To the Dead Sea and Back

I think after two days I've recuperated enough from all our travels to write about our trip to many different places. We started out with some challenging walks through the grottos at Rosh Hanikra, where it was very dark inside and rather slippery. We had to ride down in a cable car, but I've done that before. At one point I jumped up onto the stone wall and was about to leap into the lovely blue water when Bracha held me back. Why is it that every time I want to go swimming Bracha doesn't let me?

We went on to see the fortress at Yehiam and Acco. I had to lead Bracha down a long tunnel. It was dark inside and there were lighted places in the floor that looked like they were big deep holes, so I lead Bracha around them very carefully. Then we walked back along the tunnel again, and down and up lots of stairs. It was hard work, but I knew I could handle it. We also walked through Zfat and Bracha said we would not go into the old synagogue, but surprisingly a nice man stepped outside and insisted that Bracha go inside with me. I walked carefully around in there and had a good rest in the car, but soon we were climbing all over more stairs and steps in Beit Sean.
In the evening we got to a strange sea. There were no waves in it, and it had a strange smell. The next morning we went down to the water and Bracha and everyone went in. Now I'm not sure why, but Bracha told me I could not swim in this sea. She said it would not be good to get the water in my eyes because it's very salty. So I had to lie on the shore and watch. What strange things people do!

South and Back Again

Well, we really did go to Eilat and back again. So many friends! Petel, of course, and Larry, Tango, Turner, Nellie, Disney, Hero, Rega, Yvonna, and a brand new dog Paris who came all the way from America. She's fulll of pepper, piss and vinegar - even more than me. And I ran away twice at the hotel, too. Yep, I got into my share of mischief, but I was really well-behaved in the dining room and on the bus, and worked very hard in the mall and on the hikes outside. Petel and I, of course, were ever so pleased to see each other. And Bracha bought us both bones and treats.

Now I have to tell you about this airplane thing. It really wasn't much after all. It looked like a large bus high in the air standing on wheels with wings. But inside it was sort of like a bus or a train. I just curled up at Bracha's feet, felt the engines start and the whole thing move, and dozed off. Everyone asked Bracha if she had given me something to sedate me. Nope, she explained, I was just doing my usual thing when I am traveling and don't need to work...sleeping! But when we got to the airport Bracha was very confused and didn't know where to go. Some nice people helped us and even found a little spot of grass for me to do busy. And then we were on the train and on the way home!

Now Bracha is back at work and riding that bike with her friend Nir. I like the doggie footprints on the pretty shirt Bracha got, but I don't think much of Bracha going out riding and I can't come.

Hey Daroma! (Hey, Southward)

When I saw Bracha putting several little bags of dog food and two brand new bones and two treats that they gave us at the pet store into a suitcase, I knew something big was up. Yep, we are going to Eilat for four days! And Petel and I get to be in a room together! ANd on the way back we get to go on a plane! I'm so excited I can hardly sit down. I think it will be lots of fun, and Bracha has promised me that being on a plane will be just like riding on a train or bus.
We have lots to do before we leave. First of all, the hair on my paws needs to be trimmed. It is so long that it is liable to get caught in escalators or cracks, so we need to go out into the orchard and lay down and have a good grooming session. ANd then we will be all set!

Keeping up Our Old Agreement

Ever since the last time I got ill and had a sees your last Friday Bracha has been very watchful of me and reassuring. We still do everything together as we always do, and yesterday I worked beautifully – taking Bracha all over Tel Aviv and right to the bus that takes us to Rotem's school.

But on the way Bracha took me on the bus to a place where we had never been before. As soon as Bracha told me to turn right and go into the entrance to a building with a pretty little garden in front and a sign that had the names of several doctors on it, I knew right away that this was undoubtedly a veterinary clinic. Don't ask how I knew. I just knew. I did my best to plant all four feet on the sidewalk just like I do in front of Avi's clinic in Nahariya, but Bracha told me we had to go in and said there was no choice. When we got inside everyone was very good to me and admired me a lot. But I did have to have a needle poked in me and the doctor took some of my blood out. I was scared, but Bracha held me and reassured me, and then gave me a treat. The rest didn't hurt. The nice vet looked in my ears, felt me all over, and turned off the lights and shone a little flashlight in my eyes. Then she took me into the next room and weighed me. And then she and Bracha sat down to talk. Bracha reassured me afterwards and told me that there is a kind of medicine that will help me and keep me from having any more sees yours. I really don't like them. They make me feel funny beforehand and afterwards I'm very confused. So we have to wait and see what happens. I know that Bracha still loves me and will take care of me. She might even love me more now that she knows that I might have to take medicine, and if I do she promised she'd give it to me every day. That way we can keep up our agreement – I take care of Bracha and she takes care of me! And best of all – when we got back from Tel Aviv I was covered in yucky black soot from the sidewalks and I really needed a bath. So off to the river we went! And it's running with lots of water now! Just the way I like it!

Is that me under the table?

I never had such a week. Evening after evening Bracha would take me out and all I ended up doing was sitting under the table. There were a lot of people around. There was a lot of excitement, kissing and hugging and shouting and laughing and I admit I did get petted and admired a lot. but mostly I ended up under the table and not being allowed to have food. Finally on Friday I lost it. There were two cakes on the table, and let's just say that when I got through there were one and two thirds cakes on the table. By that time Bracha had understood that I was having a rough time. All that partying and none for me. It was the kibbutz reunion and I was new to everyone. But Bracha didn't get too angry at me. That was because she was concerned because I had, or I think I had, another sees your. So that makes two.
So I have epilepsy. Bracha and I discussed it and she reassured me that I was still her dog and that she would make sure we will work together like always. I know she'll help me. I felt so confused and unhappy afterwards. So we will talk with a special vet who knows about these things. He'll know what to do.

Running Smoothly

I guess I haven't written for a while because things are just going along smoothly. It made Bracha and me both giggle (if I could giggle) when a woman on the bus cornered next to the door when we were about to get off backed as far as she could next to the wall and asked, "She doesn't do anything, does she?" Bracha just smiled and said, "If you mean is she aggressive, than no, she won't do anything bad, but actually, she does quite a bit."
And I did do quite a bit. It's now getting dark early, so we were both feeling a bit apprehensive when we got off the bus at the stock exchange at night to get into the train station. Bracha asked the driver where to get off and off we went. I went right to the crosswalk, across the other road where cars come zipping out of the parking lot, and turned smack into the right place and headed for the train. ANd before we knew it the long sleeve with the lights inside was right in front of us. Bracha stopped me at the entrance and gave me a thorough praising and petting. "Good girl, Suki!" So that's it. That route is under control now. But we also went to some new places where we had not been before. One was to the building near the train station where BRacha had to sit at a meeting and I lay quietly and slept for two hours while the meeting went on. It was a place I had never been before and my claws made a nice clicking noise on the wooden floors when I walked around there. But really, why does the woman on the bus HAVE to sit down next to us and tell Bracha all about her Schnauzer???

Best Beach Day Ever!

Yesterday we went to the beach and the sea was different than it had ever been before. There were no waves. The water was smooth and calm and I could swim around and around in circles until I couldn't swim any more. Then I got out and lay quietly on the beach watching Bracha and her friends swim. I know there's a life guard because he called "Suki, Suki!" through his loudspeaker when I arrived, but I still need to watch everyone. The lifeguard really likes me. I don't think I've ever had such a good time at the beach before. Now we have to go as often as we can before the winter begins and it gets too cold.

