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<title>I am NOT a snack....Scooter's Adventures in South Korea</title>
<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea</link>
<description>Dogster diary for the dog Scooter</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Scooter &amp; Dogster</copyright>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:06:40 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>All I Can Say Is WOW....</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/727534</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 5 Jul 2011 14:58:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/727534</guid>
		<description>Mom has totally slacked off on my Diary on here, but she still keeps a handwritten journal of my adv ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom has totally slacked off on my Diary on here, but she still keeps a handwritten journal of my adventures.  Maybe this will get her to type them up and post them.

So, she opens her email this morning and there it is.  Dog of the Day.  Awesome!  I wonder if that means I'll get some sort of treat later?  Hummm.

I guess I really need to update everyone on the basics....

Still in South Korea.  Don't know when we will be transferring home.  It should have been in February.  Then they said March (during the last week of Feb).  Then it was moved to April, then June.  Who knows.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>P-p-p-poker face</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/663788</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:05:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/663788</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, March30th

Since Dad has been on wacky schedules for at least the last 18 months, he hasn ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, March30th

Since Dad has been on wacky schedules for at least the last 18 months, he hasn't been able to hit the weekly poker tournament at the Navy Club.  Regulars can earn points or something towards the quarterly invitation only tournament that has a bigger payout than the weekly $200/150/75 gift cards plus top 9 getting a free buy-in for one of the weeklies.  Mom thought Dad deserved and really needed poker night since he could have a couple of beers.  She also joked that if he placed in the top 3, he could just give her the gift card since her birthday is coming up.

One of the guys that works with Dad was there as were several other acquaintances.  Mom decided she'd play and worst case scenario, I'd lay in her lap.  We had to pick up a card off of the finals table to tell us where to sit.  We got lucky; Dad was across the table from us and the way the tables were set up, I could lay in front of Mom's feet (and if I stretched really far could touch Dad).

It was rather boring.  As long as I stayed on my mat, Mom wasn't to concerned with me moving around a little or sitting up.  She had to stand up to deal which made me sit up.  At the break, we both made potty runs and Mom had Dad hold my leash while she fixed herself a hotdog.  The other lady at our table made some comment about dogs begging for food.  I dropped into a down on my mat.  She couldn't believe that I wasn't overwhelmingly interested in Mom's food.

Mom finally went out in 14th or 15th place.  It was after it was down to two tables.  There was a bit of table balancing going on and things started to get noisy as the numbers dwindled towards the top 9 (who would make the final table) and there was a player at each table with extremely short stacks (like2-3 chips total); one of them happened to be Dad's friend.  Mom grabbed my Mutt Muffs so I didn't have to listen to all the racket.

Mom didn't want to stand to see all of the action, so we moved a chair where we could sorta see and she could hear everything while she sipped a coke.  As it drug on, we were both getting tired.  She had me laying in her lap while she used the wireless hotspot connection on her I-pod Touch to browse Dogster and to post on my Facebook page.  Suddenly, it was over; Dad's friend had finished in third place and Dad had finished in second.

It was after eleven when we got home.  We were all tired.  I was more than happy to grab Mr. Squirrel and climb into bed.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>25 Months and some things never change...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/663390</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:03:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/663390</guid>
		<description>Sunday, March 28th

Well yesterday was a bummer.  Dad got a phone call and was sorta on stand-by s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, March 28th

Well yesterday was a bummer.  Dad got a phone call and was sorta on stand-by so we couldn't go to the zoo.  We hung out at home and went for a walk around the complex.

The wind was whipping so it was feeling more like 30-something instead of nearly 50.  Dad needed to drop off some uniform stuff to have patches changed.  We cabbed to base.  The driver was listening to some sort of Christian church service.  Mom couldn't understand a word of it, but the tone and cadence was very obvious.  I decided to look out the window until we got stopped at a red light that happened to be very noisy.  There was someone singing into a cordless mic rigged to a megaphone on one corner and on the opposite there was someone with another mic (with amp) hawking items for the Cold Stone Creamery.  I decided to bury my head in Mom's neck.

We were in the Four Seasons looking at grills when I alerted.  Mom bought a drink and took some meds.  So we did the errands and walked to Itaewon; I kept an eye on Mom.  Mom decided to walk down a side street, found a purse store (I think she has a built in radar for them).  It was part of a huge shopping area she hadn't seen before.  There was a place selling all sorts of yoga pants and hoodie tops.  Mom found a set in a moss green that was super soft.  She said we'd have to go back before we leave.

We hit the Outback again.  This time, they just had appetizers.  The waiter messed up on writing Dad's drink order and brought some umbrella fruity looking thing to the table.  He had ordered a Victoria Bitter (beer).  Later, one of the wait staff asked if Dad was an Aussie.  He said that they get quite a few come in and that is what they all order.  

There was a different set of university students on the one corner.  This time it was two guys.  They wanted to interview Dad but he declined.

We generally don't walk down the long sloping hill since it is mainly restaurants and car dealerships.  We've noticed that there are generally a lot of tour buses parked along that section.  It seems that it is a mecca for Japanese tourists.  They bus in, eat at one of the restaurants and then walk the strip.  One of the places had some touristy stuff out front – spoons and spoon/chopstick sets.  Seems the Japanese are intrigued by the metal chopsticks or something.

Not soo many dogs out.  Did see a Doxie and a fluffy Pomeranian out on flexis.  There was a HUGE black chow chained up at one of the Japanese restaurants. Mom said we won't be walking that way again unless it is on the other side of the street; the chain it was on looked flimsy.

So we walked in the front gate and through the building to have the 'rents' Ids scanned, then made our way towards our building via going by the playgrounds.  Next thing we know here come two mps running.  We dropped back so we were single file (so they could get past us) when the female yells, “Hey, Mam!”  They stop about ten foot from us.  “Pets aren't allowed.”  Seems someone banged on their door to complain that there was a dog on the premises.  Mom told her that I wasn't a pet (and had me turn sideways so they could see I was vested) and that the command has approved for me to live here.

You'd think that after 25 months here, people would take the time to read my vest or ask the pawrents about me.  Nope, they have to talk behind or backs or run to the mps.  If Mom had been thinking clearly (she was medded out) she would have followed them back to see who it was and make sure that they saw my vest.
Mom did put me in the tub; my feet were gray.  She got really woozie while drying my feet.  Dad ended up being the one to feed me.  We all went to bed early.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bloomin' Onions and Strawberry Butter</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/662863</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:17:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/662863</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, March 24th

To celebrate Dad starting back on a normal schedule (no more 16+ hour days) ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, March 24th

To celebrate Dad starting back on a normal schedule (no more 16+ hour days), the pawrents decided to dine out.  Both have been craving steak and since we don't have a grill, the options are limited.  Mom suggested the Outback in Itaewon and took the opportunity to dress up a bit, actually put on makeup, and paint her toenails.  I got to wear my new blue croc bling'd out collar.

Last month, Mom and I went to the Express Bus Terminal with some other SUSLAK wives.  There are like 3 floors of underground shopping plus a 5 story building all connected to this very large bus station.  (Lots of people take these large travel buses instead of the train.)  There was an Outback as well as tons of small Korean restaurants, a Lotteteria (owned/started by the Lotte world bunch and sorta like a McDonalds.  Lotte world is basically a Korean Walmart) as well as some Japanese/Chinese places.  A couple of people had eaten at one of the Korean places earlier in the trip; I napped while they all sat around the table and talked.  At the end of the trip, Mom and a couple of the others went into the Outback looking for a blooming onion only to find out they didn't have them on the menu.  That was a real WTF moment.

That resulted in a weird conversation between Mom and Dad as we were walking up the stairs to the restaurant.  (Nope, it sure isn't handicap accessible.  The stairs don't even have a handrail.)  The hostess sees me and freaked out.  Mom shows her my id and tells her to call the manager.  We were quickly shown a seat.  Dad had my mat in his bag, so it took a minute for Mom to get me set up.  Once it was down, I hopped on it and laid down.

One of the special drink listings was for Strawberry juice.  Mom couldn't figure out why it was soo expensive (especially since strawberries are in season right now) until she looked at the serving size.  750Ml (25oz) was 22,000won.  Mom got one of the small 3,000won glasses.  It wasn't all strawberry; it had banana in it as well, but it was good; she had the rest in a to-go cup so I got a taste when we got outside.

Bloomin' Onion wasn't on the regular menu here either.  It was on a paper insert.  There were also some other more Korean-type specials on a second insert.  They ordered and got a pleasant surprise when the bread arrived; strawberry butter.  It was awesome (I got a taste of it when we got home).

Mom hates the horseradish sauce that normally comes with the onion.  She use to just have them bring some ranch on the side, but since she tried the Aussie Cheese fries, she likes the dressing for them (a spicy ranch).  The waiter brought it AND some of the spicy stuff that they normally serve with the shrimp.  It reminds Mom of the sauce in Kung Pao Chicken (orangy/red jellish).  It must have been good because Dad commented that Mom was demolishing her half of the onion.

Mom didn't eat all of her steak, so she got a to-go box.  The waiter fixed us up with 2 loaves of the bread and the berry butter.  The other tables around us had no idea I was there and were surprised when I came out from under there.

It had cooled off considerably when we got outside, but it wasn't that bad.  Mom wanted to walk a bit and just look.  Sometimes the cart vendors have new stuff.  We took a leisurely pace since Mom was wearing short heels.  When she finished, Dad flagged down a taxi.  He messed up when he told them where to take us.  They changed the name of the bus stop out front.  It use to be named for the university building on the other side of the road, but now it is named after the hospital that is out the back gate.  So he gave them the name of the hospital and guess where the cab took us.

Mom's shoes started hurting her feet, so she took them off and rolled up her jeans.  I wasn't the only one getting their feet washed as soon as we got home.  Dad fixed my dinner while I was in the tub.

Thursday, March 25th

Mom and I finished off the steak and a loaf of bread for lunch.

I was happy to see Dad when he came home.  It is not going to take me long to get use to him coming home earlier.  He dumped his bag, kissed Mom, and gave me some attention before heading off to our commissary to grab a few things.

At some point, Dad said it felt like something flew into his eye.  He had Mom look at it.  She told him it looked blistered, like how a fuzzy caterpillar leaves blisters where it touches.  We didn't have any saline solution so Mom grabbed her wallet and shoes then headed to the commissary.  They don't have saline solution.  Mom wasn't dressed for heading out the gate (there are pharmacies out the back gate).  Dad had been trying to wash it out with faucet water then decided to try to look it up online.

He decided to head for the emergency room (since it was after 5).  It was nearly 9 when he finally got home.  After numbing it and using some dye stuff, it was determined that he hadn't scratched anything (duh) and that it was some sort of allergic reaction.  He's got two kinds of drops to use.  One of them makes his pupil dilate which looks freaky.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>A Lazy Sunday in Itaewon</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/661922</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:45:29 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/661922</guid>
		<description>Sunday, March 21st

So the pawrents decided to go walking in Itaewon.  Unfortunately, we had a few ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, March 21st

So the pawrents decided to go walking in Itaewon.  Unfortunately, we had a few run-ins with the plethora of dogs.  It started with a couple on one of the decks.  They were just tied there.  Dad blocked and we were ok.  We went into a couple of stores.  One had some purses that Mom wanted to look at.  That was cool.  We headed into another store that had several smaller places set up inside.  As we were getting ready to go towards the door, one of the shopkeepers started asking Mom about me.  Then we heard this dog bark behind the counter and he let it out.  It was a Pomeranian with an attitude problem.  It runs up to me, gets in my face, and growled.  Mom stepped in between us and it nearly nipped her.  The old man grabbed it.  Mom was ticked.  It was only then that he realized he had really messed up; he hadn't read my vest until then.  He apologized. 

Then someone's Poo-cross tried to get in my face.  It was loose out on the sidewalk.  Dad was running interference, but just wasn't getting the job done.  Then we saw a young Bull Terrier that was quite simply overwhelmed and overstimulated.  We found out later that someone was holding him for his owner.  He started screaming when he saw me and then wouldn't shut up.  Then we passed one of the dogs from the deck.  It ignored me for the most part, but it got the pup going again.  Finally, the little Terrier mix that is normally tethered to his owner's bike was running loose.  Mom just picked me up. 

We were going to catch a bus back, but after waiting for 10 minutes without one coming by, the pawrents decided to just walk back.  We were waiting for the signal so we could cross the street when these two girls came up.  They said their assignment was to talk to native English speakers and conduct an “interview”.  Simple stuff: What's your name?  Where are you from?  What's your favorite place in Korea?  Why?  Dad just rolled his eyes.  It was legitimate, but sorta funny since they have basic level skills.  Mom let them do their interview.  

Mom was being very careful on the steep stairs.  There wasn't much pedestrian traffic out in this area and it was much quieter than on the main drag.  We passed the Bull Terrier pup again.  He had his tail tucked under and was holding his head low.  He looked like he was half a step from either shutting down or going off.  He didn't see me.  It was almost like he wasn't seeing anything.

When we got home, Mom popped me into the tub and washed my feet and legs.  I ate then piled up for a nap.  

Dad has tomorrow off and we are thinking about heading back to the zoo.  At least there, Mom doesn't have to worry about strange dogs trying to jump on me every time I turn around.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Zoo Pictures on Photobucket</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/660635</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:33:39 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/660635</guid>
		<description>If you want to see them here is the link...

Grand Park Zoo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ If you want to see them here is the link...

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm55/Scooter_in_Korea/Grand%20Park%20Zoo/">Grand Park Zoo</a>]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Seoul Grand Park Zoo</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/660620</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:11:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/660620</guid>
		<description>Sunday, March 7

The plan was to go to the track to watch the horse races.  It was supposed to be  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, March 7

The plan was to go to the track to watch the horse races.  It was supposed to be some major Korean races going on; their version of the Breeder's Cup or something similar.  They wouldn't let me in.  We knew they probably wouldn't let me in the infield (where all the cool stuff is), but the pawrents had planned on going to the foreigner lounge.  Mom was ticked; Dad was disappointed.

The new plan was to get back on the subway and go down another stop to the Grand Park Zoo.  It was a long walk to get to the gates.  Mom had looked at their website and it said that pets were allowed, but not in certain areas.  Service Dogs aren't allowed in certain sections of zoos at home, so it wasn't a big deal.  We did find out that they have changed their policy.  No pets are allowed now.  A supervisor came to look at my ID and vest.  She then informed everyone that I was allowed.  We were not questioned again.

I'll say it now; we did not see everything.  We will be going back mainly because I was enjoying looking at the various animals.  I saw some critters that were strange and some that were a little scary.

Some of the Flamingos were light pink and some were dark coral.  There were Emus and Ostriches, some sort of red African velt herbivores and a pair of young Asian Water Buffalo that were sparring with each other.  Mom noticed that they appeared to be “cut”.  That's the first time she's seen a zoo use non-reversible means of birth control.

We visited the Australian section where I had to stand on my hind legs to see into the Wallaby Walleroo, and Kangaroo cages.  Outside, there was no barrier keeping people from touching the animals through the fence!  Mom kept me on the walkway as some of the roos were reaching through the fence.  Several followed us along the fence line trying to figure out what I was doing.

Next was the “nocturnal” building.  It was very dark inside.  There were bats, owls, a Palm Civet (that caused some coffee jokes), a Picachu, and other bug-eyed furries.  That was followed by the bug building.  It was a mix of live and preserved specimens.  They had several setups of Dad's favorite Rhino beetles including some 29 gallon bow front aquariums with hoods.  Mom suspects her 20g breeder tank is going to become beetled heaven when we get back home.  They also had a ton of frogs and tarantulas.   

There was a huge open air aviary that the pawrents didn't even attempt to enter.  It was full of peacocks, cranes, and other water birds.  It was an extreme contrast to how the raptors were housed.  They were in cages.  I got their attention.  It was almost like I was their enrichment for the time I was around.  It is rather unnerving to have birds with 7+foot wingspans staring at you like you are lunch.

We did go through the regular bird house.  Right inside the door, they had several birds, including a male eclectus) in regular bird cages like one would have in their home.  As we walked by, one of them started screaming which made Dad turn to Mom and say, “That is the one reason I don't want a bird!”; Mom wants a female eclectus.  Mom had to point out that it wasn't the male E making all of the noise, but a cockatoo.

Tucan Sam was very yellow.  His comb almost looked fake.  We saw the usual pet shop fare.  Several Scarletts, Blue and Golds, a red lorikeet.  There was a cage with several cockatoos.  One was head bobbing with his comb so far up it looked impossible.  He was screaming as he danced.  We watched from a distance and it appeared that he just liked to hear himself.  The Macaws had awesome enclosures.  They spanned 2 stories and we could view them from each floor.  Again, there was nothing to keep the public away from the wire.  Several people were offering the birds corn on the cob and who only knows what else.

Things got interesting at the South American exhibits.  I became the center of attention because the Llamas decided to follow me along the fence.  The Koreans thought this was too funny and some started following us around to see how the animals and I interacted.  The next outdoor pen contained peccaries.  There was a ledge then glass.  I put my paws up on the ledge so I could see.  Most of them were towards the back of the enclosure.  One came up and tried to sniff me through the glass.  I'm use to piggies being much, much bigger.  Then we went into the building.  The capybaras were inside as was an anteater.  He was huge; the tapir was even bigger.  We also saw nutria and some rabbit looking animals.  There were several monkey enclosures; some were two story.  There was a long curving ramp up to the second floor.  That's where I met the spider monkey.  He hung onto the cage and was looking at me through the glass wall on the walkway.  He started talking to me.  Mom picked me up so I could see him better.  He climbed up to eye level and stuck his hand out.  Mom started talking to him.  He looked soo lonely.  There was a young capuchin in another enclosure (with several older animals).  He came over to see us.

They had a variety of aquatic turtles, caymen, alligators, salt water and fresh water crocs.  The salties looked like they would be needing larger quarters shortly.  We had missed the actual feeding time, but could see evidence that it had happened not long before.  Chicken leg quarters and necks were on the menu.  None of them noticed me.  I guess my smell was lost among the smells of the other animals.  Much better than when the croc at the Coex scented me and went into stalk mode.

The Coatimundi  were frisking around, the 6-banded armadillos were sleeping all curled up, and the sloths were being sloths...slowly moving along their rope trees.  It was cool to watch them move.  It's amazing they can hold on with those nails.  On the way out, there were 4 exhibits; 3 contained snakes (including an Anaconda) while the fourth was guinea pigs.  It looked like they could smell the snakes.

We saw part of the herbivore exhibits.  Some sort of non North American deer wanted to follow me.  The American Bison  didn't pay any attention to me.  Hey, as far as I'm concerned, they are just overly large cows.  I've been there and done that.  Nothing to it.  There was also some red stag looking fellows that had lost their antlers.  

By this time, it was starting to get late.  We missed getting to see the nursery.  We headed over towards the large carnivores.  I stopped when I smelled the black bears.  I know that reek; I've tracked them before.  Mom told me it was ok and that it couldn't get to me.  I looked around and noticed that everyone wasn't freaking out about it being soo close.  Dad took up a position on my right so that I was walking in between them which eased my concerns.

The bears were too busy catching junk food being thrown by the visitors.  Between that and the screeching the people were doing, the three of us were a little disgusted.  It seems that everywhere you go, some people find it impossible to read/follow instruction of not feeding the animals.

It wasn't just them making inappropriate noises at the animals, but at me as well.  If I have to hear some adult telling their kid “mong mong” (translates into woof woof) one more time, I think I'm going to bite the offender in the face!

Dad got some really good pics of the cougars.  I've smelled Florida panthers before, so this was very similar.  We were standing about 6 foot from them and the snow leopards.  It was a little surreal.  They were stalking me, but they weren't vocalizing.  Before they saw me, the big one was stalking a bratty kid in a stroller and the parents were completely oblvious.

Everyone stated taking pics of the perked up kitties.  The snow leopard really got into it.  The big one literally jogged all over the enclosure trying to figure out how to get out.  He even went into their “den”and when he came back out he looked almost defensive.  We moved on to the tigers.

Mom thought one saw me, it was looking our direction and seemed to lock on and it came towards us, but then jumped on one of its sleeping buddies.  That one started growling and bared teeth at the first one.  Dad got it on film.  The other two big section had a bunch of sleeping tigers.  Then there were 2 (one with normal coloration and a “white” that looked seriously mentally challenged) in a cage like the cougars and leopards.  The “white” tiger's stripes were a dingy brown.  We passed several more cages of sleeping leopards and jags.

There was a small carnivore building.  Some of the animals were inside due to the weather.  Mom opted to not take me inside.  Dad went.  We then walked around to see the animals that were outside. More coatimundis and some sort of small kitty that wasn't an ALC.  The kitty was more my size; it came down to check me out.

I started air scenting hard when we got downwind of the coyotes.  Only one was awake; the others were laid up on a rock asleep.  They sure were a lot bigger than what Mom and I are accustomed to seeing.  Plus, they had really plush pelts thanks to the weather.  It really wanted at me; I admit, I held my tail up and pranced around.  I didn't do that in front of the wolves.  I was much more respectful.  Most of them were asleep.  The one that was awake was very pretty.  I turned sideways and averted my eyes, but I didn't cower.  She got as close as she could.  Mom was talking to her very softly.  Dad was too busy looking at something to take pics.

The red foxes (which looked to be more of the European type reds) were asleep.  Mom wants to go back just to get pics of me with them.  It also made her really miss Louie and Versace.  Those are two Florida red foxes that live at Old Dad's property.  

The park started blaring a message in Korean.  Closing time.  By this time, Mom was walking really slowly because her feet hurt.  She had been gaiting worse and worse through the day so by closing time, it wasn't just her feet hurting, but her knees and hips.  Some of the steep inclines didn't help her knee issues at all.

We took the little trolly thing back to the parking lot, but it was still a long walk to the subway.  We got down there after the crowd only to find out that the elevator was out of order and the only way down on that side was stairs.  Dad was like “stairs it is” and Mom said “no”.  We ended up having to cross like 8 lanes of traffic to get to an elevator.  When the train finally came, it was full.  Mom managed to snag a spot to stand where I wouldn't get stepped on.  I stood between her feet.  It finally emptied out enough she could snag a seat.  We got off at Gate 17.  Mom knew where the elevators are, so that was easy (sometimes they can be in really out of the way places on the platform level).  The 5 steps to get inside the gate area wasn't easy.  We called for one of the base cabs to get the rest of the way home.

I got a bath and ate while the pawrents got showers then we went to bed.

Mom is getting the info together to send the track a letter stating that she's going to ask other military families, American and Canadian ESL teachers, tourists, and expats to boycott the track since they discriminate against the disabled.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>2009 Recap</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/660137</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:53:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/660137</guid>
		<description>Ok, Mom has really been slipping so here is a recap of 2009

End of January did a 3 day hospital s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ok, Mom has really been slipping so here is a recap of 2009

End of January did a 3 day hospital stay with tons of IV meds trying to stop the current headache cycle.  I stayed with Mom.  She brought my pop up crate, but I spent the majority of the time in bed with her.  I really helped with grounding and finding a “happy place” as the nausea meds they were giving her literally burn the vein.  She was being given these meds every 8 hours.  We didn't have an internet connection, but Mom had brought plenty of stuff to watch.  We got hooked on True Blood.

Dad extended our stay by a year, so now we won't go back home until 2011.  He also passed his tests and made the promotion list.  Unfortunately, due to the crappy way they did things, Mom and I didn't get to pin him.  That really bummed Mom out.  Chances are slim Dad will get promoted again.  The next rank requires more than just passing tests, you also have to have certain endorsements made by a 1-star General or above, plus the number of slots is very small.

Our good neurologist rotated out.  His replacement lacks migraine experience and bedside manners.  He has no idea how to act around me, nor any idea of how I actually work.  At our first encounter, Mom put down my mat and sent me under the chair.  He was like, “he can wonder around.”  I'm insulted that I was referred to in EFMP paperwork as a “migraine dog” instead of as a Medical Alert/Response SD.  Then again, Mom and I get the distinct impression that he doesn't approve, but then this guy doesn't approve of much.  Mom went into the appointment prepared.  Including a very long list of preventative meds that she has tried.  (Ok, Mom cheated.  She copied off the list of known preventatives and then highlighted the ones she's tried.  That is the best way to show that she's tried something from each category.)  From the way things went, he didn't know half the stuff on the list was being used in that fashion.  Yikes.

Evidentially, keeping up with the current medical trends concerning ones condition is threatening to some docs and treatment options that have been FDA approved for off-label use since 2001/2002 are “too new” to attempt.  It's a muscle relaxer; either it works or it doesn't.  He also doesn't “believe” in scripts for pain meds.

Mom happened to get a copy of what he put in after her first appointment.  He thinks Mom is addicted and needs rehab.  He also doesn't know what to do with her as far as her headaches go.  He wants to say they are all medication overuse headaches, even though Mom has explained that those are quite different than what she's experiencing.  There were several instances in which what he said at the appointment and what he entered were two different things.  Mom complained to the patient advocate.

Dad went with us to the second appointment.  Things didn't go much better.  Mom took the patient advocate to her third appointment; butter wouldn't have melted in his mouth then.  That also got Mom a referral to a pain management clinic.  Unfortunately, those are at one of the Korean hospitals, so I can't go.

In August, we had an interesting encounter, though I missed most of it because Mom didn't take me with her.  It was early on a Saturday morning when the doorbell rang.  I had to wake Mom up.  It was a little girl (@3yrs old) who was soo sure she had the right apartment that she just walked in the door the minute Mom unlocked it.  Mom started questioning her; she told Mom that her parents were at work and the babysitter didn't show up.  Mom wasn't sure which apartment she was trying to find and wasn't about to go knocking on doors that early in the morning.

Mom threw on some shorts and took her to the MP station.  The 2 on duty seemed pretty lost as to what to do.  When they would ask her questions, she wouldn't answer.  If Mom asked them, she would.  Mom finally decided that to move things along, she would have the kid show them where she lived.  Turns out, she had snuck out of the house.  Her dad came downstairs to 2 guys in his living room and  Mom holding the door open.  

We made it to the Air Force Ball again.  I looked spiffy in my “Dress Mess”.  Instead of guys with swords, it was Korean archers.  It looked cool.  A lot of people wanted either pics of me or pics with me.  We had professional pics made of the three of us together and then Mom and Dad had a set made .without me.

We discovered the fabric building at Dongdaemun.  The aisles are narrow and the places is generally pretty crowded, but they have everything you could ever want or need when it comes to sewing.  Mom got some stuff to make me a leash to match the dress she planned to wear to the Navy Ball.  We also went in search of some 5-in-1 test strips for our aquariums.  The only place that had them wanted 50,000 won (@$50) for a box of 25.  We ended up ordering the exact same product from Petsmart for $14.99/box.

Mom finally got a pic of the huge white butterfly koi.  The guy who owns the store didn't want her taking pics of it.  He claims he's in the import/export business and that people only want pics so they can get someone else to import one for them.  Yes, Mom wants one.  However, we have to wait until Dad retires so we can have a place big enough for one.  That fish is as large as I am.

The Navy Ball was held at the Hyatt which is on top of a huge hill.  The foyer for the grand ballroom is all black marble; very slippery and very cold stuff.  So Mom and Dad are holding a conversation with an Air Force Colonel and his wife when this guy comes walking up demanding to know why there is a dog at “his” ball.  We found out he was the event coordinator.  He had an attitude problem and kept calling me a pet.  Dad corrected him and told him I was “medically necessary”.  He then asked what I do.  Mom gave him the generic “I have a neurological condition” info.  He later came up to us and apologized.

I got to meet the current MCPON (Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy).  He's the highest ranking enlisted man in the navy.  There is only 1 of them at a time.  MCPON West loves Beagles.  He and Mom talked dogs for a bit before the whistle was blown for dinner.  Turns out, he was the key speaker for the night.  The Navy Ball has a lot more pomp than the Air Force one.

We ended up seated with a lot of the same people from the Air Force ball.  I was happy to see Chief Wallace again.  He's a big teddy bear and his soon-to-be wife wants to take me home.

 Mom's first trip to the pain management specialist ended up with her getting facet joint injections.  It didn't go well.  First, she hates needles.  Second, she has trust issues.  Third, she had to lay face down with this heavy blanket thing over her head which made it hard to breathe.  They used a fluoroscope to see where they were putting the needles.  She is becoming sensitive to numbing agents.  So no more lidocaine for her unless it is the dentist.

They replaced the elevators in our building.  I was a little weirded out at first – it speaks to you in Korean.

The SUSLAK Christmas party was interesting.  Unfortunately, Mom didn't get down to Osan to pick up my pimp suits before the big day.  So I wore a collar cover that matched Mom's dress.

We celebrated Christmas early since Dad had to actually work on Christmas day.  He had Christmas eve off.  Mom had been sick with the crud so we hadn't been out much.  We finally made it to the mail room to pick up my Snoops Secret Santa present.  The Essig clan sent me a gift certificate for my favorite online supply company.  Jeffers was out of the toy I really wanted, so I got a new pair of thermal pjs and a pair of boots.

The pawrents got me some cool stuff.  I love the hide a bird plush set.  Mom also had picked up one of the replacement packs of squirrels because they looked to be the right size for me to play fetch.  They stuff into the birdhouse too.  My other pressies were my “skinned” fox hide (it's longer than me), a nice plaid windbreaker, a selection of yummy liver treats, a box of turkey hearts, and another heavy coat (so I can put patches on it).  The heavy coat is on back order.

I spent most of New Year's Eve locked in the bedroom.  Mom had gotten up to go grab something from the bedroom when she hit a wet spot on the floor.  She had one of those fleeting WTF moments and wondered if I had an accident then she hit another wet spot.  The hall light revealed that it definitely wasn't me.  She finally figured out it was coming from the spare room.  She was trying to look up the maintenance number on-line when the doorbell rang.  The downstairs neighbor had called it in.

I was placed in the bedroom due to the sheer number of people going in and out and the door being propped open.  Mom had broke out her little bissle to get started on sucking up the water.  They finally brought in an industrial strength one.  All of the hall rugs ended up in the bathtub while Mom had a load of towels in the washer.  Mom called Dad about the drama and asked him to grab some laundry supplies.  Unfortunately, he was unable to grab her a sub sandwich, everything had closed early due to the holiday.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Shopping for Thanksgiving Dinner and a Trip to a Local Market</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/542739</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:04:45 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/542739</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, November 26th
While waiting for the shuttle, I alerted and wouldn't leave Mom alone until  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, November 26th
While waiting for the shuttle, I alerted and wouldn't leave Mom alone until she took some meds.  I couldn't get into her purse, so instead, I kept nudging it and pawing at her.  We were going to get her third round of Botox.  

We managed to catch the shuttle going home without having to wait an hour.  It was one of those days where it was glaringly obvious that the next generation needs a swift kick in the butt.  The bus was full of junior high and high school kids who have no concept of manners or common courtesy.  Instead of doubling up (since each side has 2 seats) so that adults, especially adults with kids, can sit down, they all spread out then yell to one another.  They are provided with bus runs between the schools and the housing area.  If and when we have a kid, Mom swears it won't be allowed to act like that.  She certainly wasn't.  Mom decided we needed to get off at the commissary or she was apt to go postal.  It was busy, but 100% better than a bus load of “Gimme” generation teens.

We were on the canned goods aisle when someone said, “Hello Scooter, I haven't seen you in awhile.”  It was one of the ladies we met at the Air Force Ball.  Mom had spoken with her at the end of the evening.

I did a really good job at hugging the aisles and the coolers.  She was feeling a bit “off” from taking the meds earlier and totally forgot about my leash.  We loaded up a lot of yummy stuff; I heard her mention lamb, liver, and beef heart.  Yum!

We have a little cart aisle out by our building.  Normally it has about a dozen carts that we can use to carry stuff up to our apartment.  It was empty.  Now, at that time of day, only one or two should be out.  It isn't like you can leave one on a floor and it not be in the way; there is no place to hide on except IN an apartment.  Mom had to carry all of our bags; luckily she had opted for the funny little green ones.  I was glad nothing was dropped on my head.


Tuesday, December 2nd
The parents had honey ham for Thanksgiving along with sweet potatoes, butter beans, and apple pie.  I did snag a taste of each, but lamb was my main meal.  I've heard mention of Lima beans sometime this week; have to do something with the leftover ham; especially the stuff close to the bone.  I like Lima beans.

Doc said Mom's head may feel heavy because he injected her entire neck.  So far, it hasn't.  It has just made her neck very, very spastic to the point her shoulders and the area in between hurt.

We had a “scheduled” power outage. That always makes things interesting.  Today was a lot of work.  Dad use to say Mom had hearing problems because you can speak to her and she will say, “Huh?” and before you can repeat yourself, it “sinks in”.  She's had her hearing tested and it is actually fine.  She's never really considered it a “processing problem” even though she's been diagnosed aspie.  Today, it finally hit home.

We decided to go to DongDaeMun.  Blue could use a larger tank and Mom likes to give him enrichment and she's been wanting to put some fish in with him.  The ATM on the compound was down and the shuttle bus had just left.  We decided to head out the front gate, over the pedestrian walk and had to pick the pace up the last 10 yards to catch the public bus.  Mom actually got a seat; I sat between her feet.  I was in “Rock Star” mode due to all of the stares.  I got off the bus like a pro.  (Got to be careful because it is a pain to get to the door while the bus is moving and then you have to be quick.)

It had rained last night, so Mom guided me around the puddles and carried me in the wetter spots.  We got to base, got Won, and headed to the subway station.  

On the way, we saw a protest on the other side of the street.  There was about 30 protesters in this little sectioned off area and about 75 police officers lining the entrance to some government building.  Mom took pics.

Mom had started feeling weird while we were on the way there.  The subway station was a lot of work.    In retrospect, it was the beginning of sensory overload and her trying to work with me as far as riding the escalators didn't help (but I did walk off of a couple by myself).  By the time we got off the subway at the puppy district, it was pretty bad.  (Yes, they have a puppy district.  Store after store, most side-by-side, of Petland type places.  If it is small, they probably have it in stock.)  There is a supply store that Mom wanted to browse again.  They don't sell puppies.

By the time we got to DongDaeMun, Mom was getting antsy.  We had to walk past where they've tore down the stadium, so the sidewalk is about a foot wide and people were pushing (in normal Asian fashion).  There was lots of noise and banging on the other side of the tin 'fence'.  By the time we got past it, her nerves were shot and she was more or less just telling me to 'follow Dad' who was oblivious since he was walking ahead.  He went through this food area without a backward glance.  It smelled soo good, I couldn't help but to air scent a bit.  With all of the noise, no one heard me snuffle.  Plus a boy has to do what he has to do when trying to be a guide dog following someone through all of that.

Once we got onto the row of shops on the opposite side of the river as the fish and birds, Dad slowed down.  I'm not sure if it was delivery day or if they just get in stuff before noon daily, but it was still pretty busy.  Mom needed a drink and I needed a tree.  I got my tree on the other side of the river.

Mom's plant place was closed.  When Mom and Aunt Sharon had trekked here before, they found this fish store even further out of the way.  At the time, Mom was impressed with a couple of their tank set ups and diversity of species; it had a “Mom and Pop” feel.  We decided to find the store.  We ran into the little black dog that bugged me before.  She's had puppies since the last time I saw her.  We also had a run-in with a little sweater wearing shaved ankle biter.  Mom picked me up and Dad ran interference.

We found the store.  The “Mom” was a trip.  She showed my Mom the new betas she had just gotten.  Crowns are new over here.  Dad was content to let the women folk attempt a conversation.  Mom asked about Plaquets (the plain-finned true fighting betas that look nothing like what most people are accustomed to seeing).  They don't get them, but she asked her son if he knew where to get them.  He spoke some English.  You could see him wondering why Mom would want them since they are rather plain compared to the Veils and Crowns.

Mom bought some neon tetras and some more plants.  At 500 won ( @ 38 cents at the current rate) each, it won't break the bank if Blue eats them.  We went back and walked the row.  Mom saw a tank she liked, but Dad didn't want to carry it home.  (It would be an awesome cray tank.  It was at least a 20gallon long.  Area is more important than volume.)  

The store where Mom bought Blue had some new crays.  They were rock lobster size.  Mom fell in love and really wanted that bigger tank so she could take the giant blue home.  She needs to find out the Latin name; she wants one when we move back home.  It was blue, but it had iridescent almost purple shades on its tail.  It was big enough to eat.

Mom hit overload saturation and told Dad that we could just get a regular 10 gallon complete set on base.  At that point, she just wanted out of the noise.  At the time, she didn't know why she was feeling that way and she wasn't going to tell Dad that she really needed to hop a taxi.

Mom was really going on auto-pilot on the way back.  The street noise just rubbed her the wrong way so Dad suggested her MP3 player.  It helped a lot.  She was able to concentrate on reading the subway LED sign to see the stops.  I was still doing a lot of guide work going back to the subway and in the stations.  Once we got back towards base, and we had wide open sidewalks, it was better.

We went to get the tank and the stock man said someone was complaining about me being in the store.  Mom asked who (specifically) complained and he pointed them out.  The younger 20-something chick actually approached us and starts with 
“It's not fair.  I can't have my dog in here.” to Mom.  
“He isn't a pet.;he's a Service Dog.”  Hello, I'm wearing a bilingual vest announcing it to the world.
“I don't care.  I'm going to get a store manager.”
“Why don't you do that.  Federal law says he is allowed in here.”
She stomps off.  Go Mom.  

We finally get home and the lights are still out (but we had running water).  Dad washed the new rocks for Mom while she put Blue in a bow, pulled the filter and light, moved the tank out of the way and floated the Tetras in that tank.  That water and rocks went into the 10 gallon since it had some sort of good bacteria going.  Mom decorated it with the plants and  Blue's “house”.  He also got a golf ball.  Mom had read about using it as enrichment.  The goldfish got one as well.

We laid down once the lights came back.  Mom was feeling icky and I was tired.  I made her get up to feed me.  Dad made sure she ate, then we laid back down.  We didn't get around to looking through the spare room for my stocking.  Dad suggested they each have one as well.  

Wednesday, December 3rd
It was a down day for Mom.  The sensory overload gave her a headache and the numbness in her face (cheeks) came back.  She's also noticed that she's getting the pins and needles fire feeling in her hands, arms, chest, and back if she is late on her one med.  She's not a fan of it and going off it in the past was bad.  I can tell when some of it is happening.  I tend to sniff her more.  She's been really nauseas again.  She and Dad had this long talk about him taking an active role in telling her when she's letting her headache go too long or when she goes down too fast.  

