Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Month 8 The Dark Days

My Raisers call these The Dark Days.  I just don't understand.  The sun is as shiney as ever!  It is getting a bit colder but with such an awesome coat as mine, I hardly notice.  My fur does seem to be left behind a lot.... I wonder if that is what they are referring to?  Thinking I will be sad that I'm losing my hair?  I just don't get it.....

I've also heard them talk about ENERGY and HYPER and BARKING and CHEWING and POTTY TRAINING LAPSE (what's a lapse?).... so many new words for me to discover!  I just don't seem to have enough time these days there are so many things to explore, holler at and run after.



I am SOOOO FAST!  Don't worry, I'm very polite when the door is open.  I sit nicely and wait for the signal for me to go outside to potty.  THAT is when I let it rip!  Boy oh Boy can I run circles around the yard and down the hill!  Mrs. Aldridge whistles and tries to slow me down but I just love the freedom.  We have been practicing on my recall.  I'm not so good at it you know.  I just can't help it, I love to see how fast I can race.  I work extra hard when she brings food out in a plastic container to remind me by shaking it.  I forget when it is in her pouch.  The good news is we are always working on my behavior.  (I am a bit worried about her though... she seems more and more tired as I show her how fast I can race!).

TIME GETS AWAY
For me a month away was like a blink of an eye.  So much to do!  So much to see!  So much to be distracted by!

You would think I've got a lot to share after 4 weeks hiatus.... I DO!!  My adventures have continued and I have been so happy to explore your human world.

At the Iowa SHRM State Conference.
 

TRAINING
I haven't been to training class lately with my sibs.  The Raisers are trying to put something together called a Co-Op (not like a chicken coop but Mrs. Aldridge laughs and laughs when she talks about it.  Apparently we dogs are a lot like crazy chickens with teeth?  I just don't get her jokes).  In the Co-Op the Raisers would take turns having "play dates" and "sleepovers" so that the puppies can get a lot of interaction and play.  I put in two votes for the idea because I do love to wrestle and play with my brothers.
Tango and I at the SHRM Conference
 
I am winning!
 
Me and Romey at my house...

Exercise and Energy
Mrs. Aldridge has started taking me for a "trot" in the morning and at night.  We took walks before but with my new found energy she believes a play at the park twice a day will help my disposition.  I will admit to you that I bark a lot.  A lot.  I like the way it sounds.  I like how powerful I feel.  I like to sing!  You can't blame a blooming performer can you?  We are going to see The War Horse soon and I am practicing.  What if they need a stand in?  I will be ready!


I do hope these Dark Days end soon.  Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge seem to think my name is STOP instead of Oscar.  They also confuse me with DOWN.  I have not met them yet but I am so eager to wrestle with Stop and  Down.  I know we will have the best time.

In Charge
I was in charge a bit while Richard Keith was away.  That was the best day ever.  Have you ever been President of a company?  It is a hard job let me tell you!  Richard Keith is one of a kind and I think he is the best man for the job!  I'm happy to report I'm handing the chair back over!



Upcoming Adventures!
This Friday I am so excited that my brother Tango is coming for a sleepover.  We look forward to these adventures a lot!  Mrs. Aldridge always takes us to the park and lets us run up and down the slide.  Tango is my favorite brother because he is so brave!  You should see him scale the slide without any fear!  I am a bit more cautious and want to watch for a while.  Now... if there is food involved I'm right in there!

Mrs. Aldridge is going to D.C. for a SHRM Conference and I will get to stay with Tango again!  This is shaping up to be the best month ever!  And did you know it is Thanksgiving?  I've heard this is the best meal ever!  I hope I get something extra nice too.  I do love carrots and apples.

One thing I am expecially thankful for is the Veterans who give so much for all of us!  I am so proud to be a Service Dog in Training so that I can show one of them just how thankful I am.  I will be the best service dog ever!  And so will my siblings, we've talked and agree.  This is a very important mission. 

But until that time.... I will continue to be the wonderful, exhuberant and energetic puppy that I am!  (Pssst.  I'm very good at it!)

Adventures from 8 Month's Old 

Bugs!

Sleepovers!

Love and Barks!

OSCAR


 


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Week 19 I've Missed You!!

Oh My Gosh!!!  Has it really been three weeks since we have last seen each other?  How the time flies when you are a puppy.  One day I'm squeaking and can't see.... the next I'm a teenager getting in trouble for everything I do!

