Posts Tagged: service dog blog

What’s the Fuss About Dressing Up? My Doggy Thoughts on Halloween

I’m not sure what Halloween means. I’m a dog. It’s just another day for me. But Mom has decked out the house in what she calls “fall” and celebrates the change in seasons.

All I know about this Halloween thing is it’s colder outside and I want to snuggle more, and people wear costumes, putting their fur-babies in crazy outfits, too. Mom joins in on the silliness by dressing me up.

Does this shirt make me look like I’m a country dog?

We’re going to a little girl’s birthday party and I’m Mom’s escort to a tea party. Do I look handsome enough?

This next photo isn’t really a costume. But I get to dry off in my cozy, warm robe after my bath.

I once did a photo shoot for a fundraiser involving Elvia for Dogs for Diabetics. What do you think of this one?

My all-time favorite was when I was Elvis and Mom, the Vegas sign. We won first place in the contest.

I don’t mind dressing up so much. It could be worse. Mom could dress me up as a cat!

No matter whether you dress up or now, or however you celebrate this day, I wish for you to have a safe time to enjoy the fall, y’all!

Aiden (woof! chomp!)

P.S. Leave me a comment and tell me which picture is your favorite.

Mom Takes Me Everywhere

Fish Hotel

As a dog, I love adventures. As summer comes to an end, my doggy heart fondly considers some of the fun things I encountered in our travels.

Fish Hotel

I was nearly swallowed by a fish hotel.

Fish Hotel

We also encountered a giant Swedish horse (or Dala, as they call it).

Swedish horse

Mom has a few small ones of these in her kitchen as she says they represent her heritage.

There was this blue ox named Babe and her master, Paul Bunyan, that I met in Bemidji, Minnesota. I just wish they had a dog for me to play with.

Paul Bunyan

There is a famous factory in Mom’s hometown, and I got to take a tour of it. They make cats of some kind, but I didn’t see any and the ones they make don’t have fur.

Aiden and Arctic Cat

We explored Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where the biggest breakfast in town is served.

Aiden in front of big skillet

Then one day while Mom shopped for a new bed, I took a nap in a giant’s recliner.

Aiden sleeping on large chair

I enjoy adventures, but sometimes, all I want to do is hang out at home. Mom says I’m becoming a true Southern dog, enjoying our front porch.

Aiden on porch swing

Water-Logged Dog

Christy waving with Aiden on rock in river

Aiden sitting on shoreThose of you who know me know how much I hate water.

When I first came to live with Christy, she had to smear peanut butter on the shower wall in order for me to get in the tub. Recently, we went on a long road trip where I encountered some water.

Christy’s BFF Janell took us and my furry friends, Cody and Frankie, to a place called Lake Superior. I stood, paws at the edge of the water and looked it over.

This lake thing reminded me of the ocean except there were no waves crashing and roaring.

I was having so much fun running in the sand, chasing my friends, when…

three dogs on beach

…I suddenly found myself in the water up to my knees! Mom was surprised. I was too.

A couple of days later, Mom insisted on taking me to the Mississippi River Headwaters at Itasca State Park in Minnesota.

Mississippi River sign

She told me I could walk in the water to cross the Mighty Mississippi. That didn’t mean anything to me. All I heard was “water” and she wasn’t talking about getting a drink.

When I saw the log bridge, I knew walking across the trickling water would be easy, but then we went down a trail and I spied a row of rocks sticking out of the water. Uh-oh, I think my paws are going to get wet. What if I slip?

Christy leading Aiden across log bridge

Mom told me she slipped the last time she was here, but she made sure the rocks weren’t slippery this time. She stepped in the water, tennis shoes and all, and I followed willingly.

Christy and Aiden crossing river - from behind

At every rock, Mom gave me a treat.

Christy waving with Aiden on rock in river

I was in water again and my paws were soaked, but I was walking in the water to cross the great Mississippi River.

Having conquered two water attractions on this vacation and enjoyed them, I can call myself a true Minnesota tourist.

Christy and Aiden on rock in Mississippi River

Have You Seen This Cow?

Instead of writing about my own doggy adventures, I must tell you my friend Nash’s amazing story.

