Alligators and Crocodiles

It's been raining so much that it's all I can do to get out even when, er, I have to go out.  When we come back my paws and tummy are all wet, so I curl up next to the stove and warm up and dry off.  But don't think for a moment that I'm spoiled.  I've been working hard all week.  Even Bracha says I have a phenomenal memory, and that I only have to go somewhere once in order to find it again.  SO let me tell you about the last week.  First of all, I had a wonderful time at the festival.  Everyone loved me, and we forgave them when they called me "Suki" by mistake.  Bracha would be sad for a moment, and then pat me and say, "This is DInka, my new guide dog."  Bracha got me good and tired out running on the beach so I was quite ready to curl up under her chair and listen to music.

Then we did a lot of traveling in the car to a place called Hamat Gader.  The man at the gate told Bracha that I could not go into the water, but Bracha assured him she had no intention of letting me go into the pool, because it was too hot.  And it smelled awfully funny. But let me tell you that when we got to the place where there were alligators, crocodiles, a huge snake, and a large monkey, I freaked.  I started barking and didn't want to go in there at all!  Bracha realized that even with all my training, deep down inside, I'm still a dog. 
And oh, my, it's raining....again...

Can I Give your Dog a Bone?

I've got to admit that when it comes to food, I have a short memory.   The other day a man in the pet store sold Bracha what he claimed was a beef bone.  It had some meat on it, smelled to high heavens, and was all wrapped up in plastic.  When we got home, Bracha opened it, took one sniff, and immediately gave it to me outside, probably because she couldn't stand the smell.  (Bracha, unlike me, is a vegetarian).  When she came out a short time later, the bone was, er, gone.  Bracha's fears were well - founded.  It was a bit too much for me, and despite the fact that she cut down my dinner ration to make up for it, I was pretty sick the next day.  Bracha and I discussed it, and she said that from now on only sterile bones would be permitted, because she doesn't want me to be sick again.  And I agreed.  I realized that the day and night I spent begging Bracha to go outside and the tummy ache were just not worth the 15 minutes I had of chewing on that bone.  And if that wasn't enough, I had to undergo the indignity of eating that fluffy white stuff Bracha cooked for me!
And if that wasn't enough, today Bracha and I are walking in the moshav and along comes a man in a car.
"What a lovely dog!  Can I give him a bone?"
"Thank you, but no," replied Bracha.  "She's a guide dog and only receives food from me."
"Can I give you a bone to give her?"
Bracha agreed, and to her surprise, and horror, he extended not a bone-shaped dog biscuit, but no less than one of those large leather bones - the kind I would eat in one go!  Bracha stuffed it in her pocket, and despite my turning my head and making longing eyes at her pocket all the way home, she didn't give it to me.  Then she slipped it into the kitchen drawer, far from my chomping jaws.

I know it's there.  And I know that for my own good, she may never give it to me.  I am, indeed, deeply  deprived.  As you can see by my soft bed and basket of bones and toys...

Out in the Big World

I can't begin to tell you how much fun I had last weekend in Jerusalem.  I know that Bracha promised me travel and adventure when we first met, and it seems to be coming on fast.  We arrived at a wonderful hotel with a grassy lawn, a place for my friends and me to run, and places for Bracha and her friends to eat, sit, and relax.  There were so many of my friends there: Petel, who was Suki's best friend and whom I really like a lot, Peter, Tango, Wendy, Alice, Casey, Polo, and many many others.  We all went on a tour on Friday that was very difficult work for me.  I did everything: stairs, ramps, tunnels, crowded alleys, and all the places in Jerusalem.  There was only one place that I would not let Bracha cross, and that was a place in the tunnel where there was a wide abyss in the floor going deep deep underground!  Bracha started telling me it was covered with glass and that I could walk on it, but there was no way I was going over that hole.  So she told people to stop coaxing me forward and we turned around and went back.  I was glad to get home to my own soft bed, but it was a wonderful weekend.  Unfortunately, by the time I learned my way perfectly around the hotel, even knew which room was ours, it was time to leave.
Now, Bracha lets me lounge on the patio in the sun by myself with the fence gate is closed.  But today she was surprised to find me out in the yard.  I didn't go far - just upstairs where there is a lovely view.  But Bracha soon discuvered the hole in the fence where I had slipped out, and to my disappointment she repaired it.  So no more wandering.

But I did hear her talk about building a special place outside, just for me, to, er, do my busy.  I hate walking on the wet grass in the morning.  I work hard and try to be good.  Can't I be a little spoiled in one small way?

Coming Along All the Time

I've been handling things a lot better lately.  I've had three big problems:  getting into cars, pulling on my leash, and agreeing (or rather, not agreeing) to go into the avocado orchard.  Getting into cars has been a lot easier for me, and Bracha encourages me with the clicker every time I get in properly.  So I hope I have that problem licked.  Now I would love for Bracha to stop putting that darned Halti on me, but I know she won't unless I stop pulling on my leash.  So I'll make an extra effort.
Now, I see through Bracha's tactics.  She takes me around the other side of the avocado orchard and we end up coming to the entrance from inside.  Yesterday we even passed two tractors and that big yellow thing that looks like a giraffe, but it makes an awful racket.  One was standing still, and Bracha took me up to it to sniff it and explore so I wouldn't be afraid of it.  So this morning I agreed to go into the avocados!  Maybe it's not such a bad place after all.
Bracha has told me we are going on vacation this weekend.  She put several little bags of my food in her suitcase, so I brought her my rope toy and she put that in, too.  I hope I'll meet a lot of new friends there, including Petel, who was Suki's best friend.  I know that if Petel liked Suki, she'll like me, too.

It's all a mystery to me!

I think I have already mentioned that I am a very smart dog.  I can memorize a route after walking it only once, and even do it again in the dark.  But I must admit there are some things I do not understand. 
Why am I afraid to go into the avocado orchard from our end of the road, but when Bracha takes me around the other way and we approach the same place from the other direction, I don't mind?
Why does Bracha sometimes want to go to the mailbox and to benches, and sometimes not?  I know that sometimes she's happy when I lead her to a bench because she gives me a click and a treat.  
Why is it OK for people to throw garbage and cigarette butts into the flower beds in Nahariya, but it's not OK for me to, er, pee there?  Why did the man shout at Bracha?  Why didn't he shout at the people who threw the garbage there?  Beats me.
And how, oh how, did the people in the novelty store know that I was thirsty and put out a row of little water fountains with blinking lights especially for me, right at nose level, so that I could walk up and have a drink?

