is a Canine Companion for Independence puppy from the N litter.  He will go on to graduate in about 18 months.  He then goes into extensive training at the wonderful NEW Canine Companions for Independence at Baylor Scott & White Health – Kinkeade Campus in Irving, TX.

Q: Can I pet him?

A: It never hurts to ask, but be prepared to be told no.  Assistance dogs, even puppies in training, need to focus on their human/client/partner.  If the puppy learns to associate fun, attention and the reward of being pet by strangers too much he may start to focus on this rather than his job.  However, he is a puppy and we want to socialize him so sometimes the answer is yes.  I always say he has to be sitting though and in control, otherwise he loses his reward.  I also like him to try to focus on me and not you..........because lets be honest, I am going to be the one feeding him and you are walking away.....which one deserves loyalty?   :-)

Q: What kind of assistance dog will he be?

A:  I don't know.  Just like every kid grows up to have different talents, skills and aptitudes; puppies are very similar and the organization he works with (Canine Companions for Independence or CCI) will work very hard to find him the right job.  Their focus is to train service dogs, facility dogs, skilled companions and hearing dogs.  However, 
CCI tries to find another working career for them whenever possible. Learn more about CCI Assistance Dogs. 

Q. Who is eligible to apply for a Canine Companion?

A: Adults and children with physical and/or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine Companion will enhance their independence or quality of life are eligible to apply.  Professionals and skilled volunteers working in medical and mental health care settings and educational environments where clients could benefit from interaction with a Facility Dog are also eligible to apply.

Q. Who is eligible to apply for a Canine Companion?

Adults and children with physical and/or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine

Companion will enhance their independence or quality of life are eligible to apply

. Professionals and

skilled volunteers working in medical and mental health care settings and educational environments

where clients could benefit from interaction with a Facility Dog are also eligible to apply

.

Q. Who is eligible to apply for a Canine Companion?

Adults and children with physical and/or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine

Companion will enhance their independence or quality of life are eligible to apply

. Professionals and

skilled volunteers working in medical and mental health care settings and educational environments

where clients could benefit from interaction with a Facility Dog are also eligible to apply

.

Q: What if he fails?

A: He will become one of the best trained, most friendly, wonderful PETS in the world.  

Q: What are you training him to do?

A:  Right now, he is a puppy and we are still working on the basics.  As you can see from his blog we will be both learning a lot.  He will go to puppy classes and work on sit, down, stay, under, stand, heal and other basic important skills that need to be taught early and often. He is also being exposed to very important socialization. Later he will go on to "puppy college"  where he will learn more advanced tricks, skills and ultimately be placed with a client and learn personalized things to help them.

Q: Will you have to give him up?

A: Yes, when he is about 18 months old he will go on to "puppy college" and then find his career.  I know that this will be hard, and not everyone could do it, but I am glad that this is something that I CAN do and I know that he is going on to a rewarding and well cared for life.

Q:  What about the cost?

A: Anyone who has ever had a dog, knows that they are not cheap.  Volunteer foster parents shoulder the costs for their care as puppies but with this organization, Canine Companions for Independence, clients do not pay to apply for or to receive their Assistance Dogs.  The sponsorship to breed or rescue, raise, train, place an Assistance Dog and provide ongoing team support exceeds $30,000. There is no insurance or government funding available to sponsor Assistance Dogs. CCI funding comes from individual donations nationwide.  

Note: Please understand that these are my Q and A based on my knowledge and experience and are not official answers for CCI.  To view official CCI FAQ visit their site for puppies or the organization.  If you have more questions about CCI visit their contact page to get in touch.  If you have additional questions for me, please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

Biscuit's Last Month

 

Biscuit Notes:  I have been learning and growing so much!  I outgrew another vest and it is harder and harder to fit under tables.  However, I am very very well behaved and have even learned to curb the urge to  chase every ball I see AND running little kids.  I like when the kids come to me and give me lots and lots of attention.  I was doing great and then life got a little crazy.......

 

Lia's Notes:  The puppy is gone.  I wonder how long it will be for this time?  I am enjoying the quiet while I can, but I do miss him.  A little.  

