DEC 20, 2013

EVERY VETERINARIAN IN THE COUNTRY IS GOING TO WANT TO SHOOT ME FOR THIS DD... 

I DON'T LEAVE A DOG AT THE VET'S.. IF THEY ARE THERE-- I AM THERE BABYSITTING.. AND THANK HEAVENS -- GEORGE-- AFTER 20 ODD YEARS.... PUTS UP WITH ME SITTING ON THE FLOOR IN HIS OFFICE..  HE'S NO FOOL-- COULD BE HE DOES NOT WANT ME AND MY SOMETIMES STRANGE OPINIONS WANDERING AROUND HIS WAITING ROOM...

PLAN IS FOR ARIOT TO  HAVE SURGERY  TODAY- BECAUSE SHE ALREADY HAS A BITTEN EAR WHERE BOO NAILED HER....- WITH A SLIGHT POSSIBILITY  OF BOO TOO ----SO I WWILL TAKE HER WITH ME.... 

YOU REALIZE  MAKING  A DECISION   FOR A BUNCH/PACK OF DOGS IS VASTLY DIFFERENT THAN  ONE OR TWO DOGS. 

 NORMAL PET OWNING  PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE CONCERNS I DO . 

SO THERE ARE ALOT OF REASONS FOR EVERYONE TO HOLD THIER BREATH ----    WITH DOGS-- OR CHILDREN  --"GOING UNDE R"    DOES HAVE IT'S RISKS.  BUT  WITH GEORGE'S SET UP  THE RISKS ARE MINIMAL.. ( ALSO  ...I MIGHT ADD.. EXPENSIVE--- BUT THESE ARE MY PERSONAL DOGS  SO NO SERVICE DOG MONEY  PAYS THIS BILL).

THIS WILL  ALSO GIVE GEORGE THE CHANCE TO LOOK THEM OVER FROM TEETH TO ANAL GLANDS--  AS I HAVE WARNED EVERYONE--- I DID HAVE ONE  WHITE DANE WITH  A HEART PROBLEM--- NOW GEORGE HAS EKG CAPABILITIES AND WE WILL GET A CHANGE TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM...  THIS IS WHY I USUALLY KEEP DOGS IN QUESTION... 

   WHITE=QUESTIONS

SO I WILL BE THERE FOR THE DURATION.... AND NOT IN THE OFFICE...

************

I HAVE TO PREFACE THIS BY SAYNG GEORGE RUNS THE MOST EFFICIENT, CARING   VETS  OFFICE ---   HE HAS AL THE MOST MODERN  OXYGEN SENSORS-- EKG MONITORS,  SOME NEARLY BRILLIANT VET TECHS AND ASSISTANT VETS.----------. AND ME SITTING ON THE FLOOR WITH MY DOGS.

I HAVE A REASON.... 100 YEARS AGO  I HAD A DOG ---BROWNIE (A MERLE)---  SUPER DOG-- LIKE BAILEY-- AND I SENT HIM TO PENNA AS A DEMO DOG-- WHILE HE WAS THERE  THEY MUST HAVE PUT HIM IN A KENNEL AND HE GOT A HAPPY TAIL-- BLOOD FOR 15 FEET IN EVERY DIRECTION... WOULDN'T STOP--- SO THEY TOOK HIM TO THIER  VET AND CROPPED HIS TAIL-- WHICH WAS THE CORRECT THING TO DO... BUT THEN -- AFTER SURGERY THEY PUT HIM IN A CAGE... A METAL CAGE FOR  RECOVERY--  TO WAKE UP FROM ANESTHESIA.... THIS IS A NORMAL PROCEEDURE...    MANY--- MOST-- DOGS WAKING UP  LIFT THEIR HEADS AND  LET THEM DROP-- WITH A BANG---   .NOT UNDERSTANDING THIS ...., BROWNIE CAME BACK FROM PENNA TERRIFIED OF METAL NOISES.. LIKE A GARBAGE CAN LID--   HE HAD THAT FEAR FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE...... SO I AM NOT ABOUT TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN AGAIN...

NOT ONLY AM I SITTING ON THE FLOOR WITH THEM-- BUT IT IS POSSIBLE   TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER SHOT OF XXXXXXXX  WHICH IS  BOTH A PAINKILLER AND MAKES THEM WAKE UP SLOWER-- WITHOUT THE BANGING.-

THAT BANGING IN FEAR  IS SIGNIFICANT  AND CAN GET TO THE POINT OF MY NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD T THEIR HEAD UP AT ALL-- SO YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN TO A DOG WAKING UP ALONE IN A METAL CAGE...

