Library Log: Written from Beneath a Desk

Hello, dear readers!

I write to you from beneath a desk at the public library while Mom cranks out her final essay.  It's surprisingly spacious down here--I have plenty of room to flop on my side (Mom is trying to teach me that this position is called "Settle," although I seem to do it naturally!).  My girl has been typing away for three hours now, so apart from napping and keeping an eye on her to make sure she's okay (PUPdate: she is), I have not much to do.  Thus, I write to you!

If Mom could spare a minute right now, she'd tell you that I'm acing my training, especially right now.  I have tried to be as invisible as possible in the library, and it's working!  So many people haven't even noticed that I'm here that sometimes I wonder if they can even see me.  Is my vest an invisibility cloak?  Who knows--it sure seems like it!  I really know "Under" now, too.  I understand that when a desk, chair, or table is in sight, I should probably tuck myself under it and wait there until Mom leaves with me.  Some people might think that I don't like being "Under" constantly, but it's actually not too bad--it's cozy, kind of like being in a crate, which I love (although not as much as snuggling in bed with Mom--shhhh don't tell anyone that she lets me sleep with her!).

Even if I look like I'm sleeping, I'm still very much on the job!  I work K-9 to 5 (well, actually 24/7).

 I have some exciting news: I might even get to be a light mobility dog.  What does that mean?  Mobility dogs help with--you guessed it--mobility for their handlers, like pulling a wheelchair or bracing to help with balance.  As a light mobility dog, my job is a little bit easier: I just help Mom when she's having an episode of really painful knees.  I might even be getting a special harness for the job!
  Mom is also training me in light guide work, mainly just leading her to an exit so I can help her out of the public eye.  The command right now is in Latin, but hopefully I can get to a point where I can just intuitively understand when she needs me to kick into guide-mode.

I need to go now because Mom needs the computer to type her essay, but stay tuned for my post on Spoons tomorrow!

xoxoxo
Kelsie Iris


Check out these posts of mine:
SD team etiquette -- http://kelsieiris.blogspot.com/2015/04/dos-and-donts-of-encountering-service.html
Confused?  Here are some terms and abbreviations -- http://kelsieiris.blogspot.com/2015/04/as-abbreviations.html    

Pupdates, Cupcakes, and Bracelets

In just a week, I'm headed to California to see Mom's home for the first time!  I can't wait to meet my kitty cat brother and sister and my human Auntie.  I've already traveled to so many states since I was fostered in the south, but I'm still excited to see a new place.  I'll make sure to give summer PUPdates, especially since I'll be taking my two tests!

Playing in Nathan's Garden

But now for a PUPdate for the past couple of weeks: I've continued my training my Mom and am still learning so much with every training session and every On Duty outing.  I had my first unvested On Duty public appearance, since it was too hot to wear my vest, and I'm slowly learning that I can still be On Duty even without my vest--a Service Dog, after all, is still a Service Dog with or without her vest on.  It's an abstract concept for a pup to learn, but Mom says I'm doing well, which means I must be doing something right!  With my vest on, though, I can't even try to be humble, because I'm rocking it.  The other day, Mom went to dinner with a friend, and I did a Down-Stay underneath the chair next to her the whole time without her even needing to ask me.  I know I can definitely pass both the CGC and the PAT at this point.  Hopefully, the school recognizes me as a Service Dog soon, especially once I pass my two tests--wish me luck!  While not on duty, I've been snuggling with Mom because thunderstorms are scary for me, and I've also been exploring a secluded, magical fairyland called Nathan's Garden--it's filled with ferns and wildflowers and is a perfect place for a pup to sniff around.  I have discovered that I love playing in water and will splash around whenever I get the opportunity!  I hear California has beaches, so I can't wait to play in the ocean.

Mom's new medical bracelet

Mom now has a medical ID bracelet that she wears around the clock.  It says, "In Case of Emergency, Do Not Separate from Service Dog."  It matches the tags I wear on my vest and collar so that if an emergency should ever occur, Mom and I will not get separated.  It's so crucial that I stay right by her side so I can do my job--if I'm not with her, then I can't keep her safe and comfortable, and that's particularly dangerous in an emergency.  Now, with the bracelet, people will know not to try to divide us--we go together like peanut butter and jelly!  And even if it's not an emergency, I should never be separated from my girl anyway--separating a SD from her handler can have serious consequences, even in day-to-day situations.  I plan on sticking right by Mom's side where I belong, and I'm glad that she now has the bracelet to prove it.

All my love,
Kelsie Iris


Check out these posts of mine:
SD team etiquette -- http://kelsieiris.blogspot.com/2015/04/dos-and-donts-of-encountering-service.html
Confused?  Here are some terms and abbreviations -- http://kelsieiris.blogspot.com/2015/04/as-abbreviations.html