Susan's Notes:  Oprah Winfrey once said “I trust that everything happens for a reason, even if we are not wise enough to see it.”  This past month I have had to make some very hard decisions.  I am incredibly excited to announce that I will be an elementary school librarian for McKinney School District in McKinney, Texas for 2014 and onwards. I can't wait to see what the future brings.  I am full of nervousness, excitement, and overwhelmed with emotions. I know I am leaving behind a school and community with wonderful students, staff, neighbors, friends, and more.  I have loved my years in Pennsylvania and hope to stay in touch with the great people I have come to know there.  
What about Biscuit and Lia?  Lia will join me in Texas.  Biscuit was never mine to keep and unfortunately he could not move with me to Texas.  He returned to PAWS HQ in Michigan last week and though they could see what a great dog he was, unfortunately routine X-Rays revealed some hip troubles which disqualified him from future service dog efforts.  He will serve and live out his years as a family pet, and believe me he will be VERY happy in that role.  He will not miss the vest (he always hated it!) and will have more freedom to run around, chase kids and play.  Someone might even let him sit on the couch.  He is in good hands and will be a very happy pup.  I am grateful for the time, adventures, experiences and most of all the chance to LEARN that I had with Biscuit.

8 Months Old

Biscuit's Notes:  It has been a long and busy month and I look forward to the times when I can just relax.  It has come to the point that I don't even mind the time I spend in my kennel.  First we took a VERY long car ride to the beach (to hear about that adventure, check this out), and then after all that fun we finally get home when we jump in the car again to stay at another house.  I liked that house, it has lots of flowers to run around in and a big yard to play in.   When we jumped in the car again I thought we might be going home, but instead we went to a new place and it was COLD.  It was also very noisy.  I did not like that noise.  I barked when they blew the first whistle to tell them so!  Back in the car again but I was glad to see my home, my yard and my Lia.  It has been a couple of weeks since then and things were settling down, I was content when my human brought home my favorite thing ever, she calls it a Gimli!  I love it!  It is my favorite thing ever.  I chase it, I play with it.  I share all my toys, I show him how to do things.  I help him eat his food and show him how to get treats.  I love this thing.  This is the life!

 

Lia's Notes:  Sigh.  What a crazy busy life.  There is ANOTHER puppy visiting again, plus Biscuit so I went from being exhausted to just done in.  I give up.  I let those puppies run around and I just ignore them.  Actually having two puppies is not a bad idea.  They chase each other, and let me be.  At least that is what I thought would happen.......but, that little one.......he seems to have developed quite the crush on me.  Won't leave me alone.  Follows me like a, well like a, love sick puppy.  I regally ignore him and go about my day.  Sigh.  I have a tough life.

 Gimli's Notes:  I don't know what to think.  I am a brave little guy who lives with a great family with four little kids.  I normally run and play all day, at least I thought I did, until I came here and met Biscuit. And Lia.  Oh, I think I love it here.  Biscuit is not a bad guy.  He is just my speed and will run and play, but you have got to see my favorite game.  The human makes him sit (or my favorite lay) down and 'leave it' and I run around, run around, run around.  I actually like to run in circles around Biscuit and even jump over him!  He is not going to get me!  He will just sit there while I do this.  It is hillarious and I love it!  But you know what I really love?  LIA.  She is wonderful, she is so sweet.  She is the best dog ever.  I would follow her anywhere just to sit there and look at her.  I love it here and hope I never have to leave.

 Susan's Notes:  It has been a long and eventful month.  We started with our trip to Florida where I got to trade dog sitting my sister's 3 pouches with Biscuit's help for staying in her (near the beach) house.  Biscuit was great, but our adventures were just beginning.  We returned to PA to house-sit for my parents where Biscuit and Lia can run through and hopefully not do too much damage to my mother's well tended garden.  Then off to Buffalo NY where Biscuit helped me cheer on my brother at his sled hockey games.  Beyond the exposure to the COLD climate this was great exposure to wheel-chairs, crutches and people of many different abilities.  He did not blink at any of this....what he did blink about were the whistles during the game and the COLD benches.  He also had his first hotel stay and did very well.  Not a single problem.  Finally we have returned home and things were going back to the routine when I offered to pet sit for little Gimli.  I have not had the heart to tell the "boys" that he is going back to his own home in just two days.  During this time, Biscuit has also had the chance to visit Ross Park Mall several times while 'my' boys had Apple Camp.  You can see him here doing a masterful 'under' and 'stay' while we worked hard.  He also did very well with the kids in the play place where he got to practice down, stay and ignoring all the kids as they run around......and sometimes come to visit.  My favorite was the little toddlers.  We had one that thought he was playing tag with Biscuit, even though Biscuit never moved.  Then another who found a book and just wanted to read to Biscuit!  He also finished his obedience classes (finished, not mastered or graduated).  He was the dunce of his novice class, and we still have a lot of work to do, especially concerning STAY but we are having fun learning and every new challenge is more fun.

