Today was Nessie's second day at work. She felt comfortable enough to use the "rock toilet" (landscaping rocks outside my office) and even (in a different locale, but still on the rocks) did sit and down. She's asking to go out now pretty regularly. Yay, Nessie!

We worked on holding her down in the kitchen area while I prepared my lunch. Folks watching were very impressed at this little tiny girl holding a down while I danced around her :-)

Waiting for Godot?

No, just waiting for lunch! One of the things that the puppies need to learn is not to jump up for their food. They are to sit quietly (on their own initiative) until the food is down and they are released. The babies learn to sit before the food comes, our job is to teach them more self control. They eventually wait until the food bowl is down and they are released. Today I gave Nessie her lunch in small portions, each one a lesson in waiting a bit longer before the release.

Food: 2 3/4 cup (in 3 meals & treats)
Weight: 11.6#
Housetraining: "Indicates" need to go out by going to gate (ok, I'm observing and acting to take her out, but she's not squatting just anywhere!)
Working on: mealtime manners (food about 1' from floor), drop it
New experiences: Post office

Today we went to "Everybody Rides" in Newark, NY. A group from Kodak (and others) have been going to this site for several years. We built a pole barn two years ago, wired it for lights and electricity last year and this year built some floating floors for outdoor stalls and put up shelving and racks for tack and gear. Paxton met "Finny", a wonderful calm Morgan horse. Paxton was curious but cautious, especially when Finny snorted in his face!

My last date with Noel?

Today mom and I went to Noel's house for a play date. Mom said to have fun because it was going to be our last off-leash playtime (something about Noel becoming a big girl?!) So we ran and played, and played and ran and hmmm, Noel smells a little different today. I feel all funny inside....

Mom says if we're both very, very good at our jobs, that maybe, someday, we'll meet again for a real "play date". (wink, wink!)

Back to work

Today we came back to work. It was an adjustment after two weeks off!! After lunch I wanted to play and there were people coming out of the conference room. Barking at them seemed like a reasonable way to get some attention. Mom didn't agree. She put me in my crate. I was reaaaallllllly good and didn't bark. I chewed my bone and went to sleep. I guess it's back to the routine!

Off to school!

Today mom and I went with my friend Noel and her mom to SCHOOL! There were lots of kids there, and of course with Noel in front of me, it was very hard to think and behave. Mom said I did very well though. I chewed quietly on my bone while our moms talked about us and the Guiding Eyes program and all the other cool dogs there. Then the kids helped to train us by waiting until we sit or lie quietly before petting us. I'm getting the hang of this - sit and get attention, jump and they ignore me!

I was one tired puppy by the time we got into work!!

Today we went to the Dentist again. Those ladies LOVE me! I was really good and quiet and hung out under the counter while mom got her crown drilled off. Dr. Nichols thought I might not like the drill, but I'm not like those sissies in the chair (no offense, mom!). I just opened an eye to see what was up and then went back to sleep.

When we got back to work, there was the room across the hall, FULL of food! I could hardly contain my excitement. Even after walking around to a bunch of offices to help people with their computers, and going outside twice, I wanted to get back into that room! Mom finally took me back in there, but all the food was gone and there were just a few scraps of paper on the floor. Oh, well. I may as well head back to our office and take a nap!