school, dogs and moms

So our first week of dog training---or should I say "people" training has come to an end. We were matched with Racer, a black Lab-Retriever mix. He is 2 years old and been in training since he was 8 weeks. He knows and responds to over 40 voice commands and it is an incredible thing to see. We are learning all about these commands and how and when to use them. We are also learning about dog care and how important it is to take good care of this amazing creature!

Our days are long and filled with much information. It is hard to soak it all up and sometimes Josiah or I make mistakes. We say the wrong command, we correct on the command instead of correcting and then giving the command again----it is hard to keep everything straight! And the black hair that is everywhere is a little hard to get used to.

We have always had outside farm dogs since I was a little girl, so sharing our living space with this hairy, wiggly cutie is going to be an adjustment. We have to keep up on the grooming and brushing and it will cut down on some of the hair floating around---but there will always be some....I need to just adjust to this and move on!

Today we get a break from classes and from Racer. He is going back to visit his doggy buddies and the boys and I are going to Sea World. It is very close by and we just could not pass up the opportunity to go and check it out. Jordan has been an amazing help to me and Josiah. He is the brawn of this gang, hauling wheelchairs in and out of the trunk of the car, carrying Josiah down to the water's edge at the beach and just making himself helpful and saving my back. I could not have done this trip without him. Thanks Jordan!

Josiah is loving every minute with his new friend. He is petting and talking and loving him all the time. It is a sweet thing to see. Racer is a great dog and the best part is he ADORES me! ME! Does he not know that I am not really a dog lover? Chickens are my pet of choice! I have to admit that going into this I had some reservations. But once he started responding to Josiah and I and that tail got to wagging and those big brown eyes locked on to mine.....I was a goner! I do believe I am in love.......

So, one more week at school and we will be flying home to Colorado and our new life together. Josiah will have a built-in friend, the family will have a new pet that can do some pretty incredible things (Racer---get me a soda out of the fridge please!) and I will have learned that you can teach an old dog(me) new tricks.