So I was lovely, fluffy, and white when Yael came to check us for a home visit from Beit Oved. We walked up and down the main street in Nahariya and I poked about a bit, but Bracha got me going quickly. And it wasn't my fault that a man with a little dog let his dog sniff me all over and distracted me from my work. But Yael said I did a good job and I was happy. We even showed her how I fgfind mailboxes and the ATM machine. I know Bracha was proud of me and when Yael said I did my work happily I knew she was right. So that's it until next year. Bracha also told Yael about the sees-your that I had, and Yael said, "If you need to change dogs, you have the right to ask." I sat up straight under the table in alarm. But Bracha said she was not interested in changing me for another dog at all, and that if I ever got sick like that again she would give me medicine and take care of me. And I know she will, too.

Petel and I under the table

As soon as Bracha and I walked into Cafe Greg I ran over to the corner pulling on my harness as hard as I could. There were Liron and Petel, as usual. Hooray! Soon Petel and I got over the romping stage and settled down under the table. But we couldn't help listening to the talk above as we nuzzled each other. Bracha and Liron were talking about going on an airplane together! And making sure there were places reserved in front so there would be room for us! Now, I've never been on a plane before, but Petel has been on one several times already and says it's sort of like being on a bus or train. I don't quite understand what we have to do if Bracha and I are flying in the sky, and I can't remember learning anything about this in my training. Petel says we really don't have to do anything except walk up some steps and then settle down for the ride. Someone else flies the plane. Acd after that I started looking forward to it. I'm always curious about anything new. After all, I'm a very intelligent dog.

And now I have to tell you about the taxi driver who took us to the center yesterday. He was very curious about me and asked some questions. Then he asked Bracha if she worked and she said she did. "Well, you're really quite normal," he said. Bracha told him flatly that besides the fact that she doesn't see well she is just like anyone else. This sounds just like the kind of person who put the sign in the elevator that Bracha showed me on her computer. THe sign said: Attention Blind People! Please ignore the floor announcements in the elevator since they are incorrect. Now how is a blind person supposed to read the sign? And what if a person who does not hear gets in the elevator? How ignorant people can be! Sometimes I think I'm smarter than some people. And why did the woman at the meeting ask what kind of language she should use to write instructions for people who cannot see. Bracha just turned to her and said, "You write instructions just like you write for any other intelligent adult." Sigh..
Next week someone is coming from Beit Oved to see how Bracha and I work together. I promise to do my best.

Aamer's dream come true

About a year and a half ago Bracha and I sat down on the train to Tel Aviv when a young man approached us. He said he had heard Bracha giving me commands and realized that there was a woman with a guide dog. He was curious because he was also blind and was thinking of getting a dog. He was from Peki'in and still lived with his parents, and they did not feel that a dog in the house was a good idea. THey were afraid that a dog would make a mess, shed, and misbehave. He therefore had talked to Beit Oved, but had not gotten a dog, and got around with a cane.

Bracha started trying to encourage him to get a dog. She said he could come to our house and bring his parents, and they could see how clean, well-behaved, and good I was. I could tell he was tempted. After that we heard nothing more from him. But when Bracha heard that a man called Aamer from Peki'in had just gotten a dog, she began to wonder if it was the same Aamer we had met on the train.

Sure enough, today when the phone rang Bracha looked at me and said, "Suki, there's a surprise! Ami is stopping by to visit. And then there was Ami, opening the gate and I was so excited to see him! Bracha told me to sit and it was all I could to to keep my rear end on the ground. Soon we sat down and Ami told Bracha that Aamer was indeed the young man we had met on the train! He has a Labrador retriever, and is now finishing the course! Ami and a new trainer named Natanel are his trainers. Bracha said she'd call him to see how things were going. Good for Aamer for convincing his parents to let him have a dog. And maybe, just maybe, I did a bit of the convincing myself.

"If I tell your dog..."

It's raining! The bad thing about this is that we were supposed to go to the beach, and now we can't. The nice thing about this is that I can sit in the yard and get wet and there is a different smell in the air. It smells like winter. Bracha and I stood outside and watched the rain come down and listened to the thunder, and she assured me that there would still be beach days left, and that soon the ri ver would fill up and I could swim there again.

Thursday we got on a bus to go to the board meeting and then got off that one and got on another. Bracha wasn't too sure where we were, so she asked the driver to tell us where to get off. He politely offered the seat right by the door and I sat down and looked out the window just as I like to do. When we got to the stop he told us that we had to get off here and started to tell Bracha that we had to walk up to the stoplight, cross the street, and turn left. We already know how to do this, but Bracha knew he was just being helpful, and she could tell he was a bit concerned because that corner is very complicated to cross. He looked down at me and asked, "If I tell your dog hwhere to go, will he understand?"

We all make mistakes...

I must admit that I've made a few mistakes lately. And Bracha admits that she made some, too. We discussed it, as usual, with Bracha getting down on the floor and sitting beside me and stroking my fur, and me thumping my tail and putting a large front paw on her arm. That way, we usually come to an understanding.

It all began when we started walking towards the beach. I was excited, as I always am when we reach the end of the main street in Nahariya and I can sense we are getting close to the water. And I guess I wasn't concentrating and Bracha tripped over one of those stupid brick flower beds they have around the trees. She sat down and made me sit, too. I felt awful and started licking her but she'd have none of it. Up we got and she called me on it, made me approach the same place and go around the flower bed and Ithat time gave it a wide berth. I guess I didn't deserve a run on the beach, but I got one anyway.

And when we got into town it was Bracha's turn to make a mistake. She forgot my shoes, and as soon as we got to the stoplight I started dancing around on the corner like I had hot peppers under my paws. Which, for all practical purposes, I did. Bracha apologized and we took a bus instead of walking so that I wouldn't have to walk on the hot pavement. So we both made mistakes that time and will try and do better next time.

When we got to the dentist everyone was glad to see me as usual. I was offered water, petted, and escorted into the doctor's office. But when we started to go into the next room, the technician said she was afraid of me and asked if I could wait outside. The woman asked Bracha if she was angry, and Bracha said she wasn't because she had asked nicely and she understood. Bracha led me behind the reception area, and told me to wait there quietly, which I did. The woman was very apologetic, and said afterwards, "I'll bet she hates me now." Bracha assured her that I don't hate anyone. But I wish she were not afraid of me. It's a shame. I hear that petting animals makes people feel relaxed and happy.

Fun and Politics

Wow! I'm still sleeping off yesterday. We got in the car and suddenly I smelled that we were at the beach! Bracha let me off the leash and I ran and ran and swam and ran again! Afterwards I went to sleep on the grass while Bracha and her friends ate and talked. When we got back Bracha said we were going out and that I would be busy at the demonstration that evening, so I slept some more and my fur dried to its usual curly soft fluffiness that it gets after swimming at the beach. In the evening we started walking down the street in town. There were lots of people and a lot of noise, and the music was very loud, but I was very proud to be the only guide dog there. Bracha said it was important. And there were 450,000 people out walking and demonstrating last night! I wonder...was I the only guide dog?

