Getting Ready for our Trip

So today me and Ro have to run some errands to get ready for our trip tomorrow.  We are off to Idaho for a family reunion.  Last night we went out to see Harry Potter and she did great at the movies!  She slept for most of it, and some parts were loud but she went right on relaxing!  Such a good girl.
Things are going pretty well, aside from the fact that while closing our front door she smooshed her foot and is scared of it now...but I've been talking with Barb and hopefully we will work her back into it soon!  She's back to being able to close it from inside without hesitation, but I'm going to leave the tugging it shut alone until we get back from the trip.
She's done well with picking up my keys in the last few days.  She had started not getting them when we were out and I tend to drop those a lot.  I haven't tried it again while we are out yet, but I think we'll try today and see how it goes since at home she's been doing great.  We've also been practicing some of her other skills and they are going well.  She helps me with the laundry by pulling the basket down the hallway.  She does it better then I ever did!  She also does really well with the hall lights turning them on/off.  The last big improvement I've noticed is when we are outside.  Her focus is so so so wonderful!
Ro had also shown a liking of Alexis' carebear...and while I was in the other room I heard a 'conversation' going on.  Alexis was explaining to Ro that bear was her special toy and that she could play with her other ones but not the bear. (it was pretty cute!)  So I decided that we should get Ro a special stuffy so she'd leave bear alone.  We went through the girls stuffed animals and I told them to let me see any of them they would be o.k. with giving to Ro.  They put in one of the ones I've had for, well, 11 years or so!  It's a black cat I called 'Marmite' after the yummy stuff I put on toast! (Zane doesn't like it...I think it's wonderful!).  When I let Ro go over and grab one, that's the one she went for.  And so far it's worked, she leaves everything else alone and loves Marmite!!  It's a special stuffy-one Zane gave me when we first started dating so I'm glad it's getting some love again! :)  Anyhow, here are some more cute pics of her and her new stuffy!  I'll try to keep updates going while we are on our trip!

Out to Lunch

Today we had plans to meet Ro's puppy raiser (well one of them!) for lunch.  I was worried that we almost might not be able to go because this morning Ro was whining at the door, so I took her out thinking that maybe she needed to go to the bathroom-and she had diarrhea.  Never cleaned up runny dog poop (have to say it was not my favorite thing for sure)...so I called Barb because I wasn't really sure what to do.  I didn't want to rush her to the vet if it wasn't necessary.  We decided that I would feed her half of her normal morning food and see how she did.  As long as she didn't have runny poop for a few times in a row then she should be fine.  Ro came in and looked very tired, so I fed her and let her sleep for a few hours.  When she woke up she seemed to be fine!  So I took her out and let her pee and waited a bit to make sure she didn't have to go again.  We came in and played a little bit (didn't want to make her sick).  She seemed fine so I called to let her puppy raiser know we'd be there!
Ro was thrilled to see her again!  She did a good job of listening while being so excited!  In the last few days me and Ro have really been 'clicking' and I'm finding that we are working really well together. It was fun learning all about the family that raised Ro from when she was about 8 weeks old until 18 months old.  (It was obvious that she came from a very loving family that enjoyed having her.)  They really did a fabulous job in exposing her to many things.  I know that it was probably very hard for them to give Ro to advanced training after loving and working with her for so long, but I am very grateful for all they have done for her (and us!).  I have always tried to keep in my head all the love and hard work that people before me have done, but this really gelled it all together.  I think that CaPR does a great job of finding loving people to help raise the puppies and gets them great training.  So, thanks again to everyone for helping us on this journey! :)
When we got home the girls were having a play-date with one of their friends.  So we had two extra adults and another little one.  Once again, Ro was so well behaved and I wanted to keep up our routine of practicing her cue's in the evening.  We went into the other room and even with the kids laughing and being loud in the other room she did fabulous.  She didn't even solicit for attention when we finished and came back in, she just relaxed on the floor and stayed focused on me!  I might need to do my makeup more often now-there will always be eyes on me!! hahah! (just kidding-makeup takes too long...)

