Schooner is in socialization overdrive right now. I’m finding places to go every day so I can get him out and around lots of different sights and sounds. The more he sees in a happy and comfortable way, the less excited he’ll be when it’s time for him to settle in and get to work […]
Caysun’s Next Journey to Becoming A Service Dog
The Dreaded Day: Turn-In Day. It vexes all puppy raisers, but I’m especially traumatized by turn-ins. You’d think that with enough experience, I’d get better at it. Have fewer tears. Hurt a little less. Nah. It’s always the same: the day is filled with dread, I wish that time would stop (and I could run […]
Service Dog Ike Has A Partner
Our sweet boy Ikey now has a partner! In Ike’s own words, as told to Hero Dogs: I knew something was up, ’cause it started with a BATH. Then there was the new collar, the new harness, the new vest. I have never been fussed over so much in my life. Quite frankly, I […]
Dog Body Language: How to Tell if a Dog is Happy, Frustrated, Scared, Annoyed
I don't have the luxury of watching "feel good" segments or programs that contain dogs. Because I "do dogs" for a living, I see all the little signs, the communication signals a dog is sending, and nothing is ever cute anymore, but rather just filled with warning and distress signals from dogs. Take this morning's […]
Grilled Pork + Feta = Easy Subway Trip for Ike
Part of becoming a service dog involves getting used to a lot of different sights and sounds. Ike had a field trip today to our local commuter train station. It's highly likely that in his lifetime as a service dog, Ike and his partner will need to take public transportation. It's crucial to make these […]
Talos Rocks D.C.’s Metro Train
A service dog needs to be comfortable in many different environments. They've got to be ok with lots of different noises, locations, people, surfaces – nothing should surprise them when they're out in the world working with their partner. Talos and I ventured to D.C. at peak cherry blossom time. And we went on the […]