I have missed you very much!  I have a lot of pictures to show you.  My adventures have been great and many.  I don't even know where to start!

Here I am with my Aldridge playmates at the park! 
I love the park!!!

Training
Training has been going fabulous!  I even got my certificate for passing Kindegarten.  I know, Right?  Hard to believe.  How can a puppy that loves to jump as much as I do actually get a passing grade?  It happened.  Master Clint said I was ready for first grade.

My litter mates and I have been training on Monday nights at Canine Craze to learn the "foundation basics".  Really what that means is that we are learning to be nice puppies.  Puppies that don't jump on our Human friends and who don't GOBBLE food when given the chance.

I know!!! I'm laughing hysterically too!!  It is a lot to ask of us rambunctious pups.  I am PROUD to tell you that we are doing a wonderful job.  SURE!!  we make mistakes from time to time and get distracted.... BUT we are so smart!

My sister India is trying to climb the rack for Peanutbutter!!


















India and Kilo are looking for a treat!

SLEEPOVER!!!
You may have heard Mrs. Aldridge "mention" (COMPLAIN is really what it is....) how us puppies like to rise EARLY.  My internal body clock is set to 4:30... sometimes 5:00.  That is A.M.  So... our Human Raisers do not get to sleep in - EVER.  Mrs. Aldridge volunteered to watch two of my brothers so their raisers could sleep in on the weekend!  Oh MY GOODNESS what a fun time we had on our sleepover.

Distracted by toys...
"Trying" to share
We didn't like jail when Mrs. Aldridge went to church...

Big NEWS
I have new siblings!!!  New puppies are getting ready to be Service Dogs in training!  I'm so excited to mentor them and teach them everything that I know!  This litter will be the President's litter.  Each Pup will have a past or current president's name!  (They are very fat so we think one of them will be named Taft....)  
Aren't they adorable!??
Here I am when I was young and FAT!


PHOTOS and ADVENTURES!
Click below to view all of my photos and adventures!  Can you tell that I love going to the park?



Have a very awesome week this week!  I'll be back soon with more photos!

Love and Jumps!



Oscar

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Week 16 - Bronze Medal Winner.... Going for Gold in 2016

Olympic Style Training Plan
I know the Olympics are over but I'm planning for next year.  Do they have a doggie-gone-good category?  I am working so hard on my service dog training that it surely is worth a gold medal?  Every Monday night my siblings and I train in Puppy II at Canine Craze with Master Clint.  It is so HHHHAAAARRRRDDD! 

Master Clint has a jar of peanut butter that we aren't allowed to have.  I can smell it!  It drives me crazy.  Not quite as crazy as my sister India.  She almost climbs the shelves looking for it.  Truly!



We work on activities that will help us use our nose for mobility.  We will learn how to operate the handicap buttons that open up doors, turn on lights and more.  Right now we get treats for touching the traffic cone, hands, wands and other items.  It is really easy once we figure it out but sometimes we have to guess.  Our trainers don't talk to us to tell us what to do.  This is because one day we may have a recipient who cannot speak.  If all my training was with the human voice and then the person I will someday love didn't have a voice.... I wouldn't know what to do!  We will learn hand commands but for now we are building our confidence by figuring out what our trainers want.  It is a big game with lots of treats!

 

We are also learning to use our paws to stand on items such as stools, benches and exercise balls.  I KNOW!!  Isn't that funny.  A puppy doing aerobics!  This helps us build our confidence and learn how to heal and walk by our trainers side.



The most difficult training task for me is the "ignore your distractions".  Get real.  Does she really expect me to medal in that event??  I just LOVE humans and cannot help myself.  I want to say hello and lick them.  Best of all I like to jump on them!  I will admit that I like to eat food even more so my skills are improving. 

Just today I made it past David Puffet AND Tom Minger with only a small hesitation.  That is worth a Gold Medal right there isn't it?  Those guys know how to wrestle!







 Toilets Have Water!
Who knew.  All these months water was just under my nose and I was missing out.  The sad part about my discovery is that Toilets also have lids.  RATS!  Foiled before I got started.  Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge get grossed out when I drink from the toiled but I personally don't see any issues.  It is very cold and they keep their toilets clean.  I can't seem to convince them I'm OK with it.

