For me, April began at my puppy sitter’s house. The whole family was so nice to me! They bought me a new bed (I accidently chewed up my old one) and sent me home with lots of nice memories and a new toy that I like to carry around.

Once at home, I fell into my usual routine of going to class, running errands, going to meetings, taking walks, playing, and experiencing new things.  For instance, I went to a Washington Divas game. We, Hero Dogs, were invited to participate in the halftime show. Jennifer told the crowd about us, and then, Radar, Patton, Abe, York, Libby, and I demonstrated some of the skills we have learned. We were all pretty good, if I do say so myself. Lots of people came to talk to us, pet us, and ask questions about us. Maria thought it would be a good idea for me to practice going up and down the metal bleacher steps. EASY! They make a clanking sound and are a little bit bouncy, but that was no problem for me.

Another day, Maria took me to the Shady Grove Metro Center so I could practice getting on and off buses. I even practiced turning and settling under the seat. That was easy! Of course, Maria had the good treats. Then, I walked around the Metro station. Wow – Lots of new smells and lots of people! I practiced HEEL and SIDE, and I know Maria was proud that I kept my Labrador nose off the ground and paid attention to her.

Towards the end of the month, very early one morning (it was still dark!), Maria took me to the Hero Dogs kennel. That usually means I get to play with the other Hero Dogs and Becca – but, not this time. Becca and Maria both left, and when they came back, they had a new puppy! I was the welcome committee for Hero Dogs latest recruit, little baby Grant. He is a Labrador, just like me, but of a different color! Over the next few days, I played with him and was told to be gentle. It’s hard when you are a puppy and want to play with another puppy, but you weigh 70lbs. and the other puppy weighs much, much, much less than that.

Grant and I were the featured Hero Dogs at an awareness event at the Bark in Olney. He looked cute, I showed off my skills. Then he got tired and went to sleep. I greeted people and tried my best to be a good ambassador for Hero Dogs. I think I succeeded. Several people said they would like to volunteer and maybe even help raise a puppy!

There is one thing that made me sad. Becca finished her internship at Hero Dogs and left for her college graduation. I’m not sure what that means. I am told that that is a good thing, but I sure do miss her!

Well, this was a fairly uneventful month, except for the fact that I had a little operation. Dr. Marcie said I barked a lot! Truthfully, I don’t remember. I spent the night at the hospital and then went home. When I went back to get my stitches removed, they said it was like a wrestling match. I have no idea what they are talking about!

I ran errands, as usual. And, I went to meetings (some very long!) and visited several new restaurants. Everyone tells me that I am really good at settling quietly at meetings and restaurants. So much so, that people don’t always know I am there.

Let me ask you, have you ever been to a fiber mill?  Well, I have. I went to one in Frederick. Wow! I have never seen so many sheep fleece! They were everywhere and smelled really good – kinda like my friends at the farm. I was good. I did not pick up any little pieces of wool. But, I did excel at SIT, DOWN, SETTLE, and STAY. Afterwards, I walked around downtown Frederick – lots of new smells, people, and dogs. I practiced HEEL, SIDE, and LEAVE IT.

I also went to a motor vehicle inspection station. After we passed the inspection, the inspector asked if I would mind getting out of the car and serve to train a new worker who had never seen a service dog. Sure! I got out, walked around, sat, picked up some things, sat-stayed, and was perfect dog.

For those of you who love musicals, I want you to know that I sat through Fiddler on the Roof, three times! It was a school production presented at the Weinberg Center in Frederick. Before each performance, I waited in the “green room.” I don’t understand why they call it that since there is nothing green about it.

Then, at the end of the month, Maria took me to my puppy-sitters house where I was to stay for 10 days. Although I missed my family, I had a lot of fun there and everyone was really nice to me.

I love my puppy class! And, it’s not just because I get to play with my brother Audie and with Gracie. Although you might think that! It’s because I love learning so many things. I am excellent at sitting and going down without the lure of a treat, I can walk past other dogs and stare only at Maria (I am told I have excellent concentration!), I come immediately when called (even with some distractions), I’m good at sitting at the door before going out, I can pick up ANYTHING including a credit card (if you don’t mind a little puppy slobber), and I will never ever touch my food unless I hear the release command, “at ease.”  I even let the humans dress me up now and then…   

I have had lots of time to “socialize” with other dogs, too, this month. I’ve played with the “big” Hero Dogs (Libby, Teddy, Ike, and Maverick) every week, with Sancho at his house, and with my buddy Hammie (short for Hamilton) after puppy class and during our “play dates.” One day I took Jake to the vet, and there had been an emergency so there were loads of dogs and cats in the waiting room. I thought it was kinda fun. I introduced myself to just about everyone there!

As usual, I ran a million errands with Maria – boring! But we did go to two places that were more interesting. She calls them malls; and the best thing is she didn’t shop or anything. It was all about me! We went to White Flint Mall and to Lakeforest Mall. They are big places with slippery floors, and I walked everywhere. I practiced going in and out of the elevator, walking up and down stairs SLOWLY, walking nicely on a loose leash, walking around obstacles in stores, walking past groups of people, and keeping my lab tail under control.

