I knew something was up, ’cause it started with a BATH. Then there was the new collar, the new harness, the new vest. I have never been fussed over so much in my life. Quite frankly, I was not sure if this was going to be a good thing, or a bad thing. Humans will sometimes try to sneak a trip to the vet or nail cutting in between all the loving and petting. Then I had a lot of special visitors – I got to see my mom and dad from my very first home, and my puppy raisers Laurie and Dana too! Another visitor came to the kennel. I got to come out of my kennel to greet him, but curiously none of the other dogs got to come out. I brought him a toy, which is really the only polite thing for a Labrador to do when he has a guest. Then I climbed in his lap and licked his face, which perhaps you might not consider to be polite, but he seemed to enjoy it and I know I did.

Then my new friend, whose name is Luke, took me outside to play for a while. Luke is an Army veteran and I think he’s used to standing up kind of straight, but I showed him the proper way to wag your entire body at once. Then we went over to the training room and practiced some easy stuff like “sit” and “down.” It was a little weird since Luke was not my usual trainer, but heck, he had a clicker and some snacks and seemed to know what to do with them, so I was happy to comply. We said goodbye and I went back to my kennel, but curiously, Luke came back the next day and we trained some more. Then the next day, and the next – it got to be so I was pretty excited to see Luke every morning. Especially since no one else seemed to be paying much attention to me anymore. Let me tell you though, we worked hard. Every day, four hours a day, for three weeks! We worked on all my obedience and my special skills; we drove in the car; we went to the vet (I KNEW it!!!); we went grocery shopping, to a couple of restaurants, even downtown Baltimore. I don’t think I’ve ever worked that hard before! I will admit that I slept through most of the lectures and videos, though. And I think I caught Luke napping during one or two of them too.

Here are some of the things that Luke and I do together. He tries to trick me by accidentally dropping something when he is walking. I have to grab it and return it to him. I like to play “wake up” – that’s where I am allowed to put my paws on the bed and lick him silly when the alarm goes off. We also play the timer game. It’s kind of like hide-and-seek. When the timer goes off, I have to go find Luke and poke him with my nose until he pays attention. Then he says “What?” and I run back to the timer (that’s where they keep the snacks!) to remind Luke that it’s time for him to do something important. Same thing when someone knocks on the door – I have to run and get Luke and poke him with my nose until he will follow me to the door. If Luke’s wife, Cat, calls him, I get to bring Luke to her and then I get love from TWO people at once. Or sometimes Luke asks me to find her and I have to go bring Cat to Luke. Either way, that is paws-down my favorite game!

I can do other things for Luke too. Sometimes he may get dizzy and I will help steady him to sit or stand. I turn on the lights on the stairway so he can keep his hand on the railing. Being out in busy and noisy places can be pretty stressful for humans as well as dogs, apparently, but Luke and I have a secret sign. If he has had enough, he gives me the secret sign and I know it’s time to turn on the high-jumpin’, tail-waggin’, full-throttle Labrador charm. I don’t give up until he gives in and pets and plays with me. Then we usually just go find a quiet place to sit down and snuggle. Did I mention that I’m good with laps?

After our three weeks of hard work, I went home with Luke. I live there now with Luke and his wife Cat and two cats (don’t ask me to explain that) and my new girlfriend Maggie who is some kind of poodle-thing and it’s a good thing I have a nose or I couldn’t tell her front end from her back end, but she is cute and sure loves to play. Luke and I still work hard every day and we come back to Hero Dogs once a week for more practice. I guess there is going to be some kind of big test in a couple of months, but I’m not worried. Luke and I are tight. We’re in this together.

~Ike

As we have explained in the past, training a service dog is a long process. Service dogs start out life as puppies, and just like every other puppy, they pee on rugs and chew shoes and nip and jump. Our dedicated puppy raisers teach them good house manners, and to sit and stay and lie down and come when called. All good dogs should know these things; our service dog puppies must go far beyond this standard. Our puppy raisers gently expose them to crowds and noise and traffic and strange and novel sights; they teach them to be calm and quiet and responsive in stores and restaurants and churches and offices and theaters, in cars and on buses and subways – in short, everywhere they go. Our trainers perfect their abilities to retrieve and carry, to push and pull, open and close, brace and steady, alert to sounds, redirect behavior, and find help.

Through all of this, the puppy is growing and maturing both physically and mentally. At two years of age, the dog has scarcely become an adult – and the process of becoming a service dog is not yet finished. Now the dog must learn to work with his veteran partner, to attend only to him or her, and to adapt his skills to the veteran’s unique needs. This is the stage that Hero Dogs General Eisenhower “Ike” has reached, and he would like to tell you about his new adventures in his own words.

