Sep 8
Joey is six months old today. He is weighing in at 72 lbs, so the size estimates I am seeing on-line are scaring me. I have looked at different formulas, and they seem to agree that his adult weight will be around 144. All the websites are very careful to mention that these are only estimates, but it does seem clear to me that we need to start calling him "Big Joe".
We know that SEGD's goldadores always come from male goldens and female labs, but we have heard that they are considering breeding male goldadors with female labs. If this happens with Big Joe, I can envision a line of very large dogs. Probably not in the best interests of SEGD, unless they are planning on creating personal protection guide dogs for blind celebrities and heads of state. Or, adding a riding stable for the kids after they come for the puppy hugging. Not to mention the females that would have to carry his pups!
What I am getting to, is that we want to get that letter telling us to get him fixed. Of course we would be proud if he was eventually selected as a breeder, but we would rather see him fully trained and be somebody's first guide dog. We want him to change somebody's life. And, it would be great to put an end to those raging hormones running rampant in our house. The kids aren't safe getting down on the floor to play with him. And he wouldn't be so distracted by little miss Ellie, the beautiful nine month old golden in our puppy group.
Sep 8, 2010
Sep 5, 2010
A New Sheet For the Doggy Bed?
Sep 5
Yesterday was our wedding anniversary and our oldest son cooked a beautiful dinner for us. The table was fully decked out with candles and ------------------------------------- wait for it------------------------------------------------a tablecloth. Everything was great last night, but this morning the tablecloth and candles were still on the table. Joey got very curious about the fabric hanging down and decided that it would be much easier to lay on if it was on the floor. I think it would be very easy to picture what the scene would have been like with a fully set table (and the good china). We were lucky that there was only the candelabra to be knocked over.
I am a little surprised that it took almost four months before Joey saw a tablecloth. But, having two young sons, we very seldom set the table that fancy. The holidays are still months away. And, having the boys, we almost never go to the finer dining establishments where they cover the table instead of just wiping it down.
Yesterday was our wedding anniversary and our oldest son cooked a beautiful dinner for us. The table was fully decked out with candles and ------------------------------------- wait for it------------------------------------------------a tablecloth. Everything was great last night, but this morning the tablecloth and candles were still on the table. Joey got very curious about the fabric hanging down and decided that it would be much easier to lay on if it was on the floor. I think it would be very easy to picture what the scene would have been like with a fully set table (and the good china). We were lucky that there was only the candelabra to be knocked over.
I am a little surprised that it took almost four months before Joey saw a tablecloth. But, having two young sons, we very seldom set the table that fancy. The holidays are still months away. And, having the boys, we almost never go to the finer dining establishments where they cover the table instead of just wiping it down.
Aug 27, 2010
Puppies, Attention!
I don’t know if I could ever be as proud of Joey as I was this morning. I took him out to watch the Honor Escort for Marine Lance Cpl. Nathaniel J.A. Schultz, who was killed in Afghanistan. He was flown into MacDill AFB and came thru Brandon on the way to Riverview. Joey sat next to me on the side of the road as the procession approached. He looked extra sharp in his blue coat. As the police cars approached, he focused his eyes on them and didn’t move a muscle. Then, just as the hearse got to us, he stood up. He stood there not moving, watching the hearse, the Patriot Riders, and the rest of the motorcade pass by. As the last police car was passing, he sat down again.
Joey had stood at attention to honor a fallen American! How could he not? His sponsor is a combat wounded Marine and a guide dog user. I am retired US Air Force. Joey somehow understands the way we feel and he paid his respects appropriately.
Now, most people would say he probably was just fascinated by the flashing lights and flapping flags, but I know better.
Aug 4, 2010
Take Off--- To the Great White North!
Aug 4
Joey’s trip to Canada started out with some fun. He was a true professional in the airport until we went thru security. There was a very long line, but we were ushered around to the front. They had the new body scanner working and it was really slowing things down. We were taken to the old standard metal detector. We were asked to remove Joey’s leash and have him go thru by himself. So, Cindy went thru first and then called Joey thru. Joey stopped halfway to check out the detector. BEEEEEP. Joey comes back to me to try again. Cindy calls him and I hold onto him until he is really anxious to get to her. I let go and he goes straight thru without stopping, tail wagging like crazy. Tail touches the detector and----BEEEEEP. The security guard started to have us send him thru again, but the supervisor came around from the x-ray station and said he would pat him down. We think he just wanted to play with Joey cause the “pat down” was more playful rubbing then anything else. We finally got thru and were putting our shoes on when we met a friend of somebody else in our puppy raiser group who was flying out on a different flight. She had watched the security fun and had to come over to talk to us.
