She Follows me Everywhere

Breton opening the door to the bathroom so that she can be with me.

UH - OH! Busted!

As I was coming out of the kitchen into the living room, right before my eyes, Breton jumped up on to the couch as if she had done this many times before, and curled up on it like she even had a "spot" there. Breton is not allowed on any of the furniture, and we have been so diligent about keeping "four on the floor", always. Recently, we began teaching her the command "raise", where she will put her two front paws up on surfaces about as high as a bench (or couch). The idea is, she is to learn only to do this when asked, and eventually she will use this skill for jobs such as handing a casheir her owner's credit card if need be. I had the camera on the kitchen counter, so as I was telling her off (notice how she's looking away from me), I had to sneak a photo. Doesn't it tell two stories? Bentley is permitted to sit up there (only since we adopted Breton) and she is laying in his favorite spot! Ha ha! The couch is his safe spot from her puppy ways.

Early Fall Pictures

Our river otter, fetching a stick

Breton is 9 Months old Today!

This month Breton was a busy girl!

• She went on vacation to the Hank's for 12-nights
• She participated in a Rodeo
• She attended the 2008 graduation ceremony and gala for this year's "Dogs with Wings" graduates
• She went with me to my niece's horse riding lesson and she got to sit by the horse while he was groomed and had his riding equipment put on.
• She got to play in the first snowfall of the season

We continue to practice her on and off-leash walking, her recall and stay command. She is getting good at the command "leave it" and this makes going to the grocery store easier. She hasn't gone up the escalator yet, but we keep trying very gently. She enjoys walking right up to it but isn't quite confident enough yet to put her paw on it. I think it's coming though. Maybe next month I can report that she can do escalators now. She came with me to my night class last week and was quiet and slept most of the time - good dog!

Breton, Sable and Forester getting their YEEHAW on at RODEO MAGIC!

Sisters, Breton (left) and Sable (right)


Breton in a down-stay. Look at all of the distraction going on behind her! Good dog!


Sable - "There's a mouse in here some where, I just know it!"

Farmer Forester

Forester - Handsome boy

What a fantastic morning we had at Rodeo Magic! The Canadian Finals Rodeo 2008 is here in Edmonton this week, and we got to be a part it! Rodeo Magic is a private event for children with special needs. Each child gets paired with a CFR contestant and they get to participate in a number of rodeo style activities. The dogs were happy to receive lots of pets, treats and attention from the kids! Breton and Sable (sisters) are shown above, as well as Forester who is from the F-Litter and is one month younger than the girls (you wouldn't guess that by their size difference). Caper who is just over a year old, was there too but I missed getting a photo of this good boy. Caper is from the same breeder in Nova Scotia as Breton and Sable and was a very good role model for the younger dogs. Yeehaw!

Now you See me, Now you Don't . . .

We had a fantastic dinner at Bob & Elaine's on Sat. night. There were two other couples who like us, bid and won this special dinner at a silent auction for charity, at Greg's work. We haven't been out bid for three years in a row - it is a dinner one can not afford to miss.

Breton came along with us this year. Elaine was the only one there who had met Breton previously, but she and Bob are both fond of dogs and said it would be okay to bring her along.

When we arrived and we were doing introductions, a spouse of one of Greg's co-workers asked me,

"how do you know that she isn't going to have an accident in the house?"

I found myself thinking, what do you mean accident, she's almost 9 months old - easy question and so I replied, confidently,

"she's house trained and she doesn't really do that any more."

I am still cringing from saying this, because I should know so much better than that.

We ate exceptionally well that evening, from appetizers to an outstanding three course meal, followed by Bob's renowned coffee. All the while, Breton slept famously beside me on the floor, or under the table. Occasionally she got up to go to the kitchen, or follow myself or Greg if we got up to use the bathroom. We took her out for a pee break every hour we were there. I wasn't taking any chances after boasting so highly about her well mannered self, not if I could help it.

Twice, we watched Breton from where we sat at the dinner table take a tour down the stairs to the basement and both times, she she came right back when called. The first time, faster than the second...

Greg called me this morning after he got to work and after having a good laugh with Elaine. Evidently, Bob & Elaine found a present in their basement from Miss Breton after we left. I know it was extra special too, because she left it for them without eating it.

Humbly yours,
Shannon & Breton

Breton is 8 Months Old Today!

Hi there! It's me, Breton. My human got me up this morning and before I knew it was having me sit-stay and down-stay all over the living room while flashing that thing at me that she puts in front of her face. It's a good thing she had cookies to keep me focused cause other wise, that mean looking kitty sure looked like a good chew toy. My other human picked me up and weighed me on the scale and both humans were laughing because now I "weigh" only two pounds less than my foster brother, Bentley. Here's an update about this month:

• I weigh 48 pounds!
• They call me a chew monger cause I'm growing more teeth at the back of my mouth. My bone is so soothing.
• My working vest has been adjusted twice to fit me. Don't you just hate it when your vest straps are riding up your chest?