Learning New Routes

Part of the challenge of being a new guide dog is learning all the routes where Bracha has to go.  We've already pretty much covered Nahariya, and I know how to find the stoplight where we cross the street.  What I don't quite understand is why there are always so many people standing in front of the machine that Bracha calls "Bank".  I need to get up to this machine and put my nose next to it so that Bracha knows we've gotten there, and there are always people blocking my way.  I know this is what Bracha wants, because when I go up to the machine she clicked the clicker and gave me a treat.
Yesterday we began working in Tel Aviv, and believe me, my head was so full of new things by the end of the day that all I wanted to do was lie down on the carpet on the train and sleep.  First we marked out a route with Rafi and Natanel's help inside Azrieli center.  Bracha told me she used to go walking around and around in there, getting lost and confused.  Now all she has to do is get to the top of the moving stairs with me.  Then she can either direct me to go down the stairs to the taxi stand, go straight to the door that leads to the bridge and the bus stop, or go out the passageway to the train station.  Then we went to Ramat Gan, where we marked out the route from the bus stop into the train station sleeve.  I don't know why Bracha felt this route was so complicated, and why she used to get so upset trying to find her way inside at night. Now we can zip through there past the stock exchange and into the tunnel with me leading.  I know all these places now, because Rafi and Natanel walked us through there and when I found the places I heard the clicker and Bracha gave me a treat again!
Then we went to my grandparents' house.  They were very excited to see me, and I know they liked my wandering around exploring the apartment.  We even made it to Rotem's house in Kiryat Ono, and that was somewhere that Bracha barely knows.  So now I think we can get just about anywhere! 
Things I have to work on:
Oh yes, pulling on the leash
Agreeing to go into the avocado orchard.
Getting into strange cars with strange smells

Barking.  Woof!

Coming Home at Last

Here I am in Ben Ami at last.  I guess this is going to be my new home, and so far it looks pretty good.  The last day of the course was very exciting.  We were all dropped off in the middle of the marketplace in Ramla, and we had to make our way from there to the courthouse by ourselves.  Bracha asked directions a couple of times and we made it all the way there without any trouble.  She didn't see Rafi standing at the entrance to the market, making sure no one walked into the busy street by mistake.  A nice woman helped us cross the busy intersection and before we knew it we had found the courthouse and I walked up the steps to the entrance!
In the evening we were all sitting in the lounge and suddenly Tali, my pupy raiser, walked in!  I was so excited that I forgot all the rules and jumped up on my hind legs, but Bracha realized I was excited, and didn't tell me to stop.  Later Tali took me outside for a walk, and we were happy to see each other again.  I know my place is with Bracha now and that I have a job to do, but Tali and Bracha exchanged phone numbers and promised to meet.  Bracha wants to show Tali what a great guide dog I am by letting her see me work while I am in harness, and I hope that will make her happy and proud.. 
The next morning everyone said goodbye and Ami put me in the back of his car and we left Beit Oved behind.  When I woke up we were in Ben Ami, and Nuala was there barking excitedly.  I loved the house with its big patio, and I have a large, soft bed and a basket full of toys!  I am still a bit scared to go into the orchard with its strange rows of trees and different smells.  It's loike a jungle in there!  Bracha takes me there on the leash with  my "halti" and we can enjoy walking together there.  So far I have been to the grocery store and around the block, and we've even crossed the busy highway at the stoplight.  Next week Bracha will take me to Nahariya and Rafi and Natanel will help me learn the way up and down the main street.  And later we will take the train all the way to Tel Aviv!  I know I can handle all these places, but I admit I have a few things to polish up here at home.  I've made a list to remind myself of things I need to work on:
1. No barking at delivery men, other dogs, guests, or jackals.  I am not a watchdog.
2.  No pulling the leaves off potted plants.  I have toys to chew on.
3. No pulling on the leash when walking to heel.

I promise to do my best, and I know Bracha is happy with me and proud of me...even if I goof off sometimes.  AFter all, I am a rambunctious two-year-old dog, and Bracha would not want a dog who behaves all the time.  I know that.  She's told me so.

Happy Birthday Dinka!

All things considered, I think I had a pretty good birthday.  Yesterday Bracha bought me presents at the pet store - she immediately gave me a large Nylabone and this morning when we woke up I got a big hug and a lovely star-shaped rubber toy that bounces and is wonderful to chew.  I was so happy it was all I could do to get going and go outside to feed the koi and go to breakfast.  Then we went to the train station.  I was a bit scared to get onto the train at first, but Bracha helped me and told me just what to do.  And when Bracha deliberately stepped to the edge of the train platform and told me to walk forward, I showed her right away that I know how to disobey a bad command and turned her right around to where it would be safe to walk along the edge of the train platform.  This is called practicing me intelligent disobedience.  Bracha also showed me how to get right through the revolving door.  After that we went through the large shopping mall, up the moving stairs, and through the market.  there was a large doll on the sidewalk that I didn't like and I stood still and even barked at it, but Bracha said it was safe to pass by it and told me firmly to go on.  After all, I am only a dog, and I had to bark at it just to remind her of that.
Then we got back to the center and we got weighed.  I am the biggest dog on the course - I weigh 30 kilo!  And the only thing that happened on my birthday that I didn't like was that I had to get a park worm shot.  But judging by the nice presents and love I got all day, it wasn't so bad.

First Days Together

Hi everyone! 

Well, I guess it's time for me to start in and tell you about my new life together with Bracha.  We have been together for almost two weeks now, and it's been exciting and challenging.  When Rafi and Natanel, my trainers, first took me out of the kennels almost two weeks ago and let me into Bracha's room, I was awfully skittish.  I did greet Bracha, who was obviously happy to see me, but I kept running to the door and whining for Natanel who was outside in the hallway.  Looking back on that day, I'm not surprised that I was so confused, but I now know beyond a doubt that I belong to Bracha and that she loves me and cares for me a lot.  I'm not just talking about the fact that she's the one who feeds me and brushes me.  She is mighty strict, but I do get a lot of rewards for good behavior, so I know she wants to help me get used to things.
We started out walking simple routes, going around the block in straight lines in suburban neighborhoods.  Ha, I can handle a lot more than tnat now!  We've made our way through Rehovot and Rishon, down crowded streets and across junctions with heavy traffic.  We score high every time.  At the beginning I pulled hard on the harness and took off like a bat out of hell, but Bracha firmly slowed me down and now we are walking at a pace that suits both of us.  Sometimes Bracha puts a halti harness on me.  It looks menacing, but actually it's much gehtler than yanking on the leash.  It doesn't hurt and Bracha can lead me with the halti on my head without us fighting over who is going to decide how fast we walk.  Yesterday we did a country walk and I did get a little wild at all those open spaces, and Bracha has hinted that if I want to haul her down the road in Ben Ami at a fiast pace she will have to put the halti on me again. 
Don't get me wrong though.  Bracha is very happy with me.  We did very well in clicker training class, and I quickly caught on that if I find a chair and put my nose on it, Bracha makes that clicking noise and gives me a treat.  And you know there is nothing like food to get me to do anything!  So Bracha took me into her room and explained to me using the clicker that the chair in her room was also something she wanted me to show her, and then we did the same thing with the benches outside in the pecan grove.  So now when Bracha says "Kisay!" I know I can lead her to a chair or a bench.  ONly thing is, whenever I see a bench I lead her to it for good measure!  After all, I never know when a treat might be in store!
So there are only a few days in the course left and then we go home.  On Wednesday I will introduce Bracha to Tali, my puppy raiser.  There is a lovely painting in the hallway here that Tali painted of me standing in my blue puppy coat.  I am so proud that my picture is hanging up for everyone to see!  And then we go home!  I can't wait to see my toys and bed, my new home and to meet Nuala, Bracha's other dog!  But now it's time to concentrate and get back to work. 
I'll be writing here often, and letting you know how we are doing.  Once in a while we go into the pecan grove and sit on the bench and Bracha cries a bit and tells me all about Suki.  But all in all, I know that she feels very comforted now that she had me. 