Dad had to take her a couple of weeks ago because she had let things go WAY too long.  She was to the point she passed out and hurt to the point she didn't want anyone near her.  I stayed home; Dad couldn't handle both of us.  Mom had a reaction to another IV nausea med which made things worse.  At that point, she told Dad she needed me.  He did his best to be her Service Person, but it isn't quite the same.  When they finally got home, Dad fixed her some soup.  Mom got sick again and I thought she was going to have to go back.  She finally slept it off for the most part.  I actually went to Dad when I needed to go potty.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Miscellaneous Catch Up</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/541769</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:23:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/541769</guid>
		<description>Friday, November 14th
Ok, so Mom hasn't been updating my diary (she's been slacking off on typing)  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, November 14th
Ok, so Mom hasn't been updating my diary (she's been slacking off on typing) because  she's felt soo craptastic.  She's not sleeping well on the nights Dad works which messes with her headaches.  We missed the air show, so no Black Hawk pics.  We are determined to make it to the next one.

Mom had her outside Pain Management consult.  It was one of those things where she had to leave me at home (which didn't help).  She had to be at a building by the base hospital by 8:20 AM (when the bus schedule calls for a 7AM run).  A van took her to the appointment.  She hates not knowing where she's going (and since she didn't know which outside hospital it was, she couldn't map it out).  Mom is weird about knowing where the closest subway station is located; she wants to be able to find her way home in case she decides to bail.  The ride into the underground parking garage was like a roller coaster ride.  

The specialist glossed over the medical records she took, did some poking and prodding that just about got him punched in the nose, then told her what he “thinks” is wrong.  His cure-all consists of injections of the same thing she had an allergic reaction to when the neurologist did them (with the difference that the specialist wants to do them in between her C2 and 3 vs the occipital area).  If he had bothered to READ her records he would have seen that.  She tells him she's allergic.  He wants to put her back on meds she's already tried (extensively).  Again, if he would have bothered to read.  She points that out.  He says he has nothing to offer her after he tells her that her allergic reaction to both the steroid component of the injections and the NSAIDs isn't “life threatening”.  Maybe not, but it isn't worth the pain of feeling like someone has beat you within an inch of your life and it isn't worth the hives or difficulty breathing either.  Mom was like, “See ya.”

So, Mom was having an anxiety attack on the way back to base because she's tired of hurting and the crazy Asian driver wasn't helping.  She's not depressed, just mentally and physically tired.  She's equated it to making an eraser burn then keep on rubbing it, and rubbing it, and rubbing it.  Pretty soon you just want it to stop hurting.

Mom sent Bretta back to the US.  She got to the point that she didn't want anything else on her “plate”.  So, Bretta is living with a friend who is into Schutzhund and is going to sessions with my old trainer.  She will either eventually go help someone else or David will keep her, unless Mom decides she wants her back when we move home.

Dad has been getting us out to the movies.  It is good for Mom and anything that makes her laugh  works for me.

We've been back to DongDaeMun.  The weather was nice; one of those days that wasn't too hot nor too cold.   Nice enough that we could walk up the long sweeping low rise to the closest subway station without breaking a sweat.  The sidewalk is nice and wide.  I was ready for the challenge; it had been awhile since I had rode the subway.  We had to change lines once and I was really good about laying parallel to the seat out of the way.  People were smiling at me.  There was some pointing and talking.  Dad said it was the usual; small SDs aren't the norm.

We went down towards the fish and bird row.  There are a couple of stores that Mom likes to shop.  She can “haggle” even though she doesn't speak the language and they have sold her healthy fish and plants.  The one store is off the main drag so we hit it first.  Mom was looking through some live plants when a little dog came running at us.  Dad and the lady who runs the place blocked so Mom could pick me up.  Better to be safe than sorry.  Telling it to “Git” in English was useless; it understood the Korean equivalent.   Mom was having a hard time getting up really quick (bad knee) so it was good practice for my “Behind” command.  Mom is considering a walking stick (to ward off dogs that are bigger or aren't easily scared off) but has to check out the local laws.  

Mom got some more peace lilies and some short grass.  Then we headed over to the other place.  He has the healthiest crays of the two or three places that sell them; he's also got good prices on his tanks and lights.  We got another 2.5 gallon rectangular tank and light.  The goldfish need more area vs the tank they had.  Blue climbed out and went AWOL, so Blue IV was chosen.  (Remember, Blue I & II were bought together.  They got into a fight and both died.)  He had some bigger ones, so IV is huge.  Mom was hoping that the saw grass type stuff she got would be impossible for him to climb.  III climbed up a lily.

Mom's doctor appointment last week was funny.  I broke a down/stay in the waiting area to greet the Korean nurse that always fawns over me (the one who wants kisses).  I did stay on my mat, but I play postured at her and wagged my tail soo hard my butt was wiggling.  She didn't take Mom's vitals; a different nurse got the job.  She was full of questions; she had seen me greet my friend and couldn't get over how reserved I was with everyone else.  I also took the opportunity to “speak” to the doc half way through the appointment.

I told Mom to pick me up.  I laid down in her lap while they talked.  Doc starts with calling me “Lassie”, so I showed him.  I started “talking” (various vocal sounds, but never louder than a conversational tone; I don't yell indoors).  He decides to play along and asks “Has Mom been sick?”  I nod and start telling him all about it.  “Where is she hurting?”  I stand up and touch her head and keep talking.  His eyes got big.  Then I leaned forward towards him and  gave him a piece of my mind before laying back down and giving him one of my looks.  He asked if I was always that “articulate”.  “Yep.”  He's now a believer in my communication skills.

We made it to see Madagascar II.  Mom figured I'd watch it with them since I like the first one.  The penguins need their own feature.  We were going to go see Quantum of Solace, but Dad wasn't feeling well.  Mom thinks it is a sinus infection.  We'll catch it later.

It has gotten too cold to go tracking so we've been working on off-leash heeling.  She started by letting me loose in the elevator and then down the hall to our place.  From there, it was from right before we got on the elevator to come upstairs, progressing further out to where now I come off lead on the breezeway.  Some days Mom tells me to take the ramp, others the stairs.  I have to wait until she tells me I can enter and exit the elevator (she holds the doors open). We have even done the 4 flights of stairs.  With the number of kids in the building, there are tons of distractions.  I've always been good about heeling if Mom drops my leash, but completely off-lead has always been taboo due to location and being a Beagle.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Finally....</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/541768</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:22:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/541768</guid>
		<description>Sunday, September 21st

Wasted Day.  Dad 's sinuses are bugging him and Mom is going to have a rea ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, September 21st

Wasted Day.  Dad 's sinuses are bugging him and Mom is going to have a really bad migraine.  She's fighting it.  We laid around and recouped.  Mom did try to upload pictures before her head went to the depths of despair.  

Monday, September 22nd
Mom was soo sick that she forgot it was Dad's birthday.  She could barely get up to take me out.  We snuggled.  Mom went through all of the ice packs systematically; nothing helped.  It finally started to ease off around 3PM leaving Mom feeling drained.  She and Dad discussed the Neuro giving up  and Mom's real options when it comes to the Korean  idea of a pain management clinic.  Mom has some , concerns with the language barrier reining as number one.  The biggest concern is over what this backwoods country calls palliative care when the most she's ever seen is them treating Motrin like heroin.  And very concerned that Biofeedback is going to be a large part of it. Mom has another massage appointment.  Hopefully, it continues to work.

Tuesday, September 23rd.
Mom left me at home to go to her massage appointment.  She came home, fed me early, then we went out to catch the base shuttle and hit the movies (without Dad).  It wasn't crowded.  Mom let me lay in her lap which was cool.  I could see the screen and keep Mom awake; “Get Smart” wasn't that great.   Dad had texted Mom that he was on his way back to base, so she called him and we headed to the Dragon to meet him.  When we got there, he was standing with Casey and a bunch from work.  They have the bus drop them there since the always miss the last bus.

When we got home, I curled up between them on the couch and started talking.  Mom is always trying to get me to say, “I love you” and “Momma”.  She has learned my secret weakness, freeze dried liver.  I didn't break, but I did meow like a cat.

Wednesday September 24th
Mom and I slept in.  We didn't really make plans, but we definitely needed to go to the Post Office.  We caught the shuttle over and went to the PX.  I had an embarrassing moment.  All of the liver made me a little loose and I got a little on my butt.  Mom pulled out the baby wipes and wiped my butt in public.  We headed to the mail room.  Dad was with, so we waited in the cab.  We had a notice for a package that the other mail room.  A short ride over, and Mom and I went to get it while Dad waited in the taxi.  We had a bunch of boxes.  Dad was acting like a little kid because his PS3 arrived.  Mom and I walked over to the mini-commissary while Dad did a happy dance over his new toy.

Wednesday November 1st
Mom put me in my sling to carry me out of the building because they were waxing the floor.  She didn't count on having to get off the elevator at the 2nd floor then carry me down a flight of stairs and step carefully to get out of the stupid building.  Mom had a neurology appointment.  We had a bit of a wait because the doc had an emergency.  I was in the mood to anticipate every little move or thing Mom was going to do.  That meant Mom had to stay on my butt, but not in a bad way; just that I acted spring loaded.  Mom thinks the cool (but not cold) weather may play into it.

We were going to hit the aquarium earlier this week, but Dad didn't feel up to it.  Mom wants to take me to the Osan Air Show in a couple of weeks, Dad won't get to go due to work.  I'm still not completely down with his schedule.  We don't get to spend much time with him during his actual “work week”; he's either gone or sleeping.  He does understand my need to greet him when he comes home.  He picks me up and lets me talk to him as soon as he walks into the door.  I literally jump into his arms.

Today is Lola's birthday.  She turned 11 today.  I miss her a lot.

Thursday, November 2nd.
Mom needed some stuff from the PX, Dad needed a haircut, and we all needed to go check the mail.  We hit the PX first.  Mom and I went back to get something and she decided to test me.  Silly Woman.  She asked me to “Find Daddy”.  When I found him, I started talking.  Mom thought I was about to bay which would be bad.  I held it in, but I did have to tell him that she sent me to find him.

We hit the food court for lunch.  Mom and I went through the line and ordered the sandwiches while Dad arranged our stuff in his backpack at the table.  Afterwards, he went into the barber shop for a haircut while we ran into the 4-Seasons since it is in the same building.  When we were done, we went into the B-shop to wait on Dad.  The waiting area is in the middle of the room.  I was standing with a foot on Mom's chair so I could check her out when this grumpy old man comes in.  I popped down and moved under Mom's legs (to be out of the way).  He tries to pet me as he walks by.  Mom isn't big on people messing with me and certainly not when someone invades her personal space.  Her “Please, don't pet him; he's working.” gets Mom told she has a “bad attitude”.  I guess she's supposed to let random old grumpy men pet me while I'm trying to do my job.

So, I pop up to finish checking Mom out, then give her a kiss on the cheek and the “All Clear” sign then put my feet on the ground and got back under the chair.  The old guys just glares and says it doesn't look like I'm working.  Dad comes long about that time and scrtiches me on top of the head (which really pissed the old man off) and calls me “Little Man”.

The bus ride  to base was tedious.  The brat sitting in the seat in front of me kept slamming himself back into the seat.  The seat was shaking.  Mom laid my seat back as far as she could.  The brat was noisy too.  The wait for a taxi was worse.  Another demon spawn with a parent too busy smoking a cigarette to be bothered to parent their child.  Darwin will claim that one if it's mother lets it stand up in an umbrella stroller very often.

We did get one of the better taxi drivers.  He kept Mom laughing.  Dad had to take a nap since he's doing midnights.  I did sneak in and to wake him up.  Mom and I headed to the mini-commissary while Dad was in the shower.  His new thing is to tell me I'm in charge while he's gone; well, DUH!  

Mom gave me some yummy beef for supper.  Then we curled up in the big bed and watched NCIS on dvd most of the night.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>2008 USAF Ball</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/508057</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:01:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/508057</guid>
		<description>Mom is trying to get all of the pictures uploaded to my photobucket account so she can link to it.   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom is trying to get all of the pictures uploaded to my photobucket account so she can link to it.  For some reason, things are going S-L-O-W-L-Y!!!

Saturday, September 20th

I woke up at 5:50AM for breakfast and to go potty.  Mom took care of me and went back to bed until her clock went off.  I nudged her to get her up.  Maybe I should have let her oversleep; making her get up got me a bath.
  
In protest over her leaving me at home, I refused to kiss her goodbye.  No, I'm not a fan of sitting by and watching her let someone hurt her and I'm not a fan of the smells at the salon, but my job is to take care of her.  She did take some special preventative meds (stuff that she can't take everyday), but still, we know they don't always work.  She also said she would have to boogie to make it from her massage appointment to her hair/nail appointment.

While she was waiting for the bus, she called Dad to find out about transportation.  It was raining.  He said that the shuttle buses for the event were leaving at 5PM from the commissary.  There was no way Mom could make one of them.  Not having a phone number to call to have a taxi dispatched to the compound is a major pain in the butt.  The idea of trekking to the front gate in 5" heels while holding up her dress and keeping under an umbrella was making her second guess the whole idea of going.

The humidity had knocked a lot of the curl out of her hair, so she had to recurl it.  I laid in the hall and watched.  She had Dad feed Bretta and I and take us out to potty while she finished her hair and did her makeup.  Except, I wasn't allowed to walk; Dad carried me over to the grass.  Got to stay clean.

I watched them get dressed and I started getting excited.  I have to say that Dad had more stuff to do that I've ever seen.  The shirt stays look like some sort of torture device.  Mom got me dressed and Dad was in charge of getting my pins even.  I have a pair of gold Caduceus pins (they couldn't find silver ones) as well a pair of Israeli Defense Forces Anti-terrorism "Service Dog" pins (in the original style; they have since changed designs).

It was a slow walk across the compound.  Actually, I didn't walk; Dad carried me and tried to keep the umbrella over Mom.  Dad did flag down a cab instead of making her walk to the cab stand about fifty yards away.  It was also a slow walk into the building.  The driver let us off on the side of the building instead of the front.  As soon as we got inside and she could drop her dress, she took some masking tape to Dad to get off any stray white hairs.    

We had to walk a gauntlet of arched swords, clapping, cheering people, and guys standing on chairs tossing rose petals like confetti.  The pawrents let me watch it a couple of times since the guys with swords were going from attention to present arms which included the swords hitting and their heels clicking on the tile.  That was a little freaky; I don't like guys I don't know flashing weapons.  Having rose petals showered down on me was "different" and strange, but not freaky and the cheering and clapping didn't bother me.  Mom took me through it at a decent pace considering her shoes and once we got past the swords, I'd have been happy to slow it down and enjoy the "fanfare".

The escalator going to the ballroom on the second floor was about twenty feet past the gauntlet.  There was no way Mom could manage the escalator in that dress so we were escorted to the elevators.  Dad got us checked in and was given a slip of paper with our table assignment on it.

Oh My Dog, it was crowded.  This was a peninsula-wide event.  Dad got Mom a coke and himself a beer and we started mingling.  There were lots of questions about me.  Lot of people wanting to take my picture.  We finally got to where we could see the table arrangement diagram and then headed in to be seated.

Our table was near the front and right by the ROK MNO Band that was going to play during the meal.  The band consisted of traditional Korean/Asian instruments (including a drum, which was right near us) as well as "modern" strings.  The bass was also near us.  They didn't play that loud (they were mic'd, but I guess they had someone running hte audio board that knew to cut the speakers on our side) and there was no heavy beating of the drums, though Mom did put my Mutt Muffs on me due to the noise from the toasts and the guest speakers.

The tables seated ten.  Someone who works with Dad (and Dad knows from way back) was seated at our table along with his wife (who Dad also knows from way back).  We also had a couple of officers and their wives.  There had been a mix up and one of the pair had been separated at two tables on opposite ends of the room, but they got it sorted out.  We had a couple of "singles" that never showed or decided to sit elsewhere.  

I got bling.  Well actually everyone at the table got bling.  Instead of passing out wine glasses etched with USAF Ball, we got these cool coins.  

Mom and I went to get her another coke (since the meal was served with wine and water).  We had taken my Mutt Muffs off.  As we were walking to our table, a new set of entertainment started...a drum line.  It was loud and I didn't like it.  Mom got my MM's on me as fast as she could.

There was an intermission of sorts.  We filed out to take some pictures in front of the ice sculpture.  I had my picture taken by more people and several people made the assumption I was a unit mascot.  On the way back to our table, Dad asked Mom if she wanted my picture with a General.  Duh!  Unfortunately, I stuck my tongue out.  I was checking out his bling.  Lieutenant General Wood (3 stars) has some impressive bling.

We mingled some more, sat through a video presentation, some speeches, and the Air Force Song.  We talked to our table mates and other people who came by before heading out to take more pictures.  We didn't go to the other ballroom for dancing.  Mom's feet were starting to hurt.  She did take off her shoes which meant I had to be even more careful about not stepping on her dress.

Thankfully, the hotel is big enough (and busy enough) to warrant taxi's constantly pulling up.  We didn't have to wait.  The ride home was quicker (combo of less traffic due to it being after 10PM and the route).

Mom told Dad on the ride that she won't make the mistake of wearing a dress with a train ever again.  From now on, her gowns will have to be straight sheaths.  Dad kept joking that I was trying to stand on her dress and hitch a ride. Once we got home, Mom got me undressed and Dad got her unzipped.  Mom had a little problem.  She had used some special double sided tape inside her dress...she was scared of flashing too much or worse, if for some reason the dress fell down.  It was some good tape...she had a hard time peeling it off.  She had to then take a combo of baby oil and then rubbing alcohol to get the residue lines off and realized that she needs to be more careful with that kind of tape...it almost tore the skin on her sides when she peeled it off.  Ouch!!!

Mom told Dad and I that we were the best looking guys there before she turned out the light.

Mom's Notes -
I was tag-teamed for my mani/pedi.  Walking out to catch the cab was a nightmare.  I was scared I was going to drop my dress into a puddle or into the mud.  I ended up wrinkled.  

I really didn't want to walk the gauntlet either.  I spent most of the night worrying about walking in those heels.  

The food was great.  Hubby had to make the Beef/Chicken/Vegetarian decision when he bought the tickets; the beef was superb, so he chose well.  The first course was salmon tartar (with butterflied shrimp and some roe mixed in).  I took a bite.  I'm not a fan of the uncooked fish.  The second course was corn chowder; it had some other veggies in it that gave it a burst of flavor.  The main entree was steak soo tender it reminded me of pot roast with mashed potato, a bit of gravy, a funny looking mushroom (it looked like a bunch of flower buds on a single main stalk), and minced veggies on a piece of zucchini.  Desert was a brownie with ice cream and tiny chunks of watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, and a single un-pitted maraschino cherry (that I thought was a grape until I got it in my mouth).

Dinner conversation flowed.  The usual "Where are you from and where have you been?" into "Where do you want to go?".  I'm not always good with names; tonight was easy...Melissa and Melissa.

I've got to take a second to mention the clothes.  Tons of beautiful dresses in almost every color imaginable.  I saw several styles that I really loved (and goes with my new mantra of wearing a straight style without a train).  One of the Japanese wives (married to a Japanese dignitary or liaison) wore a traditional Kimono with Obi.  The needlework was exquisite.

I did feel like a princess.  I don't normally walk around wearing make-up, let alone go around getting my hair or nails done weekly.  I'm also not accustomed to wearing heels, let alone heels that high.  I also had to chuckle when people finally realized that Scooter was wearing a leash.  The cover was a hit (as was the formal wear).    I think I'm going to have him another coat made from pinstripe suit material for those occasions where a suit and tie are more appropriate.  I can then have bow ties made to match my dress.   Big lesson learned....not all double-sided fashion tape is created equal.

Finally, I may be just a tad biased, but both of my guys looked good!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>&quot;Good Pain&quot;...Formal Wear...Prepping for the big night</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/507600</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:26:53 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/507600</guid>
		<description>Thursday 9/18

We took a taxi to the Hamilton Hotel, then walked several blocks.  Mom wasn't payin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thursday 9/18

We took a taxi to the Hamilton Hotel, then walked several blocks.  Mom wasn't paying attention and the little mix breed terrier that we always see tied out in front of this one store tried charging me.  The more I ignore him, the madder he gets.

It took us a few minutes to find the place Mom was looking for, then we had to walk up three flights of stairs.  At first I didn't understand why Mom took off her shoes.  We were shown into a room with a funny looking bed.  It also has a funny looking chair with a small tub at the foot.  Anyway, Mom got undressed and put on this robe that didn't have sleeves.  She had brought my Eddie Bauer mini crate, so I settled in while she laid down on the bed.

Mom got a 90 minute massage that included some reflexology stuff on her feet.  I don't understand the concept of "good pain"; all I knew was that the lady was, at times, hurting Mom and she was just laying there letting her.  We had to stay to enjoy a cup of tea.  Mom also scheduled another appointment.  I guess this is something that we will be doing regularly now in an attempt to get Mom's neck pain under control.

We then walked to base to catch the bus to Osan.  Dad left Mom in charge of picking up our formalwear.  Unfortunately, she forgot to bring her MP3-player, but she did have a book to read.  The trip down was uneventful.

The seamstress at the tailor shop was happy to see me.  She did an awesome job on my coat, collar cover, and bow tie.  She had to make an adjustment to the tie, but it didn't take her five minutes.  Mom took a couple pics of me trying on my coat.  Even without my "bling" on it, it looks really good and it fits really well.

Mom needed to eat, so we walked over to Chili's.  She was happy to get to put the backpack down for a bit.  We then went back to the bus station to catch the next bus back to Yongsan.

The ride back was awful.  Cars kept pulling out in front of the bus (which was in the high speed bus-only lane).  That meant "brake checks" from hades.  Traffic once we got in to the city was bad, so we were about fifteen to twenty minutes late coming back.  We did beat Dad though, even with the wait for a taxi.  I was a hungry puppy; it was several hours past my normal supper time.

Friday, 9/19

Mom had a doctor's appointment.  She didn't want to have to sit at the hospital for more than an hour, so we didn't take the shuttle.  Mom's plan was to take a taxi to the one gate and then take the Post Run to the hospital.  That didn't work out soo well.  The harder Mom tries when it comes to speaking the language, the worse it seems to be.  In this case, three different drivers didn't understand where she wanted to go and she got a little upset.  Enough that she was getting an anxiety attack.  I got her sorted out and longingly looked at one of the buses.  She decided we'd go take the 110 to the gate closest to the bus terminal and still catch the Post Run.

I managed to walk on and off the bus by myself.  (Keep in mind that the bus starts moving before you sit down and is very jerky.)  We got a seat and I braced myself.  We both managed to walk to the rear exit without falling on our faces.  We were, however, 2 minutes too late to catch the Post Run.  There were two people ahead of us in the taxi line.  The first was going in our direction and the second was going to our desired location.  We all loaded up and split the fare.

The taxi line was really long when we were done, so we just went to sit at the bus stop.  We had a 30 minute wait.  Mom watched the taxi line...we'd still have been waiting for one.

Mom had a ton of stuff to do in preparation for the Ball tomorrow night.  I got my mani/pedi.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Movies, Movies, Movies...and Mom gets her &quot;Precious&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/507589</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:57:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/507589</guid>
		<description>Sunday 9/14

We napped the rest of the morning after Dad got home then took the shuttle bus to bas ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday 9/14

We napped the rest of the morning after Dad got home then took the shuttle bus to base.  The pawrents decided to eat Mexican at the Dragon.  That was a bit of a mistake.  There was a large group seated about twenty feet away from us and we could hear their entire conversation.  They were soo loud, Mom almost had to leave just from the noise.

Sometimes when things are too loud, it can be a trigger.    

All of the shopettes were closed for the "Holiday" so Mom couldn't get any Nerds so we went to wait at the theater.  We were sitting on the steps waiting for the doors to open, so Mom took the opportunity to water me (it was warm out).  She had set my bottle back in our bag.  I drank what she had poured and she asked me if I wanted some more.  Someone (who didn't know Mom had the bottle stashed) thought I was out and was going to have to wait until we could get inside, so he offered me some from his bottle.  It is nice to see other people look out for a pup.

We saw Babylon AD.  Mom wasn't impressed (she almost fell asleep).  

Monday 9/15

We went to the PX (Mom had laid eyes on a D&B purse that, from a classic color standpoint, would go with her dress for the ball, unfortunately, someone had snapped it up) and then to the theater to see Hellboy II.  For once, we sat further forward in the theater.  Mom was borderline so I laid in her lap and I actually watched part of the movie.  I had hoped the Pom in the auction house would have lived; you'd think that tooth fairies wouldn't want to have to pick all that fur out from between their teeth.

Tuesday, 9/16

Mom was bummed about the D&B purse being gone, so Dad thought some retail therapy might help.  Itaewon has some purse stores.  Mom saw a couple that she sorta liked.  One would have been perfect if it hadn't had these thimble looking things on it.  The more they looked the more she got frustrated.  Dad finally told her to see if she could find "The Precious"....as long as it was really big enough to hold our stuff. (Dad is the greatest!)

"The Precious" is an Hermes Birkin Bag knock off.  Not one of the cheap knock offs, but a certain name brand of its own.  Where the original costs way more than Dad makes in a year, this brand name is real skin as well, and still several hundred dollars.  In the case of Mom's "Precious", we are talking gray croc.

Mom finally found the store that had it.  Dad managed not to flinch at the price.  He did look at it and wonder if it would really hold my mat as well as the rest of our stuff.  After he saw how much it will hold, he's been joking that it is like the Tardis, much bigger on the inside.

We then walked to base.  Wanted was playing and the pawrents had been wanting to see it.  The only reason we've been going to the movies soo much is that it admission is free.  Either the MWR (morale, welfare, and recreation fund) or AAFES pays for the admissions.  We still have to buy snacks and drinks, but they don't cost near what they do at the regular theaters in the US.  They agree that it is spoiling them, but it is at a location that is easy for us to access and it is something to occupy their time.  Mom thinks Dad needs to get back into playing in the weekly poker tournaments at the Navy Club.

I'm on cloud nine.  Mom is back to using a knee pillow, especially when she lays on her back, so I have a nice snuggle-y place to prop my head.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Trying to Maintain</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/507586</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:54:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/507586</guid>
		<description>Friday, September 12

It was a really bad, really long night.  Mom's neck went out.  She said if f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, September 12

It was a really bad, really long night.  Mom's neck went out.  She said if felt like someone had hit her on the back of the neck.  This tends to make her headaches worse.  I kept trying to get her to stop gritting her teeth.  She gave herself leg cramps bracing against the floor.  Silly woman didn't want to go wake Dad up to take her to the ER.

I laid in the bathroom floor while she sat in the tub to get her legs to quit.  We tried to sit on the couch.  Mom tried the TENS unit on her shoulders.  If Dad had been up, she'd had actually put it further up her neck, but sometimes that can make it hard to breathe.  I thought she was going to bang her head against the wall before it was over.  We finally tried to lay down again before I let her know that her alarm was about to go off and I needed to go out.

We called the appointment line and got a same day appointment then reset the clock and laid back down.  She went through all of her pillows trying to find one that didn't make it hurt worse.  She finally got her "space" pillow where it moved something just enough her neck cracked a bit.  I laid wrapped around the pillow with my head beside hers.

My favorite leash has been temporarily sewn into the leash cover for the ball next weekend, so I'm having to use a back up leash and the snap is almost too heavy.  Mom and I have been trying to work around it.  She's to the point she's ready to maybe use a different leash, but couldn't find the one she wanted, so I had to use the heavy one.

There was a cute little baby on the bus.  She was the happiest little toothless chubbster.  She just smiled at us and laughed.  Her mom had a clue...she had stuff to keep her occupied when she had to put her in her carrier/carseat, so she didn't scream like some of them tend to do.

So, Mom got some meds and we caught a taxi home.  We've seen that doc before and he knows the deal.  

Dad had bathed Bretta and was playing the Wii when we got home.  She told him that we needed to go check the mail.  He had time before he had to be at work, so we caught the shuttle bus.  This time there was a kid that needed to learn the meaning of shut up and sit down.  Seriously...his mom told him at least a dozen times before the bus started to sit down.  He started to come bug us, but Dad gave him the look knowing Mom's frame of mind.  I just sighed. Right before we pulled out, Mom's drugs kicked in and she said her pain level went down considerably.  Maybe we can sleep tonight...or should I say, maybe I can sleep in the bed tonight.  Don't get me wrong, the couch is comfy enough, but I like to snuggle under the down comforter.

We got the same taxi driver we had the other day.  He remembered me and where our mail room is at.  Then we had to stop at the big mail room because we had package notices.  Mom's stripper shoes came...seriously, they have 5 inch "chunky" heels.  Dad could kiss Mom without getting a crick in his neck.  She says she's going to wear them to the ball.  Why do I have a feeling this means that we will be walking V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W-L-Y?  Is she going to figure out a way to make my leash 5" longer?  The pawrents "Inversion System" (AKA gravity boots and bar) also came in the mail.  Mom hopes that by hanging upside down she can decompress her lower back and maybe her neck.

Traffic through Itaewon wasn't bad; it was quite normal.  Hopefully Dad will get home at a normal time in the morning.  He likes to tell me that I'm in charge when he leaves.  I'm so in charge that I made sure Mom ate and that she gave me something extra tasty as well.  I had half a cornish hen breast and a wing.  It was yummy.  I know Mom has another one thawing for me and I think she is going to bake a couple for her and Dad tomorrow.

Saturday, September 13th

It has been a lazy day.  We played late last night.  I can run circles on our bed and I like to let Mom tackle me.  Dad does this thing with Lamby where he holds him by the legs and pulls his tail like he's cocking a gun then he shoots me.  Mom did it, but instead of "Bang" she said "Bah".  I got more Beagle Brisket tickles before we settled down to watch movies on tv in the bedroom.  She piled all the pillows on the bed so I could tunnel or lay on top of them.  I miss our bed not being up against the wall on one side, but our bedroom is too small and the  radiator is in the way.

We really didn't sleep, so we laid down with Dad.  It was a good nap.  Now Mom is trying to decide if we are going to go to Aunt Susan's get together or stay home.  We missed leaving in time to see the 5PM movie, and Mom isn't keen on being out really late, so the 8:30 movie is out. (OK not soo late, but by the time that movie gets out, we walk to where we can get a taxi, and we wait in line, it would be after 11PM.)]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I know the ER drill....Mom needs to stay out of the kitchen</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/504597</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:32:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/504597</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, September 10

Early morning:
We didn't sleep much last night.  Mom was sick.  Dad got  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, September 10

Early morning:
We didn't sleep much last night.  Mom was sick.  Dad got onto her this morning and told her that if she didn't go get the headache knocked out, he was going to take her to get it knocked out.  Mom called when the appointment line opened at 7:30 to see if maybe we could get in to see the neuro, but he's booked solid and her next appointment is on the 19th.  So, Mom is going to lay down for a few and then we will be off to the ER to take care of the problem.

Later:
Mom can look back and laugh.  I know the drill.  Walk around to the ER door, go through the automatic (noisy) door.  Go into the first room where Mom's checked in and signed up.  Go wait in the waiting room.  If we are the only ones there, Mom will find the remote and turn the tv volume down.  When they call Mom's name (yes, I know Mom's name), I stand up and collect myself (and shake or whatever).  We walk through another heavy door and I know exactly what room they will put us in.  We get inside and I go sit by the bed.  Mom gets her shoes off and puts our bag out of the way.  Depending on who comes in to start the IV and what arm they want, I may have to move to the other side of the bed.

I'm also to the point that I know several of the staff on sight and smell.  One of the female nurses is really calming; I really like her and I now wag my tail at her when I see her.  I also now recognize one of the guys.  He's the one who stuck Mom today (and got it right the first time).  He did her right arm and didn't make me move.  He thought it was funny that as soon as he got done and got all of the tape on it that I was ready to get on the bed where I sniffed Mom's new addition without touching it then laid down to wait.  I also recognized the female Doc and she gave me some love.  She got one of my favorite spots behind my ear.

Another of the female nurses came in just to see me and make friends.  Mom is all for letting them pet me because if something were to go really wrong, one of them would have to move me (they would have to move me if I were on the floor too), so she wants me comfortable with them.  I'm still not really sure about one of the other male nurses that works back there.  There is something about him that I find off-putting and Mom isn't sure why.  (Times like this she wishes I could talk so I could tell her exactly why.)

Anyway, they didn't get the headache knocked completely out, but did knock it down enough that Mom was better.  We came home and kicked back.

Dad was late getting home.  Really, really late.  Traffic was horrible.  This is a long holiday weekend for the Koreans.  Someone compared it to Thanksgiving and Christmas combined where everyone leaves for their "ancestral home" or to grandma's.  We've heard that Seoul is more or less deserted, if you can imagine a city that large ever being really deserted.

Thursday, September 11

Mom joked that this morning was like the movie "Ground Hog Day" where she'd wake up, go get something to drink, go potty, and go back to bed only to repeat like 3 or 4 times.  Then Dad was even later getting home since traffic was worse than the night before.  He did call so Mom would have an idea of maybe when to expect him.  He said he was hungary so Mom decided to cook.  It really wasn't her night to be in the kitchen.

First, she shattered the bowl she was using to flour the meat.  When it hit the floor, one of the shards hit her foot and stuck.  I was laying on the couch (since I'm not allowed in the kitchen while she's frying anything or opening the oven).  I came running to the doorway and halted.  She did manage to clean it all up without burning the meat.  She got the glass out of her foot too.  It wasn't that bad.  Then, she decided to do dishes and almost cut her hand open.  At that point, she decided that Dad could finish the dishes and she stayed out of the kitchen for the rest of the night.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Boys Night In...Busy week...BP woes...I like going to the theater.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/503523</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Sep 2008 09:00:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/503523</guid>
		<description>Monday, September 1

We had rode the bus to the PX when they called to say they were on their way. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, September 1

We had rode the bus to the PX when they called to say they were on their way.  Dad had to scramble to get "Guy  Food". (Brats and Beer).  Dad wasn't helping Mom's headache at all with the volume control on the remote.  Then again, Mom can magically "tell" when Dad has had X number of Beer.  That is when we generally tell him we are going to bed.

Tuesday, September 2

I was a good boy in that I didn't try to wake either of the Uncles up.  Josh had settled itno my papasan chair and Jay had the whole stretched out fouton couch to himself.  I wanted to tell them "Good Morning" with a loud AAAARRRROOO, but Mom told me NO.

We all rode the public bus to the War Memorial, then walked to the gate, then headed to the bus station, got tickets, then went to eat lunch.  The bus was crowded so I didn't have a seat to myself.  Then the bus driver started with the "pets in carrier" crap.  He got the manager who took one look at us and told the guy NOPE.  He rides loose.

We got there and told the guys Bye.  Dad needed to get a Dress Mess uniform for this ball and the tailor at Yongsan doesn't do USAF ones, only Army.  Mom brought my Rough Wear Cooler as a template for my dress mess.

The guy was thrown for a loop when we first started talking to him about it, but after a few minutes and me explaining the coat and the covered collar with a bow-tie, he got excited.  We had to go next door to clothing sales to buy the buttons, so he was even more impressed with the buttons we chose for Scooter's coat.

It was interesting to Mom that he understood why we were going for the look. 

We then went shopping in the BX propper.  Mom found a shirt she liked.  Then we took a taxi to the front gate to look at purses.  While we were walking around, Dad saw a store that carries gear bags and MOLLE stuff.  Mom got the basic harness (to fit her) there.  One of the guys asked about me.  Mom explained she has a neurological condition and about the alerts and the response and hearing tasks.  Mom has noticed that when people ask and comprehend the work aspect, that the common thing for Koreans to say is that I am a smart/deep dog.  Like they don't see that in their pets.

As we walked around a well groomed (shaven footed) Maltese issued a warning from a store door.  He got the dog next door screaming too.  All I did was walk by.  I looked up and Mom and just sighed.  Had I been in my old 60# body, I'd have made them quake.  We took a taxi back to the BX.  Mom was done with the looking, but we had time to kill to catch a bus home.  Dad opted to get a haircut; we hit the shopette in search of snacks.

Mom had, somehow, forgotten her meds.  She had taken her dispenser into the kitchen to refill one when the guys got her sidetracked.  She was going downhill fast.  On the way out the door to the bus station we a little girl stop up to ask questions.  Mom just handed her my card and told her I was working.  She just didn't have the juice to explain.  Mom does try to answer people's questions, but times like that, my card is the best she can do.

The bus was crowded going home as well.  Mom had hoped we would get a pair of seats to ourselves so she could stretch out and try to "go someplace else".  Cramped in with Dad, I sorta laid on him so I could see out the window and Mom used her MP3 player (lots of Enya) to drown out the noise.  By the time we pulled up to the Moyer Bus Terminal, I was laid across both of them.  Luckily, we got a cab quickly.  It was a little after 9 when we got home (late for us)

Wednesday, September 3

Dad's first day on his new schedule.  He left the house EARLY.  Mom forgot to set her clock.  She took an Ambien....and slept for 17 hours...she did get up to take me potty and feed me breakfast.  Thankfully, she woke up before my suppertime.  She said the dreams were wild.

Thursday, September 4

Dad has weird hours.  He did go with us to the mini commissary before he had to go to work.  Some kids kept screaming at us.  Definitely not good for Mom's headache.  He also keep coming up and circling us.  Mom had to do the drill sgt voice.  She let him know that he was to keep his hands to himself and to stop screaming around us.

Friday, 5th  needed to stay awake cause he was going to do midnights.  We did a lot of walking.

Saturday, September 6

There was supposed to be a concernt on base...some sort of end of summer jam.  We missed the shuttle bus, so we decide to take a cab.  Between the two of us we got pretty close and next time I know more explicit directions to get to that gate.  Concert was a no-go.  The pawrents ate, then Mom felt really light headed.

Sunday, September 7

Dad decided he needed new glasses, so we went to the optometrist.  I laid down and ignored everything while they did Dad.  Mom had to remind me to hold my down/stay because I wanted to be right there beside her.  Dad managed me just fine.  I made sure he heard my displeasure (loud sigh).   We walked to base and hit the PX.  While we were there, we ran into Aunt Sharon and Uncle Clint.  Mom got a new camera.  Her old Kodak is bulky to carry around.  Her new Nikkon matches her purple metallic Oakleys.  It is also really slim and fits into "our" bag much better.  We grabbed a cab to the theater and watched Death Race.  Mom and Dad agree they must have it when it hits DVDs; Dad for the action and Mom for the eye candy.  Why couldn't they have a cute little girly female for me to look at.

