13. October 2008 by admin.

Like most people I really hate writing about myself.  But since I am tracking this blog for service work I figure I better start with something about myself.   I am a young (31) mom of two young kids; Fallyn (5) and RJ (3 1/2).  Its been a struggle for me in the past couple of years.  My life changed drastically.  I am no longer able to work, walk up and down stairs without help, get up from a chair (without help), stand up in a shower, walk long distance, I drop things all the time, cant bend over to pick things up.  Basically I struggle with normal daily living.  My husband had to work from home just to help me out.  But then I got a service dog and my life changed.  I could go out alone again, I didn’t rely (as much) on others.  I could be so much more independent.   I never realized how much my life would change with a service dog.  Also how important it became and how much I relied on him.  They are a blessing that many can’t understand.

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12. October 2008 by admin.

Ok, now that I know that I need to find another service dog, I need to decide how I want to go about doing that.  Do I want a program dog, starter dog, or a pup.  I have started to research breeds.  I have spoken with Great Dane Handlers and Breeders, Chinook breeders and trainers, taken many breed profile tests.  Spoken to numerous service dog trainers.  There are so many pros and cons about each breed.  I love them all.  But since I have a specific job in mind, I have to be very picky.   I can’t just pick a dog cause he looks cute and fits my personality.  He also has to have a good working ability, training ability, retrieve and be friendly.

A program dog would be nice as I wouldn’t have as much stress or work on my plate.  However, its usually a long waiting list.  A starter dog is nice and usually not as long of a wait and I still do much of the work.  A pup is the most work, but costs are gradual.   Overall owner-training costs more too.  I am doing lots of praying and seeing what doors the Lord will open. It is quite overwhelming at times.

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6. October 2008 by admin.

Well it has come down to the final decision.  JJ is retiring to an at home service dog with limited public access until he can fully retire.  This really breaks my heart, but I dont see any other option. I need him to be solid and safe in public as well. Its so important.  My PT told me I have two options: Use a Service Dog or use a Wheelchair.  These problems have been going on for about 6 1/2 months or so.  I have already waited a full year with trying to push another dog through this.  I just cant wait another year and I dont have the money to put out either.  I need a waorking dog.  So now I have some research to do and some big decisions to make.

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30. September 2008 by admin.

Ok, its been a few months things are actually getting worse.  JJ is now showing fear when walking past men.  He tucks his tail when we are out, wants to sit and turn towards the man.  If we are walking past he tucks, slinks and pulls on his harness/leash.  He will push me away, almost knocking me over to get further from people.   He barked at people that he normally doesnt bark at.  I decided to get him evaluated again by a Service Dog trainer and evaluator.  Now of course he passed the evaluation with flying colors, but there was another dog there.  During the meeting with the SD trainer, you could see that he was nervous, but again did better with another dog there.  However, he did a greet with the other dog and didnt like that they got nose to nose. He nipped at the other dog and barked.   We decided to get JJ neutered to see if that would help.  JJ also met with the head trainer at Partners Dog Training in Cave Creek AZ.   They feel is workable, but its going to continue to push him and force him into obedience.  Now they ONLY saw him in their training facility with other dogs around and lots of women trainers.   He still had some trouble focusing, but you could see if was breaking his spirit to forced into that.  I dont want to break his spirit and I dont want to force him into a job that he doesnt want to do.   JJ continues to panic and show anxiety at church even when away off in the corner.  He is afraid of the people walking by, stacking chairs, etc.  Its very stange how all of a sudden this behavior came on.   Still watching and workin, but its now been 6 months.  I am now starting to think about training another dog and doing research.

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10. June 2008 by admin.

We noticed back in April while on our trip to Florida that JJ was having some “issues” with men.  Barking an alert on occasion; but we just chalked it up to the Beaucey behaviors.  Talked with some trainers/breeders about this and stepped up his training.  Since at the end of April he had all the blood work and health tests that ruled everything out, we knew it wasn’t that.  However the problems continued to get worse.  I spoke with the breeder and some other dog friends.  We thought we would wait it out, maybe its a fear period coming late.  We continue with working and training.

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14. May 2008 by admin.

Up to this point JJ has gone through Puppy Kindergarten and Novice/basic obedience classes at First Friend K9.  JJ has passed both classes with flying colors and perfect attendance.  We also worked one on one in public with Michelle from A Wag In Time.   We had an evaluation done by Ann Austin of Cave Creek, AZ.   JJ participated in one dog show and received best of opposite sex and winners.  He also had his eyes Cerf’d on Sept 15th, 2007.  JJ received his AKC Canine Good Citizen September 30th, 2007 while doing a Meet the breed and being a Canine Ambassador.

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30. April 2008 by admin.

Today JJ went to the Vet for his 2 year old check up, hip xrays and blood work to make sure he can do the job of a Service Dog that I need him to do.  JJ scored a good on his OFA and a 40th percentile for PennHIP.  JJ also had all his blood work, thyroid panel, heartworm testing and he all came back great.  The Vet was impressed.  I was a bit concerned as JJ was a Parvo puppy, but due to the diligent efforts of Parkside Animal Hospital he survived.  JJ has passed all testing and now has permission to go full Duty.

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3. February 2008 by admin.

We decided it was the best decision at this time to move back to Arizona.  It was a hard decision as we liked where we were and had close friends, but no family.  I needed more help with the kids so we moved.  It was a rough move, moving in Jan in Indiana.  But coming back to family was nice. We have had some extra help.  We were fortunate to find a house to rent prior to moving, which just happen to be my brothers house.   It really helped him out as well, which I was glad to do.  We are still unpacking and trying to get settled from this move.

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