I must be a little ill.

I'm not sure what happened to me this morning. I'm still a bit frightened and confused, and I'm glad Bracha is next to me, comforting me and talking softly to me and telling me everything is OK. Suddenly I started running all over the living room and then, well I don't remember much. Bracha told me that I had a "sees-your". I'm not sure what that means, but she explained that it looks like I have a disease called epilepsy. Saoirse had that, and she took special pills for it. Then Bracha called Ami to tell him, and Ami was very sympathetic and said that if I needed to take medicine it was OK. I can still do everything I always to, and Bracha reassured me and told me that she still loves me and I will always be her guide dog. Afterwards I was still frightened and disoriented, and stood at the edge of the patio barking at Bracha and not sure what to do. Then I went to sleep for a while. I feel so bad, but I guess this is something that is beyond my control. As long as I can be Bracha's guide dog and do what I am supposed to do, I'll be OK.

Hey, are those Adidas?

One cannot remain annonymous when walking with my red shoes on. The moment we walked out of the train station the comments started:
"Hey, are those Adidas?"
"Wow, look at those!"
"Hey, look, that dog has shoes!"
And on and on. I think Bracha gets a bit tired of it and simply ignores most of them, but after I made my way through Azrieli and for the first time found my way out of the center and onto the pedestrian bridge, one woman started up and we got a good laugh. First she asked the woman next to her why I had shoes. The woman didn't know. Bracha couldn't resist. They were, after all, talking about me as if she were not even there and could not hear.
"If you want to know, you can ask me directly, you know."
"Why does your dog have shoes?"
Bracha explained that the shoes were to protect my feet from the hot sidewalks.
The woman considered this. "But, up till now they (dogs) never complained..."
We goth chuckled to ourselves. The time of dogs being silent is over! Hooray!

Now I have to tell you about my new swimming place. The river is just about dried up and is nothing more than a muddy trickle. But wow! The fence around the reservour is, well, not quite intact, so we made our way in! Now Nuala and I can swim! What fun!

Real Shoes!

Wow! My new shoes arrived just in time for our trip to Tel Aviv. I'm so happy and proud! These are real shoes with rubber soles, so Bracha doesn't have to keep taking them on and off all the time. My other ones are torn and all worn out. So yesterday we went to Tel Aviv and I wore them all morning - on the train, up the moving stairs, out to the bus stop, and on the street! And after Bracha photographed them, we discovered that they have reflectors on them, too! Thank you, Yariv, for suggesting them!


Now I have to tell you about the taxi driver whom we met coming home from the train station last night. He was standing outside the exit to the train station and we had never met him before. He asked if I was quiet and Bracha assured him that I know how to behave nicely in a taxi, and would only sit on the floor. He opened the back door and I slipped in between the seats. He explained that he usually does not take dogs. "But sometimes when it's necessary, I make an exception." He explained that he was an observant Moslem, and that if a dog licks his hand he would have to wash his hands seven times to be clean again. Bracha said she understood, and that she was pleased at his willingness to understand the necessity of taking guide dogs. So if he can take a dog in his cab, even if his religion says dogs are unclean, why do others make such feeble excuses?

Dog Days

I'm not sure why they call hot July days dog days. They are not fit for dogs at all. I've worn through one or two of my shoes, and Bracha puts them on me all the time. There's just no going out without them. And I'm always at my water bowl.

But I've gotten used to lying on the patio at home and trying to keep cool. I've even stopped barking when Bracha leaves me there for a short time. I know she'll come back. Bracha praised me for this and I know why: she never liked it when I barked when I was alone in the house.

Now, there has been a lot of talk about discrimination against us in the past week. People's patience grows thin particularly when it's hot and difficult to be out. Within a short time in the drug store we were accosted by one woman who told Bracha to make me sit down because she was afraid of me, one who gave the old snide remark of "I didn't know they allowed dogs in here," to which a child, who was evidently more in the know than she was, said, "It's a guide dog." By the time we had gotten out of there, Bracha had heard enough. So when we got to the little restaurant where we always have humus and I sit quietly under the table, Bracha's fuse was, well, a bit short. This time we had no intention of sitting outside because it was very hot and there was no shade outside. So we went in. It was a bit crowded and the waitress told Bracha, "You can't sit inside, there are people here and food. You'll have to sit outside."
"It's too hot to sit outside, and I can sit inside with my guide dog. It's the law," explained Bracha. If you like I'll show you the law." The owner, who knows us, looked out from behind the counter. He gave one firm order: "Anyone who doesn't like the dog in here can sit outside." And that was the end of that. Apologies were given and we had a very nice meal.

Now, I know that Bracha is hot too, and she and Rotem went to the pool in Ben Ami to swim and cool off. She left me at home. She explained to me that there was no place that was cool and comfortable where I could stay like there is at the pool in Evron where we go often,, and I would only be hot and unhappy. So in the evening she filled my little pool up, and I got a swim, too! I guess that's fair.

The Invisible Dog

Sometimes people are strange. They realize that they've made a mistake and tell Bracha that I'm not allowed somewhere, or that I need a muzzle, or that I have to wait outside. But this was by far the strangest way to weasel out of a blunder I've ever seen.
We were just coming into the bus station in Haifa where the busses let everyone off. This is always a tricky place because the busses don't always stop next to the curb, and then we have to find our way through the people to the security guard. This time there was a woman there.
"Giveret, you have to put a muzzle on your dog."
"No," Bracha says, "She's a guide dog. She doesn't need a muzzle."
The guard looked confused. She stammered and stuttered for a while and then said, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see the dog."
So am I invisible?

That aside, it's hot! A day in Tel Aviv is hard for both of us, and walking in the streets is difficult, even with my brightly colored shoes. Bracha stops to give me water all the time. And I'm still thirsty. I inch to one side of the pavement looking for a way to get out of the sun, and when we get on a bus I lay down and luxuriate in the cool air. And we still have all of August and September to go! Even the river is all dried up. All that's left is a pathetic little muddy pool. Thank goodness I have my pool and Bracha's ice cubes to help me cool off!

Working in the Summer

Suddenly summer is here! Walking outside when you are a dog with bare footpads and fur is no simple matter. It's hot! Bracha offers me water constantly and we've even taken out my shoesv because I've started to find that I just can't stand still at stoplights. I shuffle and trot back and forth, forward and backward, trying to get my paws off the ground! It looks like I'm dancing, but I'm really very uncomfortable. Shoes are the only answer.

Now we have a new fence. I can sit on the patio all day and lie wherever I like. It's a good solution for me because I know that if I'm given the opportunity, I'll be off into the orchard looking for a snack. Even after a discipline lesson of sitting quietly in the yard, coming when Bracha calls me, and sitting in place, I still end up trotting off. For me food is just too tempting.

Tomorrow beach? Please?????