SO WE DON'T ALLOW  THAT  TO HAPPEN--

I HAVE TO EASE OFF ON THE REST OF THE WORLD'S VET PRACTICES BY SAYING   A SMALL DOG ( ANYTHING BESIDES A DANE)  HAS LESS TROUBLE WITH THIS CONCEPT - SO MANAGEMENT OF A SMALLER   DOG COMING OUT OF ANESTIESIA IS LESS OF A PROBLEM--  BUT  EVEN SO..PERSONALLY-- I WOULD HIRE A ONE OF THE OFFICE'S VET TECHS TO "SPECIAL" ANY DOG OF MINE- IF FOR ANY REASON I WAS UNABLE TO BE BACK STAGE WITH THEM..

AND IT CAN TAKE HOURS...

 SO MY PLAN IS TO MAKE A MONKEY FIST FOR EVERYONE IN GEORGE'S OFFICE AS I SIT THERE...

NORMALLY I DON'T EVEN TAKE MY DOGS IN TO  HIS  OFFICE--- BECAUSE PEOPLE TAKE SICK DOGS TO THE  VET'S AND I WORRY ABOUT GERMS -  I ONCE HAD AN ENTIRE LITTER OF PARVO--WITH VOMIT AND EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA --- IN THE WINTER--- IN MY HOUSE---  WITH IV FLUIDS DRIPPING....  THEY ALL MADE IT... BUT I TREAT VET VISITS WITH A GREAT DEAL OF CAUTION

IF THERE ARE NOT MACHINES NEEDED  GEORGE COMES OUT TO THE COA VAN TO LOOK THEM OVER...

ALSO I DO NOT TAKE DOGS  INTO PET STORES EITHER... SAME REASON...

 IN ALL PROBABILITY  THEY WILL BE BACK WITH ONE OF MY CRAZY HATS ON...  THIS HOLDS THE EARS OUT IN THE AIR TO HEAL...  GEORGE HAS COMMENTED THAT I SHOULD MARKET THEM.... I FEEL THAT RUNNING TAPE AROUND THE EARS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THE DOGS.. THE HATS ARE WIERD... BUT THEY DON'T MIND THEM... I ONCE HAD 8 IN HATS AT ONCE--  ASIDE FROM TH E  ODD FOOT STUCK IN A SIBLING'S HEADGEAR THERE WAS NO REAL PROBLEM.   

THIS IS THE SAME HEADGEAR I USE TO MAKE THEM  (OR MY CHILDREN )  INTO REINDEER--- UNICORNS ETC...   -- COUPLE WHITE COAT HANGERS AND ALOT OF  PADDING AND TAPE...

SO BE PREPARED.

******

and for the cut'n paste....

Sorry that we haven't sent any updates in a while. We try to keep people informed on Facebook and the blog, but have even been to busy for that lately. Plus, we know you don't do the Facebook thing. 

Casper is doing so amazing. We can't even imagine life without him now. Dan has been learning a few new things with him now that there is snow on the ground. With Casper still being a little young he just really wants to play in the snow. Dan has taken a couple minor tumbles, but never anything bad and always with a smile. Casper seems to know that when we are home that is more acceptable than when out and about. Silly pup. 

When the ground is slick he is taking his cane with him to let Casper out to do his business at home. Where we live we have to walk him and climb plowed snow to get to the "pet relief" area. The plowmen talked to Dan the other day though and have now cleared a nice spot so that he no longer has to climb over the snow. 

Casper has gotten into a habit of getting up at night to go check on the kids in their beds. It is so heartwarming. We recently found out that their father is very ill and they are stressed about it. He knows and is such a comfort to them. 

Alyssa, the 9 year old, helped us write a list from Casper to Santy Paws. One thing on his list was to get cuddles from Megan. We may be up to visit this weekend so hopefully he will get his wish. 

We had a recent issue with a very bad yeast infection in his ear. It got so swollen and the hair started coming off from him scratching. The infection was treated pretty simply, actually. I never would have thought of this, but it makes sense. We just put Monistat in his ear! He stratched so much, though that the vet gave him a steroid shot and the ear now is all better. 

He is quite spoiled with a lovely red fleece custom made coat with a hood for winter. He LOVES his hood. When he is just going out to pee we put the hood (it is detachable) over his ears. he runs to it. I think he would wear it all day if we let him. Wait until you see him in it. So cute. 

He was not sure what to think about Christmas decorations at Dan's job this year. He gets a little nervous that things might be a danger to Dan. He had to go around and check it all out then he was ok. He was afraid of my wrapping paper last night, too. That boy makes us laugh all the time. 

We can't even begin to express how much we love him and love all of you at SDP for raising such brilliant and talented dogs. 

Merry Christmas from

Dan. Lauri, Lily, Alyssa, Casper, and all 3 kitties

SECOND DEC 19  DD ADDENDUM

MARIA'S CHILD REPORT

We spent a good part of yesterday, Wednesday at children's hospital.  So far 
everything is negative which is good and bad.  Good because they have ruled out 
all major problems and bad because we aren't sure why she is having pain etc.   
They did 2 mono tests which both came back inconclusive.  

