Puppy Blossoms

CAT

2012-01-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day back to work after Christmas holidays. When everyone got up this morning, we were all a little groggy as we ground back into our work day routines. Greg led the charge down the stairs this morning to let the dogs out for their morning pee. I was coming behind them. When I reached the kitchen, Greg was outside and I could hear him screaming Bentley's name. First thought, "oh no." I opened the door and there was Greg and all three dog's, Greg yelling "Bentley" and all the dog's barking and going absolutely wild on the deck.

When Greg opened the door to let them out, he saw a blur of brown fur go running off the deck towards the north side of our yard. Seconds later, the blur went running back the other direction, this time the blur included 3 dog's in hot pursuit. When I came out, the blur had landed back on the deck and Greg was trying to keep the dog's away from it. I remember thinking, raccoon. When it leaped 5 feet, straight up and stuck to the side of our house I was still processing what the creature was. It all happened so fast, but seemed to go in slow motion. It was a cat, a Siamese cat, tiny and stuck with all claws onto the side of our house. It was so scared that it peed as it hung on, and then lost its grip and fell in-between the decking and the side of the house. When he popped back up with the dog's in pursuit trying to reach it from under the deck, he managed to land on our metal BBQ with all claws trying to catch a grip on the slippery surface. It was hissing, screaming and swatting at every chance it got. When it slid off the BBQ, it landed on a small piece of decking behind it. The girls gathered behind Bentley, as he led the barking assault on the poor thing, trying to get it, but getting swatted at instead. I kept thinking of how the breeder that Bentley came from told us that the Springers she kept in the large pen at her kennel never let a cat make it out alive if one dared to jump in. I knew I had to rescue the cat. I climbed down the side of the deck, in my slippers and wearing my house coat while Greg was in the house trying to find food to get Bentley's attention (it didn't work.) I managed to get behind the cat and pick it up. With all legs pointed straight out and away from me, he just kept swatting and hissing towards the dogs. Some how we managed to get me in the house with the cat (legs, claws still pointing straight out and stiff as a board), where I was able to put it down on the front step. He stayed there for about a 1/2 hr. before finding his way out of our yard. Poor thing.

Bentley is obsessed with anything that moves in our backyard and will sit at the windows waiting for something to move, a bird, a squirrel or the dog's that live 2 acres away. This experience has floored him and now he is absolutely thrilled to get outside and take a tour of the yard, as if we needed this. How does this happen to us? You can't make this stuff up.

Bentley Meets the Neighbour's Malamute

2011-09-20T09:05:00.003-06:00

Well, Bentley escaped from the backyard this weekend and it turned bad for him. I was at the grocery store when I got an urgent call from Greg that Bentley was hurt. Our neighbour was walking her Alaskan Malamute, who similar to Bentley, isn't friendly towards other dog's. Bentley ran straight towards the dog and got a chomp to his muzzle. Bentley ran away and hid in another neighbour's garage, where Greg had to go and carry him from. This happened on a Sunday afternoon and after evaluating his bite, which was about an inch long and gaping open, we decided we had to make a trip to the emergency vet clinic in down town Edmonton (open 24 hrs.) Greg had to fly out of Edmonton on business at 10:30pm, and so not knowing how long the trip to the vet would take, I ended going by myself with Bentley. The vet who looked at him immediately determined that Bentley needed stitches and would have to be sedated. So, as I waited for the administrator to total an approximate bill, I texted my friend Moira to share what had happened. Luck would have it, she was only a couple of blocks away and said she would come by to visit me. After gulping at the quote for Bentley to get fixed up, Moira arrived and rescued me and took me to her house. What was only supposed to take a couple of hours ended up 6, so by the time I got Bentley back, it was 9pm. He has 4 stitches on his muzzle and 3 in his mouth above his canine tooth where the vet discovered he was also injured right down to the bone. He had a restless night, the vet said he would be 'wierd' coming out of the anesthetic. Now he is supposed to keep quiet for 10 days. Since we moved here, Bentley only runs when he is in the backyard (for hours at a time) and his favorite place is the trees where he sniffs for squirrels, frogs and birds. He is sleeping on the couch this morning and I hope he can stay satisfied like this for another 9 days.

Peaceful Morning

2011-09-13T18:41:00.000-06:00

All dogs chill with me when I do my morning stretches.

Clipper & Breton

2011-09-13T18:23:00.000-06:00

Happy 5th Birthday Bentley Boy!

2011-08-24T06:50:00.000-06:00

All Towelled Off

2011-07-15T22:21:00.002-06:00

Bentley raided the neighbours vegetable garden. The girls tried to get him back, but discovered the swamp water in the ditch instead. All three dogs got hosed down and Greg and I got swarmed and eaten alive. Dogs are towelled off now and Bentley is currently asking to go back outside.

"Three Dog Night"

2011-02-08T22:08:00.001-07:00

‎"Three dog night" started with Eskimos and means a very cold night--so cold that you need three dogs around you to keep warm.

Conditions Observed at: Edmonton City Centre Airport
Date: 9:00 PM MST Tuesday 8 February 2011
Condition:Clear
Temperature:-15.3°C
Wind:SSW 8 km/h
Wind Chill: -20

Dreaming of warmer days.

Nala

2011-02-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my girl, Nala, taken by a reporter from the Edmonton Examiner for an article about DWW. Nala is from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. She was donated to us in the Spring of 2010. School's across Canada and the USA often donate dogs to eachother as away to support eachother's breeding programs and to help eachother grow.

I have been Nala's trainer for nearly a year. She is one of the many special dog's I get to work with. Nala just turned one year old and loves to practice her Service Skills. In the photo we are demonstrating how to get her to use her paws for things like hitting wheelchair buttons or closing a door. I love ya Na Na!