October 14th at Last

Oh Suki, it's been a terrible 17 weeks without you, and now the long summer is finally over. It's cooling off they are beginning to pick the avocados, and it has even rained. I am finally through counting down the weeks, counting down the days, until Dinka will be with me. Tomorrow morning I will leave for Beit Oved to begin my new partnership with Dinka. I know that from the moment they bring Dinka to me I will be happier, and once more have the joy and security of having a guide dog by my side. Suki, you are the one who is largely responsible for that, because you were the one who showed me just how wonderful a guide dog partnership can be! So I have you to thank, Suki, even though you are no longer here with me. Yes, Suki, we should have had many more years together. But I will have to go on, and as I have told you, you will be there in that special place in my heart that remains yours forever. I will miss you always, but I will no longer long for you, because I will have another dog to love. The reason I will love DInka so much is because I loved you so much. I will be happy with her because I was so happy with you. And the reason my life will be whole again is because it was complete with you! I was so unfortunate to lose you, Suki, but I was so very lucky to have had you and to have enjoyed the wonderful special partnership we had.


In my mind you will be walking alongside DInka and me through Yavneh, Rehovot, and Rishon, learning how to use moving stairs, crossing intersections, practicing how to deal with traffic and walking around obstacles on the sidewalks. It will be easier for me because we did these things so well together. It was only three years ago that we performed these same tasks for the first time, and many of the places we walk will be fresh in my mind from when I walked them with you, and there will be many happy memories of those first days we had together, as I enjoy those first days with Dinka while we get to know each other.

So thank you Suki, for doing everything you did and being the wonderful dog you were! There will be a special plaque at Beit Oved with your name on it, and it says what I thought was most important: "My lovely Suki, I'll always remember you!" The plaque is there for others to see. I won't need any reminder. You'll be with me always, even after I stop mourning and I have a new dog to love. And if I shed an occasional tear at some familiar memory during the course, Dinka will comfort me, and we'll continue on together, with her harness in my hand and you in my heart. So watch us, Suki. I know we'll do fine.

One More Meeting

I was sincerely hoping that after the bike ride to Beit Oved today I would get to see DInka one more time before the course begins the week after next.  So when Ami came and told me that there was someone waiting for me in the kennels, I made a beeling with him for the kennels.  TImora showed me which cage Dinka was in, and I went inside.  Who knows whether she recognized me or not?  She certainly gave me a good licking of my face and hands, so she seemed pleased to see me.  I felt a great wrenching sadness when I had to leave her, but it won't be long before we are together again for good!

There were so many people in the kennels today that it took me a few minutes to realize that one of the people coming in to my kennel was Bracha!  Of all the visitors during the sports event today, she was the one who showed the most interest in me.   I think that means something really special.  Perhaps she is going to come see me again, or even be with me for a long time.  Suddenly she was inside our kennel, calling me and reaching out to pet me.  Molly and George, the two dogs that I share a kennel with, kept trying to get in on the action, but I pushed myself up to Bracha's face and gave her a good licking session. Bracha petted them too, but I could tell she really wanted to be with me.   Then we sat down together and Timora photographed us.  Bracha was very affectionate towards me and I could tell she was happy to see me.  Then it was all over, and she had to leave, but she hugged and kissed me goodbye and told me she would see me again soon.  So here we are together in a picture for the first time!

Two Weeks to Go

In two weeks I will be with Dinka in Beit Oved! As time goes by and the course and my new partnership with DInka slowly grow closer, my longing for a dog grows stronger. I am ready to begin a new partnership now, inspired by the memories of the wonderful partnership I had with Suki. I know that one of the things that is helping me keenly look forward to a new partnership with Dinka is the knowledge of what a wonderful partnership I had with Suki, and I know I can have that again.


After making contact with DInka's puppy raiser I was able to excitedly scroll through dozens of pictures depicting DInka from early puppyhood until the day she was returned to Beit Oved to begin her training. There was great love there and a lot of devotion. I can't wait to give DInka that same devotion that her puppy raiser gave her, and to let her use everything she has learned in her training to help get my life back on track again.

Until then, Suki remains in my mind. It has been three months now since I lost her, and although it seems an eternity since I have been without a dog by my side, memories of Suki are still as vivid as ever. I continually push those last horrible moments out of my mind and dwell on the fun times – recalling our last days together in New York, reading the humorous accounts of our times together in my blog, thankful for the wealth of pictures and stories that I saved . The fond memories will remain with me forever. I know that there will be certain things that DInka will do that will bring a comforting reminder of Suki. Will Dinka like the beach and get into water at any opportunity? Will she lay with one foreleg curled as I once saw her do in Beit Oved, just as Suki used to do? Will she approach me waving a toy, eager to play? Will she pull on the harness eagerly as we approach the sea? I realize that these things, or any other reminder of Suki, will be a comfort - a sort of continuity. Both dogs have their own character, charm, and delightful personality, and there will be other things that I will discover that will make DInka special. I will love DInka unconditionally, and still love Suki and cherish the memories of the time I had with her.

Dinka's Puppy Days

It is hard to keep rumors from running along the grapevine of the Internet like wildfire.  With forums and Facebook acquaintences people are all in contact with eath other and if A knows B and B knows C, than soon an acquaintence will be established between A and C.  And so, the cat - or rather, the dog - got out of the bag and Dinka's puppy raiser and I found each other.  And now that the news is out, we will lay low until the course begins.  However, we are both delighted, and can share the mixed sadness and joy of seeing a new partnership beginning after difficult partings - she from Dinka and me from Suki.

So here, courtesy of DInka's puppy raiser -  is one of the many photos of DInka when she was about 8 weeks old in December of 2010 with her blue puppy jacket looking like a stuffed toy dog.  And today she is still lovely.

