Velvet

[vesta111]

I'm kind of like your wife....afraid of big dogs, particularly German shepherds. Though I really really like Labs and Great Danes.

I've had 4 Westies though, and would have another in a heartbeat, but other half thinks dogs only belong outside, and I think they belong inside. It's been an ongoing battle for years and until he realizes that dogs in his prior "lifetime" weren't properly trained, there won't be any more dogs here.

We do have 3 cats, and he suggested the other day we go to the shelter and get another one.    This from the man, who 19 years ago when we started dating, detested cats! 

Most dogs belong inside with their pack of people.   Some breeds do need to be outside, but most are miserable being apart from their loved ones, US.

Southern idea, dogs in the barn, people in the house did not indear me to my ex  MIL that put my taco dog outside and the poor thing got a rip snorting skin problem from the grass and bugs. Hell of a mess for the poor thing, back was close to open soures when we got home after only one day away.   One does not tie out a dog the size of a small cat in the country, darn a big bird could have eaten him all up.

I have have had BIG dogs, Rotties, a St. Bernard and a Shepard with enough land for them to run about.  after they bounced about and did what ever they needed to do, they were in 30 minutes or less back at the door wanting to come in and check us all out, keep an eye on us. This is their job, to watch over us, they cannot do that chained up to a dog house in the back yard.

My new  hubby raised in tenements in the city never had a dog and when we met he was not a dog lover.   Behind his back I got another Taco dog, weighed about a pound and Hubby was aghast until the little fella climbed into his shirt and went to sleep on his chest.  Next thing I knew Hubby had the dog in his pocket or his lap, dog slept over his pillow and -----I no longer had a dog, HE did.

Just as one trains children, husbands and dogs is much alike.   A well trained dog is a Joy, a well trained child is a Joy, a well mannered husband is precious.
   

[Shooterman]

Back in August, I visited International Hearing Dog,  Inc. I met a cute little black dog who was beginning her training. She ran to me and snoosed up my shirt kissing me. I was sure that little black dog wanted me to take her home that day.

In the months since, I e-mailed back and forth with IHDI.  We talked about several dogs, but none of them fit the bill until today. The director sent me an e-mail and pictures of a dog who was finishing the first stage of training- obedience and basic hearing dog stuff- and what did I think?

This is Velvet, a Black Lab/Border Collie mix:





The best part is, Velvet is that same black dog who adopted me back in August!

Now I am working on checking all of the blocks the Army, MEDCOM, Ft Riley, and the hospital requires for Service Dogs.

Beautiful pup. Hope it works out for you.

[Big Dog]

I was not feeling the love last night. Fortunately Velvet was patient with me. Here in the Flint Hills, it's always windy. Last night, when the temperature dropped into the teens, the wind chill was around -5...hundred. Velvet kept signaling that she wanted to go outside. I figured she had to poop. About a dozen times between 5:00 pm and 10:00, I put on my Carharts and took her out back. No poop. I swear, her butt was frozen shut. I can't blame her, really. I wouldn't want to hang my ass out in that weather.  Finally, she pooped and we were able to call it a night.

This morning, we went to Ft Riley Veterinary Services for her inspection (everything was good to go), then we went to the hospital and my office for awhile. She was really excited at first, but she calmed down and put her game face on. She was great.We made a trip to the PX and the food court (She sat quietly while I had Popeye's), and the commissary. Smooth as buttermilk.

After we got home, I treated her to some playtime with her new favorite toy (a sock monkey) and a hairbrushing. She's asleep on the pad beside my chair. She earned it. Hell, I earned it, too.

[vesta111]

Beautiful pup. Hope it works out for you.

Velvet will become a Velcro dog for you, trained or not.   Keep the bathroom door open as if you close the door the door the dog will go nuts.     Both our baths  doors had to be replaced as our dogs scratched the heck out of them trying to get in and watch as we showered or sat on the Pot.

You will get use to seeing Velvet watching ever move you make, our cats and dogs do this, one gets use to having an audience when you poop.   

[BlueStateSaint]

(She sat quietly while I had Popeye's),

That dog is good.  Hell, I would have been all over that chicken!

[Shooterman]

Not too many people dislike dogs and if they do, **** 'em.  

Absolutely frickin' right.

[vesta111]

I was not feeling the love last night. Fortunately Velvet was patient with me. Here in the Flint Hills, it's always windy. Last night, when the temperature dropped into the teens, the wind chill was around -5...hundred. Velvet kept signaling that she wanted to go outside. I figured she had to poop. About a dozen times between 5:00 pm and 10:00, I put on my Carharts and took her out back. No poop. I swear, her butt was frozen shut. I can't blame her, really. I wouldn't want to hang my ass out in that weather.  Finally, she pooped and we were able to call it a night.

This morning, we went to Ft Riley Veterinary Services for her inspection (everything was good to go), then we went to the hospital and my office for awhile. She was really excited at first, but she calmed down and put her game face on. She was great.We made a trip to the PX and the food court (She sat quietly while I had Popeye's), and the commissary. Smooth as buttermilk.