Being Very Good and Very Naughty

I did it! We found the entrance to the train station in the dark! It was already late when we got out of Rotem's dance recital and I was feeling very relieved to get outside. I lay very quietly in the aisle next to Bracha's seat in the auditorium and it was the first time I have ever sat through a show like that where there are so many people. It was already late and when we got on the bus Bracha asked the driver to fix the public address system which was calling out all the wrong stops. Everyone helped us get off at the right place and I headed right for the place where you go into the train station through the tunnel. We got confused only once, and then we were inside and on the platform on time. I even got a chance to have my customary drink of water at the cooler before we got on the train and I settled down to sleep.
But I must admit that I did one naughty thing. Yaniv put a tray of shnitzel on the coffee table and before I could say "pure bred golden retriever I had snatched one! Even more irresistable than avocados! Bracha took it away from me and scolded me and I knew I was wrong. Why do people put things like that in places where I will be tempted?

So now we have two new items: one is a plastic muzzle that Bracha puts on me just when I run in the avocados. She figures that it's preferable for me to wear a muzzle and be able to run in the avocado orchard without eating fruit, than to be tied up on a leash all the time and not be able to run free. I don't like it, but it solves the problem. The other is the fence. No more breaking out!
Here I am getting my beauty treatment. My fur still looks great and I feel much better with all that hear off.

My Beauty Treatment

Just look at me! Here I am after my trim at the pet store! Bracha does not want anyone cutting my fur, and I really don't want it cut either, but this bype of brushing really felt good. I had to go up a little narrow flight of stairs and one of the men at the pet store lifted me onto a table. I was a bit frightened at first, but Bracha was there all the time and soon the woman named Ivgenya began brushing me all over. Soon great tufts of my undercoat started coming out and filled an entire bucket! I began to relax, lay down, and stretched out and let her brush me all over. And suddenly I had less fur! Than she picked me up and put me in the bathtub and I had a shower and shampoo with special shampoo for white dogs! Finally I was wrapped in a big fluffy towel and my fur was blow-dried and it was all over!
So look at me! How long will it take for me to find a nice, muddy puddle?

"Where did you see a law like that?"

I love new routes! This time Bracha took me out of the train station instead of going up the moving stairs into the mall at Azrieli - mostly so that I could get out and do busy in the bushes outside. But we crossed the biggest street I've ever been on, and there were several places to cross. It was a busy place and we did just fine! They even have stoplights that make a loud clicking noise so that Bracha knows when to tell me to go forward and cross the street.

Anyway, I did see my other friends on the board - Alice, Turner, Lady, and Tango, and Petel was there too. We also met a new dog named Rega. And when we got on the train to go home Tango and I crawled under the table and were sleeping peacefully when along came the conductor and starts his wise crack business.

"You have to put muzzles on your dogs."
LIttle did he know he was dealing with two members of the board. Adi pipes up.
"These are guide dogs."
"I don't care," the guy insists. They have to have muzzles."
"No," Bracha explained. According to law guide dogs don't need to have muzzles. If you like I'll show you the law." She started to rummage for her wallet and the little card.
"Where did you see such a law?" demanded the conductor.
Bracha could not resist. I felt her stifle a laugh.
"Actually, we didn't see it. We're blind."
Snickers and chuckles filled the car. The conductor, not wishing to admit that he was wrong and having inserted his foot deep in his mouth, scuttled down the aisle with his tail between his legs. And Tango and I looked at each other, smiled, and went back to sleep.

A Typical Day in the Big City

Just in case you think I sometimes get bored, or that maybe I have it hard and ought to be a pet dog who sits home all day, here is a typical trip to the city of Tel Aviv and Back and everything I have to do:

Out of the house to catch a ride to the train station - or almost all the way. Walk to the main stoplights and get across the busy intersection at the entrance to Nahariya. (three crossings, one without a stoplight)
Get through the train station, stop at the drinking fountain for a drink (even if I'm not really thirsty it's just a habit!)
Get on the train and find a seat. Settle down.
Make appealing dog faces and wag my tail ad the lady who sits down and starts petting me. Back to sleep until Bracha wakes me up with a treat and clips on my harness. Up the steps of the train car and out the door.
Out of the train station and up the escalator (Hooray! Two of 'em!) and over to the bus station.
Get on the bus, walk to the sabim and up to the door, into the elevator, and nudge saba awake with my cold nose! Nap on the Persian rug.
Back on the bus, get off, and find Petel!
Walk down the sidewalk, avoiding parked motorcycles and people, moving bicycles, and trees, and settle down in the restaurant under the table. Petel and I played for a bit and then went to sleep.
Liron and Petel showed Bracha how to operate the revolving door while onlookers all shouted at us to go through the regular door. Don't they know I can handle this??? Get into the cell of the revolving door and out the other side.
Walk down Shaul HaMelech, up the big moving stairs that I love, dodging people and more cyclists on the sidewalk, and over the big pedestrian bridge, find the elevator for Bracha, and walk straight to the 68 bus stop. (I don't know the number, I just know where it is).
Ride the bus until we get to the place where Rotem goes to school. New route: down the steps and around the fence until I find the gate and zip into the school. Find Rotem in the long hallway, go out, and walk to Rotem's house. I know that gate from all the others.
Sit quietly under Bracha's chair while visiting with people.
Cross the street and get back on the bus. Then the other new route - from Jabotinsky, across two busy streets, around the stairs, and wind through the path between the bitg buildings and into the train station tunnel. Bracha praises me and gives me a treat. Down the tunnel and through the turnstile. Onto the platform and onto the train.
Grab a nice cozy spot between the seats just made for guide dogs! Sleep until we get to Nahariya. Get off the train, through the station and out to the cab stand. Into a taxi, sit nicely and make eyes at the driver till we get home.
Dinner, busy, and bed! What was that they said about my having to work too hard? Do they think I'd like to sit home all day? No way!

Don't Fence Me In!

Yesterday I was feeling pretty smug - I proved to Bracha that I learned two new routes. The first is the route from the bus stop in Kiryat Ono to Rotem's school. We've been there a couple of times but it appears that now Bracha can pick Rotem up at school. It's rather confusing because there are a lot of gates in the fence to the school, and only one of them is open. I kept turning right and standing in front of each one until we found the right one and I went right to Rotem's classroom! Bracha was very proud of me and we have that one down just right. The other route is much harder - from the bus stop on Jabotinsky into the train station. We have to pass a lot of people, cross a street, and then turn in between very tall buildings, like walking inside a maze with high walls, until we get to the entrance to a long tunnel. Then Bracha bent down and gave me a treat. I know that in the winter we will have to walk this route when it is dark outside, so we are learning it now while it is light and then I'll know where to go.

Now, here at home I feel a bit less smug because Bracha is building a fence around the patio. This means no more wandering off, and no more sneaking into the orchard to find you-know-what - avocados! Here I am lying next to the new fence post, and soon I will have to stay on the patio. That's what happens when you try and stretch your limits. In the end, you get more limits!

Sleeping off a Wonderful WEekend

I could hardly believe it when we got out of the car and we were in that wonderful place with the lawns and lake again! No sooner did we put our things down in our hotel room when I started clamoring to go in the water again. As soon as we started getting close to the lake I started pulling on the harness with excitement! I went swimming every day and it was all Bracha could do to get me out of the water. We even swam out to the raft together, but I had a bit of trouble getting onto it with the wet slippery stairs, and when I did get on and walked around Bracha went to the edge and jumped off! I stood there and did not know what to do. You see, I've never jumped off into water before, and I didn't know what to do. So after that we stayed in the lake together and I came out all clean and soft. People never stopped petting me all weekend, and I just lay on the lawn, letting children and adults pet me and letting all kinds of music drift over me. What a wonderful time! Why can't we be at the festival every week?
Now Bracha and I have still not come to an agreement as to what is the best thing at the festival. Bracha thinks it's this:

And here's what I think is the best part...

