That is one cute little pooch!!! So you are trying to let them to allow you to take her to work with you?? That would be tres awesome.!! :yahoo: :yahoo: As long as she is a certified hearing dog, it should be okay, I think...
Border collie and shepherd mix -- hoo-boy, you're looking at a LOT of smarts!
She's gonna be a challenge to keep occupied, especially if she's a high-energy dog (which I would suspect).
Best of luck with her, BD, and I'm glad that the stars and planets aligned for you and Velvet. She seems like she'll be a great dog. :cheersmate:
hoo-boy, you're looking at a LOT of smarts!I know! Just look at her face; she looks smarter than me!
I know! Just look at her face; she looks smarter than me!I reckon she'll keep me on my toes.
Obviously meant to be!!! :cheersmate:debk, the dog is for hearing loss.
( I don't think I've ever read why you need a service dog)
debk, the dog is for hearing loss.
oh. I didn't realize you had a hearing loss. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude or nosy. :thatsright:
My wife fell in love with Velvet.
I'm running into that at the hospital, too.
I had to lay down the law, that Velvet will not be a mascot or cuddle-buddy. She'll be there to work.
I don't think it will help. :-)
Best thing you can do for her. My granddog's biggest problem is boredom & lack of attention.
UPDATE: I completed the Army approval process. IHDI plans to send Velvet and the trainer here the first part of February, but I asked them to come sooner because I have TDY in February. The signs are up around my building and my office, and I already have people poking their head into my office to see "our dog".
UPDATE 2: A friend offered me a different Hearing Dog if I want to take immediate possession:
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/Hearingdog_zps9df95c9f.jpg)
I'm conflicted. It looks like the old girl may need a hearing dog of her own!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKWrgp-Tkio[/youtube]
UPDATE: I got a call from IHDI. Velvet's training is complete. The trainer will bring her over on the 19th or 20th of this month. I have all of her stuff ready, and home and at work.I am so excited for you.. What a wonderful experience to have....
It's like adopting a Chinese baby!
I am so excited for you.. What a wonderful experience to have....
UPDATE: I got a call from IHDI. Velvet's training is complete. The trainer will bring her over on the 19th or 20th of this month. I have all of her stuff ready, and home and at work.
It's like adopting a Chinese baby!
Velvet is here!
The trainers brought her over this afternoon. We're getting to know each other. Country life is a big change for her.
So far, we had a small accident on the rug, went outside about two dozen times, sniffed out the rabbit holes in the back yard, smoked a cigar, and played tug-of-war with a rope toy. She's asleep on the fleece I put down beside my big chair.
We begin training tomorrow morning.
Velvet is here!
The trainers brought her over this afternoon. We're getting to know each other. Country life is a big change for her.
So far, we had a small accident on the rug, went outside about two dozen times, sniffed out the rabbit holes in the back yard, smoked a cigar, and played tug-of-war with a rope toy. She's asleep on the fleece I put down beside my big chair.
We begin training tomorrow morning.
Congratulations, BD! It sounds like she's off to a great start. Uh, I'm assuming that it was YOU who smoked the cigar - not her. I'd think she might find it hard to handle anyway, and lighting the thing/clipping the end/whatever ceremony you cigar smokers have - well, she might need some help with that. :-)
Velvet is here!That is so exciting...I have a few questions, that I will ask when she has been with you some time...
The trainers brought her over this afternoon. We're getting to know each other. Country life is a big change for her.
So far, we had a small accident on the rug, went outside about two dozen times, sniffed out the rabbit holes in the back yard, smoked a cigar, and played tug-of-war with a rope toy. She's asleep on the fleece I put down beside my big chair.
We begin training tomorrow morning.
She is adorable! Congrats for you and Velvet...what a sweet face! I'd be giving her smooches all day long.
Congratulations, BD! It sounds like she's off to a great start. Uh, I'm assuming that it was YOU who smoked the cigar - not her. I'd think she might find it hard to handle anyway, and lighting the thing/clipping the end/whatever ceremony you cigar smokers have - well, she might need some help with that. :-)
Not sure who had the accident on the rug, either?
Housebroken in one day! :cheersmate:
We wore each other out yesterday, between training and playing. We went to town yesterday evening. She did great in the truck, at the store, and at the coffee shop.
She's a real chick magnet, too! :-)
It's amazing how dogs are the great icebreaker. Not too many people dislike dogs and if they do, **** 'em. :-)
I like dogs and they are a great ice breaker. My wife is scared of large dogs. She has learned to trust certain large dogs and prefers the older ones that don't jump on you. My wife is a cat person.
I like dogs and they are a great ice breaker. My wife is scared of large dogs. She has learned to trust certain large dogs and prefers the older ones that don't jump on you. My wife is a cat person.
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. :o This from the man, who 19 years ago when we started dating, detested cats! :rofl:
Back in August, I visited International Hearing Dog, Inc. (http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,75134.msg926065.html#msg926065) 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:
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a606/kswingman/Velvet1.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a606/kswingman/Velvet3.jpg)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a606/kswingman/Velvet2.jpg)
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.