  


Notes about Sled Hockey:  If you don't know what sled hockey is, you HAVE to check it out.  This site, and the associated film ICE WARRIORS is a great resource to learn more.  My brother Dan (seen above, he is the one that Biscuit is hanging out with and then the one in red in the second photo) has long played sled hockey and this is where I first began thinking about helping with a service dog.  Though Dan does not need a service dog, there are a couple of players that we have seen with their assistance dogs.  It is amazing what these dogs can and will do for their clients, and I am able to give just a little back and help someone like that in the future by raising Biscuit.  The people who think assistance dogs have a rough life and do nothing but work have obviously never seen an assistance dog prancing on the ice or cheering on their human during a game, these dogs LOVE what they do and Biscuit will one day be just like them........though no one knows what climate he will land in.  Isn't it great he has now seen both the hot beach and the cold ice, all in one month!?  What's next?!

Biscuit Visits the Beach

Biscuit's Notes:  I went to the beach!  It was sandy and wet and at first I did not like it.  I am not the kind of dog that appreciates being dirty.  I even clean my face after eating and let me tell you: sand + water + puppy = a mess.  There were also a lot of temptations on the beach:  little kids, balls, other dogs, seagulls, and more!  But I was a good puppy and every time I was told to "leave it" I did.  I watched many other dogs surf the waves, jump into the water to chase balls and by the end of the week I was ready to conquer the water.  I tried, I really did!  I chased that water all over!  But I could not catch it.  I did have a lot of fun though.  I also really liked those other dogs that I got to play with at the house.

Lia's Notes:  I was having a GREAT week, I was the only dog allowed to play with the little kids because the pup could not stop jumping and calm down.  Then they left me.  Not just for a couple of hours, not just for the day, for a LONG LONG time.  I was sad.  A nice lady came to walk with me, but its not the same.  I decided once they got home I was going to be the jumpy one and then they will never leave again!

Ruby's Notes:  Another dog?  First the rat invades my home, then they bring home a puppy that thinks he is part boxer, part kangaroo, part trouble-maker, and now they let ANOTHER pup in the house?  What is next?!  I gave him a chance though, and he is not that bad.  He likes to play, but accepts that I am the boss and will just be chill.  He might actually be better than the other puppy.  Think we can trade them and just keep this one?

Teddy's Notes:  I do not like this pup.  I do not like him outside, I do not like him inside.  I do not like him in a crate, not on my rug not upstairs or down.  I do not like him anywhere.  I am ten pounds of pure meanness, but don't let my size fool you....I control the other two dogs and with a simple command, a small bark or growl and that pup will be scurrying for safety.  I have had it.  No more puppies!  No more I say.  If I let them get away with this, what is next?!

Simba's Notes:  I actually like the puppy.  He is my size and likes to play.  I can tell.  I don't know why I have to be in the crate every time he comes out to play.  I do what the little dog says, I try to play.  I am really really good at playing.  So what if I get a little carried away?  It is all in good fun, right?  No?  Ok, I will be good, can I come out to play now?  No?  Sigh.  Really loud sigh.  Moaning sigh.

Susan's Notes:  I recently took Biscuit on the LONG drive from Pennsylvania to Jacksonville Florida, where I was to dog/house sit for my sister while she and her new husband finally went on their honeymoon.  They left behind their three dogs:  Ruby is an older (6+ years old) lab mix that was originally my brother-in-law's dog; Teddy, who is the little (rat) Dachshund/Chihuahua mix that has a Napoleon complex and was originally my sister's dog; and the puppy they adopted together:  Simba, a boxer/pit bull mix who is only about 8 months old.  Biscuit was GREAT through it all.  He was quiet and patient on the long drive.  He tried to be a good guest and play nicely with the other pups.  He was great, but Simba just did not play nicely so they traded off times when each was in a crate.  He was patient about that and loved the long walks on the beach that provided the exhaustion to make it work.  He got along great with Ruby and learned to tolerate and manage Teddy.  I was a little shocked that he did not like the ocean more.  It was HOT there and the water was just the right temperature, other dogs were jumping in.....and I thought Biscuit loved the water:  he loves showers, baths, and getting wet.  I think the waves intimidated him, but finally he got the hang of it on our last day and to see him chasing the waves was great fun and a wonderful memory.

Questions....