After we got home, I treated her to some playtime with her new favorite toy (a sock monkey) and a hairbrushing. She's asleep on the pad beside my chair. She earned it. Hell, I earned it, too.

You seem to be on the adventure of your life, a new life style for someone you and they,  a closer bond then person to person can ever have. 

There are many adventures awaiting you and Velvet, may be the best times in both your lives.

 

[IassaFTots]

That dog is good.  Hell, I would have been all over that chicken!

Especially if it was extra spicy chicken tenders.   

[Firekrakka]

It's amazing how dogs are the great icebreaker. Not too many people dislike dogs and if they do, **** 'em.  

A hearty AMEN!!! I adore dogs, I really do. What other pet has such loyalty and unconditional love. I had seven dogs at one time and took care of them all. We haven't had a dog for years because of Dylan  had a central line with TPN (liquid food thru his veins). Something about pet hair maybe getting into the line. But he no longer has it.

At the hospital they would bring in therapy dogs and we found out he loves dogs too and he loves my mom's Bichon. After we get settled in SC I hope to get a hearing ear dog for him. Dogs are truly a girls best friend!  

P.S.Velvet is a beautiful name.

[Big Dog]

Especially if it was extra spicy chicken tenders.   

Close. Spicy 3 piece thighs and legs with red beans and rice.

 


"Hey, they said you taste like chicken. They lied!"

[Big Dog]

Update: After the first week, we are a good team. She has done very well at home, at work, in noisy social settings, at stores, in restaurants and coffee shops, and while we're driving. I'm really glad she's here.

New pictures:


Look at that face!


Training. Alerting to a car horn.


Playing with the Reward Ball.


Relaxing.

[IassaFTots]

That is just great, Totally awesome. 

[Big Dog]

At the hospital they would bring in therapy dogs and we found out he loves dogs too and he loves my mom's Bichon. After we get settled in SC I hope to get a hearing ear dog for him.

Contact International Hearing Dogs, Inc. at www.pawsforsilence.org. They have been great to work with. If you want more information, PM me.

Dogs are truly a girls best friend!  

You don't know how many times I've heard that very thing.

[seahorse513]

The pics are great!!!!

[Eupher]

Glad to hear (no pun intended) she's fitting in so well.

Congratulations, BD! You done good!

[IassaFTots]

BD, I know she is your working dog, but how does that play in affection and stuff?  I mean, do you have to keep your distance, because you are her job, or is she treated like a regular pet?  Forgive me if that question sounds dunce-like?  I just don't know what the protocol is.

[Eupher]

BD, I know she is your working dog, but how does that play in affection and stuff?  I mean, do you have to keep your distance, because you are her job, or is she treated like a regular pet?  Forgive me if that question sounds dunce-like?  I just don't know what the protocol is.

Great question.

[Conservative Libertarian]

I knew somone that had companion dogs. They were treated just like pets that took their jobs seriously.

[CG6468]

BD, I know she is your working dog, but how does that play in affection and stuff?  I mean, do you have to keep your distance, because you are her job, or is she treated like a regular pet?  Forgive me if that question sounds dunce-like?  I just don't know what the protocol is.

Our close friend's daughter is totally deaf. Her corgi alerts her to door knocks or bells, and some other things. That corgi is truly a loving pet that loves to play and roughhouse with other people.

[seahorse513]

BD, I know she is your working dog, but how does that play in affection and stuff?  I mean, do you have to keep your distance, because you are her job, or is she treated like a regular pet?  Forgive me if that question sounds dunce-like?  I just don't know what the protocol is.

I would think like a voice command, or when he picks up a certain dog toy, like her ball or sock monkey would signal playtime....

[Big Dog]

BD, I know she is your working dog, but how does that play in affection and stuff?  I mean, do you have to keep your distance, because you are her job, or is she treated like a regular pet?  Forgive me if that question sounds dunce-like?  I just don't know what the protocol is.

Great question! Velvet is a very affectionate dog. She's asleep at my feet right now. She shares my big chair and ottoman with me when I'm writing on my laptop or watching a movie. She also staked out a quarter of my bed as her space. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Affection is very important with a service dog, just as important as discipline. I treat Velvet like a member of the family, with all the love a regular pet would get, but she still has responsibilities and obedience. We train each day, which is just playing with treats for rewards, as far as she is concerned.

[thundley4]

Great question! Velvet is a very affectionate dog. She's asleep at my feet right now. She shares my big chair and ottoman with me when I'm writing on my laptop or watching a movie. She also staked out a quarter of my bed as her space. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Affection is very important with a service dog, just as important as discipline. I treat Velvet like a member of the family, with all the love a regular pet would get, but she still has responsibilities and obedience. We train each day, which is just playing with treats for rewards, as far as she is concerned.

Try doing that with a cat.

[debk]

Try doing that with a cat.

Ours get treats when they come in from the porch when they are called.... it works. 

BD....  so good to hear things are going well with Velvet. Sounds like both of you are quite happy and content!

[seahorse513]

Try doing that with a cat.

well that is what spray bottles filled with water are for......though Jingles ldoesn't like treats....

[CG6468]

well that is what spray bottles filled with water sulphuric acid are for......though Jingles ldoesn't like treats....

FIFY