4th Day of Training

This morning we tracked twice. Keeper is an excellent tracker! She found Jack both times with no problems. I hid with Jack once and Rich hid the other time. In the afternoon we practiced more commands and behavior disruption.
This evening after class we wanted to walk over to the mall (our hotel is in the same parking lot). After practicing in the hotel hallways we decided to tether Jack to Keeper for the mall outing "homework". The mall was very crowded but both Jack and Keeper did very well!!! We were both very pleased! We walked to the Food Court and had dinner and then walked back. Jack seemed to like the "freedom" of being able to walk without having his hand held. He did not fight the tether at all! Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers!

3rd Day of Training

This morning we had our first tracking session. It was FREEZING! But thankfully no snow. It was clear, cold and very windy.
Each dog in the class had a turn to track their child (or children). When it was our turn Rich hid with Jack behind some trees in a park about a quarter of a mile from where Keeper, Jeremy (the amazing trainer) and myself waited. On the command "track" Keeper lead us to Jack and Rich. Amazing! We will be practicing again tomorrow morning with Jack and I hiding. This way Keeper learns to track Jack and not Rich or I.
In the afternoon we started learning the techniques of tethering. We also received her service dog harness. We took her into Petsmart with us after class, where of course all dogs are welcome, but we wanted to start small! She is still learning taking commands from us, especially me!
Jack is enjoying playing at 4Paws. They have so many toys and things to do inside and it is all in a big room with us so we can watch the kids. A wonderful set up!
Sorry, no new pictures today. I'll try to get some of tracking tomorrow!

2nd day of Training

Not a whole lot different than yesterday. Jack still not enjoying Keeper's presence. Keeper tries to get in his face and Jack does not like that. But they say that will come. Keeper actually prefers Rich right now so I am doing most of the training so Keeper learns to do the commands from me. To the left is a picture of Jack and some other boys watching a dvd. More tomorrow!

1st Day of Training

WOW! Today was both amazing and exhausting! Jack and Keeper have not yet bonded but we were not expecting it to happen right away. Jack is neutral over the whole idea and ignores her.
But tomorrow is a new day and Jack and Keeper will both be getting into a new routine. I did manage to get a few pictures but only one of them together - both sleeping! We will try for more tomorrow! Thank you all for checking on us and praying for a quick adjustment for both Keeper and Jack.

In Ohio!

After a long day of traveling we finally made it to our hotel at 12:45 a.m.! Jack did fairly well on the plane although there were some frantic cries of "I want help!" when he was trying to get out of his car seat. Luckily there were many young children on the flight so his cries blended in well. He slept for about 2 hours and spent the other 2 playing with the portable dvd player. (Not actually watching anything, just pressing lots of buttons.)
We will be leaving to meet Keeper very soon! I hope to post some pictures tonight!

Leaving in the Morning!

We will be leaving for Oakland International Airport in the morning. We are very thankful we have a direct flight to Columbus, OH. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we are not sure how Jack is going to do on the plane. On Tuesday morning we will be meeting Keeper and should have pictures up that day!

KEEPER!!

Today the long awaited email arrived! The following is a message to Jack from his new friend Keeper! We can't wait to meet her next week!



Hello!

My name is Keeper and I am a year old Black Lab born 9-23-2006. My name is Kepper because everyone says that I am a "Keeper". I am not sure what that means but they say it with love so it must be a good thing! I love to play ball and I like Nylabones too, especially the liver flavored ones. Have you ever chewed on one of those? They are pretty darn good! I can't wait to meet you next week. I am so excited to have my very own child! I hope you will play games with me and let me sleep in your room! See ya really soon my new buddy! Love and doggie kisses, Keeper

Still Waiting!

We are still patiently waiting for our e-mail from Karen, the Director of 4-Paws. She said we will know by Tuesday which dog they have matched up with Jack. We can't wait for this info and will post a picture and information as soon as we receive the e-mail.