Leo

I couldn't resist scheduling a post, which how awesome is that btw?  About time blogger!  Anywho, here's Leo.  You all haven't had a dose of Leo in awhile and I am thrilled to tell you he's doing so well. He's also passed all his medical and service dog tests and will be partnered very soon.  I'll be posting more about that later.  Happy Friday!

Tv 'Stardom'

Well today was the first day back to school. It was great, despite my concerns and lack of sleep! Leo was amazing, and I was so surprised he got right back into the routine as if we never left. However, something happened to us today that was really, very unexpected.

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We ended up on local tv!!

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I was walking to class with Leo and we literally ran right into the camera crew who were interviewing my principal. Before you know it I'm getting reigned in to an interview, camera walking around with us, the whole shebang! Mind you they did get some details wrong... you all know Leo's a service dog in training, not a full fledged service dog, and he's being trained for physical disabilities, though he's rather good with the students! That said, I think those errors will go mostly unnoticed as how can you think about such details when that adorable face is involved?? Anyway, it really was an unbelievable experience for me. To get an opportunity to share what Leo and I do day in and day out is priceless, and I will NEVER forget this experience! We're really the lucky ones, Leo and I, to get the honor of helping children learn and feel better about their lives. That said, however, I'm glad many appreciate and enjoy what we do as well!

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BTW forgive the many bum shots, the hair, and my stammering and overuse of 'like' and 'you know' It was humid and rainy today, and I so, SO was not expecting to do this at all!! Talk about thinking on the fly and then some!! At least Leo was as cute as ever and such a pro. So proud of him!!

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Enjoy!

Hard Work

Dancers practicing in Nashville during the Irish dance Nationals earlier this July. I love this shot. This is what working hard looks like. I saw so much of that during my five days in Tennessee, it really blew my mind. The dedication, the discipline, the amazing dancing... that's what goes into one's few meager minutes on stage at a major competition like this.

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And that is why I've begun practicing until my feet can't take it anymore! More pictures to come!

Not the Post I Intended to Write Today

Warning: This post will contain some ranting and sentences that may not make a whole lot of sense and loads of sarcasm.

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Last night Jon informed me that a relative of his would be having a birthday celebration Friday evening at a local Mexican restaurant. I told him to double check that Leo's presence would be no biggie, figuring it wouldn't, but, I didn't want anyone to be surprised that I brought him. A little background info before I continue: Jon has had mega weirdness when it comes to taking Leo to restaurants when it involves joining members of his family. His father to be exact is the source of this; he's old and tends to be predictably unpredictable. He can be fine one minute, the next he'll be cranky. Jon's concern about his father's behavior has been a sore spot, especially in regards to Leo going to restaurants. That has really drove me crazy and only recently has Jon has begun to get over it.

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Now this relative has met Leo, knows he has worked with me at the elementary school, has heard many stories of his accomplishments while working in public, etc, etc. So imagine my surprise when said kinfolk texted back say they were concerned about Leo being at this restaurant because of a) Jon's father (shocker I know!) and b) that this particular Mexican restaurant, with it's more 'authentic' staff if you will wouldn't understand that Leo is okay to be in the restaurant, so they'd rather me not bring him.

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SAY WHAAA???

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Jon explained that Leo has been out to many restaurants including Mexican ones without a problem, but, no dice. They are too hung up about those assumptions and so I've decided I'm not going to even bother going tonight. I realize how b*tchy that is of me, but, I'm really tired of Jon's family, and/or concerns they have, prohibiting Leo's training. The assumptions are prejudice and unfounded- like really have any of them been in public training a service dog?? You'd think my personal experiences working with Leo would have some weight here, but, apparently not. To be quite frank, Leo and other service dogs (in training or partnered) would be better behaved and not nearly as loud nor messy as most kids. I know, because I was one of those kids who was loud and not so neat about eating my food. Leo on the other hand settles in his spot, leaves food alone (even if it is on the floor), and takes a long nap. Yes, it'd be SO horrible and unnerving to have such a dog around in a restaurant!