After talking with the doctors they want to repeat bloodwork for mono and 
celiacs disease today and tomorrow they will do an endoscopy. That will allow 
them to take a sample from her stomach.  

As far as work - I am planning on being there to work my normal Saturday Sunday 
Monday shift since my  husband is home to deal with weekend drs appointments.  

I will keep you updated if I get anymore info.  I will see you Saturday morning. 

AND TRAINING  HELP REQUEST..

MEGAN WOULD LIKE TO TRY ESTABLISHING A 10:30 MALL CRAWL WITH ANY OF THE 

REGULAR VOLUNTEERS WHO COULD COME ALONG AND JUST PUT SOME MILES ON SOME OF THESE PUPS..

 IF WE COULD HAVE ABOUT 4  DOGS  IN THE COA VAN---  EACH DAY IT WOULD BE HELPFUL

DOWN THE DRIVE AT 10:30  AND BACK BEFORE NOON

WALKING... SITTING..  COFFEE DRINKING...  THINGS LIKE THAT

GET IN TOUCH WITH  THERESA

dec 19

happy 19th of the month !!- that is for anyone  who has something to celebrate  this month... wish them  all on the 19th - it is easier

THIS FOOL MACHINE JUST  TOLD ME I HAVE PERFECT SPELLING-- I HAD NOT TYPED ANYTHING YET...  SHOWS  YOU HOW WRONG COMPUTERS CAN BE..  OR IS THAT TODAYS LESSON ... IF YOU DON'T SAY ANYTHING HOW CAN YOU BE WRONG?

I MEANT TODAYS LESSON TO BE HOW TO GIVE A DOG   (OR DONKEY) A TREAT..  DOESN'T SOUND LIKE TOO MUCH OF A CHALLANGE... BUT.....   FOR TRAINING PURPOSES.......  MAKE THIS A  A REECTANGULAR TREAT..... .. IF YOU HOLD IT IN LINE WITH YOUR  HAND-- AND THE ENTHUSIASTIC PUP LEAPS QUICKLY FOR  IT, YOU INSTINCTIVELY DRAW YOU HAND BACKWARDS-- SO THE PUP LEARNS J TO  JUMP QUICKER AND SNATCH Faster--  eventually fingers and blood are involved--   NOT THE PUP'S FAULT...  BUT WILL GET THE BLAME...  BEFORE IT STARTS... TRY HOLDING THE TREAT AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO YOUR HAND-- THE PUP WILL FOCUS ON THE TREAT-- THEY REALLY DON'T WANT YOUR HAND SO  YOU  CAN  MOVE YOUR HAND TOWARD THE PUP-- EVENTUALLY WILL ELIMINATE THE SNATCH INSTINCT--  A WELL TRAINED DOG ( BAILEY)  WILL EVENTUALLY OPEN HER MOUTH AND LET YOU INSERT THE COOKIE...

THE PUPS HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO-- WE ARE OFF TO A ROUGH START WITH THEM... I SHOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION SOONER...

ALONG THOSE LINES... A PUPPY'S CONCEPT OF ......". I CAN CHASE  THEM   " 

NOT TO BE ENCOURAGED GETTING KNOCKED FLAT IN FUN OR ANGER IS NOT AMUSING...

JUST AS JANINE SAYS IN THE BOOK--  LUCY OUR PET PIG ONLY NEEDED ONE CLUE THAT IF SHE SCREAMED AT MY HUSBAND'S FEET HE WOOULD JUMP AWAY.. THAT ON E CLUE TURNED INTO A NIGHTLY  HIDE IN THE BUSHES AND WAIT FOR HIM TO CLOSE THE CAR DOOR  THEN RUN AT HIM SCREECHING AND HE WOULD RUN TO THE HOUSE...  IT HAPPENED CONSTANTLY...  PIGS ARE SMART.

APPLY THAt same thing to a postman coming up to the door-- leaving the mail then turning away and leaving... NOW FROM, THE DOG'S POINT OF VIEW...   IF I BARK LOUDLY ENOUGH HE WILL GO AWAY.. I CAN CHASE HIM--- --  THERE IS NO PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO THAT ....POSTMEN HVE TO COME AND GO--  JUST  TRY ANS STOP THAT BEFORE IT BEGINS--  

FOR A SLIGHTLY BORED DOG THE VACUUM CLEANER IS ALMOST THE SAME CONCEPT-- AS YOU  MOVE IT FORWARD AND BACK... AND THE DOG SNAPS AT IT... THEY THINK ( IN MY OPINION) THEY ARE CHASING IT BACKWARDS.