One thing I forgot to finish talking about yesterday was about meeting with Barb for the leash.  We actually ended up getting the custom leash while we were there!  We showed our ideas to Katrina, and she came out with a bunch of hooks and rings and we were able to figure out a workable design-and then she went in the back and made it right then!  So we were able to leave with a new leash.  I think it is going to work out great, it hooks to my wheelchair so that I can use my hands for pushing and helping me carry things.  It can also be a regular leash and even has different lengths when you use different rings.  I'll have to take a picture of it in the next few days and we will be making it more permanent when I get my new chair (hopefully soon!).

Settling down

The past few days have made for quite an adjustment!  There have been both ups and downs, but we've been able to work past both.  I have been finding that juggling three kids, a husband, a cat and a dog to be exhausting to say the least!  We went to an appointment I had to order my new wheelchair, but apparently I was taken off the calendar and not informed, so that was frustrating!  It is looking like I won't be able to get a new wheelchair anytime soon.
Me and Ro have managed to go out a few times to get some good skill practice in.  Things have also been going better at home and I'm finding that she is doing great with still listening to me with a million distractions going on!  Her 'legs' skill where she helps me stretch is coming along wonderfully and she only occasionally needs me to add in the hand cue.  She does fabulous retrieves for me at home when I drop things, but when we are out I'm finding it more difficult.
Today we are seeing Barb and going to a meeting about getting a custom leash made!  We just got back in from a fun game of retrieve and Ro did an excellent job of coming right back and not being distracted! Yay!
Anyhow, here is a photo I managed to get of the kids (Riley was not cooperative though!).  Thought it was pretty cute! :)

Day Fourteen: Public Access Test

So today we took our Public Access Test.  After the test we went back into the mall to sit down with Linda, DeAnn, Barb, Hudson and Chivay to find out that...we passed! :)  Ro got her official service dog vest which she looks gorgeous in!!  Ro was VERY excited to see Chivay, her therapy dog buddy, and I had a hard time calming her down, but after a bit she was able to relax and take some photos with everyone!  Here is my favorite one because you can see her spiffy new vest!

Then we got a really nice gift from Barb and family-delivered (carried) by Chivay- too cute!  And then we went out to lunch.  Ro and Chivay were very well behaved during lunch!  I really enjoy sitting and talking to Barb, she has been so helpful during our training and I couldn't imagine doing it without her!  I think this marks a new chapter for our family and we are very excited for what the future holds! :)

Day Thirteen: Meet the Family

So late last night Zane and the kids got home.  Today was our first day as a family...and unfortunately I was grumpy :(  I have not been feeling well and I tend to be a tad on the unpleasant side when sick.  The transition seems to be going fairly well though!  I have to keep reminding the girls that they aren't to be giving Ro cues, but she seems to listen to me rather than them anyhow.  They like to play 'Find Brobee' and would play all day if I let them, even Ro got tired of the game I think!
Barb came over to give Zane a quick 'how-to' on taking care of Ro so that if I am sick in bed ever, she would still be taken care of.  Zane was really good about listening and learning all the new stuff!  So far so good it seems!

Day Twelve: Last Practice at Mall

Today was our last day of placement training to get ready for our public access test on Monday.  Although it is exciting to think of how far we've come, it's hard to believe that Barb won't be with us when we go out anymore...I will have to do it all on my own, though  I am feeling more confident working with Ro. Barb had prepared a practice session for us with a list of things to do on our own around the mall.  There were things like having Ro in a 'down' while I look at clothing and I needed to make sure she stayed calm and waited for me to continue on.  Another thing we have been working on is having Ro stay calm when people come and talk to me or ask to pet her.  This is definitely becoming easier as we practice...but even when I tell people that she's not to be pet I'll glance over and they are trying to pet her!  I'm glad that Ro loves people, but I know that I have to keep an eye on that so that while we are out I can still get things done without having to stop a million times because people are wanting to pet her!  Anyways, I think we did well on our practice session.  Ro was really well behaved, in fact-while we were at a shoe store I had her under a table while I browsed for awhile and then I called her to me and she came right away and a lady said "There's been a dog in here?!  She's so quiet!"  Exactly what I was looking for, people shouldn't really notice she's around if her and I are doing what we need to be doing.  We also practiced some pivots and making sure Ro and I are able to turn and stay in position.
This evening has been very quiet as I am not feeling too well.  I woke up this morning with a bit of a sore throat and my sinus' hurting.  It was doing better around lunch time, but when we got home I started feeling worse again.  So we took a short nap and have been watching more TV.  Zane and the kids will be home late tonight so it should be fun seeing how our new family dynamic will play out!