Mom's headache was sorta all over the place, so I laid in her lap  She said her arms fells asleep while sitting there; she wasn't leaning on anything.  She's still light headed off and on.   When we got home her fingernail beds were this really cool shade of purple/blue.

Oh and the big hit of the day was when we were walking towards the gate.  We ran into the really loud rude woman who yelled and screamed at us the first week we were here.  I walked by like I owned the place and she didn't say a word.  She literally stopped mid-sentence to someone in her family and watched us walk by like we were part of a parade or something.  I guess she's never seen a Beagle wearing a vest and doing a show walk on a loose lead.  It made Mom smile.

Monday, September 8

We were supposed to go to Osan for our fittings.  Mom was too sick.  We did manage to go get the glasses.  Mom looks cool.  She only has to wear hers while reading or on the computer.  We also went to get Mom's dress.  The seamstress made me a leash cover on the spot that matches Mom's dress.  It is going to be awesome.  She also has several other dresses that Mom wants.  One is a pretty ballerina type dress...all flowy and pink with just a hint of beading.  It would look awesome with ballet  (toe) shoes.  Mom may go buy it next month.  We have other events coming up.

Tuesday, September 9

Dad went to Osan without us.  Mom was too sick.  I will have to go down at another time for my fitting.  Dad has told Mom (repeatedly) that she needs to go to the hospital.  This headache has progressed to the point "status" (and then some).  If Mom's head is still hurting tomorrow, he wants her to go.  

There is new info out that say the more of these headaches Mom has the greater the chance that she will develop some sort of brain damage and greatly increases her risk of stroke.  She's also having more stroke like symptoms with some of these headaches.  Little things like remembering words.  She says she can see them in her head, but she can't say the word.  With the BP stuff, we are all worried.  Mom is just being stubborn.  She's tired of being the guinea pig or getting her hopes up and then something not working out.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Ambien dreams and Mom's visit to &quot;Puppy Street&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/503510</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Sep 2008 08:17:58 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/503510</guid>
		<description>Friday, August 29

Mom had an appointment with her neuro.  General consensus is that she's broke.  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, August 29

Mom had an appointment with her neuro.  General consensus is that she's broke.  We've tried all the tricks.  Mom had looked at several good resources for information on migraine management, trying to find a combo that while it can't be taken as a daily preventative, it can be taken if someone has something very special to do.  So she got a scrip for that, and full warnings about not mixing it with her normal migrane med.  She also bit the bullet and opted to try Ambien again.  Mom had tried it once, long, long ago.  I heard the hunting dogs, a decade later talking about how she picked ticks off them and cleaned them up and clean out their pen all while half asleep.  It was enough to make the one little beagle not want to break out of her pen for fear Mom would dip her.

We left the hospital and met Dad at the Dragon for a late lunch.  Mom was in the middle of eating when I alerted her.  Dad suggested she try the new med.  It did ok at first.  We made it home and she thought she was in the clear, so she and Dad hopped the public bus to go look at dresses,  She found her dream dress.  They came back pretty quick because Mom started feeling worse.

So at bedtime, Dad suggested she take an Ambien so she'd be rested up.  Uncle Jay and Uncle Josh wanted to come up to visit us.  They are stationed at Osan.  Aunt Meegan is back in Maryland with the hu-kid and Pauly.  Pauly (and Needy) were Dad's cats.  Needy and Mom didn't get along so we had to do what was in everyone's best interests.  Pauly went to live with them when Dad got orders.  Mom isn't a cat person, buy she misses Pauly.

Saturday, August 30

Mom slept weird and had strange dreams.  At one point, she got up and went into the papsan chair because she was scared she was going to hurt me and Dad.  Dad and I weren't scared, but it was strange that Mom didn't want me close.  Once she sat there for awhile, it was like she woke up and started having an anxiety attack at the thought of hurting us.  I calmed her down and finally got her to lay down between me and Dad,  

When she woke up we decided to go to the movies.  I laid in her lap while they watched House Bunny.  I watched the trailers.  I wanna see HellBoy II.  Mom was really sick during the movie.

Sunday, August 31

Mom decided to leave me at home.  She wanted to visit Chomuryo, but didn't want me there because she didn't know how it would be (since in a lot of ways Korea is like 20-30 years behind the US in something.  

Here is Mom's report

<i>This was puppy alley.  Breedwise red poodles of all three sizes and Beagle babies ruled the day alongside a few English Bulldogs and Frenchies.  I saw an adolescent boxer and a BYB crestie.  I think I saw a labordoodle or a lab/golden cross.  I really couldn't pay too much attention to him.  We found out there was a large dog show going on down the road, but never made it to the location.  I can say that the puppy stores were very clean and pups were only minamally caged and in containment of adquate size.  Much better than anything I've ever seen in a US puppymill showcase.

We found a large supply store.  Great selection of foods, supplements, toys, bags, collars,and leads.  The one thing I didn't expect to see was a nicely groomed Beddlington Terrier as one of the customers.  He was a nice little guy and seemed soo out of place there.</i>

Mom was pretty sick when they came home.  They did run up one subway stop to DongDea Mun.  Mom brought back some live-plant materials for Blue's tank and got me a pair of goldfish.  A Black Moor we are calling Hannibal, and a red and black oranda with striking markings that we are going to call Tojo,  Mom did get frustrated.  She saw a third goldfish at another store that she wanted.  (He was a pearscale that had a Hitler mustache).  The guys wouldn't' sell him, but would sell the rest of the fish in the tank.  Mom also wanted 6 cardinal tetras, but since they wouldn't sell her the goldfish, she wasn't going to buy any other fish from them.

Mom got started on the tank, then had to lay down.  Dad did his best with Tojo and Hannibal.  Mom will decorate their tank later.  I laid down with her...she went through a ton of ice packs and the tens unit.  She really needed to go to the ER, but she didn't want to miss Dad's time with Uncle's Jay and Josh.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>HARD ROCK CAFE, SEOUL and Hooker Hill</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/503478</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 9 Sep 2008 06:53:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/503478</guid>
		<description>Friday, August 22nd

We think Mom is having an allergic reaction to the nerve block.  The only joi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, August 22nd

We think Mom is having an allergic reaction to the nerve block.  The only joints that don't hurt are her fingers and toes.  She's also got leg cramps.  It took us a few minutes to walk to the elevator.  She didn't sleep despite being up for more than twenty-four hours.  Then right after Dad left for work, Mom nodded off  We basically staid in bed all day and missed our chance to call the neurologist.  We are supposed to have plans this weekend.  If Mom can't walk normally, then we won't be going.

Saturday August 23rd

We (Mom and I) slept for 4 hours. I asked to go out at 5AM and for breakfast,.  She took care of me and laid back down.  Once I ate and drank some water, I joined her.  We overslept.  Dad was up and puttering on his computer.  It is his last real weekend deal.  He starts his weird shift stuff next week.

Mom decided to tough it out.  Susan was bringing her boytoy and Trish was coming as well as Aunt Sharon and Uncle Clint.  We were to meet them at 8PM so we had time to ride the shuttle to base and browse the PX before catching a public bus to the meeting point.  Mom is determined to make me a new sling.  The "pet" slings kill her neck.  SO, she's looking at getting a black MOLLE pack and having a sling bag made that will attach.  Then she can carry me on either hip or in front.

We had a long walk to the gate and up to the bus stop.  It was sorta nice because it is tree lined with lots of shade loving ground cover.  Once on the bus, we got the driver from HELL.  He drove like his personal goal was to give everyone whiplash.  Mom and I were happy to get off the bus.

We walked around a bit, then Mom saw Susan, but wasn't 100% sure it was her.  The whole thing about girls dressing to go riding and get stinky look one way vs being cleaned up.  Her guy decided to bail on the food portion of the night, but would meet us later.  Aunt Sharon and Uncle Clint showed up.  Trish was running late.  We decided to go to Geckos (bar).  They wouldn't let me in.,  Mom was ticked.  So we went to the Indian Restaurant instead.  

I did my job, laying quietly under the table.  The old man acted like he had never seen such a well behaved dog and the server thought I was adorable.

Susan had called Jayden to meet us at the Hard Rock.  We got on the wait list for a table and left her number with the guy.  Aunt Sharon has been reading about all the off-limits places (specific establishments) that we cannot go into, but there is nothing saying we can't walk down the road.  Most of them are on "Hooker Hill".  We walked up "Hooker Hill".  I saw a couple of trannies and a bunch of prostitutes and even had a dog try to come out to great me from one of the houses.  Not sure if the dog was "any of the above", but given the location, who knows.  Susan was pointing out the tranny bars.  Yeah, I wasn't  impressed.  Poor Daddy and Uncle Clint both looked a bit embarrassed.  Mom summed it up well, if you've seen one hooker or one tranny, you've basically seen them all.  Some just dress better than others.

The Hard Rock was LOUD!!!  I had my mutt muffs on and the floor was vibrating.  The band was ok, but the lead singer sounded like a tortured cat.  Nothing like a Korean band trying to play British old school rock (Beatles, Queen, ect).  I was happy when they took a break and went back to the techno crap.  The service sucked.  It was like they didn't want Americans in there.  I doubt we go back, unless Mom takes me in there again, just to get my picture made.

We missed the last bus home, but we finally caught a cab.  Mom had stacked triggers to the point she knew she was going to be sick.  The scent of someone smoking further down the street, someone else marinating in perfume, the smell of something that cooked too long.  Sometimes it happens.

Sunday August 24th

Mom didn't lay down until 9AM, then we slept most of the day.

Monday August 25th

Mom and Dad had ordered a TENS unit.  Mom use to have one for her knee.  Dad figures he will use it off and on for his back and that Mom will use it the most between her knees, shoulders, and neck.  My Snoops bandanna came in the mail as well.  Mom is going to get a pic of me in it soon.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Coex..subway of human sardines</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/498385</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:47:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/498385</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, August 20th

Dad informed Mom that we have a formal event coming up.  That means we hav ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, August 20th

Dad informed Mom that we have a formal event coming up.  That means we have to go on the search for her a dress as well as have a tailor make me some evening wear.  I've got to look good too.

Thursday, August 21st

Well...we went to the Coex.  Mom and Aunt Sharon decided to they wanted to find Hannam Station, then saw a sign for a different subway station that would mean they only needed to do one line transfer.  I swear we walked 2 miles before they almost didn't find it.  If some well dressed dude hadn't come up from some semi-hidden steps, we probably wouldn't have found the station.  Mom needs to find out which bus goes there from the stop out front.

We finally got to the station and made it to the mall without a problem.  Did you know that Huyndai has a department store?  First floor food.  Second floor, cosmetics (yes, a whole floor of make up and skin care).  Third floor, shoes and bags...including Jimmy Choo.  Fourth floor, women's dressy clothes.  Fifth floor, women's casuals including Oakley sunglasses and Juicy Couture.  Mom found some purple metallic Oakleys that she had to have.  We also found an umbrella store where Mom got two micro umbrellas.  One of them has a small hard case, but Dad liked it, so just gave him a kiss.

There was also a big bookstore with a large selection of books in a variety of languages.

It was crowed when we headed home.  People pack themselves onto the subway like sardines.  Mom put me in my sling.  I was illegally petted to the point all I could do was sigh and roll my eyes.  Mom and Aunt Sharon were blocking for me to no avail.  Mom carried me through the station where we changed lines - it was like walking through the Atlanta airport.

We passed a guide dog going the other way.  He didn't see me and I ignored him.  Mom needs to find out the Korean phrase so she can call out a warning.  We also saw an older visually impaired man get off the subway.  He about got knocked down while he was gaging the gap to get off.  There is no sense of personal space and no sense of looking out for those who literally can't look out for themselves.  

We were worried we wouldn't make our transfer station.  We got on and stayed by the one door; got several stations out and it changed to the other side.

We finally made it to the War Memorial station.  Aunt Sharon walked onto base and we caught a public bus.  I was in a hurry, so Mom had to tell me "No".  The ride started off rough, then someone who was in one of the handicap/elderly/preggers seats offered it up.  Mom took it; standing up with me is hard to do.  Mom thanked the person and I was happy to have a bit more stability for the ride.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Needles Suck; Glad it wasn't me.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/496103</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:19:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/496103</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, August 19th

Mom was up most of last night.  She had read up on the procedure the doc is  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, August 19th

Mom was up most of last night.  She had read up on the procedure the doc is going to perform and has almost psyched herself out of it.  Seems people either love it or hate it; the only agreement is that it hurts.

We finally went to bed about the time Dad's clock went off and we had just gotten really comfy when our clock went off.  I napped in my chair while Mom showered, dressed, and packed "our" bag.  She got Bretta out then got me dressed.  I knew we were going to the hospital because Mom had packed my Eddie Bauer mini-crate.  That means something painful is going to happen to Mom; something that will make me want to break a down/stay to get to her.

Mom tried listening to her MP3 player on the bus; anything to try to clear her mind, but it just wasn't happening today.  I ended up in her lap so I could get her mind on me and get her breathing under control.

We checked in and it was soo busy Mom couldn't listen to music and hear them call us.  I started "talking" to Mom which entertained some older man who was waiting.  He told me I was "such a poor puppy.  Soo unloved."  He was joking, since I had given Mom a kiss and she had scritched one of my favorite spots on my back.  I was just trying to let her know she was having an anxiety attack and that I was more than happy to climb in her lap.

Mom pulled out my mini-crate when we got into the exam room.  I gave her a look and did a production number making sure to work the eyes and the big sighs.  I did have a good view from under her chair.  Doc came in and asked what happened to make us have 3 ER visits in 17 days.

When he brought out the syringe with the huge needle, I signed really loud.  Doc looked down at me, "Oh really, Little Man."  I gave him the "Don't hurt my Momma!" glare and started talking to him.  I've gotten good at watching the volume.  Doc knows; I'm not into him getting poke happy with the needles.

He did have to stop twice to give Mom a minute to remember to breathe.  She ended up with both sides blocked.  You could physically see the muscles spasm on the right side.  So the back half of Mom's head is literally numb.  She laughed when she put her sunglasses on; it felt funny.  I got to sniff the back of her head before we left the office.

There was a line for the taxis so we walked down to the snack bar to get Mom a drink and to call Dad before walking to the bus stop.  I heard Doc tell Mom to go home and ice down, so I was going to make sure that we went home.  I was more than ready to get on the bus, except we had to sit through 3 buses before ours showed up.  (Yes, I get happy to see the bus.  I like to ride.)  While we waited I saw what I <b>MUST</b> have my picture taken on/in.  One of the choppers did a low level fly-over.  I sat there wagging my tail and watching it.  Someone asked Mom how she trained me to be soo calm about stuff like that.  I got use to it when we lived in Florida and had both choppers and jets going overhead at any given time.  Dad did say that if I get to pose with/on one, I must wear my Mutt Muffs and Doggles.  That will be my favorite picture.

We got home and I sacked out in my chair while Mom rested.  Dad ordered pizza (meat lovers - my favorite) and they discussed the "horse" business again.  The girls are planning on checking out another stable.  Mom has said she isn't going without me.  Also, since she hasn't been able to find her knee brace she had to order another one.  Dad didn't realize how expensive they are.  Mom also ordered some new ice packs; her old ones are ancient and don't stay cold for very long.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Third trip this month...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/495626</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:07:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/495626</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, August 13th

Mom was grumpy...and feeling like crap.  We hopped on the shuttle to go fi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, August 13th

Mom was grumpy...and feeling like crap.  We hopped on the shuttle to go find some whiskey for Mom's sore throat.  (You know the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey trick.)  Mom almost forgot my vest, so Dad hopped off the elevator when it stopped on the 3rd floor and ran upstairs to grab it while I took care of business outside.

The bus driver tried to give Mom a hard time.  Not the best thing he could do today.  Dad and I thought her head was going to do a complete 360.  This wasn't a new driver.  It wasn't like Mom wasn't carrying my vest.  Mom got me dressed on the ride over.  We get on base and have to ride to the bus station.  About half-way there (once on base) some kid gets on and he's at that age where his parents need to have the hygiene talk.  He was a little ripe.  Dad misunderstood Mom's gestures and thought she was referring to some ROK Marines that had gotten on.  They were sweaty, but they weren't stinky.  The kid, however, was about as bad (on the opposite end of the scale) as those who marinate in perfume/cologne.  It was burning my nose and he made Mom sick to her stomach.

So we walked to the Four Seasons to the shoppette since they have a liqueur section.  One of the employees yells "No dogs!"  Mom pointed to my vest and we got back to trying to find the kind of whiskey Mom wanted.  They didn't have it in what Mom calls a "snakebite" bottle (@250ml).  They did have 6 pack of 50ml bottles (about 1.69oz).  We picked one of those up and a small thing of Real Lemon.

On the way back, we decide to see if we could get a taxi at the bus station.  The line was long.  We jumped on the Post Run bus to the Dragon and waited in line there.  We almost ended up getting on the shuttle, but we finally got a taxi.  If it hadn't been soo hot out, we'd have walked out the gates and caught the public bus.  Dad would have had his hands full though since he had the bag and a 12-pack of Pepsis.

We (Mom and I) had one of those weird moments where we realized something funny.  If you tell most of the taxi drivers you want to go to Hannam Village, they get confused.  You have to pronounce village "village-e"  By the time we move back, Mom will be mispronouncing Village.

Thursday, August 14th
Mom's headache is massive.  We did, however, watch the one South Korean archer chick kick some North Korean booty.  Mom has a compound bow and loves to shoot.  Dad has suggested that we see what venues are available over here and is ready to buy Mom an entry-level recurve bow.  I think that would be cool.  Mom has been looking for something constructive to do since we've been over here.  She did get permission to bring me to the stables if she goes riding again, but she wasn't that impressed with the horses there.  She and Dad have discussed leasing her a horse, but finding a place close by to board it is proving to be a challenge.  So archery would be a good activity that she enjoys that I can go hang out at without getting in the way.  I can hang out in my pop-up crate under Mom's chair while she shoots...it will be almost like home, except I always just sat in Mom's chair.

Sunday, August 17th
UGGGG!  Why do people have to marinade in perfume?  If Mom can smell you twenty feet away then I think you more than need a bath.  Mom tries to get us upwind when we get a whiff.  I'm getting really good at letting her know someone reeks because I know it is a trigger for Mom and it burns MY nose.  We got stuck in the elevator with a marinator today.  I was worried that it was going to make Mom's headache rebound.  She had just gotten back from the ER.  It gave me a sneezing fit.

She left me home with Dad and went alone to the hospital.  We hadn't slept in the last couple of days.  I had stretched out on the couch with Dad and was napping when she got dressed.  She figured it would just be easier to go alone...she had forgotten just how much she relies on me to ground herself when it gets bad...especially when the wait is long or when the meds make her antsy.  She left at 11AM and didn't get home until nearly 6:30PM.  They were busy.  The good news was that they managed to get the IV in on the first try.  She took the Post Run to a little used pedestrian gate and then caught the public bus home so she could get me dressed.  She was feeling better and she and Dad wanted to see the new Mummy movie.

Poor Dad hurt his back Thursday.  He offered to dress me and bring me and "our" bag and just meet Mom on base, but she told him she'd come home since she didn't figure he'd be able to carry the bag and take care of me.  He's moving slow.  He did manage to feed me and Bretta our supper.

We got there early, so we sat on the steps and waited.  I was having fun sitting beside Mom and hanging out.  When the doors opened, Mom and I went to find "our" seats and get me settled while Dad managed to get the snacks.  I've got the whole standing for the National Anthem thing down now.  I did ask to get into Mom's lap (so I could check her out) after the movie had been on for awhile.  She was good.  I caught sight of the Yeti, so I decided to sit there and watch most of the remainder of the movie.  Mom elbowed Dad and pointed to me.  He said, "That's my boy!".  I was still in Mom's lap when the lights came back on.  Several people commented that they didn't realize I was there until they saw me.  That always makes the pawrents laugh.  I was still wearing my Mutt Muffs.  That attracts attention.  Everyone asks if we had them especially made.

It was intermittently sprinkling on the walk to the Dragon and then it took about fifteen minutes to get a cab.  Mom gave me plenty of time to potty before we headed to the elevator.  We got the creaky one that I don't like.  We fully expect it will be out of order shortly from the way it has been acting.  Mom then got Bretta out to potty while Dad undressed me.  Right now, I'm curled up between the pawrents.  Dad is working on a book.  He's discovered LuLu.  So he's reprinting some really ancient beer/wine/mead type texts, but he's updating the terms and names for the various plants and spices.  Too much cross-checking for me.

Monday, August 18th

We went to bed late because Dad took a nap while Mom was gone, then there was a vehicle out in the parking lot that had horn problems.  It went off for more than 3 hours straight.  It was late when Mom and I finally got to sleep; so we slept in until noon.  We have to go to the hospital tomorrow so Mom can get something called an occipital nerve block.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Not Her Best Choice...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/494212</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:01:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/494212</guid>
		<description>Saturday August 9th

Sometimes Mom acts like a dumb blonde and reminds me that common sense is som ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday August 9th

Sometimes Mom acts like a dumb blonde and reminds me that common sense is sometimes not soo common.  She decided to "dope up" (or in medical jargon prophylaxis selective pre-medication) so that she could leave me and Bretta home while she went horseback riding with the girls.  What she didn't know was that the riding venue was changed (to something even further out).  Several other factors played in and her gamble did not pay off.

They were on their way back, on a public bus, when Mom had to bail off the bus so she could puke.  She was sitting there and all of a sudden she felt "off" so she grabbed a prescription nausea tab and got it down.  She had half a bottle of water on her.  Less than 5 minutes later, she looked over at Susan and said "I've got to get off the bus.  I'm going to be sick."  They hit the "stop" button (which is for like the next stop available, they won't do an unscheduled stop, though I'm sure had Susan yelled up there in Korean that he had a choice, stop the bus or Mom would spew, he'd have let them off immediately).  They hopped off and Mom frantically looked around for a place to let chunks fly.  There was a beautiful rock wall with some shady Hosta type plants everywhere.  Mom found a spot and cut loose.

Poor Aunt Sharon had to take a walk and Aunt Susan sorta went back and forth between them.  Aunt Sharon also had some really nasty pina colada gum that got the taste out of Mom's mouth.  The gum must have been potent, Mom said the flavor lasted forever and I could still smell it when Mom got home.  At that point, her head was pounding.  Mom got another nausea tab down and they sat down to catch the next bus.

By the time Mom got home, she was pretty sick.  They rode a bus to Seoul Station, then caught the subway.  Dad had to get her boots off of her while I gave her the once over.  Then Bretta had to check her out.  Bretta was more interested in the horse smell once she got past Mom's head.  Mom then got a cool shower, choked down more drugs, and we laid down with ice packs.

Sunday August 10

Today was a bust.  Mom was up and down a bit.  Dad did fix some chicken creole and made Mom eat, but she had gotten off schedule on the Reglan and got sick to her stomach.  She had to worship the porcelin God "Rolf".  Seems that for proper worship you must call his name correctly with lots of splashing of the water (without using your hands) and ritualistic spitting.  I laid against her legs while she knelt at the alter.

Mom slept fitfully from about 6PM until 12:30AM.  I get up when she gets up.  She downed some pedialite and had the shakes.  I think we stayed up for about thirty minutes.  I got in her face at 3:30.  I was hungry; I had eaten RAW for supper.  Mom would have given me a snack if she had been thinking right, but with the headache (and not knowing when I had been out to potty last), she just took me out and gave me some freeze dried salmon as a snack.

Monday, August 11

I got in Mom's face at 5:30 for breakfast.  She wasn't asleep.  Just laying there trying to breathe through the pain.  She fed me and laid back down.  When Dad's clock went off, Mom got Bretta out (wearing sunglasses before the sun was really up), got Bretta fed, me dressed, and herself dressed and managed to brush her hair without screaming.  We rode the bus with Dad and got off at the hospital and went to the ER.

That was fun!  (No, not really, for Mom, but the doctor and nurses there were great, as usual.  The one nurse on duty got Mom's IV started on the first stick (which after the last visit was better than great.  When we finally left, we had found the recipe to treat her dual headaches....Mom walked out with neither side hurting...completely headache free.

We took a taxi to the Quiznos on base so Mom could get some lunch (it was 11AM), then walked a little, got on the Post Run, got off at the Dragon, and caught a taxi home.  I sacked out.  I figured Mom would too, but she didn't.  She ended up rather wired.  Dad did have a surprise for her when he came home.  He had bought her a Wii from ToysRUs and it had arrived.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Ringo the Rhino PSB, &quot;Blue&quot; has shed, and finding EVO  in Seoul</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/491654</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 7 Aug 2008 07:50:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/491654</guid>
		<description>Thursday, August 7th

Mom wanted to get a &quot;same day&quot; appointment yesterday, but it was a no go sin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thursday, August 7th

Mom wanted to get a "same day" appointment yesterday, but it was a no go since the Prez was coming to visit.  Normally, they don't do them on Thursdays, but decided to just switch the days this week, so we got one for today.  Mom had thought about attending the "town hall" meeting, but knew it would be crowded and hot.  She wasn't feeling well anyway.  Bretta has been staying on her about her BP bottoming out.  You know Mom is sick if she passes up the opportunity to go to the mall...and the mall in question is one she hasn't had the chance to explore.

So, we napped until time to get showered and dressed (ok, she showered; I got brushed and spritzed).  Our appointment is at 1:20; the shuttle leaves at 12:15.  It wouldn't crank.  They guy calls for another bus, but time is ticking and Mom is feeling worse by the minute because it is HOT outside.  It doesn't help that her nausea med is one that has the whole warning advisory about being out in the sun and Mom has forgotten her hat.  She realized she forgot her cheat sheet that gives both the Hangul and phonetic spelling of how to get home or to the different gates for the base.  We managed to get to the gate by the commissary and walk over to it.  It was only several hundred yards, but it was scortching outside.  As we hit a little patch of shade, Dad returns Mom's phone call (she needed to know how to ask to get to the gate closer to the hospital, but by that point she no longer needed his help).  There are no cabs in sight.  We see a shuttle marked "Yongsan" so we hop on it.  Instead of going down by the hospital, it turns.  We hop off at the elementary/middle school and cross the road to wait for the post run.

The Post Run finally gets there at a little after 1PM and it is packed.  Mom asks a nicely dressed young Korean woman if she minds if Mom sits there (the shuttles are sorta like school buses, but the seats are made for 2 with individual cushions and lap belts.  I lay on Mom's leg and am very still. We were almost late for our appointment.

Aunt Sharon had an appointment as well, so when we got done, we went to see if she was still in the building.  She gets "greeting privileges" as Mom calls it.  She dropped down on one knee and I put my feet on her thigh and gave her a kiss.  We then wondered down to the pharmacy so she could get something filled and they can discuss this coming weekend's "Girls' Day Out" for Saturday.  Susan is booking them for horseback riding at some place they haven't scoped out.  Mom has decided to pre-medicate and let me have the day off.  The decision didn't come lightly, but since she hasn't been to the location, she doesn't know if there is a safe place to crate me while she rides.  Pre-medding doesn't always work, but she won't be alone and it will give me some one on one time with Dad, plus I can sleep in.  They also discussed us all going out to dinner (us, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Clint, and Susan and her fiance).

Mom and I caught a cab home.  I got focused on wanting to get into the cab that I ignored Aunt Sharon when she told me bye.  She understood; I was just ready to get home and plop - the heat was brutal today.  He didn't want to pick us up.  He started with the "I'm allergic to dogs" crap.  Mom says crap because I'm pretty hypoallergenic due to my puppy hair (plus, I have a grooming ritual before I get dressed for work).  Mom told him that he would get in huge trouble for refusing us and pointed out that I wasn't the pet he first thought I was (he asked if I could ride in the trunk...Mom wasn't amused; that was when she pointed out my vest and ID).

BTW, Pahln-sag (Blue) shed.  At first, Mom thought he had kicked the bucket because she saw his shed laying there and she sorta freaked.  So she went to get the net and when she came back (and turned on the tank light) he was on top of it eating it.  He looks like he has doubled in size.  Mom still wants to get a few neon/cardinal tetras to put in the tank just so it doesn't look soo empty.

We also had a fatality among the beetles.  Since Dad never specifically said who was who (other than Mom grabbing the name Ringo for the male she messes with), we just went with the obvious choice.  John died.  Dad put the two females in the same tank (they were supposed to get along; it is the males that fight).  Mom joked and said that the other female is Paul.

Mom jokingly sent out a post on one of her SD Yahoo groups about "Ringo the Rhino PSB.  He assists by stimulating conversation, yet buffers his handler since most people don't want to get too close.  He loves tactile stimulation.  Unfortunately since he hasn't shown the ability to alert, he is unable to fully assist me at this time."  (That was part of Mom's little joke...it goes along with an older joke about a service lobster.

We also got kibble today.  Mom had e-mailed Innova because the info about a local retailer had outdated contact info.  One of the local reps contacted Mom.  We can get the Evo chicken, but not the RM.  (A whole big mess about the government just now restarting to import US beef and they haven't lifted the  restriction on dog food; there has been protests here like crazy because they think the US is full of Mad Cow disease.  The US rates higher/safer than they do.  It is a pain.)  Anyway, Bretta has a bit of a chicken allergy, but  it isn't too bad.  Mom expects a bit of dry skin; nothing we won't watch and work around with some supplements.  Mom is expecting some TOTW in the mail soon and it beats what is available in the commissary and PX; Bretta had to eat some nasty stuff last week (and go back to partial raw) because Mom ran out.  I was ok since going RAW has been easier for me.

The cool thing was that this place delivers the same say you place the order.  Mom is trying to get a handle on how much food we eat a month.  She's been on Dad about using a level measuring cup when it comes to Bretta's food (he occassionally feeds her, but unless something is really wrong, he never feeds me).  So, other than our TOTW and our freeze dried treats, we are set.  They even threw in one of the big cans of the turkey/chicken Evo food.  The 13# bags were 33,000 won (roughly $33 each).  Since everything has to be shipped to us USPS, we can't beat the price.  Dad had to meet them at the gate to pay and pick up, but that wasn't a problem and the rep speaks really good English, so Mom can communicate with her.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Is there a 12-step program for a D&amp;B addict?</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/491634</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 7 Aug 2008 06:57:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/491634</guid>
		<description>Sunday, August 3rd

Mom sorta feels better.  She thinks her BP keeps bottoming out because she kee ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, August 3rd

Mom sorta feels better.  She thinks her BP keeps bottoming out because she keeps getting dizzy when she stands up.  She decided that she needed a distraction, so we decided to go to the movies.  We caught an early bus and went to the PX.  She told Dad that she felt "spacey", but that she wanted to stay out.  I stayed velcro'd to her side.  She found some shorts at the PX that she liked, so I went into the dressing room with her.  When we came out, she didn't see Dad so she asked me to find him.  He had moved off to the side and was sitting down.  She was feeling rather "craptastic" when we caught the taxi to the theater.  Oh and Dad told her she needs a 12-step program for  purse buying....she was looking at the D&B wristlets.  He forgets that they are great for her to put her cell phone in, so it is easier for me to bring it to her.

There wasn't a line and we got what we now jokingly refer to as "our" seats.  The 2-seat row off to the side.  Dad went to get snacks while Mom got me settled (mat laid out, Mutt Muffs on, and my leash unhooked from my collar and folded on top of her purse in case we need to grab it).  Just as Mom predicted, I've got the whole "everyone is going to stand up and then sit back down after a few minutes" thing down pat.  I sat there nicely during the National Anthem.

About ten minutes into the movie (Step Brothers), I needed to check Mom out.  I ended up alerting, so she fumbled in her bag (in the dark) for her meds and I laid in her lap for the rest of the movie.  I was being very careful not to touch her "ouchies" on her forearm.

When the movie let out, Mom wasn't up to the walk to the Dragon (and the possible wait for a cab), so we headed over to the bus stop.  We saw several people out walking their dogs (they are allowed to have them on South Post, except in the one set of tower apartments).  We actually saw a pair of Beagles; a lemon and white and a saddle back.  The L&W was OBESE and the other wasn't too far behind.  We aren't talking about a little bit fat, but Fat Bastard from Austin Powers fat.

The bus ride was uneventful.  Mom has been giving me the opportunity to do a little off-lead work once we are on the veranda of our building.  I strutted to the elevators like I owned the place.  I walked in and did my little turn around and waited until she told me I could get off (after the doors opened).  I then strutted down the hall to our door.  Sometimes I give her the look, my way of asking if I can run to our door.  If she says yes, I do it, then poke my head out so I can watch her come towards me (our door has about a 5-6 foot mini hall directly in front of it).  I'm more than happy to stand back while they unlock the door.  I understand that in a way, these are little tests for me.  

Monday, August 4th
I woke Mom up when her clock went off.  Bretta sniffed her and went off on an alert tangent that was weird.  I had alerted earlier, but Bretta was being whiny, not the alert that has been shaped.  Mom's BP was bottoming out again.  I did give her a more insistent alert (since the first line meds weren't working) so Mom doped up.  She got really light headed when she took me out to potty, so we laid down when we got back upstairs.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Our ER Visit...OR how Mom got the lovely &quot;track marks&quot;</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/490675</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 5 Aug 2008 01:09:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/490675</guid>
		<description>Friday August 1

It all went downhill.  Mom did manage to keep a protein bar down.  By 11:30AM, sh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday August 1

It all went downhill.  Mom did manage to keep a protein bar down.  By 11:30AM, she had taken everything she could and had a full blown dual headache.  Bretta was being loud and trying to lay on Mom.  We (Mom and I) laid down, but had set a clock.  She was laying there still trying to find her zone when it went off.  We got dressed, caught the shuttle, and went to the ER.

The bus ride was rough.  Mom ended up grabbing her MP3 player out of her bag to tune out the kids.  We got to the ER and had a bit of a wait.  We get seen by reception and Mom's BP was pretty much off.  113/49.  We are handed a cup and sent to the restroom.  We get called back a few minutes later and speak to one of the nurses.


Male nurse #1 comes in to start an IV.  One try in each arm with no luck.  Female nurse #2 is the one who took care of Mom last time (and is a really good stick).  She tried twice in the left arm and got one in the right.  We are all thinking it is because Mom is dehydrated that the veins aren't popping like they should.  Fluids are started.  I'm allowed on the bed.  We spoon.  The doctor comes in.  Checks Mom's eyes, pulls out the stethoscope, asks a few questions, tells Mom what the game plan is.  Mom is laying there and notices the IV is hurting (and it is in a spot that shouldn't hurt).  She's knew it was a "good stick" because of the metallic taste when the flush was applied and she's had one go through a vein where it started swelling because the fluids were building up SubQ.  She mentions it to Female nurse #1.  It still looks good, so we decide to just watch it.  She starts giving Mom the nausea meds and it starts burning bad enough that Mom had to concentrate on petting me and breathing.  She let the IV fluids flush through in the hopes that maybe it was just a strange reaction to the nausea meds (Mom has had then before).

Mom and the nurse watch as Mom's arm starts streaking red up the vein.  At first it was faint and Mom was all for getting the meds on board.  They got part of the pain meds in when they had to quit.  They had to pull the IV out.  Female nurse #2 comes in and tries.  She gets one in Mom's left arm (about the same spot as the one they just pulled).  It is a good stick, but it immediately starts burning like it is on fire.  (in case you are counting, that is the 6th stick.)

Dad showed up at this point.  I was happy to see him because Mom was soo sick.  They started getting all sorts of needles and caths together, along with a light thing to show the veins so Mom asked Dad to get me off the bed and hold me when it gets to the point they are going to try it again. I understand I need to be out of the way while they do what they needed to do.  

It is right at shift change and the lab people are gone for the day (Mom mentions this because in the past, if the ER staff couldn't get a good stick, the phelobotimists in the lab generally can since they do that all day long).  The good news is that one of the RNs coming on duty use to be a one and had success with hard sticks.  Before he started Female #1 and Mom discuss that we could do IM shots, but since Mom generally needs enough drugs to fall an elephant, it might not work and it wouldn't help the dehydration.

It is time to try again; Dad takes me as everyone converges on the room. Mom has Female #4 looking for a vein on her left arm/hand while Male #2 is looking on her right.  There is some off and on with the overhead lights as they use the little contraption that focuses light into the skin and makes veins show up.  The right hand is looking more promising than the left.   He tries one in the back of the hand that almost makes Mom pass out and puke.  (It hit something when he told Mom to open her hand.)  Then tries one more on the side of the wrist (which was pretty good, but it must have collapsed because he lost it).  He finally gets on in about an inch and a half from the first one that got all red.  I'm allowed back on the bed and I "had" to lay as close to Mom as possible.  I crawled up her body to lay on her chest (full body contact) and stuck my head on her shoulder with my nose behind her ear.  Then  I checked out her new "ouchies" and sniffed the new line.  I was worried about her.  She told me to spoon, so I got off her chest so she could lay on her side.

Mom needed more nausea meds by this time.  So she was given a sublingual tab instead.  A fresh bag and tubing were hung (just in case).  Mom ended up with 2 full doses of morphine and a big dose of valium.  They got the migraine knocked out, but only knocked the other side down to about a 5.

We had a male nurse come in and he had the wrong room.  I didn't like him.  He then showed up again.  I made my disapproval known and Mom reminded me that it was neither the time nor the place for that sort of behavior.  I also growled when the male doctor came in.  Mom corrected me and apologized.  He said he understood, that as many times as it took them to stick me (and the emotions that were running around the room) it was no wonder I was on edge.  I did hush and let the doc pet me once I could tell he wasn't all "emotional" (for lack of a better word).  He gives a good chin scratch.   I also let the male nurse who got the IV started pet me.  He apologized to both of us. 

Mom also thinks that Dad's mental status at that point may have made things much, much worse.  He was concerned and felt helpless, we were all a bit frustrated (ok, that is an understatement), the one guy was under some pressure, and Mom was hurting bad enough to want to kill herself at that point.  Plus Mom has some major anxiety when it comes to needles.  In the end, it took 9 different pokes (where most of them felt like they were digging trying to get it into the vein, not straight in stuff).  That was a lot going on in the room.  I had been fine up until she asked Dad to hold me.

We didn't get home until midnight.  Mom ate a little and we conked out.  Her arms look like someone has been driving railroad spikes into her veins.  They hurt.  I'm being very careful to not touch them, though I did very gently lick them after she got out of the shower.  The good news is that her PB finally went back to something closer to normal.

