Week #10 It's a Beautiful Thing Being A Service Dog

This has been my best week ever!  Mrs. Aldridge keeps telling everyone that I have been PERFECT! (well.... maybe perfect wasn't the exact word.....)  I like to think of myself as perfect!

This week has been incredibly HOT for my little paws so we trained indoors and with water at the pool.  I needed to take a break or two and lay in the garage where it was a little cooler.  I was a little afraid of the lawn tractor so Mrs. Aldridge put me in my kennel in the house.  The truth is I WANTED to be in the air conditioning so I pretended a little fear..... (don't tell!)


   

Training
This week we went to Jordan Creek to work on escalators, elevators and railings.  Can I confess I HATED the escalators?  They made me shiver and shake.  Let me tell you about the railings.  Two words.  NO WAY.  Not even peanut butter would get me next to the upper level railing.  Mrs. Aldridge had to carry me.  HA!  And I weigh almost 30 pounds now.  Of course the elevator was not big deal since I play on them all day at The IMT Group!

I still need to work on my jumping.  Mrs. Aldridge has me trained not to jump on her, but strangers are fair game.  They don't know about my training so I'm excited to share everything with them.  Their ears are so far away from my level that I need to jump up to share.  Problem is it gets my leash stepped on and my collar gets tight.  Not very pleasant, but I'm a persistent dog.  I have so much to share I keep trying.

One thing would help me out, if I could ask a favor.  If you see me in the hallways just ignore me.  Yes it helps me contain my excitement.  Then, when I look like I have some control, if you would calmly talk to me at my level.  Please remind me not to jump and I'll share all my secrets.  I'll even give you a kiss or two.  (I might get scolded, but I have a fast tongue!).

Pools and Poop Patrol
Mrs. Aldridge has a granddaughter - Rain.  She is a task master when it comes to puppies.  She is only two years old!  I thought she'd be the ideal target.... squeeling, jumping and screaming.  Nope, she fooled me by ordering me around and being calm!  I got her back.  She cleaned the yard up with the pooper scooper.  There was a lot to clean!
   
I didn't much care for the pool.  It was hot so I climbed in and took a big long drink.  After that I decided I wasn't much of a swimmer yet.  I do hope I warm up to being a water dog.

Visitors and sleepovers!
My pal Ridgeline came over for a visit and a sleepover!  It was so much fun.  We wrestled non-stop until Mrs. Aldridge put us in our kennels.  I was so sad I barked, whined and carried on for quite a while.  Ridgeline was such a lady, she was cute and quiet.  I heard Mr. Aldridge ask Mr. Coady if he would let Ridgline stay at our house.  I thought that was so excellent until I figured out Mr. Aldridge meant for me to go live with the Coady's!  I decided I should work harder on being quiet in my kennel. 

Ridgeline is older than I am by a good six months but she is almost my same size!  She is wiser and more mature though.... she didn't want to run off into the mud hole like Romey and I did.

Excellent Adventures and IMT
It is so hot out these days!  Dogs left in the heat can be severly injured.  IMT used me in a photo shoot about heat and four-legged friends.  I'm going to be famous!  Dan Mulcahy and Erin Wonsmos took me outside to take pictures and of course give me a break.  I was coming back in when I spotted
Mr. Richard Keith!  He is my favorite person. 

He gives me treats!  I stand politely for him and I am rewarded.  I did make one mistake.... when Mrs. Aldridge wasn't looking I left her office and went into Mr. Keith's office looking for him and the treats!  Darn it.  I wasn't successful.

I had an awesome week!  To see all of my pictures from this week, follow this link:

Oscar's Picures from week #10

Love and Licks,
Oscar

   

Week #8 and 9 It's a Rocky Ride....

You might wonder why I have been delinquent in posting my weekly adventure.  I was in the doghouse.  Yes.  Literally.  Clearly the Aldridge's are forgetful of my age and expect me to be the perfect gentleman all of the time.  I am .... afterall.... just a puppy.

I felt a little energetic a couple of days in the last week or so.  I don't think I was really all that bad, but I did get sent to time-out on a few different occasions.  I've been jumping and diving for my food.  Not very polite I know but have you seen how skinny I am?  I am a growing boy!

I was a Perfect Angel most of the days...  Truthfully.... We had a chat and I agreed to be good.

Training
My training has been going very well.  We have moved on from the foundation tasks to Crate Games.  It is a lot of fun and I get more treats!  I am supposed to be very polite when the crate door is opened and wait for the "ok" to come out.  This will teach me that my crate is a great spot for me and I shouldn't have to be locked in.  The problem is I get so excited to come out I forget my manners and jump all over Mrs. Aldridge.  Have I told you that I'm a quick study?  Truly.  I only got waffle face a couple of times before I figured out the game.  I think I have a lovely face and didn't really want the door closed on me.  I'm the perfect gentleman now.  Well mostly....

Events
Exciting places I have visited in the last two weeks have been the Central Iowa SHRM Board meeting, Jason's Deli (please don't take me back there!), my brother Romey came for a sleep over and I got to go to Ames with Pacey (another service dog) for a wonderful event.