One Week with a Substitute Dog

When my friend Liron told me that she was going to Mykanos for a week and needed to find a place to leave Petel, I realized that this was a great opportunity for all three of us to benefit: Petel would have a week in the country, Liron would have a solution for caring for Petel, and I would have a dog to care for and enjoy for a week.   So arrangements were made for me to collect Petel and for me to return her to Tel Aviv the following week.
Petel did very well here - she seemed to settle down and was content.  Although I was not sure I would work with her in harness, I soon realized that the temptation was too great to resist, and that I could not walk her and use a cane at the same time.  I realized even more acutely how much I depended on Suki and how much I miss having a guide dog, how difficult it is to get around without one and how lonely it is in the house - even with Nuala here.  Friends, taxi drivers, and other acquaintences greeted me and enthusiastically congratulated me on my new guide dog, and I had to tell them that this was not my new dog - not yet...
I felt a real pang of sorrow when I returned to Tel Aviv, transferred Petel to Liron's neighbor who would bring her home, and then turned away to make my way back to the train station with a cane.  I boarded the train, missing SUki more acutely than I had for a long time.  Even someone else's guide dog is a comfort.  Only five weeks to go until the course!

Endless Waiting

Yesterday I went to Beit Oved for a meeting with the New York delegation, and I saw DInka again. I didn't even ask if I could have her with me during the meeting, but Ami and Rafi both offered to bring her to me as soon as I arrived at Bit Oved. They know my pain and know that having Dinka next to me helps a lot. I explained to the members of the New York delegation that every day of that trip is still fresh in my mind. Those were some of my last days with Suki, and when I remember them I realize how impressive Suki was, how well-behaved she was, and how she touched the hearts of everyone we met.


Yes, DInka is quite different than Suki. She is not the stunning large pedigree dog that Suki was, but she is sweet and lovely and I will bond with her and love her. I already know the feel of her shorter fur, the delicate, thinner ears, the slightly bushy tail with its dark brown color at the tip, and the special place where she likes to have her tummy rubbed. Certain things make me feel a comfortable familiarity with her: the way she folds one front paw like Suki used to do, the way she doesn't sit down quite all the way when I tell her to and she needs a little coaxing, the way she begins licking me when I get close to her face. She is ready to love and to be loved, and I am ready to love her and to accept her appection and loyalty. It will be hard work training with her, and harder to not compare her to Suki and to just let her be herself. I know that I must do this in order to be fair to DInka. She will be undergoing some dynamic and difficult changes in her life as well, and she will need love and support together with discipline and training. If just being with her for an hour or two is comforting, than I hope that being with her all the time will truly console me. I want the day to come when I can remember Suki fondly without crying, and without longing, but simply smile with fond memories of my first guide dog who was so very beautiful and special. I'm not ready for that yet. I cry for Suki often – at the pool, on the train, even while walking through the crowds at Azrieli Center where it is so difficult to get around without a guide dog. And I notice how people treat me when I use a cane. I don't feel that joy and pride I had when I walked with Suki, and people are helpful to the point where I feel overwhelmed. "Do you need help getting off the bottom of the escalator? Take my arm now and I'll help you out of the station, I have to go smoke anyway…Come on, the light is green, you can cross the street…" They are kind, but I feel overly swamped with this kindness, as if others perceive me as a person who constantly needs help. I cannot wait to have Dinka by my side, to trust and love a dog again. I recall endless moments with Suki, but the joy and security of having her with me seems like a distant lovely dream. It has been an endless nine weeks, and I still have two months until Dinka will be with me. It seems endless.

Let me Introduce Myself. I'm Dinka.

Gee, I feel a bit shy but I guess it's OK if I put in a few paw prints. I'm Dinka, I'm going to be Bracha's new guide dog, and in a couple of months this will be my blog.
When Rafi brought me into the lounge at Beit Oved yesterday I really didn't latch onto things right away. Rafi told Bracha that I was a bit aloof, and I felt that way at first, even after he handed Bracha my leash and she unclipped me. Suddenly Bracha reached into her purse and pulled out a rope toy and offered it to me. She had bought the toy especially for me to give me at our first meeting! As Rafi said, she knows how to treat dogs and has my needs and desires in mind. I accepted it happily and curled up on the rug to begin chewing. When Bracha got down on the floor next to me I was afraid she'd take it away again, so I moved to a new spot, but soon I let her sit next to me and I knew it would be OK. I turned over and she started scratching my tummy, and found that special place that makes me wiggle my hind leg…that did it. I was a goner.

Soon Bracha reached into her purse and I jumped up and trotted over to see if she had another surprise for me, but she pulled out a camera instead and started taking pictures of me. So here I am for you to see!

When Rafi and Natanel left the room I decided it was time to dispel this "aloof" image of myself, and embarked on a major licking of Bracha's face and hands. After all, Bracha was determined to start bonding with me despite her sadness over losing Suki, and I felt she deserved no less than that from me. I behaved beautifully during the meeting in Noach's office and lay quietly under her chair during lunch. After that Rafi let Bracha and me into a room, and we had some quiet time together and a long talk. Bracha told me a bit more about Suki, and assured me that she was eager to have me and love me. She was a bit tearful talking about Suki, and I lay down on the floor next to her to show her that I understood and would do my best to make her happy again. 
It will be a couple of months before Bracha and I begin training together, and I have a lot more work to do. I was pretty distracted by that puppy Rafi deliberately placed in my path in the hallway, and Bracha gave me a gentle but firm leash correction. She knows what she is doing. But she's promised a lot of fun and play, too. I know that she's telling the truth because we played tug of war with the new toy every time I brought it to her. And between you and me, I heard something about our going to London together. So it looks like I'm in for some adventures even while Bracha and I are still forming our partnership.  
I know I have some pretty big shoes to fill, because this was Suki's blog, and Suki was Bracha's wonderful beautiful dog, but I am determined to do my best. And something tells me I'm into something good.

Dear Dinka,

Dear Dinka,


Let me introduce myself. I am Bracha. You don't know me yet, but I know that we are going to get to know each other very well. You see, you are going to be my guide dog and I am going to be your person!

Perhaps you remember me; Rafi took you to do a test walk with me in Rehovot. You probably sensed that I was confidently holding your harness and already knew how to walk with a guide dog, because soon Rafi unclipped his extra leash and let us walk alone. You did everything splendidly – leading me confidently down the sidewalk, pulling assertively on the harness, stopping at each corner, and then halting at the opposite side of the street with your front paws neatly placed on the curb, ready for the next command. But you may have sensed a certain sadness about me, a desire to have you and to love you, but not being quite ready to do that yet. I cried when Noach came to watch us walk, but that was not because of you at all.

So I think it is only fair that I explain what made me so sad when I was actually so delighted with you. There is something very important you need to know before we begin our partnership. I had a guide dog, Suki, whom I loved dearly. I did my best to give her a wonderful life of fun, play, and affection alongside hard work, and she gave me endless love and happiness and did her job with dedication and skill. She was also very beautiful: a large white golden retriever who captured everyone's heart with her dark soft eyes and fluffy white fur. Suki and I were inseparable for the past two years and nine months. But Suki is gone now, and I mourn her deeply. That is why I felt so sad when I was walking with you.