We have to watch to make sure her "track marks" don't streak and that there is no fever.  Yep, Mom looks like a junkie right now.  She had Dad take some pics.  She may post them later.

Saturday, August2

We were going to try to just get out of the house, but Mom needed some recovery time.  Headaches like these leave her with short term memory type problems.  She will forget simple words.  She also has some other neurological stuff that happens.  Stuff that Bretta can help with (bracing).  She gets frustrated when she can't find the word she wants.  Her neck is still right on the edge (of going out again), so a rebound headache is a possibility.  She said if it happens, Dad can stay home until time to pick us up.  

There is a movie playing this weekend that Mom wants to go see.  We may try to go depending on how she feels; mainly if she can deal with the noise.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Osan...Mom needs a 12-step programs when it comes to buying purses</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/490667</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:14:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/490667</guid>
		<description>Thursday, July31

We missed orientation.  Mom's head wasn't cooperating.  It wasn't a good week.   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thursday, July31

We missed orientation.  Mom's head wasn't cooperating.  It wasn't a good week.  She did have a few good hours where we all went down to play fetch, but even that wore her out.  The side effects from the Botox haven't been quite as bad this time, but the muscle spasming has been about the same.

Mom hasn't really blogged about it yet (she was going to do it on Bretta's blog), but she came across a local forum where someone was talking about us.  The usual crap about rules being bent and such.  This person (who really needs a refresher in operational and personal security) thinks that getting a therapy dog would get her around the housing rules.  She then ended her last post saying she was going to try to talk to us to find out how we did it.  

She has never spoken to either Mom nor Dad.  We know this because her avatar on that forum is a picture of her and her husband.  (Nice when people use their whole name, can see his rank, ect. ect. ect.)  One day this week, she got into the elevator with us (me and Mom).  Mom was holding me because she was pretty sick and I was trying to comfort her (and tell her to go lay down).  She didn't say anything to us.  Mom was waiting on her to ask...because she had plenty she wanted to say.  

So, Mom decided to push through the left side stuff and get out of the house.  "Aunt" Sharon needed some stuff that our PX didn't have and Mom wanted to go purse shopping.  Osan, here we come!  The weather looked pretty nasty.  It was spitting rain.  We got on the shuttle and a kid made the "Doggy" comment, which then made a mom start with "What is a dog doing on the bus?"  Except they never ask Mom.  We don't understand it.  If you have a question about us; ASK US.  Someone who was sitting close to the loud mom (and that happens to know about us) quickly explained that I am a service dog; not a pet.  We aren't unapproachable.  Quite the opposite. 

The bus ride from the Bus station to Osan was uneventful.  I like those buses; they are bigger and the seats are more comfy.  

We took a cab to the front gate, and Mom did some shopping.  She bought four new purses (that are big enough for "our" stuff and 2 new wallets that match.  Mom had fun with the haggling.  We walked a bunch (though Mom carried me a lot since the ground was nasty and it was still spitting rain).

We went into the McDonalds in "town".  The ladies wanted to see if the fries tasted different.  Silly girls.  Then we looked in some stores that sold "breakables".  I'm careful with my tail, so no problems.  We finally went back inside the gate and got a cab back to the PX.  Since it doesn't make sense for them to have two buggys, they shared and took turns pushing.  Sharon didn't know Mom could walk me and push a buggy; she  thinks that it cool.  At one point, we got separated, so Mom asked me to "Find Aunt Sharon".  I did.  Mom filed that info away for future use.

Poor Daddy didn't get a PS3; they were out of stock.  He did get a book so he can study for his next promotion test.  (Mom says WE get to pin him when he gets promoted.  That will be cool.)

The bus station was full of small children.  Let's just say there was a lot of blocking going on by both Mom and her friend.  Between them, their bags, and me laying under Mom's seat.  Then we had to put up with one of the kids screaming most of the ride back to Yongsan.  I curled up and went to sleep.  Mom would have dozed if the kid would have shut up.  Then some dummy in a car pulled out in front of the bus (as we are going down the bus-only lane at high speed).  

We were happy to get back.  We said our good-byes and Mom and I went to grab a cab (since we missed the shuttle and didn't feel like waiting another hour).

I got a nice cornish hen thigh and my feet cleaned up.  I then alerted on Mom and Bretta went on Defcon V.  She wasn't going to be pacified.  Mom took some meds and laid down early.  I woke her up in the middle of the night to let her know it was going to get worse.  She took more meds, then puked.  She had to pull out her last-line nausea stuff then try to take other meds after it kicked in.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Dark Knight, New Friends, and a Trip to the Track</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/489237</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 Aug 2008 03:53:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/489237</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, July 22

We went to the Navy club so Dad could play poker.  We sat in the other room and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, July 22

We went to the Navy club so Dad could play poker.  We sat in the other room and hung out with Mom's friend (her hubby played) and once he went broke, Mom and I watched people shoot pool.  It started getting a bit loud (between the pool and the jukebox) so I got to wear my Mutt Muffs.  Dad finished 11th.

The shuttle buses weren't running, so we walked out and tried to catch a regular cab, but none would stop.  We ended up walking to a reglar public bus stop and caught it home (there is a stop outside the front compound gate).  We used one of the subway underpasses to get across the street.  It was funny, Dad ended up carrying Mom's purse so I could ride in my sling.  The buses tend to be crowded and Mom worries about me getting stepped on.  Anyway, this was only my second trip on a public bus.

Wednesday, July 23rd

We had to be on base early.  Mom had her second Botox series.

Saturday, July 26th

It was raining.  Mom just wanted to get out of the house.  She's been having some problems from the Botox, but she's also just tired of it all.  We were going to go to E-mart (sorta like Wally World), but Dad gave the driver wrong directions.  Mom got upset with Dad.  They ended up walking to the nearest on post bus stop (I rode).  We did ride the Post Run and decided to go to the Mexican place at the Dragon.

Mom and Dad wanted to see the 5PM showing of Dark Knight.  We had time to kill so we thought we'd go walk through the furniture store.  There was already a line at the threater.  So we went ahead and got in it.  My head got soaked but the rest of me was nice and dry thanks to Mom and Dad.

Once we got inside, Dad went for the snacks while Mom grabbed the seats.  We opted to sit on the side in a two seater.  Mom laid out my mat and put our bag where I could lay against it or with my back against the carpeted wall and went ahead and put my headset on.

I sat there like an angel while the National Anthem played, then calmly laid back down when Mom sat down.  I slept through most of the movie.  At one point, it did vibrate the wall.  I took the opportunity to let her know I needed to check her.  She let me in her lap.  She was borderline, so I laid down then rechecked her again and alerted.  I then sat there and watched the last 10 minutes of the movie.

The line for the next showing was even longer.  Mom e-mailed her friend so she could tell her Hubby to go early and to see what time we were all supposed to meet up for Sunday.

Sunday July 27

Mom repacked my bag and we headed out the gate to grab a taxi to one of the hotels in Itaewon.  Sharon was there and introduced us to Susan.  We headed over to Quiznos to eat and Susan's friend Trish joined us.  Our quest was simple:  take the subway to the racetrack to check out the rumors of horseback riding for the general public.  We made a quick stop at a convienance store.  Mom needed to put additional money on her T-Money fob and Sharon needed one.  (You use it to pay for the subway, buses, and taxis; it beats carrying a bunch of change for the first two.)

The station we used was busy, so Mom slinged me.  By the time we got off, it was pretty dead, so I could walk.  For some reason, there was no races going on.  The infield is really cool.  There are areas for kids to play, various flower gardens (roses and other stuff) with areas to attract butterflies and dragonflies.  It also had a nice koi pond.  There was also an area where they had a horse that for a price the kids could ride him around a small paddock (supervised).  We walked up to the fence to look at him.  He gave me the hairy eyeball, so I turned my butt to him.  Horses are no big deal to me.

We had looked at a map and found where there was some stables with a riding area (obviously not for race horses).  So we headed that way.  I got to walk through there with the ladies.  One of the trainers came to talk to us.  He was impressed with me and asked Susan a lot of questions (since Mom couldn't answer him).  Several of the stable hands/exercise riders came over to see me.  The trainer showed us some of the show jumpers.  They are higher strung than the regular horses, but I was my usual quiet self.  We did walk into one barn and Mom thought I had growled, so she corrected me.  Turns out, it was a JRT locked in a stall.  My non-reaction was noticed.  Mom was glad that the trainer was impressed with me because there is a chance we might try to go volunteer or work out there.

Mom let me walk into the subway terminal by myself.  I didn't freak out when a train went by really fast.  I did step a bit closer to Mom.  She let me walk onto our train by myself.  She did remind me to watch the gap.  I stood between her feet until there were enough seats open for our group.  The seats aren't made where I can lay under it.  I can lay parallel, but that means that someone who Mom knows needs to be sitting beside her.  None of the ladies mind sharing space with me.

We left Susan and Trish in the subway station and we got off and walked to base so Sharon could walk home (since she lives on South Post) and we caught a shuttle.

Mom had called Dad to have him thaw me out some chicken.  She likes for me to eat something moisture heavy when I've been out in the heat all day.  

We are thinking about going to a volunteer orientation tomorrow.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Movies and Monsoon season....Tropical Storms=NBD</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/489232</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 Aug 2008 03:14:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/489232</guid>
		<description>Saturday, July 12th

It rained.  All day.  Monsoon season sucks.

Sunday July 13th

Finally a  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday, July 12th

It rained.  All day.  Monsoon season sucks.

Sunday July 13th

Finally a sunny day.  We went to the movies.  I don't understand why we sit there then suddenly everyone stands up, only to sit down again a few minutes later.  Mom and Dad discussed it over supper.  I can't hear the music (National Anthem) with my Mutt Muffs on.  Mom figures I should get the idea after a couple more visits.

Speaking of being in the theater, some woman did a "drive by" petting on her way past me.  The theater had been pretty full, but they had gotten to keep an empty seat between them.  They left it folded and laid my mat in the space.  It keeps me out of the line of foot traffic.

We got another new driver for the ride home.  He thought it was funny that I refused to look at the gate guard even though he was trying his best to get my attention.

Saturday, July 19th

I can now officially say I've been in a Korean tropical storm/Typhoon.  Mom finds it funny that some people freak out over the thought of just the TS.  We are accustomed to hurricanes.  Mom gets tired of hearing people whining over the simple stuff.  Silly people, we rode out all of the bad Florida storms of 2004 in an old wooden shotgun style house.

We did make it to base.  Mom had to carry me most of the way because it was soo wet.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Bomb sniffing Mals, cute robots, and &quot;mushroom man&quot; suits OR our trip to Osan</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/489230</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 2 Aug 2008 03:01:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/489230</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, July 8th (my time, still the 7th US time)

Mr. Pippin the Pug paw mailed me that I'm a di ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, July 8th (my time, still the 7th US time)

Mr. Pippin the Pug paw mailed me that I'm a diary of the day pick.  

Tomorrow is going to be a big day.  We are meeting one of Mom's e-mail friends who is also an Air Force wife.  We are heading down to Osan for shopping.

Wednesday, July 9th

We got up early to catch the bus and had to put up with a screaming kid.  Temper tantrum screaming.  The type of screaming that needs to be addressed by making an attempt at shutting the kid up!

We met Sharon at the Dragon.  She and Mom have a ton of stuff in common.  They walked and talked down to the bus station only to find that there was tape across the drive, MPs and fire trucks everywhere, and they were told they had to walk around and go in the back entrance.  All of this thanks to a "suspicious package".  We got our tickets and sat down so we could watch the drama.

First, one of the Mals did their thing sniffing everything.  Evidentially, he hit on something.  Next, the x-ray truck pulled up, then the robot went rolling by.  Finally, the 'mushroom man' as Dad calls him (looks more like the staypuff marshmellow man, if you ask me).

We did get to catch our bus.  Had an escort out the back door and down the street to catch the bus from the sidewalk, only to have the driver run over a curb when he attemtped to do a three point turn around on one of the "hills".  He finally got the bus turned around and we ended up having to change buses near the gate.

The remainder of the trip to Osan was uneventful.  I napped, which was good, because it was a hot with a lot of walking.  We hit the BX.  No dremmel, but Mom found some Sketchers that she liked.  We then walked out to the main front gate and browsed the stores.  It was hot, but I had my cooler.

We saw a harnessed kitty and a couple of dogs, including one that Mom was 99% sure belonged to someone who posts quite frequently on several boards Mom reads.  Her owner is a Drama Queen with a capital DQ.

You would know that when we got back through the gates all of the cabs would be gone.  When we finally got back to Chili's, I plopped down on the tile floor in a very undignified manner.  We had a minor "Dogs aren't allowed in here" moment, but it was barely a blip.

I did have a captive audience when it came time to get back on the bus.  Some of the guys just couldn't believe I was soo ready to load up.  I slept most of the ride home.

We had a wait to catch a cab while Sharon just walked back to the Dragon.  We ended up with a new driver who didn't know about the compound.  That was fun.  

Mom ended up getting sick; too much heat with not enough liquid intake.  She's obsessive about making sure I get enough to drink.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Blah, Blah, Blah</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/483975</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:47:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/483975</guid>
		<description>Soo, Mom has been writing in my journal, but she hasn't been typing it up and posing it.  I've gotte ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Soo, Mom has been writing in my journal, but she hasn't been typing it up and posing it.  I've gotten on her case and she is going to get with the program.

Tuesday, July 1

Mom's insomnia has been BAD.  I've been staying up with her, so I'm not getting my beauty sleep and I'm tired too.  We had just gotten to sleep when Mom's clock went off.  We had to go to base to see the neurologist.  They discussed the insomnia and Mom has a few things to try before going the medication route (something she wants to avoid). We also booked her next Botox appointment.

Dad was on the bus.  I was soo happy to see him that I chortled.  At least I didn't bay.  Seriously, I have learned to "Meow" like a cat.  Mom thinks it is cute and has me walk up to Dad and do it around the house since he's a cat person.

Our Crayfish look like they are growing and Dad's beetles are slowly transforming.

Monday, July 7th

Dad has the day off.  Mom hasn't been feeling well, so we haven't been going anywhere.  She had heard that there was a pet store between here and DongDaeMoon.  She and Dad rode over there to find there wasn't a store.  They came back and we took the bus to base.  The ride was long enough for Mom to realize she felt really crappy.  We did pick up an external hard drive

Dad's bugs are still morphing, but the crayfish bit the dust.  They got into a fight and one must have injured the other.  It died and released some sort of something that killed the other one.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The 63 Building and Aquarium</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/475670</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:21:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/475670</guid>
		<description>My visit to the tallest building in Seoul...

Sunday, June 22

It was supposed to be rainy, but  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My visit to the tallest building in Seoul...

Sunday, June 22

It was supposed to be rainy, but it cleared up.  We headed to the front gate to catch a cab (though I wanted to ride the bus).  Dad made Mom tell the driver where we wanted to go.  Dad told Mom wrong.  It took a minute, but they got it sorted out.  I was ready to go.  Mom had amped me up by telling me all of the things I'd get to see....Nemo, Dori, Sponge Bob, Patrick, Jelly fish, Lion Fish, Crabs, Penguins, Seals, and Sea Lions.

It was crowded.  We got stopped twice within ten yards of the door.  The first guy told Mom she'd have to carry me.  She showed him my ID and he said we were good.  Same thing with the next guy.  Evidentially, about the time he said something, the first guy got on the radio and told everyone who I was.  After that it was all good.

We went to the aquarium first.  We had a drive by petting and the kid's parents got him in line when they saw my vest.  Otherwise, Mom was quick with the purse as a block.  Lots of really little kids running around.

Dad took pictures of the sign that said "Jack Ass Penguins".  He thought it was funny.  Mom says he's a perpetual 15 year old.  The were playing in the water and could see us.  I wasn't overly impressed; they reeked.

The Sea Lions couldn't see us.  Mom realized that when we sat down on the ledge to take pictures.  She let me sit up there.  Generally, if the animals can see out of the glass, they come over to give me the eyeball.  The otters were sleeping.  We missed the seal feeding...too many kids.  They couldn't see out anyway.  

Once that was over, we headed to the "Sky Deck".  Mom got my sling out while we were waiting in line and put me in it before we got to the elevator.  They pack you in like sardines for the ride to the top.  We were at the glass looking out.  I wasn't thrilled with watching the view.  I finally got comfy, only to be let out when we got to the top.  I was soo thankful I couldn't see out unless I stood on the little step thing that ran the length of the building.

There was this elevated platform that you could step up on and then look out over the edge.  Mom picked me up for a picture and I could see how high we were and I let her know I wasn't a happy camper.  I was fine when she got me away from that .

The pawrents got 360 degrees worth of pictures.  The memory upgrade Mom talked Dad into, paid for itself right there.  Over 180 pictures on the card and it was nowhere near full.

I rode in my sling for the ride down.  We grabbed a bite to eat at one of the Korean fast food restaurants.  It was some sort of Mc Donald's knock off.  Dad got a shrimp burger and Mom got 2 fried chicken filets.  She said they were spicy like a Wendy's Spicy chicken.  We walked around a bit then took a cab home.  Mom and I ran into the mini-commissary to get some meat for supper.  

Once back inside, Mom thawed me out a chicken leg and we watched BSG on skinamax.  Mom has been slowly uploading my pics to my photobucket account]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Going to Nam Dae Mun and Dong Dae Mun</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/475669</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:19:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/475669</guid>
		<description>Sunday, June 15th

We took a taxi to Nam Dae Mun.  Unfortunately, some old dude burnt the historic ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, June 15th

We took a taxi to Nam Dae Mun.  Unfortunately, some old dude burnt the historic "gate" down several weeks before we flew over.  They have it blocked off.  Mom got to see another of the gates when they went to Dong Dae Mun (the East gate).  She hasn't taken pics of it though.

We did a ton of walking and I wore my cooling jacket.  Mom stopped frequently so I could have water and to check that my coat was still wet.  What I didn't drink, basically got poured on my coat.

Mom did get a purple hat without speaking a lick of Korean and the people totally not understanding too much English.  She pointed to the hat she was wearing and then to the color she wanted.  Dad found it all very amusing and just let Mom work it all out.

It was also funny that as we walk, men will whistle at me, but the moment they see my patches on my vest, they stop and get all apologetic.  Small Service Dogs are not the norm.

Friday, June 20th

Between insomnia, headaches, and over sleeping (when she does finally fall asleep), we haven't gotten anything done this week.  We didn't even make it to class due to a really bad migraine. 

Dad took today off and we went to Dong Dae Mun after we made a quick detour to base.  The pawrents were looking for "critter keepers".  Mom saw a collapseable metal crate big enough for Bretta and made a comment about buying a couple of doe rabbits.  If only she could find someone with a male.  MMMMM, Hossenfeffer.  

I didn't get to see the gate; Mom had other plans.  She wanted pictures of me on the river.  I refused to cross it; she wanted me to go rock jumping.  The water wasn't too my liking.  Bretta would have had a blast.  Instead of throwing a tantrum, I just gave Mom "the Look".  She sighed, took off her flip flops, handed them to Dad, and picked me up.  Yeah, I know how to work the eyes.

We saw puppies for sale today.  Some sort of wire/rough coated ittie bittie terriers, a Cocker, a Pom, and some that we have no idea what they were (and Mom is pretty good with dog breeds).  I stayed far away from them.  We've heard horror stories about the illnesses they can have.  Something about the parvo over here being worse than at home.

We also saw Roosters and chickens.  Some of them were darn near turkey size; bigger than me - I was about breast high on the one.  It was funny, I've never been up close to chickens before and I stood there and looked at it and looked at Mom.  She figured I might bark or something.  Yeah, I get it, it was a walking version of what I like to eat.

We went into a couple of fish stores.  Lots of goldfish tanks outside.  Oh, and these really little turtles.  They were tiny.  Dad asked Mom if she wanted one.  She told him no.  Something about them being illegal at home due to the size.  She told him if she wanted a salmonella risk, she'd either get a snake or another dragon.  I vote dragon; I don't care for snakes.

Mom finally spotted what she was looking for.  Dad had decided he wants an exotic pet.  He did his homework, convinced Mom that he will take care of it and that it won't be a mess, or be an escape risk.  He ended up with 4 pets.  3 look like grubs and the fourth looks like a baby alien from the movie of the same name.  Evidentially, they will grow up to be Rhino Beetles.  There is a big trade in them over here, as well as legal staged beetle fights.  The word fight is a misnomer in this case; they don't hurt one another.

Mom spotted a Crown Tail male Betta.  The man tried to tell her they were half-moons.  Sorry; NOT.  Mom knows her Bettas.  She and Dad had some nice ones before the move.  Mom can buy generic Crowns all day long for about $6 in the States; over here they want 20,000 won (about $20US) each.  Mom isn't paying that much for a generic Betta.  That is close to what the Black Plakats were going for at home.  She's hoping to pick up a couple of them.  From what she's seen, they are bigger bodied.  She's hoping that they are cheaper over here. Plakats are the basic no frills version and more aggressive than the ornamental ones.  Some of the nicer ones were going for close to $100 at home.

We did end up buying 2 blue crayfish.  The guy called them lobsters.  If they grow to be as big as the ones in the other tank, I may have enough to make a meal.  Right now, they wouldn't even be an hor' devours.

We had to walk quite a way to get to where we could hail a taxi.  While we were waiting, one of the public buses pulled up just past where we were standing.  When the rear door opened, I was ready to get on it.  Mom and Dad laughed.  Mom knows I need more work when it comes to riding that kind of bus vs the base shuttle.  I'm use to getting on the base shuttle, counting seats and hopping up when told.  The public buses are more crowded so generally Mom has to stand, so I go in the sling.  There is no room for me on the floor.

Anyway, Dad was pretty quick in getting us a cab.  It was hot out.  Mom had been offering me water frequently.  I finally got her to take off the cooling vest and just let me wear my regular gear.

So, we get home and Mom starts setting up the tank for "Blue" and "Pah-Lah-Shaen"  (means Blue in Korean and if Mom thought that a Hangul font would show up, she'd have used it).  She quickly realizes that some more stuff has been lost in the move....like all of our filters and a 5 gallon acrylic tank.

Off to the PX we go, conveniently catching the shuttle.  We go to the main building first to peruse MP3 players.  Mom didn't see what she wanted.  Dad wanted to go covet the PS3s, but Mom told him NO!

Saturday, June 21

The weather sucked.  It was rainy, so we couldn't go to the 63 Building.  We played inside.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Mom is on Bretta's soap box</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/470741</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:46:11 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/470741</guid>
		<description>You can read all about it on Bretta's Diary ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ You can read all about it on <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site href= "http://www.dogster.com/dogs/699112/diary/I_is_serious_hardware/470740 ">Bretta's Diary</a>]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Monsoon season is here...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/468813</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:06:50 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/468813</guid>
		<description>Saturday, June 7th

They left me at home!  I really shouldn't complain; it was hot out and Mom did ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday, June 7th

They left me at home!  I really shouldn't complain; it was hot out and Mom did set me up with some awesome hide-n-go-seek goodies, but still.  I was left home like a common dog.  It chafes.  Especially when they didn't find what they were looking for.

Mom gave me the low-down.  She got mad at Dad and almost grabbed a taxi back by herself.  He didn't want to ask directions and Mom would have had to look up the words and it would have been in "broken" Korean since she hasn't a clue about all of the intricacies of proper sentence conjugation.  Sentence structure in Hangul is completely different than in English.  Dad was being a PITA and said asking about dog food wasn't as simple as asking about dog food.

Mom declared BS on him.  He was trying to say that if he asked wrong they would think he was referring to dogs as food (dog meat).  Mom said NOPE.  She does know that phrase.  

There is a shallow river that runs through the market area with paved paths along it.  Mom wants to take me down there to take pictures.  She said there are places where we can stand on stones in the middle of the river and it will look cool.

Sunday, June 8th

They went back.  They found the pet area, but no dog food, dogs, or supplies.  Lots of fish albino African Clawed Frogs, Blue Crayfish, various crabs, cockatiels, parakeets, love birds, finches, small bunnies, Guinea Pigs, hedge hogs, ferrets, iguanas, and kittens.  Oh, and chickens.  There aren't supposed to be chickens in the city since they culled them last month.

Mom had to stop Dad from trying to pet kittens.  They looked at fish.  Mom brought over a couple of small tanks, but they didn't find any Bettas that they liked.  Goldfish are out since Mom gets attached and can't take one when we go back home.  Mom said they saw some crayfish that were huge...so maybe we will end up with one of them....then if it misbehaves I can convince Mom to let me have it.

Dad had to go to work.  He got drafted in going to the airport to pick up someone.  He was gone until midnight.  We waited up for him.  Mom has been doing her homework, Bretta has been working on her new kong, and I've been sacked out in my living room bed since Mom has some stuff in my papasan chair.

We did ride the bus to base with Dad.  Mom is out of kibble for Bretta and our last shipment from Pet Food Direct hasn't shipped.  Mom is a little ticked with them.  It should have shipped and been here.  She's in the process of taking that up with them.

It was starting to drizzle when we left, so I was glad Mom had brought my sling.  It started pouring on the ride over.  Mom let me out of my sling once we got to the entrance of the building and stowed my sling in our pack.  Mom picked up the best stuff they had (which isn't saying much) and grabbed me a nice pork roast, some salmon fillets, and got us some more yummy yogurt.  (I have to help Mom eat every individual serving of yogurt she opens, but if she tries to give me the stuff she buys for Bretta, I turn my nose up at it.)

We had a little more than 20 minutes in turn around time or we'd have to wait another hour plus for the next bus.  We made it with time to spare only to have the bus driver try to question Mom about me.  It was still pouring, so I was back in my sling.  Hello, the water in the parking lot was 1/2 inch deep.  I would have been soaked to the bone.

It was a long walk from the front gate of the compound to our building.  Mom carried me and all of the stuff.  She had put all of the groceries" in our big backpack and had Bretta's food in one of those "green" bags.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>To sling or not to sling....</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/467714</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:02:11 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/467714</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, May 27

Mom was sick all weekend.  Between her sinuses and her headaches, we laid around. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, May 27

Mom was sick all weekend.  Between her sinuses and her headaches, we laid around.  Dad still wasn't feeling well either.  Dad had Monday and today off.

We (the three of us) rode the bus to base and they had a late lunch.  Then we took the Post Run to check the mail.  My Mutt Muffs were there!  Mom had to try them on me.  She got them on and Dad got behind me and called me.  I didn't hear him.  That got Mom excited.  This means we can go to concerts now (and the movies).  She and Dad were talking about how the new Indiana Jones movie would be at the base theater this coming weekend.

She also said I have a pair of Doggles coming.

She and I went to our language class.  It is down to six people.  I alerted durng class tonight.  Mom was glad she had made a point to let the instructor know that if she gets up and leaves, it isn't anything he has done, we just have to GO or that if I do alert, she may take meds and stay and that I may or may not crawl into her lap at that point.  I ended up in her lap tonight.

Mom chose to wait for the bus.  Thankfully, it was a quiet ride home.

Thursday, May 29

Mom officially has the CRUD.  She's been sleeping a lot again, but she needs it.  We snuggled all day Wednesday, she couldn't get warm enough even after standing in a really hot shower.

Dad wrestled with me when he came home.  Then, close to supper time, Mom asked me if I wanted ground beef or Bulgoggi (thin sliced beef).  Bulgoggi, Please.  She also gave me a heaping tablespoon of organ mix.  YUMMY.

So, today, as we were going out to catch the bus, we ran into Daddy.  My Doggles had come in the mail.  Unfortunately, they were a size too small.  Mom will send them back and get me a new pair.

Mom couldn't fully participate in class tonight.  She could barely talk.  I'm excited at starting the next level.

We got out of class and met a rude Shelti.  It growled and barked at us even after we got on the other side of the road and up the Dragon garden path.  (I still want to run across the fenced in grass area, just once.  It is soo lush looking.)  We cut through the building to stand in line for a taxi (strike is still on).

Mom was concentrating on staying upright (due to the sinus infection) when I saw the rude dog.  It was staring me down.  Fortunately, the owner picked it up to walk by us (because at this point, Mom didn't care if it belonged to the BC, we weren't moving).  Then again, she could have taken it to the sidewalk on the other side of the Dragon's driveway instead of walking it through all of the pedestrian traffic going in and out of the hotel.

It didn't break eye contact and it growled at me, which made me stand up on my hind legs and growl right back.  I got into trouble.  Mom made me sit, stand, down, stand, ect until we got to the front of the line.  Times like this, I miss my sixty pound pittie body.  I could just give other dogs "The Look" and they would stop all the BS.

Dad had fed Bretta for Mom and had cut up my bird.  When we got home, I got a Cornish Hen thigh/leg quarter.  I snuggled up between the Pawrents on the couch.

If Mom is feeling better, I think we may try to go to one of the historic markets this weekend.

Sunday, June 1st

We went to the movies and my Mutt Muffs work GREAT!  Mom put them on me before the movie started.  I did shake them off when Mom and Dad (and the whole theater) stood for the National Anthem; I thought we were about to leave or something.  As soon as it was over, Mom got them back on and I left them alone until she and I got up to run to the restroom.  She fixed them before we left the RR and I left them in place until the movie was over.

I laid on her feet so Mom was confident that I really didn't hear much.  I didn't get startled at any of the sudden loudness.  No flinching.  Mom is soo happy they work.  This means we get to go to CONCERTS.  (I may even get to meet some famous people).  There is also hope that I may even be able to handle fireworks.  The down side is that Mom has to remember that I can't hear her while I'm wearing them.

Monday, June 2nd.

Mom looked at her day planner wrong.  We showed up for an appointment that is actually tomorrow.  I just sighed.  Silly woman.

Tuesday, June 3rd

Mom had an awkward doctor appointment.  There was a lot of talk about weighing risks versus benefit.  Mom had to point out that she was being blind-sided (she doesn't smoke and this is the first we've hard that the pill and migraines don't' mix); I thought she was going to have an anxiety attack, so I was watching her very closely.  We walked out with the doctor writing a scrip for six months worth of "No little Brother or Sister" goodness.  

We met Dad while we were on the Post Run bus.  I yodeled and chortled when he sat down across from us.  Mom has never heard me be that loud when greeting Dad.  Everyone turned to look and all started smiling or laughing when they saw what my commotion was all about.  I was just soo happy to see my Daddy!

We got off at the bus station and walked over the bridge to the Dragon.  There were protesters under the bridge.  Don't know if they were protesting the importation of US Beef or if it was something else.  The pawrents ate, then we caught a taxi home (which was weird because Mom and I have class).

Mom gave me my supper (again, strangeness) then she and Dad had a closed door meeting!  She and I did catch a bus and go to class.  She had failed to work far enough ahead in the book, so she had some problems.  It had started to rain right after we left the compound and Mom had left my sling at home.  Mom got to carry me.  Her arms will be sore tomorrow.

We had an hour and a half wait for the bus.  We decided to go get in line for a taxi.  Close to an hour later, we caught one and got home about ten minutes before the bus would have even picked us up.  Mom has vowed that my sling will now go everywhere.  It has now been declared a necessity; especially since Monsoon season is just weeks away.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Boring week</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/467705</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 5 Jun 2008 23:18:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/467705</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, May 20th

We met Dad on base and the Pawrents had dinner while I napped.  Then Mom and I  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, May 20th

We met Dad on base and the Pawrents had dinner while I napped.  Then Mom and I were off to language class.  Earlier in the day, we had met up with one of Mom's friends and went to lunch so they could have some girl-talk time.  

Dad is sick.  He went to the doctor yesterday and found out he has pneumonia.  He's lording it over Mom that she has shared her botulism.

Wednesday, May 21st

My cooling vest came in the mail today.  Mom will have to take some pictures.

Thursday, May 22nd

We met Dad again.  Then we made it to the ACS building in time to sign up for our Level II language class (for next month) before going to class.

Friday, May 23rd

There was a compound wide cleaning day.  Dad didn't get off regular work like most of the other people.  We (Mom and I) slept through it.  Mom isn't in any shape to be best friends with Mr. Manuel Labor right now (and that is what our building was assigned to do).  Plus, we had a neurology appointment to get ready for.

We lucked up when we got done at the hospital, we only had to wait 5 minutes to catch a bus.
I'm liking my cooler more and more.  I like it better when Mom doesn't make me wear my vest over it.  I think that the layering makes me look fat.  We went by the Gallery to order me some more patches, so Mom can trick out my cooler.  Then we walked over to the PX.  Mom picked me up a new journal for my diary entries.

We had a long wait for a bus home.  Dad even beat us.  I made a B-line to superman onto the bed when we got in the door.  I didn't know Dad was sleeping, so I woke him up, but he didn't mind.

Supper was YUMMY.  I had a chicken leg and Bretta had fish.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>OSAN...I had to hit the deck.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/461406</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 19 May 2008 06:20:23 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/461406</guid>
		<description>Saturday, May 17

We got up and Mom got us together.  I got breakfast while she got a shower.  The ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday, May 17

We got up and Mom got us together.  I got breakfast while she got a shower.  The three of us caught the shuttle bus to base.  Dad got our tickets for the Osan bus while we waited outside.  He then ran over to the Gallery to pick up a  computer cable he had ordered while I took care of business.  We quickly hit the PX so the pawrents could get some reading material and a drink.

The bus that goes to Osan is bigger than our shuttle bus.  It also has more leg room and curtains.  I spent most of the ride looking out the window.  It was like going to the 'burbs via the interstate (except the left lane is buses only).  We finally hit a small area of boonies.  Instead of corn or wheat, I saw rice paddies.

We got there and all Mom could say was "Wow."  It is small compared to Yongsan and much, much flatter.

We must have timed our arrival just ...in my book...wrong.  We had the BX (Air Force version of a PX) in sight and only needed to cross a road when the parade started.  Now before it started, we had heard full automatic weapon fire in the distance.  Mom looked at Dad and raised an eyebrow since it was the weekend, but figured it was no big deal.  I've been taught to stop moving when I hear gunfire up close (or see a weapon ready to be fired).

So the parade starts and we are stuck.  Dad saw something he thought she would want to look at and moved us around.  The parade came down the road we needed to cross then made a right at the corner and came back by us.  He had seen the K-9s and thought that Mom would want to look at them.  That is when we heard the automatic fire again, this time very close.  I hit the deck and was trying to get Mom to hit it as well.  Hello, someone was shooting at us or at least that is what I was thinking.

That is when "it" came into view.  An armoured personnel carrier type thing with a full auto .50cal machine gun mounted on the top popping off blanks.

Yes, as a Service Dog, I've been "bomb proofed".  However, random loud noises have NOTHING on a .50cal at less than 20 feet.  Plus, not even "Program" Service Dogs are subjected to tanks, armored personnel carriers, or full auto weapons fire.  Even the K-9's were ducking a bit when it was being fired.

The K-9s all walked by us to go back to their vehicles.  They had several Mals (all smaller than Bretta), but the majority were GSDs. I stood very very still when they walked by.  Mom told me to be a statue since she had been watching them and could see who was typical high strung/looking to either bite or fight.  Since they passed within 6 foot of us, Mom wanted me still so as not to provoke them.

I was still a little rattled when it all ended and we could go on our way.  Mom had to get onto Dad about not coddling me.  She reprimanded me when I kept checking our "six".  I was back to normal once we got to the BX.

We looked around and Dad tried to call his buddies.  No one answered.  We decided we'd come back to actually shop since they have a bigger store and a better selection.  Dad wanted to take Mom off base to browse.

We stopped outside the building so Mom could water me.  I was drinking from my sippy cup when a lab and two small dogs came up.  The little guys were wearing mesh vests that said "Adopt me".  The person walking the lab wasn't paying attention and Dad had to step between us and them.

It was about a mile walk to the gate.  The area outside is sorta like Itaewon, but different.  Mom found a D & B bag for us that she liked.  We went back for it after we looked around.  

On the way back inside the gate, there was a group playing some music (with a huge drum).  Several people were doing what might be interpretated as dancing, though it looked more like they were having some sort of spasms.  It was loud; they were spastic and I wasn't in the mood for it.  Mom made me stand there once we got by it.  When she finally let us walk the remaining ten yards to the checkpoint, I was happy.

Mom and Dad had been offering me water every fifteen to twenty minutes since it was soo warm out.  If I didn't drink, they wet down my ears and armpits.  I'm glad my cooling vest will be here next week.

We walked to Chili's (yeah, just like at home).  Had to spend nealy 15 minutes to get a table because I'm the first Service Dog they have ever had.  In the end it was straightened out and we were shown to a table.  While we waited, one of Dad's friends walked in.  They were all working this weekend and asked where we were last weekend.

I slept through the meal until Mom woke me up.  Mom told me that all of the Korean staff paraded by to look at me. Most of them had never seen a Service Dog and couldn't believe I was under the table asleep.

We walked back to the BX and shopped.  Then we went to the bus station to get our tickets and wait.  Mom fed me some freeze dried liver while we waited to hold me over until we could get home.

I snoozed on the ride home, except when I woke up to alert Mom.  I watched her take some meds and drifted back off to sleep.  We pulled into Moyer Bus Terminal with less than 15 minutes until our shuttle bus left for home.

A bunch of middle and high schoolers got on at one of the stops.  Dad was texting Mom about the conversation we could overhear when the driver didn't take an expected turn and Mom looked over to Dad.  We kept getting closer to the North Tower.

Dad has a wicked sense of humor.  He texted Mom "We're being kidnapped to NK".  Mom rolled her eyes at him.  Then he texted her "Welcome to Pong Yang".  About that time, some of the kids started getting a little concerned about where we were going.  Dad finally told Mom that he had been this particular route.

We got in and I ended up getting my feet washed before Mom would feed us.  I conked out early.  It was a tiring day.

Sunday, May 18

It rained.  At one point it was even thundering and lightning.  We played inside.

Mom ordered me some stuff.  She had an opportunity to go to a concert last Friday night and couldn't because it would have been too loud for me.  So I have a pair of Mutt Muffs coming as well as some doggles.  (Bretta is getting some too.)

Bretta and I got to try duck for supper.  YUK!  Not impressed.  Bretta liked it.  I convinced Mom to give me some steak.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>OOOPPPS.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/461405</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 19 May 2008 06:16:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/461405</guid>
		<description>Mom forgot to post about last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 13

Mom dug out her &quot;warpaint ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom forgot to post about last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 13

Mom dug out her "warpaint" and finally found something to wear.  It was an icky day.  Had rained all morning.  Mom dug out my sling so that I wouldn't get all wet and nasty.  She packed her language book since she figured we'd be out until class time.