We flew into Atlanta and one of the wonderful Air-Tran supervisors escorted Joey and Dave out onto the ramp to a grassy area to let him “busy”. While boarding the connecting flight, a lady saw our SEGD Puppy Raiser shirts and was telling us how she has been a supporter of SEGD for years. We were already seated and Joey was under the seat, so she couldn’t really see him, but she made sure to find us at baggage claim after the flight so she could meet him. Joey was very good on the planes, just laying on the floor sleeping the whole way. Well, we thought he was sleeping. He was head first under the seat with his butt sticking out by our feet. Suddenly the lady in the seat ahead jumped and let out a little scream. Somebody was licking her ankle. Luckily, she was a good sport and thought it was very amusing.
We arrived in Buffalo, picked up our rental car and headed for the border. Crossing was as quick and easy as it should be, we just showed Joey’s rabies certificate along with our passports and we were thru with no problem.
While in Canada, we stayed in a little cabin on the shore of a picturesque lake and enjoyed the wonderful cool weather. Picture postcard type of wonderful. Joey experienced a few new things like a floating dock, (which didn’t faze him in the least), and the lake itself.
He enjoyed walking around on the rocks at the lakes edge, occasionally slipping in and getting a little wet. We also had him at a friend’s pool while the kids were playing in it. He kept running around the edge trying to play with them when the inevitable happened. It was an honest to goodness slip on the wet surface and the kids were quick to steer him toward the steps so he could get out on his own. So, we got a few new checkmarks on the exposure list.
On the plane coming home, we didn’t want a repeat of the ankle licking incident, so I tried to keep his rear under the seat, with his head (and tongue) out where I could keep an eye on it. Suddenly the people in front of us were laughing and trying to look under their seats and around behind them. That is when we learned that Joey’s tail is a lot longer than his tongue. Everywhere we went, people were very interested in Joey and the whole puppy-raiser idea. He made a lot of friends and made a lot of people smile.
Joey’s trip to Canada started out with some fun. He was a true professional in the airport until we went thru security. There was a very long line, but we were ushered around to the front. They had the new body scanner working and it was really slowing things down. We were taken to the old standard metal detector. We were asked to remove Joey’s leash and have him go thru by himself. So, Cindy went thru first and then called Joey thru. Joey stopped halfway to check out the detector. BEEEEEP. Joey comes back to me to try again. Cindy calls him and I hold onto him until he is really anxious to get to her. I let go and he goes straight thru without stopping, tail wagging like crazy. Tail touches the detector and----BEEEEEP. The security guard started to have us send him thru again, but the supervisor came around from the x-ray station and said he would pat him down. We think he just wanted to play with Joey cause the “pat down” was more playful rubbing then anything else. We finally got thru and were putting our shoes on when we met a friend of somebody else in our puppy raiser group who was flying out on a different flight. She had watched the security fun and had to come over to talk to us.
We arrived in Buffalo, picked up our rental car and headed for the border. Crossing was as quick and easy as it should be, we just showed Joey’s rabies certificate along with our passports and we were thru with no problem.
While in Canada, we stayed in a little cabin on the shore of a picturesque lake and enjoyed the wonderful cool weather. Picture postcard type of wonderful. Joey experienced a few new things like a floating dock, (which didn’t faze him in the least), and the lake itself.
He enjoyed walking around on the rocks at the lakes edge, occasionally slipping in and getting a little wet. We also had him at a friend’s pool while the kids were playing in it. He kept running around the edge trying to play with them when the inevitable happened. It was an honest to goodness slip on the wet surface and the kids were quick to steer him toward the steps so he could get out on his own. So, we got a few new checkmarks on the exposure list.
Jul 23, 2010
In Memoriam
July 23
There is deep sadness in the Mihulka home this week. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of "Squirrel", a very close, inseparable friend of Joey. Squirrel first came into the Mihulka home on May 29th, 2010 as a gift from Joey's sponsers, Jimmy and Stefanie Lannon of Sarasota. Squirrel's death came after a short case of torn stitching, followed soon after by traumatic disembowelment. Survivors include two Nylabones, three Kong toys, and a green dental chew. Services were held at the home and the body was interred in a garbage can beside the garage. Squirrel will be deeply missed by Joey.
