My Name in Light?

Head lights that is. Our town put up a new sign on our corner "Guide Dog In Use", in order to slow down the traffic that comes through to avoid a light on the next block. The road is skinny and on a curve and they just don't slow down. There is not even enough room for 2 cars. It can get scary.

IWOOF...Bad cars!

We don't usually go out at night to walk, except to the little church across the street for any nite time events. Also, the worst offenders are the BIG yellow busses that come through here...I can hear them rubble from down the road and KNOW they will not slow down....

Oh well....we try to wait until that bus at 8:23 comes by and then walk.


Nice weather now, so it is so nice to get out and stretch!.

How do I "See"

Hello everyon. My Mom got this link to a video on how people with RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) see. It will give you a rough idea of WHY my Mom needs me to guide her around!

My Mom does not know how to upload the video direct here, so here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys7Cn558r_I&feature=youtu.be

Happy Holidays!

Grooming Day

Woof! It is 7:36 a.m. and my grooming appointment is at 9 a.m.
A van comes to the house and I get grooomed and bathed, as well as my nails cut! I am mostly cooperative, but really I'm not too happy about that hair dryer...it makes too much noise! ARGH...don't they remember that dogs have sensative hearing? Oh Well.

I really feel good after it's all done. I run around the house and give Mom a hard time...just for the fun of it! She plays with me and tells me how sweet I smell and how soft my hair is. She rubs my ears and then my belly...that's the best part. Oh and she gives me a treat...cause she feels guilty!!

Well...less than 1 1/2 hours...think I'll get in a nap Zzzzzzz......

A Dog-On Thanksgiving

Woof! Thanksgiving was so much fun. We went to my Dad's (Gary) brother's (Dennis) house and he has a dog and 2 cats. One cat was never seen all day, but the new cat was so much FUN!!
As soon as I lay down and got settled this new cat came right up to me and put his arm around my neck to welcome me. Wish my Mom had a camera and I could show you what pals we became. I got to roam free around the house with Pepper ,the dog and Tucker, the new cat.
Mom brought my food and fed me on time...she is so good at that...no matter where we are she takes care of my food and on a regular schedule.
No turkey for me, just my dry food. I did get a nice flavored rawhide bone from Arlene (The hostess) and it was real yummy. It kept me busy while everyone was relaxing at the table.
After dinner Arlene took me and Pepper for a great run for about 20 minutes....boy did I sleep good that night!

Zzzzzz......

West Bank Cafe in NYC

Hello and WOOF! My Mom loves the folk singer "Zoe Lewis" http://www.zoelewis.com/ and she happened to have a concert in New York City 2 weeks ago. I am just getting around to letting you know how it went...as we are so busy these days.
A friend drove us to the city, I LOVE riding in the car, it is so much fun! We parked right on 42nd street, you know the parking garage right after you get out of the Lincoln Tunnel. THe West Bank Cafe is 1/2 block away and we were glad it was so close, as it was raining out.
We got front row seats, near the wall, where there was plenty of space for me to fit there and not get stepped on. The concert was fab and Zoe LOVES me and came over to see me right after the set was over.
I don't get to eat people food, but Mom gives me a couple of treats and my favorite...ice cubes.
The city is my favorite place to manuver and people usually move out of my way.
Woof...another adventure....it never ends with the Pratt family!

Asian Restaurants!

Woof! I have been with my handler for 2 1/2 years now and the ONLY places that even question my being there is Asian restaurants. Why is that? Different culture I suppose, what do I know, I'm just a dog! My Mom says that the more we are out there, the more the culture is exposed to guide dogs and the more they will be accepted!

Anyway, we went out for Sushi the other night at a place we have never been before and I got not even a hesitating vibe from anyone. What a refreshing feeling. My Mom always brings a little card from the Seeing Eye that has our photo and the law explained on the back (Just in Case). We have had to use it a few times....guess where?

Anyway, the place we went to was the Sushi Palace on Division in Somerville, NJ.