I know that from the moment we begin our partnership some of that sadness will disappear and be replaced with a new love for you. That is part of the healing process I must undergo, and together with time, my pain and sorrow at losing Suki will heal.

There will be a lot of things I will want to teach you, Dinka, but I promise to take things slowly and let you get used to things at your own pace. We will get to know each other and learn to work together and build our relationship. I promise to be patient and understanding. In my mind I might compare you to Suki, but I promise that I will love you for who you are. I will come to know all the exciting things that make you special, because I know that like Suki, you will be special, too! From my short acquaintance with you I sense that you are sweet, mischievous, and lovely.

Everything is waiting for you here, Dinka; a big soft bed, toys, and even shoes to keep your feet from getting burned on the hot pavements in summer. And I have a lot of things planned for us. You'll have to work hard, but there will be lots of fun too; running on the beach, swimming in the river, lying on the lawn at music festivals, lots of traveling, and maybe even trips abroad. We'll do all these things together, and I promise to take good care of you, to love you dearly, and to give you a happy life with me.

Suki was the dog who changed my life and introduced me to the wonderful world of being independent and working with a guide dog. You will be the dog who will bring me back into that world that I lost so suddenly and that I miss so much. I will always have a place in my heart for Suki, but you can be certain that there will be plenty of love for you as well. That love will grow and grow as time goes by, until I love you in the same total and unconditional way that I loved Suki. And I hope that our time together will be long, wonderful, and joyous for both of us. I'm looking forward to it.

So just be yourself, Dinka! I know we'll be fine.

Longings

"Don't you want another dog?" asked the receptionist at the pool. People express sympathy when I tell them that Suki is gone, and then ask, "When are you getting another dog?" I usually answer this question blinking back tears. In the past two weeks the initial shock and mourning over Suki's death has become bearable, but the longing for another dog beside me and the help and companionship that I need so badly is difficult to deal with. I miss Suki constantly, and I know that only another dog to love will make that pain easier.


I run through the dates in my mind; counting the weeks and days left until the middle of October when I have been promised a place in the next training course. It is still a long 12 weeks away. I remember how anxiously I waited for an invitation to the course three years ago, not yet knowing the change in my life that would come with a guide dog, not yet aware of what a beautiful dog I would receive, not yet aware of the loving relationship that I would cultivate with her and of our close partnership. I now realize that if I was anxious for a guide dog then, I am desperate for another one now. As I told Rafi, I will be happy with either Dinka or Derby. I just want a dog beside me again, because I know that will be the only thing that will get my life back on track. It seems a long time to wait. Rafi mentioned the possibility of my spending time with my new dog before the course - maybe even taking her home for a weekend and returning her to the Center. I know that even a short time would give me a lot of happiness and help get me through the difficult time until the course begins. They understand my pain and loneliness, and my longing to bond with a new dog.

My longing for Suki still runs through me like an underground current. I walk through the orchard and still talk to her, telling her I miss her, imagining her running or resting under a tree, praising her in my mind as we walk down the sidewalk along the routes we walked together.

There is a shelf in the closet filled with everything I saved: brushes, the basket with a kong, rope toy, a rubber Frisbee (Suki never got the hang of picking it up off the ground), the new tug of war toy I bought in New York, water bowls, clickers, whistle, and dog shoes. They were all Suki's and I want them for my new dog. Her bed is here, too, and I imagine myself putting them out so that they will all be in place when I bring my new dog home.

I think of both Suki and my new dog, whom I now refer to as D., since a decision has not yet been made as to which dog of the two sisters in the D litter will be mine. I will be happy to receive either one of them and will love whichever one I get.

Thoughts for Suki

Reading this blog and remembering all the good times that Suki and I had together has been a great comfort to me. I'm so thankful for all the pictures, stories, and account of our life together that I kept for nearly three years. So here's an entry for Suki, written in the past weeks, in an effort to find some comfort and ease my longing for her.


Suki, It's been four weeks since you've been gone, and the black despair that I felt at first has given way to a dull pain that is ever present inside me, occasionally bursting forth and leaving me filled with grief. I think of you constantly, what we would be doing together if you were here, and how different things would be. We were both cruelly deprived of all the wonderful years we should have had together, and I am heartbroken that what should have been a long partnership was cut short so suddenly. I am overcome with sadness at seeing places that remind me of you; the place you used to wait near the door in the morning, the carpet at my feet on the train, your spot at the side of the pool, the bench at the bus stop, or the floor at the foot of my bed where you slept at night. Sometimes I put out my hand and imagine stroking your soft fur, scratching your long silky ears, or laying my palm on your head. In my mind I call you, and when I'm walking I silently give you commands and imagine you leading me. It's so hard without you, Suki! I ran into a glass door the other day trying to get into the mall. You would have found the right way and whisked me right through it.

Wherever we went you touched so many hearts with your gentle manners, your sweet disposition, your soft dark eyes and silky white fur. Going anywhere with you was always an adventure and a joy, and I was always so proud of you. Everywhere I go people ask where you are, and I can't tell them without bursting into tears. People are so sad to hear you are gone. It's a consolation to know that I am not alone in my grief, and that there are so many people who loved you and who will remember you. That's because you were such a special dog!

I'm grateful for every day of the two years and nine months we had together, Suki. I have so many good memories – feeling your cold, wet nose nudging me awake each morning, walking with you in the orchard, playing tug of war with your rope toy, stroking your soft ears as you lay with your head in my lap in a taxi on the way home, and hearing your tail thumping happily on the floor as I gave you one last goodnight pat before going to sleep.

So here's what I need to tell you, Sookers. I can't manage without you, but I need to go on. So I'm going to get another guide dog to help me just like you did. I know you'll understand, because you'll want me to be safe and happy again. I will love my new dog, bond with her and give her a good life filled with love, affection, work, and play just like I did for you. She will love me too, just like you did, and she will comfort me and ease my pain at losing you.

But you needn't worry, Suki. There will always be a special place in my heart for you, and I will always love you just as I did when you were here with me! You see, it's like I once explained to Rotem: even when I have more grandchildren, I will still have just as much love for her because our heart keeps manufacturing more love. That's the way it will be with us, too, Suki. No matter how many guide dogs I have in the future and no matter how many years go by, I'll still feel the same unconditional love for you as I did when you were here with me.

You know that if you had lived I would have kept you with me even after you retired, just as I promised. I want you to know that I will still keep that promise. You'll be with me together with my new dog at the beach, running through the waves, lying on the sand next to me, walking through the fields, guiding me down the sidewalks. My new dog will walk beside me, and you'll be safe in that special place in my heart reserved only for you.