Itchy Ears!

I woke up in the middle of the night last night feeling as if I were about to jump out of my skin! Bracha got up and took me outside, but what I wanted wasn't to go out. I wanted my ear to stop itching. Bracha took me back inside and spoke to me softly and told me to stop scratching and go back to sleep and that she would take me to the vet in the morning. She said all he would do is look in my ears and that I might have contracted some ear mites or an infection.

Sure enough, when we got there, Avi picked me up (all 36 kilo of me!) and hoisted me up on the table. Then he looked inside my ears. I may have caught a few ear mites from Kabri, and now I have to have some ear drops. And then it came.
"Suki needs her rabies shot." Avi then told Bracha he was going to give me my other shot, too. I tried to skedaddle, but no go. But Avi did give me a treat or two and then Bracha hugged me and reminded me that we were going to the Kinneret this weekend. We can take my ear drops along and I'll be fine.

And I lost a kilo! Now we just got a new bag of low calorie dog food, and I'm going to knock off two more so that I weigh 34 kilo. Avi says that is acceptable. And if I swim this weekend and run, it will be a good start! I can hardly wait!

Cracking Down and Keeping Cool

There is a store in Nahariya that Bracha likes to go to to try on clothes. They are very nice there and usually I find a nice spot and lay down and go to sleep. So there was Bracha busy trying on clothes and in walks another customer.

"Hey," she said. "If dogs are allowed in here, maybe I'll bring mine next time, too."

I could see that the nice saleswoman was beginning to lose her temper. Bracha politely explained that I was not a pet, I was a guide dog for the blind. the woman seemed to become a bit embarrassed and left. The saleswoman told Bracha that she was angry and Bracha told her not to get angry. "It's not worth it." Why get upset at these stupid people who are ignorant and rude?

Now I want to admit that I have been a bit out of line lately. And now I've gotten waht I deserve - no more hanging out on the patio without a leash. That's because I ran away. And Bracha had to go looking for me and calling me until I came back. Then Kabri came over with Paul, and Bracha agreed that we be allowed to run in the yard, but we both were rascals and ran away into the orchard together.

So last night Bracha sat down and told me very firmly that I would not be let off leash in the yard any more. That's it. It's just too tempting to run off, even though she knows that I will always come back. So now we have a new plan. I can go off leash on hikes through the fields, but at home we are going to fence in the patio. That way I will stay put, and Nuala will have a place to be when Bracha is not home.

And the other thing we are going to crack down on is getting my summer figure back. A short stint on light dog food and a good run every day, plus losing about a kilo of winter fur, and I think we'll be back in shape again!Then I will be fit and I promise to be good. And next week we go to the Kinneret! It's festival time!

Look, they're training them!

I figured something good was in store when Bracha packed a bottle of water, some treats, my leash, my towel, and Nuala's leash, and took off my flea collar. That collar comes off when I go in the water - at least if Bracha can plan that in advance. Soon Paul pulled into the yard with Kabri, my good friend from ndown the road, and Nuala and I got into the back of the car on the floor. Paul asked Bracha if I needed to ride in front, but she said no, this was a recreation ride and I got to have fun in back like a regular dog today! Soon we were at the beach, and we did a lot of running around. I still could not get Kabri to swim, but no matter. I got him pretty wet just shaking myself off again and again.

Soon we made our way to Nahariya and Bracha and Paul walked around and she held me in harness as usual and held Nuala's leash with her other hand. And boy did people look! One little kid's father said, "LOok, they're training the dogs!" I beg your pardon! I have already been thoroughly trained, and Kabri and Nuala are not guide dogs. And then the nice lady Ilana who likes guide dogs rode by on a bycicle and laughed and asked Bracha if she wanted another dog. So we all had a good time. And summer is coming! Soon we can go to the beach all the time!

A Hike for Guide Dogs!

Yesterday about twelve of us went in a hike especially for people with guide dogs. I had no idea we were supposed to have such a special day until we got to Tel Aviv and there were Petel, Tango, Yvonna, Hope, Ringo, (with a fancy haircut), Macy, Sean, Hugo, Elsa, Holly, and me! We made quite a procession as we walked through the forest, and even ran around the rocks and trees. Every person had a student guiding them, so there was lots of help for people to get along on the forest paths and over rocks and steps. We also spent a lot of time sleeping and socializing on the bus, and finally ended up in Jerusalem where we went through the crowded market. Bracha knew that I would do my job well and let the woman who was helping her see just how I could make my way through the crowded market with strollers, wheelschairs, and other obstacles. Then we all settled down at a restaurant where the owner welcomed all twelve dogs! I hope we have more hikes like this! Even though we got home late and by the time we walked in the door all I could think about was my bown of food and bed, I'd love to go again!
Here we all are at the top of the ridge in the forest.

The Surprise

Last night before I went to sleep Bracha promised me a surprise. I could hardly settle down. At 06:15 I got up and attempted to nudge Bracha, who promptly told me to go back to sleep. "IT's Saturday!" So I went into the living room and chewed my bone for a while, wondering what was in store. Finally at about 10:30 Bracha took me out into the yard, and a car pulled up. I could hardly believe it! Nurit and Nir! My foster parents! And their two dogs TInka and Kroovi whom I grew up with!!!
I was so excited I didn't know what to do first: run with the dogs or jump up on Nurit. I did the later, and was quietly calmed down by Bracha. But soon I was racing around the yard with Tinka and Kroovi, and Tinka did the usual thing she used to do: she attempted to jump on top of me. This is what I grew up with, and Bracha was about to find out a few things she never knew about my childhood.
Soon we set out for the river, and I showed Tinka and Kroovi the swimming hold and how to get nice and muddy on the way. Nir and Nurit laughed when I came out of the mud half brown, and then got all clean again in the river. What a great time we had!
Now, there are a few months that I barely remember when I was a puppy and Nurit told Bracha all about it. The first foster family I went to did not work out. They sort of shuttled me about from one house to another and didn't do their important job of raising a guide dog puppy properly. By the time I was a few months old and was moved to Nurit who would care for me, I still didn't know, er, how to do busy outside, and once I did it on the stairs and it all ran down like a little waterfall! But soon Tinka and Kroovi showed me what to do, and I soon learned "busy" was only outside. They also had another name for me at the beginning, but after that I became Suki. I got used to Tinka's climbing on top of me and roughhousing a bit, and to sweet little Kroovi as well, and there I remained until I went back to Beit Oved.
Bracha asked Nurit if it was hard for her to see me again, and she said no, that it made her happy to see that I was well looked after and help Bracha and have a good home. And they invited us to come to Kfar Saba and see horses! I hope we can go!

Spring is Here!

Here I am in the tall green wheat field. This is the best place for running. And I even whispered to Petel under the table last week that I would take her here during Pesach so that we can run together! Hooray!