In jail....
Yes.  I'm a habitual offender.  I am now in jail during the work day.  Ahhhh.  I long for the days when Mrs. Aldridge let me roam her office playing with toys and sleeping at her feet.  I got "busted" too many times running out of the office to greet my office mates at IMT.  Now I get to look at them from beneath the desk with my sad puppy eyes.  (pssst...  some of them fall for it!).  Not Mrs. Aldridge.  She just holds up her hand like a stop sign and gives me that look.  If I am quiet and polite she gives me treats.  Sometimes carrots and apples because I'm so good and she knows it is hard to be under a desk while she types on her computer.  I do love it when we go for break and walk out by the pond and chase frogs.  It is worth the jail experience.



I know it is for my own good.  When I learn to sit quietly without the kennel I can come back out.  I know it is for my own good.  When I learn to sit quietly without the kennel I can come back out.  I know it is for my own good.  When I learn to sit quietly without the kennel I can come back out.  I know it is for my own good. 

Do you think if I meditate on that long enough I'll believe it?  I'll get back to you on that.


I have a Man Crush
I'm not afraid to admit that I LOVE RICHARD KEITH!!!  Who wouldn't?  Not only is he the most fun guy around... he keeps DOG BONES in his desk.  Right?  Wow does it get any better than that?  Well, my friend, I'm here to tell you it does.

Not only do I get the Milkbones, I get to jump into his lap and kiss him after I get them.  Please, Please, Please DO NOT TELL Mrs. Aldridge OR Nicole Schumate.  My gig would be up in an instant if they knew.  A boy gets one bad habbit right?


Social Calendar is filling up...
I've been getting a lot of practice with the public again now that my teething shenanigans are over.  It is almost like starting from square one since it has been so long.  Do you remember that I told you I HATE escalators?  Well I still do.  They aren't very friendly with the moving parts, the weird noise and people moving without moving!  It is really disconcerting to see people float up from nowhere! 

On top of that the escalator at Valley West Mall has squeeling kids at the bottom.  You know me, I love me my kids.  But... the combination of squeels and screams when I am boarding a gray metal beast is more than I can stand.  It takes a lot of love and coaxing from Mrs. Aldridge for me to trust that I will be ok. 

I'd like to report that I am getting better but I cannot.  I promise to keep trying.  Please root for me, I know this is mission critical in my training.  I must be confident and secure when I am with my recipient.  I'll keep my paws crossed and work very hard.

I hope you enjoyed this update!  I will see you soon!

Puppy Training Pictures

Home Sweet Home Pictures

Workin Like a Dog Pictures

Volunteer Pictures

Love and Licks,




Oscar 



Remember When?  Here are some examples of how much I've grown in just a few short months!
 April
June

Monday, August 13, 2012

Week 14 and 15 were a blur....

Well, I know you missed me while I was away!  The last couple of weeks have been a whirl-wind!  You will be as excited to read about my adventures as I was having them.  Well.... all except the trip to the Veterinarian.  Don't get me wrong, she is beeeyoootiful, but I do wish we could meet on different terms.  Getting needles poked in me, squeezing my tummy and putting me up on the High Dive doesn't exactly thrill me.  More about that later....

New Training
I am back in school.  Yes, I know it is a bit earlier than the human kids but I am so eager to explore the world and learn new things.  Mr. Clint from Canine Craze is AWESOME!  He let's us play games and walk around and around in circles.  I love getting dizzy.  It makes the room get larger and smaller and then I just lay on my back and gaze up at Mrs. Aldridge.  She looks so nice up there.  She does get a bit chagrined at me from time to time when I want to lay on the ground.  She usually tempts me with the "high value" food.  It's delicious!  Fish kibble is to die for.

Here I am looking curious and excited on my way to Puppy Training 2....


I am learning so many new things.  Remember how I told you about my training to sit, lay down and to only eat the food when I hear Mrs. Aldridge say "ok"?  Oh Buddy have we moved on from there!  I still practice the basics with her and Mrs. Goe but we have even more exciting things now.  The best part is all the food I get to nibble!  We are working on my nose right now.  Yes, you smelled me right... (get it?? get it??).  My nose will be very valuable when I get just a bit older.  It will help me turn lights on, push the handicap button to open doors and much more.  I am learning to touch things with my nose so I can get used to how that feels.

If I touch Mrs. Aldridge's hand, the traffic cone or the sparkly wand... wahlah!  I get kibble.  I love it.  I'm so good that I can touch the traffic cone 70 times in a minute!  Ok... I don't really go that fast, but it is pretty impressive how quickly I picked up the command.