So I'll never say goodbye, Suki, because you'll always be with me, and you'll be in my mind often! Run along the beach or through the lush green fields, wherever you want to run, free and safe and healthy and happy, just as I remember you. I will call you to me in my thoughts, or perhaps you'll come running to me with your tail wagging as you always did. We'll play together for a fleeting moment and reminisce about the joyful time we spent together – a brief and wonderful chapter of our lives, that was filled with love and affection. You'll lick me and I'll hug you, and I'll remember what a privilege it was to be with you. And then you'll go dashing off again - until the next time we meet.

.

Fond Memories

There is no shortage of pictures and memories of Suki's and my life together. Here are a few, from one of the first to the last.  The earliest photos of SUki that I have were taken by Nurit Nitzani during her puppy-raising period in December, 2008. 

Suki in New York City

One of our first hikes together

Suki at one year, taken by Nurit Nitzani, her adopted family

Suki and I at Beit Oved during the training course, October 2009

Suki and I at the beach, 2011

New guide dog at home, 2009

Getting some well-deserved rest

Suki in her full beauty, and below, walking in the Israel parade in New York, June 3rd, 2012

Goodbye, Suki

Those of you who are reading this blog probably know that Suki died yesterday, and our two and a half years together came suddenly and tragically to an end. The trauma of losing Suki so suddenly, being helpless and unable to save her, will hopefully fade in time, but memories of the time we spent together will remain with me always.


Suki was serious about her work - obeying all my commands and guiding me effortlessly through the train stations in Tel Aviv, the sidewalks of Nahariya, and even the streets of New York City. At the same time she had a spark of rebellious spirit, a joy in life and playful nature, that I first encountered on our trial walk together when she turned her head to chase after a falling leaf. Her spirit, born of intelligence and a bit of mischievousness, made Suki what she was - a dependable companion who was a joy to be with and a beautiful dog to look at.

Losing Suki was like losing a part of me - we were together for two years and nine months - a far cry from what should have been an 8-year partnership. I'm grateful for every day that I had with her, and I hope I gave her the best life I could; a mixture of hard work and play with constant love. I will always remember Suki racing through the orchard, Suki jumping into waves at the beach, playfully swinging her toy rope at me to nudge me into playing with her, Suki pulling confidently on her harness through crowded streets and train stations. No matter how many dogs I own, I will always remember her paw resting on my arm, her wet cold nose nudging me awake every morning, petting her silky ears and soft, white fur.

This is the last post written in Suki's name after we returned from New York. It marks the last days of her life when we made that memorable trip together - a triumphant conquest of new challenges and dealt with new difficulties. We were due to go to London in the future - I have no doubt that Suki would have handled it just as beautifully, and charmed everyone we met just as she did in New York.

I hope I have the strength to continue, to bond with a new guide dog, and to offer him or her the same unconditional love that I offered Suki. That dog will have a lot to live up to, and I am confident that he or she will succeed.

June 13th, 2012

There is so much to tell about our trip to New York that I don't think I could manage it all myself. I will tell you first of all that Bracha has told me that she is very proud of me and that my behavior was X-M-plary. I think that means that I was very well behaved, except for the business with the squirrels, which I'll tell you about, but anyway, here goes.

We started the trip just as any other trip we take together, but we got off at a new train station that Bracha and I had never been to before, and a nice man helped us out of the station. I was already hungry since I had not eaten all day, but I soon forgot about that in my excitement. We were at the airport, and we were flying to New York! I spent the entire plane trip sleeping next to Bracha and Pnina's feet, and by the time we got to New York I was rather light-headed from not having eaten for a day and a half. But the moment we got outside Bracha whipped out my little travel bowl and fed me. There was even a large dog run for us to relax a bit and do busy, and Lynn, Dror's dog, and I ran about and felt a lot better. Then we drove to Manhattan.

The buildings in New York are so tall that I could not see to the top, and sometimes we went up inside these buildings and I looked down into the street below, where the people looked tiny. Walking around New York is no simple task. The streets are crowded, filled with people, and very strange things happen there. Sometimes the whole sidewalk disappears and there is a scary deep hole covered by metal grates, and I had to walk around them. Other times doors open up in the middle of the sidewalk and people emerge out of nowhere, scaring the living daylights out of Lynn, Norman, (Danny's guide dog) and me. But the strangest things in New York are animals called squirrels that live in the Central Park. The first time I saw a squirrel I forgot I was in harness, forgot I was a guide dog, and completely lost it. All I wanted to do was run after them! I was just a dog! Bracha did not approve of this and gave me a good, hard leash correction and made me lie down on the pavement, but I could not settle down. When Noach heard what I had done he told Bracha in no uncertain terms that he would show me some real discipline, which he did later in the week. After that I realized that I had better shape up with the squirrel business.

Bracha and I lived at a hotel in Manhattan on the corner of 49th Street and 10th Avenue in Manhattan. Now, on the corner of 11th Avenue and 51st street there is a wonderful dog park! Bracha and I soon learned the way there, and every morning she would take me to the park and brush me. I could then run and play before beginning the hard day's work of guiding in New York City. I soon made some local friends: Kayla, a golden retriever like me, Brillo, and the two Yorkshire terriers Dot and Bert. And best of all, there was a pool in the park for dogs to swim in! So there was something in New York for me, too.

Bracha also bought me lots of presents at the pet store: a tug of war toy, a leather bone (I admit, I snitched it off the bottom shelf and Bracha had to buy it!), and a little red purse for me to wear to hold Bracha's keys and a roll of strawberry-scented plastic bags for, er, cleaning up. I was so happy and proud that I wore it everywhere we went. I even chose a present for my friend Petel - a purple donut chew toy!

People in New York were very kind to us, and no one ever told us we had to get out of a store or restaurant, and were always eager to help Bracha choose her breakfast from the buffet or get in the elevator. In New York people call me a service dog, and I am allowed everywhere. I was even allowed into the chocolate store, but Bracha soon took me out again because there were pieces of chocolate on the floor, and she didn't want me eating any!

There are a few things about New York that I cannot figure out: What did Bracha and I do to make the thousands of people cheer and clap when we walked down 5th Avenue in the parade? Were all those thousands of people there cheering and waving Israeli flags for us guide dogs from Israel? Why was the man in Central Park walking on stilts? Why do the trains in New York run underground instead of on tracks outside? And why are people in New York City always in such a hurry? I guess they are all trying to get to the tops of all those high buildings where they live and work. And where oh where are dogs supposed to do busy in New York when all the trees grow out of concrete and there is no soft green grass??