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I'm in a grouchy mood because of this. I have worked really hard with Leo and I feel that this is a slap in the face. No acknowledgement of Leo's need for experience and our work together; just baseless assumptions. The restaurant would likely be fine about a service dog being there, and if they were to cause trouble a simple call to Therapetics would bring down calls from lawyers and even a visit from the police. I seriously doubt it would EVER get that far with though. Oh, and let's not get started on how that a Mexican owned restaurant wouldn't understand is kinda racist. I mean COME ON! In regards to Jon's father, well, he's never been given the chance to show if he's okay with Leo or not- Jon's paranoia has caused me to leave Leo at home on several occasions. Quite frankly, I'm sick of it now! I have six months left with Leo and I refuse to leave Leo at home based on these fears! He needs the experience and it is my responsibility to him and to his partner to get him these experiences and train him the best I can.

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So I say screw 'em. I'll stay home, surf the Internet, pour myself some tequila, and keep Leo and Louie company. Seems like a better way to spend my time!

All Leo, All the Time

That's my Leo! He's so tolerant of the camera.

Let's face it, there can never be enough pictures of Leo right? As far as his training goes, Leo is doing a great job. I am SO proud of his progress. There's always something else to work on, but, he's doing his tasks well, walking on a loose leash, chilling out at restaurants, etc. Right now his biggest problem is that he's bored! As we're not going to school every weekday we're doing a whole lot of nothing between errand running and the private lessons I teach. Guess there are worse problems to have huh?

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One of the fun experiences we had together was going to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Site and Museum as well as the Capitol Building with all the fourth grade classes. It was so much fun, even if I had to wake up at 5am and didn't get home until 7pm. Here are some pictures taken by my teacher friend during that day. She has more, but, hasn't given me a disc of them yet, so I just downloaded the ones she posted on Facebook (hence the not so fab quality).

On the bus to OKC. Leo handled the bus like a pro. And how I was able to smile despite the sleep deprivation is nothing short of amazing. Leo on the other hand is a poser. He sees a camera lens pointed at him and he gives the best expressions. I'm so proud he's picked up on that without me having to train it in him.

Leo and I in the Oklahoma Supreme Courtroom. We were given a tour by a local representative which was so cool. You can tell that Leo is pretty wiped out at this point, but, he didn't complain. He just napped at every opportunity. lol

I think this photo is pretty self-explanatory. We were SO tired after all of that activity!! The trip was fantastic though, the bombing memorial and museum brought back a lot of memories for me (I was in 7th grade when it happened) and I was struck at how intensely I remembered the emotions of that time. The moment that was the most emotionally intense, was when we listened to a survivor tell us her story. It was very hard not to cry, but, this woman was so positive about what happened to her. She even visited with Leo which was such an honor for us! Too bad my camera was out of commission. Ah well, we have those memories and the pictures that serve as a reminder of our adventures together.

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Leo has his year and a half evaluation this week. I can't believe we only have six months left until he's partnered. I hope to make every moment count and give him enough love and great experiences to get him set for his future partner. I just can't help but think I'm the lucky one though. If it weren't for Leo's training I wouldn't have all these wonderful memories, I wouldn't have benefited from learning how to train him (I've learned to have more patience than I ever thought I could have!), and I wouldn't have been able to help people and students who have benefited from interacting with Leo.

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Alright, I better stop gushing before I'm in tears. ;-)

The Long Overdue Leo Post

At the salon, chillin' like a villan. Taken on my iPhone

Sooooo... Leo! I know you all haven't heard much about him lately. But, I assure you he's doing fantastic! Leo will be a year and five months come April 16th and I'm amazed everyday at how far he and I have come along.

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As you guys know, Leo goes with me everyday to school and piano lessons. He does extremely well at school. When I don't need him he happily naps or chews on a bone. When I do he is more than ready to do his job. His tasking skills have come leaps and bounds. I can ask him to pick up plastic ware off of the cafeteria floor, carry it, and to drop it in the trashcans. Uber cool. He even leaves food that falls on the floor alone- well, most of the time. Hey, he is a dog first and foremost after all! Other tasks he does easily include, but not excluded, are turning lights on and off, opening drawers, closing them, retrieving and giving me my bag, keys, and anything other items I need him to get off of the floor or tables.