Nash was a rescue baby bull that my friend Paige and her family raised in their rural backyard (until he became too large for their space). The family brought him to a farm where he could roam free with other cows, and they could visit him whenever they wanted. It turns out he loved it.

Horrible Mistake

Nash had only been able to enjoy running with other cows a few weeks when he was mistakenly rounded up and sold at auction for the slaughterhouse. When the news reached Paige’s family, they were devastated. Paige’s mom took action and word spread quickly through social media. Everyone was on board to find Nash before it was too late.

The Power of Prayer and Kind People

After a few days, word came that Nash had possibly been located, but it was a race against time. With the help of several people, and after much prayer, this word came:

“I think I just loaded up your calf because he wouldn’t stop licking me.” (If you know me, you know why I love Nash so much.)

Another big rig driver loaded Nash up for his ride to the family reunion.

Lost and Found

What are the odds that a cow can be sold at auction with hundreds of other cows, branded and tagged ready for sale, be found and returned to the family that originally rescued him as a baby? If I were lost like that, I know my mom would go to all lengths to find me, just like Nash’s family did. That’s love.

Word on the street is, Nash’s story is going viral and a children’s book might be in his future.

Welcome home, Nash!

Blog Invasion of the Little Person Kind

WOOF! What is this thing?

Recently, a friend Kevin worked with in California come to stay at our house. They wanted to check out Tennessee to possibly move here. He brought a little Person with. Every time she put her arms out, Mom picked her up.

What is going on? This little person is all over the place. Mom nearly panicked when she lost sight of the little thing and found her at the top of the stairs.

Mom says it’s because our new house is not baby-proof.

The little person wasn’t mean to me. She’d come and gently pat my head and hug my neck. One time she even snuggled with me on the floor but didn’t stay long. She explored everything.

She must have thought the water dish was a mini pool to cool off in.

I’m so glad Mom got me a fresh drink because I didn’t want to taste baby-toe flavored water.

I wonder if this is what it will be like one day when Mom is a grandma? She said it was good practice.

I love people, but can you tell I’m glad it was temporary?

A Service Dog’s Travel Log

Aiden on butterfly bench

Exploring is fun and filled with new smells. My nose goes on overload, but no matter how many different scents I smell, I keep focused on the main scent to keep my Mom’s blood sugars from dropping dangerously low.

Aiden looking up at Christy

I joined Christy on a ladies weekend trip to the Atlantic Ocean, a place called Myrtle Beach, where I met a pirate.

Aiden and pirate

Running on the beach was a lot of fun.

Aiden at beach

Mom’s friend Tammy took us to a beautiful place called Brookgreen Gardens.  I was on sensory smell overload for the greenery and fountains we encountered. The garden is known for its statues and artwork.

Many of them were of dogs. Christy pet one like it was real since it reminded her of Faith, a Great Dane mix she had when I first came to live with her. I gave her a big slurp to lick away her tears.

Great Dane statue

My favorite statue was the mama and baby bear.

Aiden in front of bear

Nearby was a sitting bench that Christy insisted I sit on. I’m not sure why, but she said she couldn’t resist making me look cute. Does this bench make me look cute?

Aiden on butterfly bench

I’m told we were staying in touristy town. I’m not sure what that means, but Christy took lots of pictures of me, including this one that reminded her I’m a lifesaver, no matter where we might find ourselves.

Shark eating lifeguard chairs

Even if we were swallowed by a shark – but that won’t happen because I do not like water!

Bigfoot is Alive and Well and Thriving in Tennessee

Aiden and bigfoot

I am finding that in Tennessee, the people celebrate everything. A dog could walk around a different festival every weekend and fill his nose with all kinds of good scents.

Recently Mom took me to a street fair in our new hometown of Morristown. While minding my own business and doing my job, my nose led me to a very large furry creature.

Aiden and bigfoot

At first, Mom thought he might be a famous Star Wars character, but upon closer investigation, we found out Bigfoot was advertising another festival celebrating the big furry creature himself. And I thought he was supposed to be elusive.

On yet another day trip, Dad took Mom and me to a huge store called Bass Pro where I got close to some huge fish. In a giant aquarium.