Mrs. Aldridge tries to trick me by putting food all over the floor.  I must admit it is a distraction to walk over all of that yummy yummy kibble, but I do it!  I admit it.  I do.  Sometimes I sneak a taste or two.  I'M SORRY!!!  I just can't help myself.

I don't know what we will practice this week!  I am so excited today at work just thinking about it!
Speaking of work....

IMT is the BEST job!
I was asked by Mr. Mulcahy and Ms. Wonsmos to be in another photo shoot!  Yes!  Another photo shoot!  I wonder if they take my pictures so they can goof off at work with a puppy.... NAH!!!!  They really think I have potential!  Maybe I'll go to Hollywood someday?

I wonder if I am the one goofing off with the fun humans???






I just love it when they bring their camera!

Guess What???  I went Swimming!
I know I confessed earlier that I did not care for water.  You will be so proud to know that I have overcome my fear of the water!  Not only that...  I swam in DEEP water.  It's ok to tell you that I was a little afraid but I had so many friends there I actually forgot I was afraid!  Cross my heart with my paw it's true!

My friend Sabre, Tango, Romey, Cadence, Sailor and friends I didn't even know were swimming too!  It was so much fun I slept all night.  Mrs. Aldridge keeps talking about how she wants to take me back to Cherry Glen so she can have more peace and quiet.  I don't know what she is talking about... that place was noisy and busy with people, dogs and boats!  Sometimes I don't understand her.




Here I am learning to swim!  It was so fun with all of my friends.


Sleep Overs and Cleaning
I did get to go on a Sleep Over with Mrs. Nixon!  I am an early bird you know, I like to get started with my adventures early.  Sometimes it is nice to let Mrs. Aldridge sleep in on Saturday.  I like to visit friends, I'm such a good house guest.  I will admit to sneaking on a couch or two.  Can you blame me?  They are so soft and comfy.  Mrs. Nixon likes to take me for walks and I help her with her yard work.  I'm excellent at picking up and chewing the sticks in her yard.  She has awesome grand kids too!  I almost.... almost got to take a bath with them!

Mrs. Nixon went downstairs to grab the laundry and this is where she found me when she came back upstairs.  You can't blame me can you?










Mrs. Cameron, an expert at IMT Insurance bought me my very own shampoo.  It Rocks!  I am always happy to take baths on my own when I get to use Oscar Soap.



Am I spoiled?

Are you ready for the big news?
I know you've missed me around the halls at IMT.  I do have a grand excuse for missing work.  Well... to be honest I've been a bit unruly lately.  You know how much I adore you all; especially when you rub my tummy.  I love to jump on you to show my gratitude and affection.  Clearly this isn't good puppy Service Dog practice so I've had to stay home for a few days while my wild behavior (from teething I'm sure!) subsides. 

ALSO... pay attention here please... I was TUETERED!  I heard Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge talking about it and then the next thing I know... A trip to the Cute Lady Vet.  I don't remember a lot about the visit, I was sleepy for some reason.  I believe I had a grand nap while I was there.  I left a little sore and wouldn't you know it, I'm missing some hair on my leg!  I had to stay home from IMT and other public places for a few days.  I have to admit I was not feeling like myself.  I think I'll be better soon.....

See you soon!!!


To see all the pictures from my adventures, follow the links below:

Oscar's Photo Escapades

Oscar Swims at Saylorville

IMT Insurance Photo Shoot

Love and Jumps,



Oscar 

Friday, July 27, 2012

Week #12 and #13 Back in the Waggin' Again....

Back in the Waggin' Again.... (you know "Back in the saddle again...")....
Get it?  Get it?  I love it when I make jokes.... They make me giggle.  

Growing Up....
The last couple of weeks have been very unusual, busy and a little nutty.  Yes, I said nutty.  You know Mrs. Aldridge's sister, Mrs. Goe moved to Oregon?  If you missed THAT adventure go back to Week #11! 

It so happens that Mrs. Goe needed some love and affection moving so far away from her home AT THE SAME TIME I was being somewhat naughty.  Yes, I admit it.  Naughty with a capital N.

I do have an excuse.  A good one.  I was TEETHING!
Boy did that hurt coming out!  And I had a whole mouth full of teeth that decided to fall out.  I do admit to being quite the handful.  Mrs. Aldridge stopped bringing me to work.  I was very sad but I got a vacation!  Mrs. Goe is such a good dog-sitter!