The Mihulka family happily welcomes a brand-new bundle of joy, Chipmunk.
Born 7/23/10, the little cutie weighs in at 1.1 ounce and is 10 inches long. (not including tail) Joey welcomed him with open mouth.
There is deep sadness in the Mihulka home this week. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of "Squirrel", a very close, inseparable friend of Joey. Squirrel first came into the Mihulka home on May 29th, 2010 as a gift from Joey's sponsers, Jimmy and Stefanie Lannon of Sarasota. Squirrel's death came after a short case of torn stitching, followed soon after by traumatic disembowelment. Survivors include two Nylabones, three Kong toys, and a green dental chew. Services were held at the home and the body was interred in a garbage can beside the garage. Squirrel will be deeply missed by Joey.
Birth Announcements
The Mihulka family happily welcomes a brand-new bundle of joy, Chipmunk.
Born 7/23/10, the little cutie weighs in at 1.1 ounce and is 10 inches long. (not including tail) Joey welcomed him with open mouth.
Jul 11, 2010
Road trip!
July 11
We had a great trip back to Nebraska. We drove this time instead of flying
Joey was just wonderful in the car. He laid on the floor either playing with a chew toy, or just keeping up with his beauty sleep. We stopped in St. Louis and took him to the top of the Gateway Arch. You ride to the top in what can only be described as a big clothes dryer. We got a great picture of Joey looking out the window at the top.
Then, it was on to Nebraska.
We stayed at my dad’s house while we were there. The first morning after we arrived, I was sitting at a table with Joey next to me. He started nosing around under the china cabinet. He had been nosing under there the night before, so I got down to find out if something was down there. I didn’t see anything, so I ran my hand in the carpet and felt something small. I picked some up and looked at them. They were small green pellets, MOUSE POISON. Dad had picked up all the poison trays before we had arrived, but the vacuum didn’t reach far enough under the cabinet to get some of particles that had been spread under there. I got on the internet to do some reading on the subject. Joey had to go outside to busy right about then, and I saw that his poo was bright green. There was no mistaking that he had eaten some. It was too early for the vet office to be open, so I called the emergency number. The doc assured me there was no cause for alarm, but I did need to bring him in that morning. I brought in a tray of the poison, and a poo sample. The vet examined them and confirmed that he had eaten enough to be dangerous. She gave us some medication to counter-act the poison. Joey is and will be just fine.
On the way back home, we spent some time in Tennessee. We went to an old working farm that is kept the way it was back in 1860. Joey got to meet some pigs and chickens, but was really fascinated by the horses. But, he is getting to be a true professional, and with just a slight tug of the leash, he is off to see what else there is to find. Joey also got to go in the Ruby Falls cave in Chattanooga. As we met other tour groups in the cave, people were always surprised to see dog in there.
When we got home, he quickly found his favorite toy, which we intentionally did not take on the trip with us. We knew the constant squeaky, squeaky, squeaky, in the car would have driven us crazy. This favorite toy is now a very sorry looking squirrel. He brings it to us and whines, trying to get us to play tug-of-war with him. That is one thing we can't do. For a more timid dog, tug-of-war is good to help the dog gain some confidence, but Joey already knows he is the best. No matter how much we love him and want to spoil him, we have to remember that his destiny lies in another direction. So far, his training has been a dream. He is a very smart dog. Nothing seems to faze him. Oh sure, he notices everything around him, and he will turn to look at things when we are walking, but just a slight tug on the leash puts his focus back where it should be. The only problem area seems to be whatever is laying on the ground. He will snatch up small sticks, leaves, litter, anything that is in his path. I am constantly jerking the leash up to keep his head up away from the ground. I hope that as his legs grow longer and his head is further away from the ground, it will get easier to stop him from grabbing everything.
We had a great trip back to Nebraska. We drove this time instead of flying
Joey was just wonderful in the car. He laid on the floor either playing with a chew toy, or just keeping up with his beauty sleep. We stopped in St. Louis and took him to the top of the Gateway Arch. You ride to the top in what can only be described as a big clothes dryer. We got a great picture of Joey looking out the window at the top.
