A True Music Lover

By Fred
One thing I've come to accept is that dogs don't care for my piano playing. For years and years our dogs have consistently snubbed me, usually by leaving the room at the first note. A few would literally boo me and howl before they walked out. Even our good-natured guide dog puppies have run politely into the kitchen to escape.

Then Jam came along. As a little puppy he sat patiently while I played and would gaze up at me as if to say I really love that. But the fact is that Jam hates to be alone. He hates it so much that he will put up with anything. The look he gives me probably translates to this: Can we please, please leave now?

Now we have Corky, who runs over when I play and seems to enjoy it. He's a sweet boy and is probably just being kind. We'll be getting his ears checked for sure.

A picture of Jam and Corky sitting under the piano.

Crossing the Koi Bridge

We have a lovely wooden bridge that Fred built that goes over our koi pond.  Last week Corky, a Southeastern Guide Dog in Training, learned how to walk over it without falling in.

Fred and Corky ease up to the bridge.

Fred explains the bridge walking concept to Corky.

Corky shows a little anxiety by yawning.

There was a moment of hesitation on Corky's part, so Jam showed him what to do.

Fred waited until Corky felt comfortable. and then when he did, boy did he let loose!

They start over the bridge.

Smooth sailing up to the hump.

Corky stops to smell something.

 All in all it was a successful backyard exposure.  We did the bridge the opposite way and there was no hesitation.  Just a smooth walk on and over.  Now he crosses it with a leash easily.  When they are this little, as puppy raisers, we are supposed to find the little things to show them and build their confidence.  This bridge was something easy for him to do.  Now when we do a big bridge over a river or a wooden walkway by the pier, he will already have experienced something similar and can think back and say, "I've got this."

Go Corky!

Corky Snuggles Up

By Fred
At a dinner party this weekend I tried to explain to our friends why it is fun to have a small puppy in the house, in particular to have one puppy after another for the past six years. I could tell they weren't buying it. I didn't even believe the crap coming out of my mouth. After all, an adult dog is so much easier to manage. So what is it about a puppy?

Waiting for breakfast

First, Corky is not your average puppy. After just 10 days here he seems completely comfortable: he knows the mealtime routine, he naps at just the right times, he plays with the right toys, and he poops in the right places.

Kissing up

And he knows just how to handle Jam and Willow. He loves to snuggle up.

More Kissing up

And yesterday I found him snuggled with Willow (unheard of). He knows not to torment her.

Corky resting his head on Willow's butt

But he does require some extra attention. He sometimes wakes Cheryl up in the middle of the night, and he interrupts my work occasionally. So what is it about a puppy? I have no idea--they're just fun.

Another nap, with Corky's nose as the pillow

But we haven't forgotten Dewey. We have his postcard in the kitchen, and we wish him well. (No pressure, Dewey.)

A postcard of Dewey wearing a Lei.
To the side it says "Greetings from Florida"