RAGBRAI!!!
Mrs. Aldridge was getting ready for RAGBRAI so I got to go along to Kyle's Bikes!  I love it there.  Eric thinks I'm extra special, but then so do all the guys and ladies!  I can't wait until I get my own bike!  I'm growing so fast now, I think it will happen soon!


4.5 Months old with Eric

IMG_0523
2 Months old with Eric
Don't I look right at home with all of this bike gear?


See me in the front row?  I was really bummed when they didn't let me on the bus to start the ride....










DOG HARNESS GRADUATION...
I am finally out of my kennel in the car!  I hated that thing!  Not only was my view restricted (I love to human watch you know....) but it was HOT in there!  Mrs. Aldridge graduated me to a Big Boy Harness.  I have to admit I'm not totally fond of it either, I'd much prefer to roam the car chewing everything in my path.... but I guess I have to have boundaries.  You humans have some very UN-FUN rules.
 
Me and My Buddy - Homer Simpson
My new Car Harness





VACATION
The rest of the week was very lazy and fun sharing my vacation with Mrs. Goe.  I'm back at work next week.  I've missed all my friends.  I hope I can contain my excitement and be a good Service Dog at work.  I do not want to get any written warnings!



That is about all of the excitement for this little dog...  Stay tuned for week #14, I'm sure I will have even more adventures! 

Oh - I almost forgot!  Would you like to meet some of my brothers and my sister?  They are a lot of fun and I know you would love them as much as you love me. 

This is my sister India Hapgood


This is my brother Charlie Banta and my brother Mike Padget.  For a few more, check out my family link below and you can meet a couple others.  This isn't the whole gang of course!  I'm saving more for later!





This has been a very fun week!  See you soon!

Love,





Oscar 




Thursday, July 12, 2012

Week #11 Adventures!

What a week this has been!  I rode on my first plane, I met my family from Oregon and I worked very hard moving Mrs. Goe in her very LARGE Moving truck.  I am happy to be home, but not so happy to be back in my kennel.  Read on for more adventure!

Flying High!
I got to ride in a plane!!  I got to ride in a Plane!!! Woohoo!  Mrs. Aldridge was very nervous but I was excited.  She was worried about my manners AND my potty training.  I showed her!  I was the best behaved youngster on the plane.  Yes.  Even the older human kids.... I was the perfect model of how to fly without being a crazy monkey.  We really didn't have monkeys on the plane but some of those human kids were climbing, screeching and acting like monkeys.  Considering I have never seen a monkey (I don't really know what one is....)

I'll take Mrs. Aldridge's word for it.  I like it when she praises me and is proud.  Besides the nice gestures I get treats!  On the plane I had some Lickin' Stick!  Wowie what a nummy treat.  I will do anything for treats.  Mrs. Aldridge's friend and co-puppy raiser, Becky Coady gave her all the tips for flying with a Service Dog.  I love you Becky Coady!!  The bacon flavor was to die for.




I met very nice people on the plane!  Katie took some pictures of me and I think she might have been a little sweet on me.  Katie's pictures:

This is Mount Hood.  Isn't it lovely?

I was a little tired...














Oregon Family!
Did you know I had an Oregon Family?  Well I did not!  Imagine my surprise when I met sooooooo many relatives and doggie friends.  Wow!  The roaming out there is the best a dog could ask for.  Trees, bushes, critters.... boy did I get into trouble a few times for trying to explore.  Mrs. Aldridge called it "wandering off".... but a boy has to explore!


Isn't this grand?



Off to Iowa by way of Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska!
Mrs. Aldridge's sister, Mrs. Goe moved to Iowa from Oregon! Wow!  That is a very long way to move AND she has lived her whole life in Oregon!!  She said "it has been a long ride", but a man's not allowed to tell a lady's age.....

It was a very long drive (14 hour days!) but of course I was famous all the way across the United States!  I was loved by all of the citizens in each state.  I feel like a celebrity!  My manners were excellent and I DID NOT have any accidents along the way.  I did get bored....





 And... I got TIRED.....  (but then if you know me, that isn't anything new!)

What a week it has been!  I flew over 1800 miles to Oregon, met great family and then learned how to drive a truck.  Actually I just helped Mrs. Goe with staying awake and making her laugh.  She loves me as much as everyone!  I'm home now and almost ready to go back to work!

I am very happy to be home.....



To see my adventures, check out all of my photos!


Oregon Exploring!