I have been going to the 355 Diner with Alison and Steve. Everyone there is so nice. The manager’s son has a service dog like me. Although I have to sit under the table, I dont really mind. The smells are incredible. Sometimes I get in a little sniff but usually I hear the big LEAVE IT before I can get in a full sniff. Everyone smiles at me and wants to say hello. Alison and Steve say I am working so I cant talk, but sometimes if I sit really still, I can get a nice pat.

I got to visit National Geographic this month. Alison has a friend named Lucy who works there. We visited the security area, the mail room and human resources. Lucy explained to everyone what I was being trained for and how I was going to be a real important dog someday. I met the nurse in the medical center. She knows a lot about service dogs. She told us how she takes care of all the people who work at National Geographic. Some of them have to get rabies shots like me! Lucy was so nice to me. She has a dog named Nigel. When I met Nigel we were the same size! Nigel is still small, but I am not. Alison wanted Lucy to see how much I had grown.

The month just kept getting better and better. I got to see my friend Carlyn. We went for a long walk. Then I got to play in her backyard. She has a really big backyard.

I have been visiting Alison’s office in Bethesda on Fridays. There are not a lot of people in the office. I think that is why she picks Fridays. I did get to meet Emily. She thought I was very handsome- she is a smart lady. Inga came by to look at me. Ingra is afriad of dogs so she stayed far away. I wagged my tail at her but she ran away. Alison and Ingra are friends. Ingra knew I was coming because Alison had warned her. I was extra special nice to her and she told Alison I was a good dog. I had to pose for a picture because I was featured in a volunteer story in Alison’s company’s newsletter. The story was about how volunteering can help build client relationships. But that’s a May story!

I have a new friend…Tracy came home from college for Spring Break and boy did we have fun together!  She calls me “baby!” and I come a runnin’.  We play with balls, play hide and seek, lay in the sun out in the yard and I love to snuggle with her.

We all went on a really cool trip together!  I took my first long drive in the car.  We drove to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  I didn’t think we would ever get there but Petra says that I was very patient in the car.  She did bring along a special new bone for me which helped to pass the time.  I experienced all kinds of fun things at the beach.  I loved running in the sand with Tracy, playing in the waves, chasing the foam and digging deep holes in the sand.  But first I had to maneuver those open wooden steps that go down to the beach.  It took me a few days to get up the nerve to go up and down.  By the time we left I was an expert at navigating all kinds of steps.

I have been enjoying the warm springtime sunshine!  My puppy raisers like to play tennis and I love hanging out on the court chasing the balls for them.  Petra likes to work in the garden and I have been helping her pull weeds and been keeping track of her tools.  Playing in leaves and chewing on the mulch is also a great pastime.

Other than having fun I have been practicing lots of commands.  Everyday Petra and I go for a walk and I work on “heel” as we walk up the street.  It’s hard to stay focused when there are leaves blowing by and there are so many interesting things to smell.  But she praises me and I think I’m doing a pretty good job.  I know lots of commands now…at ease, come (usually, unless I’m doing something really fun), down, give, kennel, mine, sit and wait.  We work on “take it” and I’m getting really good at picking things up and giving them to Petra.  “Touch” is also a new favorite.  I always get a treat when I do that…pretty cool!

Petra has been taking me out to some fun places.  I love going on new adventures, I just don’t like getting in the car and sitting on the floor.  We have been to Home Depot and the drug store and the bank.  I always get compliments on my behavior.  We have been on walks in different neighborhoods and I have met other dogs.  The big ones scare me a little at first but then I learn to be friends.

We continue going to Puppy Kindergarten every week.  I really look forward to seeing Rosie and Franklin at class.  It’s hard for me to concentrate since there are so many friends there to play with.  When we get free play time I can’t wait to play with the other Golden Retrievers.  They are my best friends in the world!  We like going to class since we always learn something new to work on at home.

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!

Puppy Raiser coming soon!

Beginning with baby Grant, we have more Sponsorship Opportunities.  “Grant” will need a puppy scholarship (and eventually a Veteran Team Sponsor as well). 

More info on Ulysses S. Grant.

I went to some new places this month along with the usual ones, too. I spent a morning at the Grey Goose Nursery in Laytonsville. I meet the owner, Donnie, who thought I was really cool. Robin had me sit, stay, and touch her hand for Donnie. Robin told Donnie all about me and he is thinking about being a puppy raiser too!