I'm learning that my behavior must be top-notch.  I get praised all the time for how well I do.  I must tell you Jason's Deli was a little too crowded and full of rich smells for me.  I did settle down but it took a bit.  Of course they were fabulous at the Deli.... it was just overwhelming for me.  I worried about when I get bigger... just where will I sit!???

I think I'm off to a great start for this week and I'm getting more grown up all the time.  My mission for this week is to gain a little weight and to tackle the escalators at Scheel's in Jordan Creek.

Photos:
Oscar and Romey Wrestle

Oscar

IMT and Home Sweet Home

Wish me luck!

Love,
Oscar

Week #7 Whew! Smooth Sailing!

Whew... thank goodness I'm out of the doghouse.

Hello!  I'm happy to report this week has gone successfully and I did not get into any trouble.  There was the minor incident with the white carpet and my inability to signal that I needed to go outside... but even Mrs. Aldridge said that was her fault.  (Thank Goodness for that!).

Did you know that I am 3 1/2 months old?  AND.... that I have been living with the Aldridges for nearly 2 of those months?  Wow! Yes it's true!  Our time together has gone by so fast. 

Training
We did not have training this week so I missed my Brothers and Sister.  It is fun to run around and wrestle with them.  We practiced all of our foundation training and I must say I'm doing VERY WELL.  I hear people comment on what a good dog I am.  I may have to throw in some naughty behavior just to keep them guessing!

I like to chase balls and bring them back for treats.  I hope I get to be a mobility dog so that I can help someone pick items up, open doors and assist with a variety of tasks.  I'm so excited about my mission sometimes I forget myself and jump on humans.  I'm so excited to tell them about my adventure.  Of course Mrs. Aldridge continues to remind me that my feet "have to be on the floor".  I so love to jump!

Outings
Have you ever been to Hessen House?  Well they love me there and I would recommend the shaded tables on the patio to the little tables by the door.  Boy is it hot.  The nice lady waitress brought me my very own drink!  It looked a little different than the Aldridge drinks (mine was clear!) and I did not get the German Mug to drink from.  I was happy with the great service!

We went to many stores this week and public places and I have to brag that I did not misbehave one time.  NOPE... not even once.  I didn't even have any bathroom accidents.  Does that mean I'm potty trained?

Doggy Daycare!!!
I continue to go to Canine Craze on Tuesday's and Thursday's.  I TOTALLY love it there and I have heard Mrs. Aldridge say how much she loves dropping me off.  Sometimes she is smiling so much - I think it is her way of saying she will miss me during the day.  I get to play with my siblings AND 15 other new friends.  Amazing.  I'm always the Defensive Tackle.

Here are some pictures from my week and a link to more.  Look how much I have grown!

This was me on my first day of work at IMT in April.  I'm laying on John Bednarz's feet.

This is me almost two months later.  Notice how big I am next to Mrs. Aldridge's feet!

Here are my pictures from the week:
Week #7 - Redeemed

See you next week!
Love and Jumps, 
Oscar 

Week #6 Trouble in Paradise

This week I struggled with jumping, chewing, barking and urinating.  You know, normal puppy stuff.

I want to take a poll:

1. Do humans really dislike me chewing on them? 
   Skin is so tasty and just the right firmness to bite!  What fun I have with fingers and toes.  Mrs. Aldridge tells me it isn't polite.  It just means I like you!

I am allowed to chew my toothbrush.  It cleans my teeth without me knowing it (I really do know it and have noticed my smile is a lot brighter!).  I clean my teeth while she gets ready for work.

POOL TIME!
Maxwell Aldridge got his pool out this week and wanted me to play with him...  I liked it when he was running up and down the hill - but DID NOT like getting into the cold pool with him.  Have you seen that kid?  Crazy.  He is always jumping and barking.  It is exhausting!  We got treats for playing nicely but his treat did something very frightening to his face!  I was a little scared.

          See what I mean?  Yikes.

I sure hope I am not placed with a Navy Seal that likes to swim... we'll have to negotiate that skill.  I wasn't overly fond of that cold water!

DOG DISCOVERIES!
I discovered this week there is another dog living in MY HOUSE.  Fortunately he only lives in the kitchen and doesn't bark.  I have tried to get it to play with me or at the very least see what his name is.... but he just looks back at me.

The dog in the fridge isn't very playful!

The dog on TV is very interesting!

TRAINING!
I continue to learn how to perfect my service dog skill.  I am working on Heal; Your Choice; Backing Up and Return to Spot.  All of these maneuvers will give me a good foundation of service dog skill. 

The Your Choice is particularly challenging!  I have to resist things that fall from the sky.  I AM A DOG!!!  Do they know how hard it is not to run after things that catch my attention?  I'd like to see them try it with falling Hershey Kisses!

Practicing a Heal

Your Choice - Resist Things Falling From the Sky (yeah sure...)