SPEAKING OF PAYING MORE ATTENTION-- I WANTED TO CROP THE EARS OF THE 2 WHITE PUPS IN THE HOPES OF GIVING THEM   A CHANCE OF BETTER HEARING WITH EARS UP...- IF POSSIBLE -  THAT IS NOT A KNOW MEDICAL FACT--- IT IS JUST  WHEN A DOG WANTS TO HEAR BETTER THEY PUT THEIR  OWN EARS UP IF THEY CAN...  AS OPPOSED TO A BASSETT HOUND WHO NEVER SEEMS TO HEAR ANYTHING ANYWAY 

I FORGOT TO BOOK IT WITH GEORGE WHO SAID HE NEEDED  TO DO IT BEFORE CHRISTMAS-- SO THAT IS UP IN THE AIR... ALSO  ARIOT HAS A SLIGHTLY CHEWED UP EAR NOW -- BOO'S TERRIBLE TEETH DID A JOB-- JUST IN PLAY...  HAVING A BUNCH OF DOGS MAKES FOR DIFFERENT DECISIONS  THAN HAVING ONE PET DOG.    CHEWED UP EARS AND TAILS CAN BE A BIG PROBLEM.  ALTHO THE WORST BITTEN EAR WE HAVE EVER HAD WAS A BOY WHO BIT DEAGLE AT A PARTY IN MEDFORD-- A 2" TEAR MAKING BLOOD ALL OVER FOR A LONG TIME AND A SPLI EAR.. -- THEN THERE IS LUNA'S 2" TORN EAR-- DONE BY HER PERFECT SISTER- -----  BAILEY..  .PROPERLY DONE BY A VETERINARIAN   IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL... CERTAINLY LESS THAN REMOVING  THEIR   MALE APPENDAGES...

I ALSO NEED TO CONTACT DAVID ONTHE WHEELCHAIR PROJECT... WE HAVE TH E  MONEY-- AND HE GAVE ME THE NAME OF THE CHAIR-- BUT HE DID NOT GIVE ME THE WHOLE NAME OF THE BOY WHO NEEDS IT...  WAYNE IIN  WESTERN MASS  IS NOT ENOUGH INFO...

YESTERDAY'S MAILCALL GAVE  ME MORE THQAN I CAN DEAL WITH IN ONE DAY...  FROM LEG WARMERS TO BROADWAY MUSIC --  TO  HEAD  FLASHLIGHTS- TOA GREAT LOOKING KONG TOY-- WHICH WE REALLY NEED TO REDESIGH TODAY-- IT IS A WEIGHTED KONG WITH ONE HOLE FOR TRETS TO FALL OUT...  EXCET IT ONLY FRUSTRATES THEM BEECAUSE  BY SMELL   THEY CONCENTRATE ON THE HOLE WHICH DOESN NOT GET THEM ANYWHERE-- IT NEED S  2 MORE HOLES DRILLED  SO AS THEY POKE AT IT - IT PRODUCES SOMETHING...  IT IS TOO FAR AWAY FORM SUCCESS TO MAKE ONE HOLE WORK...

NOW THE PIG-- ON THE OTHER HAND-- COULD HAVE FIGURED THAT OUT RIGHT AWAY..

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND ..BUT IN OUR IMMEDIATE GROUP OV VOLUNTEERS THERE ARE 4 CHILDREN WITH UNDIAGNOSED BELLYACHES-- AND 2 HAVE NOT BEEN ANYWERE NEAR THE OTHER 2.

IT IS LIKE THE DAY MY ELECTRICITY WENT OUT--  AND I CALLED A LOCAL FRIEND -- HER POWER WAS OUT TOO-- SO IN DARKENSS ----TO KILL TIME--- I CALLED MY PARENTS IN NEW YORK AND FOUND THEIR POWER WAS OUT TOO...( THE GREAT POWER BLACKOUT IN THE NORTH EAST) 

I HOPE SOMEONE IS KEEPING TRCK  TO SEE IF THERE ISN OT A BIGGER PROBLEM WE ARE IGNORING..

I GUESS THAT IS ONE THING  THE  GOVERNMENT  IS FOR

RIGHT..... !!!!!.....

DEC 18

I WOKE UP TO   " POO POO POO  COME ON OUTSIDE THIS TIME"  IN MEGAN'S VOICE... AT 7AM-- THE WHOLE PLACE IS  UPSIDE DOWN

I NEVER SLEEP TIL 7  MEGAN DOES NOT COME IN AT 7--

AND I CAN NOT EVEN START TO REMEDY OUR PROBLEMS TIL THEY STOP HAPPENING AND I CAN GET A BETTER HANDLE... 

PAM SPENT 9 HOURS DRIVING FROM PLYMOUTH TO IPSWICH YESTERDAY

TRACY IS AILING ( BUT MAY COME IN TO SIT-  IMM OBLILE  -  IN THE PUPPY PPEN  LIKE EARLENE

ALLISON FELL DOWNSTAIRS YESTERDAY ( IN THE HOUSE-- THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE)   MY GUESS SHE IS WALKING WOUNDED TODAY...