It was hard work guiding Bracha and lying quietly while Noach and Bracha talked to very important people, and I can definitely do without another 12-hour plane ride with nothing to eat but ice cubes. But, yes, I'd do it again. And it looks like I'll have to. They want us to go to London in November. I wonder if there are squirrels there, too…

Getting Ready to Go

Today finally came - the day I got my fur combed and trimmed for the trip!  Bracha left me with Lena in the pet store and I went up the stairs to the little room where she works.  She put me on the table and began combing my fur.  Bracha stayed outside because the owner of the store was afraid to let her go up the steep stairs.  She later told me that she walked around doing errands, but had a hard time walking around without me, and she came back before I was finished with Lena because she was tired out and unhappy without me.  Then I came tripping down the stairs in my full white fluffy glory!  Lena gave Bracha a rather sizeable bag full of all the fluff she had combed out of my fur!  It was enough to make a small pillow!  And now I feel a bit too clean, but I must admit it's cooler and nice.

Bracha is packing my little bag to go inside her suitcase: food for a day or so until we buy some more, a rope toy, a bone for the plane, water bowl, and brush for me.  I'm so happy and excited!  Only a week to go!

15 More Days!

Every morning I wake up and ask Bracha: "Are we going to New York today?" and Bracha says not yet.  But things are starting to happen.  Nuala got her hair cut the other day, and next week Bracha made an appointment for my yearly trim and bath.  There is also a large suitcase that Bracha has put things in, including a brand new rope toy for me!  I guess I'll just have to be patient and wait.
Meanwhile, it is starting to get hot here.  Bracha noticed that I was dancing around at the stoplight in town yesterday, and will now take my shoes wherever we go, including to New York!  And I've been promised a visit to a pet store, too! 

Here I am again!

Well, it's been ages since I've written.  I'm not sure what to tell you about first.  So let's start with the festival.  I had a ball.  AS soon as I got there I started pulling Bracha straight to the lake.  She settled me down, unpacked our things in our little room, and we headed for the beach.  It was as good as ever as I went bounding in, and we swam together out into the deep water.  I spent the entire weekend being admired by everyone, lying on the grass sleeping while the music played, and didn't even mind when Bracha was onstage and I had to stay tied up backstage so I wouldn't get in the way of the Irish dancers.

So it's good to be home again.  We are not going to travel for a long time because there are no trains, so we will spend time getting me ready for our trip to New York.  Bracha has assured me that we'll be great, that I can sleep on the plane, and she will take care of me all the time in the big city!  I'm so excited!  And Bracha has promised me a trip to the beauty salon before we go!

Interestingly enough, there has been a lot of publicity about two of my friends who were not allowed to go into a grocery store and a restaurant.  The mayor of the town repremanded the owners and told them that they were breaking the law, and we were all pleased.  And yesterday a nice taxi driver invited Bracha and me into his cab.  He took out a large paper table cloth and spread it out on the front seat for Bracha and on the floor for me so that my hair wouldn't get on the rug.  He actually took responsibility instead of complaining!  What a refreshing change!

I Guess I am Not Perfect.

Things I did right this week:

I behaved beautifully at the meeting with the vice-president of the regional council and lay quietly under the table. Then I led Bracha down the stairs and out of the building without being told where to go.

I found every box on the stoplights in Nahariya when Bracha told me "Ramzor!"

I stopped while a car was pulling out of an alley so Bracha wouldn't walk into it.

I pushed Bracha aside when a bicycle came down the sidewalk.

Things I did wrong this week:

I ripped up Bracha's good hat.

I got too wild with Nuala and knocked the metal trays on the floor and made a terrible racket. Then I got scared of the noise and ran outside.

I ran away into the avocados - a g a i n.

I didn't move over to the side enough next to that big over-hanging tree near the store, and Bracha ran into it a bit and scratched her ear. I felt awful.

I promise to work harder. I'm not perfect.

Being Separated

I never liked it when Bracha has to leave me alone. At Beit Oved I used to stand in our room and bark and bark, and nothing would stop me, not even Bracha and Ami waiting outside the door to catch me at it and open the door and shout "NO!" And when Bracha leaves me at home on my bed, I still bark. I just don't like it when she's not around. Now, I must admit that being shut inside the patio with the fence isn't all that bad. After all, I still get to sleep in the sun, and after a while I stop barking. I now know that the moment Bracha and Nir start wheeling out the bicycle, I'm going to be left. I understand that I can't come riding. Bracha has even talked to me about staying in a kennel for a couple of nights when she goes away riding because she knows that I will be safe there and well taken care of. But the thought of being two days without Bracha gives me the heebie jeebies.
Now, today I really don't know what made me do it. I know that it was very naughty. When Bracha came back from riding, I grabbed her good wool hat and tore the edge off. Bracha heard the sound of ripping fabric and came to see what I had ripped. She yelled "NO!" at me and then crossed her arms and turned her back on me - something she only does when she is really angry. It was, after all, her good winter hat. And I have, after all, a large basket of toys to chew, and I know I am not allowed to destroy her things. I know I was wrong. And I know that Bracha still loves me and forgives me, and that I have to be left alone sometimes. She did give me a nice run on the beach yesterday. So we both have to forgive and forget.

Suki, Ramzor!

Today Bracha and I went to Nahariya and started experimenting with the new stoplights for the first time. So far only one of them works, but Bracha says that if they are already there, they will all work soon. So Bracha got out the clicker and some treats and made me understand that when we get to the intersection, I have to lead her to the pole with the little green or yellow box on it. Then Bracha pushes the button and the stoplight says "Your request has been received." It starts ticking slowly, and after a bit it begins to click quickly, and Bracha and I cross when she gives me the usual command. We did the usual clicker routine of locating the pole, rewarding me when I put my nose on it, then backchaining until I got to the pole every time. Then Bracha told me what this was called: "Ramzor". So now every time Bracha says "Ramzor" I have to find that pole quick! Bracha was very proud of me and I could tell she was very happy.

Now, I am not so happy about this bike business. I know that Bracha has a good time, but this is something we can't do together, and when I see them getting the bikes out and putting on helmets, I know it's time to be left at home. But I guess I'll get used to it. If I know that Bracha is happy, than I am too.

All those little hands

I'm beginning to understand that this kindergarten lecturing business is pretty worthwhile for me after all. I don't have to do much - just sleep or stand and look pretty. But afterwards Bracha takes my harness off and lets the children come and pet me. All those little hands stroking my fur make me lie down, and then flop over on my side and enjoy the attention. I only gave a low "woof" once when one of the children started fiddling around with my tail, so Bracha is more strict about them only petting my back and tummy. We want them to like me, after all, not to be scared of me. On the way home we met Egda with her dog Shadow. He's even more rambunctious than I am, and he's a bit older than me. But it was nice to have a friend to travel with.
Now Bracha has decided that when it stops raining we are going to have a serious campaign to get me to come back when I am running free. I admit I've been a bit lax lately - and all those avocados on the ground after the big storm make it difficult for me to obey. I know that she's right. I must not run away. We discussed it, and Bracha promised to take a clicker and treats and help me get back on track. I promise to work at it. As long as there are no avocados around, I think I can do it.

I Hate Needles.