Snuggley Morning

2011-01-31T20:19:00.001-07:00

Pathways through the Snow

2011-01-18T19:13:00.002-07:00

We have had almost 50 cm of snow so far for the month of January; the most snow seen here in years! Boulevards and side streets are ploughed as high as or higher than minivans. We have had to dig out poo alley more than once and make additional pathways in our back yard for the dogs to get around. Along with the large amounts of snow we've had, it has also been cold! Too cold for doggy paws to stand outside for too long, so the pathways in the backyard have helped make efficient relieving for the dogs. The snow has filled up areas along the fence and garage to where it's hard to believe that our fence is 6' tall because the snow has piled so high up against it. If the dog's really wanted to, they might be able to hop the fence now. It is very scenic; the trees are weighed down heavy, houses are tucked in tight, pathways from endless shovelling and ploughing have created giant snow banks all around the city making it feel like a mountain village. Here are some of the pathways we have created with our shovels for our four legged friends at home and at work.

Stairs off the deck, buried, at the enterance to poo alley.

Post Christmas Hedge Hog

2010-12-29T18:38:00.002-07:00

Christmas Morning

2010-12-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve Bentley

2010-12-29T18:25:00.002-07:00

Bentley

2010-12-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Christmas Girls

2010-12-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Breton

Clipper

My Puppies

2010-12-22T12:01:00.001-07:00

Breton, Bentley, Clipper

Happy Fall!

2010-09-24T07:37:00.003-06:00

Summer Post

2010-09-08T18:11:00.005-06:00

I've been waiting for inspiration to post pictures from our summer vacation with the dog's, and today I think I got it. For the first time since Spring, I have turned on the furnace; it is going right now. The weather is rainy and dreary, the leaves are changing color and at the dog park today, I noticed leaves on the ground. I think a summer post is definetly needed to brighten this day.

There is a fenced field right on the highway in Clearwater. It is actually school grounds, but during the summer, no one is there. We camped in Clearwater our first night, and let the dogs run here twice. It is perfect for anyone passing through with dogs.

Once we arrived to the Shuswap, the dogs swam every day. If you were to ask them, it was one of the best vacations of their lives. They were in complete bliss.

Swimming led to lots of sleeping. This picture is a gem; who knew we would ever get a picture of Bentley, asleep on a beach!

Clipper was so tired after her morning swim that she climbed back up into the trailer when we got back, and curled up on our bed and went straight back to sleep.

Smokey day on the boat.

Look! There's a pirate on the boat!

Our Clipper in Jasper, showing off her well behaved self infront of a busy coffee shop while Greg went inside for coffee's. We were sitting beside two well behaved (beautiful), five-month-old, chocolate lab's when I took this picture.

Clipper on the home stretch. She had enough of being in her kennel and decided that she would rather be on her kennel instead.

What a great holiday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENTLEY BOY!

2010-08-26T22:24:00.001-06:00

I am sitting here thinking, I really need to post some of our pictures from our summer camping vacation to the Shuswap this year, but I'm still not feeling ready to make a post on that yet (no particular reason, just not inspired yet). So, as I am struggling to think what to Blog about, it occured to me, just now, that it is in fact Bentley's BIRTHDAY today and I forgot!

Bentley is FOUR years old today.

I feel guilty for not having a toy for him today and for the fact that I got home late and not only did he have a late dinner (or no Birthday dinner), but, he didn't get out for a bike ride like I planned to do with him this evening. When I got home, I loaded the girls into the van and took them to a park in the neighbourhood for a quick game of fetch, and even though the sky quickly got black and the wind picked up, I thought I would still have time to also take Bentley out for his exercise (and mine). I was wrong though, the streak lightening stopped me from taking him out. So, had I remembered his Birthday, I most definitely would have gotten him out first.

We will have to make it up to our B Boy this weekend. Greg is out this evening and I am sure he has forgotten what day it is too. I guess it's a good thing that Bentley is a dog and really has no sense of what the heck "today" is.

Happy Birthday to our most special Boy Dog!

Lots and lots of love to you always Bentley.

Free as a Bird

2010-08-15T16:12:00.006-06:00

PUPPIES - 7 Weeks Old

2010-07-20T17:12:00.001-06:00

Izzie came with us. Izzie is from Macey's first litter. She is eleven months old now!

Izzie with her mama.

Some More of the Many Looks of Bentley

2010-07-20T17:04:00.000-06:00

He cracks us up.

Beautiful Clipper

2010-07-19T20:47:00.000-06:00

Glory Girl

2010-07-15T16:07:00.001-06:00

Thinking about Glory girl. She came to stay with us last year at this time. She was released from the Dogs with Wings training program because her temperament wasn't fit for service work. She was adopted by friend's of her puppy raiser's who have a lovely chocolate lab. I saw Glory about eight months ago and she looked great. She loves her new family. It would be great to have another visit from this sweet girl.

Rain, Go Away

2010-07-13T21:46:00.000-06:00

Rain, go away, so that we can go out and really play.

We are Getting Closer!

2010-07-13T08:16:00.002-06:00

Bentley has been given a treatment plan for Atypical Cushing's Disease after results came in yesterday. Like many stories of health, his story hasn't been an easy one to figure out and his test results have left everyone wondering if there is more going on. The test should have shown multiple hormones to be all over the place, but just one hormone was considered abnormal, which shouldn't surprise us at this point, should it? Sometimes thyroid tests come back with false negatives, and so at my request (based on the advise of his dog groomer), I suggested we do further testing on his thyroid, and more extensive tests. Did I say extensive, I meant, probably, expensive tests. Oh well, we have come this far, and there is a nagging in my mind that there is more going on, and when I asked the specialist, she agreed and felt it was completely reasonable to do more testing on this thyroid. She offered the testing at her clinic or his normal clinic, so back to his normal vet...

His dog groomer saw him yesterday and took one look at him, and before I could get a word in, she was all over his thyroid. She raises spaniels and has seen his symptoms in one of her dog's before. She even asked if he has lost weight, which is funny, because thyroid problems usually mean dog's gain weight. Bentley has lost weight and has been part of the reason we have backed away from thyroid problems. She said her dog lost weight and the fur on her dog looked just like Bentley's.