We took the bus to the Dragon where we got Mom a drink and sat down in the common area.  She studied her cards while I tried to nap.  It was noisy with all of the high school kids in there.  There was a creepy teacher there as well.  He was overheard to make a comment about me being in the hotel.  Mom wishes that people would stop making assumptions about what I do and just ask.  

Mom was in that grey area where she could easily get a headache.  I'm starting to warn her about that.
  
We had a 40 minute wait for a cab since the one group was completely on strike.  It was a very cold 40 minutes at that.  Thankfully, Mom had planned ahead and brough one of my sweaters.  Yeah, I was wearing a sweater in the middle of May.  I was also more than happy to get into the sling since it kept the wind off me and was better than standing on the cold hard concrete.

We weren't that late to Dad's function.  It was packed.  He had to stand up and introduce himself.  He got a good laugh with the whole "where are you from" (basically which bases have you been at) thing.  Some people have moved all over; not Dad.  It was funny.  Overall, the function was a little uptight since there was some big-wig from one of the "Alphabet Groups".

I started alerting part way through.  Mom decided to head to the ladies room so we eased out and down the aisle.  One our way back, a couple of suits asked about me.  The place was sorta cool though.  Mom though the room we were in would make a cool herp room.  It had a huge picture window facing a man made waterfall with a pond.  Lots of tropical greenery.  The inside walls were made to look like rocks with some greenery sticking out.  It was big enough to make a dozen awesome open type pens for some Beardies or a huge area for a small iguana colony.

Snacks were then served, though I didn't get any.  Dad did try to drop a hot wing on my head.

We had to walk down a freakin mountain to get back to the PX and Four Seasons.  Mom didn't wear sensible shoes and Dad has a sprained ankle. They were out of poop bags so we headed to the bus station.

Some old woman was feeding the flying rats.  The government here has killed 6 MILLION birds (mainly chickens and ducks) over a recent bird flu outbreak (the bad kind) and some crazy old woman is feeding the vermin.

Then we saw a soldier carrying a 6 foot tall teddy bear.  He got on our bus and the bear almost needed two seats.  It was sorta cool looking.

Dad told us "Bye" and we (Mom and I ) got off at the Dragon since that is the closest bus stop to class.  We were early so Mom had a chance to study her cards.  She had done her homework.  There were some new people, so Mom gave them her cheat sheet copy for pronunciation.  The guy tried saying parts of it were wrong.  Mom asked if he spoke the language.  No.  He had someone else trying to teach him.  Mom pointed out that some of what we are learning isn't the same as what they teach at DLI (the all-branch military language school).  That got the usual questions of how Mom know this stuff.  Gees, because she and Dad had the same conversation.  When he heard that, he shut up.  

We did catch a taxi home after a 15 minute wait.  That beat waiting an hour for the bus.

Mom got me fed and Bretta demanded her attention.  I thought she was going to alert since she hugged Mom, but all she wanted was to show Mom that she had hurt her paw.  Mom may have to take her to the vet.

Wednesday, May 15

Mom left me home and went off with Bretta.  She said they were going to the vet, but they came back smelling like they had been several places; including the food court.  I guilted Mom into some extra loving and some Salmon for supper.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>First City Bus Ride...Busy City...Coex Aquarium</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/460405</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 16 May 2008 04:50:41 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/460405</guid>
		<description>Thursday, May 15th

Mom had a really bad migraine so we didn't go to language class.  I was bummed ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thursday, May 15th

Mom had a really bad migraine so we didn't go to language class.  I was bummed since it was cooking night and Mom had promised me Bulgogi meat (thinly sliced beef) for supper.  I did get RAW, but I had been looking for ward to my Bulgogi.  

Mom did stay up long enough for her and Dad to discuss kibble.  Mom needs to order some more.  Dad wants to see if they can find the place that is supposed to carry EVO.  Mom found another place that has a web site full of stuff.

Friday, May 16th
Mom found two more vehicles for Dad to call about.  He came home and double checked the address and directions to the one place, only to discover it is an internet only company.  So they decided to head to the other one.

I got to ride on the city bus.  Dad made Mom bring my sling since he's been on the city buses before and knows how busy and crowded they get.  Mom had to stand for about half the ride, then someone got off and she grabbed a seat.  Floor wise, it was a mess.  There is no way a little guy can sit or stand on the floor unless their handler is seated so they can be protected.  

When we got off the bus, Mom put me down so I could walk.  If I thought Itaewon was busy, I had a rude awakening.  If there are really 20 million people in this city, I swear I've now seen a million of them.

We couldn't find the place and when Dad tried calling, the number had been disconnected.  (It worked last month, just couldn't ever get anyone to answer.)  Dad thought the Coex Mall was down the road.  Mom was game to go.  Yeah, his sense of direction isn't his strong point.  We hailed a cab to get there and it wasn't where Dad thought it was.

The mall was Huge. It has a huge convention type center and amphitheater plus an aquarium.  Guess where we went.  Yep.  I got to go to the aquarium.

Mom was sorta suprised that we didn't get asked for ID when we walked in the building.  It took a few minutes for us to find the general direction of the aquarium and a bit of a walk (inside) to get there.  On the way, we passed a dozen different groups of preschoolers through early elementary school kids.  Most were in little uniforms and were sorta cute; all paired up.  They were just leaving the aquarium.

We walked in and had to pass several hostesses to get to the ticket line.  At first, they thought Mom was blind.  Mom got our ticket and one of them asked Mom if she was blind.  Mom told her no, that I was a medical alert dog.  She asked if Mom had a problem with her eyes (not understanding).  Mom says No (and shakes her head NO) then points to her head.  The girl's eyes got big.  Dad told Mom after we got to the the first exhibit that the girl thought Mom meant she was crazy.  Oh well.  She had read my vest.

We didn't think to bring the camera, so all of the pics came either from Dad's phone or Mom's.

I didn't know anchovies could open their mouths soo wide.  Another tank was full of sea horses and another full of Mom's favorite, the Japanese Lion fish.  I like watching them.  A huge round glass tank full of Cardinal Tetras looked really cool the way they had it lighted.  There was a natural looking tank of trout and the big tank with all of the carp.  Then we hit a room with small tanks of the usual non-colorful freshwater stuff.

The next room was all goldfish.  They had some cool setups.  A set of smaller tanks showing the different fancy fish, a tank of "mutt" goldfish.  They have the fancy bodies, but are tri-colored.  They also had a huge "pond" that was maybe 2 foot deep that had a lot of the bigger koi, including some pretty yellow/gold ones.

We hit a room full of innovative tanks.  A glass front washing machine turned into a tank, a glass tank headboard, a microwave set up for a huge crab, ect.  They had three Bearded Dragons in a cage that was too small.  Two were about to face off; lots of head bobbing and black bearding before the one went after the other.  Mom wishes she could speak the language well enough to get a point across.  She's had a couple of Dragons through the years (she and Dad had to rehome Jimmy Choo when Dad's orders came through).  They aren't social creatures and the cage was barely big enough for one, let alone 3.

Then we hit an amazonian room.  They had a small cage of monkeys.  Dad tried to use Mom's phone to take a pic.  She will have to see if she can download it; sometimes her phone is weird.  Mom felt bad for them because there was half a dozen in a really small glass-like cage.  We then saw Pacus, more catfish, turtles and then the one thing Dad couldn't get a good picture of...me watching the Otters.  They were small compared to Florida Otters.  I was enjoying watching them.  They have the a ledge that is low enough I could put my feet on the ledge that kids stand on, and see everything.  When we started to walk away, they stuck their heads out and chattered at us.

The next exhibit was a beaver.  It was bigger than I am.  He was laying on his back taking a nap in his make-shift "cut away" dam den.

Then there was a Nile Water Monitor.  He was shedding.  A big tortoise (looked like a Russian), a big tank of electric eels, and a saltwater croc that was maybe 4.5 foot.  Mom didn't let me look at him.  He could scent me and started moving around like he was trying to figure out where I was at.  They also had a big round tank of piranhas.  Mom thinks they didn't have them in the more natural type exhibit because people are dumb enough to try to put their hands in with them.

We walked through a tidal type room where you could touch the starfish.  Dad rescued one off the step thing for the kids.  After watching one kid chunk one back in the pool, Mom was surprised any of them were alive.

The next room started the saltwater goodness.  A big tank with a small hammerhead, some black tip reef sharks, and some fish.  Then there was the tank with some small nurse sharks and at least two kinds of rays.  One was the normal flat ones Mom is use to seeing off the Florida Coast.  The other ones looked more like small Eagle Ray.  Mom just wanted to go snorkeling with them like she has the wild ones in Florida.

Then we got to the area with the fake reef system before getting to the sharks.  Mom and Dad took me to see Strange Wilderness when it first came out.  So of course, there is a Sand Tiger and all Mom and Dad can do is laugh like they are kids.  I took one look at it and wondered why it didn't go see a dentist. HUR HUR HUR.  There was also a big sea turtle, a giant grouper, and several other kinds of sharks in the tank.  As we walked around, we could see a couple of big nurse sharks and some sawfish.  We finally got around to the "tube".  It has a very slow, very flat people mover on it.  Mom made me ride it for the practice.  Since it was flat, there was no chance of me getting anything caught.  Mom noticed that the water wasn't very deep above the tube.  That kept the bigger guys on one side and let the turtle and smaller stuff that didn't need more than a foot or so of water to go between the two tanks.

The octopuses, various jellyfish, and the crabs were last.  It ended at the gift shop.  Mom got a picture frame.  She was bummed that they didn't have dolphins.  She thought it would be cool for me to get to see one.

We caught a taxi home.  Mom was starting to feel a little off.  She didn't drink enough, and is a bit dehydrated from the headache Thursday.  I finally alerted around 8PM.  I hope this headache is a light one; I'm ready to GO.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Long sick weekend...finally some relief</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/459040</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 May 2008 07:45:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/459040</guid>
		<description>Friday, May 10

It's 4:30 in the morning.  Mom can't sleep; she's been up for two hours.  I follow ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, May 10

It's 4:30 in the morning.  Mom can't sleep; she's been up for two hours.  I followed her into the living room and am snuggled up in one of my doggy beds.  Seriously, the woman needs to fix my papasan chair so I can snooze in it.  

Saturday, May 11

Mom didn't get into the doctor yesterday.  We will go Monday.  She started coughing yesterday.  Seems like it is worse than "Flu-like" symptoms.  It is also keeping her awake.  Botox side effects are nasty.  Dad is worried she's getting pneumonia (from the way she sounds and looks).  He took care of Bretta and I today.  I stayed with Mom unless I needed something.  I let her rest and made Dad take me out

Mom's aggravated because she wanted to get out.  

Sunday, May 12

Happy Mother's Day, MOM.  Actually, we didn't do much.  She still wasn't feeling well.  Dad did cook a nice pot roast with carrots, potatoes, onions, and mushrooms.  I got a taste of the juice and some carrots.  It was yummy.

Monday, May 13

We went to the doctor.  Mom got something that (as of tonight) seems to be working.  We couldn't get a cab (they were all in some sort of meeting about their strike), so we had to wait for the bus.  Dad was on it.  I got soo excited to see him, but we couldn't sit with him and I didn't understand why.  We sat several rows behind him.  He had a package for me.  Mom has to call the company though.  My cooling vest wasn't in it.  The slip didn't show it at all (just my new harness) and said that Mom's sunglasses were out of stock.

We went out to play and while we were out there got a visit from the MPs.  You can read all about that in Bretta's diary.

Mom had homework.  To help her out, she's trying Dad's index card system of mini flash cards in an attempt to learn the alphabet.  He's helping her some, but some of his pronunciation is different than what she's being taught and doesn't want to end up completely confused.

We have class tomorrow evening and Dad has a function tomorrow that we are going to attend with him.  Mom has to figure out what she's going to wear since it will be a big meet and greet.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Diary of the Day...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457724</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 8 May 2008 14:13:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457724</guid>
		<description>Big Hugs and a bigger Thank You to everyone who has sent me rosettes for being Diary of the Day.  It ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Big Hugs and a bigger Thank You to everyone who has sent me rosettes for being Diary of the Day.  It's a great honor.  We've enjoyed our chance to journal my adventures.  All of my diary entries are actually handwritten first into a bound journal as a keepsake.  My first one is almost full.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>No More Big Needles...'R'/'L' funnies...Dad Offers a Reminder</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457723</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 8 May 2008 14:12:33 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457723</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, May 7

Mom and I had an early appointment to see the Physical Medicine doc.  He's the o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, May 7

Mom and I had an early appointment to see the Physical Medicine doc.  He's the one who shot Mom's shoulder up a couple of weeks ago.  We won't be seeing him again.  Since it made the shoulder worse and now that Mom has started on the Botox, there is no reason to go back.  He did suggest Yoga.  Hello, Mom does it.  It hasn't helped.  The range of motion is there.

We came back home and Mom and I snuggled for a bit.  The Valium hasn't helped Mom sleep.

Thursday, May 8

Mom had planned on going to pick up some mail at one of the mail rooms that has some weird hours.  We got on the bus and she realized she had forgotten her phone, so back to the apartment we went.  We caught a later bus and managed to get by our regular mail room to pick up our normal mail.  We swung through the shopette to grab a drink and head to class.  Dad called to say he had gone to Osan and would be late.

Mom's pronunciation is getting better.  Mom had to try not to laugh when the instructor was discussing how the Korean people (and even Asians in general) have problems with the "R" and "L".  Mom kept thinking about Team America.

We got home and they discussed going to Osan over the weekend.  Dad ran into a bunch of friends that want to meet Mom.

My previous post (To Anonymous) was prompted by a rosette that was sent my way.  Seems someone took a bit of offense at my "Air Force Rules; Army Drools" badge on my page.  Mom showed the rosette to Dad (who stays out of my diary and generally off of Dogster).  His reply was to remind us of how many in our family who have served and of those the ones that have seen my page and 'Get It'.  It is a running joke, after all, I've got an Uncle and a Great Uncle (different sides of the family) who were Army (WWII and Vietnam), Grandpa P. was a (pretty well decorated) Marine in WWII, another Great Uncle was an Air Force pilot in WWII, Uncle R. was in the Navy, and one of my favorite "Uncles" (actually one of Mom's cousins) is Airborne (and has been playing in the sandbox off and on since the first Gulf War).  He thinks the badge is funny.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Side Effects Suck...I'm the Invisible 800# Gorilla in the Room</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457721</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 8 May 2008 14:09:59 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457721</guid>
		<description>Sunday May 4

I can safely say that the first round of Botox hasn't produced the results Mom had h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday May 4

I can safely say that the first round of Botox hasn't produced the results Mom had hoped for.  Yes, I had to alert.  We both think that since her left side is kicking (and the injected areas are getting tighter and tighter) that has helped to kick off a migraine.  Not a little one, but a full blown, first line meds haven't touched it headache.

Dad was ready to take her to the ER.  Mom didn't want to go since all they will do is morphine her up and while it may make it stop for a little bit, it doesn't help the tightness and if by some chance she did drift off to sleep, they'd wake her back up.  So we will most likely be going to the doctor tomorrow.  The not sleeping isn't helping matters.

Monday, May 5
Mom finally laid down around 3AM.  I decided at 4 that I needed to go potty and I was hungry.  Dad was supposed to get up about that time so Mom decided to make him a pot of coffee after she fed me, then we laid back down.  When he didn't get up, she woke him up; his clock got set wrong so he had to hustle.  Mom got his coffee into his thermos and travel mug and got Bretta out.  We then laid back down and just snuggled.  Mom couldn't sleep and couldn't get comfortable.

She did get up and try to get some stuff done, but I kept herding her back towards the couch or the bed.  She finally got dressed to go off and I tried to convince her that I didn't think it was a good idea.  Once she told me we were going to the hospital to see the doc, I stopped bugging her soo much.  Dad even met us there.

Mom's extra tightening is a side effect of the Botox.  They estimate it will last about two weeks and warned it could get worse over the next couple of days.  Regular muscle relaxers aren't going to touch it, so she is now Valium'd out.  That makes me and Dad happier.  We could tell when the first dose kicked in.  It was like someone caged the beast.  Maybe now she will get some decent sleep.

Dad got the kitchen finished while Mom worked on our bedroom closet and the bathroom.  This place now feels more like home.  At least that is what Dad said when he found me piled up on the bathroom rug watching Mom fold towels.

Our language class starts tomorrow.  Mom hasn't heard back about the Jeep knock off that she wants, so she's started looking at other options.  Dad has suggested that she and I go visit the National Museum (which is within walking distance from base).  The down side is that every time we have passed it, there are always several hundred school kids out front.  Mom wants to go to Osan AFB since they have a huge BX (like a PX).  She and I will be getting out a bit more once my cooling coat gets here.  After the hike Friday, she ordered me one.

Tuesday, March 6th

We met Dad at Subway and they had supper before Mom and I headed over to our language class.  I was the invisible 800 pound gorilla in the room.  Sometimes we just don't understand why adults can't act like adults.  Just ASK.

The taxi strike is still on.  Thankfully, there is a smaller company that also works on base.  The drivers don't speak as much English, but they do understand the building numbers.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>To Anonymous</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457489</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 7 May 2008 20:50:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/457489</guid>
		<description>We support all the troops (and our Daddy the most).  However, we (me and my big sister Bretta) get r ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We support all the troops (and our Daddy the most).  However, we (me and my big sister Bretta) get really sick and tired of hearing all of the elitism BS that comes our way because we are AF  assigned to an Army base.  Thankfully most of the biddies leave our Mom alone (maybe because of Bretta; maybe because they realize Mom isn't going to take any crap).  The way they treat Marine wives is even worse.

So our pin is expressing our First Amendment rights...something our Daddy works to protect everyday....as a member of the USAF.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Hot Hike...Frustration...a Nice Saturday Outing</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/455763</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 3 May 2008 07:35:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/455763</guid>
		<description>Friday, May 2nd

Mom and I had quite the hike.  We were told (by Dad) that the MP station we neede ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, May 2nd

Mom and I had quite the hike.  We were told (by Dad) that the MP station we needed to go to was in one building.  He didn't realize that he was wrong about the building number nor that the building he told us was on top of a small mountain.  

The guy at the desk had an attitude problem.  Mom was very nice and polite even after the hike in 80+ degree temps.  He really made Mom wish she had brought Bretta so B could give him "the look".  We've seen his "type" before.  He's unhappy with his job (and possibly his life), but due to the amount of time he has invested, he feels stuck.  Seriously, he was almost too lazy to pick up the phone and find out what building number we we needed.  He thought that telling us it was "down from the PX" would cut it.  HELLO, there are tons of buildings down from the PX.  Blocks and blocks of buildings.

Mom thanked him and we walked back outside and found a bit of shade.  She tried to get us a cab, but they aren't taking dispatches (though they are running today).  So after she gave me some water, it was a hike down the mountain.  We caught a cab at the commissary.

We got to the right MP station only to find that the report isn't ready.  So we walked to the ATM and the four seasons to get light bulbs then caught a cab to go talk to the Transportation people (who coordinate and hire the movers).

All of the workers are locals, so they don't quite understand #1 Why Mom has soo many guns.  (Koreans don't own personal firearms.)  and #2 Why Mom is pissed, frustrated, and upset that they are missing.  It was a big dead end.

We did get the additional cable box then headed up to the Dragon's taxi stand.  While we were waiting (and talking to one of the girls who works at the commissary; the one who thought Mom was blind) a Colonel came up and started asking about me.

Dad got home late since they had a little graduation ceremony for school.  He's done with that.  They did get a lot done on the place, and still managed to take me and Bretta out to play.  I was tired by the time we came back inside and ready for bed.

Saturday, May 3rd

We (Me, Mom and Dad) caught the bus to the Dragon.  They had some stuff going on the top floor of the parking garage.  We cruised through to look then headed to the PX to get a bigger memory card for the camera, a new bag for it, and some extra batteries.  We went over to the outside seating for the food court to change out batteries and cards and put the camera in the bag.  Someone had an unleashed, uncollared mini schnauzer down from us.  They had to pick it up and it kept fighting with them to get to me.  Mom told me to "Ignore it", so I did, but I kept an ear cocked and Mom kept an eye on the situation.

We then walked out the gates and over to the Korean War Museum.  We took lots of outside pics.  MIGS, choppers, airplanes, anti-aircraft guns, and tanks; they have it all.  Then we bought tickets to go inside.  We were about to get hassled when Mom pointed to my vest.  Once they realized I wasn't a pet, it was all cool.

The first part was flint-type arrowheads (Paleolithic) through Bronze Age arrow and spear heads.  Basically the beginnings of Korean history and moving through warfare through the various Dynasties.  Mom had to laugh to herself.  The flint arrowheads are identical in size and shape to the various ones she use to find out at the lease where the Indians had permanent encampments by the lake.  The only difference was the color.  No matter where you go....it is the same.  Even the saddles from 1200(?) are very similar to our Calvary saddles.  Even one of the bits from the 1600's is the same (other than material) as the snaffles used today.

We finally got to the actual Korean war stuff.  They also had stuff from Vietnam (they fought with us) all the way through present day.  Some of the model stuff (dioramas) was set low enough, behind glass, that the little kids could see it.  I did my merekat stance so I could see too.  I didn't even touch the glass.

Mom needs to post the pic of me sitting in the Harley sidecar.  There was an inside section with stuff we could climb all over.

The down point of the day occurred in the gift shop.  Mom and Dad were a little engrossed in trying to find a replica of a turtle boat and Mom wasn't being on guard.  I was standing in front of her facing Dad who was on her left.  This 3 or 4 year old BRAT came up (before Mom knew it) and whacked me with a box (that contained a toy) right on my back end.  He did it on purpose.  Mom stopped short of yanking him up.  For a second, I thought she was going to take his toy and hit him with it.  She went off on him and his father.  Some things translate well even if neither party speaks the language.  It really pissed her off that the Dad didn't even apologize.

Mom checked me out.  I was startled, but ok.  She apologized to me for her lapse and she's taking it hard.  We came home, washed off my feet, and she and I laid down so I could try to get her to relax while Dad did come kitchen clean up.

I had fun today.  I'm looking forward to going to the aquarium maybe next weekend.  

The gun situation is leaving her anxious. The section of her neck where she got Botox'd is tight.  Tighter than the rest of her shoulder, which, even with the injection last week, is still like a rock.  It is starting to get her down.  She had hoped the Botox would be a little miracle and give her some immediate relief.  It hasn't.  She's still getting the headaches and in a lot of ways it seems to have made things much worse (just like the injection last week).

Mom's down mood has her questioning lots of stuff.  When is enough, enough?  How long do the bad days have to outnumber the good?  How much more screwed up does her sleep cycle have to get before the doctors "get it"?  I know it is a headache trigger; she knows it is a headache trigger and she's told them that.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Our Big Bed is Here...Some Missing Stuff...Botox...Class Rescheduled</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/455368</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 May 2008 00:42:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/455368</guid>
		<description>Wednesday April 30th

Oh My Dog! We've had some drama.  First, men came to take all of the temp fu ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday April 30th

Oh My Dog! We've had some drama.  First, men came to take all of the temp furniture.  Mom put me in my crate (and put it in the kitchen) since the door was going to be propped open.  Bretta was confined in the spare room.  

Then our stuff got here.  Dad went downstairs to inspect the crates while Mom put Bretta in her crate (in the kitchen).  Dad then called Mom on her cell to say they had one box of her guns.  So she and Dad traded off.  That is when her stress level went through the roof.  She came running back upstairs about 30 minutes later to get her sunglasses, some meds, and a drink.  I went ballistic.  I could tell she was going to be really sick, really fast.  She told me she'd be ok and went back downstairs.

Her long guns arrived ok.  The Army-Customs liaison guys were getting all of the information they needed when it became apparent that the other two boxes were missing.  She stayed with the one box and sent the guys upstairs to check the stuff that had already gone up.  No boxes.  Dad called the MPs.  Mom had to write out a statement detailing how she and the head guys from the moving company in Maryland inventoried the stuff and how Mom helped carry the boxes out, watched them be loaded into a crate, the crate was secured, and she watched them leave.  After the MPs left, the movers tossed the apartment looking for the guns.  Mom and Dad were pretty ticked.  All of the boxes got unpacked and left strewn everywhere.  Huge mess.  That made Mom's head worse.

Plus, while Mom had been downstairs, Dad was checking boxes off the lists and they put boxes in the kitchen with us.  Mom couldn't get to the fridge or to get Bretta out of her crate.  She could get to me, thankfully.

Mom was ready to cry.  Between the missing guns, her head, and the mess, she felt like she was banging her head.  I stayed with her while she got the bed cleared off, found the sheets, and made the bed.  I stretched out on it while she put the room back in order.  Dad told her to take a hot shower and lay down.  So she did.  We snuggled.

Dad went downstairs to take off some boxes full of packing paper when the doorbell rang.  The MPs were back.  Mom had to find something decent to throw on to answer the door.  She must have looked rough because the guy was really apologetic.  They had some more forms for Mom to sign since she had given them cd-rom of pictures and a text file of the serial numbers and descriptions.

We went back to sleep after they left.  You guys just don't know how much I've missed my big bed!

Thursday, May 1

I woke Mom up at 12:30 to go potty, then at 4:30 for breakfast.  We then slept until Dad's clock went off.  We needed to catch the 8:30 bus since we never know about the taxis.  I tracked where Dad had walked on his way out the front gate.

We got to the hospital early, so we had a bit of a wait.  Then we found out the Doc was earning those big bucks...he had an in-patient who really needed his attention.  We waited it out.  Mom did a good job of keeping her anxiety in check.  Mom finally got her long-awaited Botox for her headaches.  I don't know why she let him stick her with all those needles.  I know it hurt; I could hear her breathing change.

We walked out of there with Mom looking like she had lost a fight with a bunch of bees.

We grabbed a taxi home.  I napped while Mom started cleaning up.  She finished the bedroom and worked on the kitchen.  Mom's language class was supposed to start today, so we caught the bus back to the base and got off at the Dragon.  We were going downstairs when we ran into my "little buddy".  Mom needs to take a picture of us together.  She can title it "Two Little Guys".  Mom grabbed something to eat and we headed over to the building where her class is at.  Found out they had wrote the wrong day on her slip.  It starts on the 6th.  We caught the bus home.

Mom fed me a nice plump chicken leg (Dad had already fed Bretta).  Then they got busy.  Between throwing stuff out (including Dad's old futon frame) and putting stuff up, the living room looks reasonable.  Now to finish the kitchen and then tackle the spare room.

We've got another big day tomorrow.  We need to go get a copy of the MP report, go talk to someone at transportation to discuss the situation, get another cable box, check the mail, and get some light bulbs.

Mom is trying really, really hard not to dwell on the sentimental side of what's missing.  Of the 7, 5 are hers and the other 2 are Dad's.  One of Dad's belonged to his Dad when he was a police officer before Dad was born.  Most of Mom's have a lot of personal significance as well.  Her 21st birthday present among others.

It is also weird that stuff that left our Maryland apartment in boxes, came off the truck not in boxes.  Mainly books.  We are also missing some other stuff; Mom's got a list.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Bad Dual Headache...My First Trip to the Human ER</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/455300</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 1 May 2008 19:31:47 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/455300</guid>
		<description>Monday, April 28

I woke Mom up at 4:30AM to alert.  She took some meds, took me out, and fed me.  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, April 28

I woke Mom up at 4:30AM to alert.  She took some meds, took me out, and fed me.  Her neck and left side was bad.  The first line meds knocked the right side migraine down a bit.  Enough to make it tolerable.

Between her alternating between hot and cold showers and laying in the dark with ice packs, I stayed curled up with her all day.  She was in bed when Dad came home.  She got her neurology appointment moved up to tomorrow.  I was happy that she managed to keep food down (with the help of some meds).  She's been complaining to Dad that she's felt dehydrated since Thursday, even though she's been drinking pedialite.

She was up and down all night and finally told me to just stay in bed with Dad.  I still got up to check on her.

Tuesday, April 29

Her head wasn't any better and she was out of meds.  We also found out today that the taxi drivers are on full strike now when we called to get one to take us to the appointment.  So we had to call the doc and say we'd be a few minutes late.

The bus ride was rough on Mom.  

The Botox is in and we go back Thursday for it.  Mom told him about how she thinks the shot kicked off the left side and that she has felt "dry" since she got it.  Since Mom's head had been hurting for more than 24 hours, it was decided that we would be sent down to the ER.  That was a first for me.  Mom generally has Dad be her Service Human since she's always gone to civilian ERs (except for the last dual headache when her doctor at Ft. Meade sent her and Dad straight to Walter Reed) and sometimes they can get a little weird about us SDs.

Mom dangled a leg off the bed so I could lean on her while they started the IV.  Then the nurse said I could get in bed with Mom.  Since she couldn't lay on her side with the IV in her left arm near her elbow and the BP cuff and oxygen sensor on her right, I laid between her knees.  I did have to get up to sniff her head several times, but I was very careful to avoid the lines.  I did sniff the IV line when I first got in the bed since I see them put it in.  Plus I could smell the blood.  I was very careful not to touch and looked at Mom to say, "I'm sorry you got a new ouchie."  Plus this explained why she's come back from the ER with ouchies before.

I was very still while the ER doctor checked Mom out.  She gave me a good ear scratch and told me how much of a good boy I was for being soo still.  I laid there and watched the RN put the drugs in Mom's IV.  It took a few minutes because she pushed it in slowly.  First some stuff to keep Mom from being sick to her tummy, then morphine.  When we finally got done, five hours later, Mom had been given 18ccs of Morphine (almost 2 vials).  The migraine was gone, but the left side headache was down to about a 5.  The cabs were on strike, so we had to  catch the bus.

Mom had texted Dad while he was still in class.  He called her and made arrangements to come to the hospital since they wouldn't let her leave on her own.  It was almost 8PM when we got home. I was hungry so Mom fed me while Dad took Bretta out and fed her.  Mom ate a little then got to work emptying out drawers.  Our household goods will be here in the morning.

Mom's exhausted and I'm tired.  We've got a full day tomorrow.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Lazy Days...Torch Run... and Left Side Headache</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/454368</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:21:19 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/454368</guid>
		<description>Friday, April 25

Mom's shoulder hurt so we snuggled most of the day and just hung out.

Saturda ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, April 25

Mom's shoulder hurt so we snuggled most of the day and just hung out.

Saturday, April 26

Mom didn't sleep well and her shoulder and neck were still hurting pretty bad.

Sunday, April 27

Mom was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  She decided she had to get out of the house or go stir crazy.  I almost got to watch the Olympic Torch Run.  A bunch of people from the pound were swarming around the front gate.  Lots of Riot Police were out and we had extra MPs all over the place.  Mom had suggested we get the taxi to meet us outside of the back gate (it is entrance only) so we could avoid the mess out front, but Dad didn't listen.

So, on the ride out we got to see a bunch of protesters holding up Pro-China signs and waving Chinese flags in front of the university across the road from the pound.  We just had the taxi drop us at the PX.  Mom picked up some new files for my mani-pedis.  We then walked to the Dragon and the parents had a nice dinner at the Mexican restaurant.  I dozed.

They stopped off at a desert shop inside the Dragon and got some goodies to take home.  Mom got a piece of death by chocolate, Dad got German Chocolate cake, and I got a piece of cheesecake to share with Mom.  Then we took a taxi home.  On the way, Mom saw a funny sight but couldn't get her camera phone out quick enough snap a pic.

It was some sort of Pom mix.  It was shaved.  Rat looking tail with a pom-pom on the end and a squared off collar.  He looked like he was playing Shakespeare with that collar.  It was hideous.

We got home and Mom fed me before we headed back out and walked.  It was crowded.  Dad did a good job blocking.  We had one close call with an out of control pup.  Mom wasn't paying attention, but she got me picked up quick enough.  I hate it when dogs come out of nowhere.

Mom kept hearing the same Hangul word being thrown about while we were walking (in reference to us) and was wondering what it meant as well as the awkward laughing.  She knows the Hangul word for SD and that wasn't what she was hearing.  The word was "cute" and the awkward laughing happens when they read my vest and realize that they shouldn't be making noises at me.  I've become accustomed to their noise of choice.  It is a funny click noise.

We were waiting to cross the street and all of a sudden we were surrounded by at least a dozen Riot Police.  I LOVE those guys.  Total Seven Heaven moment for me.  I wish the parents would have brought the camera.  I strutted across the street in the middle of the group which made them smile and made Mom just shake her head.  For some reason I'm most at ease when surrounded by Military or Police uniforms.

The parents tag-teamed me to wipe my feet.  That was funny.

Mom has found the vehicle she wants.  In the early '90s, one of the Korean car companies cut a deal with Chrysler to make a Korando Jeep.  It's a Wrangler with a diesel engine.  Mom has found 2 that she likes and she's trying to get the info on them so we can go look at them and decide which one we are going to buy.  If she gets it, she plans on taking it back to the states as a knock around toy.  Mom just wouldn't be happy with a "normal" car.  I'm use to having a Jeep too, so I wouldn't have to learn to look for something different.

Mom is going to call in the morning to try to get in to see the doc.  Her shoulder is much worse and the left side headache is about to kick her butt.  She's wondering if she's allergic to the stuff in the shot.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>No, Mom isn't blind...Big Needles....My &quot;Poop&quot; List</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/452763</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:28:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/452763</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, April 23

Mom is sore.  She had afternoon PT.  The tech asked her to schedule an appoin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, April 23

Mom is sore.  She had afternoon PT.  The tech asked her to schedule an appointment with the Doc since the PT isn't helping.  So we have to go back in the morning to see him.

Took a taxi over to schedule our household goods delivery. (Hot dog, our King size bed.  No more being crowded) Then walked to the Dragon.  It was really windy and not as warm as it has been.  Mom got a hot chocolate and I took a nap while she made some phone calls.  We went out to the bus stop to catch a bus home, but got off at the commissary since it was open and Mom wanted something in particular for supper.

The cashier thought I was a guide dog.  She was convinced Mom was blind until Mom pulled off her glasses.

There is a bit of a taxi strike going on, but until today, Mom wasn't sure of how it was working.  We found out how inconvenient it is.  Basically, between 4 and 7PM, they won't dispatch to your location if you call (they will tell you that and why).  Instead, you have to catch one at a taxi stand.  Problem is, the commissary (and the hospital) are in corners.  One finally showed up and we got a ride home.

Mom has decided to make me a seat cover out of a sheet that will fold up small for my bag.  She's going to make it big enough to fit the bus seats, so it will also work in the taxi.  The bus seats do have lap belts and we are going to start using them (because we've had too many close calls riding it as well; those brake "checks" are brutal when some idiot pulls out in front of a large bus).

Oh, the big surprise of the day was that Dad fed me supper while Mom cooked.  It was a little strange, but he did a good job.  He made sure I took my time and that I chewed everything really well (just like Mom does).  He also fed Bretta.  After the pawrents ate, Bretta and I both got Mani/Pedis while Dad did his homework.  I don't LIKE getting my nails done, but Mom tends to make it worthwhile for me to sit there and take it.  She has learned how to shape my nails so that it helps with the way I stand.  I also get the full service file and buff job.

Thursday, April 24

I woke Mom up at 4:30AM hungry.  I was a little starvin' marvin.  So, she feeds me and tells me to come back to bed.  Her clock then goes off before Dad's. WOW.  She actually ate breakfast, dressed, brushed and dressed me, then kissed a sleepy Dadddy goodbye (after reminding him to take Bretta out and feed her).  I took care of business on the way to the bus stop.

Mom has been letting me climb onto the bus by myself.  She still won't let me walk off because the steps are rather steep.  We walked over to the concession stand outside of the hospital so Mom could get a drink, then we went inside.

Mom likes the PT receptionist.  Her hubby and Daddy are both in the Air Force and are the same rank.  With all of the elitist BS some of the Army wives toss out, it is nice to know someone else who is in our boat.

Mom talked to a guy who was waiting to get into PT.  He has a Lab and a Corgi puppy.  Then it was our turn to see the Doc.  I'm not his biggest fan.  He's okay.  Gives a good chin scratch, but because he hurts my Mom, he's on my "poop" list.  I watched as he stuck Mom with a huge needle right in her back/shoulder.  She didn't yelp, but she jumped when he moved it.  We have to go back and let him do it again.  Mom told him that we were waiting on the Botox.  She's really hoping the neurologist calls before then so she doesn't have to do through that again.  We caught a cab home.

Mom decided to keep track how many times we heard, "He's soo cute."  We were gone less than 2 hours and heard it 8 times.  

Mom has taken some ibuprofen and we are going to take a nap.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Kicking butt on the job, Couch Stamps, and a little fender bender</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/452439</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:45:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/452439</guid>
		<description>Monday, April 21

Mom's neck is still bothering her.  Dad woke her up before he left for school be ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, April 21

Mom's neck is still bothering her.  Dad woke her up before he left for school because we have to go for our SOFA pre-screening.  Mom tried to get up and almost passed out.  So she laid back down and we snuggled for a bit until she felt a little better.  We took the 9:45 bus instead of the earlier one.  Mom was a little worried that we might not be able to get an appointment (since they limit them).  We had to wait to be seen.  Mom had all of her "ducks in a row" so our pre-screening took all of 5 minutes.  We go back tomorrow at a set time to see the officials and get the stamp.

We walked up to the Dragon so Mom could get a cold drink and we both rested a minute before taking a taxi home where she rested and I napped on the couch.  She then re-dressed me and we caught the bus and went to the hospital.  Mom had a PT appointment.

The tech had finished with the ultrasound and was getting Mom an ice pack when jerked my head up and looked at Mom.  I stood up and pawed her since she was seated.  She leaned over to me.  (Normally, if she were standing, I'd cue her to pick me up, but since she was seated in a public place and I knew she wasn't going to let me in her lap, I pawed her and put my front feet on her knee.)  I alerted.  Mom sighed.  I gave a really soft whine then walked off my mat and over to her purse and nosed it, looked at her, whined again, then walked back, sat in front of her and gave her "the look".  So, Mom took her meds right there.  I laid down and got another 15 minute nap in before the buzzer woke me up.

Mom was still feeling reasonably well when we walked out, so we caught the post run bus to the commissary.  We had like a ten minute wait for the bus and the bus stop was packed.  Mom answered a ton of questions.  We get off the bus and Mom realizes she has messed up; the commissary is closed...DUH, it's Monday.