TROUBLE IN PARADISE....
This week we went to see a lot of friends and businesses.  I was as usual - WELL BEHAVED.  I don't understand why I got grounded!!  Laying under the table, minding my own business.... NOT eating anything off the floor at PF Changs.  (You agree with me this sounds like great behavior!).  Well I got bored and chewed my vest off.  Apparently I can't be naked in public.  For me to be allowed I MUST be in my designated working clothes.  I'm now grounded from the fun places.  Even IMT!  I'll be sad on Monday when I have to stay home.  I guess I'll work on not chewing my clothing off.

Check out more photos from Week #6

See you next week!

Love,

Oscar

 

Week #5 Starting to get routine....

Hello Again!

I'm settling in and getting used to my routine.  Honestly it gets kind of boring except when the employees stop in and tickle my tummy.  I also like carrying my own leash when I get to go out to play.

For the most part my days have become very routine (which they tell me is good for my training!).  In the morning Mrs. Aldridge will go to Farrell's - sometimes I even get to go! - then it is off to work at The IMT Group.  After work I have so much energy because I get to SLEEEEEP all day.  What a life.

We practice our "duties" that we learn each Saturday mostly in the evening when I have lots of energy and I'm STARVED for dinner.  Ok, she doesn't really starve me but I pay better attention when I'm hungry.  We did practice a bit at work for the camera.  But first... Mrs. Aldridge and a couple of the employees (ERIN WONSMOS and DAN MULCAHY!!!) put me in an IMT t-shirt to take pictures.  I'm not sure I feel very manly in these photos...

 I'm backing up for a treat.

Treat Delivered!

Do you really think I will drive someday??

Another exciting thing at work this week was the preparation for Memorial Day!  I can't wait to have a picnic and honor those that have served our country.  I'm so proud to be a service dog!

In case you are wondering... these are IMT "blinking" sun glasses.  I like them better in my mouth than on my head.  Is that wrong?




One more thing that was VERY EXCITING this week was my trip to Doggy Daycare!  I was very nervous at first...  but Canine Craze is so wonderful and they do a great job keeping us busy all day.  See me below?  I was exhausted that night!  I wasn't supposed to be on the couch but I snuck up there and the Aldridges thought I was cute.  It is so beneficial being handsome....

My adventures this week were wonderful!  I met a lot of nice people this week and spent time at The Civic Center (I slept through The Golden Dragon Acrobats....) Panera Bread, Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill and various stores.  I was always welcomed and treated like a king.  The life of a service dog is fun!

Here are some pictures from this week:
Photos Week #5

Love you all!
Oscar

Week #4 Meeting New Friends, The Dreaded Vet and KIDS!!!

This week has been Sooooo Exciting!  Well... most of it.  I could have done without the Vet visit.  Apparently I have some intestinal issues.  Mrs. Aldridge is a bit grossed out but I don't see what the problem is.  The Vet Lady was very pretty.  That made the visit worth while.

Mrs. Aldridge likes to take me everywhere with her and introduce me to her friends and favorite store people.  One of my favorite places to go is Farrell's in Johnston.  Boy do they know how to have fun!  I'm not sure about all of that kicking and punching, but I think I could join in when I'm a bit bigger.

I went to work again this week and it was FABULOUS!  The IMT Group is the best place to work.  Do you know I get to sleep all day and get petted when I'm awake.  Ahhh the life of a dog.  So far I haven't had to do any "actual" work.


My favorite thing this week was the soccer game and the KIDS!!!!  Woohooo!  Boy did I have fun with Shiloh the Retriever.  I'm still exhausted from our wrestling match.


I'm on to week #5 where I will be practicing more duties of being a Service Dog for Paws and Effect.  Paws and Effect Homepage.  This Saturday I get to practice my Mission Critical manuevers (AKA playing with my littermates...).

Check out this week's fun photos:
Week #4 Photos

Have a Great Week,
Love  Oscar

Week #3 Kids, Cars and Other Interesting Things....

Boy oh Boy do I love human kids!  They are so loud and squirmy!  The perfect toy for a puppy!  They don't seem to have as much fun wrestling as I do, they run and cry a lot.  Maybe I'm not playing the game right?  No matter!  I love me some kids!

This week has been very educational.  I have been going to work for a few hours and learning new things.  One of the first things was the "don't potty in the building".  So far I'm doing very well.  Only one accident and I couldn't help myself!  The employees at IMT just LOVE LOVE LOVE me.  It is awesome. 

Let me tell you about one thing I don't like.  Cars.  They aren't very comfortable and I'm not sure what is going on.  I can't see out the windows yet, so I am a little scared.  It's ok to be scared.  I've heard Mrs. Aldridge talking about a car bed for me to ride in.  That cannot happen soon enough!  I believe when I am a much bigger boy I will enjoy the car.  One of the requirements for being a GREAT service dog is riding in the car politely.  This will help my disabled master tremendously if I am able to ride in the car without distress.  I am working on it.... but for now I am still a little afraid.  That's ok right?

This has been another great week of training!  I'm so excited to be working at The IMT Group and to live with the Aldridges.  Week #3 of my mission has been successful!

Here are a few more photos of my adventures this week:
Week #3 Photo Collection

I hope you enjoy my pictures and adventures!  I can hardly wait for week #4!

Love,

Oscar