We are supposed to begin a treatment of Melatonin supplement to treat his adrenal gland in the mean time. In the end, if it is just Atypical Cushing's, we have months ahead of figuring out a treatment plan that works for him. We have to keep him on Melatonin for four months to see if there is a difference. If there isn't, then we will have to start him on a more aggressive treatment. We'll deal with that when we get there.

Clip's First Camping Experience

2010-07-10T18:40:00.004-06:00

We went camping last weekend. It was my first time, and although it was a short trip, I had a great time! Bentley and Breton seemed familiar with lounging in dirt. I wasn't familiar with that, but I sure was comfortable with it! I got free range of our campsite, while the other two were tied to trees. The one whole day we were there, we spent at the river, swimming after tennis balls. It was great! Mom and Dad rode their bikes to the river with Bentley and Breton each attached to a bike, and I trotted along after them, right through the campground. I guess it was a small enough place that Mom and Dad felt comfortable letting me just tag along like that. After a day of running, swimming and hiking, I was beat. I climbed up into the trailer at bedtime, hopped up onto my bed, and didn't move until 9am the next morning. Bentley and Breton zonked out beside me. I think that was one of the best days of my life. I hear we are going to B.C. soon, and spending lots of days camping. I can't even imagine how much fun I am going to have there.

Cushing's Disease?

2010-06-29T20:25:00.002-06:00

Cushing's Disease is back on the table. Bentley saw the specialist yesterday and she feels he might be A-Typical Cushing's, meaning he may be presenting differently than what classical tests for Cushing's Disease show. He spent most of the day yesterday at the Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Center. He had another injection of a different steroid and the blood work from that is being sent to a Veterinary University in the USA for the results. It will be another couple of weeks before we know the scoop. I don't want him to have Cushing's Disease, or any disease, but I think it would be a relief to know what is happening with him so that we can start treating him. His poor coat is getting worse.

A Visit to see Macy and her Babies

2010-06-26T09:10:00.000-06:00

J-Litter

25-Days-Old

Their eyes are open, they are eating mush (goats milk, yogurt and ground up kibble), playful interactions are beginning and their little teeth are pushing through their gums.

Three Boys (Orange, Yellow, Blue)
Three Girls (Black, Rainbow, Red)

Macy has settled right into her mama role with her second litter. She is doing a great job! Soon she will be teaching them the rules of play as they begin looking to her as a playmate.

"Many have forgotten this truth but you must not forget it. We remain responsible forever for what we have tamed." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Enjoying the Last Weekend of Spring

2010-06-20T21:47:00.003-06:00

Freedom Moves On

2010-06-12T23:37:00.003-06:00

Freedom is moving on tomorrow to become an official Austism Service dog for a little boy. It was a pleasure to train and work with Freedom; he has a fun spirit that his new family is going to love. Good luck Freedy Boy!

Breton and Clipper had one last play at the park with Freedom today. All of the dog's had a blast in the water! Lelo is the only one I can identify, she is wading into the water, still learning to swim (4 months old.) Breton, Clipper, Freedom and Kia are all swimming back.

Liver Testing

2010-06-12T08:51:00.002-06:00

Bentley goes for more liver testing on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that something shows up.

Crated While Mom Washes the Floors

2010-06-11T20:55:00.000-06:00

Clip-Dip has Allergies

2010-06-10T21:38:00.005-06:00

The results are in! Our vet called me this afternoon with the preliminary results of the allergy tests we had done on her a few weeks ago. I still have to pick up a copy of the report, but here's what I remember her allergens are from the phone call:

Various types of grass
Various types of pollen
Various types of fungi/mold

Chicken
Corn
Brewers Yeast
Kale

I changed her diet to Wellness Simple Solutions (Rice and Duck) a few months ago when we began suspecting allergies. We put her on a food elimination diet where she could only eat this hypo-allergenic food. Her ears cleared up almost immediately which was a relief. However, once the snow started melting, I knew her allergies were more serious. It was in April when we really noticed Clip chewing her paws, licking herself and scratching her itchy muzzle on the furniture, the carpet or with her nails. Now, a minimal dose of Prednisone seems to be providing releif along with her diet. The vet said it won't be uncommon for her to have flare ups along the way, where her scratching or dirty ears intensify, and then we will have to treat her for those flare ups. Hopefully now that we know her triggers, we can do our best to keep her comfortable. Once the snow comes back, we can take her off of Prednisone (I hope.) One reason to be greatful for living in the land of winter.

It is a relief that Clipper's line was removed from Dogs with Wings training program. It seems to keep showing up that it was the right decision to make. As these dogs are getting older, it seems problems continue to arise with them. It would have been such misfortune for a service dog user to discover their service dog had developed an allergy to something as common as grass, so short into their working career together. Clip is still a young dog, 2 years old, hopefully it's good health for this girl from here on!

Bentley Update

2010-06-10T21:17:00.001-06:00

Back to the Liver (not treats)

Testing on Bentley to figure out what's wrong with him hasn't ended. Our vet hasn't given up on trying to solve what's going on with him. His poor coat condition, patchy and dry, is particularily strange. Anyway, lets hope further liver testing will help point us to the problem. It's hard knowing something's not right with our boy, and not being able to solve it.

Hydra

2010-05-27T20:19:00.002-06:00

HYDRA
January 28, 2009 – May 25, 2010

Dogs with Wings staff, volunteers and Crestwood Veterinary staff are mourning the loss of our beloved, Hydra. Hydra was put to sleep on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 25, 2010 due to liver disease. Hydra charmed people with her expressive brown eyes and wrinkly brow. No matter how ill she was feeling the opportunity for a run in the field with her doggie friends always lifted her spirits. We will relish the precious happy moments we witnessed and shared with our Hydra. Our greatest wish for her now is that she is running hard, resting comfortably and is at peace with her momma, Libby, in doggie Heaven. Good bye Hydra, your love and spirit have created many kindred spirits. We love you.