(She sat quietly while I had Popeye's),
Not too many people dislike dogs and if they do, **** 'em. :-)
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.
That dog is good. Hell, I would have been all over that chicken!
It's amazing how dogs are the great icebreaker. Not too many people dislike dogs and if they do, **** 'em. :-)
Especially if it was extra spicy chicken tenders. :drool:
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! :-)
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.
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.
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....
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.
Try doing that with a cat.
Try doing that with a cat.well that is what spray bottles filled with water are for......though Jingles ldoesn't like treats.... :mental:
well that is what spray bottles filled withwatersulphuric acid are for......though Jingles ldoesn't like treats.... :mental:
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.
Ours get treats when they come in from the porch when they are called.... it works. :tongue:!
This is Peymon, Our Himilayan Persian. He will be 4 years old in May and lets us live in his house and feed him. :-)He is adorable!!!!!!!
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/bfam1/Peymon2.jpg)
He is adorable!!!!!!!
Here's another photo of our hairy little pig...I mean cat.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/bfam1/Peymon22.jpg)
I don't know if you noticed, but your cat has demon eyes.
CL, your cats look grumpy!!!!
:panic:
Here's another photo of our hairy little pig...I mean cat.Does he charge you and bite your feet for no reason??
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/bfam1/Peymon22.jpg)
Does he charge you and bite your feet for no reason??
He does that with my wife and my son but not me. He just uses me for food and attention. He also likes to sit in the tub at 2am and beg for the faucet to be turned on. It's not cute when that happens. :hammer:Jingles does it all the time, what is really wierd is that I live in a studio, and she comes out of nowhere!!
Jingles does it all the time, what is really wierd is that I live in a studio, and she comes out of nowhere!!
My cat used to find the weirdest places to hide in my apartment, I've moved, so his options are a little more restricted now.
He chases after me and bats at my heels if I try to leave.
Contact International Hearing Dogs, Inc. at www.pawsforsilence.org. They have been great to work with. If you want more information, PM me.
You don't know how many times I've heard that very thing.
She's adorable.
Nice glasses. :-)
Yes, she is adorable.They are! The kids call them -retro-, I call them Old School Cool.
Are those BCGs on your head? :tongue: O-) (BT,DT)
They are! The kids call them -retro-, I call them Old School Cool.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/DogandVelvet1_zpsb51a6ed2.jpg)
Playing outside at lunchtime today.
My son wears glasses like yours (he's 17) so cool, dude (er, Dog)!! :-)
Velvet is really beautiful
Dude...You're fugly :tongue: but your dog is beautiful.
She looks like she will be a great friend and companion.
I've never gotten anywhere in life on my looks. But, as Red Green says, "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." I get no complaints.
:-)
She's sound asleep on the floor; she earned the rest. I had back-to-back appointments at work, so she worked all day. We threw the ball out on the lawn at breaks and lunchtime. We went to the Commissary after work, and she got a lot of attention. There had to be 20 carts in line for the checkout, and Velvet was perfectly behaved as we waited in line.
Awwww.... I think both of you are pretty darn cute! :shucks:
After work today, we met friends at Godfrey's Gun Shop and Indoor Range in Junction City. Velvet met Godfrey, a stuffed black bear on display in the front of the shop.Did he smell??
Velvet was initially curious, but after she got a sniff of Godfrey, she ducked and ran!
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/VelvetandGodfrey_zpsd808c4fa.jpg)
Godfrey is wearing a woman's tank top that says "This Chick is Packing!"
Did he smell??
DOG TOYS
Velvet loves dog toys. Loves to destroy them, that is.
In one month she eviscerated two sock monkeys (after pulling off their ears); ripped open a tubular fetch toy; tore the hide off a heavy-duty tennis ball toy; and chewed the squeaker out of a squeaky bone.
Today I bought Dogzilla, a "heavy duty" toy. The package really played up Dogzilla as the best toy for destructo-dogs, so I lay down my nine bucks and brought it home.
It lasted nine minutes. A dollar a minute.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/Dogzilla1_zps36b746b4.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/Dogzilla2_zps4cfe008f.jpg)
Dogzilla. Pfffft.
But the destruction of Dogzilla was offset by our other dog toy adventure. A woman I work with, who is an avowed compulsive shopper, brought a bag of dog toys and treats for Velvet. She bought the toys for her own dog, but it wisely refused to feed her compulsion by playing with the toys.
This thing was in the bag of toys:
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/Punisher2000_zps1c2ca62d.jpg)
I pulled it out of the bag, held it upright, looked at it for a minute, waved it around a little, and said, "This doesn't look like a dog toy. Did you mean to give Velvet your Punisher 2000?"
I raised one eyebrow and wiggled the Punisher. She laughed and blushed; I can't say which she did more.
We have had good luck with Hartz Dura Play (http://www.hartz.com/Hartz_Products/Dog_Products/Toys/Toss_and_Retrieves.aspx) toys. Other than that , my wife has made some home made ones using cotton balls and denim from old jeans. Just put in a few of those little squeaker things and our Beagle likes them.