This place was in Somerville, NJ. It was packed with diners. The staff was awesome and were very efficient! The food was good. Three people had Sushi and my Mom...hates it...so she had 3 small appatizers. A salad with ginger dressing, Edamamy and Beef Nagamaki. Mmmmm...she said it was great! All I get is a few ice cubes...Yummmm...I really like munching on em under the table!


This place is a BYOB, which saves on the bill...and Mom can buy me more treats..>WOOF! . Sushi Palace, Division St. in Somerville...thanks for a great experience!

Pesty Pests

Well, what a wet spring and summer. Mosquitoes are out there day and night. They are driving me and my Mom....crazy!! Can't wait for some frost and snow...that'll kill those little pests!

Woof...ouch...there goes another one. Zzzzzz...

Did U Miss Me?

Hello, Woof

My owner has been lazy in posting for me....not really, she has just been busy.

Hurricane Irene came to my area and I had to use the back patio to relieve mysefl, as I did not dare to go out under those trees in the wind. Mom was not so happy when stepped in something smelly under a small branch on the patio! Good thing she is understanding!

I am never allowed in the basement, as they put stuff down there to keep out critters....so it is not safe for me, who likes to sniff around and check things out. I most certainly was not allowed when there was 6" of water down there.

I might have to go on a diet....the basement clean-up was expensive and so is dog food these days! No diet really....but I think I should, as my harness is getting a little tight lately!

Hopefully Mom will post more often on here, she has a couple other blogs and Facebook and now Twitter to keep track of.

WooFs and Licks on your face!
KIA

Winter Chat from Kia!

You humans have it easy in winter. You get all bundled up with hats ans scarves and boots,etc. and you only have TWO feet to freeze!
Us guide dogs (And our other 4 legged friends) have FOUR feet to freeze and have to walk direlty on the snow and ice...and worst of all.....all that salt and chemicals you poeple put down so YOU don't slip and fall!
I do love to run and play in the snow and never want to go inside! My Mom...after I do my thing outside...usually rushes me in because SHE is cold....ha!
I heard that more snow on the way in 2 days. it may even be a lot of ice....will winter never end?

Heading to Joisey!

Woof!

Mom has been packing and packing the last couple of days...guess we are going someplace. I found out yesterday that we are going home to New Jersey for the holidays! I like that place, as we got a fenced in yard for me to run FREE!!! The only bad thing is that the bed is smaller that the one here at Stony Point Center...so i have to sleep in a doggie bed. It takes me a couple of days to get used to it...but it actually works out..cause I am not constantly aske dto shove over and move. I get a good solid night's sleep! Zzzzzz....
I heard that Santa is coming...I sure hope he brings stuff for dogs. Mom says I'll get a nice big bone. Sure hope she is right. I think she will leave a dog treat out with the cookies and milk...we are not sure if Santa has a dog or not....we are NOT going to take any chances.
Merry Christmas to all! We will be out of touch until after the holidays...as Mom can only use her PC in NY and can't see good enough to read her email on that little iPhone. So I guess we will see ya NEXT YEAR in 2011!!
May the Creator bless you all during this Holy season! Woof! Hey...maybe my ancestors were hanging around the manger??

Guide Dog Rebounds?

Guide Dog Rebounder

Woof...what a fun morning. My Mom got on her rebounder and I was up from the couch quick quick. I LOVE to bounce with Mom on that rebounder. We have so much fun...I get up there...she kicks me off in a minute or so...then I jump back up...hahaha weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
Bouncy,Bouncy!
Mom is going to get a pic of us and also a video with some cool music I hope...this has got to be shared with my other doggie friends that are over weight and need some excercise. Winter is here and I tend to gain weight...Mom does NOT like to go out in the cold unless she has to!!
Stay tuned for those photos....sooooooon.

Meeting Day at SPC

Today (Thursday) is meeting day at Stony Point. Mom does not like this day....she says the morning meetings are OK...but she would not care about the afternoon meetings.

I get to just lay around all day in different rooms and listen to people yak yak yak!! What do they talk about anyway? Now if they would bring on the frisbee or a tennis ball...I could understand....but just sitting there....geez...they need to excercise more.

Lunch time drives me nuts. I just get to sit under the table and wait for everyone in the room to eat....ooooooh the smells are so good.