I had the special honor of working with Hydra as my designated dog to train when she moved into the adult program in February. Our moments together were too short. Thank-you Hydra for loving me back. I miss you.

NOT Cushing's Disease

2010-05-21T17:14:00.002-06:00

We got Bentley's test result back from Tuesday, and Bentley Boy was able to suppress his cortisone out put at the four hour and eight hour time intervals after he received the injection of simulated cortisol. Although the test is sometimes false negative, we are ruling Cushing's Disease out for now. Diabetes Insipidus http://www.surroundedbycats.com/di-whatisit.html is suspected now, but before a diagnosis is made, further testing to rule out kidney or liver problems will be done. We won't know more about further testing until sometime next week. I brought in another urine sample today from his morning pee, and the result came back diluted. Diluted means his body isn't able to recycle his water as well as it should, so dehydration is a risk if water isn't always available for him. I will post more as we know more. Thanks so much for all of the concern expressed by those who know our Bentley. B Boy is a special dog!

Sadly, and Much too Early, a New Journey Begins for our Bentley

2010-05-18T08:05:00.003-06:00

CUSHING'S DISEASE

Bentley went to the vet on Friday because I was worried about the amount of water he has been drinking and the accidents he has been having in the house. The good doctor (I think he is great) pulled up his weight history and we discovered Bentley has lost roughly 20% of his body weight over the last year. I have been trying to figure out what has been going on with his coat too, for the last "two" years, it has been getting patchy and dull. Blood work and a urine sample was given and I got the call yesterday about the results. Bentley has very high levels of a hormone called cortisol in his blood and his urine sample was dilute. This points too Cushing's Disease, a disease that effects either the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, or the adrenal gland, near the kidneys. In healthy dogs (and people), the two glands communicate together to balance stress hormones in the body that affect blood sugar, metabolism, muscles, kidney function, immune system, etc. Bentley's glands aren't communicating properly and so now we have to find out which gland is being affected by a small tumor. If it is the adrenal gland, surgery can remove the tumor and essentially cure him of Cushing's Disease. If the tumor is on the pituitary gland, surgery to remove it is not performed on dogs and he will have to go on medication. 80-85% Of dogs have the tumor on their pituitary gland. This disease is more common in older dogs and Bentley is only three.

Today, Bentley will spend the day at the vet to confirm the diagnosis by receiving a low injection of simulated cortisol. A healthy dog will stop producing cortisol when the injection is received. From here, the next step will be to determine where the tumor is.

Group Picture

2010-05-16T10:13:00.000-06:00

Bentley

2010-04-22T20:21:00.001-06:00

Bentley found a pond in a field of clay/mud.

2010-04-04T18:09:00.003-06:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Clip

Bentley Boy

2010-03-21T17:26:00.001-06:00

My Handsome Dandsome Boy

Breton Treadmilling

2010-03-21T17:20:00.000-06:00

Here is our Breton, treading away on the treadmill. She is holding her leash, ever so gently, in her soft mouth while she walks. She is getting better at the treadmill now, and can look at me and walk at the same time ;)

March Mud

2010-03-21T17:14:00.001-06:00

To me, there are few things better in life than those first warm days of Spring. What's better is letting my dog's run and play in the puddles and soft mud at the dog park the first week after the snow has almost melted away. It is pure joy for all of us.

Muddy Dog Snow Angels

Happy First Day of Spring!

2010-03-20T18:28:00.000-06:00

Bentley Treadmilling

2010-03-18T20:10:00.001-06:00

We purchased a treadmill for our three furry companions last weekend. So far, everyone is taking to it quite well. This video of Bentley is early in his experience with it. He will come downstairs on his own now, and just stand on it, waiting I guess for someone to turn it on for him. He gets in the zone on it and just trots along. I will upload video of Breton and Clipper too. Clipper is like Bentley, eager to try anything new, and think about it after. Breton thinks about new experiences first. It's funny because she is still learning to walk and look at me at the same time. When she watches me, she stops walking, and the treadmill carries her away, then she looks down and starts moving her legs again. She's my cautious girl.

I thought I could turn the volume off of this upload, but sadly, you will have to listen to me say "Bentley Boy" over and over, and you will also hear BBC's, Top Gear, in the background...Bentley's work out music.

Pups on the Pond

2010-03-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Freedom (far left), Hydra (left beside Bandaid), Flash (right beside Bandaid, looking at him in a suspicious way), Haven (front)

A couple of weeks ago, I went with Dogs with Wings (DWW) to "Pups on the Pond", a fundraising event for the Edmonton Humane Society put on by the Edmonton Oil Kings. The public got to bring their pet dogs to the hockey game that night, and we went to bring awareness to the community about DWW. There was quite a contrast between our dogs, who are socialized to being out in public from the time they are seven-eight weeks old, to the pet dogs who were there. Most of the pets were quite stressed, barking at fights that broke out on the ice between hockey players, howling to the sound of the air horns or peeing in the lobby. Most of the pet dogs were uncertain of the big mascots walking around the arena, but DWW dogs hunkered in for a photo shot with "Bandaid".

Symmetry

2010-03-07T20:27:00.002-07:00

Breton

2010-03-01T18:48:00.002-07:00

I love my Miss!

"The Field"

2010-02-26T22:00:00.001-07:00

Every winter since we adopted Bentley, we have found different parks or fields for him to run his heart out in. These are pictures from the field that we visit this winter along with a summarized list of the adventures it has brought us (so far).

I lost my cell phone here.
Breton ate a piece of deer hide in this field which cost us $800 in vet bills.
Bentley was drawn out of the field by construction workers, shingling a roof, who threw scraps at him from the roof to get him off of their site. He might have left sooner, except for an uneatten taco he found and devoured under their work truck.
Clipper ate the rabbit poop trails which kept her in the field, rather than jumping into the van when it was time to leave.
Bentley and Breton were introduced to Clipper here, on a dark Friday evening with the van's high beams providing light for them to run.
We've been alerted to leave, late at dusk, by yips and howls of Coyotes nearby.

We'll probably go back tomorrow.

