How Ando Has Changed Me.

We went to the mall today...

I invited your auntie to go to the mall with us Ando, but instead she said something that really hurt my feelings. She said something only you and Damon would understand and hurt with me for- something about me being an embarrassment with my disability and her not wanting to be seen with me.

So, I hung up on her and we went to the mall anyways. I had a good time and we got lots of compliments and pictures. It was just you and me. Kind of difficult to get pictures of you and me when I'm by myself but it worked out alright. What she said to me though really lingered. Actually, it infuriated me. But I suppose you can't choose family.

So when I got home I sat with you and you helped calm me. You actually full on climbed into my lap as far as deep pressure went- silly boy! And then I lit some candles and took and bubble bath.I'm okay now. If only she could see the wonderful things you do for me, and the smiles you bring to people's faces... if only...

Your harness came!

And it looks awesome! It's everything I expected Ando!
The leather color matches your leash perfectly!

The leather is very sturdy, quality leather and its light so you won't feel trapped or uncomfortable in it- I've already taken you for a walk in it and you felt just great! The handle is what I wanted- and there's even a metal star decoration on the back- and a chest plate! It's fabulous- just what I wanted! And you look so handsome in it!

We went...

On a nice morning hike in the foggy sun today, Ando. It was lovely, and I have to admit I took some nice pictures of you. After that we relaxed for a while and then took a trip to the dog park. You were so excited... you knew right where you were going. There was a Golden Retriever there who liked to play fetch. And to my astonishment- you played fetch too! And brought it back! That doggie taught you well Ando!
After the dog park I had to go to my counseling appointment. I took you of course. You were great but absolutely dead beat from the dog park. Despite being tired though you were watchful and on-duty how you always are with me.
I love you.

We had quite a scare with you Ando!

Last night we had to take you to the North Valley Emergency Clinic because you ate a pack of Trident sugar-free gum (with xylitol) which is highly toxic to dogs. The vet didn't know how you would do, since you ate an entire pack of the gum (about 18 pieces to a pack) leaving only about two pieces left. I was worried sick the whole night, tossing and turning in bed. But in the morning when I went to pick you up the vet said your blood sugar and all your other counts remained in the normal range! Very good news! You came home with some medication that you had to take every 4 hours by mouth- and you will get your blood drawn these next couple of days to make sure you aren't suffering from any later side effects.

You sure got me going buddy! I was so scared!
I'm glad you are okay now and you're back to being the working dog you are.

The training you recieved...

Is superb. I took you out today and we worked and you did far beyond my expectations (which were very high). I am so proud of you, Ando. We have come so far. I am so happy to have you as my service dog. I love you so much- your focus and drive is just outstanding. I give Ken Schilling five stars for the training he has taught you and me! We are now working together as a team. I can't wait until your custom harness is ready!

Ando is home!

Wow, after a long almost two months without my best buddy, service partner, best friend, child, dog, (aka, you Ando) you came home at last! Ken came up early this morning with you. Before he opened the back of his Jeep he said, "Brace yourself" I laughed at the comment, but little did I know how excited you would be! You raced around the yard at first, but then you noticed me and barrelled up to me like you always do- but then went back to Ken. You seemed upset at me for sending you away. But I didn't take it too personally, I knew you would come around!

We then worked with Ken for a couple of hours on all of the training you had recieved at his facility in Oregon. You were such a goof, but you did so well I was so impressed with all that you had learned and I know we will do just fine out in the big world together.

After the training session had come to an end, it was time for Ken to head back up to Oregon. The last thing he told me was that if I ever needed anything or had any questions- that I give him a call! I felt so supported. Then we shook hands, I thanked him- and he left. You looked a little sad when he left, but it all turned around when I invited you inside. The first thing you did was race to my room, jump on my bed, and rub yourself ALL over it! IT was quite a sight! And then, I knew you were home. After that you weren't sad at all. You were justy as happy as I was that you were back. We went to the dog park, the regular park, and you got a good bath. It was such a good day, Ando. I'm looking forward to never being separated from you again.

Ando comes HOME tomorrow!

I am ecstatic! After so much talk of it- you are finally coming home! I am so happy I can hardly get the words out! I love you my little woofer! See you soon!

