Day Three: Dog Day
Jan. 12th, 2011 06:58 pm![[personal profile]](http://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
unsilenceddreamToday has been long and exhausting, both mentaly and physically. It was everyone's favorite part of class: Dog Day! I don't remember when I ended up falling asleep last night, but I was awake around 5:00 this morning, way before the official wake-up time. Juno obedience went well for a second time. I was surprised I ate everything at breakfast as I don't usually tend to eat a lot on Dog Day, or at least haven't in the past. I don't know if I mentioned: the main breakfast choice was an omlet, but I opted for eggs and toast instead. While we're on food: lunch was chicken, tuna or some other kind of salad, and I chose peanut butter and jelly. I ate all of that, too, again surprising. Dinner was burgers and potato wedges, which I did choose and again eat all of. Lunch was actually very busy in terms of a lot of people talking and such. In past classes, I don't remember it being as such. Dinner, too, was mostly low-key.
Now for the part you all have been waiting for: my dog. All throughout the morning and into the afternoon, when we were receiving our dogs' names, I was very nervous and emotions were running high. When I was told that my dog was a yellow Lab male named Dalton, I didn't know what to think at first. When all of the dogs had been paired to people, everyone left and I just sat in Alumni Hall, not really knowing what to do or how to feel. A male? I had never worked a male before. I wasn't so much concerned for the sake of my dog as I was for myself. Could I do this? I actually broke out in tears. I think all of the emotions of LivDog's retirement and my receiving my new guide hit me all at once right then. Another thank-you goes out to the instructors and Becky, (and Flyer!), for helping me through my mini melt-down. I truly appreciate it. When the knock came on my door and Graham brought Dalton into me, one second and I realized I was worried for nothing. He is a very sweet dog and I have all the confidence in the world that we will do fine. He has been obedient to me, even for only having him such a short time. He's actually getting anxious, so I'm going to end this, post it, and give him some attention. I did want to write an update all the same. I do apologize for its abruptness. A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who has taken the time to read and comment on my last few entries, especially to Olivia's puppy raisers, Jane and family. You guys are really fantastic! Tomorrow I hit the ground running, literally. We were given our harnesses tonight, and I had Dalton in a standing position to fit him with it. I brought it down close to his head and he walked right into it. I can't wait to work him for the first time tomorrow!
Now for the part you all have been waiting for: my dog. All throughout the morning and into the afternoon, when we were receiving our dogs' names, I was very nervous and emotions were running high. When I was told that my dog was a yellow Lab male named Dalton, I didn't know what to think at first. When all of the dogs had been paired to people, everyone left and I just sat in Alumni Hall, not really knowing what to do or how to feel. A male? I had never worked a male before. I wasn't so much concerned for the sake of my dog as I was for myself. Could I do this? I actually broke out in tears. I think all of the emotions of LivDog's retirement and my receiving my new guide hit me all at once right then. Another thank-you goes out to the instructors and Becky, (and Flyer!), for helping me through my mini melt-down. I truly appreciate it. When the knock came on my door and Graham brought Dalton into me, one second and I realized I was worried for nothing. He is a very sweet dog and I have all the confidence in the world that we will do fine. He has been obedient to me, even for only having him such a short time. He's actually getting anxious, so I'm going to end this, post it, and give him some attention. I did want to write an update all the same. I do apologize for its abruptness. A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who has taken the time to read and comment on my last few entries, especially to Olivia's puppy raisers, Jane and family. You guys are really fantastic! Tomorrow I hit the ground running, literally. We were given our harnesses tonight, and I had Dalton in a standing position to fit him with it. I brought it down close to his head and he walked right into it. I can't wait to work him for the first time tomorrow!
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no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 01:16 am (UTC)I don't know if you watch Glee, but the first thing I thought of was Dalton Academy, the private school with the 0-tolerance bullying policy. Epic!! Dalton will obviously protect you with a name like that. Or, you know, I'm just a dumb Gleeky nerd. XD But no, he will, I can feel it!
Congrats!
Date: 2011-01-13 01:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 01:58 am (UTC)Congrats!
Date: 2011-01-13 02:34 am (UTC)Dog Day Three
Date: 2011-01-13 03:24 am (UTC)Ron & Pal
re: dog day
Date: 2011-01-13 03:28 am (UTC)I've been thinking about you a lot and wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You were instrumental in keeping me sane when I was going to guide dog school in November and I hope I can be the same to you. Just remember to be good to yourself as well as patient with yourself. Dalton is a great name. The work truly begins now.
Big hugs to you.
day 3
Date: 2011-01-13 04:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 04:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 04:39 am (UTC)melt downs
Date: 2011-01-13 04:59 am (UTC)In my last two classes, I discovered every one hits the wall at different times. I dind't hit it with Vassar till I got home, found my last dogs bowls when I went to feed him, and then lost it. Maybe this was an early one for you, and now it'll be done. And then, maybe not. I'm convinced being a retrain is harder than a rookie, for just this reason.
Becky is terrific, and that is why she is one of my favorite people.
Looking forward to reading the next chapter,
Randy & Vassar
no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 05:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 01:16 pm (UTC)dog day and males
Date: 2011-01-13 03:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-13 09:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-14 03:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-14 04:06 pm (UTC)