Feels Like Spring!

2010-02-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Clipper

2010-02-26T18:17:00.004-07:00

Two-Years-Old

2010-02-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

"Happy Birthday Breton & Clipper!"

Clipper

2010-02-02T21:48:00.002-07:00

Welcoming & Loving our CLIPPER

We have a new member in our family

Our house is full of doggy love

Breton's sister

She spent the first two nights of her life in Edmonton with us two-years ago

Now, she is back to stay

because now, she is ours.

Clipper Breton

Chill-axing at the House in Banff

2010-01-03T20:59:00.006-07:00

Hiking in Banff

2010-01-03T20:39:00.003-07:00

New Years 2010

2010-01-03T20:15:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year!

Bones

2009-11-12T10:37:00.007-07:00

Thanks for the Bones, Grandma & Grandpa!

Halloween Bentley and Breton

2009-10-31T17:13:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!

Bentley's costume lasted long enough for pictures.

Freedom Service Dog's 2009 Spirit Conference

2009-10-12T19:29:00.005-06:00

Maria, Elisa, Finn, Flash and I went to the 2009 Spirit Conference held by Freedom Service Dog's last week. I was absolutely in all of my glory there, soaking up as much information as I could. In between sessions, I admired dogs from other organizations and watched their handlers. I was so impressed to hear the sound of clickers and to see no choke chains on dogs in all of my observations. There were forty dogs and one hundred attendees. I brought Flash and Maria brought Flash's brother, Finn. They flew in the cabin with us and to my amazement and pride, Flash tucked right under the seat infront of me and handled the flight with ease. Finn curled up at Maria's feet in the bulk head. Finn is a big boy and probably would have been uncomfortable scrunching under a seat, but I have no doubt he would have tried anyways if he had to. When we landed in Denver, we took a shuttle to Freedom Service Dog's facilities and had a tour. Flash and Finn were the only dogs on the shuttle and they got to hang out in their kennel facility and play while we toured. From there, we drove to Estes Park where we stayed at Aspen Lodge. The drive was nearly two hours from the Denver airport. Flash and Finn most definetly stood out as two of the best dogs at the conference (true, I am biased, but we had loads of compliments on them and they were a pleasure to have a long with us). During sessions, both of them would curl up under or behind our table and go to sleep. Breaking when we did, otherwise, taking time to sleep where they could. Unfortunately, we couldn't let them off leash for much of a romp because there was a mama bear and her cubs who had been hanging around the lodge (we didn't see them) and it wasn't safe for them to run free. Instead, we let them play together in our cabin.

On the drive back to the airport, there were five dogs in the shuttle van and you would haven't known it. Actually, I didn't, I thought there were only four. Finn slept on one of the dogs, and poor Flash, tried to get comfortable with Finn and the lab he was curled up with, but found it more to her comfort to sleep sitting up instead. On the return flight, Finn and Flash were both so tired that we all thought they could have easily flown to Europe if that's where we were destined. Flash didn't even lift her head or crack an eyelid when we landed in Edmonton. I have fallen in even more love with Flash and her brother Finn after our two nights together and am so proud of their puppy raisers, adult raisers and Dogs with Wings for these two gems. I would have been proud to take any of our current dogs to the conference with us because I feel I now have an even deeper appreciation and respect for the dogs we raise. Way to go Dogs with Wings and all of the Volunteers who make our dogs who they are! I feel we truly have much to be proud of!

Breton Waiting for her Mama to Come Home

2009-10-12T17:43:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-10-12T17:38:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Breton's Got a "White" Eye?

2009-09-22T20:32:00.003-06:00

Looks like someone's been into the drywall dust from our basement that is "Under Construction."

Calendar Poses

2009-09-21T15:58:00.003-06:00

Bentley's Fall Haircut

2009-09-21T15:53:00.004-06:00

Before & After

"I" - Litter Pups Four and a Half Weeks Old

2009-09-11T16:04:00.001-06:00

Walk in the Rain

2009-09-06T21:48:00.005-06:00

Dog's waiting at the back door for a towel rub down after our walk.

We got caught in the rainfall today. It started raining five minutes after we left the house but instead of turning around, we enjoyed our wet walk. On the home stretch, there was a loud crack of thunder that made all of us jump, but otherwise, it was a nice Sunday afternoon walk.

Love

2009-09-03T09:52:00.005-06:00

Dogs with Wings' Puppies

2009-08-30T19:50:00.001-06:00

Labrador/Golden Retriever Cross Puppies

Happy Birthday Bentley Boy!

2009-08-26T15:35:00.001-06:00

Bentley is Three!

This year we noticed a big difference in Bentley's ability to chill. He is very content to lay on his back and receive belly rubs (his favorite), sit at the front window and keep an eye on the neighbourhood or snooze on the couch. This year, he did destroy one Blackberry, chew one cell phone and disfigure a T.V. remote control but that was it for the year (I think). Our walks no longer feel like I am trying to keep up with him and I feel like we are walking together now. It has taken thirty four months of daily walks to reach this point, but well worth the gift of the bond it has created and the wealth of lessons he has taught me along the way. He is a special dog and I love my Bentley Boy very much! Happy Birthday Bentley!

Sunday Relaxing

2009-08-23T16:58:00.002-06:00

A Puppy Moment

2009-08-22T20:49:00.015-06:00

Bentley was eight months old the last time he did any significant damage to the house; he chewed through the baseboard and drywall on a corner of the wall. Breton was eighteen months the last time she did any damage. She turned eighteen months a couple of weeks ago.

You know those "puppy moments" when out of nowhere they get a sudden burst of energy and start running around in a frenzy of pure hyperactive wildness that only last seconds? When Breton has one of those moments, she tucks her tail nice and tight, her bum almost touches the floor and she guns it like a speed boat with its aft in the water and its nose in the air.