Happy Purim - but Rough on Guide Dogs

I knew it was a mistake to go into town yesterday. Hoping to meet Carol and wipe up a humus out in the sun and spend a pleasant Friday afternoon, we soon discuvered that the Purim celebrations were underway already and that no quiet was to be had. Purim is lots of fun - but not for guide dogs. We made it into town after being dropped off far away because no taxis were allowed in. There were no cars on the streets, but I had to push Bracha aside from several bikes on the sidewalk. But there was loud music, the sidewalks were crowded with people, and strollers were everywhere. It was lots of fun for the people, but not for me. First of all, large balloons kept lobbing in front of me, and boys fired off little guns that made loud explosions that made me jump and startled me constantly. Little children shouted and grabbed at me all the time. I was not trained for this and soon became very worn out. Loud music played everywhere, making it impossible for me to hear what Bracha told me to do. Maneuvering among the people on the sidewalk was nearly impossible. Bracha soon realized that I was having a hard time and decided to leave. I was so happy to get in a taxi and head for home, where I stretched out happily in the sunshine.

So Happy Purim everyone! Enjoy yourselves! I think I'll stay home.

My Favorite Kind of Morning

After a week indoors it was good to get out again this morning. The sky was a cloudless blue and there was a brisk wind blowing that was drying up all the puddles. We set out for town. The first thing I did when we got there was head for Yaron's office. Yaron is Bracha's accountant, but he also loves me a lot, and today he didn't seem to have a lot of work to do, so he asked Bracha if he could take me outside for a drink of water. Bracha took off my harness and gave him my leash and soon we were romping around the yard and Yaron was throwing pine cones for me to chase. Soon we left there and I got even more excited because we soon got to the beach! I found the gate for Bracha and we zipped along the sand. There were not many people there and Bracha let me run free on the beach until I couldn't run any more. And then Bracha got her treat - a cup of coffee and croissaint. Everyone at the restaurant asked about Bracha's friend, and I know they meant Liron and Petel who have been there with us several times. I lay basking in the sun while my fur dried and I was soon fluffy and clean. What a life!
After that there was only one thing missing, and we did that too - the pet store! Bracha bought me a new bone (no, I don't know where my other one, or the one before that, nor the one before that, nor...all are) and they even threw in a free bag of dog biscuits! Hooray!

Dog in the Rain

It hasn't stopped raining for four days. The entire front yard is a muddy mess, and the drainage ditch at the edge of the road is filled with running water. Bracha would love to take me to the river to see all the water, but we can't seem to get that far without getting caught in the rain again. She's promised me that we'll go as soon as the rain stops, but it doesn't. Even in Tel Aviv it rained, and I stood dejectedly at the bus stop watching cars speed by spewing water up onto the sidewalk. It was nice to lie in the office of the Aguda with Turner, Lady, and Alice, all three of us under the table keeping warm and dry.

Petel and LIron got caught in the middle of Menachem Begin Blvd. this week and a passing car halted just short of them. Petel had not exercised her job of disobeying a wrong command, or did not hear or see the car coming. These new cars are very quiet, and we have to be extra watchful! It is harder for dogs who live in the city to remain alert when there is constant heavy traffic. Me, I'm a country dog, and notice oncoming cars more. It must be harder for Petel, who must constantly remain on alert. Even Ami understands how hard we dogs work and how difficult our job is and how easy it is to be lax for a moment when we constantly have to watch for cars.

Now, I was very good yesterday and everyone we met on the train cooed over me, petted me, and admired me. I popped out from between the seats at Binyamina and made my usual appearance, first shaking myself as noisily as I could, and then stretching with my front paws on the ground and my rear end in the air. Then I proceeded to get all the petting I could get. And on the way home the driver in the taxi was afraid of me, so I sat quietly with Bracha on the floor of the back seat on my little towel, and he didn't mind.

And oh my. It's still raining.

Life as a Large Dog

Lately there's been a lot of talk about large dogs versus small ones, black dogs versus light-colored ones. Now, I admit it. I'm large. Bracha thinks that they gave me to her for many reasons, but size wise, we are a bit of a surprising pair. Besides Rocko and Casper, who are both male golden retrievers, we have never seen any guide dogs who are bigger than me! I weigh 35 kilos, and most of Bracha's friends' dogs don't even weigh 30.

Now I know that some people find this difficult. It's, er, a little bit more difficult to squeeze into little places like taxi cabs and private cars. But usually I manage to scrunch in under the glove compartment and fold up like a jack knife and pop in like a cork into a bottle. But I admit it's not always easy.

But the color thing is just beyond me. Why don't people like black dogs? Nuala is Black, and Saoirse was black. And so are Turner, Dessa, Disney, Hugo, and lots of other dogs and they are pretty. And if I were black taxi drivers would complain a lot less about my hairs in their taxis. People are so strange. Bracha explained to me that the dark colored dogs have different jeans. First, in order to be black you have to be a Labrador retriever. And you have to have jeans that make black or brown fur, and jeans that make the color actually appear in your fur! Now, why would they wear jeans?

Now I have to mention that the Rotem was here. She couldn't even go to school because she was sick, and did a lot of sleeping. So I slept with her and kept an eye on her, too. And now she's better and we took her back home on the train again. And it's pouring rain outside. Think I'll stay by the fireplace until it dries out outside.

The Pool - Where everyone likes me!

Guide dogs are allowed in the area of a swimming pool (not in the water!). You bet! We've got it down to a set routine. First I get in the back of the car and lie quietly on the way to the pool. When we get there the guard says good morning and holds the side door open so that we don't have to go through the turnstile. After all, they know who we are. Then I trot straight to the locker room to our special corner, where Bracha opens our little locker and takes out her swimming gear, rubber clogs, and my water bowl. Usually there's someone in the locker room to say hello - even ask what my name is or how old I am. Then we trot out to the pool.
There is a special place where Bracha clips my leash to the fence and puts my water bowl down next to me. Then I have to start work. I have to keep an eye on Bracha while she is in the water. Sure, they have a lifeguard there, but I consider myself far more competent and effective. I turn my head back and forth and everyone comments on what a good jog I do watching and following Bracha in the water. And maybe Bracha doesn't know it, but there is one man who comes by and kisses me on my head.
Now the funny part comes. Near where I sit is a little house. It's made of wood and smells like warm wood, and Bracha gets out of the pool and goes in there. It must be very hot inside, but I now know that in a few minutes she'll come out again. SO I'm no longer frightened when Bracha goes in there. I sit quietly until she comes out. Then I wait quietly in the locker room until it's time to pack up and leave.
Now, I'm curious as to why the man who owns the pool once told Bracha that I might bother people there and that he wasn't sure I could go in because he might lose business. How silly! Everyone loves me at the pool. Yesterday it was raining so hard that Bracha left me home where I would be safe and dry, and she said everyone missed me and asked about me!

Down the Stairs. No Choice.

Bracha did it. She Called Ami and told him all about my antics on the stairs at the train station. She did tell him that besides that, I behave beautifully and that I've been a good dog. So I was saved from total disgrace. How is it that Bracha and Ami just don't understand that those stairs give me the creeps? Ami thinks that maybe something happened to me on the stairs once - maybe someone stepped on my paws or tail, or bumped us with a suitcase runnning to the train. Who knows. Maybe even I don't know.
Ami told Bracha to make the leash short, leave go of my harness, and order me to go. That will leave me no choice. Sometimes I even start balking when we turn into the train station, or after we go through the turnstile. I know those stairs are coming...I don't know why I do this. I love the train, the stop we make to give me a drink at the water cooler that I always find all by myself, the soft blue carpeting and the nice rhythm of the train as it goes down the tracks and lulls me to sleep. But I'm only a dog. Not every thing I do is logical.

