Went to the movies

I talked Mark and Deb into going to the movies. We went to the theaters in Emporia to see the latest edition of The Chronicles of Narnia. We had great seats and the movie was exciting, lots of water and animals!






After the movie we walked around the mall and practiced lots of commands. I had to get my picture with Pooh!!




On our way out I thought about stopping in to say hi at the recruiting office, but sadly they were closed.


Ahoy mates.




Semper Fi




I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season. Tomorrow is the very best day of the year for I will be 1 year old!!

Hard at Work

After a couple days of R&R, we decided to go into town tonight. The local five-and-dime is closing up shop and the humans decided to take advantage of the deep discounts. We spent a good amount of time walking the aisles and filling up the cart. I got to meet a friend from the nursing home and a few other newbs!

Afterward we headed over to the Hays House for dinner (well, some of us got to eat dinner). I was excellent as usual and performed my "under" flawlessly. I was napping under the table when all of a sudden there were people everywhere. A large family came in and sat down at the table next to us. They had one of those small kids and then another one that was super tiny. I was very interested and wanted to check it out, but no one said the magic word, so I patiently waited under the table. After a few minutes I got to meet the family and did great. The tiny human started making this loud noise. I thought maybe it was mad cause I wasn't close enough to pet, but alas, dinner was served and all became quiet.

Here's a shot of me at dinner. Small space huh!



We finished dinner and stopped at the grocery on the way home. Got to see a fellow Lions Club member and practice my "up" at the checkout. Someone dropped a loaf of bread on the belt and it went right by my nose! It sure smelled good going by. I bet Bri would've woofed it down!!

All in all, it was a good outing. I sure do love getting out and meeting all my peeps.

Chow

Happy Holidays!

Hi there friends! I hope you all had/are having a wonderful time over the holidays. I was a bit confused (no comments, please).


My humans gave me this puzzle-thing for Christmas. I guess Dr. Barstow's human and SWMBO got together at the pet store and hatched this plan, so each of them bought a different type with the idea to switch after the first of the year. Doc and I must have been watching the poodle or something while all this was going on; but I digress!

I guess this puzzle is supposed to give the humans an idea of how smart we canines are. The human places treats underneath these little cups, and we are supposed to find them. The humans time us and can then compare results (of course, they say they would NEVER do such a thing-ya, right!) However, whoever designed this little "game" did NOT--I repeat, did NOT--have CCI dogs in mind!

Well, sure, I knew the treats were there. I went right up to the two places where SWMBO had "hid" them and licked the covers. Then I sat down, looked at her, and waited. Well, really! it's not like I am going to DO anything with that piece of equipment. I certainly am not going to paw at it, whine at it, turn it over, mouth it, bark at it, or perform any of those other absolutely uncouth behaviors that OTHER dogs might engage in! CERTAINLY NOT!

I wonder how Dr. Barstow made out with his?

Sounds of the Season

Ever since TBG and SWMBO brought me home, I have been fascinated by sounds...all types of sounds! Yesterday, I spent the day at K-State with SWMBO, and we stopped by the Hyvee in Manhappy. Dr. Barstow had mentioned that he thought the meat counter there was kinda scary, what with the guy all in white, the big knives, relatives in the case, and the beeping machine...so SWMBO thought we should check it out. We stopped at the fish counter instead, and I can tell you that my nose was in full gear! But, I didn't see anything frightful. Maybe I can trade Dr. Barstow help in the grocery store for advice on how not to lick!

In any event, as we were leaving, we crossed paths with a Salvation Army bell-ringer. He had the coolest bell and was making these wonderful sounds! I couldn't help myself...my tail started wagging, and then my hind end started wagging, and I couldn't stop staring! So, SWMBO took me over and let me investigate that wondrous bell! I love the sounds of the season (except when SWMBO plays the "Elvis Sings Christmas" CD!)

My Redemption Continues!

SWMBO and I went to the nursing home this morning, and I rocked it! I could go on and on and on...but suffice it to say that SWMBO said that today, my interactions "were worthy of Jeb". Higher praise has never before been bestowed upon my head!

I redeemed myself today!

I thought it would be a good idea to get back in Deb's good graces after I embarrassed her so badly last Thursday. TBG, SWMBO and I went into Manhattan today so I decided to be the best PIT (puppy in training) ever.

First we stopped at Body First on Anderson, owned by TBG's brother. I was there way back in April when I was just a wee pup. I asked Deb to re-create the same picture today. What do you all think?

April 2010


December 2010


Then we headed over to the other Body First (the Tennis and Fitness Club location).



Once inside we came across the most magnificent sight. It's as if I entered a fantasy world.



I got to work on my commands while they were trying to distract me. Bah, they couldn't trip me up today!!



Then they made me just remain in a 'down" around all those balls...do you have ANY idea how hard that was?



Well, I'd had enough of that and decided it was high time for me to play. Here I am waiting for TBG to serve me the ball.




After playing we headed over to Whiskey Creek for lunch. I think they were trying be smart in this picture....I don't work for PEANUTS!




Since the mall was so close, we headed over there to burn off some of that great lunch. We worked on my commands around the hoards of people that were there Christmas shopping.



We met a very nice woman that has a family member with a disability. We talked to her and explained what I'm all about. We met lots of other people and kids. It was a great time, but it took all of my concentration to tune out everything but the leash operator. I think I did a good job!

We loaded up the blue bomb and headed home. Once we got back, Deb thought it would be a good idea for some "me" time...as in ANSEL TIME...Woooo Hooooo!!

With a new tennis ball in paw and TBG with the Chuck-It, we went outside.

Chuck it man, just chuck it!!



Wooooo Hoooooooooo





It's the end of another day. I worked and played hard, and all that's left is to eat dinner and relax.