Day Eleven: Practical Skills, Mall and Grocery Store

Today we practiced a lot of practical skills that we have been learning the past few weeks. Barb watched while I worked with Ro so she could give me feedback on how I'm using the cues.  I really want to make sure I'm using them correctly so that I don't confuse her.  Sometimes I still use 'up' when I really mean 'stand'-so I have been trying to be conscientious about what I say to her.  Also...I tend to repeat myself instead of giving her process time.  So if I want her to sit I say: "Ro, sit...sit...sit.  Good girl!"  Whoops!  It's getting better though and I am finding myself doing that less and less!  Hopefully I can be more mindful and use the leash less as well!  It's hard changing your mindset, but I think we are doing pretty well overall.  
After practicing our skills at home we headed to the mall.  Me and Ro are doing well at 'reading each other' and I am finding that she is walking where she needs to be with me correcting her less and less.  When I was in line to get food a lady asked me if Ro has to work 24/7.  I didn't realize that people thought that!  So, I'll let you judge for yourselves...does this look like an over-worked dog?!

I think she looks like she's smiling!!  Barb and I were laughing so hard when we saw her doing this, I was very glad to snap a photo!! :)

After lunch we walked around the mall and practiced more of the skills we will be doing for our public access test on Monday.  I think for having worked together for only 11 days we are doing well!  Hopefully we can keep it up and do well enough that I will be able to take her out on my own soon!  While Ro and I were browsing one of the staff in the department store came up and asked if I needed any help or had any questions.  She also commented on how cute my dog was.  The reason I bring this up is because many times I'll go into a store and be ignored (or stared at while trying to do something difficult) and I found it refreshing that I was being helped instead!  Once we were done with the mall Barb said she'd meet up back at the car so that I could practice getting Ro out by myself...well...I have a terrible sense of direction (thanks Mom-love ya though!) and it took us a long time!! I kept going out all of the exits from JCPenny's because I knew we parked by it, but couldn't find the car!  Ro just looked at me like "Why are we going in and out so much?!"  But eventually we found it and headed to the grocery store.  I needed to pick up a few things so that I could eat tonight!  Once we got home Ro took a long nap-I think she was tired from looking for the car so long!! Hahaha!! 
After her nap I took her out for a run along the canal that runs by our house.  There is a lot of green grass and an extra wide sidewalk.  It was really nice and she did an excellent job of keeping pace with me-even down the hills! :)  Our day was fun, but we are both super tired-so we decided to watch some TV on the couch so we can rest up for another fun day tomorrow.

 

Day Ten: City Bus, Streets of Southglenn and Massage!

