The start of Heidi blogging

So, I'm finally entering into the blogging world! As many of you know, over the summer I will be doing CAYLIE and CAMDEN's public access training. I have started out with CAYLIE and so far so good!! Our first day together was this past Tuesday. Of course this was my "prison day" when I go to both the Hazelton men's camp and the womens prison. So we just got aquainted and settled in that evening. On Wednesday, I had to work all day at the clinic so not much exciting that day either. (Boo work!!) On Thursday, I had the day off so it was dedicated to getting CAYLIE out and about. First we went to Petco. This was pretty hard for her to keep her sniffer in line at first. As time went on though, she improved and was less distracted. We walked through the hardest isles-the food, the toys, the good smelling treats. We even met a dog in the store, but CAYLIE wasn't as interested in him as he was in her. I was very pleased with her performance for this first Petco visit. Don't worry Petco, we'll be back! So then it was off to Target. We practiced several down-stays and basic commands. Her down-stays were weak so we will focus on them in the following visits to any stores. Last stop, Walmart!!! Here she walked very nicely with the cart and helped me get the few items I needed. Very excellent first adventure for CAYLIE I'd say!

On Friday, CAYLIE went with me to do my morning session at the men's camp. She was very happy to see her old pals LIA and RAIDER! I am so proud of the men in the program at the camp. They have really latched on to the program and just soak up every bit of knowledge I will give them. They have made such a positive impact on DEJA, SADIE, LIA and RAIDER's lives. Plus the exposure that they can give the dogs is so helpful to the program. They all do an excellent job! After leaving the camp, I had to go to work so that was the main excitement for that day.

On Saturday, after work, CAYLIE and I went to my parents house to hang out for a while. CAYLIE helped us all with planting flowers and some other yard work we had to do. She also played with Chelsea, my 11 year old golden. CAYLIE of course being the young, spry dog ran circles around Chelsea, but if need be she could keep up! To Chelsea's credit, she has been so tolerant over the last two years with all the dogs I would bring home from time to time. Chelsea is definitely a big inspiration for me and all the work I'm doing! She's the best! CAYLIE also met Madison, my cat. Madison was practically raised by Chelsea, so dogs don't really scare her that much. She would just sit and swat if CAYLIE got too close. It was quite a comedy show!!

On Sunday, CAYLIE hung out with Chelsea a lot because I went to church with my parents in the morning. In the afternoon, the studio that my mom teaches piano lessons at was having a recital. So I had to help out with that. I was the photographer for the event!

Today (Monday) CAYLIE and I met Terry at a little restaurant for breakfast! Of course CAYLIE did wonderful and attracted a lot of attention and made many people smile. Then it was off to the prison for evaluations. We evaluated each of the inmates with their dogs. One word for all of them- WOW!!! I was very impressed by how high the skill level has raised since the last time I did evals. Their skill shone bright through all the dogs performing today! Excellent job! SOLOMON also had a very happy reunion with one of his former trainers. I don't know which one was happier! After several hours of evals, Terry and I were starving! So it was off to our favorite pizza joint! CAYLIE went with us and did very well again. The pizza was great as always! It's the little things in life:)

Tomorrow Terry and I and the three dogs (SOLOMON, CAYLIE and ADDIE) are headed to Wheeling to do a presentation. I'm sure there will be some interesting stories from that trip!

'Till next time,
Heidi













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