Dogster

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I'm such a prince...

PSD in training

Today Mom told me I am becoming a PSD (psychiatric service dog). My training starts tomorrow. We went to PetSmart and everything! We picked up a clicker and some training treats to get us started off right. Do you know how long it has been since I've seen my Mommy smile while we were out in a public place? A LONG TIME! No joke. She said that if I do well, I will go with her to school, go Sun Devils!, and every where else she goes. She said that would be the payoff to helping her and working hard. Sounds like I'm on the winning side of this deal! Mommy and I joined a new listserv for service dogs (or ones in training, like me) so we can get information and talk to other Mommys and Daddys and their PSDs. I worked hard when I was a show dog, but Mommy says I have to learn how to sit, down, sit-stay, down-stay, walk politely on a leash, come when told to, and just be "obedient". I don't know about the whole sitting thing...but, I'll try really hard. Mommy says that if I do well, we'll get a vest with some patches and embroidered letters on it and I can go with her...even while I'm still in training! So awesome! Daddy is still getting used to the idea he can't scare me for fun anymore..again, another perk I will be enjoying. Except, I like it when Daddy and I play chase me and I bark really loud at him (the only time I use my voice)...Mommy said no more barking. That's the only down-side. No fun Mom!!! Well, wish me luck guys!

It's been a while

So, a lot has changed since I've been on here last. My Mom was in Europe for a while and life has gone on. I moved to Tempe, AZ, and I like it so much more. The dogs in college are so much more fun than the snoots in Scottsdale. In July my Mom had to take my brother to go to the rainbow bridge. I got to go with them so I could say goodbye too. It's been weird without him here. I retired from showing and am now neutered. My tooth went off, so, Mom decided it was time to stop. I am major pointed and only needed a few more to finish, but, Mom didn't know what the point to be to spend the money if she wasn't going to use me as stud. They call it a pig tooth, but she said it gives me character. It's a good life snuggling with Mom and Dad. Daddy gives me a big hug and a kiss before bedtime every night. He likes to pretend he doesn't love me, but, between him and I, we're best buds. Mom said she's not ready for another doggy, so, maybe when she's ready, we'll get a sister for me. Until then, I'll keep my paws crossed. Since I moved out of my Grampa's house, I don't get to play with Aunt Chili anymore. That's okay. Well, time to be off. Gutten Haben!

My thoughts on grooming and being a show dog.

So, Mom says that she needs to grind my nails every other day to get them really short for the upcoming dog show. I HATE my nails being done. I mean HATE it. She also says that I need to get a bath more often than I have been. I love being really dirty and smelly, but she says that's unacceptable. She also shaves my whiskers off so I can look more "clean" and un-ratlike. Whatever. O well, I guess that's just the life of a show dog. I mean, I get premium food, a really warm blankie to cocoon in every night, AND when Daddy is in town, I get to rough house with him, and walk by the canal. I get really nervous driving to the dog shows...I hate car rides. But, I like going to the shows because I get to see all of my friends, even though I don't really get to play with them. In October, Mom said we are flying to a dog show in San Francisco. It's the IG National Specialty..I'm super nervous about flying, but Mom said because I'm small, I get to be considered a carry-on item. Hah! An "item." Well, that's all for now!