young men in uniform
We had our first frost this morning. I was out walking with a dashing young Romeo on the beautifully sunny but cold (3C) trail where I used to take my constitutional with my last handsome escort. We used to run together there, but since his untimely death I have learned all about moderation and run at least as much on a treadmill as on the trail to keep from re-injuring myself. Seems I have a much harder time doing anything in moderation when I'm on that trail.
Romeo is about 85 lbs and a bit of a party boy. He will soon begin his real training for service dog work with Pacific Assistance Dogs. We're just 'puppy sitting' this weekend since his regular puppy-raising family is out of town for Thanksgiving. Tomorrow we plan to wow 'em in the nursing home (and wow my dad with a bucket of KFC) when we bring Romeo with us, all dressed up in his working togs, to visit. On Sunday he gets a day off as the noisy crowds descend on us instead for turkey and pumpkin pie.
A couple of weekends ago we puppysat 16 week old Tazo, shown here in uniform and armed with a flip flop or two. One day soon we may have a pup of our own to raise for a career in the service. More about pre-training here.
Romeo is about 85 lbs and a bit of a party boy. He will soon begin his real training for service dog work with Pacific Assistance Dogs. We're just 'puppy sitting' this weekend since his regular puppy-raising family is out of town for Thanksgiving. Tomorrow we plan to wow 'em in the nursing home (and wow my dad with a bucket of KFC) when we bring Romeo with us, all dressed up in his working togs, to visit. On Sunday he gets a day off as the noisy crowds descend on us instead for turkey and pumpkin pie. 
A couple of weekends ago we puppysat 16 week old Tazo, shown here in uniform and armed with a flip flop or two. One day soon we may have a pup of our own to raise for a career in the service. More about pre-training here.
posted by andrea at 1:27 p.m.
17 Comments:
very cool!
Ah, there's something about a ma… ahem… dog in uniform…
Very cool, indeed, Andrea!
Bittersweet.
That is sooooo cool. How can you not fall in love with them? I would never be able to give them back..
unles they chewed up my shoes..
and ((ahem)) I believe that in Canada we call flip-flops THONGS!
Michelle: The day or the dog? (They both are/were.)
Angela: I concur. And I agree, too.
Doonnnn: One must differentiate between these things or you might end up with a flip flop up your butt. (Or some undies stuck between your toes.)
Handsome young lads they are, both. Golden labs are impossible not to love (all labs, but I had a golden growing up; it's all about attachment and loyalty).
Must feel good to have some canines around, huh?
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What adorable dogs! I know a few people who foster German shepherd puppies for two years before they turn them over to Fidelco for their training. I'd have a terrible time parting with a dog after having it in my home for that long. It must be fun, though, to doggie-sit for a few days! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
WW: It does feel good! It feels normal, actually. :)
Carla: Giving them up is the hardest part (I fostered rescue dogs for a couple of years). I just remind myself that it's about the dogs and their new partners, not me. :(
What a great match this program is for you. But any thought to a new permanent addition to your clan?
I'm with Ellen, askin' -- are you thinking about a new family member?
You need to do that when you feel right about it...I'd love nothing more myself, but I live in an apartment, can't even have goldfish.
But you, Andrea...you seem so attachable to things, and that's beautiful...thinkin' bout it?
I figure it's not a question of if, but when...:-)
Ellen: Romeo has been such a gentleman today that I could take him permanently! Seriously, though, we will take on a pup to raise for training now and after that will look for a new permanent companion.
WW: You have me all worked out. I was always the kid who brought home the dead birds and stray cats. I even rescue spiders. I *so* love having a dog but since we're between dogs right now it seemed a good time to give back a little to the community by doing this service dog thing. In about a year or so I figure I'll be needing me another pooch of my own. I had to wait 31 long years for the first, so I know I can manage a few short months (and whoa is me -- they are so much shorter now!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
First of all Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the turkey.
That is so awesome fostering rescue dogs. You will know when the time is right for a new member. How is th birding coming along? I still need to send you that recipe for the birds.
I knew it and it makes perfect sense.
On behalf of all arachnia and the Dead Birds Society, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. :-)
Lilah: Thanks and good to see your smiling face.
Toni: Looking forward to it! I got a new feeder kit a few days ago, one with a roof and glass sides. Must cook turkey first though... :)
WW: And to you, too. (Dead Birds Society being appropriate for Thanksgiving and all...)
I've wanted to train Jake as a hospital or nursing home visitor - suddenly, having reached the grand age of 2.5 he's developed calmness and a real love for laps, so maybe it's time.
Such handsome dogs. And the uniform is fetching.
I hope your visit to your dad was wonderful. I'll bet Romeo was a big hit with everyone, especially with his being a party boy and all. And the KFC must have pleased your dad enormously.
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