Long story short, we found out where the taxi office is and met the General Manager.  He and Mom had a nice chat about how it is illegal for their drivers to refuse us service.  Mom got the impression that the Legal office has already had a nice little chat with them.  BTW, we got a free cab ride to our post office and then on to the PX.

Mom picked up a few things including some rugs for the hallway between our bedroom and the living room.  YEAH!  We had no problems getting a taxi home.  Dad did call to see if we wanted him to meet us on base.  Mom told him no.

Mom undressed me and I laid out on the couch, dog tired.  Since she still needed some commissary type stuff, she dressed Bretta and went to the small one here on the compound.  Dad came home while she was out, so I took advantage.  

I had some delicious Cornish Hen for supper while Dad furminated Bretta.  Next thing I know, Mom is vacuuming Bretta and stupid is sitting there enjoying it.  I'm glad she didn't try that crap with me.  I disappeared into our bedroom just in case.

Then she and Dad laid out all of his 1/2 sized index cards and were putting them in some sort of order.  Silly Daddy had them mixed up really bad; two different vocab lists worth.  Mom then did a really quick house cleaning saying something about fire inspectors coming in the morning.  Looks like it is going to be another busy day.

Tuesday, April 22

The fire alarm inspection this morning was NBD (No Big Deal); The stamp thing was.  Dad never got a new ID card when he re-enlisted.  So his card shows his old end of contract date.  We will have to go back for another stamp before December.

It was sprinkling when we got off the bus (to go to the appointment).  We got a thumbs up and a big smile from the MP on crossing guard/traffic control duty.  It was still spitting rain when we got done, so we hustled across a side street and up the hill to the Dragon and its taxi stand.

We got about half way home and were waiting at a red light when the car in front of us rolled backwards into us.  Mom and the taxi driver both saw it coming.  Mom's first instinct was to keep me safe.  No air bags were deployed and no real damage done.  Mom is a little sore, but with her neck, that is to be expected.  It was a little scary for both of us.  Mom is trying to decide what she should do.  She thinks I need to be seat belted in, just like if we were at home.  More-so over here.  Seriously, the stereotype for Asian drivers hold doubly true over here.  It is like a cross between turning a 16 year old boy loose with a race car and the older person who plows through a farmer's market and then says "I thought I hit the brakes".]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Kids and Goofing Off</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/452437</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:41:28 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/452437</guid>
		<description>Friday April 18

We spent Wednesday and Thursday with Mom getting frustrated over not being able t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday April 18

We spent Wednesday and Thursday with Mom getting frustrated over not being able to get stuff taken care of like she wants.

We caught the 3PM bus and ran into the little girls we met last night while we were out having some play time.  The younger one was a little scared of Bretta, but was also fascinated.  Mom showed her the proper way to greet a pup.  (Mom is getting big on bite prevention and proper etiquette towards SDs.)

The bus was kinda full.  Mom had her big backpack.  We had a couple of packages to mail to a couple of Dogster friends.  Then headed over to the PX to pick up a few things.  I swear we just need to buy stock in the little half-size index cards.  Dad is going through a ton of them for school with his daily vocabulary words.  Then we went to the food court to wait on Dad.  Now before we could get out of the PX building, Mom had someone ask if I was a guide dog.  That always makes Mom laugh.  Yes, she had on a pair of shades, her violet gradient lens Oakley Crosshairs to be exact.  Generally she only get that question when she is wearing her HJs.  

So Mom explains that No, I'm NOT a Guide dog.  No offense to the Guides out there.  We love you guys, but can we get a little promotion of our own?  

We get half-way across the parking lot en route to the food court when some chick stops to ask how Mom managed to get me into the PX.  Mom pointed to my vest. Hello.  Then again, that is about the same place Mom was standing (with Bretta) when someone walked by (and into the PX) carrying a purse-like carrier with a cat inside.

Mom read through her handy-dandy phrase book and sipped a drink while we waited for Dad.  It was feeding time when we got home.  Dad cooked while Mom fed us.  I also managed to give Mom the eyes so I scored some peas and carrots.

Saturday and Sunday...

The pawrents loafed.  Well Dad loafed; Mom slept.  Her sleep pattern is way off and it is starting to take a toll.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>No matter where you go...there is always a 7-11.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/449277</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:54:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/449277</guid>
		<description>Monday, April 14

I woke Mom up at 4:30AM to go potty and to feed me.  I was starving.  Anyway, th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, April 14

I woke Mom up at 4:30AM to go potty and to feed me.  I was starving.  Anyway, the elevator looked like someone had peed in the corner (it may have been a garbage bag leak, but it didn't look like one).  Either way, GROSS!  I was very careful not to step in it.

Mom took Bretta out (they got the same elevator) then we got our breakfast.  Normally, Dad gets up around 5AM, but since he's been in school, he has been getting up later.  When his clock went off at 7, Mom had him take Bretta back out.  We did walk him out since I needed to go potty again.

There were 2 women out there who started off by complimenting me, then started asking Mom some questions.  It soon became apparent they were a part of the "Complaint Brigade" as Mom now calls it.  These are the people who think we should either be forced to live off base completely or that we should have been housed on South Post.  One said she had been to see the base commander over it.  Her argument was that if Mom needs me, then she needs to be by a hospital.  She has no idea why Mom has me, nor what my job is.

We were also told that some people had seen us and without checking to see if the rules had been changed, went out and bought dogs or cats only to find out that the rules hadn't changed.  These people blamed us.  How is it our fault?  Anyone with half a brain would think to actually check for policy changes.

They also tried to say we should be vested when we go out to potty.  Mom politely told them that Federal Law doesn't require it and it isn't going to happen.

We went back inside and took a nap.  Mom's head is back to being borderline.  Her neck is slightly out of alignment again, so the left side headache is back.

We met Dad on base to pick up my patches.  We came home, worked Bretta, and Mom worked on putting my vest together.  Then made me stand there and let Dad take pictures so everyone could see my new patches.

Tuesday, April 15

Mom didn't sleep well last night.  When her alarm went off, she got dressed and I could tell that she was getting worked up about something.  I tried to get her to sit down so I could get in her lap and calm her down.  Instead, I got brushed and dressed and off we went.  The closer the taxi got to the base, the worse Mom's anxiety was getting.  I leaned on her leg while we waited to check in.  Things got momentarily worse when we were told we didn't have an appointment.  Finally, the doctor came out to tell Mom that the Botox shipment hadn't arrived.  Her anxiety level dropped immediately.  She's got 4 tattoos and she's afraid of needles.

Since that was a bust, we walked over to the pharmacy to see about getting a refil on a scrip that was originally written at our old base.  We get a number and wait.  Our turn comes and Mom explains the situation to the pharmacist.  I heard the woman say "There is a problem."  It isn't on formulary and is considered a special order item that requires a doctor to write a special "medically necessary" scrip.  So Mom has to get an appointment to see what they have available that won't make the headaches worse or have them write that it is medically necessary.  She's just feeling a bit frustrated.  I understand, I'm not ready for a two-legged sibling, so we need a refill on those meds.

Her neck is still out.  That is adding to her frustration.

I like my new vest.  Mom had bought a spare one thinking I might need a backup.  She had also stockpiled some industrial strength velcro that had adhesive on it.  Her sewing machine will be here in several weeks.  

Punkin's Mom asked for some pictures of me in my vest out and about to add to a presentation she is going to give.  Mom told me we'd go out when Dad got home.  Sometimes I think she's loosing it, I don't want to be a model.  And I really know she's lost it when she drags me out during rush hour.  Originally, I was a country dog.  Moving to the suburbs of Baltimore was a big deal.  Seoul during rush hour is like NYC during rush hour.  I wasn't happy the closer we got to the 8 lane highway.  I let Mom know about it.  The foot traffic as well as the vehicle traffic on the side street was pretty intense.  The 8 lane is just crazy.  We were walking parallel to it and came to a place where we had to cross about 4 lanes of traffic to get to the front gate.  Mom asked if I wanted her to carry me.  YES!!!  I was happy to walk again when we got to the other side.

Anyway, I got my picture made in front of a 7-11 and with a crab.  I was all for us bringing it home so I could have it for dinner.

Seriously, it was crazy out there.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Mom's sick and tired of being sick and tired</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/448456</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:15:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/448456</guid>
		<description>Friday, April 11

Mom has had a migraine, but we really needed to go mail some stuff.  Dad had cal ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, April 11

Mom has had a migraine, but we really needed to go mail some stuff.  Dad had called during his lunch break to check on us and they agreed to meet on base.  So Mom sucked it up and we caught the bus.  Since we weren't sure exactly what time the big post office closed (we pick up our mail at a small one that is stuck out in the middle of the back 40 and has some strange hours), we decided it would be best to catch the 3-something bus so we'd have more than a 15 minute window.  The big post office is a full service place. 

We also walked through "the Gallery" so Mom could drop off the template for my bi-lingual side patches.  We get to pick them up on Monday.

It was rather warm out, which was making Mom's head pound worse, so we headed to the food court to see if maybe some heavily salted fries with a ton of ketchup and a cold drink would help.  Sometimes tht kind of stuff helps.  It was cool inside and out of the sun.  I curled up and napped while we waited for Dad.

Mom spied him first and picked my leash up (she had laid it beside me on the floor).  When he got about 3 feet away, I did my butt wiggle and  "greeting" chortle at him.  It isn't a bark or a bay, yet it is louder than a growl.  It isn't loud, but it is a vocalization.  I do it when Dad comes home on a daily basis.  When I'm working, it is more of my way of telling Dad that I'm very happy to see him because Mom is sick and now I have help with her.  Dad greets me whether I'm working or not.  If we are out and about, it is abbreviated.  Some people have asked why he is allowed to greet me, but I don't greet everyone else.  Simple, Dad is pack.  

Dad grabbed a sandwich then we all walked over to the PX.  Mom needed some shipping supplies and they looked around.  Both of them need some new jeans.  They worked their way around and grabbed some air-tight containers for our dog food since our other stuff isn't here yet.  Mom also picked up a cool high powered fan.  She uses fans to drown out noise when her head is bad.

We got a taxi (no problems there).  It was funny.  He knew which building we live in - he has driven Mom and I home before.  So much for trying to blend in and not stick out.  Actually, it is quite nice that we aren't getting the hassles.  

When it got closer to dark, Mom suggested to Dad that we take Bretta out to play.  

Saturday, April 12

I'm a tired puppy.  Mom has been wanting to go back to the Chosun (spouse run gift shop that gets in cool stuff from all over Asia) for a couple of weeks.  She had found a couple of plates that she liked.  She got a wake up call today as to how bad her dyslexia is...she had looked at the tags last month.  Dad asked her as they were walking up to the register if she realized exactly how much the plates were.  Let's just say that Mom's brain saw 19.  Huge difference.  We did get one.  The other one can wait until next month.

We walked home since Mom wanted another Coach hat and to just look.  She and Dad want a headboard for their bed and Mom has something in mind, if she can find a set of wooden screens that she likes.  She's also been trying to find a special gift for one of her Florida friends.

Once we crossed the (very busy) street into the shopping district, I became a velcro dog.  Normally, I don't walk touching Mom because sometimes she walks funny due to her knee.  I also listen a lot more closely and tend to anticipate her commands.  I've learned that depending on how the flow of foot traffic is around us, I may need to go ahead, follow directly behind, or go "off-sides".

Mom wanted to go into one of the leather stores that also sells purses.  Dad told her to take me inside.  If they ask, she has my ID.  Worst they can do is ask that I leave.  The guy behind the counter saw my vest, could read my "I'm working" bi-lingual tag and knew enough English to read my SD rockers.  He asked what kind of service I performed.  Dad answered.  He was cool with it.  Mom checked out her "My Precious".  The grey croc Hermes Birkin name brand knock off (yeah.  There are special name brand knock offs that are rather expensive themselves.)  This was a different store than where she saw the first one.  Mom wants "My Precious" soo bad she can't stand it.  I think it would make us a cool looking bag, but I wonder how Mom will feel the first time I need to drag it over to her.

We also went into several antique stores.  Well, they call themselves antique stores.  Most of the stuff was new, but quality stuff.  Really heavy.  She found some stuff she likes.  Makes her re-iterate to Dad that she needs a job.  She found a really heavy wooden "desk" that looks like a table - really UNfancy, that was about $1200.

I had my second run-in with local dogs.  We had a -poo cross with a distracted owner try to catch me.  Mom picked me up and it was jumping at me and growling.  Dad got in between before Mom got nipped.  I did growl at it once.  Mom told me to hush and I completely relaxed when Dad stepped in.  Then there was the red toy poodle on a flexi.  Mom isn't a fan of them in the first place, but to use one on that particular road/area is asking for trouble,

Then, out of nowhere, we had a little girl come up and ask to take my picture.  She was having lunch with her parents at one of the places that as outdoor seating.  She was very polite, so Mom told me to pose for her.  I gave her a nice profile shot. (Mom would have let her take my pic either way, the whole politeness just capped it off.  We appreciate kids with manners.)

The walk down "Luger's Paradise" was fun.  Mom had to take it slow because her knees were starting to hurt.  We passed the vet/groomers/store on the way.  There was a BIG Chinese Shar-Pei sitting outside with his owner who was talking to someone.  The sidewalk through there is narrow and all of the Pei's Mom has been around have all been a bit dog aggressive; so Mom picked me up since she didn't want to have to walk out into the street.  As we went by, Mom could see it had a bad eye (either a cherry eye or a bad tack job) as well as some skin issues.

Once inside the compound, Dad went to grab some stuff from the commissary while Mom took all of our packages to the house.  I got my feet and legs washed and then took a nap on the bed.

After supper, we all went back out to the field to work Bretta.  She showed her butt, so she didn't get to play; had to do drills.  Mom had Dad turn me loose.  I tore around in circles, doing fly-bys on Bretta.  Mom says she needed the distraction training.  When we came back inside, I was ready for bed.

Sunday, April 13

Mom has been laid up most of the day with a dual headache.  Her neck is out and she has a migraine as well.  The last time this happened, she ended up in the ER with enough drugs to fall an elephant.  I've staid with her most of the day, mainly getting up to ask Dad to take me out to potty.  I've learned to ease out of the bed without making it move.

I did wake Mom up to feed us since she takes meds at that time too.  Dad cooked and then asked me to wake Mom so she could eat.  That gives me a chance to practice my wake up skills for real.  It isn't the same when we practice/refresh for the smoke alarm.  I know she isn't asleep.

Dad was productive while we were in bed.  He furminated Bretta.  Got a bag full of hair off her.  He asked Mom if he should bathe her, but Mom said No.  He washed her feet and wiped her down instead.  

Mom decided to try to sit up and spend a little time with Dad.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>New ID and a new patch</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/448082</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:26:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/448082</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, April 8th
Mom tried to do some follow up phone calls, but there was too much of a language ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, April 8th
Mom tried to do some follow up phone calls, but there was too much of a language barrier.  That bummed her out a bit.  When Dad got home, he sat down and made me two new ID cards.  They are identical except one is in Hangul and the other is in English.  Mom had picked up a cool ID card holder (it is hard plastic, like a box, but made so that the cards can still be scanned).  My cards fit into it and it is clipped onto my leash next to my rabies tag.

Wednesday was a national holiday aroud here so Dad got out of class early.  He came home and played with me, including getting down on the floor and acting silly.  We wrestled, played tug, and then ganged up on Mom and tickled her.  It was rainy so there was no going out to play.  Plus it is Spring Break this week, so if we go outside to potty, we end up feeling like the pied piper.

Thursday, April 10

We missed the bus this morning.  Mom had a bad night and decided to try to sleep in a little later.  She hadn't counted on Bretta deciding she needed to go out, but then wanted to take her time.  So Mom called a taxi.  The driver started to give Mom a hassle abut me, but she showed him my new ID.  BINGO.  That was what we needed.  (For all we know, Legal has gotten a memo out to the taxi company already.  At this point, we are just happy things are going well.)

Mom did her PT and we caught the bus to the bus station so we could walk over and pick up my new patches.  They had messed up our order.  Instead of 2 rockers they only had one.  We have to go back tomorrow for the other rocker.  My new bilingual "Working Dog, Do Not Pet" patch is awesome looking.  It is a stop sign with the lettering and border in white.

Mom grabbed a snack then we went to the PX to pick up something for Dad.  Had to take a taxi to go check the mail.  Our mail box is out in the middle of BFE.  We had a notice about a package, but couldn't get it because the window is only open for a short period of time each day.  So we went home to wait until they would be open.

I napped while Mom got busy and changed my patch over.  We caught the bus back to base then got a taxi to take us back to the post office.  Our package was for me and Bretta.  DOG FOOD!!!  My Evo RM, some regular Evo, and several different small bags of Taste of the Wild.

I was such a good boy as Mom pushed the cart up the concrete ramp to the building and then up the  funny ramp to get to the elevators.  It is a steep incline.  Mom's been working on having me walk off-sides so that I don't have to follow her up the ramp when she has a buggy.  She's worried that if her knee gave out that I could get hurt.  She's also worked with me about getting into the elevator with the buggy.  I'm use to being around each of those individually, but a grocery cart is a tight fit into the elevator.  Then we have to worry making sure I don't get hit by the elevator doors.

Mom got the box into the apartment and took the cart back.  She and I had headed back downstairs to go to the mini-commissary when Dad came walking up.  So he came with us.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Promising news on a busy Monday</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/445981</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 7 Apr 2008 06:36:30 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/445981</guid>
		<description>Monday April 7th

Mom woke me up really early to get me fed, dressed, and out the door.  We had to ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday April 7th

Mom woke me up really early to get me fed, dressed, and out the door.  We had to be on the 7AM bus so we could make it to base for Mom's neurology consult.  That was all good news/bad news.  Good news is that they offer Botox.  Bad news is that we are still at the "end of the line" as far as other treatment options.  So, Botox it is...next week; the 

doc is talking about putting some in her shoulder and going to do part of her neck.  PT was more ultrasound.  I napped through that.

We ran into Mom's e-mail pal while we were in line at the pharmacy.  I like her daughter.  She's got a light touch and moves slow around me.  Mom broke with her normal "No petting" and let her pet me because she's scared of dogs, but was fascinated with me.  They gave us a ride to the "Gallery" where the patch shop is located.  Mom dropped off the stencils for my new patches.  We pick up the finished product on Thursday.

We went to the food court for lunch.  I kept looking for Dad.  Mom spoke with someone who asked about the dogs trained for Parkinson's patients.  Luckily, Mom knows a little bit about the other specialty dogs.  We continued our slow walk towards the Dragon.  Ok, let's face it, Mom was worried we'd be refused a taxi again and she just couldn't deal with the BS right then.  By taking the walk, we got to see Drama.

There was an ambulance, several fire trucks and a ton of MPs at the building about 200 yards from the Dragon.  We were heading down the sidewalk when the bomb squad rolled up.  Mom told me to put it in gear, "Let's get out of here before there is a BIG BOOM."  We never heard anything, so it must have been a hoax or just a threat.

Mom offered me some water and got herself a drink.  We settled in at one of the tables in the common area of the Dragon.  Mom read and I slept.  She had to wake me up so we could walk down the hill to our Legal appointment.

WE GOT PROMISING NEWS!!!!

The ROK government issues certification (IDs and vests).  We are on our way to having that.  We've also found out that we may very well be the first Medical Alert team to visit the country.  The school we've been waiting on got several phone calls and e-mails from our legal guy.  They admitted that they are just getting into producing program hearing dogs and that we are a real rarity, but they are looking to expansion in our direction.  They have contacted the agency that covers disabled welfare to find out what wording they want to use for us.  They did give us a word to use for now.  It translates well enough that it should help, but we have to keep in mind the wording might change.  

We also discussed our recent taxi woes were discussed as well.  They (legal) want to make sure that the ADA is being followed on base.  Mom was involved with discussing solutions to the problem.  Since vesting alone (even bi-lingual) isn't going to be enough, it is most likely going to come down to ID.  Something that we (and then those that will come later) will have or be issued that pets won't have.  It may be different colored rabies/base id tags; it may be picture ids.  

Normally, I'd have a bit of a problem with that, but I also understand that verbal assurance isn't going to work on base.  Too many people with small dogs who want to take them everywhere.  Mom saw someone with a cat in a purse-type carrier take it into the PX Sunday.  She didn't go rat them out because she was talking with someone.  I think it would be pretty cool if they'd just issue us IDs like Mom's.  How we fit into the emergency evac plan is also being discussed.  Mom explained that they didn't tag our vet records or our base registration even after she questioned the vet clinic.  

I'm beat.  We didn't get home until after 4:30.  Mom's tired too.  Dad did take the time to make me a Hangul ID tag.  He's got the basic stuff saved from my original one, so it isn't a big deal.  Mom had picked me up a new clear holder for my English one.  It is hard plastic and different.  Now, I've got both in it, where you can just flip it to see either one.  Very cool.  Dad's got mad computer skilz.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Lots of walking...meeting someone like me...taxi drama</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/445979</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 7 Apr 2008 06:34:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/445979</guid>
		<description>Thursday, April 3

Mom had a rough night.  She got another e-mail from &quot;old dad&quot;.  He's good at ya ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thursday, April 3

Mom had a rough night.  She got another e-mail from "old dad".  He's good at yanking her chain.  Dad and I also think that her friend dying has sorta depressed Mom a bit.  It is making her look at her mortality.

She called "old dad" and finally admitted to him that she wasn't in the country.  His first question was to ask where I was at and say that if she had left me in Maryland to go on vacation that he was going to come get me.  As if Mom would leave me.  Yes, I stayed in a nice kennel when Mom and new Dad went to Vegas to get married.  I was a SDIT then and Mom didn't think it would be good for me since it was hot.  She regrets I missed the wedding.

So, when Mom finally got up, she had overslept.  It's her birthday, so she can sleep all day if she wants.  She had forgotten my beef heart and liver yesterday when we went to the commissary, so we went back.  Mom took the time to speak to the head manager to ask him about bringing Bretta in as a training session.  His only question was to ask if she is as well behaved as I am.  Mom assured him that she is, so he is cool with it.  As he put it, if she's with Mom then she's working (there to alert).  So if anyone else wanted to complain that would be his take on the situation.

I got my first taste of liver and heart mix when we got home as well as having some cornish hen.  Dad fed me and Bretta.  Mom felt it was time that he did it in case something happens and she needs him to in an emergency or something.

Friday, April 4th
Bretta made a mess...ok, that's an understatement.  Turkey legs and wings are just too rich for her.  She got the splarts.  Thank Dog Mom hadn't put the carpet down in the spare room yet.  Mom had to wake Dad up to take Bretta outside while she cleaned up.  Mom got her settled back in the spare room while we went off.

The Legal department was our first stop.  Mom is tired of waiting for an answer from the Samsung Guide dog school.  We need to know what our status is and Google has done nothing.  We couldn't see anyone today, but we got an appointment.  We grabbed a taxi to the PX since it has gotten really warm out.  Dad needs some supplies and Mom likes to look.

We were refused by 2 taxis when we got ready to go home.  Mom got the numbers and called the company.  Communication is a problem.  She did find out that Korean dispatchers are a bit like Cubans in prison; certain words translate.  In this case, it was "complaint and Inspector General"  (Cubans it is "turn around and cuff up NOW").  Mom got upset.  The bus going back to the compound had just left the bus station (which is a bit of a walk) and the next one was over an hour away.  Luckily, one of the drivers who knows a bit more English (and has talked to us before) picked us up.

Saturday, April 5th

We (me, Mom, and Dad) all walked to base.  We stopped by the pet store to pick up some vitamins for us.  I had to avoid an ill-behaved shaved peke that was tethered outside of one of the stores on Itaewon Street.  We had been looking for Mom a windbreaker.  We found a nice one and the guy was nice enough to let me in the store.  He could read my vest.  Mom had to stop one of the Riot Police officers from petting me.  Those are the guys who stand outside the gates and along the walls with a cane rod.  They put the beat down on protesters who get out of line.  He was nice, but Mom wants people to ASK before grabbing at me.

We watched a wreck happen literally right in front of us while we waited at the cross walk.  It scared Mom pretty bad.  It was also right in front of one of the riot buses that park on the side of the road to provide support for the guys.  (They take breaks in it and it has food and drinks for them.  It is armored for going into riots.)  A dozen officers came out at once to direct traffic and take care of stuff.  We crossed as soon as the light permitted and checked in through the pedestrian gate.  Lunch was tops on our list.  

That done, we walked across the parking lot to the PX.  We were about to walk inside when a woman asked Mom if her son could look at me, that he knew I was working and he didn't want to pet me.  He and his Mom both had some questions.  Mom got down on his level so she could be eye to eye with him and explained about my job.  She couldn't tell quite how old he was because he was special like me.  Mom explained that I am going to retire early because of my condition and he understood because he's a dwarf too.  Mom hopes we run into him and his Mom again because she wants a picture of us together.  He's what Mom calls a "cutie".  He didn't know that pups can have those kinds of problems too.

Then we had another person want to take my picture.  I'm becoming famous.

We got what Dad needed.  Had a taxi refuse us again (which made Dad very angry).  We went by the Chosun (store run by the spouses club), but it had closed about thirty minutes earlier.  So we went home.  Mom and Dad decided to go back out to Itaewon Street and leave me at home since I was pooped.  Mom took some meds to try to keep a headache at bay.

They came back after dark and carrying some potted plants, "swag" (souvenirs) for friends and a new messenger bag for Dad.  Mom had spied a purse that would make "us" a great bag when we had gone out earlier.  She found out what it was on this trip.  Someone please explain why Mom has expensive tastes!  It is a very expensive REAL Hermes bag.  Crocodile is expensive no matter where you live.  Something says Dad will have to try to find her a knock-off one cause she is still drooling over it.

The taxi refusals has Dad designing me some new patches that we can have made at the patch shop on base.

Sunday, April 6th

I stayed home with Dad while Bretta went out with Mom.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>On the Go...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/444217</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:24:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/444217</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, April 2

We got up early (for us) so Mom could hit the ATM before we caught the shuttle ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, April 2

We got up early (for us) so Mom could hit the ATM before we caught the shuttle to PT.  The bus ride was fun for Mom.  She foudn out that we aren't the only dogs on the compound.  We are the only SANCTIONED dogs on the compound.  Mom was talking to a young Mom who was telling her about how there are dogs in her building, but that no one ever talks about it.  There are also several cats.  From what she has heard the apartments with the dogs STINK because they go potty inside.  YUK!

It was rainy and I got the belly of my sweater wet walking.  I hate it when that happens.  Luckily, Mom had something to wipe my feet with or I'd have left prints on her jeans.  See, I sit in her lap on the bus because it isn't made for pups to sit on the floor and she doesn't think it looks professional for me to sit in the seat (though she'd love to be able to seat belt me in).

We had to wait in line for what seemed like forever to get a taxi when we were done at the hospital (we were like 3rd in line).  Luckily a nice  NCO took some initiative and got on the phone and did a Drill Sgt. number on the taxi dispatcher.  He told Mom that he knows some of the people who work for the company.  They had a nice chat; Mom told him about our problems last week - being refused service by one of the drivers.  He asked what my job is.  When Mom explained I was a medical alert dog and that we were trying to go home because I had alerted, he seemed concerned.  He said he'd talk to someone he knows higher up there and let them know that I'm like a Guide dog.  Maybe some networking has paid off.

We rode to the Army's Community Services (ACS) building so Mom could check to make sure she had signed the right clipboard for her SOFA stamp and to sign us up for a language class.  We had the driver wait on us and Mom actually took the stairs since that particular elevator is slower than molasses.  We missed getting into the latest class.  It started yesterday, but it was full (25 students max).  The next one (which we signed up for) starts in the beginning of May.  In the meantime, we can see about getting into the one on the compound.  The compound class takes a lot of field trips, so that might be a problem.

We had our driver drop us off at the PX.  Mom is a member of several military spouses sites and one has a forum specific to Korea.  One of the ladies who is coming over this year asked about her favorite personal care products (shampoo line and facial cleaners).  Mom PM'd her that she would check the availablilty for her as well as pick us up some stuff we need.  Dad had been eyeing some Korean language books to help get him back up to speed as well as help Mom, so they went in the buggy.  Our PX is divided up into two buildings.  Toys, sporting goods, gardening, pet supplies. and tools are at the "Four Seasons" (Mom tends to call it the 4 winds).  After she had put all of our regular purchses in her backpack, we walked over there to look at dog beds for Bretta.  She's been sleeping on a pallet, but Mom wants her to have something more comfortable.  We caught a taxi home and she unpacked everything.

Dad is taking college level language classes as a refresher so he has homework and is getting home later than normal.  BUMMER.

Anyway, Mom dressed Bretta so she could accompany Mom to go get trash bags.  Recycling is mandatory.  Anything that isn't plastic, glass, paper, or a can must go in a special bag that you have to get from the housing office and is strictly inventoried.  (Mom doesn't understand why there would be a black market for the bags, but evidentially, there is.)  You are only allowed 10 at a time (and they aren't very big).  Mom didn't have to tell the man what apartment we live in; he knew when he saw Bretta.  He did ask Mom some questions about us.  Seems the office has been confused as to why there are two of us.  Mom explained that I need to retire early and that it takes up to 2 years to train a dog then the transition for switching over.  He understood what she was saying (which made Mom happy).  She said Bretta was a good girl and paid attention and was very professional.

Mom was feeling pretty good when she got back, so she took some meds and decided she was going to go to E-Mart (Korea's answer to Wally World), BY HERSELF.  That is where she and Dad got my stroller.  She's wanting a new scale for measuring my food.

E-Mart is in the bottom two "sub" floors of this huge mall.  She walked through the grocery floor on her trek, but I'm getting ahead of myself.  Backpacks aren't allowed.  The greeter wouldn't let her take it in.  They have these little coin operated lockers that cost 100w (won) - about 10 cents-  and machines near them that can change your 1,000w bills (about a dollar) into 100w coins.  Problem was, all Mom had was 10,000w bills.  The greeter was kind enough to give Mom a 100w coin.  Mom thanked her profusely.  When Mom couldn't find a scale, she bought a coke just to break a bill ro repay the greeter and thank her again.

Mom walked back to base by herself.  It was about 6 city blocks or more, cleared the gate, then called for a taxi to go to the Commissary to pick up some food for Bretta and I.  Our shipment of Evo RM (and a couple of other grain-free goodies that Mom has wanted to try) got messed up.  The company sent them to our old address, but Mom got a hold of them to straighten it out, but the stuff still won't get here for a couple of weeks since it has to come via the United States Post Office.  Mom has switched Bretta over to some inferior stuff, but has also taken her 1/2 RAW.  I've gone almost completely RAW.  I think I've got about 2 servings of RM left.

She picked up turkey legs for Bretta (they are almost a pound a piece), chicken legs for me, Cornish Hen, duck, beef heart, liver, ground turkey and ground beef.  She found me some ground lamb that was kinda expensive, but Dad was ok with it.  He found a good deal on some beef ribs the other day; got almost 5 pounds for $2.71 (total); I can't wait to try one.  I had some of my ground lamb for supper; it was yummy.  Bretta had a turkey leg for supper.

Mom made a point to tip the taxi driver really well.  He got everything out of the trunk and into the cart, then pushed the cart up two ramps and into the building to the elevator.  He would have taken it up to our floor (and probably unloaded it), but Mom could get it from there.  We have a small selection of shopping carts parked outside of the building (under cover) for stuff like that.

Mom had managed to have spaghetti sauce simmering when Dad called to say he was on his way.  While Dad was studying tonight, Mom started photocopying the worksheet pages out of one of their new books "Your First 100 Words in Korean" then started trying to study.  Yeah, poor Mom is going to have a hard time with this. She's dyslexic, with most of her problems concerning numbers and symbols.  Her pronunciation is going to be a problem as well.  If Dad is having problems understanding her accent when she says Korean words, then the Koreans will have a problem.

Mom admitted to Dad that she felt absolutely NAKED without me.  Speaking of her little trek.  Dad cautioned her to be very careful.  Technically, she's really not supposed to be out without a buddy.  (Though, Bretta or I count as a buddy.)  Dad knows Mom can take care of herself, even in a strange land.  He also knew she had her S&W special tactical blade on her.  She is also carrying her new handy book of phrases (with phonetic pronunciation guide) on her at all times.

It is LATE (midnight) and Dad just went to bed.  He's going to be a tired puppy tomorrow.  Nite All.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Baths, lunch, and headaches</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/443720</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 1 Apr 2008 03:23:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/443720</guid>
		<description>Sunday

Bath day.  Mom furminated me before getting me squeeky clean in the tub.  She was happy th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday

Bath day.  Mom furminated me before getting me squeeky clean in the tub.  She was happy that I wasn't nearly as dirty as she thought I'd be.  I guess taking wipes to my feet have really been paying off.  I did the usual after bath zoomies, but decided it would be nicer to settle down wrapped up in a nice fluffy towel.  Dad gave Bretta a bath.  She had to hang out in the spare room until she was mostly dry.  She was too busy sitting at the baby gate to do her version of the zoomies.  Silly girl.

I did sneak into the bedroom and curl up on the clean sheets while Mom was waiting on my fleecy binky to dry.  Mom busted me.  She wasn't mad.  

Monday, March 31

Mom had PT.  We got out of the hospital and went to the bus stop.  While we were waiting one of the ladies who we've seen on the bus drove by in a taxi.  She stopped and asked if we were headed home, that we could share a ride.  Mom thanked her and told her we were going to meet Dad for lunch.  Mom was soo surprised.

The bus finally came and we rode it to the end of the line which is the bus station.  It was a short walk over to the Food Court; it is a large building filled with fast food places with lots of seating.  Since it was lunch time, it was packed.  My nose started working over-time the minute we hit the doors.  It was like walking through the food court at the mall; soo many smells, the variety of foods.

I did a very un-SD butt wiggle when I saw Dad.  He was standing in a line waiting for their food.  While we waited with him, Mom realized this was my first venture inside a fast food place.  Mom just doesn't eat it that often.

I curled up on my pad under the table and did a good job of ignoring everyone until one of the Korean cleaning people kept trying to call me over to her.  I stood up (which made her start trying harder) and pawed Mom to get Mom's attention.  She told me to "Ignore it" and to lay back down.  The woman understood enough English to stop.

We walked over to Clothing Sales AKA the uniform store to see if we could find me a Cadeceus patch.  Unfortunately all they had were unit patches.  Instead of a staff it has a sword.  They look cool and would still get the point across, but we don't want to get in trouble for using a unit patch.  Mom is hoping that since the symbol seems to be universal (we've seen it on a local hospital sign) it will help cut down on confusion about why I'm NOT a pet.

Dad went back to work and we walked back to the bus station.  We sat outside to wait on a bench and since it was a little windy (mom was wearing her leather trench coat) I curled up in her lap so she could put her coat around me.  We had some enlisted guys and gals ask about me.  Then we had an older Korean man start a dialog with Mom when he asked what a service dog is (he could read English).  They had an interesting exchange before we had to get on the bus.

I alerted Mom about 4PM.  Bretta alerted her shortly after.  The "Brat" is getting bossy.  She kept hounding Mom and was starting to get on Dad's nerves.  That is a double-edged sword.  She needs to be bossy, but there is a line.

Tuesday April 1

Mom didn't sleep last night because her head was bad.  Her first line meds didn't work.  She did doze after Dad left for work.  When she woke up she figured she had slept too late to get a same-day appointment, but she did get in.

We caught the bus and Mom got some info about the TWO different Korean language classes offered.  One is offered here on the compound and the other one is on base.  From the sounds of it we are going to be taking the base class.

The ROK Army guy at the reception desk said hello to us.  He's gotten use to seeing us.

The doctor we saw had a ton of questions about me.  We'd have gotten out of there alot sooner if we hadn't been answering questions.  Mom doesn't get why everyone thinks I"m soo well behaved.  I'm just doing what Mom asks; then again, Mom has high standards.

We had no problems catching a taxi home.  Mom does have a phrase to use now to better explain my job, thanks to someone on one of the Korea boards Mom has been frequenting.  We'll see how it goes when Mom tries to use it the first time.  He even gave Mom a pronunciation guide for it.

Dad's flipping channels.  Korean Boy Bands.  Someone PLEASE teach these guys how to dance.  They have no rhythm.  Dad has homework.  Mom thinks that is funny.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>The last week...rain, taxi drama, and Bretta's first training excursion</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/442612</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:44:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/442612</guid>
		<description>Last weekend (Easter weekend)...we goofed off.

Bretta had her Cornish hen and I had a quarter of  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Last weekend (Easter weekend)...we goofed off.

Bretta had her Cornish hen and I had a quarter of mine.  

Monday, Mom wasn't feeling well, so we watched movies on Dad's laptop (so Mom could surf on hers) while we waited for Dad to come home.

Tuesday, Dad stayed home since our stuff was coming.  Mom had gotten a message from my "old" dad that she needed to call him ASAP.  She didn't look at the clock, so it was going on midnight his time when she called.  One of Mom's friends died over the weekend.  Mom's sad about it.  Mom ended up having a bit of an anxiety attack over the whole thing.  Her friend was 4 days younger than Mom and passed from something as simple as an Asthma attack. 

 We found the delivery men unloading our stuff into the lobby when we went out for a potty break.  It was raining.  Mom crated me and Bretta while the men brought the stuff inside.  She just had them prop the door open.

Mom and Dad were tag teaming the 19" tv (leaving us crated) when three ROK MP's showed up.  That kinda freaked Mom out. I signaled Mom she needed to let me out to check her.  She told me "No".  I told Bretta I didn't like the situation, so she let everyone know she wasn't happy about strange people being in our house without her being where she can take care of Mom.  The MP's freaked a little when Mom told Bretta to be "At Ease".  That made Bretta hush and stop trying to tear out of her crate.

Since Mom now knows they will come knocking again when our other stuff gets here, she plans on making sure Bretta is loose when they get here.  Once they were gone, Mom let us out and we took turns snuggling up to Mom.

Wednesday, March 26

Mom had an early morning physical therapy appointment.  SInce she wasn't sure what they were going to do to her, she brought my really small bag (the one she bought for the trans-Pacific flight).  We didn't need it.

When that was over, we went to see about catching the bus back.  It was going to be almost an hour.  We sat down and were waiting when I alerted.  I had been hanging really close all morning.  We walked over to the concession stand for Mom to get a drink and take some meds.  We sat back down to wait for the bus and I decided the headache was coming quicker than I liked.  We walked over to the taxi stand at the front of the hospital so we could get home.