The day started out well with Ro pooping! :)  I have been worried because she normally would go every morning and night (sometimes more often) before I got her, and the last few days she's gone once a day.  It had also been taking her awhile to go, so we'd come in-then go back out...and I'd be waiting and nothing.  So it was nice to go out, ask her to 'Do It' and have her go pretty much right away!   After that, we got ready to go over to Southglenn to meet Barb.
We met her near the mall and got on a city bus.  Once again, Ro had done this plenty of times-but I had never been on one!  The only buses I had been on were the big yellow school buses that I use for field trips when I take my class out.  I got mixed up a little bit trying to figure out how the ramps on the buses work because they were different than the ones at work.  Things worked out well, but I learned some things I would want to fix for next time for where I'd have Ro go.  We had a bit of a wait in-between bus rides, so while we were waiting we practiced some of the cues.  I have been using the leash a bit too much when asking her to do cues-so we did some exercises that helped me practice not relying so much on that to have her move around the chair.  I just need to give her some process time before I start using the leash to direct her.  Sure enough, when I just relaxed she would listen and go where I needed her to.  It was also very interesting because we were near the school of the blind so there were lots of people walking by with canes and the first one (cane) startled her-but just a bit.  Then after that Ro was fine.  I know that a lot of times I end up being in the way for most people, so I was worried that I might REALLY get in the way of ones that needed canes to walk!  It's amazing how they adjust.  We had some stuff on the ground that we had been using while working with Ro and I was like "Oh, sorry let me move that." and the man was like "No worries!", felt it with the cane, stepped over and kept on moving.  I guess they just adapt to their limitations like I've learned to adapt to mine. Before we went to the buses Barb had told me about the two types of ramps that city buses have, and we ended up getting to practice with both of them!  Honestly, I had never been on the buses because I don't like going into situations when I'm not sure how things work.  I might have to add city buses on my list of things to do now-it was much easier than I thought it'd be.
After that we walked around 'The Streets of Southglenn" mall and made our way to Whole Foods for lunch.  I didn't realize they had a whole eatery type thing.  I had an Asian stir-fry type thing and it was really nice.  We went to the 24 hr. Fitness and walked around all the machines.  We also went to the library.  On the way into the library there was another service dog, but it was very high energy and Ro did a great job of staying calm and listening to me (I was so proud!).  I worked on having her in a 'down' position and staying in the same place while I looked at the books.  She did fabulous!
After the mall, I had a massage scheduled, so we headed to Southlands (other side of town) for that.  Ro did a fabulous job of taking a nap under a chair in the room while I got a nice relaxing massage!  It was wonderful after such a fun and busy week.  Once the massage was over we hurried back to our house because the weather has been crazy!  We didn't want to get in a bad storm, so we hopped in the car and came straight back.  At home we played a game of retrieve and then Ro laid down for another nap!  If the rain calms down we are going to try to fit in a walk to the mail box.

Lastly, Barb gave me some more photos of our training from yesterday.  I put them in the slideshow (on the left bar) but here is my favorite ones! The first is of how Ro puts her head in my lap a lot now! :) 

Day Nine: Bowling and Vet Introduction!

This morning Ro and I started out very slow...we woke up, went out to go potty, then came in and fell asleep again!  We were both so tired from yesterday that a few extra hours seemed like a good idea. That has been one plus about not having the family here-flexible schedule. We got back up and did our morning routine to get ready for the day (grooming, brushing teeth, getting dressed, etc.) and then played some games.  Last night we started playing 'Get Brobee' (one of her toys that looks like the character from Yo Gabba Gabba) and let me tell you, it was SO FUN!  So I thought we'd play again.  I would have her sit or down and then I would go hide her toy around the house and come back and say 'Ro, Where's Brobee?  Get Brobee!' and she'd run around the house and find him and bring him back.  She is so smart!  Sometimes I'd think to myself that she'd never find it but she'd bring it right back-we had a great time!  I would even put some of her other toys out thinking I'd trick her-but she always brought back Brobee! Barb told me that her puppy raisers would play games like that with her when she was a puppy, probably why she is so good at it and retrieving specific objects (like the phone!). 
Then we relaxed for a bit before Barb came over.  Once Barb got here we got everything ready to go bowling.  We had a lot of fun!  I really enjoy talking and learning with Barb, she gets my strange sense of humor! :)  Ro was very stressed when we first arrived and I found it difficult to keep her calm.  I find that I get very focused on looking at her and don't notice when people move and try to start petting her.  It was good to have Barb there to have people stop so that I could try to calm her.  She was good about jumping in and saying "Oh, you can't pet her she's working-you need to let Shannon calm her".  I did find it funny that people think they can calm her better than me (or Barb) as she is far more used to us. It really makes it difficult to get her back to focusing when people start to reach for her because she loves to be friendly.  Today it really hit home that I need to be more forceful when asking people to let her do her job.  We had been out, but never really to a place that stressed her.  I was able to eventually get her focused and calmed again and I think it was really good practice. We have been doing things that were new for me, and today I got to see how Ro would react to a new place in public.  I think it will be easier next time (plus I won't have a heavy bowling ball on my lap!!).  Once Ro had settled, I put her under the benches and she watched while me and Barb had a blast bowling!  It had been quite awhile since I had been, but I have been wanting to go for a long time.  Barb said it had been awhile for her too, but she did fabulous!  My first bowl was a strike!! WOW!! But...that was a fluke!  I would say that we did spectacular for how long it had been, Barb broke 100 in two of our games, and I came very close.  When we first started I had to put Ro back under the bench a few times, but as our games progressed I found that I had to put her under less and less.  Here is a photo of her under the bench, what a sweetie!