Another big place that I went to was an RV show. I have never seen so many houses on wheels – little ones, huge ones, all kinds! I think I went into a million of them. I had to keep up with the girls because they wanted to see them all.

At the food canteen, I was greatly admired by all who saw my family eating. It wasn’t the fact that they were eating; it was that I sat under the table and waited for them to finish their food. And let me tell you, it was hard to do. You see, it wasn’t just the food my family was eating that was a challenge, it was the popcorn other people had dropped all over the floor.

One night, Maria and I went with Jennifer and Libby to Rockville. We were on TV! I am told that both Libby and I performed very well and were excellent ambassadors for Hero Dogs. You can watch us, if you want: (http://www.mymcmedia.org/episode/connecting-our-community-48/).

Then there were two events at school. One was the variety show. I watched it twice! The other was the Valentine’s Day party. Everyone was wearing red, just like my Hero Dogs collar. I think they wanted to match with me!

I love, love, love January! It starts with Libby’s birthday. AND, Libby was still at my house this January. So, we had a doggy party. Instead of a cake, Libby, Jake, Sancho, and I had hamburger cupcakes with mashed potato icing! YUM! Then, we all played and chased balls and had a great time.

Libby went back to Hero Dogs a few days later, and I went back to my routine of running errands, going to class, and learning all you need to know to become a service dog. I also went to three different restaurants. I am really good at going to restaurants. I just go under the table and “settle.” I’m also good at other things. For instance, at the fabric store, I picked up a little button and gave it to Maria.  She was so proud of me that I decided to pick up everything that was on the floor. At meetings, I just curl up and go to sleep. I like it when the meetings are at school because, either before or after the meeting, I get to run on the fields.

One of my most favorite things is going to Hero Dogs. This month, not only did I go to class; I also went to a Quarterly meeting and to a volunteer orientation. “So,” you are probably wondering, “what is so great about that?” Well, it means that I was able to PLAY with the big guys! You know I love Libby…but Ike, Maverick, and Teddy are the best, too! And, I got to take snuggly naps with Libby.

In class, I worked on SIT, DOWN, SIT and WAIT by the door before going out or coming in, TOUCH, COME, STAY, and walking nicely around other dogs. I’m pretty good at all these things, even without being rewarded with treats. After class, I always play with my brother Audie and with Gracie – she’s so cute. That’s the best reward!

Three other big things happened this month. First, Teddy, Radar, and I went to the Montgomery County Volunteer Event at the Convention Center in Rockville. So many people were there. We were a hit and received lots of attention as ambassadors for Hero Dogs.  The three of us were busy the entire time – although Teddy did take a nap. Then, Jennifer’s kids spent the night at my house (in the past, it has been the other way around!). They built a huge fort/tent and let me go inside. And, finally, it snowed. At first, I was not so sure about this white stuff falling from the sky and settling on the grass so I couldn’t see anything green or brown. And, it felt funny on my paws. But, after a few tentative steps, I discovered that it is really fun. You can lick it, and slide on it , and dig it up, and roll on it…

So, you can see why I like January!

What a great month! It began with a weekend trip to the Hagerstown KOA RV Park. The girls (Isabel, Elena, and Elli), Jake, and I all went. It was a little bit cold, but that doesn’t bother me. I got to go on walks. And, of course, all month long, I went with Maria to long meetings at school, went to work with her at Hero Dogs, and ran all the usual errands. She says it’s an opportunity for me to practice my service dog skills, but I think she just really likes having me around. Speaking of skills, I continued attending puppy classes. I saw my brother Audie there and played with little Gracie. I have really perfected SIT, COME, DOWN, WAIT, TAKE IT, and GIVE. I am working on doing it with more distractions. You know, as a service dog, I will have to do these things no matter what else is going on around me.

The highlight of the month was my three visits to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I was there for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) as an ambassador for Hero Dogs. I met so many nice people and made so many new friends! I can’t wait to grow up and be partnered with one of our wounded warriors. I’m going to work extra hard to make sure that happens!

Let me tell you about some new experiences I had this month. I rode an elevator (no big deal!), climbed up a set of metal grated open back stairs (big deal!), went to the movies to see Hugo (I curled up and went to sleep), went to two new restaurants, and spent a night at Hero Dogs with all the big dogs. Then, I went with Maverick and Jennifer and Stacey and Maria to the CFC headquarters in Washington D.C. to have our picture taken for the end of the year promotional video. After our picture was taken, we walked around the streets a little bit, and let me tell you, there were some different smells. There were city smells and city noises. Jennifer said we need to practice some more city walking.

Then, the holidays came! The first thing I did was to pick out a Christmas tree. I helped put it up, and helped decorate it. Although I LOVE sticks, I never touched this tree! It had lights and shinny things. Then, I went to the Friends Meeting School Holiday show and dinner. I watched the show put on by the students and sat quietly through dinner. As tempting as it was, I did not pick up any food dropped on the floor. And, if you can imagine “dinner and kids,” there was a lot of food on the floor!