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Every week we attend training classes and I'm happy to report those are going along famously. Leo and I have even received compliments from the trainers!! He is now far more consistent with commands and doesn't give in to distractions as much as he used to. I credit age and the fact that we have learned to work as a team. I know how to get his attention and talk to him to get what we need to do done. I am far more patient than I used to be and he understands what I'm saying better than ever. I imagine that is how he and his future partner will develop. There will be many bumps at first, frustrations, but, over time a bond will form and they will 'gel' and become a team.

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I have Leo until the end of this year. He will turn two in November and at the point he'll be tested for hip, eye, and elbow problems. If he clears his health checks and does well at his two year evaluation (which I'm pretty sure he will) he will then be partnered at the beginning of 2012. It's a bittersweet thought as Leo has definitely become part of my little 'family' at home and at work and I love him dearly. When one works with a dog hours upon day a relationship develops and you and the dog become connected in a very unique way. I know when Leo leaves home to begin his new life as a full fledged service dog there will be many tears from me. It's going to be hard, I'm under no delusions about that. However, without Leo I would've missed out on amazing opportunities and moments. The kids I work with at school wouldn't have had Leo help to calm them down. I wouldn't have had the dozens of people come up to me and ask me about the program- you never know how that might affect them or someone they know. Without Leo in my life I would've missed out on so much. So, in at least some ways, I will have gained more than what I will loose when Leo goes to his partner.

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It's all part of the deal. It's what I signed up for. And I am more than happy to do my part because in the end I'm a better person because of this and someone will have a better life because of this too. Win-win, even if it is a bit heartbreaking in the end.

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ps- I will have a better picture of him soon. Technical difficulties with the camera and computer!

Contented Sigh

Today was one of those days. One of those good days that is. I have nearly caught up on the lost sleep I sustained at the beginning of the week and am beginning to settle back into the daily grind. Today I had energy and more mental clarity and kids seemed to respond to me well. Even Leo seemed more settled in, willing to take naps when I didn't need him to do anything. And when I did need him he didn't fail to perform. When I asked him to lay down with the pre-schoolers during an assembly not only did he lay there until I needed him to move, he tolerated frantic four year old pets, kids in his face, and his ears being pulled in all sorts of giggles. Much to the delight of the little ones, of course!

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Then, we had the first class at Therapetics of 2011, and thing there went very well. No, Leo is not perfect, but, I'm able to correct and redirect him well and he gets to what he needs to be doing after that. It is so nice to not have him dig in his heels and refuse to do things now. Today, he [mostly] did what he was told, was walking around with a loose leash, laid quietly for long periods of time (hard for him, he likes to do things and whines when he's bored), and just in general listened well. It seems he is FINALLY getting past the obnoxious teenager phase! YAYNESS!

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After class I went down the street to the new studio space our dance school is going to be using. Now that we're our own school my teacher found a place for us to dance in and has put in a dance floor. My shins are rejoicing! It's not a huge space, but, it will meet our needs. I don't know why this excites me, but, it does. I came home and practiced more and had a couple of moments where I saw progress. That gave me some serious encouragement.

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I guess, in a nutshell, today is one of those days where I saw and felt progress in areas I often get worried I'm not improving in. Work, Leo, and dance all had little signs that told me, "Hey, you're getting somewhere and doing okay!" It's nice to get days like that isn't it?

A Little Interlude

Mina on top the Ann Taylor box (my gift). What can I say? The cat has good taste.

Yes, I know, I am not writing more Christmas memories. I will continue those I promise, after all I have until January 6th (Epiphany signifying the last of the 12 days of Christmas) to get all those Christmas memories in there! This is just a little update what I've been doing lately. The current Christmas memories I'm forming right now if you will.