Once bowling was done, we came back to the house so I could grab a quick bite to eat and get ready for our vet visit.  Ro dressed up in her boots and we walked up to the vets.  They are getting a new building that is literally right next to our apartments that will be done early next year.  I really wanted this visit to be relaxing for her and for her to really get to know (and like) Dr. Demey.  I hadn't been in for a few months and didn't recognize any of the nurses there.  They were all very good about respecting the fact that Ro is not to be pet.  I was glad that I didn't have to explain or stop them because I am still finding that difficult!  Dr. Demey was very respectful and asked what I would like and was great about everything.  I did want him to pet her and make her excited about seeing him.  He said she was very healthy! :)  I think CaPR does a great job of making sure their dogs are in great working condition before placing them.  I have also learned a lot about how to take care of her.  It's hard to believe that until a week ago I had never had a dog or been with one for longer than a few hours!  Now I can brush her coat, teeth, clean her ears and trim her nails.  Big changes, but all very good. 
After we got home, Barb headed home and Ro is now taking a well deserved nap.  I think tonight we will practice a bit of retrieve and then working on legs.  I know my legs could also use a good stretch and the more we practice the better we'll get!  Also, here is a picture of Ro with Brobee!

 

Day Eight: Light Rail and Mall!

So our day started with our morning routine (it turned out wonderful so no details needed!).  Then we met Barb at the teacher store (one of my favorite places!).  Then we went across the street to Park Meadows to ride the light rail.  I hadn't ever been on the light rail, so I was kinda nervous!  Barb was really good about explaining what would happen and we were able to get on without problems!  I didn't get Ro in quite the right spot in the beginning, so after the first stop we repositioned and then things went fine.  We rode for about three stops, got off and then hopped back on and went to the mall.  We had lunch in the food court and practiced having Ro give the cashier my wallet and get it back for me.  Then we sat and talked (as you know I love to chat!) Ro did a wonderful job of not going for food when it was dropped on the floor and I even got the chance to teach a little 4 year old about service dogs!  Usually I can tell a childs age pretty close-but I thought she was in like Kindergarten or even First grade-she was very tall!
After lunch, we walked around the mall and practiced some retrieves and then having people ask to pet Ro.  I have to practice making sure that she stays in a sit when we are talking and that she doesn't try to sniff or push into them for our public access test.  So far, we are doing pretty well!  She pressed lots of elevator buttons and had a really long day, so on the way back to the house she slept in the car for the majority of the trip.  It's like looking at your adorable kids in the backseat! :)
Once we got home, we were going to practice some more of the specific skills she is learning to help me with.  Ro was still pretty tired though and fell asleep on the floor!  Instead of waking her, we talked for awhile and a little while later Ro popped up ready for some fun!  We worked on getting the phone and her helping me stretch.  We still need to work on our leg cues, but I beginning to feel much more confident when working with her.  We are more responsive to each other and our positioning with each other is becoming much more easy as we walk around (well roll around!).
I am really enjoying working with Barb and Ro and I am learning a lot.  I do miss my family a lot :(  It's hard hearing the kids on the phone asking when I'm coming to see them and explaining that I'm not, but they will be home in a few days.  I do know that it is worth it though.  Me and Ro need to bond a lot so that when they all come back she will be able to continue focusing on me and not be distracted by the kids.  Anyhow, to end this post I am going to put up some of the pics I've made Ro pose for! :)  Enjoy!