Today is a party cause I get to go back to the Hank's for vacation! I'm so excited to see them. Mom and Dad are excited too, but I'm not sure why. Anyway, catch you later!

- Breton (tail wags and wiggles)

An Update from the Nova Scotia Puppies

“See our Vest”
By Shannon Northcott
Originally: Beauty and the Beast – “Be our Guest”
By Walt Disney

See our Vest! See our Vest!
Put our service to the test
Strap a jacket around our chest
And we will do our very best

Treats du jour
Watch that curb
Our vest means, do not disturb

We are learning
Don’t believe us? Ask our puppy raiser, so discerning
We can sit, we can down
After all we are renown, the best in town

Verbal praise
Loose leash walk
Wait and forward, around the block

We’re not gloomy or complaining
In fact, we are entertaining
We love to play and do tricks
Especially when we intermix

8 Months old and behold
Breton, Sydney, Sable, Clipper still going two-fold
And uphold, Schooner, Rigger, Digby are wonderfully controlled

See our Vest! See our Vest! See our Vest!
Get your worries off your chest
Our Command is your request
And we are doing our very best
For your safety and your ease
We do indeed, aim to please

Life, it is so unnerving
For a puppy who is not serving
We strive to leave it, stay and come for someone
So deserving

Independence, companionship
Guidance, freedom and protection
We work for your affection

Alas, we are yearning class by class, one by one
Until they sing, “you’ve earned your wings”
And all will raise their cups
But for now, we keep on learning as we are still pups!

See our Vest!
See our Vest!
See our Vest!

Loose Leash, Food Distraction and Recall

I believe Maria said that those are the three most important skills for a guide/assistance dog to learn. Today we practiced food distraction by putting a small amount of kibble in a container on our deck and some tasty wieners in my food pouch to reward her with. As I placed the kibble in the center of the deck, Breton watched me or actually, the kibble very closely while drool bubbles leaked from the corners of her mouth. We practiced by walking in a large circle around the kibble, and as she would look towards the kibble, I would say "leave it" and then reward her with pieces of wiener from my food pouch. After bringing her inside, putting the kibble away and praising her for what a good job she did, she went back outside to find that the darn bowl of kibble was gone. It had been sitting there so readily for her to gobble up too, "what the heck Mom, what the heck?"

Today, I Got the Funniest Picture of You . . .

S M I L I N G

(Click on photo to have a closer look)

Happy First Day of Fall!

I took numerous pictures of them posing like this and decided to put this one up. It's not perfect - neither one of them is focused on the camera, Bentley is falling a sleep and Breton is intent on believing there is still one more piece of wiener on the step below her. I had to post this one though, because this one is the most real of all the photos I took. Happy Fall!

"Run, Breton! Run!"

Then & Now

May 1
Sept. 19

Breton Goes to School: y = f (x)

I have resumed math classes again on Mon. and Wed. nights at Metro Continuing Education. I asked Metro if it would be okay if Breton joined me, and they agreed with the condition that she wasn't a distraction to others and that no one in the class had an allergy to her. At the end of our first class together on Mon., people commented on how good she was and that it was like she wasn't even there. No body had allergies and the teacher told me she could continue for the rest of the semester. How surprising for me to find out that having her there would be so difficult for me!

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch:
I learned that Breton can chew one piece of kibble, three times (crunch, crunch, crunch) and also while doing so, be taking in a breath through her mouth similar to a Darth Vader sound. It felt like sitting in a room full of people who were in deep concentration, and having some one in the back ground eating carrot sticks.

Rich Puppy Smell:
Breton was sound asleep at my feet and I was taking notes when the all too familiar Breton smell began wafting its way up to me. This girl can clear a room and I know the people around us were all victims while she slept soundly. Sigh.

Feet Cuddles:
During the three hour class (with a 10-min. break), she would sleep for 20-minutes, and then wake up and move around my chair, and in to the isle behind us. She settled once on the feet of the man sitting beside me at my table, and he said that he enjoyed having her there. I had to bribe her with kibble to move her closer to me.

We were at the park for an hour that morning and an hour before class. She's coming with me again next Mon., as Greg is unavailable to take care of her.

Trouble

7 Months: Growing Up

We no longer have a baby, but a young dog. Breton's age is now compared to preteen/early teenage years in humans. We have moments when she looks at me blankly when I call her name, or instead of barreling towards me at an excited speed when called, she meanders a bit first before coming. On the plus side, I have noticed as she is getting older that we are sharing more of the sweet and calmer moments.

We are getting to know each other better and she is becoming much more of a partner. I feel this most when we are walking together in a public place and she is in jacket, right beside my leg keeping with my pace, as if she was always meant to be there. I feel so proud of her and know that who ever it is she is placed with as a future assistance or guide dog, they will be very honoured to have her as their partner.