Then, it was on to Nebraska.
We stayed at my dad’s house while we were there. The first morning after we arrived, I was sitting at a table with Joey next to me. He started nosing around under the china cabinet. He had been nosing under there the night before, so I got down to find out if something was down there. I didn’t see anything, so I ran my hand in the carpet and felt something small. I picked some up and looked at them. They were small green pellets, MOUSE POISON. Dad had picked up all the poison trays before we had arrived, but the vacuum didn’t reach far enough under the cabinet to get some of particles that had been spread under there. I got on the internet to do some reading on the subject. Joey had to go outside to busy right about then, and I saw that his poo was bright green. There was no mistaking that he had eaten some. It was too early for the vet office to be open, so I called the emergency number. The doc assured me there was no cause for alarm, but I did need to bring him in that morning. I brought in a tray of the poison, and a poo sample. The vet examined them and confirmed that he had eaten enough to be dangerous. She gave us some medication to counter-act the poison. Joey is and will be just fine.
On the way back home, we spent some time in Tennessee. We went to an old working farm that is kept the way it was back in 1860. Joey got to meet some pigs and chickens, but was really fascinated by the horses. But, he is getting to be a true professional, and with just a slight tug of the leash, he is off to see what else there is to find. Joey also got to go in the Ruby Falls cave in Chattanooga. As we met other tour groups in the cave, people were always surprised to see dog in there.
When we got home, he quickly found his favorite toy, which we intentionally did not take on the trip with us. We knew the constant squeaky, squeaky, squeaky, in the car would have driven us crazy. This favorite toy is now a very sorry looking squirrel. He brings it to us and whines, trying to get us to play tug-of-war with him. That is one thing we can't do. For a more timid dog, tug-of-war is good to help the dog gain some confidence, but Joey already knows he is the best. No matter how much we love him and want to spoil him, we have to remember that his destiny lies in another direction. So far, his training has been a dream. He is a very smart dog. Nothing seems to faze him. Oh sure, he notices everything around him, and he will turn to look at things when we are walking, but just a slight tug on the leash puts his focus back where it should be. The only problem area seems to be whatever is laying on the ground. He will snatch up small sticks, leaves, litter, anything that is in his path. I am constantly jerking the leash up to keep his head up away from the ground. I hope that as his legs grow longer and his head is further away from the ground, it will get easier to stop him from grabbing everything.
Jun 18, 2010
Not your average puppy day-camp
June 18
Joey was out at Cub Scout day camp all week. He got to be around a couple hundred screaming kids. On the first couple days he was tied to my camping trailer and had his portable kennel sitting in the shade. But, he preferred to lay under a tree and insisted on trying to dig. I was busy teaching a cooking class for the boys and couldn’t be right there to stop him every time, so I pulled out a piece of outdoor carpet we use in the tent and layed it down so he couldn’t dig. Then he insisted on laying under the trailer. He didn’t want to stay in the kennel. I put him in his coat for the flag ceremony at the start and close of each day. Today, for the last day of camp, the boys had a big water gun fight against the camp staff. I ran Joey around in the middle of the fight and let him get wet and he was able to get some of the boys wet when he would shake off the water. Also, today was a big milestone for Joey. Maybe not in his training, but it was important for his self-confidence. He jumped into the front floor of my pickup completely on his own with no assistance. You could really see the look of satisfaction on his face.
Joey was out at Cub Scout day camp all week. He got to be around a couple hundred screaming kids. On the first couple days he was tied to my camping trailer and had his portable kennel sitting in the shade. But, he preferred to lay under a tree and insisted on trying to dig. I was busy teaching a cooking class for the boys and couldn’t be right there to stop him every time, so I pulled out a piece of outdoor carpet we use in the tent and layed it down so he couldn’t dig. Then he insisted on laying under the trailer. He didn’t want to stay in the kennel. I put him in his coat for the flag ceremony at the start and close of each day. Today, for the last day of camp, the boys had a big water gun fight against the camp staff. I ran Joey around in the middle of the fight and let him get wet and he was able to get some of the boys wet when he would shake off the water. Also, today was a big milestone for Joey. Maybe not in his training, but it was important for his self-confidence. He jumped into the front floor of my pickup completely on his own with no assistance. You could really see the look of satisfaction on his face.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)