Going Down the Stairs

I know it's not logical. But every time we get to the top of the stairs at the train station, I stop. This can be very disconcerting for Bracha if we are in a hurry to catch a train. The people in Nahariya are always there to open the gate for us rather than letting us make our way through the turnstile. Sometimes the train is directly in front of us and when Bracha tells me "Suki, to the door!" we pop over to the door, I stand in front of it, and we open it and get on. Other times Bracha insists upon going down the stairs, through the underground tunnel and up the other side to another train - even though there is a train on the platform in front of us! I don't like this. I stand at the top of the steep stairs and they lead down into the dark tunnel and I don't want to go. I know Bracha does not want to pull me forward down the stairs. That would be a dangerous thing to do. Food might get me to go a step or two and even the clicker will coax me down one more step, but I balk something awful. I don't like it down there. Even petting me and speaking to me softly doesn't make me feel better.
Bracha checked everything: Is my collar or harness too tight so that when I go down the stairs I feel uncomfortable? Nope.
Are the stairs slippery or do they make me feel unsure of my footing? Nope.
Is there something at the bottom of the stairs I don't like? Bracha doesnot know. She can't see what's down there from the top and can't smell like I can. And I can't tell her.
Do I think that she's making a mistake by not getting on the train and choosing to go down the stairs? I may be a smart-alek golden retriever and maybe I think I know which train is the right one, but Bracha says that is not for me to decide.
"Suki!" Bracha said, "Are we going to have to call Ami and consult with him?" Now that means that this is definitely unacceptable and getting out of hand. So next time we are in town we are going to go to the station and give the stairs a good going over when we are not in a hurry. I promise to try. Anything but being reported to Ami!

New Friends and Oh More Rain!

After the nonsense that I did last week at the guide dog owners' meeting in Tel Aviv, I decided that this week I'd be on my absolute best behavior. I was admired by everyone on the train and behaved beautifully, as well as in the meeting itself where I lay sleeping for hours next to Bracha's chair. And this was despite the excitement of meeting so many new friends! There was even Dessa, a lovely black labrador from America! She belongs to Ibrahim, and of course, he speaks to her in English! She's a delicate black dog with lovely shiny fur. He must brush her all the time just like Bracha brushes me. It was interesting to hear how Ibrahim had learned to work with Dessa. For instance, Dessa is not allowed on moving stairs without boots. Here we are allowed to go up and down moving stairs if Bracha picks me up quickly by the harness at the end so that I don't get my paws caught between the stair and the metal plate. It seems all the guide dog schools in Israel and America have different rules, but they are all made to keep us safe and working well.

Boy was I glad to get our for a bit today and run! The entire front yard looks like one big puddle and we went out to the field out back and I let out a lot of pent up energy. And now guess what? It's raining again!

We Need Our Fur!

Here we are in the middle of winter with all our fur! I'm beginning to look more like a golden retriever. No matter how hard I try I just can't grow fur that's honey-colored, but I know Bracha loves me the way I am - a white golden retriever!

Shaping Up

Bracha and I are still working hard on my discipline at home. And I know I'm doing much better because I get praised when I come quickly when Bracha calls me. We've done a lot of obedience lessons in the yard - more than usual - and I sit still while Bracha walks all around the big hedge of bamboo, disappears, and then comes back again to find me exactly in the right place. So I know things are improving and I can do it. I also walked all the way from the pool back to Nahariya and helped get out of the way of several bike riders and even a police car that was parked across the entire sidewalk. A policewoman helped Bracha and me walk around the car because we had to walk in the road. It was just like in training when something blocks the entire sidewalk and you have to go into the street.

Now that I've told you how good I've been, I have to tell you about something that I did that was really out of order. I made Bracha fall down. I still feel awful about it and know it won't happen again. Here's what happened. We arrived at the place in Tel Aviv where all the guide dog people meet. We got out of the taxi and there was Sheleg, a really nice dog who belongs to Oren. And I made a run for him while Bracha was holding onto my harness! Bracha went flying and fell down. She just looked at me when she got up and said "NO!" and "ARTZA!" I lay down and put my head on my paws. Then she crossed her armas and looked down at me. I was so sorry that if I could sob I would have burst into tears. And Sheleg kept romping with me while Bracha was talking to the others all day, so I had to stay in the office, rather than be in the room with Shadow, Sheleg, Tommy, Alice, Disney, Jamie, and Wendy. I deserved it.
So I promise to be good. I know I'm a big powerful dog and I can hurt Bracha if I'm not careful. And Bracha has talked to me about it, and I've promised again and again. No rough-housing near Bracha. No lunging or running when I'm in harness. I know it's important. Bracha has to be able to trust me.

Working and Shirking

It's cold! I'm lucky to have thick fur, which is now plush and very wavey. Either it's raining or the wind is blowing outside or both. I'm always happy when we get home and Bracka dries me off with a towel and I can settle down in front of the stove and warm up.

Now, I've got to admit I've been a bit slack about my obedience during my free time lately. I've begun to wander off in the yard and get occupied - mostly with avocados, which are always tempting. So Bracha and I had a talk, and we agreed to work on getting me well disciplined again. First of all, I'm not allowed to be free in the yard any more unless Bracha is outside. Then when I get let off leash, she calls me periodically, and I get a treat and occasionally a click with the clicker when I come quickly. And that reminded me of how I used to be. So I'm determined to behave and be able to be trusted again. I know I can do it. But oh, those avocados. They are so tempting!

Talking to Big Kids

I must admit that when Bracha goes to lecture to kindergarten kids, I get a little bored lying on the floor quietly listening. But talking to ninth-graders is a different matter altogether. They were sharp. Bracha asked them really hard questions, and they had some really interesting things to say. I kept myself awake because I didn't want to miss a thing. And when the lecture was over and Bracha took my harness off, boy did I get a petting!
Bracha: When you think of a person who can't see, what kind of connotations come to your mind? You can say negative things, too. That's OK. We need to talk about this and we'll work on it.
The kids: Bind people need help. They are helpless. They depend on others. They are smart. Their other senses are sharper than people who see.
Bracha asked them how they felt if they saw a person with a cane and a person with a dog.
The kids: When someone has a dog people keep away more. Some people don't like tampering with dogs. A blind person walking with a dog walks faster. Walking with a dog is safer because the dog will bark if something is wrong. (Bracha explained that I rarely bark, but it was a good thought.) Someone with a cane has to feel their way along. The dog knows where it's going.
And Bracha got a lot of tough questions to answer, too:
How do you cook? How do you know when the gas is on? (Bracha: Go home, get a plastic knife, close your eyes, and try cutting an apple or a tomato. You'll find that if you are careful you can do it.)
Why can't you wear glasses if you can't see? Wouldn't that help?
How do you tell bills apart? What if someone wants to cheat you? (Bracha said there were dishonest people everywhere, and sometimes people even try to cheat people who see, but cheating someone who doesn't is even worse.)
What happens when you go somewhere you've never been before? How does your dog know where to go?
Well, they kept at it for a long time, and Bracha told them about the time I pushed her out of the way of the man on a bike on the sidewalk by the highway, and I was so proud! She explained to the children that I have something called in tell a gent diss oh bee dience. I think that means that if Bracha tells me to walk into the street and I see a car coming, I'll disobey and not go. Anyway, I'm glad I have it because it sounds like something useful to have. And she told them about how dangerous hybrid cars are because they can't be heard, and how difficult it is for me to tell when the street begins if there is a ramp and no curb to stand on and wait. I hope we get to talk to some more big kids. They are so interesting!