 Ro after our walk this evening!

 Ro in her new bed!  (notice Alexis' lovely drawing on the bed, you have to click to zoom in on it!)

Day Seven: Field Trip!

We had a lot of fun today, but things didn't start out so well.  First thing this morning I got up to take Ro out and everything went fine.  Then we came in, and I went to use the restroom and ended up falling and hitting my arm really hard on my shower chair.  I tried to catch myself, but ended up falling in an even more awkward way with my arm catching most of my weight. ( Let me just say, it REALLY hurt!)  So I was sitting on the floor crying, and little Ro comes in trying to figure out why I was upset.  I wasn't really sure what to do, so I said "Ro, Phone!" hoping that she might figure out what I was trying to have her do.  Barb had only shown her in a mini session here where our phone was.  First she brought back a pad from the floor right next to where the phone was-so I knew she was on the right track.  "Good girl.  Phone, Get it!"  and what do you know?  She brought me the phone!  She is such a quick study.  So I was able to call Barb and let her know that we were having some issues because I had fallen and that it would be awhile before I was ready (I was still in my pjs!)  She came over and helped get my chair and then I was able to finish getting ready.  My arm has a bruise on it, but things could have been much worse I'm sure.
After I got dressed I finished up our morning routine with her grooming and then we introduced Ro to our dremel so that I could trim up her nails.  She did such a great job of relaxing and letting me do them, especially since I know it isn't one of her favorite things.  Barb also showed me how to clean her ears. Then we took her out for a poop and to play some retrieve.  She also closes the front door so well now, both when leaving and when we come in.
When we were done, we came in and practiced some of the things she is being trained to help me with like stretching my legs (she will lay across them to hold them in place during my leg spasms) and then being able to bring my wheelchair back to me.  She has been doing a fabulous job!  Barb has also been working with me to be able to train Ro in new skills by myself, so I have been teaching her 'Visit'.  For our first day, I'd say she is doing amazing!!  So proud of her! :)
Next, we left for lunch.  We went to Panera Bread (one of my favorites) and she did focused really well even when people were like "Aw, look at the cute puppy!"  She even grabbed the Panera card from the man behind the counter and gave it to me.  She sat very quietly under the table and we practiced the 'leave' skill which means she doesn't eat food that falls on the floor, stop to sniff anything while we are walking or try to be pet from anyone.
After that we came back to our house and walked over to Kohls and King Soopers.  Each store we practiced working on skills like leave, down, sit, etc.  And during our walks I was trying to make sure that she was right next to my chair where she needed to be.  She is doing a great job of looking over to check her positioning while walking and I'm finding the need for my corrections to be less and less.  The last thing we did was walk over to Post Net to fax in a few documents to finalize her pet license.

For our first day out it was pretty successful!  Ro has already crashed on the floor and I have to admit I'm pretty tired too!  Just typing this out made me realize how much we actually did!

'Umbilical Cord Bonding'

