All The Pawsibilities : 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

Socialization Adventures

As I mentioned in my last post, puppies in hand means every little thing is a learning experience. They have to learn that the world we live in is not a scary place and anywhere they go or anything they may encounter while working is "fun". Because of my working situation, I have some time to get the puppies out and about during their time with me. My go-to initialization place is always the flea market at the NC State Fairgrounds. They will meet all kinds of people, other dogs, see crazy objects, new smells, and practicing navigating through a crowd while maintaining nice leash walking; but they are still in an open outdoor space. GRANT is the only puppy old enough with his vaccinations to walk on the ground, so he got the most out of this experience; but STERLING came along and was carried.

GRANT in front of a big wavy thing - no big deal!

STERLING thinks this whole being carried thing is for the birds

Apparently the new smell of kettle corn was way more interesting that a picture!

GRANT making a new friend

All you need in life is love and a dog :)

well, GRANT, that's one way to cool off

taking a little break in the shade

GRANT got to try a yummy puppy pop

it's safe to say he very much enjoyed it, thanks Citizen Pops!

cutie pie just making another friend!

The fan is big and loud and noisy, but that doesn't bother us because it gives us nice cold air

A little photo op for a fam pic

And of course a selfie with my main man

COULD HE BE ANY CUTER?!

As it turns out, later that afternoon, we needed something from Lowe's. When you have puppies, everything turns into a training session. So WALLIS and CONNELLY got packed up in the car and off we went!

Despite their skittish-ness, WALLIS is very comfortable being held.

Just walking' through Lowe's with my baby WALLY

CONNELLY

Mom, do we really have to pose on this little bench? [WALLIS and CONNELLY]

But, seriously. [WALLIS and CONNELLY]

I promise they love me :)

sweet CONNELLY

WALLIS

CONNELLY

Just growing a WALLflower

If you look real close you can see us in front of Lowe's lol

Overall, I'm so happy with the way these five have begun their lives as Service Dogs. I see change in them everyday and I can't wait until they head down to Wilmington and get the 24/7 training and socialization that is required to produce our high quality Service Dogs to see them make even more progress on their path to changing someone's life!

Another Day, Another Puppy(ies)

After dropping BRAXTON, MOSBY, and HUDSON; along with their new friend, COLLIER (more on him in a minute) off in Wilmington, and participating in some ITT alongside some other clients, I had one puppyless night before adding a few more to the crew.

First, COLLIER. Kinda one of the cutest little dudes you ever saw. FIN and I drove a long 5 1/2 hours each way to meet in Gatlinburg, TN to pick up this guy. While I typically hate driving, especially for long amounts of time, I can't complain about the gorgeous view this ride provided, as well as the added bonus of no cell service for the majority of the trip.

Road trip ready!

windows down, sunroof open, and a cool mountain breeze running' through our hair

Meet COLLIER!

FIN documenting our great adventures

COLLIER learned sit/stay real quick ;)

FINLEY is pretty happy about the state line

COLLIER using every ounce of himself to hold that new "stay" thing

Everything is perfect in His timing.

COLLIER goes for his first swim in the cold mountain rivers

Unfortunately, COLLIER only got to hang out with us for a day, but we certainly enjoyed having him. We took our trip on Monday, went to Wilmington for Tuesday and Wednesday, and then on Friday picked up sweet Gracie, from Goodwinds Labs, who is just here on vacation; and GRANT, who was donated by Parrish's Labs into our Service Dog Training Program. Brace yourself for the overload of pics because this is one special boy and he works the camera.

GRANT

He's breakin' hearts with those eyes, ladies. [GRANT]

GRANT

GRANT has something to say

such a sweet face [GRANT]

pretty Gracie girl!

Gracie

GRANT got brave and decided to try out the slide all by himself

A smile from Gracie!

Wrinkly smoothy face GRANT

He's won my heart, y'all. [GRANT]

THEN, because two more in the house wasn't enough, on Saturday I went and picked up four more precious babies from Charlotte! I'm most excited about watching these four really blossom in our program. They came from living in an outdoor pen, and now it is our job to expose them to the world. In just a few short days I can already see such a difference in their personalities. All four LOVE people and attention, but a lot of the rest of the world is still a little scary for them. No worries, our training program is designed to overcome that in the most scientifically sound and proven way possible. Without further adieu, let me introduce you to WALLIS, HARRIS, STERLING, and CONNELLY!