The driver REFUSED to pick us up.  They can't park right in front of the building, they have to park about 50 feet away.  He got out of his car and walked over and told Mom "NO."  Because I wasn't in a carrier.  Mom showed him my ID and pointed to my vest.  When a guy showed up and wanted a ride, he picked him up.  Mom was MAD.  She got the cab number and called Dad.  Luckily, another cab pulled up as the first one picked up the guy.  He asked Mom about it on the ride and she told him what happened.  By the time we got home, Mom really needed to lay down.

Dad came home with 8 boxes of stuff Mom had mailed before we left.  We have CURTAINS for the bedroom.  Now it will be nice and dark when Mom needs to lay down.  My Samsonite bag (with it's fleecy inner pad) is here as well as the rest of my favorite toys.  Oh, and our gallon size waterer and our furminator.

Thursday morning while taking Bretta out, Mom had some guy get an attitude and tell her that Bretta belonged in the K-9 kennel.  That is was against policy to bring a working dog home.  Mom laughed then kept a straight face when she told him that Bretta wasn't government property.  That is when some woman started with "It isn't fair.  I had to give up an expensive dog when I moved here."  She then went on, without missing a beat, to say her Great Dane was worth more than Bretta.  Mom asked her if it was titled.  Nope.  Then asked if she had any idea how much it costs to train the average SD.  Nope.  Mom should have told her "A hell of a lot more than your pet quality dane." but she didn't.  Mom did inform her that training costs alone can exceed twenty grand.  She looked speechless, but it didn't last.  She followed Mom out the door and to where Mom has been taking Bretta to potty.  "My eight year old doesn't understand why you get to have a dog and he had to give up his pet."

Mom wonders if there is something in the water around here.

Mom> "Does he understand that you have a job?  That you get up and put on a uniform and go to work?"
Woman> "Yes."
Mom> "Does he understand that police and military K-9's have a special job?"
Woman. "Yes."
Mom> "The he should understand that she (Bretta) has a job.  She wakes up, gets dressed, and goes to work.  In her case, work is going everywhere I go."

Mom is quickly loosing patience with these people.

We met Dad on base after he got off work.  We waltzed into the PX and got curtain rods and then Mom hit the little GNC shop in the lobby.  On the taxi ride home, we saw firetrucks on Itaewon Street; that's the shopping district right outside the road that runs between South Post and Main Post.  Then we heard (before we saw) an older woman screaming at a couple.  Mom made the observation that drama is drama be it in the US or in Korea.  People all over rubberneck at accidents or wherever firetrucks are parked.  Fights are the same, even half-way around the world.

Mom took the opportunity to to ask Dad if the guys who she keeps seeing walking around in black uniforms with little hand-held devices are meter maids, valets, or something else.  They are human parking meters.  weird.

Friday March 28

Mom and I slept in...almost until noon.  She did take Bretta down to play with her retrieving kong.  I wasn't happy that she made me stay inside.  Mom made Bretta carry her kong all the way back to the building.  That got a few laughs.  Later, after Dad got home, Mom decided she wanted some chips so she dressed Bretta in her vest and took her down to the shopette.  That gave me a bit of quality time with Dad.  Mom said Bretta did really well.  She took her time going down the steps to get to the shopette and didn't try to touch anything. 

Mom stayed up late to check in with my SNOOPS friends.  That made me a happy camper.  I haven't been able to give a real time shout out to my friends for a couple of weeks.  I was missing my SNOOPS big brother, Bernie.

Saturday.  We goofed.  It rained off and on all weekend.  So, no going out to play.  Dad did take Bretta back out on the porch and furminate her with the furminator.

Mom slept in big time.  I stayed with her, of course.  Dad thinks it's funny.  Mom did find info on a Korean language class that gets together twice a week for an hour at a time.  She's going to call and see about enrolling.  That means she and I will get out of the house for a couple of hours (including travel time) a couple evenings a week.  She and Dad have been discussing the "W" word.  Work.  Mom thinks she is ready to go back to work.

OK.  I've got to take a moment to discuss Korean commercials.  One word.  Cheesy.  Nothing like seeing a (major US name brand) acne face wash ad with giggling Korean girls.  Mom did ask Dad if they all aspired to be skanks when they grow up or just look like one.  They start them young over here.

And there is nothing like hearing the chicken dance with the lyrics in Korean.  That was funnier than actually watching Dad dance to it (with all of the senior NCOs) at the flight Christmas party.  Yes, I was there and saw it with my own two eyes.  Mom had even dressed me especially for the occasion.  My collar cover matched her dress and Dad's kerchief.

Mom is starting to miss American cable.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>It's been a good Friday....</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/439569</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:18:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/439569</guid>
		<description>A big THANKS to Mr. Pippin (the Pug) for pawmailing Mom that we were a diary pick.  Mom hadn't notic ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ A big THANKS to Mr. Pippin (the Pug) for pawmailing Mom that we were a diary pick.  Mom hadn't noticed.

Friday, March 21

Dad couldn't run Bretta because he has sorta sprained his ankle.  He got up and went to work and for some reason Mom couldn't sleep so we lounged on the bed playing "Tickle the Boy" and "I've got your Beagle Brisket".  Silly games where we wrestle on the bed and play with my stuffed toys.  We had a blast before getting dressed to catch the bus to base.

We rode the bus to the end of the line then walked to the PX.  Dad met us there and we walked over to the office where we saw someone about our shipment of "Unaccompanied Baggage".  While we were walking, Dad's boss called and said that they had just called about all of Mom's guns.  (Let's just say that Mom has a few...and no one left in the States who could watch over them while we were gone.)  We get our first shipment of stuff on Tuesday afternoon.  Mom will have most of her clothes and her other computers...and a TV.  I miss the background noise of the TV.  I know Bretta misses it when she's here alone.  Mom has been putting the laptop on a Florida station for her to listen to, but it just isn't the same as Cartoon Network.  Oh, and Mom's bike and my trailer will be in this shipment as well.  I can RIDE.

We ran upstairs so Mom could get a packet for her SOFA stamp.  I don't understand why she would want something that looks like a couch stamped into her passport.  Then again, I thought a VISA was just a plastic card.

We ended up walking all the way to the commissary.  It got warm out and I got TIRED.  Mom ended up carrying me about half a mile so I could rest.  She had on her backpack and put me on her shoulders.  Dad said I looked "Unhappy".  When she asked me to step off onto the ledge I refused (it was chest high on her so it wasn't a big step).  Dad sometimes doesn't understand the difference between concentrating on the ride and Unhappy.  

The ID checker at the commissary wasn't going to let us in, but the manager was standing there talking to someone and told her to leave us alone.  We met him the other day.  We grabbed some more meat for me.  Ox tails and 4 Cornish Hens.  Actually, only one of the hens is mine; one is Bretta's and the other two Mom is going to bake for her and Dad.  There was a conversation about Bretta eating Easter dinner in the bathtub.  Sounds like she's going 1/2 RAW fed too.

I power napped on the cab ride home.  The taxi driver remembered us; specifically me.  I've left a good impression on them, or at least tried to leave one.  We haven't had to explain that I'm exempt from the "Pets must be in a carrier" rule lately.  Since Medical Alert and Hearing Dogs are still a pretty new concept, Mom uses the guide dog analogy.  

Dad got an e-mail from the Housing company.  Seems they are under the impression that we "have acquired a pet".  HUH?  I don't think Mom's 4 jade Foo Dogs count as pets.  I've yet to see one eat and they certainly don't smell like a dog.  The only thing they are good for is guarding the door going into the hallway and holding open the bedroom door.  Dad told them about Bretta when he told them about me.  I suspect they don't understand why I'm soo small and Bretta is soo large.  He said if they kept it up he was going to unleash Mom on them.  I didn't know he had her on a leash.  I haven't seen it.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Outta the mouthes of babes....from one kid on the compound to another</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/438440</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:05:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/438440</guid>
		<description>Tuesday, March 18th....later in the afternoon.

So I napped on the couch while Mom did laundry.  W ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday, March 18th....later in the afternoon.

So I napped on the couch while Mom did laundry.  When Dad came home we all went over to the grassy area so Bretta could run around.  Dad held my leash while Mom started working Bretta.  We soon had a couple of kids hanging around asking Dad a ton of questions and wanting to meet Bretta.  They were polite.  Mom explained that Bretta had to sit and be told she could "visit".  She touched on the appropriate way to approach a strange dog, to let her sniff their hand first.  Bretta was in her element.  I was happy to let her be the center of it.  Then Mom and Dad traded off so Dad could throw the kong for while.  Dad had just started when another kid came up.  He asked out loud, "Why do you get to have a dog?"  One of the kids answered first, "They are working dogs, stupid."  (Complete with the "Gees, what rock have you been hiding under" tone.)  Mom and Dad just looked at each other and tried not to laugh.  

Dad had bought a pair of the reflective vests that are required for jogging both on base and on the compound.  He and Mom decided that they could snip the one at the shoulders and make one for each of us, though I really don't need one.  Dad picked up some elastic and some Velcro  to finish them out.  They wanted to try Bretta's on her while she was running around to make sure that it wasn't going to come loose or get in her way.  Mom will have to post pics on Bretta's page.  Mom needs some thread to fix mine.  I suspect she will make the two of us stand together for pictures since it will amuse her greatly.

So, for the woman who was nasty and used the "what about the kids" bs....the kids are handling it all quite nicely.  They don't have hang-ups about whether or not Mom looks or acts sick and they seem to be able to relate well to Bretta since she looks like the military working dogs that they have seen on base.  They think it's cool that she started out to be a police K-9 and a narcotics dog.  Yes, they all talk about dogs that had to go live with relatives, but they understand that we (Bretta and I) have a job and that we do it well.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Mom has a bad day...Never fear Under Dog is here...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/438439</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:58:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/438439</guid>
		<description>Monday, March 17th

We went to Mom's Physical Medicine appointment.  We were walking down the hosp ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, March 17th

We went to Mom's Physical Medicine appointment.  We were walking down the hospital hallway when this little kid yells, "KITTY!!".  Mom started to laugh.  When we got closer, it changed to "Not KITTY, It's a PUPPY!!!".  Thankfully, they were on their Dad's shoulders, so there was no being tackled.  We turned a corner and an American in civvies asked if he could pinch Mom.  She just looked at him funny and then goes, "Is that today?"  He said yes, so she told him that her eyes are green.  She had on her glasses.  It wasn't a lie, they are green/gray.

So we get there early (because Mom is determined to get use to the idea of taking the shuttle bus).  The doctor was a Army Colonel.  Based on his name and his accent, Mom is about 99.999% sure he was Korean.  He did have a huge office/exam room and I was really happy that unlike most of the doctor offices we have been to, it didn't smell like the vet clinic.  To say he was surprised to see me would be an under statement.  The clerk explained to him on the phone that I was a working dog.  

I laid down on my restaurant pad and everything was cool until he examined Mom.  They were on the far side of the room which makes me nervous.  I was toeing the line at staying on the pad, but I did do something very UN-service dog like.  I started talking.  I didn't bay, but I came very, very close.  He was hurting Mom; I knew it and I sure as hell wasn't going to let it happen on my watch.  She snapped her fingers at me and I hushed, but I paced the pad from side to side until he was done.  When all was said and done, he didn't realize I was being a bad boy.

The big kicker (which IMHDO means he needs a hard sharp bite in the butt) was that he didn't look at Mom's pain diary or give her another scrip.  He wants her to do more physical therapy and says she needs to go back to the primary care doc for a neurology appointment.  Hello, you just prodded her shoulder enough to make her about start crying.  You've felt it; it feels like steel.  The notes say it has been this way for months.  WTF are you thinking?

So Mom is understandably upset.  She called Dad because she really wanted to cry and doesn't have anyone else to call given the time difference.  We got about twenty yards from the door when Mom decided to go see the patient advocate.  Once we got done there, we did manage to catch the bus home (big hurray for us) and I got Mom to the elevator (thank Dog the building doors were open).  Mom was hurting pretty bad and I knew she needed to eat.

We got inside our apartment and I went over to the couch and hopped up so Mom could more easily undress me.  Then I made her follow me into the kitchen and I got my point across.  We then went to lay down and she ended up taking a "hard nap".  One of those where the human has a hard time waking up and they end up feeling off for a little bit.

Mom then took Bretta out and thankfully remembered her sunglasses.  (The woman gets a headache if she forgets them, so I try to remind her, without being able to touch them.  She is a little OCD about where she lays them, so they are always out of my reach.)  Bretta managed to get Mom back up to the apartment.  We decided to sit on her until Dad came home.  I plopped down in her lap and Bretta laid on her feet. It worked.  I'm just glad that Bretta has stepped up and helped me out.  I worry that she's not got enough selective disobedience in her to take care of Mom.

Tuesday, March 18

We walked over to the mini-PX to get liquid fabric softener.  It isn't that far (still on the compound), but it gives me a chance to stretch my legs, plus the whole business of "being seen".

I've been taught to stop before stepping off of curbs and such, so any walk gives me a chance to practice those skills.  We didn't have quite soo much to worry about before the move.  Most of our exercise type walks were done where there wasn't traffic.  Now, I have to be on my toes constantly.  It means Mom talks to me more than ever.  "Right", "Left", "Up", "Around" or my favorite "Vite".  It's French for "quickly".  To me, it means "Run".  Mom uses it when we have to step up the pace when goign through cross walks.  Since I trot to her walk, it generally means I need to actually break into a short run.

We were about to cross the road inside the main gate when a couple of MPs in one of the SUVs came through.  We waited to cross and they waved at me (not Mom) which was cool.  Mom just smiled at me and said, "Yeah Little Man, if they only knew how rotten you really are, they wouldn't think you are soo daen cute."  Whatever Woman.

The guy who works in the mini-PX or as Dad calls it, the shopette, is funny.  They sell some DVDs in there and have been playing Transformers since before we got here.  One day while Dad was in there, the guy was saying the lines with the movie so Dad joined in since Mom had just left it on loop for Bretta.  The first time Mom and I went in there with Dad, he asked Mom if I was a beagle.  When she said "yes" he starts calling me "Under Dog".  So, now when we walk in he says Hi to Mom and "Hello, Under Dog" to me.  He's going to be in for a surprise come Halloween.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Pictures</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/437551</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:03:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/437551</guid>
		<description>Sunday, March 16th

We took the taxi to base to get Bretta some dog food.  The big hippo eats too  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Sunday, March 16th

We took the taxi to base to get Bretta some dog food.  The big hippo eats too much.  That is what I tell Mom all the time.  Mom had to find a place to order our food from.  The place across the river never would answer their phone.  A boy had to protect his food source from his much larger sister.  (I gotta rag on Bretta; she's not a beagle.)

We took a different taxi company home.  Let's just say we got the scenic route.  Kinda worried for a moment that he wouldn't be allowed on the compound and I was getting the feeling Dad was going to have to lug twenty pounds of food to the building, but all was well.  I wasn't too happy with the scenic route part.

Dad took a short nap and then we were off again.  This time to go take pictures.  I had a blast walking up the sidewalk with all of the traffic going by us.  We had to take the stairs up about two flights so we could walk over the road and then go back down.  I think there is a statue dealer either behind or under the Harley dealership.  The place is covered in Foo Dogs and other neat stuff.  There was this Dragon sitting on top of a bell.  He looked fierce and was almost as big as I am.  Unfortunately, Mom couldn't get up close enough to put me beside him.  We took some pics at the local HOG chapter club house (next door to the dealership) too.

Mom sat down on the fence beside a bike so Dad could take pics with the dealership sign in the background.  I wouldn't pay attention so some guy in an blacked out SUV got my attention.  I wasn't on duty so it was cool.  He then joked with Mom and Dad for a minute.

On the way home we passed the official residence for some big wig in the government; the minister of finance and trade.  He has armed ROK marines guarding the place.  I wanted to go get my picture made with them; they've got cool uniforms.  Dad vetoed that idea really quickly.  He said they wouldn't appreciate me wanting to use them as props.  So, maybe I'll just have to keep an eye out when we are on base.  (Mom just reminded me that she seriously doubts the Marines and the Army guys ever really hang together, but a little guy can hope.)]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>A trip to the commissary....a visit with the MPs</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/437227</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:44:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/437227</guid>
		<description>Saturday evening...around 5PM

I went with Mom and Dad to the mini-commissary on base.  Dad could  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday evening...around 5PM

I went with Mom and Dad to the mini-commissary on base.  Dad could have gone by himself, but Mom feels that it is best that we are seen.  Otherwise, the message isn't getting out.  Bretta and I are here, we are authorized, and we aren't going to sit in the apartment and hide.  She's also trying to desensitize the workers at the commissary so they will stop "Heey, you cute puppy" at me every time I turn around.

We got several stares as we were walking toward the store.  Mom didn't think anything of it.  She knows it is going to happen.  We go inside and the baggers say "Hello" to all three of us.  (They are getting the idea; Mom realizes it will take time.)  Mom and Dad are on the pasta aisle having a discussion about not having a strainer when here comes two American MPs.

"The dog can't be here."  They addressed Dad, not Mom.  Ok, yes, it is obvious, Dad is the one in the military, but still.
"He's a service dog."  Dad has the answer down pat.

They look at me.  Really look.  Then they get this kinda confused, not quite sure of what to do look.  That is when Mom says, "He's allowed everywhere I go; including the hospital."

"Thank you.  Have a nice day."  

Mom would really like to know who decided to step over to the guard shack.  She found the e-mail address for the compound newsletter on our way back while we were waiting for the elevator.  She's thinking about writing them a nice little piece and sending them the links to the Department of Justice information.  If we are going to be stuck living around these people, they can get over themselves.

BTW, the pasta in a garlic tomato sauce with mushrooms was outstanding as was the piece of fig newton.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Down time, elevator rides, and Mom being stubborn</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/437222</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:29:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/437222</guid>
		<description>Friday, March 14th

Mom still isn't feeling well and Dad has been having some sinus issues; maybe  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Friday, March 14th

Mom still isn't feeling well and Dad has been having some sinus issues; maybe a cold.  Mom and I snuggled up under the covers until nearly 11AM.  They have some sort of crow/jay looking birds around here and those things are noisy.  Mom would love to put out a hit on the ones right outside the window.

There was a LOUD siren that went off twice.  We were all in the living room the first time.  The second time, Mom and Bretta had gone outside.  I was laying at the door waiting on Mom when they came back.  Mom happened to be on her cell phone with Dad when it went off the second time.  He told her it was the civil siren and that they test it quite often, though this is the first time we've heard it.

We went down to the place by the softball field so I could snoop around and Bretta could do some work and play a bit.  Mom tethered me to a fence post since she's not sure what's on the other side of the area.  There was some kid playing on the basketball court.  He acted like he'd never seen a dog like Bretta.  Mom does this thing where she has Bretta walking off lead at a heel, tosses the retrieving kong over her shoulder, tells Bretta to "mark" it as they continue (Bretta looks at where it landed, but keeps on walking), before she releases Bretta to retrieve it.  Sometimes she even puts her in long down/stays and walks away (over to me or just plays around) before releasing her.  Bretta enjoys it.

I don't like the old women who clean the inside of the building (doing the floors and stuff).  They tend to stare at us really funny.  Plus, from what Mom has learned of the culture, they are in the age bracket where they've probably tried my kind at least once.  The good news is that Bretta intimidates them.  We got stuck riding down in the elevator with them this afternoon.  Bretta immediately just didn't like the situation so she stared them down the entire ride.  Mom was trying really hard to keep a straight face.  Bretta generally thinks, because of her police training, that she must go through the door first.  She did a complete 180.  She waited and I went first, then Mom, and she brought up the rear.

Dad brought me home a fifteen foot cable tie-out for our excursions.  That will make things a bit more fun for me while Mom is working Bretta.  Mom is hopeful to find out more info about my exact off-base status shortly.  She found the website for a local guide dog school.  Samsung sponsors them and a lot of contests for military working dogs over here.  She's e-mailing them to see if they can point us in the right direction.

Dad has to go into work for a couple of hours tomorrow.  Then they are talking about going across the river via the subway to see about getting us some more food.  Mom says we must keep me in EVO.  I'm missing my RAW.  Mom hasn't been able to locate a butcher shop let alone one that deals in organic meats.  She's not had Chicken since we got here and is actually craving it.  The closest NV dealer doesn't carry the pre-made RAW.  The next closest is in Japan.  They don't have prices listed.No Orijen around here either.  Mom is going to look at ordering it from the states; Bretta loves her Orijen 6 Fish.

Mom knows the question is going to come up at some point.  It is only natural that other pups are going to want to know.  Have we seen a dog market?  So far (and Thank Dog) NO.  We will let you know if we do.

Saturday, March 15th

They did it again.  They left me.  Not to go in search of Evo goodness.  Unfortunately, that place never would answer their phone.  Mom spent part of the morning looking up places that will ship to us.  Instead, they went out walking.  The plants that Mom had looked at last week were 4X as much this week.  So, they stayed at the flower store.  That is a bummer.  I do think Mom learned her lesson about using Dad as a Service Human/Person.  

She did say that if she got to feeling better we'd go take pictures in front of the Harley Davidson store.  She wants to send them to a couple of people as well as post them for everyone here.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Ups and Downs...homesick, a new friend, and just getting out of the apartment</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/436192</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:16:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/436192</guid>
		<description>Tuesday March 11th

Poor Mom is about fed up with this place.  She'd throw a screaming fir it it w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tuesday March 11th

Poor Mom is about fed up with this place.  She'd throw a screaming fir it it would help.  We have to share our glassed in porch with a set neighbors that just moved in.  There is a partition, but it leave about a 3-4 inch gap at the bottom and at least 6 inches at the top.  They are smokers.  Mom is allergic to the stuff; asthma attack allergic, plus just a slight whiff is enough to give her a migraine.  We can no longer open our door going out there and crack the window for fresh air.  Dad had to show Mom how to turn on the AC unit (which sits out there, so if they have their door open, they get to listen to the loud hum).  She's already pretty ticked that anytime we walk out into the hallway it reeks like an ashtray because the neighbors on the other side smoke like a 5 alarm fire.  We didn't bargin for this crap.

Mom's also sorta in a "bad place" mentally and physically.  She's trying to get off of some long term meds that are giving her a fit.  Weaning and stopping cold turkey are about the same as far as the side effects go.  She and Dad are pretty sure this medication has been making the left side of her head hurt.  Plus, they have been talking about adding a two legged baby to the family, so Mom has to be off of this stuff.  Plus, she is missing Florida and her friends.  I've got my paws full.  I'm not real fond of this place either, but just being with Mom makes me happy, so I'll do what I have to do.

Wednesday March 12th

Mom and I went to base to meet an e-mail friend at the Dragon.  She and Mom started corresponding back in November when neither could get any information from a military spouses group about accompanied tours.  She came over in December and has been keeping Mom informed on what stuff is like and places to go.  She's nice.  We are going to go to a big flower market with her next week or so.  

After she left, we walked down to the thrift store to see what they had.  Mom is always on the lookout for sheets to cover the borrowed couch or stuff to give Bretta as bedding.  They didn't have anything like that.  Just lots and lots of very unfashionable clothes that someone much, much older might be interested in wearing.  While Mom is in no way a slave to fashion, she was surprised.

The nice gift shop/oriental store was open.  We browsed for a bit.  Mom found a couple of decorative plates that she really wants to go back and get.  One has a Chinese style dragon and the other is a phoenix.  That's my totem.

We made a quick stop at the shopette to grab a drink for Mom.  She earned that one.  She had to do some major blocking to keep this little kid off me; he didn't want to leave me alone.  He had a coloring book in one hand that he was waving wildly about.  His Dad wasn't watching him at all.  Mom was very firm when she told him he could not pet me.  He kept his hands to himself, but was still trying to invade my space (book still flapping about).  I turned my butt to him and kept an ear cocked.  I don't like being hit in the face with stuff.  I don't like being hit period, but getting hit in the face is the worst.  Mom had my back. 

We actually caught the bus back to the compound.  Mom was a little worried that the bus driver would refuse to pick us up.  Some guy was there to catch it as well and he let us board first.  Mom was very thankful.  It is weird, you have to get off at the main gate to the compound to get your ID scanned.  We got off, were scanned, Mom put up her card and put me down (the steps are too steep for me to climb).  We were stopped by one of the guards we've seen before at the gate to the base.  She's scanned our IDs several times.  

Mom is unsure if she was trying to tell us "No Pets" or trying to ask about me.  Big communication problem.  Mom went with the "No Pets" and was trying to explain that I am allowed.  The woman kept trying to get my attention.  Mom really hates it when they just don't understand that I am not going to listen to them, follow their commands, ect.  To make it worse, she bent over trying to get in my face.  I gave her "the Butt".  It is just what it sounds like.  I stuck my butt in her face and ignored her.  Mom said, "Let's go" and I fell in step.

It is warm out today.  Mom has turned on the AC in the living room and the bedroom.  We are going to take a nap; Mom and I both need one.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I'm a working dog; not a pet....Don't blame my parents for your poor choices.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/435418</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 9 Mar 2008 22:14:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/435418</guid>
		<description>Monday, March 10th 1:13PM

	Mom and Dad decided to take us out to PLAY.  There is an area by the s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, March 10th 1:13PM

	Mom and Dad decided to take us out to PLAY.  There is an area by the softball and basketball courts that is fenced in that they thought would work.  With the gates shut, Bretta could be allowed off-lead and well, I'm not, but I can follow my nose (which is why Mom put my harness on instead of my work collar).

	We were on our way over there when this car goes by, the window rolls down and this woman yells that we aren't allowed here.  Mom calls back, "Service Dogs."  We go on our way.  Mom and Dad had taken turns throwing Bretta's retrieving kong and making her work for it.  Off lead heeling exercises before being released to go get the kong.  Recalls before being released, ect.   We've been playing for almost 20 minutes when here comes the woman.  Bretta was about pooped. 

	Her tone was aggressive and WAAAYYYY out of line.  "This is no pets housing."
Mom> "These are service dogs; not pets.  They are allowed to live here."
Her> "WHO do they service?"  (yeah, her tone was quite frosty.)
Mom> "Me."
Her> "Both of them"  (disbelieving statement)
Mom> "Yes."
Her> "What's wrong with you?"  (She was eying Mom up and down)
Mom> "I have a medical condition that they alert to."  (Mom was waiting for her to push the issue, Mom wasn't going going to provide her with a complete medical history.  Dad had to suppress a smirk; he knew what Mom would say if the conversation went that way.)
Her> "That's not right.  I had to give up my dogs."  (PROBLEM PINPOINTED)
Mom>"These two are not considered pets.  They are allowed by law to go everywhere I go, including to the hospital."
Her> "I don't care."  (Fine, we get it.  You are pissed that you had to give up your dogs.  You could have chosen to live off base and keep them, but instead, you chose to give them up and now want to take it out on us.)  Then she starts with "It isn't fair to the kids that live here.  Who is going to explain to them why you are allowed to have pets."  (Dad calls it the "Think of the children bullcrap")
 Mom> "Under law, they are not considered pets.  As far as explaining to the kids, the parents can do it or I have been when they ask."
Her> "I'm going to the housing managers."
Mom> "Why don't you do that.  They are well aware the dogs are here."
Mom is then accused of interrupting the woman's rant.  Dad then tells her that she's way out of line.  She starts with it not being right that rules are being bent for us. Then she DEMANDS to know if Mom and Dad have been cleaning up behind us.  Times like this it is good I can't talk.

	The pawrents carry bags with them all the time.  Dad keeps them in his jacket and Mom carries them in her jean's pocket.  Mom also carries them in "our" bag along with baby wipes and disinfecting wipes.  Mom bought a big package of them the other day since our boxes haven't arrived.

	This crap is why Mom would rather they had given us a place on the main part of base (with all the brass).  We aren't trying to get something over on the complex managers.  Mom needs us; both of us.  Bretta isn't done learning all of  my skills and there are things she is doing for Mom that I can't (due to my size).  As far as the kids go, Mom has let Bretta visit with several since we got here.  She takes the time to explain that we have an important job (and aren't pets).  These kids then sometimes ask questions, which Mom is happy to answer.  The kids ask before they are allowed to pet Bretta and she has to be given the command to "visit".  Mom also takes the time to explain to them that I am very fixated on work and not interested in visiting.

	If the 3-year-olds at the bus stop can understand that I have a job, then why can't this woman?]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I love my Stroller</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/435413</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 9 Mar 2008 21:37:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/435413</guid>
		<description>Saturday, March 8th

	Dad was a lazybones.  I woke Mom up at 6:30.  She took us out and fed us.  I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday, March 8th

	Dad was a lazybones.  I woke Mom up at 6:30.  She took us out and fed us.  I went back to bed, but she stayed up.  I got up at 9.  Dad didn't roll out of bed until after 10AM.  We almost went in there and jumped on the bed to wake him up.  Silly Daddy.

	Mom is happy that the bedroom stays a bit darker than the one at the old apartment.  We (she and I) think it is because all of our windows face North.  That is good news for her headaches; especially since our curtains haven't gotten here yet.

	The crazy woman left me!  OK, I admit I'm sore from two days of distance walking.  Mom is even sore.  But she left me.  She got dressed and they put B in the spare room.  I went up to Mom and asked her "Hey, aren't you forgetting something?"  I even walked over to my leash and work collar.  Mom just picked me up and told me that I needed to stay home and rest; that we'd go do something when she and Dad got back.  Then she took me into the bedroom and made sure my crate was in order before putting me on the bed and handing me my kong.  I took it and just went to my crate.  I was still in it when she came home.
	
	I did the "You've been gone for too long" greeting with lots of light vocals and dancing.  It gets her every time.  I also gave her a lot of kisses.  She was true to her word.  She put my harness on me and loaded me into my stroller.  I spent part of the excursion facing Mom and the other half facing forward watching the world go by.  Yes, I could even keep tabs on Mom.  A lot of that is just plain communication.  She says I'm very straightforward with making myself clear; especially when I want to check her.

	We started up the big hill; the one Mom thinks would be fun to street luge.  Past the Thai embassy is the store Mom has been seeing.  It is a vet clinic/grooming/supply store.  They had some kitties that were up for adoption.  One was huge; looked like he easily surpassed twenty pounds.  Very big boned and Siamese-y.

	When we left, we went downhill.  Mom found a flower shop she wants to go back by and get a few things.  Maybe on Monday.  They had purple lilies...or maybe they were some sort of tulip.  Bulb-based; so maybe Mom won't kill them.  We passed several places that sell Sushi.  Mom was amazed by how much food was on the 5,000won (roughly $5) plate.  Dad and I may have to order a couple of plates.  We also passed a restaurant with a big tank of live crabs.  They didn't look like Maryland crab; more like short legged king crab.  Mom let me watch them for a few minutes.

	Evidentially, we made for a funny sight.  Some of the younger bunch walked by and giggled or pointed.  What?  No one has ever seen a beagle in a stroller?  The gate guard had a hard time trying to keep a straight face.  He asked Mom why I wasn't walking today.  (He saw us come in the other day; when I was walking.)  Mom told him I was sore.  He just shook his head when he scanned her card.  She asked him if it was fair to make a sore baby walk.  He said "NO."  So Mom told him that I was a hairy baby and I needed a break.

	So, the pawrents have been giving me some light massage to help.  Like I said earlier, Mom is sore too.  Her left knee has been squishy.  She can soak in the tub; I can't (and I don't think I want to try).  I like the stroller.  Mom has told me we can use it more, but only off base.  Mom and Dad also discussed working Bretta into Mom's schedule.  If Mom knows she will be doing a lot of walking, then maybe taking Bretta instead of me.  I'm not sure how I feel about that.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>The longest week ever</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/435019</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Mar 2008 17:48:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/435019</guid>
		<description>Monday, March 3rd.

	I woke Mom up late.  Well, late for me anyway.  She got me brushed and dresse ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Monday, March 3rd.

	I woke Mom up late.  Well, late for me anyway.  She got me brushed and dressed and got herself together.  She, Dad, and I caught the bus.  The bus seats are made for two on each side.  Since both Mom and Dad have been carrying backpacks (with paperwork), and Mom has me, they sit across from each other.  There were two women sitting behind Dad and they were talking about us instead of being polite enough to talk TO us.  The one started with "There's a dog on the bus."  Well, yeah.  Then she starts (to the other one) about not wanting a dog around her baby.   Mom was waiting for her to throw out the "A" word.  (Allergic).  Mom was going to have fun telling her that we have equal rights and that since we were sitting there first, maybe she should move.  Fortunately, it didn't come to that.  

	We split up and it was soon apparent that Mom wasn't having the best of days.  She had forgotten copies of Dad's orders.  We had to stop what we were doing and catch a taxi to meet Dad (who happen to have extra copies on him).  

	She decided not to go back with the paperwork, but to go ahead and taxi to the vet's office so we'd be legal.  It was like going up a mountain to get there.  It is on the one corner of the base.  Mom wasn't impressed with the front desk staff.  Part of registration is so that if there is an evacuation they can account for the animals.  Anything under 25# can evac out with their people.  Mom made a point of letting them know that Bretta isn't a pet and that in an evac, she HAS to be allowed to go with us.  He didn't get it.  It wasn't like he was Korean and there was a language barrier.  He also asked why Mom didn't bring the hard copies (file folders) of our records.  At Ft. Meade, you had the option of keeping them so that you'd have them in cases of emergency.  Mom prefers that.  She did provide him with copies of our international health certificate, our regular health certificate and our rabies certificates.

	Since she was feeling bad on top of it being one of those days, we headed home early and laid down until Dad got home.  That was the best 3 hour nap.


Tuesday, March 4th.

	We all woke up late (again).  This jet lag is a pain.  Mom had been up about 30 minutes and had gotten Bretta and I taken care of when Dad told her we had 12 minutes to catch the bus (or wait for the next one).  Mom went into overdrive to get out the door in time.  That is when I decided that I really needed to go poop.

	Mom has a theory that deep down I sincerely believe that the fate of Western Civilization as we know it rests on where I decide to cop a squat.  That is why I take my sweet time finding the perfect place.  Dad told her that this morning it seemed my need to take my time was in direct proportion to how little time they had to get to the bus stop.  Either way, it keeps them on their toes.

	The bus driver did try to give Mom a hard time.  She's beginning to wonder if we are going to have to go to the base commander and get them to issue a memo stating that there is now a SD team living in the compound and have it issued to the company that supplies the shuttle bus drivers and to the PX.  The greeter keeps wanting us to wait for the manager to "approve" us.  I don't think so.  Mom is to the point she's going to complain to the PX company since the manager doesn't seem to want to do SD training for the 2 greeters.

	We got off at the Hospital stop and managed to turn in the paperwork we had problems with yesterday.  We then set off walking.  Mom was miserable.  I could tell she was about to cry so I tried to be a clown to make her laugh.  It didn't work.  She started telling me that she wants to go home.  I don't think she meant the apartment.  It got worse when we got to the "busy" sidewalk.  (It is one that is off one of the really busy "main" roads.)  I got her to stop at the Dragon for a rest and something to drink.  (She always carries a cup and water for me.)  It gave her a chance to regroup and let me rest.  It was a really long walk.

	Mom had to consult her map to double check where the building was at.  When we walked back outside, it was starting to snow.  So we stepped up the pace and finally wind up at these really, really steep stairs.  Mom can see the building is at the bottom.  She really got upset.  See, Mom has bad knees and all of the walking had her hurting.  She can walk up stairs pretty much ok, but going down the stairs really, really hurts.  They were steep enough that I was having trouble.  We took our time and made it inside, only to find out they had screwed something up when they put Mom and Dad into the system.  No Ration card today.  Mom was upset.  She started crying after we walked out.  We went back to the Dragon to meet Dad and have some lunch then caught a taxi to check the mail and go home.  Our packages still haven't arrived.

	While they were eating lunch, Mom came up with a new word.  SNAIN.  It was both snowing (huge flakes) and raining at the same time.  It was strange looking.  Then it went to raining hard, then back to snowing.  All while they had lunch.

Wednesday March 5th.

	Mom has been sick all day with a left side headache.  I've been snuggled up with her.  The phone company came by to install our phone service and then another phone company man came by to install our internet service.  Dad hooked up our wireless stuff (that Mom had packed in her suitcase...smart Mom).  So we now have access.

	About 10PM, Bretta really made Mom laugh.  She and Dad were taking us out for the night.  Dad had B; Mom had me.  Bretta barked (once) at this guy standing around talking on his phone.  Mom just looked at her and Bretta dropped her head; she knew she shouldn't have done it, but I guess he startled her.  Mom told her that she wasn't being ladylike.

Thursday, March 6th.

	I got my first excursion off base.  We rode the bus there and got done early.  The pawrents didn't want lunch, so they decided to walk home. The base is divided into two sections.  Normally to get from one side to the other, you go over this bridge.  This time, we walked down a short little hill to a guard shack.  There was this weird metal-bar revolving door that had a really small space to stand inside.  I wanted to try it like a big boy.  I don't see how Bretta will do it walking beside Mom.  She's going to have to get in it behind Mom or something.  Then they had to walk through two heavy metal doors and pass through part of the guard shack.

	It was a long walk home.  Mom wants to get a pedometer so she can measure it off.  We passed at least half a dozen of the "Riot Squad" as Mom calls them.  They walk around the outside perimeter with these canes that they have been known to use on protesters.  Mom hasn't seen any protesters, but Dad says they come out every so often and these guys keep them in check.  Mom wants to get my picture taken with them.  They have cool uniforms.

	We got up to about the half way point and we had to cross the road.  Like 8 lanes total of heavy traffic.  Thankfully there are places where it is safe to do it.  That is about the half way point.  I was doing fine, except I didn't like being close to the traffic while we waited to cross.  I've never been in that kind of congestion before.

	We got closer to the house and the sidewalk started getting really crowded.  Vendors (interested in attracting as much American business as possible) have stuff overflowing onto the sidewalks and souvenir vendors set up at the edge of the street.  It gets constricted.  We got to this corner and a guy on a scooter (IRONY) scared me by coming up on the side walk.  Scared me bad enough that Mom had to pick me up.  I'm VERY wary of anything motorized with tires being very close while the motor is running.  It is one thing if it is the Pawrents' vehicles, but this was totally different.  As soon as he got off the sidewalk, I was fine and Mom put me back down.

