A Note From Kingsley

Hey everyone! Kingsley here. On the 12th I'll be 16 weeks old, that's four whole months!

Mom and I have been SO busy, she hasn't even had time to blog.

We've gone swimming again, lots of little stores and places and I even went to a huuge store called Costco on the day before the firework day!! It was REALLY busy but I tried my best and especially focused when my mom held my leash. She's not very strong so I stay really close and really calm. There were big carts, flat carts and even huge boxes on carts. If something made me a little worried I backed up against moms wheelchair and SAT! No big deal, I just did it once when it was bigger than...bigger than...idk it was huge like moms van and it rolled by me inside the store. Once it was passed I got up - shook off - and said alright what's next?! What's next was a new pet store! Mom undressed me and let me pick out a new toy. I love my mom SO much!!

Mom said I'm also 18 inches tall and on Tuesday I'll get weighed.

My friend Rayhill the Aussie got released from service dog work. He'd rather live on a farm and chase birds away all day. He really gets worried by new things and barks in public. Mom said thats not good...I've never tried. That's part of why we haven't blogged, having him here is a lot of extra work. I don't know about that. Mom just says to me "Thank you for being so good and gentle" so I snuggle and keep at it!

Today my mom worked in her office. Her office isn't as "puppy proofed" (as she calls it) as the rest of the house and it's carpeted. She was really tired from the heat so instead of investigating like I like to...I laid right under her desk and slept close enough to know her every move. She sure went back and forth a lot from the office to the kitchen carrying papers and things...I made sure to go each time with her. Afterwards mom smiled a lot and that makes me really happy.

My best friend Terp the Goldens back this weekend and we already played SO much! I can't wait til I'm his size and can romp as much as him!

Gotta go to bed but take care til next time!

Growing So Much!

2nd Swimming Adventure

Kingsley fit into Gretel's life vest today, which was way too big for him two weeks ago!  He did great adjusting to wearing such a bulky thick vest.

Getting into the pool overwhelmed him a bit, because our friends with four Chocolate labs were there already.  But once inside he settled in and did more exploring than he did the first time!  He got in to his chest, but chose to stop there.  I didn't force him and just let him explore and hang out while there!  He is definitely hesitant around new dogs, so we will continue to hang out with nice dogs to allow him to learn that they are safe and fun even!

Later Kingsley met my good friend, and co-director at PAD, Cory and his wonderfully well socialized and calm Pit Bull, Moose.  Kingsley was unsure when Moose wanted to play, but I know in time the two will become great friends.

Tomorrow we will be doing our best to take the day off and just relax together!

Sound Sensitivity (or lack thereof!)

Kingsley has just been showing his confidence left and right lately!  Last night a terrible storm blew threw and woke us all up around 4am...well, everyone except Kingsley that is!  He slept right through it!

This morning we found our yard a mess.  A big oak tree we enjoy shade from had split, causing a large branch to come down through the yard, and just tons of leaves and things everywhere!   Kingsley spent the day hangin out with me, while my dad and brother sawzalled everything and made piles!  He didn't mind one bit!

Later some not so very bright neighbor behind our field decided to light of large (sky high) fireworks for an hour.  Kingsley had no interest, no worry or concern about them!!  He's just as cool as a cucumber!

We're off to the canine pool again tomorrow!  Til then...stay cool!

Olive Garden and MORE!

What a memorable day today was!  Kingsley was just wonderful, again!  We did note that he is very distracted by his reflection, which he tries to get to play with him!  We'll have to set up some more training sessions around mirrors!

We had lunch at Olive Garden with my best friend, and her six month old daughter, Josephine.  Both Joey and Kings were great - and lunch was fab!  I couldn't pick just one picture, so here's a collage I made!

The two of them just absolutely LOVED each other!  It was so sweet and endearing!  Kingsley was very appropriate, and Josephine greatly enjoyed the kisses he gave her!

After lunch we went on a few shopping errands, which was a LOT of in and out of the van and Kingsley did great.  He pottied on cue, and walked very nicely on leash.  He did two or three greetings and was perfect for all of them!  He REALLY seems to be understanding the difference between working and off duty!

Here is the rest of the day in pictures!

L to R:

1. Kingsley's taken to laying against my wheelchair in the van!
2. Showing us he doesn't need to potty again
3. Checking on my very swollen feet, not worried just responding
4. My first time handling him in public!  At the pharmacy
5. Handling Kings myself again, this time in check out
6. Very bored, at Radio Shack
7. First time walking on a coupler, with "big" brother Rayhill!  Rayhill, 6 months old - Kingsley, 14 weeks!

Wind Down Wednesday

After Kingsley (and my) big day yesterday, we decided to take today easy.  I worked with Rayhill, and taught after that, so he practiced being crated in my room without me (easily his least favorite thing to do).  After that we did a few clicker training sessions (attention, recalls, sit, down and up) and then we went outside to enjoy the gorgeous weather and keep my mom company while she did yard work.  Kingsley did get exposed to another new experience though!  Fire!  We burnt about..6 trash bags worth of trimmed branches and ivy.  He was not phased, and quite bored with that fact that I monitored the fire for almost two hours! So today, that was his big experience :)

sorry for the finger in the photo :)

Tomorrow we're going to the Olive Garden for lunch with my best friend, and her infant!  I am just delighted to make plans with him, because he is always so wonderful to be with!

On a side note, I want to thank my friends who has been reading and supporting me in writing this blog.  It means a great deal to me and I really love you all!  <3 

HUGE Training Day - part 2

Today Kingsley went on an adventure while I taught an owner training class for a team with PAD.  It was about 3 hours and he experienced DOZENS of new things.  I think we'll do the blog in photos, over two entries - this is part 2 - enjoy!

My mom, who helps me train Kingsley and Sir K!

Break time out of harness before dinner downtown!

I let Kingsley investigate the small pond, he was more interested
in hanging out with me or napping though!

Kingsley's first time working in traffic downtown Lititz!

Another WONDERFUL dinner out with Kingsley.  He is very
quick to settle next to my wheelchair for the entire meal!
Tonight a Guide Dog team even walked up to us and he stayed down!

Kingsley by the door of my favorite restaurant.  He was
exhausted as we all were so I only took one quick snap of the picture.