 AND WORST OF ALL MARIA HAS A DAUGHTER WITH AN UN DIAGNOSED  TUMMYACHE-- OR SOME SUCH( I MAY HAVE THAT WRONG)  BUT SHE IS "IN FOR TESTS" 

AND WE ARE GLARE ICE.--- PLOWED... BUT ICY-- AND  THE TOPSFIELD PLOW/SPREADER IS LOADED WITH STRAIGHT SALT AT THE MOMENT....  THT DOES NOT DO WELL WITH  DOG'S FEET 

THOSE SPIKES FOR  YOUR FEED  ARE MANDATORY

MEGAN DON'T YOU DARE TRIP  AND FALL    !!!!

IF ANY OF THE REGULAR VOLUNTEERS CAN COME BY AND DO THEIR  REGULAR CHORES-- IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL  ESPECIALLY SINCE I DON'T KNOW  WHT IS COMING NEXT...

OTHER THAN THAT.... ALL THE DOGS ARE FINE

 MEGAN MANAGED TO WORM THE ARIOT BUNCH--  AND THEY ARE PASSING WORMS--- THERE THAT OUGHT TO MAKE YOUR DAY. !!

**************

AND THE LITTEL BUNCH HAVE STARTED BABY FOOD--- MUCH MORE LABOR INTENSIVE THAN  THE  CHAOS  CAFETERIA--

 WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW IS  WHEN WE START FEEDING  THEM-- SHE STOPS CLEANING UP AFTER THEM---  

"I DID NOT PUT THAT IN THERE AND I AIN'T CLEANING IT UP  NOW."

 SHE STOOD AND LOOKED AT ME LAST NIGHT- WOOFING DIRECTLY AT ME----  I COULD ONLY GUESS-- AND FINALLY ENDED UP FEEDING HER 2 CANS-- WHICH SHE ENJOYED... BUT I THINK SHE WAS TELLING ME IT WAS MY TURN TO FEED THAT TRIBE.

*****************

LAST NIGHT'S TRIVIA OF HOW MANY  M&M'S WERE IN THE JUG  GOT ALL SCREWED UP WITH PEOPLE WALKING BY EATING THEM-- SHELIA LEFT WITH CALCULATOR IN HAND.

**********

WE DID MAMAGE TO GET TH E   COSTCO  PORK ROAST ROASTED SO  PEOPLE LEAVING HERE IN THE STORM LEFT WITH A HUNK OF ROAST PORK FOR DINNER.

AND WE STILL HAVE PORK LUNCH TODAY .

************

CUTTING A ND PASTING

Hi Carlene!  
      It was so wonderful to be back at the farm yesterday! We were so glad to be able to sit and catch up with you.  Once Harry saw the driveway he jumped up all excited. We had been away so long and so many things had changed while we were away that I was a bit nervous that we would be lost upon coming back. I should have known better! There is not a more welcoming group of people in all the world!!!!!    Harry loves car rides so he did amazingly on the trip back up here. After a 14 plus hr  car drive and coming back home with lots of people around for the family parties this time of year and going to strange houses that are full of food decorations and people, on top of all that I ask of him already on the normal day to day basis, I realize just how amazing Harry is!  He kept his face out of the food and tolerated small children running around and being loud and adults all wanting to come and say hi!  He left the most positive impression on people that could be left. They all doted over him and could not believe how good he was. It is that same feeling when people realize after an hr that he is even there! Every day I wake up and look at this gift you have bestowed upon me and I can't thank you enough! Being part of the sdp family is just such an amazing thing! Not only for the best thing that has happened to me( my Harry) but also the amazing support system (sdp) that comes along with it!  As I have been hearing and seeing all the amazing things that have been taking place at sdp and meeting new people involved  it just makes me so happy to know that there are so many people who get to share in this magic that you created, and the world is a better place for it all!      Beth and Harry

 

THE CRITICAL PART IS THAT   "SO MANY PEOPLE FOR A SUPPORT SYSTEM"

HAVE AT IT.

dec 17 2013
SOUND REPORT...   DAVID AND PAUL HAVE GOT THE SOUND GOING TO EXPLORE-- NOW I GUESS IT IS UP TO TIM ( EXPLORE) TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT OUT WITH THE VIDEO.. IT BEING TUESDAY IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO START...

ALOT GOES OPN  ON TUESDAYS...   THE CAMERA PEOPLE SEEM TO TRY AND AIM THEIR MAIL AND PACKAGES TO ARRIVE ON TUESDAYS..-- THEN THERE IS SHELIA WITH HER TRIVIA GAMETHEN WE  DON'T PLAN FOR ANY STRANGE HAPPENINGS... BUT IF ANY ARE AVAILABLE  WE DO LET IT HAPPEN...  WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT WE COULD GET BUD, PAUL AND MARK IN A CONGA LINE WITH  THE REST OF US...  YOU JUST NEVER KNOW..  WE SPEND  VWERY LITTLE TIME TRYING TO PLAN ANYTHIING-- IT IS MORE WONDERING WHAT NONSENSE WILL APPEAR FOR OUR "USE".