I agree, BD, that pink thing does NOT look like a dog toy! :lmao:
I have to agree with you, Sue--it looks like something a 20-something single girl, without a date, would use on Valentine's Day, after eating a half-gallon of Chunky Monkey ice cream, and watching a 'chick flick,' to ease the pain of being single . . . :bolt:
I have to agree with you, Sue--it looks like something a20-something single girlDUmmie "male", without a date, would use on Valentine's Day, after eating a half-gallon of Chunky Monkey ice cream, and watching a 'chick flick,' to ease the pain of being single . . . :bolt:
You sure have a vivid imagination. :whatever:
Did I tell you about my Penthouse Letters publishing career? :tongue:
So, you're Name and Address Withheld!
So, you're Name and Address Withheld!
VELVET AT WORK
I received an award at work today. Velvet was the center of attention.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh610/elect-stevedawes/20130214Award_zps9a0f5461.jpg)
CPT K (AO of my section), Velvet the rock star, that other guy, and COL W (Deputy Commander)
What was the award for, BD? And congrats!
IassaFTots
Yes, congrats! :cheers1: What was the award for???
I was awarded the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. I think the Commander had an extra one lying around, and decided to give it to the first person he saw outside his window. I took Velvet outside to take care of her business, and viola'!
I was awarded the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. I think the Commander had an extra one lying around, and decided to give it to the first person he saw outside his window. I took Velvet outside to take care of her business, and viola'!
So.....any late report on how it's all working out?
One reasonably assumes well, but one hopes for an interesting anecdote or two, too.
Any updated pics of that beautiful pooch??
I'll take some next weekend when I get her new vest back from the custom embroiderer.awesomeness!!
I'll take some next weekend when I get her new vest back from the custom embroiderer.
You have her dressed in style. :cheersmate:
I treats my bitches good.
I treats my bitches good.
Velvet and I went to lunch with Red's daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Dennis the Menace today.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/DVDlunch_zps4b5b0300.jpg)
Big Dog, Velvet, and Dennis the Menace
We went to a Japanese steakhouse. I had a bento box of sushi and tea. I sneaked a shrimp to Velvet :-)
Cute
She is the most precious dog!! The guy she is with is kinda cute too!!
Why, thank you!
:-)
lol -I meant the dog but if you want the girls to rate you, feel free to post naked on a :shortbus: thread :wink:
Velvet's new work vest:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/Velvetnewcoatjul13_zpsd3014550.jpg)
She really enjoys our new job. It's another place where she's the center of attention, and I'm "that guy Velvet drags around".
:-)
I would be glad to meet Velvet someday. If you just happen to be with her, it might be OK meet you too. :-)
I would be glad to meet Velvet someday. If you just happen to be with her, it might be OK meet you too. :-)
Come out to the Kansas City Bacon Festival. (http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,86915.0/topicseen.html) We'll be there!
Come out to the Kansas City Bacon Festival. (http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,86915.0/topicseen.html) We'll be there!I can't wait to see you both!! I am so excited to see everyone!!!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/Velveteatingicecream_zpscd42eb80.jpg)She is so beautiful!!
Sharing an ice cream after work.
Velvet, hard at work:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/velvetworkinghard_zps8e146a9f.jpg)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/velvetsleeping_zps290219b9.jpg)
The second picture is begging for a belly rub!
Cannot respond, Won't do it. Nope. Will not do it. Under any circumstances.
Velvet looks like a border collie and lab mix.
Good eye!
We went to Cabela's in Kansas City today.
Velvet picked out my next couch- she jumped up onto the couch and looked at me with a ""this one" look on her face.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/VelvetLaborDay_zpsfd5ff62a.jpg)
"This one."
She doesn't quite grasp the concept of "Eleven hundred dollars is not in my budget".
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag72/conscave/VelvetLaborDay_zpsfd5ff62a.jpg)
"This one."
She doesn't quite grasp the concept of "Eleven hundred dollars is not in my budget".
The second picture is begging for a belly rub!
What a GOOD GIRL!!!!! I think I'd hug the life (nearly) out of her if she had saved me like that!
Having your dog in your office...priceless !
It's a dogs' life but someone has to lead it. :-)
Velvet has lucked out!
I saw Big Dog's and Velvet's favorite coffee house up close.
so...been there and done that.
I forgot to get the coffee mug for it.
I should send him some money and get the T-shirt for it.
Hi! How is Velvet feeling? Hope you are both doing well and she is on the path to a strong recovery. Hugs for Velvet.
How's Velvet doing today?
She's better. Well-hydrated now, and happy to be at work. She slept all night, waking me up at 5:45 to go out.:yahoo: :yahoo: :rofl:yeah! Velvet!
:yahoo:
She's better. Well-hydrated now, and happy to be at work. She slept all night, waking me up at 5:45 to go out.
:yahoo:
Glad to hear Velvet's on the mend. No dog likes to be sick, and no dog likes to lose control of bowels. They're just not wired that way.
When I walk my 3 dogs, Lexie, our alpha, tends to latch onto the most disgusting things she can (until I wrestle it out of her mouth -- ugh).
I'm constantly amazed she doesn't have every intestinal bug on the planet.