Holiday Time

Hello Friends,

I thought it was a good time to stick my head out of my hole and communicate again (c:

We are here at Christmas and I thought I would share a bit of my experiences over the past 6 yrs. that I've been with Summit.  This is the season when most everyone is happier and more touchy/feely about things which means more distraction for your dog.  I'll give you an example.

I went into the store with Krypton and just had to pick up a couple of things.  So, I finished my shopping and went to the end aisle to be out of the way.  Well, as I was putting the basket on the belt, I heard a little kid say "DOGGY!"  In that split second, Krypton got up from a sit and was turned completely around to lick that little girl.  Her parents were all gooey and trying to explain to this youngster what kind of a dog he was.  It followed that the parents said, "What can he do?"  Well, I didn't have my doggy kit with me (because I thought it was going to be a quick trip) but I did have a slipper on my foot so I proceeded to have Krypton pull it off.  He did and they were amazed and asked what else he could do?  Remember, all the time I'm trying to communicate with the checker about my groceries and keep an eye out for any people who may be in line and not that impressed with the situation that is causing them to have to wait.  I decided to put the slipper up on the shelf and K could get it and then give it to me.  Well, as my brain was quickly trying to figure this out, the slipper fell on the floor.  K picked it up and my purse fell down and I was soon to lose the 2 grocery bags in my chair.  It was a little like the Keystone Cops for those of you who are not too young to be familiar with them.  I put the slipper up on the shelf, he upped on the counter and did just what a could assistance dog does....gave it back to me.  The courtesy clerk was trying to help me put my slipper back on but I went ahead and did it.  All I wanted was to get out of that place because in all the action that was taking place at our check stand we had drawn the attention of the whole store.

Now, I've tried to go over it in my mind and wondered if I could have done anything differently and because of my interest in sharing my dog because he gives people smiles, I don't think I could.  We were ambushed by that sweet little girl and couldn't resist.  I write this to let you know that you may come in contact with this sort of situation.  What will you do?  Can you handle your animal if he gets distracted?  Do you need to take someone with you to help?  Is it necessary that you go to the store?  Can  you send someone else?  The answer to all of these questions is whatever you answer them with.  What it did for me was to remind me that the season is upon us and I am going to have to be more diligent and decide how much I can take on my outing.  If I'm tired and/or hurting, I've decided to allow people to help me like they are always asking to.  I will make the plan before I leave, on how I'm going to behave to be constructive to all involved, be productive and let K do what he does best, and.........decide to gently talk with the people who are wanting my attention at the moment I am busiest and trying to keep my mind on myself, my behavior, my dog's behavior and the people who see us.

It sounds like a lot because it is.  But, it really doesn't take away from my season.  I have just learned with age that often times it's good to just roll with the punches.  People are goosey this time of year so just be prepared and have a ball.  See you next time.  wq