29. December 2008 by admin.

JJ was very happy to get a Snugga for Christmas.  He also got a bone and a puzzle toy.  His Snugga is a very important to him and he even sleeps with it.  JJ has been doing great and has loved being a part of all the holiday festivities.   JJ is growing as well.  He is up to 86.5 lbs at 27 1/2″.

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8. December 2008 by admin.

Well this morning I had to wait for mom to take me to the park. But I got to fetch the ball a lot and that was lots of fun. I was pretty tired when we left, but it was a long road trip so I got to sleep.
Then I got out and mom got me dressed. I really do hate my harness, its too heavy and bulky. But I tolerate it cause it helps mom. Anyways, We met Emma and her mom CJ and friend Andrea. Andrea smelled really good and I liked her a lot. After a few minutes we got up and went back outside, mom told me LOAD UP. I got into the van, but she didnt take anything off. Then she told me to wait and she held up my boots to show CJ. I was so hoping I didnt have to wear them. Then she just put them back, I was happy. Then she had me UNLOAD. We then walked back into the store. Ok this is getting redundant now. But we start walking around the store and doing some really weird things for being in the store. Like having me sit, down, getting close to things, stopping, starting. Then Andrea walked over me while I was down. I did get to greet two people and that was cool. Gotta love kids.
Then CJ told mom to walk to an area and all of a sudden mom jumped and stopped. I guess CJ dropped the clipboard. I didnt flinch, but mom did. I was laughing
Andrea got on the floor with me to check my tags to make sure they were legit and up to date. I wanted to play with her, but mom said no.

Well when it was all said and done I had passed the test. Mom said I did good, but that I failed on 3 points. 1 point for getting up from the sit to greet the lady, but she was too far away. (I was told to greet). The second one was when I had to pick up the pen for mom. First it was hard to get, second mom had to tell me twice cause I stopped to look at something. But overall mom said I did good and she was proud.

The test I took was called the Public Access Test (PAT) from FSDS. So now I am officially a certified service dog and a canine ambassador.

Now I am Beau’s Mood Enhancer “JJ” Du Seraphim CGC, CSD

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1. December 2008 by admin.

Well there are lots of things to be thankful for this year.  One of my biggest things to be grateful for is that JJ doesnt have to retire.  He has been such a blessing in my life, I cant imagine him not being a part of it.  For Thanksgiving we went to my brothers house to celebrate with the other 20 people invited.  My brother didnt want JJ to come at first.  He made comments such as he didnt have a place for JJ to run or didnt want dog hair all over his house.  That JJ had to be in working mode which he hasnt been good at.  We I told him if JJ didnt come then the family didnt come.   Well we all went.  Everyone else was extremely happy that he came as he is part of the family and not only cause he is my service dog, but cause of who he is.   JJ did great and loved being there.  And of course loved the turkey too ;).   JJ did get some down time outside to run around and then it started to rain.  But JJ did great, did his tasks like he was suppose too.  Everyone else was great and only asked to pet him and left him alone after that.   It gave me hope and glad that my extended family and friends are more supportive than my immediate family.

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3. November 2008 by admin.

Ok, well some big changes have gone on.   JJ began some boot camp.  We have been stepping up the obedience and cutting back on some public access work.  It has also been suggested that JJ start doing sent tracking.  So we are looking for a trainer who can help us with that.  I am still working on fundraising as the cost of training is quite expensive.  I know once I lean how to do it, I will be able to work with JJ on my own.   JJ has been doing great in his obedience and it does seem to be helping in the times I do take him out.   We are hoping to be working with fire and police persons later on if I can find some volunteers.  JJ isnt aggressive, but he barks and is hesitant with greeting or doing his tasks when asked near them.   I guess I couldnt get it into my heart to really move forward.  I am going to give it some more time and hope we can really get through these issues.   JJ has a very solid foundation and seems to be able to work through them.

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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. 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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