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I have been taking care of lots of Christmas business since I went on break. I am happy to report that the load of shopping with Leo in tow was not only successful in terms of his training and present getting, but, actually fun. I know, Christmas shopping in major stores and a mall a week before Christmas doesn't seem like it would be fun, but, people seemed more friendly and happy to see Leo in the stores. That and I was given wide berth thanks to the service dog 'attatchment'. Made things a lot easier for me.

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Today I'm taking care of a sick boyfriend and getting things cleaned up around here. I'm happy to report, this house is almost as clean as pre-sick, worn out due to work me! Woo hoo!! Okay, the laundry still needs to be done, but, there are enough clean clothes to keep going. Presents have been wrapped, a Christmas activity I love to do. In fact, I used to be the 'family wrapper' of sorts. Not only could I wrap gifts well, I also had a horridly messy closet and under bed where the little treasures could be hidden until I got around to wrapping. In fact, one year I managed to hide wrap an industrial sized car jack that weighed God knows how much. Fun story, but, not an feat I'd like to repeat any time soon.

Louie and Leo tired after lots of playing. I'm pretty sure, Lou likes having us around all day.

Baking activities will be commencing Thursday at Jon's parent's home. After the scare Jon's mother had last week (hospital visit, but, all turned out a-ok) we are making sure to spend plenty of time with her this season. I plan on baking chocolate and chocolate and peppermint macarons and palmiers and maybe make another from scratch pumpkin pie. I will also be getting a visit from my brother soon too. This is turning out to be a great Christmas for me despite all the busyness of work. There's a real tree, many decorations, lots of music and Christmas movie classics, and a sense of happiness at the thought of being around loved ones sharing food, laughter and good times. I'm feeling quite lucky and blessed this season and I hope you are feeling the same too.

Things That Make Me Smile

Yummmmm....

Leo (and I's) birthday is five days away, but, as two other Service Dogs in Training have had recent birthdays to celebrate being around for a year Madoc's mamma decided to bake a cake and bring dog goodies to celebrate at today's class. I was so surprised and delighted and more than happy to help eat up that delicious cake. Afterall, it's really not to early to start celebrating is it?

Leo At Your Service*

A blog post midday?? Why you ask? Shouldn't I be at work you ask?? Yes, I should, but, I'm not due to the sinus infection that mutated into an upper respiratory infection-again. I'm on the mend and am beyond grateful that my roommie had a spare refill of an antibiotic laying around so I don't have to shell out more money to see the doc (my health insurance hasn't taken effect yet). I'm kinda cranky about being sick, but, I'm trying to think positive here! I will get back all my energy and motivation to get stuff done.

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Now that my "I hate being sick" rant is over let's turn our attention to Leo. Specifically Leo's adjustment to my job at a local elementary school. My schedule has been changed a multitude of times already which can be frustrating and sometimes hard on Leo as a new room, students, and teachers can cause him to neglect napping and be a bit overstimulated. The first week and a half ish it was really rough. He wouldn't sleep, he'd get a bit agitated, restless, etc. Now that we're more in a 'groove' he's doing better and following commands better than ever. It seems the more noise and the more we have to do in a day the better he pays attention. He still has his days/moments though, but, hey don't we all?

Leo's presence at school has gone over really, really well. The kids are in love with him. Whenever we're in the hallway the students will wave hello to him, ask me if they can pet him, and sometimes they talk to him as if he were just another student there. The first day I began cafeteria duty the kids in line began chanting, "Leo! Leo! Leo!..." (which had to be stopped before mass chaos ensued). Talk about cool. The art teacher has had the younger students make pictures of Leo and they now line the hallways. I've had children give me pictures of them with Leo (they also give me Zany Bands and pencils- score!). Leo is a rock star at school and I cannot help but think he is loving the attention.