Banff Cave and Basin

We walked from the Cave and Basin in Banff on the trail called the "Sun Dance Canyon" hike, and although we didn't actually make it to the canyon, we walked with the dogs for about an hour and a half. This was their first real on-leash walk together and "loose" leash walking would be a rather "loose" way to describe the walk (especially when the trail horses went by). Note to Self: Drinking Starbucks coffee while walking both dogs together does not work.

"GUIDE" not "GUARD" Dog

We had a great weekend in Banff, and we were so proud of our doggies who were exceptionally well behaved while we stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel. Not a bad first hotel experience for our little Miss. The first night when we were sleeping, Breton wasn't too sure of the sounds, and so when she heard someone passing by our room, we were awoken by her
"W-o-o-o-f - woof, woofing" and the bajeezes were scared right out of us. She was better the second night.

The two of them sure got us a lot of attention. One person asked if Breton belonged to the hotel (maybe they've stayed at the Fairmont Vancouver) and a couple others asked if I was the "dog walker" because they saw me walking Breton and then Bentley at separate times I guess. Nope, just a proud dog mom.

Playing Tug-of-War

Bentley is the growly one but if you listen closely, Breton is growling too.

Relaxing Together

Our Girl

Practicing Down Stay at Starbucks

Here is our girl focused intently on me while I enjoyed my coffee.

BOO!

Scary, round, alien thing! She's never encountered a bush like this before, and who can blame her for being nervous of it? It is kind of suspicious looking, all round and prickly like, with the dead bits on it looking like little hands. She did conquer her fear and made peace with it by giving it a good sniff and a tail wag before we passed by. Funny girl.

A Slumber Day at Crestwood Veterinary Clinic

Thank-you Dr. Scott and everyone at the Crestwood Veterinary Clinic for keeping Breton comfortable yesterday and for helping her on her way to becoming an assistance or guide dog to someone who truly needs her; no pups for this gal, as she is well on her way to becoming a working girl!

Bentley tried to get her to play with him, including parading in front of her with her Nylabone and chewing it while she watched. Nothing worked though, she was just too sleepy.

Time Out

Bentley and Breton had other ideas about us airing the tarp out.

Having a Good Wrestle

Bentley and Breton going at it after two weeks a part.

THANK-YOU HANK'S FAMILY

Thanks so much for taking such good care of me while my humans were away. I sure had fun at your house and I hope I can stay with you again some time. I especially like playing with kids, and there aren't any of those at my house. As you can see here though, I've got some time to make up with my brother, Bentley. I love wrestling with him cause he's so easy for me to beat. We were really happy to see each other and have been playing and hanging out together lots since I got home. Anyway, just pausing here to say thanks and that I hope to see you again soon!

Lots of Love (& tail wags),

Breton (woof)

Before & After

August 6

August 22


After 16-days at her boarding home, when I picked Breton up yesterday, I could see a difference in her size as soon as I saw her. That's probably because I'm her mom, but also because she did grow (I'd be worried if she didn't)! She has more of a bum now, and her neck and chest is getting bigger all of the time. It's funny how their body parts don't all grow together at the same rate. When we brought Breton home, her legs were so short and tail so small. Her body looks extra long right now. That's okay by me though, cause that means she is still a PUPPY, and a cutie cute, cute, cute!

Canine Comfort Opens Closed World by Scott McKeen of the Edmonton Journal

Please click the link below to read this touching article written by Scott McKeen of the Edmonton Journal. It is an article that reflects how special the Dogs with Wings Autistic Program is. It is about Texas, a 2-year old yellow Lab who has recently began using his "wings" and is now living with and providing comfort, assistance and hope to an autistic boy and his family. Please read the article, pick up the Edmonton Journal, and pass it on.

http://www.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=9de76464-2f30-451a-b641-8ec4b6aaa5ab&sponsor=

Missing Miss SIX Month Old Breton

It has been two weeks since we last saw our little girl. She has been staying with a wonderful family in Edmonton while we have been away on holidays, camping at Scotch Creek Provincial Park in the interior of British Columbia. I know, I know, why couldn't she come with us for a camping trip? Well, to be honest as much as we love having her with us all of the time, it was a bit of a break for us as well as our doggy, Bentley. He didn't have to share any of our attention for the last two weeks and we know he has enjoyed having both of us all to himself. He went for swims and walks every day, got to sleep right beside us in the tent and had tons of belly rubs. It was good for the three of us to spend that time together. Breton turned six months old while we were away, and I took a picture of her the morning I dropped her off at her boarding home. That was on August 6 and is the picture shown here. I am so excited to see how much she has changed over the last couple of weeks and I can hardly wait to pick her up and recieve one of her famous wiggle worm greetings. I call it a wiggle worm greeting because she turns into a worm of wiggles, moving her hips side to side and her tail round and round as she struggles to get as close to us as she can to say hello. Two more days until she comes home!