Boy, the next time Bracha takes me on a bus in the direction of Haifa, I'm going to get suspicious and start balking when I still can. I've got it all in my head now - a bus to Haifa instead of the train means we are going to Dr. Allison. And that usually means needles. I dug in my paws as soon as we turned into 21 Olive Street, but no go - Bracha made me go in. And I had to have a blood test AND a park worm shot. But Bracha comforted me and gave me treats, and I soon calmed down again. I guess I have no choice in the matter.
Now, the next day things took an even more interesting turn. We started walking from Saba and Savta's house towards the little coffee shop where we usually go, but this time Noach from Beit Oved was walking behind us, and Bracha made sure that I knew to do my very best. And when we got there we settled down at a table and Bracha and Noach started to talk about going on an airplane to America! I thought how awful it would be for Bracha to go away without me, but I soon realized that I was going along! Later Bracha and I discussed it, and she explained that it would be just like the plane ride to Eilat but much longer, and I would have to go a long time without doing "busy". But other guide dogs have done it, so I will, too! ANd when we get there I get to go on stage with Bracha and everyone will admire me, and well, we all know I thrive on that. So it looks like I'll be doing some traveling. And that means getting another blood test. But I guess I'm willing to do that if it means getting on an airplane again and going with Bracha. After all, she will need me in America, too.

Early on a rainy morning

It's 05:50 AM. I can tell by the bright blue numbers on the clock that Bracha and I bought together in Tel Aviv. I get up and saunter over to Bracha, thumping my tail loudly against the dresser.
Bracha takes a tlook at the clock and turns away. "Suki, mita! Lishon!"
I get the message. Bracha does not want to get up. First call, failure. I plod back to my bed, turn around three times like any dog wirth its weight in Pro Plan chicken and rice, and flop down again with a sigh.
But things are, er, rather pressing. It's not long before I wake up and try again. Get up, tail wagging, prodding cold nose. No go. It's 06:15.
"Suki, lo! LIshon! I'm not getting up at 06:15 on Shabbat!" Second call, no go. No va.
Back to bed, three turns around, sign, back for a snooze.
I try again. It's 06:45. This time I even get Nuala into it with me. Both of us stand by the bed, tails wagging. Front paws on the bed, cold noses, and I start licking Bracha's face. "Get up!"
That does it. I get petted, Nuala gets petted, and when things get too crazy Bracha shoves us both back down off the bed. We did it!
Lately it's been so wet and rainy that we can't even go out into the orchard because it's too muddy, so we go busy on the road. There are black clouds on the horizon, my fur is already damp, and the ground is cold and muddy. I'll bet the river is running and full of water, but I think even I would not enjoy swimming too much. It's winter.
But on the bright side, I'm doing much better. I think the other day Bracha was finally convinced that I can take those little pills she keeps putting in my food and still work and do my job. When we got off the bus to go to the train station I zipped down the street, turned in at the right place, and when Bracha said "Rakevet!" I went to the opening of the long tunnel. Bracha gave me a treat, and then we continued down the tunnel, passed the stairs to the first platform, then the stairs to the second, and when I got to the right platform I turned and went to the top of the stairs and stopped. I'm not sure how I know which is the right stairway. I can't read the numbers. I just know. Then I found the water fountain and Bracha gave me another treat and a drink out of my new bowl, and we got on the train. And I curled up to go to sleep. It's all in a day's work.

Oh, by the way, this is my new water bowl. It has the same little dog picture on it that is on the bag to my red shoes. It collapses into a little bundle and goes right into Bracha's bag, and this one won't leak! (Ruff Wear water bowl)

Those inconsiderate whizzing cars!

Today I am parading around in my soft, shampoo-clean whiteness. I am fully determined to find myself a nice big wet muddy puddle to get in, but I know that after the work Bracha put into getting me clean last night she will be extra careful about letting me run loose. Yesterday I looked, er, rather gray. You see, Khaled came to help Bracha clean out the kerosene stove, and I just had to investigate all those black sooty parts on the floor. Then if that was not enough, yesterday after I had gone on a good long run along the beach, Bracha and I started home. It began to rain again and while we were standing on the traffic island in the middle of the road, a car went by and sprayed cold muddy water all over us. I shook myself off the best I could, but I was still pretty dirty. So Bracha gave me a hot shower and toweled me off, and here I am.

I know that Bracha is still slipping a couple of those white pills into my food twice a day. It's to help keep me from having another seez-your. But they make me a bit sleepy, which is really rough in the mornings when Bracha puts me in harness and I have to work. There seems to be a lot of "hup up!" from Bracha while we are waoking because I walk slowly, and stairs seem unusually challenging. Sometimes I just feel like lying down and going to sleep. Bracha never gets angry and understands that I am having a hard time, and she said she would ask Dr. A. if we could cut down the medication in the morning. And sure enough, Dr. A. said that I would get used to it, and that Bracha could give me only one pill in the morning and, would you believe it, another one with a treat at lunchtime! So not only do I get less sleepy stuff in the morning - I get a guaranteed treat, too! Yep, things seem to be working out.

Rainy Weather and Lazy Dog

I seem to have spent most of the day sleeping today. It's raining outside and my bed is warm and cozy. Also, I seem to feel a bit dopey in the morning and feel like I'm moving in slow motion. Yesterday a woman on the train told Bracha, "You're dog looks sick." Bracha knows I'm not sick and I know she'll always take care of me, but I think those little pills she is putting in my food are making me a little sleepy. We'll try them for a few more days and see.
And now there is what I guess is another Emma, only this one is a boy, and is called Tommy! I didn't get to see him yet because I had to stay on the terrace of Itai and Hilla's house, but Bracha helped me buy him a present - a little jump suit with a picture of a dog all across the front! I was so pleased! So I guess Bracha will have to cuddle this Tommy together with Emma, and I know there will always be room for me.

A Little Sick and a Little Curious

Today I am spending the day sleeping. I really had a bad night and made Bracha have a bad night, too. I woke up feeling very strange and went and woke Bracha up, too. She immediately got up to help me and took me outside. It was dark, cold, and rainy, and I was glad to get back inside, but I knew things were not right with me. So I woke Bracha up again. THis time when she took me outside I was sick, and then I guess I had another seez-your, because the next thing I remember I was standing in the yard barking at Bracha - something I never do. Bracha took me back inside and helped me get back to sleep. I felt so bad, and I know that we need some help. Bracha told me everything would be OK and that she would buy me medicine that Dr. Allison prescribed so that I wouldn't have any more epileptic attacks. So we will begin tomorrow. And now I think we both need a little sleep.
But before I stretch out in front ot the stove, I have to tell you that last week we met a man named Nadav. He has a white golden retriever named Merlin, and Merlin is a champion breeding dog. Nadav took one look at me and told Bracha that he things Merlin is my father! o we will have to check this out! And he did say that I was beautiful. ANd I know that even though I kept Bracha up half the night last night, she thinks so, too.
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