"We've already got enough stickers."

Need I relate the routine again?
HaMashbir. Entrance.
Security guard. (this time a woman)
You can't come in with a dog.
You have to let me in, it's the law.
I'm going to check.
Sure, go check. But I'm going in. Kadima, Suki. Up the escelator, and back up to the manager's office.
The manager, a woman decked out in so much clanking jewelry that she made as much noise as my collar with all its tags, finished talking on the phone and turned to us.
Bracha explained the problem. Also that it was the third time that a guard had turned us out and that evidently no one had taken the trouble to consistently inform the constantly changing security guards of the law. (As if Bracha really thourhg they would.)
"I'll be happy to come back tomorrow with a sticker that we can put on the door saying that guide dogs for the blind are allowed in the store. That would save me having to go through the unpleasantness of being told I can't come in, and would save you having to constantly inform changing security guards," offered Bracha politely.
"Oh, no!" the manager objected. "Goodness, we already have too many stickers."
She promised to inform the guard.
"Stay calm," I said to Bracha. There is no point in losing our temper. We need to get some more aggressive people onto this together with us.
And seemingly we have. AFter a long trip past Acco Bracha sat down with R. from "ISrael Accessability ASsociation. Now this woman isn't polite at all to security guards. She was waiting in the doorway of Aroma in Acco, but the guard at the entrance to the mall was not any part of Aroma's usual hospitality.
"You can't bring a dog in here."
Bracha answered him that she could. And suddenly there was a new voice. R. let him have it. "You be quiet and don't interfere! Guide dogs are allowed in here."
We marched in past him and Bracha and R. shook hands and sat down. The guard went on jabbering about well, the dog could come in, but it mustn't run around loose.
Run around loose? For goodness sakes, why does he think I came here with Bracha?
"Don't be ridiculous," countered R. "It's a guide dog. It stays with her all the time." And to Bracha and me: "What ignorance!"
Then I lay down under the table and listened to Bracha and R. talk about how they were going to cooperate and make sure that the authorities are informed every time we are told we can't go in somewhere. And I have a feeling that there is going to be some action soon. Ilana, the nice woman from the store in the alley whose son has a guide dog, too, told Bracha on no uncertain terms that if we were told we can't go into Hamashbir again we should go to the police. Not letting a guide dog into a store is an offense.

One of my cleaner moments

Here I am, during one of the rare moments when my paws are not covered in mud and I can bask in the winter sunshine!

I'd rather be damp.

What a wonderful day we had! First we went to the pool as usual, and everyone there petted me. I even have one suitor who gives me a kiss every time he passes me, but I'm not sure Bracha knows about this. From there we went to Nahariya and eventually we ended up at the beach! It was cold, but I didn't care, and went dashing into the water. The warm wind soon dried me off and I rested while Bracha got something to eat and gave me water at Aroma. Then we got to go to the dentist. Bracha doesn't mind going there too much and everyone there loves me, too, except for the assistant Luba who is afraid of me. So I made sure to stay tucked in a corner at a safe distance. Not only that, but when we got home Bracha took me on a long walk, and I er, got a bit muddy. Well, admittedly much more than a bit. And that doesn't go with this new carpet we have. So I dned up in the shower where Bracha scrubbed me down and toweled me off. Then Bracha attempted to entice me to get close to something in her hand. It was not something I felt comfortable with. It was shaped like a little gun and made a horrible noise like that thing Bracha uses to vacuum up my dog hair off the floor, but this blew hot air out instead of sucking in. She tried to entice me to get close to it with treats, but I stood my ground. There was no way she was going to blow that thing on me! Finally she gave up and I settled down in my bed, a bit damp but happy that she turned the thing off.
Oh, and by the way, the office from Bituach Leumi where we were told by the guard that we could not go in last week called. They put the head of the office on the lne, and he apologized to Bracha. He and Bracha agreed that they would put a sticker on the front door. Just what I wanted in the first place. If I see a picture of a guide dog on a door, I know that no one can turn us away!

How Very Ironic

We don't tolerate being told we can't go into a store, restaurant, or any other place. But to be told we can't go in to the offices of the national insurance in Nahariya was the epitome of insult, ignorance, and negligence. Here we were, going into a government office that specifically deals with people with disabilities. And the guy at the door gives Bracha the usual tripe.
"You can't come in here with a dog."
Bracha gives him the usual answer.
"I'll go and check it."
"Sorry," says Bracha. "It's against the law not to let me in. I'm not waiting outside for you to check with anyone," and goes in. She marches straight to the counter and waits until the woman is free.
"How is it possible that in the office of Bituach Leumi the guard tells a person with a guide dog that they can't come in?"
The woman apologizes profusely. The security guard at the desk offers an excuse. "He doesn't know about the law."
Bracha insists that it is their responsibility to inform the guard at the door about the law before he begins his job and not wait for insulting incidents to happen before they tell him. "Tell me, if a person came to the door in a wheelchair, would he tell them they can't come in, too? Why do I have to be subjected to insult because you haven't bothered to inform the guard about the law? If government offices don't bather to adhere to the law, how can we expect other people to?" I know the people were already convinced that Bracha was right, but she had to let off steam. It is, after all, very insulting to be subjected to this all the time.
Sometimes I wonder how people can be so ignorant. Now all we have to do is wait for all the letters we sent to arrive. And I think we'll go in there in another week or two just to see if they set things right.

Bracha, Come Rescue Me! I'm Wet!

Mind you, I love water. That is, swimming in it. but when it comes to going out in the rain, I'm less enthusiastic. If I have to get my fur wet and don't have the fun of swimming, it just isn't worth it! I do wish I could jump into the pool with Bracha, but I know that's not allowed. So I'm usually content to lie quietly in my spot near the edge and watch everyone in the water, making sure I keep a good eye on Bracha.

Now today was a bit different. It was raining hard and I kept shaking myself as we walked from the car to the pool. And it continued raining even when we were in the pool. The rain on the plastic roof was very noisy, and I soon noticed that Bracha felt that water was coming down from the roof into the pool. Then she got out and checked that I was dry and not getting rained on. But soon I noticed that the floor was getting wet and water was rapidly oozing over to where I was lying, so I stood up. I looked at Bracha appealingly. Do I have to lie here where it's wet?
Certainly not! Bracha got out of the pool again and came over and she could tell that the floor was getting pretty wet. "Come on Suki. I'll take you where it's dry and warm." And off we went to the locker room and Bracha dried me off with a towel. How lucky I am that Bracha doesn't want me to get wet and cold! And when are they going to fix the roof?

Modeling my New Carpet

Of course, it was purchased expecially for me to lie on...here I am in my favorite position.