Ahhhhhhhh the sweet life!

Ansel left his brain at home

Deb took Ansel to work at K-State yesterday and from the stories I heard, Ansel forgot to pack his brain.

The short story is that he spent all day whining, stepping in his own droppings and not performing basic commands. It's as if he was actually being a *gasp* TEEN! At the end of the day, Ansel met up with his buddy, Dr.Barstow at Petco.




Thank goodness today is another day!

It was a GREAT presentation.......until I saw the sweater.

Another milestone passed last night, it was my first presentation with Deb where she talked about ME!

It was at Rambler's Steakhouse in Manhattan, KS. The Lion's Club of Manhattan invited me to come give a sample of what us pups are all about.



I gave my talking points to Deb and let her do her thing.



TBG had warned me earlier not to act like a puppy, but to act like a service dog in training. I decided to get him back during Deb's presentation by acting like I didn't know the difference between "roll" and "stand". You should have seen his face.......priceless!!

Then Deb had my buddy Bob come up so I could practice "lap". I really love this command, I get to be up close to my adoring fans!



At the end of the presentation, Deb had one of the people in the audience come up and work with me. Marsha stepped up and we did a little work. She did quite well and I think she would make an excellent volunteer puppy raiser!

I quietly laid at the table while everyone ate their dinner, but just before the meeting was to break up I just couldn't take it anymore. I had been watching these interesting snowballs and I decided it was time to investigate. Needless to say, I got into a little bit of trouble when I tried to save the snowballs form that mean sweater.




Finally, a picture of me on stage before the crowd arrived. I had a great time, met lots of really nice people and got to show what us pups are all about. Thanks to the Lion's Club for inviting us to their Christmas party!

Me and TBG went to town.

TBG took me into town today to partake of the festivities going on at his bank. Got to meet lots of people and behaved quite well if I do say so myself!

After that we stopped at "The Clothes Line" to pick up Deb's work'n duds. I met the owner and her pet Parrot. He was pretty cool, got to fly around off leash!!!! The owner mentioned that I was the first dog to come into the building that didn't scare the Parrot and make him fly into his cage. Hey.....I try hard you know!

Here's a pic of me watching the other birds.




Also, weighed myself today.....66 pounds of pure puppy fun!

Ansel has finally found his voice!

Just thought I'd stop in for a quick update. Ansel has had LOTS of exercise this week as we have been taking him for long hikes on the Prairie. No real opportunities to go into town since we have both been swamped with work.

One really exceptional item to check off the training list though, Ansel has finally found his voice and is learning the "speak" and "quiet" commands. It has taken many attempts along with expert advice front North Central to summit this mountain, but it has finally happened.

Deb will get the credit for this success since it was her final push and sticktuitiveness that eventually resulted in a victory. Now if we can just sew his tongue up to keep it from reaching out to everyone.......

Let's See...

...what I have been up to this week:

1. Staying close to TBG, as he has not been feeling well for a few days
2. A day at K-State
3. Time at the nursing home, where I practiced my "visit" command
4. A visit to the grocery, garnering a bellyrub in the middle of the bread aisle!
5. A loooong hike on the prairie
6. Helped with the holiday decoration as SWMBO and TBG considered this an "excellent training opportunity." I guess these are the ornaments from when SWMBO was but a young one like I am now!

Mmmm...think that's it! Until next time!

It's The Fine Arts, Dahling!

SWMBO and TBG took in some culture today at the Gathering in the Grove in CG. I was a little hesitant at first, as I wasn't sure if I would fit in or not. However, most people seemed pleased to see me, and I handed out some cards, too...not to mention taking in the finest artwork in the Flint Hills!





Along the way, I got to work on some new distractions, including swirling and piled-up leaves on Main Street.



Chow, Dahling! (Get it? Chow? Oh, I slay myself!)

I'm Behind; I Know!

Jeez...it's a good thing I don't write for a living, or I'd be hungry. Lots has happened this week. I'll give you the headlines.

Canine Companions for Independence GRADUATES!
Santiago, Rona, and Donner have all made placements. Rigby is being held over for the next Team Training (don't worry; Jeb was a "holdover" too). We celebrated on Thursday night in KC. Notice the names they put on the cake! Huh! Us pups do all the work, you know!




Visit with Dr. Barstow!
Who promptly stole the GoughNut out of my backpack and started playing keep-away!



Thanksgiving with TBG and his family!
(Who knew there were more TBG's around?)



Anyway, THANKS to all of you, who, for some reason, keep coming back to read about my (mis)adventures! I appreciate all of you!

What's with the Stairs?

We've had some questions about the stairs pictures. I was quite flummoxed by stairs initially...so I am quite proud of my accomplishment!

April 2010

Scary Stairs

NOT!!!!!!!

Went into the "Big City" Saturday

It's a running joke if you live in the "sticks" about going to town or the big city. Around these parts, Manhattan is the designated big city; LOL.

Anyway, we loaded up my motor coach (aka the Blue Bomb) and headed into Manhattan. Check out my new cover!



We had a lot of stops today. We went to Petco (my favorite), then over to Bed, Bath & Beyond. After that we went to Best Buy and then Greek to Me. GTM has lots of K-State stuff. I had TBG take this pic of me and Deb. Notice she's wearing Gator attire.



I convinced TBG and SWMBO that I'd behave if we went to the mall, so off we went. Here are a few pics of me at the Town Center.





Mmmmm, chocolate!


What the heck???




As we were walking around the mall, I stumbled across a book by.....none other than......




WOW!! That guy takes GREAT pictures!

After the mall we stopped by the bowling alley and watched for awhile. I tried to get TBG to play a game, but he kept babbling on about not having opposable thumbs or some such nonsense!



Overall, had a great outing. I got to meet a lot of new people and some really fun kids!