Breton had a puppy moment last week. She opened it up in the bedroom and made a mad run into the hallway where she did a tight 180 degree turn back into the bedroom and smacked her hip right in between two studs of the bedroom wall. That was her first lap, and it didn’t stop her. Greg and I were dumbfounded as she ran in and out of our room, Greg holding Bentley who watched on in awe, and me wondering if her hip was okay. Her hip was okay, the wall not so much; one for Breton, zero for the house. When we showed the wall to my seven-year-old Niece, she said, "If Breton hit it ten times harder, she would have fallen outside."

New Blog

2009-08-21T13:07:00.006-06:00

http://puppyblossoms.blogspot.com/

I've changed Breton's Blog address because now that she is no longer working to become a service or assistance dog with Dogs with Wings, I would like to keep blogging about her life with me. I would also like to include stories about my Springer Spaniel, Bentley, and blog about other dogs in my life. This blog is no longer going to be just about Breton and so watch for more changes (and stories) to come!

Shannon, Breton & Bentley

New Blog Address...

2009-08-19T15:18:00.002-06:00

I am going to change Breton's Blog address and hope that those who read my Blog will continue to do so. Breton's Blog link is going to be removed from the Dogs with Wings Website shortly, so if you would like to continue following, you may want to save the current address to your favorites. I will post the new Blog name and link in a few days.

Thanks!
Shannon & Breton

Amigo's

2009-07-24T17:51:00.003-06:00

No Blonde's allowed!

King Bentley and his girl's

Glory Girl

2009-07-24T17:27:00.001-06:00

Glory

2009-07-17T20:52:00.007-06:00

Introducing our house guest, Glory! Glory is a sweet 6-month old Labrador Golden Retriever Cross who is in training with Dogs with Wings. She came to us on Thursday evening and is fitting right into our routine.

It's not hard to tell that Bentley is the oldest dog of the three as he is quite content to maintain his lazing about with not much interest in play time with Glory. Breton on the other hand has made me so proud as she is a good helper in showing Glory the ropes and is also a good play friend for her. Sometimes I wonder who the older dog is as Breton often initiates play time.

Yesterday, Breton, Glory and I went to the off-leash park together and Glory was Breton's shadow the entire time. When we arrived home, I got Bentley and then took all three dogs for a long walk around our neighbourhood. If the girl's weren't tired after the park, they were certainly tired after their walk. It's a pleasure having Glory in our home and I look forward to more postings during her stay!

Summer Vacation 2009

2009-07-12T17:54:00.006-06:00

Mom and Dad took us to the Okanagan in B.C. this year for summer vacation. We found it very hot for us dogs the first three days we were there, but the last three were cooler and that was okay by us. We went swimming every day which was a dream come true for a water lover such as myself. Mom and Dad's friends from Vancouver joined us with their two Bernese Mountain dogs. I especially liked Mischa cause I think she's closer to my age. I tried many times to entice her into wrestling matches. At the beach, Paisley tried to play with me, but I was always more focused on my ball. Us four dogs were the talk of the campground. People would walk by our campsite just to see to see if there were really four of us in one site and when we went for our evening walks together, people would always come out of their campsite's to see us. I think it was probably Mischa and Paisley who drew people to us, but that's okay cause we would get scratches too. Speaking of scratches, was I ever itchy by the end of our trip. That confused Mom cause I was given preventative medicine to stop fleas from making me itchy. I got a flea bath anyways when we got home and that stopped the itching and I feel much better now.

I'm comfy in my space as we began our road trip.

Here we are at the Saskatchewan Crossing for pee break #2 (of many).

We arrived at the campsite at six o'clock (it took eleven hours to get there) and this is Bentley waiting patiently for Mom and Dad to set up camp.

This stake in the ground was my nemesis. This is my high alert look as a bicycle went by as Mom snapped the photo.

Mischa and Paisley arrived! Bentley met them last year and he was happy to share our site with them again this year. Paisley is enjoying a nice roll in the cool grass.

I think this is Paisley coming up behind me.

Every day when we came back from the beach, us dogs curled up on the grass and went to sleep. The humans sat with us to keep cool on the grass too.

We slept in Revelstoke on the way home and this is us posing outside of the hotel with Mom.

Breakfast and pee break (#1) in Golden the next morning. We weren't too sure if Mom and Dad were going to leave us behind here.

I'm told we have another long drive coming up to go visit Nan and Pop in Winnipeg. By the end of this summer, I'll have visited three Province's!

2009-06-20T23:53:00.001-06:00

Good Luck Schooner!

2009-06-20T21:04:00.003-06:00

Schooner is moving into the Adult program on Monday and tomorrow, he is leaving his puppy raiser family and moving in with his new adult raiser family. Schooner and Breton are good friends and loved spending time at the off-leash park together. Today, Leah and I took the dog's to the dog park for one last run.

Good luck in the adult program Schooner! Breton and I will miss you at the park. I know your destiny is big as you take another step forward, and we are proud of you (and your momma for the job she has done raising you).

Leah, Breton and I are always up for a walk at the park with you. I know she would love to hang out with you any time you are craving some canine companionship.

Pool Time

2009-06-15T16:50:00.013-06:00

Oh, hi there! Yesterday I was hanging out in my wading pool. I was skeptical in the beginning of exactly what Mom wanted me to do with this pool thing. It wasn't like it was a pond or the river at the park, you know, something to swim after sticks in. This was just a small, cold little body of water that barely went over my elbows. I watched my brother go in and dig around in it, splashing the water all about. When he got out, I decided to test one paw and then two and then I found myself standing in it. I enjoyed dunking my face in it, but basically I discovered it was just a great thing to stand in.

Bentley, chillin' and supervising (but mostly chillin').

I think he felt the pool was too small for the two of us. More pool for me.

Ah, Mom! She caught me coming up for air here.

Stony Plain Farmer's Day Parade 2009

2009-06-01T17:29:00.008-06:00

It was one year ago, almost to the day, that we participated in the Farmer's Day Parade in Stony Plain and on Saturday, we marched in the parade again. We had a very good turn out of volunteers and their dogs, and even had Caper and Elliott, two of our 2009 working Autism Service dogs and their families walk in the parade with us. It was very special to see the two dogs working with their families and to witness the joy in the children they were with as we walked in the parade together.