I PLANTO SPEND THE DAY TRYING TO TRICK SHELIA INTO GOING TO A CAR DEALERSHIP...  BECAUSE I HAVE DECIDED SHE NEEDS  NEW CAR-- SHE LIKES NEW CARS-

- I DON'T-- I PREFER A CAR A FEW YEARS OLD-- WITH A TRAILER HITCH-- THAT WOULD HAUL DANES   and sofa's   -- LIKE WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO TURN IN IF SHE BOUGHT A NEW ONE...  hers IS KNOWN FOR STArting  and running-- which is more than i can say for my 11 year old  durango. 

********

*****************

people thank me...  i am delighted to take the credit, but  it  is not really the  situation... they need to thank all the people who show up with help-- shovels and  hot food..... at difficult times and those who keep after new  "addicts"  to keep the chicken brick  wall sold out  and help  them find their  way to the wall...-- it is a very strange thing to now have over 6 million -- whatever that number actually means...  it is a big one.  i am really just a passenger----

which reminds me--( here we go again)    when i went to germany looking for new dane  bloodlines  back in the 1990's   i met with 'nother gwen"   a  roommate from university of edinburgh-- i had a print out of german  dane breeders listed by zip code-   neither of us spoke german-- she a little french--   in frankfurt station  a lovely new looking train was about to leave-- so we got on it-- then tried to get the conductor to tell us where we were going on our zip code list...

running sdp is a little like that.... not sure where we are going--  there are many very worthwhile destinations  out there somewhere...but  the ride is  made smooth by  other people... so we ride on...

************

Hi Carlene and SDP, Took Mia to pt with me as usual.  This time my husband came with us. She setted in and lied down. It was my turn for pt. She was fine were she was so I didn't more her. Everything went well till they closed the curtain. Mia began to cry so Steven brought her to me. She stood by me and followed me to each station. I never had to hold the lesh. Then going to one station I turned and she has standing in the middle of the room, I asked her what she was doing. Apparently her lest came untied and fell to the floor and she stepped on it and must have thought it ment stop. She didn't move till I took it her foot off it. Funny girl. ♥ Michelle aka Shelly and Mia

****************

Hi Carlene,

Hope you are doing well and all the snow will disappear soon.   In Buffalo it's been snowing steady for over a week with more to come.  Feels like an old fashion winter.  Pandora seems to love the snow as you can see in the pictures.  I was a little worried considering she hates the rain.  She also doesn't like when the wind is coming off Lake Erie.   My office is right across from the lake so she has to deal with the wind on many mornings and when we walk during the day.

We just finished our second class working closer to being certified as a therapy dog.  She did well and the test will be in the next couple of weeks.  She has to pass each part or we have to take the course again.  Then we will move on the Pre-Therapy class and one more test.  Pandora is doing very well, she has a problem with some dogs but we are working on that.  At work she is wonderful for the office building.  I can't tell you how many people stop by when they are stressed out.

The director of Special Education was coming out of a stressful meeting when Pandora and I were walking by.  Pandora could sense something was wrong and went right up to her.  Pandora put her head in her hand and the director said all her stress just disappeared.  It's amazing what she can do.

She behaves just like you trained her.  Does the elevator without a problem.  We step back just like you taught us in case someone is coming off the elevator.  She never barks and when at meetings she lays down next to me.   When there are loud voices in the meetings she sits up and rests her head on the table.  Calms everyone down!!!

I will let you know how she does on the test.  We are practicing and she is ready.

Our building will be doing a dress down day for your Service Dog Project after the holidays.  We aren't a huge building but usually there is a couple hundred donated.  It's setup so that everyone that gives will get a dog biscuit to treat Pandora.

Carlene you will never know how important your work is.  You are making a difference in the world, one for the better.  Thank you dedicating your life to this project.   You are amazing and so humble.

Thank you from all of us and Pandora.   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Stay Warm,
Debbie, Mike and Pandora

*******

DEC 16 2013
I  FINALLY FIGURED OUT ON REASON I HAVE SO MUCH COMPUTER TROUBLE...  THE ARRAINGEMENT OF MY HEAD AND EARS IS ENTIRELY  DIFFERENT THAN THAN EVERY OTHER PERSON IN THE FREE WORLD-- AT LEAST EVERY TEENAGER..

.YEARS AGO, MY GRANDSON  --WHEN HE WAS 18 MONTHS OLD--- PROGRAMMED AN IPOD FOR MY HUSBAND TO LISTEN TO WITH  BROADWAY-- AND OTHER "DATED-- MUSIC .    RANGING FROM  

  "LETS GO OUT TO THE BALL GAME" TO  JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR  ETC..   THINGS LIKE THAT---  WE HUNG THIS  IPOD ON TOM- AND HE ENJOYED LISTENING TO IT.-- I HAVE SEEN ONE ON NEARLY EVERY KID ON THE STREET....WALKING AROUND  EVEN....