I am not allowed people food. Mommy will give me a few little treats during the day....that's good!!! She also gives me a few ice cubes...yum they are so crunchy!

So the last meeting is at 1 o'clock and so we get to go home about 2. But a lot of times....we stand around waiting for Gary to talk talk talk some more..does he not get thirsty doing all that yak-ing??

Hey...if any of you have questions about guide dogs....comment on my blog and I will do my doggie best to answer you!

WOOF...I'm taking over for my Mom...

Hello, this is Kia and I am Joyce's guide dog. We have been together since August of 2009. I am 3 1/2 years old and a beautiful black lab (If I must say so myself) I usually don't have to say it, cause "Everybody LOVES Kia"!

So, yesterday was so exciting. I usually spend my days with Mom on campus at Stony Point Center. Well...we went to Petco yesterday afternoon and there were lots of other doggies and awesome smells in that place. We went in and Mommy said "RIGHT", which is my command to turn right...so we ended up at a little photo studio.

Gary,Mom and me got our hotos taken...unfortunately, they will not be ready for 3 weeks!!

But not so sneaky Pam...took a few shots (Drove the photo guy nuts) so Mom is posting one of them here....now that she figured out how to do it....Woof! ooops...sorry the woof escaped...that happens from time to time!!!

Happy holidays and a big MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

Oh...By the way...I am NOT related to that dog on "The Grinch"...he is a BAD BOY!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr........

Apology

Hey everyone...sorry for not posting in such a long time...i have been putting stuff on my Facebook...no time to post here as well. But...I think KIA wants to post...so from now on...this blog will be from KIA's point of view. She is eager to share her doggie life with you all...so stay tuned.

"OFF DUTY" guide dog

"OFF DUTY" guide dog...hamming it up at Petco for the holidays....Check our Facebook to see photo... Joyce Cass Pratt

Silly question people ask guide dog handlers....

http://www.blindawareness.com/observations/ohpuppy.php

Check out this link. It has some do's and don'ts on what to do when you are around a guide dog. The writer seems to be a little rough....but it is the safety of the blind person at stake here. Enjoy!

DAY 4 - Day 1 in Morristown Center

Tuesday, July 21

5:25 a.m. the loud speaker in my room starts playing a song. If i had a rock, I would have tossed it at the speaker mounted on the wall...haha.
5:30 Feeding time
5:30 "Park" time. It is raining. So I put Kia's harness on and my rain slicker and head out to the parking area. First thing is taking off the harness before letting Kia "Go". Then, convincing her to hurry up...cause it's raining. Kia did NOT go #2 again...so she is on the watch list and I need to know her whereabouts at all times.
7 a.m. Breakfast
7:30 Normally the next "Parktime" would be 11 a.m., but since Kia did not do her #2....we need to go out again (In the rain) and try again. So, harness on....encourage her to go, harness back on (Out in the rain( and then back inside. Success in the #2 thing finally....it had to be helped along...send me email if you want to know the trick!!!
8:45 - We were supposed to go into Morristown for our first walk about with our new dogs, but the rain is so bad, they postponed it until this afternoon. So, we had a lecture class this morning in the common room.

1 p/m/ we finally get to go to Morristown to walk and learn the 4 block route that we will be using for the first few days. Learning the intersections, which ones have lights, stop signs, traffic, etc. Well...it is still raining and the sidewalks and streets are flooded. I was ankle deep in water for the entire 10 block route. The step soen off the curbs were several inces under water. The shoes I had on, did NOT like some of the sidewalks..they were slate. I was slipping and sliding all over the place...trying not to fall. I did fall TWICE, but just back up and continued on. Kia was awesome. She stopped at every curb and intersection and went around poles and trees. Morristown likes to put little trees in the miccle of the sidewalks.

I was so exhausted by the end of that walk. After getting back to the Seeing Eye, I took a nap before dinner.

At dinner, we all exchange our stories on how it went the first day out in the rain. The dining at the Seeing Eye is awesome...I had some hot tea to help me feel warmer. Felt so water logged!

After dinner, we had another meeting. This tiem, it was about traffic patterns and safety.