	Men kept trying to get my attention.  I ignored most of it.  Occasionally one would use a new sound - stuff that Mom's never heard - that made me turn my head.  Mom told me to "Ignore it" so I did.  I'm not real fond of some of the metal stuff on the sidewalk.  Mom is fine with that since she knows in the summer it will get hot.  She's pretty good about stuff like that and making sure I don't have to step on it.  I'm learning to hop the 9-12" wide grating that is found in places on base and sometimes on the street.

	My impression of Itaewon (the street/area name) is that it is sorta dirty, but has lots of interesting smells.  I had to have my feet completely, washed when we got home.  Mom was really careful of where I walked too.  We have to watch out for pigeon poop.   Mom and Dad took turns carrying me down some of the steeper hills.  I was getting tired and I just wanted to go home.  Mom also had to pick me up when we saw this loose dog.  He was, by Mom's standards, cute.  Some sort of terrier.  He was about 10" tall and was rust, black, and white with his face having one eye with a large black patch (and the other rust).  His hair looked like he was a cross between one of the wiry coated terriers and a yorkie.  I didn't get to greet him and he went on his way without bothering us.  Mom looked at Dad and he was all "NO.  I'm sure he'll be fine."  Sometimes I wonder what goes on in her head.

	Dad made supper.  He pan fried a couple of T-bones.  Now Bretta knows the rules.  If she's a good girl, she will get something.  I guess she got antsy because Mom had already given me some veggies.  Dad took her out to potty because Mom was going to give her a bath (then if she was good, she was going to get her treat).  She took off for the kitchen as soon as Dad unhooked her leash.  She grabbed part of Mom's steak off the counter.  Dad caught her before she could eat it, but no one wants Malinois chewed steak since she slobbered on it.  At least she was wise enough to "Drop it" when ordered.  I thought about grabbing it for myself, but Mom saw me and told me to forget about it.  Bretta won't be getting any people food treats for awhile.  Mom is back to square one about her counter surfing.  (We know WHY she does it.  She was taught to do it for narcotics training.  That doesn't mean she can do it now.)  She's less stinky now.  Mom gave her a good bath and said I get one tomorrow (Friday).  

	I had alerted Mom to a headache while she and I were in the bedroom.  She decided to see what Bretta would do, so she stopped by her before going into the kitchen to take something.  Bretta alerted.  She's not real subtle, but she's very clear.  She put her feet on Mom (sorta hugging her, but not quite; it kept Mom from really moving without making B get down).  She then took her time sniffing both sides of Mom's head before whining (loud), licking, and gently nosing.  Mom gave her a hug and Bretta got down and tried to herd Mom towards the couch.  Mom gave her a lot of praise then went and took her meds.  It was a rough night.  Mom was up and down alot.  The headache wasn't completely stopped by the meds and Mom's neck was still bothering her alot which means the left side of her head was thumping.  I got up with her to keep her company; even if it is just curling up beside her in a chair.

	I almost forgot.  Dad's boss called.  Seems that there has been a communication problem between the compound managers (who sit in an office somewhere - probably on base; Mom isn't sure) and the compound manager who actually sits in an office here on the compound.  He's been getting all of these calls that we have 2 dogs.  The boss gave the guy Dad's cell number and told him that the we aren't pets.  The guy hasn't called.  I think this is stressing Mom out a bit.  They gave Dad a bit of a run around when he told them initially that we would be accompanying Mom.  At one point, they had thought about putting us on the base.  Mom isn't holding her breath, but she really wishes that is what they would do.  Right now, it would be an easy move because we don't have much here.  Our furniture won't be here until the end of April.

	Dad also found out they have a job assignment for him until they get his Clearances squared away.  That was supposed to have been done last year, but someone, somewhere else dropped the ball.  Dad took his polygraph last week.  So until the get done with the rest of it, he's going to work in the motor pool.

Friday, March 7th

	We got to talk to some of our Snoop friends!  Yeah!  Mom has been trying to figure the best time to do that with the time difference.  We even got to talk to my Snoop Big Brother, Bernie.  He's the best Big Brother a little beagle could ask for.

	Bretta made a big point of checking Mom out again.  Then I got in trouble.  Mom went to take Bretta out to potty and I misunderstood what she was doing.  I thought she was leaving (since she had put on her trench coat).  I stood at the door and whined and carried on loud enough she could hear me in the elevator.  Mom sent me to my crate for a time out.

	Yes, it is a form of separation anxiety.  Mom thinks most medical alert and PSDs tend to have it to a certain degree due to the types of bonds needed for the job.

	I'm a little peeved that I got the time out, even it she doesn't shut the crate door.

	Bretta got to listen to the radio through Mom's laptop while we were gone.  Another doctor appointment.  Mom talked to a Marine wife at the bus stop.  Mom hopes they can become friends.  Mom also addressed the "White Elephant" once we got on the bus and the whispers started.  Sometimes I don't know what gets into her, but it was worth it.

	She announced, "Yes, there is a dog on the bus.  He's a service dog; not a pet.  This means that under Federal law he is allowed to go everywhere I go, except into a sterile surgical area.  This also means he is allowed to live in No-Pets housing.  The other dog I have is also a service dog."  She got a few questions and everyone stopped whispering.

	I was Awesome at the doctor appointment.  The doctor didn't even know I was there until Mom picked up her purse and I came out from under the chair.  Then Mom had to sit through an additional 15 minutes of questions because we were the first SD team this Korean doctor had ever seen.  She was interested in HOW I detect.  Mom directed her to the UF study from several years ago.  No one is sure how we (migraine and seizure dogs), but there are a few theories.

	Then we walked.  The furniture store is almost to the Dragon.  Mom has been wanting to see what they have to offer.  They had rugs.  Room size (12X15) carpet rugs.  Unfortunately, the one that she really liked was the most expensive.  The ones that were on sale were in teal and mauve.  Not colors Mom wants.  She found a smaller one that she liked and decided she wanted a foot stool/ottoman for me to use to get on and off the bed.  She called Dad and since he was getting off work, he headed our way.  While we were waiting, they unloaded some new rugs (6X9) and Mom found several she liked.

	Dad informed her the shop next door was open.  It is run by the Spouses' club.  They have all sorts of Asian furniture, clothing, pottery and other cool stuff.  Mom has been wanting to do the guest room in Asian inspired stuff.  She found some furniture she really likes.  She told Dad she needed a job so she can do up the house.  He said there is a place that tries to find jobs for the spouses if they want one.  Mom's seriously thinking about it.

	So we came home with 3 big rugs, a smaller one, and my ottoman.  The taxi ride home was fun.  The big rugs were too large for the trunk, so they laid down the passenger seat and they took up one side of the back seat as well.  We squeezed in.  I took a nap.  All the walking has me tired out.

	I love carpeting.  No more sliding on the floor.  Now I have to convince them to buy enough to span from the bedroom to the living room.  Mom has mentioned that she wants to go back and get another big one for the spare room.  She said they had one that will go with the comforter and valances she has for the room.

	I got a bath.  I have to say, the tub is narrower than what I'm use to; and a whole lot deeper.  Mom could fill it up and I'd have to swim.  I do like the shower head.  It's on a hose.  Neither Mom nor I have to contort to get me completely rinsed.  Mom had also washed all of the bedding and the linnens on the borrowed couch.  So everything in clean.  I love the smell of freshly laundered sheets.  I like to roll on the freshly made bed.  Mom has gotten use to it, so she just laughs at me.

	Mom's head was pretty bad by 8PM.  The left side was throbbing.  She put off taking something until it was almost too bad.  Dad finally convinced her to lay down.  I went to bed with her.  We had the one bedroom window (towards the foot of the bed) open.  We kept hearing this dog barking.  At first Mom thought it was coming from down the hall, but we finally figured out it was outside the compound walls.  Mom told Dad we need to keep track of when we hear it because she's worried someone will try to say it was Bretta.  Mom was up and down again for a little bit last night.  I finally snuggled up against her chest and got her to go to sleep]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Our First Weekend...or How I'm a better SD than Dad is a SP (service person)</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434728</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Mar 2008 03:07:20 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434728</guid>
		<description>Saturday, March 1st.

	Mom put my new soft sided crate together.  Not one of the dinnerplate ones, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Saturday, March 1st.

	Mom put my new soft sided crate together.  Not one of the dinnerplate ones, but a sturdier one.  It is a miniature version of Bretta's.  She placed it under the loaner desk in the bedroom with one of my restaurant pads and all of my toys that she managed to pack in her luggage.  I've been napping in it.

	Mom woke up early.  She got a few chores done then I decided to drag out of bed for breakfast.  We took a taxi to base since the bus doesn't run on the weekends.  Dad finally remembered that parts of the Dragon had wi-fi, so we sat down so Mom could dig out her laptop and get online and send messages out to my Snoop's Big Brother, Bernie and to Destry's Mom, Sabrina's Mom, and a few others.

	Once Mom was done, we took another long walk to the PX.  We walked through another area first.  Mom found a bedspread she wants, but it has to be special ordered to fit our bed.  It's a chinese-y silk brocade with dragons on it.  I can't wait for Mom to order it.  I'm just giddy at the idea of rolling on it.  I can't wait until our bed gets here.  Three of us in a double bed is cramped; I mean, gees, sometimes three of us in a California king is cramped.  Makes me really glad Bretta doesn't sleep with us.

	Next we went to the "store" where they sell outdoor stuff.  I don't understand why they don't have everything under one roof.  All of the dog stuff is there, along with BBQ stuff, bikes, kid's toys, ect.  They even had fishtanks.  Mom grabbed a new leash for tethering Bretta in the living room.  That is working out well.  She's become calm and not so OCD.  We finally made it to the regular PX.  The pawrents found humidifiers.  They grabbed two.  I know they will help Mom's head and nose.  There were no fans to be had.  We took a taxi home.

	Mom and Dad decided to go walking off base...without me.  I was mad.  Dad had to be Mom's "Service Person".  She was miserable without me and kept telling Dad that she felt naked without me.  She did take the time to tell me about the walk.
	
	She picked up a few trinkets for Grandma Pat and Uncle Steve and picked up a Tae Kwon Do outfit for me.  It has a Korean flag on the back.  She saw a guide dog.  It was a heavy-boned yellow lab.  She walked close enough she could have done a "drive by petting", but being Mom, she didn't .  She was impressed at how he didn't even turn his head.  The Korean handler was standing in the middle of the sidewalk talking to someone.  Mom would have liked to have asked him a few questions if he hadn't otherwise been engaged.

	Dad cooked.  So if I had any questions about this being "home", that answered that.  Home is Dad's mac and cheese.

	The pawrents wondered off again on Sunday.  They brought home a stroller.  Until they can get all of the info together about my status off base, I get to ride.  It is a real baby stroller; very nice.  I can get really comfy in it and Mom can do all the work.  Mom found a specialty store on her walk that we will have to check out together.  It's a dog store.  She also walked past 3 or 4 embassies that she wants to take my pic in front of the gates.  Crazy woman.

	Mom has warned me that tomorrow will be a busy day.  We've got to get the rest of the stuff on Dad's checklist done and a few things for Mom.  She wants to sign up for a Korean language class and then plans on signing up for online college classes this fall.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>First Days In a New Land</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434616</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Mar 2008 17:38:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434616</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, Febuary 27th

	We finally got up and ate some breakfast.  Dad had to run into work to t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, Febuary 27th

	We finally got up and ate some breakfast.  Dad had to run into work to take care of some paperwork, but was back pretty quick.  Mom got me dressed in a sweater and my vest, so I knew I had to work.  We got about 10 yards from the bus stop when someone stops us and asks, "Do you live here?  You can't have pets."  Mom had to choke back the "Can you read?" retort.

	So I got my second bus ride.  I guess I should explain.  We are living a couple of miles from the main part of the base in a compound that was fixed to house American Military personnel.  They have shuttle buses that run hourly to the base.  The housing area is No Pets, but Bretta and I aren't pets.  Dad went through a bunch of rigmarole with the compound managers (it is now privatized and manged by a Korean company, but they have to honor US rules as far as we (Bretta and I) are concerned).

	We got off the bus at the Dragon Hill Lodge.  It is a HUGE hotel and is where Dad stayed before our apartment was ready.  We went to get Mom a cell phone that would work over here, then across the parking lot to another building to get Mom and Dad put into some system so they don't have to have two forms of ID to get on base and to get them doing the processing for a Ration Card.  We went back to the Dragon for lunch.  I'm soo happy.  I did my first mechanical revolving door.  Mom let me watch it for a minute, then Dad went through it.  That was all the cue I needed.  We did have to explain that I'm allowed in the restaurant, but it wasn't too much of an issue.
	Next we were off to the PX.  The greeter (gees, just like Wally world, except he's checking IDs) was adamant I wasn't coming in the store.  Dad went to find the manager and Mom did something she doesn't normally do, but since we are soo far away from home, she figured it might shut the guy up.  She pulled out my ID.  The manager got there pretty quick and saw my vest and said "Off you go."  We made our purchases and took a taxi home.  We ended up going to the little shoppette (mini commissary) on the compound and had to explain that I was allowed.  The employees are all Korean.  While we were checking out, one of the baggers tried telling me to sit.  I just looked at Mom and rolled my eyes.  She had to explain that I only listen to her.  The words polite and well behaved were discussed (in Korean).

	Mom is putting us on Cranberry pills for the next couple of weeks to make sure we don't have any ill effects from holding it for soo long.  IF she had thought about it, she'd have started us on them a week before the trip.

	We put our stuff up, then were off again, this time to the "Lending closet" to borrow pots, pans, dishes, and silverware.  Now Dad can cook.

	Several pups have asked us how the place is.  Institutional is the word Mom likes to throw out.  The floors are institutional grade tile over concrete.  The walls are off-white with gray trim.  It is screaming for some color.  Mom has threatened to buy some blank canvas and do oddball modern art or better yet, let Bretta and I paint.  I've done paw painting before.  Mom joked Bretta could paint with her tail.

       Think about how the Eastern Block apartment buildings look in all of the old 80's movies.  That is sorta what this place looks like.

	Mom and I napped.  Then we got up and ate and tried to spend some time with Dad.  We all went to bed, but then Bretta woke Mom up in the middle of the night (again).  She just wanted to play.  My clock is getting reset a lot quicker than Bretta's.  I woke Mom up for Breakfast then left went back to bed until a reasonable hour.

Thursday, Feb 28th

	We decided to take the bus again to try to get some stuff done that we didn't get around to yesterday.  Dad has this checklist of stuff.  He also had some sort of test he had to go take after lunch.  The bus driver was about to give Mom a hard time, but she flashed my ID and he stopped mid-sentence.  We got off the bus at the Dragon again and walked down this big hill to another building.  Two of the things there were closed until after 1PM, so we went to check the mail.  Mom sent a total of 10 boxes before we left.  I hope they get here soon; there are toys and all sorts of good stuff in them including Mom's super-duper dark curtains.  No mail.  So we went to the hospital for medical intake paperwork.  The hospital is where all of the doctor appointments are done as well as being a full service hospital.  The staff was really nice and all wanted to see me.

	We taxied back to the Dragon for lunch.  I did the revolving doors like a pro.  While we were in the restaurant, Dad heard someone talking about us.  Mom asked if we were being the "Freak Show" again.  Nope, someone was explaining to one of the natives what I do.

	Mom had one of "those" moments while eating lunch.  Here she is an American now living in South Korea, eating in a Mexican restaurant.  She's also feeling very much like we are a "Freak Show".  She's starting to think it is going to be a rough 2 years.  Dad put us in a cab for the ride home while he went to take his test.

Oh, I almost forgot my big breakthrough.  I'm starting to alert to scents.  There have been a couple of places where I've hurried her along because it has either smelled like someone has marinated in perfume or they have sprayed stuff all over the place.  I'm staying on her not to be in it too long.  I know it can give her an instant migraine.  Mom worked on fine tuning my alert a bit so that I'm communicating very plainly with her and not being obnoxious with how I'm doing it.

	

	We get home and Mom notices that Bretta has scratched a really nasty spot on the back of her neck.  She's more upset that she doesn't have all of the stuff here that she needs; the proper meds and what not.  It isn't bad enough for a vet visit, but it is bad enough to need a proper cleaning.

	This not being able to control the heat really sucks!  Mom has opened a window in every room in the place.  Plus, she has to do something to kill the fresh pain smell.  It isn't helping her head.

	We went to bed really early again.  Mom had a dual headache last night.  Dad got me (and B) out for the last time then carried me back into the bedroom to have Mom undress me.  I've been wearing a sweater every day since we got here.  Dad isn't the greatest when it comes to sweaters.  He does try and has gotten good at dressing me; it's undressing me that gives him a hard time.

	Oh yeah, silly Dad doesn't know the difference between a double bed and a queen size one.  He thought the loaner bed was a queen.  It isn't.  We are all sleeping kinked because they brought us the wrong size bed.

	Friday, Feb. 29th
	
	This fine Friday morning, I'm laying on the back of the chair overlooking the little glassed in porch and looking up towards the Hyatt up on the mountain.  That's my idea of "roughing it". Mom wants to take a series of pics of the city via our bus ride.  We pass some really old classically "oriental" buildings in severe disrepair.  Our sense of direction has been thrown off a bit, but it is coming back.  It's really quiet around here this morning with no TV and no internet.  Mom hasn't picked a movie to put on loop for Bretta to listen to for the day.  The work crew next door seems to have finished all of their noise.  (It was bad yesterday.)  We've had to vent the porch windows because they were painting and our porches share some air.

	We had the bedroom window more open than before and we both slept better.  Mom is kicking herself this morning for not getting Destry's Mom's phone number before we left.  We thought we'd be able to send international text messages to an e-mail addy, but we can't.  Mom is determined to get to an internet cafe this weekend or else.  She's also kicking herself for not having Bretta an ID made like mine.  That will have to wait until the desktop computer gets here.  Neither Mom nor Dad have photoshop on their new laptops.

	Dad is off to Osan to pick up his "Chem Gear".  Mom has a doctor's appointment.  Her neck is giving her fits.  We know we can catch the bus OK, but Mom isn't soo sure about catching it back.  We can always catch a taxi.

	Speaking of taxis.  These people drive crazy.  The ride yesterday was like a roller coaster.  We went down this really steep hill and around a curve that Mom thinks would make for a kewl luge ride.

	Mom did her calling around about getting us "registered' on base.  We can stop by any time next week.  Bretta doesn't have to be there.  Mom was thankful that an American answered the phone.  She's been having a little bit of a problem with being understood.  Her extreme southern drawl is hard for the Koreans to understand.

	We saw another dog.  It was a German Pincher and it was wearing a pink coat.  We've seen a couple of dogs on base.

	Mom is trying to figure out how we are going to manage long term without a car.  We can't get my trailer and Mom's bike on the bus.  We will have to figure out the straight shot so Mom can be a bit more independent.  Dad said he walked it before we got here.  It is mostly uphill.  Thank Dog Mom just got a 21 speed bike.  Mom is worried about how much walking I can take with all of the hills.  I have to trot to keep up with her walk.  She is scared she's going to hurt me because of my legs.  My trailer converts to a jogger, so that will be a plus. 

	We hustled over to the bus stop with time to spare.  I was charming while Mom had to explain why I was allowed; that I am not a pet.  The ride seemed quicker.  I was a good boy while the Korean Army guy checked Mom's ID.  We got off at the right stop.  We had time to go to Dental In-processing before Mom's appointment.  Back across the street to the hospital.  Mom couldn't find "Family Practice" on the hospital map.  One of the people working at the Information Desk was nice enough to actually show us where it was.

	I charmed the doctor, the nurse, and everyone who saw me.  Mom and I were having a very synced day.  I went under the chair and laid down without her asking.  Very awesome.  Mom was given a referral to a specialty group that should be able to help her neck.  Her sinus headache is due to dryness.  Dad found Mom a fan, but no humidifiers.  

	I had a toddler throw home cooked food at me while we were waiting in the pharmacy area.  Mom only had to remind me once to "Leave it".  A piece of corn landed on my foot.  I knocked it off and slid backwards about 6 inches.  The kid's parents were impressed. (Mom says the backward slide is my way of avoiding temptation.)  We took a cab home since the next bus was over an hour away.

	Mom has realized that Koreans are fascinated with blonds with blue eyes and redheads.  They want to touch them (like Mom's red hair).  They also want to touch me.  I'm not big with having strangers touch me.  I HATE to be PATTED on the top of the head.  Rubbing is ok; patting is out.  Mom isn't quite sure how to broach the whole "it is bad manners" thing with the Korean people.  She's ready to get me some patches in Korean to put on my vest.  She's thinking a Stop sign with DO NOT DISTRACT OR PET in both languages.  I bet money she won't have the same kind of problem with Bretta in public.

	We went to bed early again.  Mom has sore spots on her shoulders from sleeping on her sides (and toting the backpack with our stuff).

       This place is going to take some getting use to.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The Flight...or how to hold it for 22+ hours</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434340</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Mar 2008 02:00:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434340</guid>
		<description>Wednesday, Feb 27  8:08AM  Korea time
Tuesday, Feb 26  6:08PM EST.

	Mom woke us up REALLY early. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wednesday, Feb 27  8:08AM  Korea time
Tuesday, Feb 26  6:08PM EST.

	Mom woke us up REALLY early.  Bretta must have been a bad girl, because she had Mom pretty aggravated.  Bad enough that Mom made her work through her commands.  Later, Mom took us out together.  Bretta didn't want to do all of her business.  I guess B doesn't understand that she's not going to get a chance later.  She was also wanting to just try Mom.  Not the best idea at 3AM.  Mom made her work again.  This time she didn't stop until B was tired.  I just sat there looking at B, trying to mentally tell her to just stop being such a pain and do what Mom asks; especially when Mom does it at weird times.  Bretta just wants to turn everything into an opportunity to try to up herself in the grand scheme of things.  

	We go back to our room and Mom uses the phone.  Pretty soon there is a guy at the door with carts.  I growled at him.   Let me explain.  It is about 3:15 in the morning and I wasn't dressed for work.  Mom and I have a deal.    If I'm not dressed for work, then I can do what I please, within reason.  It's a long story for another day.  With Dad gone, it is up to Bretta and I to take care of Mom.  I'm the mouthpiece and Bretta is the enforcer, though I don't think she has realized it yet.

 	All of our stuff gets loaded and the guy takes off.  Mom got us dressed and we headed downstairs.  While Mom was checking out, I spied our stuff.  It disappeared again when someone grabbed it and took it out to the shuttle bus.  There was an older couple on the bus when we boarded.  Mom sat down right behind the driver so that Bretta had a bit of room.  B needs some practice on backing into small spaces.

	We get to our airline and there are no skycaps on duty.  Mom got a cart and managed to load 2 large suitcases, a smaller suitcase, Bretta's crate, a bag of electrical cords and other stuff that have to be dumped into a bin otherwise, it looks like Mom has a bomb, and our backpack (with binky).  She got all of that (and us) across a bus lane and into the building and to the first class line.  She pulled Bretta's crate off the pile and used it to sit on while we waited for them to open.

	There was a father/daughter team waiting down from us.  She got peeved when she realized she chose poorly.  She had picked a counter space to wait at, and when they opened, it wasn't manned.  So she starts with, "But we were here first." when the guy waits on us.  The agent looked over and asked her if she was flying first class.  When she said no, he told her that we were.  Mom just smiled.

	We had to accompany Bretta to special TSA screening in this little windowless room.  They checked her crate, including feeling around the rim(s) and stopped short of patting her down.  They did make Mom make B stand up on her hind legs so they could see her belly.  The TSA guy was a jerk.  He told Mom that I couldn't just walk around; that all dogs have to be crated.  Mom asked him if he could read.  It made him sputter and turn a couple of shades of red.

	Mom checked the time and told me we had to boogie.  We went downstairs and out the baggage claim doors, across 6 lanes of thankfully non-traffic (this time of morning) so I could take care of business.  We then went back upstairs and through security.  Mom stopped outside of the line to take off my ID collar(cuz of my slider tags) and put my nylon slip lead on behind my work collar.  So when we got to the point where Mom had to take off her shoes, she took off my collar and lead and just used my nylon one.  We had 3 plastic bins.  Mom's shoes, my collar, and her jacket.  Her computer. And  "The Bag".  It was fun trying to get everything back into "The Bag".  

	In the past, Mom has always brought my Samsonite bag for me to lay in while flying.  It is like my safety net.  It has a soft crate pad that she always covers with a pillowcase.  She didn't bring it.  She packed it in a box and sent it to Daddy.  I was a little confused.  She carries me around Atlanta airport in it.  I got a little worried.  I walked like a big boy onto the plane.  Mom told me when to turn into "our" row and I sat down until she pulled out my "restaurant" pad.  She laid it out and I hopped onto it and laid down without her saying anything to me.  A stewardess came by and gave Mom a little card saying Bretta had been loaded.  I did get a little nervous when we took off.  I sat up and put a paw on her leg.  She told me it was going to be OK.  So I laid back down and we both napped.

	Mom told me that we lucked out.  We taxied to the international terminal at Atlanta.  WHOOOHOOO!  No having to change terminals and it wasn't that crowded.  Normally, Mom doesn't let me walk due to the amount of traffic.  Unfortunately, there wasn't a chance for me to go potty.  Mom wishes I could learn to use a human potty.  We took care of Mom then got her a drink before going to the gate and doing "the wait".

	Some guy sat down on the floor across from us and was being RUDE.  He kept staring at me (not Mom).  Not in the way that a lot of people stare (looking at my vest and trying to figure out  how I help Mom), but in the sheepdog/predatory way.  Mom noticed the hair on my butt was standing up, so she redirected my attention to her which made the guy look at her.  They had a brief stare down; Mom won.

	The plane was HUGE!  We could see it parked outside the window and we watched as one of the pilots do a walk around.  We got in a special line when they called our "zone".  Then we got called to the desk to get the sticker saying Bretta was on board.  This meant we had to go to the back of the line.

	There were two sections of business class. 120-130 seats plus at least another 200 coach.  Business class was 6 seats across.  The ends were normal with two aisles so that the middle two didn't have to step across each other.  That's where we were, plus we were on a bulkhead so I had plenty of room.  It looked like this.  (Seat, Seat, Aisle, Seat, Seat, Aisle, Seat, Seat)

	These seats had footrests and reclined WAAAYYY back on a remote.  Everyone had plenty of room.  There were monitors that popped up and to the sides with lots of movie choices.  Mom wasn't feeling very well.  Between toting the backpack and her sinuses, she was pretty sick.  She managed to eat a tiny bit of the first meal before going to sleep.  I curled up on my mat.

What is champagne and Mimosa?  They were passing it out when we boarded, but Mom didn't have either.

	Mom woke up to take some meds and to go potty.  (That was interesting.  I don't see Mom ever doing that with Bretta.  I thought we were going to have to stand on our heads to make it work.)  We got settled back down when Mr. Staredown walked down the aisle staring at me again.  I assumed a very Aussie/BC position.  I wanted to tag him, but Mom told me to knock it off.  She asked me if I wanted to lay in her lap for a bit.  She covered me with my thermal binky (she had our binky on her lap) and we slept until the mid-flight snack.  We woke up for that.  Mom put me back on my pad while she ate.  She decided that since it had been 11+ hours since I'd had a chance to potty that I might decide to use a piddle pad.  We even found the "handicap" lavatory.  Compared to the other one, it was HUGE.  I refused to even entertain the thought of soiling inside.

	The flight attendants took advantage of Mom being awake to fawn all over me.  Mom asked for a bottle of water.  They were passing out the little 8oz bottles like Halloween candy.  (Mom never drinks water, but she did manage to drink 3 of them)  They brought Mom a real china bowl to serve me.  Mom declined the bowl in favor of digging out my cup.  It takes up less room and there is less chance of spillage.  Mom then released me to visit with them (in the galley of all places).  That was a big deal.  Normally, I don't like strangers touching me, but I was feeling especially outgoing and I knew they were doing a good job taking care of Mom.  Smoozing done, I curled up for another nap.  Yeah, Mom and I slept the flight away.  14 hours in the air (Atlanta to Seoul) and I think we slept at least 12.

	We finally landed and got off.  We had to walk (and walk) before getting to this place where we have to choose a long line for Immigration.  We finally get to the person and she is having problems processing us.  She is on the phone for the longest time.  It seems like forever.  She finally tells Mom that she needs to go to "The Office".  Mom's head is killing her.  That pesky left side headache is thumping, the sinus headache has her off-balance and her ears won't pop.  The chick at the desk didn't speak the best English; Mom speaks no Korean.

	We are in the office, are asked to hand over ID, Passport, and a copy of Dad's orders.  They finally ask, "Why no visa?"  (yes, like that.)  I'm thinking..'.visa.  Mom has a visa in her wallet.  What's the problem?'  That's when I learn that there is another kind of visa.  Mom has to explain that she didn't know; Dad told her all she needed was a copy of his orders.  They processed the visa in the office and sent us on our way.  We took the elevator downstairs to baggage claim.  (OK,  what is the deal with baggage claim always being downstairs?  Just an observation)

	The carts are small, but free.  Mom managed to grab her three bags and get them loaded.  She then "snagged" the nearest guy and asked about Bretta.  He had already put her on  a cart and was looking for Mom.  He walked us through quarentine where they checked out our paperwork and took their copy of our international health certificate.  Next was customs.  No stopping.  We then come to this big set of doors.  He can't take her any further.  He pushed her through the doors.  Mom spotted Dad.  They did some sign language that only we would understand.  Mom had me walking as close as possible to her, behind the cart so I wouldn't' get run over.  She handed me and the cart off to Dad so she could get B.  

	Once they got clear, I went back to Mom.  So we had to walk about a mile to the counter for the buses and taxis.  Keep in mind it has been about 22 hours since I last had a chance to pee.  Mom is a little peeved at Dad about the visa thing and is feeling like she is going to pass out.  Dad gets in the bus line.  Mom tells him not no, but hell no.  She also reminds him I need to GO.  We finally get outside and Mom sends me to the nearest bit of something other than concrete.  There was this weird tree...it didn't matter, a tree had never looked soo good.  I actually propped my leg and took a wide stance.
	
	Taking care of B was Mom's next goal.  Thank Dog Dad remembered to bring a knife to cut the zip ties in the door.  Bretta ended up riding in her crate in the backseat with me and Mom.  Dad rode up front.  We got stopped at one point, right after we got moving.  Something about a motorcade for some president who was leaving the country.  (That may explain the dudes in uniform with what appeared to be Israeli-made hardware.)

	Mom tried to check out the scenery, but she passed out.  She was in and out of things.  I hugged her neck and licked her face, trying to wake her up.  She whispered that the mountains reminded her of Vegas.  Since we weren't in any danger, I decided to just let her be.  Luckily, she had given Dad her backpack, so he had her passport and ID.   She needed 2 forms of ID to get in the housing area.  The taxi gets to our building so I wake Mom up.  She got me out ok and got Bretta out.  Dad grabbed a bag and just took us upstairs.  Bretta ended up tethered in the living room while Mom fell out on the bed.

	Dad got us fed and watered and got Bretta bedded down for the night.  I made myself at home.  It was about 7PM local time or 5AM EST.

	Bretta woke Mom up about 2AM needing to go out.  They got downstairs and took care of business.  When they get back in the elevator, Mom hits "6" instead of "4".  We had been staying on the 6th floor at the hotel.  Mom goes door 605 and tries to open it.  She was about to knock when she realized her mistake.  Thankfully she didn't wake anyone up.  She and I made a quick trip out and made it back to the right floor without a problem.  We went back to bed until Bretta woke Mom up again at 5AM.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Days leading up to the Big Flight</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434339</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Mar 2008 01:39:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Scooter ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/648582/diary/I_am_not_a_snackscooters_adventures_in_south_korea/434339</guid>
		<description>The purpose of  this blog is to document and recount my various adventures Stateside and Beyond.

 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The purpose of  this blog is to document and recount my various adventures Stateside and Beyond.

Dad is active duty in the United States Air Force.  We are moving to Seoul, South Korea.  We will be there for two years; plenty of time time for a little guy to have some big adventures.

	Mom started by packing and repacking her two big bags.  Then she packed a smaller bag and we took a quick trip to Florida.  I didn't get to see my beagle sister, Lola, but I did get to see "Grandma" Pat and Uncle Steve.  G-ma Pat's brother came out of his rooms to see me.  He's in a wheelchair, so I'm always careful to watch my toes.

	We left my goldfish there with Grandma Pat.  Bretta got to play off-leash and meet the cows.  I met them several months ago when Mom and I came down for a visit.  I'm not impressed with them.  Bretta seems to think she's special since they followed her around.

	We went to one of Mom's favorite places to have supper.  She saved me a bite of steak since she won't give me anything while we are in a restaurant.  She feels it doesn't set a good example.

	We went to see Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jack.  It is always fun to go to their house.  Uncle Jack always sneaks me some good treats.  Bretta had to work for her treats.  All I have to do is stand there and look cute.  They fall for the "Beagle Eyes".  Mom ancd I left Dad and Bretta there while we went to Mom's orthopedist appointment.  We were waiting on her prescriptions when I alerted her.  I didn't understand why she didn't immediately take her meds or head to the car.  I got pretty insistent with her.  She finally took them, but I knew it was too late to stop it.  By the time we got back to Aunt Bonnie's, Mom was having problems seeing out of her right eye.

	Aunt Bonnie believes in cooking.  So she made us eat.  All of us.  (Big Smile)  The ride home (back to Maryland) was weird.  Mom was drugged out.  I was mad because I was seat belted into the backseat and couldn't reach her.  She finally managed to get her arm and hand where I could touch her.  The craziness continued when we got home.  Dad got busy packing and doing some stuff out on the deck/porch.  The vibe was pretty urgent.

Mom and Dad woke up really early on Saturday and left....without me.  Mom came back by herself.  I asked her where Dad went.  She kept telling me and Bretta that Dad had to go ahead to Korea so things would be in order when we get there.  I miss him.
  
This last week has been even crazier.  Starting 2/18.

Mom has been packing boxes and moving stuff around.  Tuesday she actually left me at home.  HOW RUDE!  She said something about taking those large boxes to the post office.

Then some guy shows up and Mom lets him in.  He starts loading it up.  Mom actually crated me and told me to make myself comfortable, that I'd be spending some time in there over the next couple of days.  Great.  

We ran to Target for a couple of things. Mom found this kewl little soft-sided crate for me.  It is too small for me to travel in, but it will fit in her pack and will give me my own space if we get tired of each other.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008

The movers didn't leave until late.  Bretta and I were crated ALL DAY!  Mom managed tp grab a quick shower and tried to sack out on the floor in the sleeping bag.  She left my crate door open, but I slept with her.  Yes, I'd rather sleep on the hard floor with her than in my crate with soft bedding.  She's soo stressed that I won't leave her.

She realized that the movers had packed our backpack.  My kewl crate is out in the Jeep, but my back up toys are gone as is our binky.

Thursday, Feb, 21, 2008

The movers got done early.  Mom loaded up our bags and off to the hotel we go.  Now, this is my idea of roughing it.  We've got this huge King size bed, a mini-fridge, microwave, and a couch.  I jumped up and down on the bed while Mom sorted through her bags.  We ran out to get another pack and binky, then back to the old place to get Bretta and her crate.  Mom also cleaned out the freezer.  She did well at rationing out the RAW.  I'll get it until we leave!  YIPPEEEEE!!!!

Friday, Feb, 22, 2008

The weather is NASTY!  It started raining, then it froze.  Mom had to drop off the cable boxes and get us to the vet for our health certificates.  She had a mini-breakdown.  No one told her that it had to be stamped by someone in Annapolis or it wouldn't be legal.  Thank Dog the ladies at the clinic were nice.  They called around to make sure someone would be there and printed out directions for Mom.  They went above and beyond.  Everyone was wanting to close early because it was supposed to rain some more.  Mom ran Bretta back to the hotel and we were off to get the stamp.

We went back by the apartment.  Mom cleaned out her Jeep while we were waiting on the guys to come get them.  She called Uncle Jay about getting the stuff from the Jeeps.

I got to take my first cab ride.  It cost $25 to go 10.5 miles from the apartment to the hotel (by the airport).

Mom took a shower and fed me (and Bretta, but she doesn't get RAW).  Later, like really late for Mom, we went down to the restaurant.  It is strange for Mom to eat alone.  I was a good boy.  I grabbed a nap since it was soo quiet.  Mom brought me back a small bit of roll.

We just hung out.  Bretta has finally had a breakthrough.  Mom tethered her to the desk.  Bretta finally realized that it was nice to just HANG OUT.  She realized it was cool to just be still.  That is a major thing for her.  She's also figured out that she's been rude by constantly dropping her Kong in Mom's lap.  So, for the moment, she's not being soo OCD.

Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008

Mom called the airline to make sure they had us in the system.  We then went down to the "Business Center" to make copies of our paperwork.  Seriously, she has at least 6 sets of copies of everything.  While we were down there, we had to watch out for the wedding party in the wing by where we have been going potty.  We were accosted coming back inside.  We weren't vested.  Mom let Bretta greet them.  I wasn't interested in being molested so I backed between Mom's feet.

Speaking of standing between Mom's feet.  That is what I've started doing in the elevator.  The hotel elevator feels like a roller coaster (even to Mom).  It also keeps me out of the way.  Mom has told us that we need to get use to it since Dad has informed her we will be living on the 4th floor.  Bretta does ok with it; Mom just reminds her to watch her tail.  Then again, most people tend to try to get as far away as possible from her.  We don't understand it.  She's the most polite Mal you'll ever meet.  The chicks at the vet office are card carrying members of the Bretta Fan Club.

Mom had pizza tonight.  She also stayed up late.  She was still up when there was a knock on the door (like at midnight).  It was another pizza guy.  Mom didn't open the door.  I was right there with her, growling loud enough that I could be heard through the door.  He heard me and started acting nervous.  Bretta barked once.  It was one of those sharp, "I'll mess you up if you don't leave" barks.  That made him leave.

After we were sure he was gone, Mom took us out to potty.  Bretta was on high alert, intently watching EVERYTHING.

Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008

We woke Mom up bright and early.  Mom spent a bunch of time repacking.  I know something is up.  Mom double checked Bretta's crate and then zip-tied it.  I guess Bretta will be traveling in it.  Poor Girl.  Mom made a big deal of laying out my working gear and choosing which sweater I'd be wearing.

Uncle Jay came to get some of our stuff.  I'm going to miss him, but Mom says I'll see him in a few months; that he's coming over for a year.

I ate the last of my buffalo meat.  Also had a few medallions.  Gees, I love this diet.  She said something about making me run around so I'd poop before we get on the plane.]]></content:encoded>
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