I think the biggest impact Leo has made is with one particular student I work with. Due to privacy issues I cannot go into specifics about this one kiddo (I'll call him J for John Doe), but, I will say he has a lot of issues to deal with at such a young age. I've been working with J for almost three weeks now, for about an hour a day and it's so neat to see what has been happening. This student calls Leo, 'his dog' and he often reaches out to Leo to touch him- the action seems almost subconscious actually. The students have been told that there is to be no touching/petting without my permission (we also use petting Leo as a reward for good behavior), but, I am inclined to let J touch Leo when he needs to. His teachers comment on how much calmer J is when we're in the room with him and I know that's in part to Leo's mellow yellow lab presence. Animals can truly be amazingly therapeutic and I am so lucky to see this day after day, especially in the relationship that has formed between Leo and J.
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To say Leo's presence has been a positive one is an understatement. I love bringing him to work with me even if it means putting up with the little hassles that will inevitably happen with a puppy and training a service dog. It's worth it though, and to show that I will leave you all with this one very sweet episode from last Friday. The student, J, came with his classmates to the 1st grade class I was working in to read to the younger students and the younger students would, in turn, read to them. We allowed J to read to Leo and I (see picture above). Leo laid down calmly and watched him read, gradually falling asleep. After J read for awhile Leo woke back up and watched him again staying really low key; despite the classroom being noisy the area we sat in was a sea of calmness. J asked me something and I asked him to repeat it as I didn't hear it. J asked if he could give Leo a kiss. I said yes he could and J gave him a gentle peck on his forehead and Leo sighed and looked at him with contentment. What a moment to witness. There's an understanding going on between those two, one that I don't get to be a direct part of, but, one I am more than happy to have develop.

*That is Leo's first name. All the service dogs are give the 'last name' of 'At Your Service'

D'OH!

In my frantic, 'must get a job' to 'holy crap I have a job' to 'holy crap where is my social security card so I can have this job'* states I forgot to mention Leo has been allowed to resume normal puppy activities. Yes I forgot to tell you all that- I'm a horrible mama! Leo has been going to work and out to public places with me since last Monday. I will say while a few manners have gone to the wayside he has been doing quite well and everyday there is improvement.

I think Leo could give Gene Simmons a run for his money with that tongue!

Leo has also grown, a LOT! He's nine months old now and is already 75 pounds. He's suppose to 'thicken' up from here on out... good grief I can only imagine where he'll finally settle weight wise. I think Louie was surprised how strong and big he is now when they started playing again. I often have to give Leo 'time outs' just so he won't go too wild when puppy wrestling with Louie. That's a new problem, but, I'm sure they'll figure it out. Since Leo has been on a playing with Louie ban, along with pratically everything else, he has a lot of pent up energy to get out. I guess you could say he's making up for lost time.

What a handsome puppy, non?

One area I was worried about was getting Leo's service dog skills back up to snuff. We missed a total of eight weeks of training and while I had been working on little things at home, I was skeptical he'd get back to where he was before the accident quick. Much to my surprise this past week and a half he has begun to pick up objects, bringing them to me, and giving it to me all on command. Not even two weeks ago I was having to do a lot to coerce him into putting anything not food or toy related in his mouth! Where this new eagerness and cooperation has come from I don't know, but, you will not hear me complain. His heeling (walking beside me) has also improved leaps and bounds. I'm hoping this continues as taking him to school for my new job will definitely be a challenge with all the kids around him.

Leo discovered Mina's hidey hole square the other night. What a goofball! I think Louie's saying, "Dude... wtf?"

What I'm most pleased with, however, is Leo has become easier and easier to handle. He's having fun, getting his energy out, and that makes for a happier dog and a happier puppy raising mama. We all are getting used to being 'back in action', but, it has been a good thing to used to! I have also noticed Leo and I are more patient with eachother. He is listening better and I am a lot better at giving commands and, if need be, correcting him. Though I would've preferred not to have had to treat a broken leg it seems we have made the best out of it and are the better for having to go through the long recovery process. Life can be rather funny sometimes, can't it?

*TPS wants me to come in and get my paperwork sorted out. They told me they required a social security card, which I cannot find of course!! They also need transcripts from college, which I cannot get due to some technicalities I'm in the middle of settling with at TU. So, naturally, I've been freaking out a bit trying to figure out what to do!!