Biscuit's Notes:  The question I hear the most is "Can I pet him?"  and I don't really understand it but sometimes the answer is "Yes, if he is sitting." and sometimes it is "No, I'm sorry."  I LOVE to be pet!  I love the attention, but there is this small growing part of me that knows that I need to focus on my human and do the work she is asking me to do no matter what. I have a GREAT life.  I get to run around and be a normal puppy at home, playing, chasing, fetching, getting into trouble BUT I am also extra special because I get to go places and do things that other dogs do not when I put on my cape.

Lia's Notes: I have so many questions!  Why did we get another puppy?  Why do puppies have to get so big?  Why does he always want to take my stuff?  Why does he get so many treats for doing such easy tricks?  When is he leaving?  Why does he always get to go with MY human on adventures and leave me behind?  When will he leave? Will I miss him when he leaves?  

Susan's Notes:  There are a lot of questions involved in raising a foster puppy, and I hope that this post will help you to learn some answers. Here are some of my FAQ:

Q: Is there anything I can do to help?

A:  Yes, as you read below you will learn that Biscuit's organization, Paws with a Cause (PAWS), is very special in that it does not charge clients (people who NEED a service dog) for the dog itself.  This can only continue to happen through the generous donations from people like you and me.  Please visit my PAWS to Raise Independence page and click on Support Me!  Biscuit and I and the entire PAWS organization, current and future clients thank you for any little (or big) bit you can do to help!

Q: Can I pet him?

A: It never hurts to ask, but be prepared to be told no.  Assistance dogs, even puppies in training, need to focus on their human/client/partner.  As a puppy, if Biscuit learns to associate fun, attention and the reward of being pet by strangers too much he may start to focus on this rather than his job.  However, he is a puppy and we want to socialize him so sometimes the answer is yes.  I always say he has to be sitting though and in control, otherwise he loses his reward.  I also like him to try to focus on me and not you..........because lets be honest, I am going to be the one feeding him and you are walking away.....which one deserves loyalty?   :-)

Q: What kind of assistance dog will he be?

A:  I don't know.  Just like every kid grows up to have different talents, skills and aptitudes; puppies are very similar and the organization he works with (Paws with a Cause) will work very hard to find him the right job.  Their focus is to train Hearing Dogs, Service Dogs, Seizure Response Dogs and Service Dogs for Children with Autism.  However, 
PAWS tries to find another working career for them whenever possible. Some dogs career changed from PAWS’ program have become working dogs for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, police departments, Detection Dogs, Leader Dogs for the Blind and Crisis Response Dogs.  To learn more about what PAWS does check out this link and at the top choose from the "What we Do" menu.

Q: What if he fails?

A: He will become one of the best trained, most friendly, wonderful PETS in the world.  

Q: What are you training him to do?

A:  Right now, he is a puppy and we are still working on the basics.  As you can see from his blog we are both learning a lot.  At 7 months old, he has graduated from puppy class, gone on to a novice class and is still working on sit, down, stay, under, stand, heal and other basic important skills that need to be taught early and often.  Later he will go on to "puppy college"  where he will learn more advanced tricks, skills and ultimately be placed with a client and learn personalized things to help them.

Q: Will you have to give him up?

A: Yes, when he is about 18 months old he will go on to "puppy college" and then find his career.  I know that this will be hard, and not everyone could do it, but I am glad that this is something that I CAN do and I know that he is going on to a rewarding and well cared for life.

Q:  What about the cost?

A: Anyone who has ever had a dog, knows that they are not cheap.  Volunteer foster parents shoulder the costs for their care as puppies but with this organization, Paws with a Cause, clients do not pay to apply for or to receive their Assistance Dogs.  The sponsorship to breed or rescue, raise, train, place an Assistance Dog and provide ongoing team support exceeds $30,000. There is no insurance or government funding available to sponsor Assistance Dogs. PAWS funding comes from individual donations nationwide.  PAWS’ fundraising and management costs are at or below 13 percent, allowing 87 percent of donor dollars to be used for program services.  

Q: Is there anything I can do to help?

A:  Yes, as you read above PAWS is very special in that it does not charge clients (people who NEED a service dog) for the dog itself.  This can only continue to happen through the generous donations from people like you and me.  Please visit my PAWS to Raise Independence page and click on Support Me!  Biscuit and I and the entire PAWS organization, current and future clients thank you for any little (or big) bit you can do to help!

Note: Please understand that these are my Q and A based on my knowledge and experience and are not official answers for PAWS.  To view official PAWS FAQ visit their site.  If you have more questions about PAWS visit their contact page to get in touch.  If you have additional questions for me, please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.