I went to the Standler Nursery too. I walked around and meet all the cashiers, they said I was beautiful! I smelled all the flowers and trees, but the best thing about Standlers is the fish pond! Alex and Kyle showed me the big orange fish in the pond. I sat and watched them for a long time. Then I saw a frog, it hopped in the water when I got too close.

I started a new puppy class, but my good Friend Scotty is not in it. I am the only Hero Puppy in the class. I do get to spend time with Franklin, one of the new guys, he is lots of fun, too. I had some extra training this month on riding in the car. I still don’t know about this car thing! It makes me nervous. I got a bigger Hero Dog Vest and a new harness for my walks with Robin.

I have been spending a lot of time outside with the big dogs, Jake & Marley. We pick up sticks and smell all the good stuff in the yard. I play keep away with Jake every day. I can hide under the bushes with the ball, and he can’t get under there. I am almost as big as he is now, so it won’t be long before I need to find a better hiding place.

 I met a new friend this month at Silver Ridge Farm. Her name is Linda Lu, she is one of the farmer’s goats. We got to smell noses, and Linda Lu started to scratch the ground with her hooves. The farmer said that she wanted to play with me.

I spent a weekend with Miss Jill, she is a puppy sitter. I played with her dog , Rosie, and took longs walks with Miss Jill. She told Robin that I was a really good girl, and that I can come back anytime to play with Rosie.

Well, that’s all for this month, stay tuned to see what I do next month!  Maybe you can come to one of Hero Dogs upcoming events!

I finished my first six weeks of  puppy class in the middle of the month, and went straight into round two!! Some of the dogs are the same from my first class and there are new dogs also. This time around there is only 1 other Hero Dog in the class so this time I will have to learn to play with other puppies that look  different than I do. Stacey says it is a very important part of my socialization(whatever that is).  My approach to life is puppies just want to have fun, and oh yeah and eat too. 

Stacey said my sponsor would like to hear about what I am learning in class.   All I have to say about that is that I hear the following words over and over again, “Rosie”, “sit”, “stay”, “come”,”wait”, “at ease”, “take it”, “give”, “easy”, “let’s go” , “get busy”, “kennel”, and “settle”.  Speaking of sponsor, I have met mine.  It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon at the HD training center full of pictures, hugs and kisses and playtime. Yippee!!! 

Anytime I go to the Hero Dogs training center I have a blast.  I have met my half older brother Maverick and the other older Hero Dogs and we have had lots of fun.  There is a cat there also; I have been cautiously curious around the feline addition to  the menagerie.  I met another cat at my friend York’s house while we were playing outside.  I was very curious and brave at first; when I got close I changed my mind.  I was still curious, but not so brave.  

Outside of that wee bit of hesitation, I have been brave and curious in all of my adventures this month.  I have continued to visit some of the same  places as last month, the vets, the bank, the pet store and new places as well.  I went on a long ride to Pennsylvania  to see Grandmother who lives in an assisted living facility.  There were people who walked funny as well as canes, walkers and wheel chairs.  I am a regular member now of the dog walking group on Saturday mornings, I keep up just fine.  

During the third week of March, I made my first trip to the city and we saw the Cherry Blossoms.  I have no idea what a cherry blossom is, but there were lots of people walking around looking up at the trees.  Go figure.  Stacey kept saying how proud of me she was becasue I was not afraid of all the hustle and bustle.  I even got my picture taken in front of the Washington Monument, and even better was all the love and attention I got in my little vest!!  I am told I look stunning in it.   On the last Saturday of the month I went to my first dinner out with family.   We went to “Outback”; boy does that place smell terrific.   Stacey and family said I was a perfect angel and that I behaved better out around the food than I do at home.  It was pretty easy to be still because I had played very hard just prior to leaving the house.  I just curled up near Stacey and ate my dinner;  good as gold  I was.

I love to go on walks through the neighborhood. There is a park not far away that has fun structures I can climb on. Alison makes me practice when I am in the park. I dont know why because I am supposed to be having fun, but I try to humor her when I can. Unfortunately, there aren’t always people in the park, but sometimes we visit a friend of mine called Liz. Liz has a doberman named Hendrix. He is a nice guy- a little hyper. He likes Saki better than me, but that’s okay! Liz has great treats.

You all know Otto is my buddy. We play together even though he is so much bigger than me. But lately he has been getting a bit pushy. First he starts stealing my food. No one messes with my food! But I just sat and waited. Steve didnt though. He saved the day and told Otto to STOP. Alison isnt as much help as Steve. She lets Otto hang out in MY room when she is working. I tried to explain to her how wrong it is, but all she did was take a pciture then go back to work.