Hero Dogs’ Lady Liberty (Libby) spent the holiday with us. She had hurt her toe nail and needed medicine and TLC. Since Maria raised her, it was like coming home from college for Libby. She was so much fun. I got to play and snuggle with her. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day, the whole family came over. We all got presents and played and sang songs to a log that gave us more presents (tradition from Spain…). And, then it was time to rest.

Another busy month! I go everywhere with Maria, so that means I ran lots of errands – going to stores, grocery stores, an auto shop, a beauty shop, the pet store, UPS store, post office, the pediatricians office, and the social security office. Every Wednesday, I went to Hero Dogs and to puppy class where I learned tons of things. I’m very good at SIT, DOWN, WAIT, and COME – with and without a treat. In class I played with my brother Audie and met Gracie, the newest Hero Dog in training. She’s kinda cute. I like playing with her.

I went to two restaurants – the Buzz in Monrovia and Isabella’s in Frederick. At each place, I curled under the table and did not move until it was time to leave.  In Frederick, I went in and out of stores and attracted lots of attention because of my good behavior. I also walked nicely past many dogs of all sizes.

At Friends Meeting School I have become somewhat of a celebrity. Everyone knows me, and everyone is amazed at how quickly I am growing. They are also in awe that I can sit through long meetings (2-3 hours!) without making noise or getting into anything. I even sat at a meeting with representatives of the Chinese Embassy. They said they had never seen such a wonderful puppy. Then, I went to a meeting with the new head of school. I knew the routine, so I curled up under the table and went to sleep. I also went to Grandparent’s Day where I helped make a turkey in the Pre-K class, listened to Haikus in the 2nd grade, and listened to stories written by 3rd graders. I was very attentive.

Then there was Thanksgiving. Jake, Walter, Maria and I went on a road trip in the RV. We drove to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. We went for long walks in town and on trails. And, I was given a piece of turkey to try. Yummy!

Very quickly I have gotten used to my new home. I love my people, and new friends, including Jake and the kitties, Ally and Calvin. And, they all love ME! Maria hugs and kisses me a lot and takes me everywhere with her. She says I am going to make a terrific service dog someday. In a short time, I have learned my name, “Scotty,” and all these skills – come, wait, sit, down, stand, turn, and leave it. I am a great retriever, but I don’t always want to give up what I pick up. Maria tells me that in time I will learn to do that too. Every week, I see my brother Audie. It is so much fun. We play and chase each other and then, we go to class together. We both love Libby (she used to live with Maria and Walter). She looks like our mom, and she plays with us and lets us snuggle on her.

By now, you are probably wondering where I have been on my many outings. Well, I have been to many places where everyone remembers Libby. They ask whether I can do all the things Libby does, and then, they oooh and aaaah over ME and tell me that I have some awfully big paws to fill. I have been to the grocery store, to the pet store, to Montgomery College (those people REALLY liked me!), to a long meeting at Friends Meeting School where I took a two-hour nap, and to the pumpkin patch where many of the pumpkins were bigger than I am.

One day, a very nice lady, Gail Pennybacker, came to see us at Hero Dogs. Everyone was excited because we were going to be on TV. I don’t know what that means or how you get into the TV, but I know I had fun. Jennifer had us play games. I was on a team with Patton and Maverick. I picked up a sock from a basket full of things and then I pulled a laundry basket. I LOVE pulling things. I’m not sure who won, but as I said, it was FUN!

If all that wasn’t enough, I stayed with Jennifer for two weeks. That means I got to play with Libby and Teddy and Miri and Zephyr and the little kids! I went to several events – at the FBI, NIH, and the Naval Research Laboratories – where of course I was a hit. It is all so exciting and so much fun. I am really going to like being a Hero Dog in training!

Hi! My name is Hero-Dogs’ Francis Scott Key, Scotty for short. My brother, Hero-Dogs’ Audie Murphy, Audie for short, and I are the newest members of the Hero Dog family. We came from Kerrybrook Kennels just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. And, boy have we been busy since we left our home! On Saturday, we drove six hours to Maryland. It wasn’t bad. Audie and I slept most of the way. On Sunday, we got to meet all our new friends, including Dr. Marcie who told us we looked pretty good! On Monday, we went to a Hero-Dogs golf tournament at a country club where, as you can imagine, we were the star attractions! It was a lot of fun – we walked, we played, we napped. The rest of the week we were busy playing together and getting used to all the new smells. I think we are really going to like it here!

Hero Dogs, Inc. welcomes Francis Scott Key.

THANK YOU to Chris Wincek of Kerrybrook Kennels for donating Scotty!

Thank you Susan and Scott Whitlock and friends for sponsoring “Scotty”.

Thanks too to Maria for raising Scotty (now that Libby has returned to Hero Dogs).