May 30, 2009 Farmer's Day Parade

June 1, 2008 Farmer's Day Parade

Clipper

Elliott - Working Autism Service Dog

Caper and Elliott with their families as we were about to turn left down the next street through Stony Plain

Leah gave me a ride back to my car at the end of the parade. This is Breton wrestling with Schooner, her brother, in the backseat on the way to dropping us off. Schooner is a true host by allowing her to beat him up in his car.

Love you Miss May

2009-05-27T17:12:00.003-06:00

Here is a link to a touching story about our beautiful May and her boy, Brenan. She was placed as an autism service dog on May 3 in St. Albert and I have posted this link to share her success. I worked with May at the office for the last four months of her adult training and I am so proud of her!
http://www.stalbertgazette.com/news/2009/0523/scene.htm

Sandicast

2009-05-12T12:41:00.004-06:00

Two months ago, when Breton was still in the Puppy Program with Dogs with Wings, we had a class at West Edmonton Mall and our instructor had us walk into a store with Sandicast sculptures to see if our dogs would have any reaction. Breton barked and put the breaks on at the entrance of the store and wouldn't go inside. She was scared of the sculptures at the entrance and in particular of the wolf sculpture that was in the front. When Breton was removed from the program, aside from having failed her hip exam, there were temperament challenges Breton had that were of concern to the head trainer. Dogs with Wings agreed to allow me to keep working with Breton to see if I might be able to help her over come some of her challenges so that hopefully she can still become a therapy dog. We have been practicing at an easy and relaxed pace since then.

Today, we went to the same store that caused her so much anxiety a couple of months ago, and had success. The wolf sculptures weren't there, so I'm still not sure how she would react to seeing those now, but there was a life size black lab who was in the front holding a sign that said "Welcome" (could that be anymore inviting). Breton sniffed it and the other dog sculptures while I clicked and treated and she stayed nice and relaxed.

She also has difficulty with fast moving objects, IE. electric wheel chairs and bicycles but we've had some positive experiences with bikes recently so hopefully I can continue to keep her moving forward around those anxious kind of triggers.

I am proud of her success today.

Morning Play Time

2009-05-06T17:57:00.001-06:00

Hanging with her Bro's

2009-05-06T17:18:00.003-06:00

Rigger (left), Breton (middle), Digby (right)

Looking Like a Puppy (but not)

2009-05-06T17:15:00.003-06:00

Almost 15-Months Old

New and Old Friend's

2009-05-06T16:11:00.005-06:00

On Sunday afternoon, Breton and I had the pleasure of hanging out at the park with Ros, Dudley, Robert, Amelia and Michener. This was Breton's boarding (fun) family when we needed a puppy sitter last year. December was the last time she was with them. When she caught sight (smell) of her home-away-from-home family, she quickly ran up to them and gave each person a warm greeting as an old friend would.

Breton and I were delighted to meet Michener (Mich), a two-year-old German Shepherd who is Dudley's guide and came to Edmonton in February '09 from a guide dog school in California. Mich is a big beautiful boy (29" at the shoulder) who reminded me of Everest - a real gentle giant.

Breton and Michener got along fine and Breton hopes to have another play date together with Mich again soon (she enjoyed stealing his stick away and of course being the gentleman, er, dog that Mich is, he obliged).

Nicknames (and Rafter's Debut onto the Blog)

2009-04-26T15:50:00.023-06:00

When Greg and I are talking about the dogs, we use nicknames for them and use their given names when we are showing them affection, praise or giving them a cue. This way, when they hear their given name, they almost always pay attention.

Do you have nicknames for your pets? The most recent one I've found myself saying to them (including the bird) is "Hello Moto" from the Motorola commercial, and what's worse is that I use that same robotic voice when I say it. Maybe I should be embarrassed to let this information out into the world so openly but, here are some of the nicknames we use for our pets:

BRETON a.k.a.: Miss, Missus, Munchkin, Pushkin (okay, most of these are reserved for conversation between Breton and I and a select couple for conversation between Greg and I), Stinker, Stinky Girl, Peanut, Precious

RAFFI a.k.a.: Rafter, Crafter, Raf, Walter Cronkite (after the CBS anchorman), Cronk, Cronker, Walter, Word, Birdie (Rafter, Raffi, Raf and Birdie he repeats back when he is talking)

BENTLEY a.k.a.: Handsome, Dansome, Gentley, Rentler, Bud, Bentley Boy, Benty

Does it take a few minutes to think back to the nicknames you have called your pet? It's funny for me to see how the nicknames for our "Lovelies" have evolved.

Thinking About Puppy Raiser's

2009-04-23T12:26:00.008-06:00

Dogs with Wings has been busy with puppies and adult dogs over the last couple of months:

The two new litters (G & H) have started their journey in the puppy program and are bonding with their puppy raiser's.
The first phase of Breton's litter, the Nova Scotia litter, have left their puppy raiser's and moved into the adult program, with the remaining pups to enter in the coming weeks. The F-litter will be entering the adult program shortly too.
There are adult dogs who have completed their training journey and moved into their destined role as guide, assistance or autism service dog. Soon, the office will be full of dogs at the beginning of a new cycle of adult training as the remaining older dogs are coming to the end of their adult training journey.

With all of the changes happening, it has got me thinking of the puppy raiser's. Those who have recently began a new puppy raising journey, those who have (or soon will be) letting their dogs go on to the next phase of their training journey and for those who are seeing the dogs they raised from puppies to adults entering their destined partnership that they worked so hard to help them get to.

Here is a link to a poem called, Puppy Raiser's Prayer by Melanie S. Meenen. If you are a puppy raiser, maybe this can help you right now. If you have read it before, it's a nice poem to read again from time to time.

Puppy Raiser's Prayer by Melanie S. Meenen:
http://home.earthlink.net/~quint407/rsrpryr.html

Cheers,
Shannon & Breton

Today, Breton was Relaxing...