Aiden at aquarium

The place was so big that I got a lot of exercise and took a rest on this crazy fish bench.

Aiden on fish bench

I could tell you I caught this huge fish using only my jaws and paws, but that would be what humans call a ‘fish story.’

Besides, if you know me by now, I’d never hurt a living creature. Also, I only eat dog food.

I Love This Song!

Aiden wearing hat

Today started out like an ordinary day, but then Christy got all silly and put this hat on me.

Aiden wearing hat

I know what’s going on. Whenever I hear this song, I remember the first time Christy and a bunch of my friends with their dogs sang it to me. “Happy Birthday!”

I turned seven on April 25.

I get all happy and excited ever since the day I first heard the Happy Birthday song. I remember my first birthday with Christy where I got tons of amazing treats and toys, and when I hear it, I think everyone is singing for me and all the goodies will follow.

We went to a Bible study group and a guy there would sing Happy Birthday just to see if I would get excited. Oh, how Mom misses you, Gerry.

I digress, if a dog can do such a thing.

I am seven years old in people years, which means nothing to me. Mom got me “senior dog” food to make sure I get the proper nutrition. It doesn’t matter to me; as long as I have food in my bowl, I’m happy.

Aiden on grass

But We Just Got Here!

Christy, Aiden and Wildwing, the Anaheim Ducks mascot

Mom has been busy unpacking and decorating our new house for so long that I was confused when she pulled out the large suitcase and said, “We’re going on a trip.”

Turns out we were flying back to Southern California to visit my Auntie Cindy. I don’t mind airplane rides and this time was special because when we finally landed, an announcement said the captain was retiring and this had been his last flight. I was honored to meet Captain Stuart Kenney with a congratulatory slurp.

Aiden with Captain Stuart Kenney

Arriving at Auntie Cindy’s house, I met my new fur-cousin, Ella. She took a few sniffs at me and then panicked, running laps so fast around the room, no one could catch her. She hadn’t seen such a big dog before.

But she soon warmed up to me and then wouldn’t leave me alone! Ah, puppies! I’m going to need a vacation from this vacation.

My second adventure was attending an Anaheim Ducks hockey game. Mom loves professional hockey and I got to be an honorary usher.

Aiden, honorary usher at Anaheim Ducks game

During the break when they resurface the ice, I also met Wildwing, the Duck’s mascot. He stopped just for me so we could take a picture. He’s so cool.

Aiden and Christy with Wildwing, Anaheim Ducks mascot

A day later I had a déjà vu moment as we drove the same road we had taken to get us to Tennessee a few weeks earlier.

Route 66

This time, we stopped in Laughlin, Nevada, where Christy’s Uncle Clare and Auntie Barb were vacationing. I rode on a riverboat. The water was so clear you could see the rocks on the bottom!

I couldn’t resist photo-bombing Mom’s selfie with Auntie Cindy.

Auntie Cindy took us to the dog beach where I got to pretend to be a lifeguard. Wait a minute, I am a lifeguard. I guard my Mom’s life every day and keep her safe by alerting to low blood sugars.

So why did we fly back to California so soon after leaving? You’ll have to read Mom’s future blog post to find out.

Home at Last! (Part 4 of 4)

Click to read the other parts of my story:

As I eat my breakfast, Mom promises me we are almost there. It’s still more driving, but we cross into Tennessee, landing in a place called Memphis, where mom got her Starbucks and I got a pup cup.

I was happy, but spent yet another day on the road to a place called Cookeville. I’m hoping it has cookies for me, but unfortunately it doesn’t. Oh well. I know I’m a good boy and Mom has the only kind of cookie I can have, which I’ll get later.

When the humans got hungry, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel where I warmed up by the giant rock fireplace. So far, Tennesseans are friendly and that makes Mom very happy.

But after a shorter drive, tears of joy fall from Mom’s eyes as her good friend, Tammy, greets us at the end of her driveway. We have arrived where we’ll stay until the big truck arrives with our belongings.

I’m happy to have a yard to play in with my friend, Todd the cat.

After one night, something wonderful happened. I have a new, permanent home. No more all-day driving. I have lots of new spaces to explore, but finally, I can curl up in my own bed.

I’m home.