WELL I FOUND IT IN A DRAWER-- AND SINCE I AM UNABLE TO LISTEN TO PANDORA SHOWTUNES- AS ANY NORMAL PERSON-- LIKE MEGAN--  WOULD...-- I DECIDED TO LISTEN TO THIE IPOD..

I HAVE HUNG AND REHUNG THESE FUNNY BEANS ON STRINGS ON/IN MY EARS - THEY STAY ONLY IF I DO NOT MOVE MY HEAD AT ALL.

DUCT TAPE  SOLVES  EVERYTHING  -- I CONSIDERED TAPING MY FACE FORWRD TO THE SCREEN TO PREVENT ME MOVING -- THEN I FOUND I COULD DUCT TAPE THEM  TO MY EARS.  IT IS NOT A PERFECT SOLUTION  BUT IT IS WORKING.

NEW TOY-- WEARING TWO AND HAVING THE SOUND BE LOCATED RIGHT BEHIND MY NOSE.... IS FASCINATING-- TIL ONE FALLS OUT AND THE SPEAKER SOUNDS LIKE IT MOVED 10 FEET TO THE RIGHT.

REMEMBER I COME FROM A N  ERA OF TRYING TO  ACHIEVE  STERIOPHONIC SOUND-- OFTEN  INVOLVING 300 POUNDS OF HARDWARE--- WHICH WAS PERFECT SOUND IF YOU SAT IN TH EBOTTOM OF  THE COAT CLOSET.

SO NOW I CAN WALK AROUND SINGING TO MYSELF LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD--

SAVED AGAIN BY DUCT TAPE !!

********

BOO IS THE SWEETEST PUP WE HAVE HAD IN A WHILE-- ARIOT IS NOT THE SWEETEST-- THAT IS FOR SURE-- BUT SHE IS THE MOST  INQUISITIVE--- RIGHT NOW SHE IS STUDYING  THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DUSTPAN AND LITTLE BROOM.

I MUST START CHANNELING THAT MIND  MORE OR WE ARE IN FOR BIG TROUBLE WHEN SHE WEIGHS 140 POUNDS...

**********

SPEAKING OF 140 POUND DOGS... CHAOS WAS SO DELIGHTED TO SEE EARLENE COME   TO KEEP HER COMPANY ---  POST PLOWING....

********

THE TRACTOR WAS  AMONG OTHER THINGS....... WARM....  I REALLY DIDN'T MIND WANDERING AROUND PUSHING GREAT WADS OF SNOW FOR HOURS-- MY SNOWWPLOWING IS NOT ALWAYS AS NEAT AND TIDY AS  A REAL PROFESSIONAL--  MY OBJECT IS TO GET THE DRIVEWAY OPEN  FROM THE STREET  TO THE BARN-- WIT H  A TURN AROUND--    THEN WE ARE AT LEAST READY FOR ANY EMERGENCIES...  FIRETRUCKS AND AMBULANCES --- WHICH  HAS TO BE  A CONSIDERATION IN THIS OUTFIT.  AFTER THAT--  BACKSCRAPING AWAY FROM DOORS WHERE THERE ARE ANIMALS THAT NEED CARE.. LIKE CHICKENS WHO COUD NOT GET OUT AT ALL...  HAVE TO FOOT POUND A PATH FOR THEM-- SOMEBODY ELSE'S JOB..

 FOR THOSE OF YOU  ABOUT TO TAKE UP TRACTOR DRIVING... THIS TRACTOR-- LIKE THE OLD ONE.. WILL "  FLOAT"

  THE BIG PROBLEM IN SNOWPLOWING WITH A BUCKET IS YOU  PUT THE BUCKET  DOWN , AND IF YOU DON'T HIIT IT RIGHT.. YOU PUT IT DOWN TOO FAR WHICH  LIFTS  THE FRONT END OF THE TRCTOR OFF THE GROUND.. MEANING YOU CAN NOT STEER AND PROBABLY HAVE LIFTED 6 FEET OF HOT TOP... REMOVED SOME FENCING  OR MOVED A DOG HOUSE OVER 8 INCHES.  BUT IF YOU SIT STILL-- GET THE BUCKET SET CORRECTLY YOU CAN PUSH TH E KNOB  FULL FRONT AND IT IS SUPPOSED TO STAY  IN THAT POSITION RELATIVE TO THE GROUND..    SOME PEOPLE DO IT AUTOMATICALLY-- OTHERS CURSE ALOT.

WE HAD OVER 1 FOOT BY THE BARN... SO I DID THE WHOLE THING  "FEATHER STYLE----- CURVED IN 5' X 18' PATCHES AS MY  ABILITY  TO PUSH THE STUFF STOPPED AT ABOUT 18'--- THE BUCKET IS 5'   WIDE.