Part of the Process

Ever wonder what an interal fixator looks like?

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Leo did it again. While I was working at a day camp this week [via my studio] Leo magically managed to loosen up the e-collar, dubbed 'cone of sham' thanks to 'Up'. The cone of shame hasn't been destroyed thank goodness, but, he did manage to chew off the bandages on the hardware for the fourth time. As I said on Facebook, this is getting old.

I promise Leo wasn't that stressed during this. In fact, he was just looking around and keeping still otherwise. Do like the 'fear of God' look though!
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Thankfully Dr. Mary was at Therapetics today and willing to get Leo fixed up. Jon and I got Leo there and Dr. Mary got to work. I'm not going to lie, this recovery process has been loooonnnngggggg and I'm ready, as is Leo, to have him running, playing, and training normally. Earlier this week Leo went to his first training class in six weeks and good gravy that was stressful. Leo was distracted, overstimulated, tired, and unable to do most of the tasks I asked him. At one point I was seriously thinking I wouldn't be able to get Leo trained at all. A bit dramatic, yes, but ever since the job loss issue I've felt a bit overwhelmed and questioning whether or not I can do anything right.

It's good to know how to smile during all of this.

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But you know what happened? When Jon dropped Leo and I off at the house after we were done at Therapetics, I took him for a walk. It wasn't a major struggle this time, he didn't try to take off, and he got the message that he needed to stay near my side. Was it perfect? No. But, it was better, a LOT better than our last walk. Progress, for the first time I felt that there was progress with Leo. I know he's gotten better, but, it's hard to see and feel that assurance. There has just been that worry, fear he'll injure himself, fear he'll never get back where he was in training, and the guilt that it would be my fault if anything went wrong.

What a face! A little petting and Leo just closed his eyes and soaked it up. Can you blame him?

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Fear, frustration, worry are all a normal part of this process. Not just Leo's recovery and training, but, with me as I search for a new job and work towards my dreams. It is difficult during the trials to keep the goals in mind. It's hard to stay optimistic, but, you know, as long as I work through the tough times I'll get to that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

Being Thankful

Last night, much to my horror, Leo and Louie managed to escape Jon's house. We aren't sure how the gate was opened, but, it was and both dogs bolted unbeknownst to Jon and I (I was tending to his 2nd degree sunburn). When I went to get the dogs was at the door, but, no Leo. so the frantic search for Leo began. I ran back into the house at one point to get my phone when I saw that Harmony, one of the cool Therapetics people, had called. I called her back in quite a state- obviously. Calmly she told me they had Leo.

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He had been hit by a car. A hit and run, actually, just down from Jon's house on one of the main streets that run through Tulsa. What is amazing is when Leo was hit Louie stood in the middle of the street 'gaurding' if you will Leo until good samaritans saw them, picked Leo up, called Therapetics and took him to the emergency vet clinic. They tried to pick up Louie, but, he ran away from them back to the house.

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Leo's okay. Some slight bruising on his lungs, a bit of a cut on his lip, and the worst injury a broken leg. The break is in his lower left front leg, nowhere near the growth plate, so, his future as a service dog is not in jeopardy and most importantly he should make a full recovery. The leg will be operated on and he'll have a type of set up that will be outside of his leg to allow it to heal properly as he grows. I will be able to give you more detail once I know more.* The Therapetics vet, Dr. Mary, told me about it this morning. She kept Leo last night so that she could address any immediate medical needs Leo had. She is taking Leo to the vet, Dr Henson who sits on the Therapetics advisory board and will be performing the surgery.

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So while I am thoroghly traumatized I am so, so grateful. Grateful to Louie who put himself in harm's way and protective instincts probably saved Leo any further trauma. I'm so thankful for the people who saw them and took care of them and were concerned about both Leo and Louie. I am extremely grateful and overwhelmed with the kindness of the Therapetics staff who showed up en masse at the emergency clinic, have kept in touch, and were amazingly kind to me as I feel like a horrible puppy mamma atm. And to Jon who kept me calm and to every friend who has expressed concern on FB, or via text, or phone. I'm simply blown away by how supportive and kind everyone is being. It really is overwhelming.