Day Four:  Today we did one last training session before we start our umbilical cord bonding time together!  I was so excited that me and Ro were able to do the routine things well together!  We woke up about 5am and I took her outside to pee.  Then we came in and I got ready myself.  Then I got the grooming table out and brushed Ro's fur and teeth.  I also gave her a massage.  We are starting to really trust each other and she even laid down on her side and let me feel her paws, ears and legs.  I'll be doing this each day to make sure she stays healthy.
Barb came to the house in the morning and we went outside and had Ro go to the bathroom.  I got to pick up my first dog turd! (haha!)  That was...weird!  Then we played some retrieve which was fun!  Next, we came in and since Riley still hadn't been out from under the bed, Barb helped me get him out and we introduced them again.  He did o.k. but isn't overly thrilled about the situation yet.  We made sure he got some food and water-then closed the bedroom door so he had to stay out.  I really wanted him to use the restroom because I'd hate for him to get sick.  After we took care of Riley, we went over some more of the cue's to use with Ro.  Barb would demonstrate and then I tried them.  We put a tug rope on the front door, and worked with her so that she can close it for me.  The threshold of our door is pretty wide, so I have a difficult time trying to close it.  I'm excited that she will be helping me with that!  We reviewed the ways that dogs learn and then talked about me and Ro's personalities and the process that CaPR goes through in order to find matches. I think that we are working well together-each day has it's ups and downs, fortunately more ups than downs though!  (Also, before Barb left, she snapped this photo of us!)

After Barb left, we did some laundry together and cleaned out the fridge.  I think Ro is learning that I like to clean a lot!  I just talk to her and she looks at me like she's interested it what I'm saying and wags her tail.  I'm starting to learn some of the things she does, like her little 'boof' when she hears something.  The first time she did it (in the middle of the night) I about jumped out of my skin!  Since I have never had a dog I don't really know what to expect.  I was glad that Barb had told me about the REM sleep of dogs, when she sorta talks and twitches/runs in her sleep. I would have been nervous about that too I imagine!  We also cuddled on the couch again watching some TV.  It rained again, but not anything crazy like yesterday. Hopefully tomorrow Riley will come out with us too!



Day Five:  This morning Ro went poop for me!  How special right?!  Well I was excited that we were able to do it alone.  Then we played some fetch and came inside.  We did the morning routine and got her all brushed and ready.  Then we had breakfast and watched the news.  Today we just relaxed most of the day.  Watched TV, took a nap on the couch together.  We also played retrieve/sit/down/stand in the house and she did such a great job listening to all the cues.  Did a few chores and then watched some videos that Barb gave me of Ro when she was a puppy (so cute!).  There were also skill videos so I got to watch Barb and Ro doing the skills that we have been practicing.  I also refreshed myself on our placement manual.
This evening I took Ro out to go the bathroom again, and she had done such a great job listening in the house that after she peed (and I thought we had waited long enough to see if she needed to poop) that we played fetch.  Well wouldn't you know it-she went a little out of the area I could reach to clean up-and pooped! GREAT!  I just watched and inside was thinking "NO RO!!" and tried to get her attention, but to no avail-she had already done her business. If there wasn't rocks right there I would have tried to wheel out and get it, but I didn't want to tip out of my chair!  So then I tried to find a neighbor to help me clean it up, but none were home...guess we'll have to wait till I can find help to get that one cleaned up.  Oops!  You learn from mistakes right?!  I didn't want to end the night on that note, so we ended the night on the positive with more cuddling!

Day Six:  Today we did our morning routine.  Then we came home and watched some TV, played some more fetch and relaxed.  Barb also called and we went over some more of the materials in the placement manual.  Then I decided to take Ro for a walk outside.  We went and got the mail and walked around our apartment complex.  She did FABULOUS!  After yesterday I have to admit I was worried that she might not listen all the time because it can be hard to get her attention with distractions, but today was so great!  We passed three strangers and she didn't even look at them.  She was focused on me and made sure she didn't get to far ahead or behind me as we went.  Two dogs were also nearby and she didn't even notice because she was paying such close attention.  Also, when we left the house she closed the door without any problems and then closed it when we came in as well!  We seemed to be in sync today, hopefully we can do that tomorrow as well!  We will be going out with Barb for our first public field trips, so it will be an exciting and exhausting day.  