There are bruises on my forehead...

You'd better be coming home this Sunday or my head is going to crack in half. Things have just been getting in the way of you coming home and I am so done with it. Goodness gracious I need you and I need you now. It sounds pretty official, rain or shine, you should be coming home this Sunday! If not... back to more head banging. Bang... bang... bang...

Love you.

Next weekend!

Alright, the truck-guy couldn't get to Ken's vehicle until Monday, so you will most likely be coming home next weekend! I am really hopeful that this will be the last week we are separated. I miss you terribly and I love you so much!

Ando, you might be coming home this weekend!

Ken (the trainer), says he just has to get his truck fixed up and he can bring you back on down to California! He said that might be this weekend! Oh goodness I am so excited! I've got your presents and everything just waiting for you! I miss you so much and when you come back home you will be able to help me as a service dog and life will just be amazing!

I love you Ando!

Learn a little more about me through TAG...

Know me better tag.
First check out my 10 questions & answers about me:

1. What color is your collar? I usually don't wear one.

2. What kind of food do you eat? Raw food, a bit of Innova

3. What are your favorite treats? Chicken

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other? Nope

5. Do you get table scraps? Occasionally

6. What is your favorite toy? Bully sticks and treat dispensing toys

7. When is your birthday? April 9, 2008

8. How many times a day do you eat? Twice

9. Do you have a favorite color? Brown- in leather

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary? I would love to

learn more about my pals!

Now it's your turn! Copy these questions and type your answers - then post it on your diary!!! Don't forget to tag 6 of your friends!

Aw Ando you missed it!

I miss you Ando. And I need you.
I can't wait for the trainer to call and tell me you're ready to come back home.

And boy did you miss the funniest thing today! Damon and I were looking for a "welcome home" present for you when you come home, and we were in the treat section when he picked up a braided bully stick, sniffed it, and got ready to put it in his mouth when I said-

"NO! That's a bull's peepee!"

"It's a WHAT?!" He shouted, threw the bully stick back into the basket and doused his hands in hand sanitizer, mumbling to himself about how he almost took a taste of a dried bull's you-know-what.

It was hysterical. I almost peed my pants laughing.

We miss you Ando. Come home soon pal!

I need you...

I'm being thrown into a blind rage, a tumbling whirl of saddess, a black hole of sorrow, a rainstorm of death. I need my Joey, my Jake, and my Nari. I don't want them I need them.

I wish I could hug you, Ando- but you are not here. You are up in Oregon with the trainer. God, I miss you. I need you too. You would have all gotten along so great.

Belly is not enough, she's not my dog. She just lives with me.

Help, I'm being pulled into a dark well of cold tears.
Help, am I crazy?

Thank goodness you were there...

It started off as any other day, Ando. I went to school, without you- but I knew I'd be okay because your daddy was there and he helps me get through the day. He's kind of my little service boy. He will be gone soon though, when he takes his proficiency test... Anyways, then, things changed... when I saw someone... someone who put me in the hospital... someone who had sent my life spinning into a dark abyss. Someone I hated. I clung onto Damon and didn't know what to do. It was hard, seeing my assaulter's face again, but I knew I had to get through it and stand up. So I stood, and waited with Damon for my mom to come get me.

Right when I got home I grabbed onto your fur, snatched up your lead and said,

"We're going to the dog park."

There was no way I was going to let myself think about that freak. I was going to think about and enjoy my time with you, my doggie.

The dog park was wonderful.
Leaves spun down from the oak trees. They're just starting to turn brown now. A blister burned on the back of my heel. A smile spread across your face as you chased a smooth coated Border Collie around the large park, kicking up the dirt- and even one time- running right into a tree. You made me laugh and got my mind off things. Thank you Ando.

Thank goodness you were there today.
You always are.

Sorry guys for the scare...

In the midst of my psychotic "episode", I deleted Ando's page. I still have him, don't worry. He is not deceased, don't worry. I apologize for my lack of control and degree of upset-ness.

Although I will inform you that he is going back to his breeder, up in Noti, Oregon (Schilling Law Dogs) for some hard-core training on Saturday. I'm going to miss him while he's up there!