2009-04-16T21:08:00.006-06:00

...whilst the muddy puddle water from the park baked warmly into her fur...

... and whilst eating her dinner this evening (notice she was sitting - a first)!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T13:17:00.002-06:00

Sunning on a Sunny Spring Afternoon

2009-04-10T22:02:00.000-06:00

Spring Walking (Running, Wrestling, Tugging) at the Dog Park with Schooner

2009-04-09T18:05:00.005-06:00

Look at that fit looking boy!

A Schooner & Breton Play Date

2009-04-02T10:28:00.001-06:00

Breton (left), Schooner (right)

Transitioning

2009-04-01T12:57:00.008-06:00

Breton is doing well. She has been hanging out in her new crate off and on for the past week and even stayed home in her crate with the door closed almost by herself on Sunday. Greg was working in the basement and I left to do groceries while Breton stayed in her crate. Greg kept his ears open, and didn't hear a peep out of her. When I came home, she was laying down in her crate and looked very relaxed. We leave the door open to it when we are home, and she has even gone inside it on her own and fallen asleep a couple of times since introducing it to her.

We are looking at getting her involved with The Chimo Animal Assisted Therapy Project and will update the blog when I know more about how we are going to be involved.

I've found it sad on the past couple of Nova Scotia dog training days, as we are no longer able to attend. I miss being a part of that now. We still hang with her brother Schooner and his puppy raiser Leah, at the park on Tuesday's and Thursday's and will be joining them tomorrow for a play date. I will try and get some pictures of them to post.

Thank-you for all of your support and comments about Breton's news and I will keep the blog posted as to where this change takes our special girl. Sincerely - Shannon & Breton

PS -
Yesterday I had a procedure done at the hospital and had a mild sedation for it. When I came home, both dogs were concerned and interested in all of the hospital smells I brought with me. I was tired and slept the rest of the day on the couch. For the first hour I was home, Breton "raised" onto the couch (feet on the floor) and rested her head on my chest while I slept. Therapy dog?

Tundra

2009-03-24T22:16:00.000-06:00

On the plane to Phoenix - Tundra's first flight with volunteer Puppies in Flight employee from US Airways.

Frog Boy

Last Wednesday, we had the joy of having Tundra in our home for three nights. She is a member of the H-litter, who all went to their puppy raising homes on the same day we brought Tundra home. Tundra's mama is Brooklyn, who is a DWW dog and her father is Fire, from a guide/assistance dog school in Pennsylvania. DWW agreed to give them a puppy in exchange for Fire's role in the creation of the six beautiful puppies that he sired.

Tundra had a chaperon from US Airways Puppies in Flight service fly to Edmonton to pick her up and take her back to Pennsylvania so that she didn't have to fly in a crate in the belly of the plane. They had a gruelling flight itinerary that was initially supposed to have them to their destination on Sunday, providing they made all of the flights (I think he was on stand-by as an employee). Anyway, when he met Elisa and I in the airport, he only had twenty minutes before his flight left. I found out on Monday that they didn't make their flight out because customs had closed before they got there! They ended up spending the night at the Nisku Inn and flew out on Sunday morning (pre or post snow fall, I'm not sure). From what I understood, they were staying at his home in Phoenix until today when they could make the final legs of their journey.

It was a real joy having Tundra and even after only three days with her, my stomach got knotted up and my eyes were teary when I said good-bye. It was the cutest thing when I turned back to watch them walk away, puppy under arm, with legs, tail and bum hanging freely as they headed toward the elevator to the departures level.

When Elisa forwarded me the picture of Tundra on the airplane seat, it made both Greg and I miss the little girl. Good luck Tundra!

2009-03-24T22:14:00.001-06:00

Breton's Journey as a Future Guide/Assistance Dog Ends

2009-03-17T23:38:00.007-06:00

On Monday we learned that the results from Breton's PennHip exam on Feb. 11 weren't good. I admire Dogs with Wings for their commitment to raising the very best of dogs who some day enter service and are healthy, even tempered, happy and well trained for their job. The standards they set are high as it is very important that the person who receives one of their dogs doesn't have to worry about things like possible health issues in the future. It wouldn't be fair to the client or the dog. Breton's test results show that she is at greater risk than they can accept for future hip degeneration or arthritis and therefore has been removed from the program.

We have lovingly welcomed Breton into our family as a permanent member. We will put her on a special diet, make sure she stays trim and gets lots of exercise in order to prevent possible problems from ever beginning with her hips.

I am looking around at other programs within the city where she can still be of service as she loves to work and has such valuable skills to offer.

As for me, I hadn't expected this to end so quickly, and now with two dogs in our small house, we have some serious decisions to make about raising another puppy in the future. For now, I have other projects on the go with Dogs with Wings, and so will still get a regular dose of puppies and dog training.

Puppy Blossoms

By Shannon Northcott

You were given a seedling for one year to foster and help grow. Most seed packets come with instructions, but instead they told you they would help cultivate the young life in your care and one year later, when it blossomed you would give it back. They were looking for an extraordinary flower and only that type could do. You knew the standards were high, but felt the odds were favourable.

Roses, Baby’s Breath and Forget-Me-Not's mean love, but wouldn’t do.

Marigolds are comforts of the heart, and Junipers symbolize protection.

Ivy represents friendship; Lilies and Orchids, beauty; and the Daisy innocence.

Although these flowers would bring joy and love to the lives they touched, they couldn't do the job.

You doted over the life in your care, nurtured and helped it to grow.

Just before it blossomed, they tested the flower that was going to open. They said you did your job well and that it wasn’t your fault.

Your flower belongs to the bouquet of love, comfort, friendship, beauty and innocence.

There is an entire bouquet of extraordinary flowers, and as much as you wanted your flower to belong there too, it just can’t.

Breton's Second Weekend in Banff

2009-03-17T14:41:00.000-06:00

Bentley enjoying the view

The view!

Chasing snowballs on Lake Louise