So ends another day at the Seeing Eye....ZZzzzzzzz......

Monday, July 20 - "D" (Dog) Day!

Thank you all for being patient as Kia and I adjust to life being home. I am FINALLY getting around to telling you the day KIA came into my life.
Kia, like the other 20 dogs in my class, has been raised by a "Puppy" raising family for about 18 months. Kia happened to be raised by a young girl...about 6-9. The young girl had an older brother, parents and some cat and dog pets, other than Kia.
Monday, after lunch is when we were promised our dogs. It has been since our arrival Saturday that we all (Students) have been awaiting this moment. We have no idea what breed we will be getting or anything else about our friend to be.
There is a main lounge for both male and female students upstairs, but on my floorm which was a "Female" floor, there was a smaller lounge for us girls to meet and hang out. The lounge has a few chairs and a couch. It also has a kitchnette and a TV.
A knock came at my door around 1 p.m. or so, it was my instructor, who told me that it is my turn to meet my dog, down in the lounge. I was a bit nervous and excited, but we were told ahead of time to try and be calm and easy when meeting our dog for the first time. The dogs have been through an adjustment already from "Puppy" raiser to 4 months with a trainer at the Seeing Eye, and now they will be handed off again to their new owners. That is a lot of changes for one dog.
I walked down the hall and into the lounge where my instructors were with my dog. They told me her name, breed and color and asked me to call her. I did and here came KIA, just calmy wagging her tail. I hooked her up to the leash I brought and was told to take her to my room and hang out to bond for awhile. So Kia (Heeling so nicely) and I walked back down the hall to my room. I sat on the floor next to the bed by her mat. I calmly pet her and talked to her. Kia kept looking towards to door, as I think she expected the instructors to come and take her back to the kennels. But they didn't. Kia was mine forever now! Kia and I had all afternoon to relax together, so I had her tied down by her mat and I flopped on the bed, with arm hanging over to pet her....and we both fell asleep for awhile. It was a big day for both of us.
The first activity was at 4:30 p.h. and that was to feed and take our dogs out to "Park" (Go potty) out in the designated area. There is a knock at the door and Kia's food bowl is presented. I put a little water in and give her her first meal. She eats IAMS mini chunks-Chicken. 1 1/2 cups 2x a day. After feeding, The harness goes on and we head down the hall and a flight of stairs to go outside. The fenced area i concrete and there are 21 students with 21 dogs, all coaching their dogs to go "Park". Beofre you tell your dog "Parktime", you have to take the harness off out there, as they are NOT allowed to go potty in harness. This will encourage them or let them know that while guiding us...it is OK to stop anywhere and go. We must keep a close eye on their daily routines and constitution. The dogs go out 4 times a day: 5:20 a.m., 11 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. is the last call. Keeping a regular schedule will help us NOT to have unexpected stops to "Go".
The second activity for Kia and I was to get her into ter harness and go to dinner. The trick comes in learning how to get the dogs under the table in a safe position, so the servers do not step on them and we also have to leave enough room for the other dogs uunder there. So, you lead the dog head first uner the table and turn them around, so their head is facing out...this way, we can better know if they are sniffing or licking or doing other bad behavior under there. This is important, as in a public dining place, you don't want her to do these bad things to strangers. Even now, if Kia licks someone's foot...they say "It's OK....I tell them that it is NOT, as she may try it when someone may object and this is not good. I ask my do-workers to let me know if she bothers them during a meal....I may not "See" or notice all bad behaviors.
After dinner we had a class with our dogs at 6:30 and it got over at about 7:30.
We have 1/2 hour back in our rooms before the "Lat Call" parktime at 8 p.m. Kia, I guess could not wait for that, she "Pee'd" on the time floor in my room. I just cleaned it up and did not get mad, as it has been a HUGE day for both of us and who could blame her? When I took her out at 8p.m of course she did not have to go. She also di not "poop" all day, so I sure hope she would go the next day.
Kia settled onto her mat and we both slept real good the first night!

Front Page News! http://tinyurl.com/nwkc9b

Kia and I made the front page of our local paper. See the link here in the title.

Next post will be "D" day...the day Kia came into my life!!