I DID THE  REQUIRED PATH WITH 3 PARKING PLACES   THEN PAUL CAME ALONG AND  CLEANED  UP AFTER ME .

***********

WE HAVE HELP PROBLEMS THIS WEEK-- TRACY IS ILL  ---   MARIA HAS ONE AILING CHILD,--- AND PAULA HAS HEALTH ISSUES TOO AND CAN'T PUT  IN A FULL DAY FRIDAYS-- AND STEPH'S HUSBAND BROKE  SOMETHING AND WAS    IN AN ER IN NYC.. WE CAN MAKE IT TODAY AND TUESDAY-- BY WEDNESDAY WE COULD BE  LOOKING FOR SOME SERIOUS COMMITTMENTS.    WE HAVE SOME GREAT KIDS  BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE ARE REQUIRED TO GO TO SCHOOL-- I CAN THINK OF 3 WHO WOULD LEARN AS MUCH  USEFULL LIFE SKILLS HERE AS  THOSE MASS TESTS ETC...

****

 I REFER TO JANINE'S BOOK OF GROWING UP  IN A FARM ENVIRONMENT..   RESPECT BEING TAUGHT BY A  ROOSTER WHO WAS GOD-AWFUL MEAN, ORNERY AND FAST  ( MY FAVORITE EXPRESSION IN THE WHOLE BOOK. )  

******

AT ANY RATE WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME SERIOUS HELP/COMMITTMENT.  WE NEED 100% COVERAGE 7 AM TO 7 PM    MUCH OF  THE COVERAGE NOW IS  A PATCHWORK OF  HOURS  TO AVOID COMMUTING TIMES, SCHOOL SCHEDULES--  ETC...  WE HAVE SOME BLANKS TO FILL IN  - THE USUAL-- FEEDING- CLEANING - LAUNDRY AND PUPPY MANAGEMENT.

AN ENTIRE DAY  7 TO 7 IS STRENUOUS  EVEN IF THE  5 TO 7   IS USUALLY PICKING AROUND THE OFFICE /HOUSE ENVIRONMENT... 

THERE ARE 100'S OF CAMERA PEOPLE WHO WILL NOW WISH THEY LIVED NEAR IPSWICH.  

IT IS FUN... BUT IT IS NOT EASY

dec 15 2013

no daily doggie in blizzards..  i have been plowing 4 hours so far,,,

bless the cut and pastez

*******************

Hi Charlene and SDP, Yesterday my mom, Mia and I went to pet smart. I used the shopping cart like Maria said to. Mia was perfect. I know I said she was perfect before but not like this. She would start to get a little ahead of me and all I had to say is back up and she did. 

I dont even have to stop she just backed up and kept walking. I've learned to walk tall and not to make eye contact with anyone. If they say she's beautiful I just say thank you and keep walking. I have also grown eyes in the back of my head again, the same ones I had when my kids were little. I heard a couple of kids ( late teens early twentys ) say look at that dog and heard feet coming closer. I glanced over my shoulder and said Please leave her alone she's working and kept going. Mia never had a chance to get distracked and kept moving. Then Mia started getting nervous and turning around so I took Maria's advice and looked for the source and low and behold here comes a horse (a very large untrained great dane and its owner ) heading straight for us. Again cocked my head and said she's working please stay away. Turned and walked on as the woman said sorry. I said thank you, patted Mia on the head told her she was fine and kept going. As we were leaving one of the pet smart ladies said I had a VERY WELL BEHAVED DOG. with a big smile I told her she was very well trained. Thank you all.  I love her. Michelle aka Shelly and Mia

**********

Hi Carlene,

We wanted to give you an update on Lola. Today we did some Christmas shopping. 
We shopped for over 4 hours in the crowded malls. People everywhere, tiny isles 
in the stores, things making all kinds if noises and she was beyond wonderful! 

We were walking along and a woman walked up and asked if Lola was from SDP, we 
said yes and she told us her company had given you a grant (we didn't ask from 
where). She said it was wonderful to see one of the dogs in action. 

We are getting used to people being surprised to see a dog in certain places, 
and commenting on how big she is and how beautiful she is. People always smile 
and have so many questions. Today it was also a learning experience for a young 
boy. We were walking in a store and a boy around 8 saw us rounding the corner 
and got a bit nervous. We assured him Lola was not going to hurt him. He 
followed us with his mom for a few isles then cautiously came up to Michelle and 
asked why she had a dog in the store and why Lola had the vest on. Michelle 
explained that she has a hard time walking and that Lola helps her, and the vest 
lets people know that Lola has a very important job. A few minutes later we were 
in line and he walked by with his mom and another boy. He leans over to the 
other boy and says "See that dog over there. She helps her mom walk. She's the 
coolest dog I've ever met". I have to say I agree with him ;)

Happy Holidays!!
The Schiavone's