Day Three

Today we started by having Ro go for a ride with me in the car!  On the way into the building today it was my day to take charge and give Ro all the cues for opening doors and getting to the classroom.  At times it was a bit frustrating because the door wouldn't work, then it would open and I wasn't maneuvering fast enough and it would start to close before we had even set ourselves up to go through!  Needless to say it took awhile to get to the room!   After we were in the room we did a bit of exercise and then fed her, followed by grooming her!  Today we also practiced using a dremel to file her nails down and I think it went pretty well (for our first time as  a team at least!).  Once we finished all of that we reviewed some of the materials we had been over yesterday and then proceeded to test our skills with the elevator.  This went much smoother (in other words I didn't leave her behind!!)  Maybe we just needed a warm up for the morning!
For the afternoon we came back to our house to let Ro get a feel for it.  She had already been here a few times so she was comfortable relatively quick.  Then we went over some reading materials about how dogs learn and different ways of teaching them.  This was also the first night that Ro would be staying overnight!  So once training had finished for the day, Barb left and it was just me and Ro.  (Well Riley was here...but he is still under the bed and has refused to come out). 
The first thing we did was just sit and talk for a bit.  Then I took her out to go the bathroom and we came in and turned on the TV.  Ellen was on!  But evidently we were both pretty tired because we fell asleep on the couch!  What woke me up was her running in her sleep-it was very cute!  I decided we should just have some cuddle time for a bit and then we did some laundry and picked up around the house.  I figured she might need to use the restroom again, so we went outside and while she was going potty it started to get really windy.  Then all of a sudden lots of lightning and thunder started happening and it started to POUR!  So once she finished we rushed inside and the tornado warning sirens started going off.  So I flipped the TV on, turned it up and went to the bathroom with Ro because that is our 'safe spot' in the house.  I could hear the TV saying how the purple area on the radar was right over where we were and that there could be a possibility of tornadoes because of two storms coming together and creating wind.  It didn't last long, only about 15 min...but it sure made for an exciting first evening together! 
Well, I am heading to bed-both Ro and I are pretty tired and have more exciting things to learn in the morning! :)

Day Two

Today I really enjoyed myself during training!   First we practiced having Ro get in and out of my car so she could get used to it.  We also worked on some of the daily things I will be doing with Ro like bathroom breaks, grooming and ways that she will be helping me with stretching my legs.  Although we still need practice working as a team, I think today went really well.  We were starting to get the feel of where each other needs to be when we are going down hallways and such.  The hardest thing I think so far is managing getting in and out of doors!  when we both can't fit I have to figure out which side I want her on and then whether her or I goes first and having enough leash, etc!
We also talked about how to keep her safe and the body language of dogs so that I can hopefully begin to read Rowena well and anticipate things.  Tomorrow we will be at my work one last time and then coming here and she'll be staying the night!  I hope things go well with her and Riley.  Today Riley decided to sit on me and lick my arms and rub all over my wheelchair the moment I came in the door-I think he wanted his smell on me rather than Ro's!  I'm very tired, but still need to help Zane get everything all packed up.  Long day, big changes! :)

Day One

Today we signed all the adoption paperwork and began our placement training!  We did a lot of talking today about the public etiquette that Ro and I will have to follow.  (Making sure she is clean, not aggressive or disruptive, and does not solicit attention are some of the standards).  I think that these will be super important and anyone thinking of having a service dog should make sure they take them into consideration when applying.
We also practiced some of the cues that I will be using with Ro to navigate around.  We practiced sit, side, heel, let's go, wait, here and having her look at me when I call her name.  (There might be more...but I can't think of them right now!)
We also got some more things to take care of her among them were: food, tooth brush, leashes to try out, tags, and of course toys! :)  She loves to play and I am really looking forward to taking her on walks as well!  So far I've had a great experience and I am really glad that I went with CaPR for getting a service dog.  I agree with the way they train their dogs (positive association) and so far they have been incredibly helpful with any questions that I have.  I really like that I have Barb to help us learn how to work together.  I am also really excited for our 'umbilical cord bonding' time when Ro and I get to hang out together alone for a few days.  This will also be difficult because it is the first time I will be away from my children overnight...but I think that having Ro there will really help so that I'm not lonely!