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More updates to come, but, the good news is he's okay and will be okay. And for that I am beyond thankful for!

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*ETA- Leo was outfitted with an external fixator device. Surgery was successful and he'll be home tomorrow!

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**Oh and to add to my day, after I posted this my phone broke, and my car magically had a flat tire. Suffice it to say I'm hoping I get all this crappiness out of the way for a bit!

Current State of Things

Currently oh so sleepy and tired. Had friends over last night, got to bed later than normal, and then slept like crap. Today my back and some of my ribs hurt which I think happened when I had a severe bout or two, well okay it was three, of the hiccups. The picture above reflects what I'm doing right now, sitting on the couch, occasionally closing my eyes, and being an utterly useless lump.

Wow that makes me seem rather boring.

Despite the urge to stare blankly at the tv and become somewhat devoid of all feeling,I finally decided to blog, convincing myself you all were dying to see how Leo is growing and what he's doing. 'Cause you are right? As you can tell, he's quite the adorable mutant. His weight is steadily climbing towards the forty pound mark (he's almost 14 weeks btw). I feed him Eukanuba, the reccommended portions, and just grows and grows. At least he still has that precious puppy face. He really is a sweetie, quite the cuddle bug too. He's rather smart and able to do things, except for when I take him to our one-on-one dog training lessons at Therapetics. Ha! All bets are off when we're there and he acts absolutely wretched. Friday he was actually barking in my face despite every mean voice I could conjure up and two 'time-outs' (yes, I put my dog in time out and the little toot still threw fits!).

Did you know dogs could throw hissy fits? I haven't really experienced this before so I was quite beffudled. Naturally he hasn't done anything remotely close to a fit since, so I dunno. I think I just need to work on training a bit longer at home and not get so intimidated when I'm in front of people. I don't want to sound too mean you know? Afraid that may come across wrong- I bet he can sense that. You think? I mean I know children can be quite capable of smelling weakness and thus test every boundary possible. Perhaps puppies do the same too?

Either way I'm probably the one to blame. Greeaaattt.... feeling really confident about this puppy raising thing lol. Let's not even begin on starting a family, I don't wanna. And as long as I put my fingers in my ears and scream, 'Lalalalalalala!!!' I don't have to think, talk, nor hear about it.

Yeah I know. I'm real mature huh?

The not so little cutie, looking extra cute, while probably plotting his next fit to show what a horrible 'mom' I am.

Despite what feels like a stepback or two, the one-on-one sessions have been a success. I've learned more to address how Leo needs to learn in just a day than three sessions with the before mentioned trainer, dubbed, "Drill Seargant Jane". It's a major relief and the director wants me to write what I went through down and send it in an email for documentation. After going through some guilt (because I really do like trying to get along with people!) I really don't have an issue with this as I realized the last thing this amazing organization needs is volunteers being so frustrated with the training they quit. I will play my small part in helping this organization grow even if it means calling someone out on their teaching methods. Not what I expected, but, hey life sometimes asks you to do the unexpected right?

In other news, work is going well, and I've been loving Irish dance class and am trying to get to more classes in the week. It's just too much fun, a great way to forget what's going on in the day and just workout and focus on dance, and not to mention I have some of the nicest classmates in the freakin' world! One of them is actually allowing me to hitch a ride to a feis in Dallas and share the hotel room so I can go see what this whold dance competition thing is about without having to spend a whole lot. Another classmate has lent me an older pair of ghillies (softshoes) so I can get used to them and not dance on the tile floor barefoot and so on and so forth.

Hmmm... guess I'm lucky huh? Despite the drama, the ups and downs of daily life, I can't help but look over this entry and think how lucky I am to have all of this going on in my world. Weird huh? Now, if I can get my taxes in order and somehow get to travel abroad this year things will be golden. Alright, so I can't help but wish for a little more. Keeps one motived right?