One Year Together!

It's hard to believe, but Bracha and I have been together for a year! Exactly a year ago Rafi brought me to Bracha in her room at the Center, and our life together began. We had met several times before when Bracha came to visit, because she was so very sad and lonely after Suki died that she needed every minute she could get with me and could barely wait for the course to start so that she could have a guide dog again. I was determined to help her feel at home with me, and I know that at first it was hard for her. You see, I am a bit more aloof than Suki was, less demonstrative of my love and affection, and simply a different dog. But I know that Bracha loves me deeply and feels great affection for me, just as I do for her, and that she loves me just as she loved SUki. Bracha now knows that when I come over and just sit quietly beside her, I am feeling good, happy, and secure. And when I carry my toys to her and persist in asking to play, she knows that this is important to me and gives in every time. And I know that when she gets up every day she'll put out her hand and wait for me to pass under it again again, turning around in circles the way I love to do, and getting petted on my back as I go back and forth under her hand. She's used to my hard pull and my excitement when I know where we are headed, and I'm used to wearing a head collar to make it more comfortable for both of us to walk together. We've both made our concessions, and that's part of having a good working relationship. And now Bracha and I are officially working for the Center! We are so proud! Bracha is Assistant for Resource Development and marketing, and I am assistant to the assistant of resource development and Marketing. So we both have a job to do, and we'll keep doing it together. We've been to London, New York, and all over Israel, and we are going to do more traveling together this year, too. I know we can do whatever we need to do together, and that we are a great partnership. And next week is my birthday! Hooray! Bracha has promised me a trip to the pet store to buy some new toys. And I know after a year that when Bracha promises, she keeps that promise.

Across the Ocean and Back Again

There is so much to write about our trip to the United States that I barely know where to start!  We hadf a lot of adventures there, and I had to work very hard, but Bracha told me on the plane on the way home that I had behaved in an ex-M-plerry manner.  I'm not sure what that means, but I gather it means I was good.  I know that I did bark at the horses and buggies in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, but besides that I was a model guide dog, doing my job even on crowded Fifth Avenue and sitting quietly in meetings, making friends with people and dogs everywhere I went.
There were a lot of puzzling things in the United States that I didn't understand: the second day we were there we went to see a large bell.  A lot of people were waiting in line to see it, so I thought naturally that at one point it would at least ring...but it didn't.  And they didn't let anyone touch it except for Bracha because everyone else could see it but they let Bracha feel it.  And I don't know why they keep it: it has a big crack going down one side!  Why don't they get a new one?  Anyway, here we are next to the bell..

The bell that everybody comes to see but doesn't even ring.  It's called the Liberty Bell..

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Sara and I gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean, good friends together.

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I know that Bracha loved being in Manhattan again, despite the fact that sometimes she felt a little sad because Suki had been there with her before, and that reminded her of Suki.  I made sure to sit close to Bracha and comfort her, and to help guide her through the crowded streets of Manhattan.  The buildings are so tall there that it is like walking through a large valley with high walls, and there is, er, very little place to go busy, except for the lovely huge park in the middle, which I loved.  But the most interesting thing was that when we got to Atlantic City Mike took Bracha to a large place with lots of noise and flashing lights.  It was called a Casino.  Mike sat Bracha down at one of the machines with flashing lights and put money inside.  The machine made a lot of ringing and nose and when it stopped Bracha got more money out of it!  She and Mike laughed and cheered.  I wonder why we don't have machines like this in Israel.  IT seems like a good thing to have...
The only day I was really unhappy in the United States was when Bracha got hold of one of those darned bicycles and rode off with Pnina, leaving me barking unhappily with  Mike taking care of me.  But Mike took me to the big park and  I ran and ran on the green lawn, even caught a golf ball on the fly!  But I was happiest when Bracha rode back again at the end of the day and hugged me, and told me she had missed me.
Anyway, I spent a lot of tine in Pennsylvania playing with Penny, Mike's dog, and she let me share her toys. with  me.  And I met a lot of really nice people who petted me and admired me constantly.  One of the nicest was Sara.  Sara  took to me immediately, and we sat together looking out out over the ocean that is right in back of her house.  I knew that the next day I would be flying over that ocean back home again, and I was happy that our adventures were over.  And Bracha has told me that we will be going to the United States again.  I wonder if they will have fixed that bell by the time I get back there, and if it will ring...

Off on a New Adventure

Well, I guess this is it.  Bracha has closed the large suitcase, and I know very well that my little yellow pumpkin toy is insice it.  So I hope it will be there when we get to New York and Pennsylvania, because I want it so much!  See?  It's right there next to Bracha's drinking bottle.  And we are off on a new adventure.  Bracha has promised me lots of good times and interesting places, and it's even worth having to skip my dinner tonight and then get on the plane where I will have to stay for 12 hours or so.  But I know that if Bracha is with me things will be OK. 
Now, I know that today Bracha is also a bit sad, because Suki died a year ago tomorrow.  I will be there for her, resting my head in her lap, and reminding her that she has me all the time and that I love her just as SUki did.  I am so different than Suki, but there are a lot of things that I do that remind her of SUki a lot, and I know that Bracha likes that a lot.  So here we go on another adventure...

Oh Dinka!


Tonight we leave for New York. It will be an exciting adventure for us and I know I can count on you to help me wherever we go, and to be well-behaved and make me proud of you. June 18th, the day when we will fly out of Tel Aviv and land in New York, is also a year since I lost Suki. I am glad I will be far away, busy doing things with you, because that will make the day go by much more easily for me. You know how much I remember Suki, and how much I still miss her. You also know that I love you just as I loved Suki just lilke I promised I would.

You are a different dog than Suki, but you do many things that acutely remind me of her:! You come to me each morning just as Suki did, stretching first with your rear end up in the air, and then stretching out your back legs with your head in the air, and then thumping your tail against the dresser to wake me up. And you love to lay in the sun on the patio, just as Suki did, steal avocados, and bring me toys. And, of course, you confidently lead me down the street just as Suki did, and I can count on you to do your job. Unlike Suki, who was afraid of squeaky dog toys, you love them and will do anything to get one. You are not scared of the crows in the pecan tree, or the tractor and wagon standing on the road, but I know you hate loud music and being on stage with me, which makes you shake and pant and very unhappy. You never sleep in cars like Suki did, but remain wide awake in cars and taxis, sitting at attention with me and occasionally resting your head on my knee just as Suki used to do. And just like Suki, you love to have an endless line of school children or even kindergartners waiting and filing past, petting you as they go, and you thump your tail loudly on the floor with happiness when they stroke your soft fur.

I think I know you well already, Dinka, and you know me. That same aloofness that I sensed when we first met still exists, but I know that behind that is a deep loyalty and attachment to me. You can be content just sitting next to me, enjoying my hand resting on your back or ruffling the fur between your ears.

So it's a sad time of year for me, Dinka, but I'm glad we are together, setting off on a new adventure. And when we get back I will continue to take care of you, to keep you safe, and occasionally feel like I am walking with two white dogs whom I love.

Like a Dream Come True

Ever since Tali came to visit us here in Ben Ami and wondered what I can do in real traffic and city streets, I have wanted to show her.  And yesterday I got to do just that!  Bracha did not tell me that we were going to visit Tali.  She left it for a surprise after we finished our training session at Beit Oved where we practiced Bracha calling me and my coming back promptly.  But when we got to the train station in Tel Aviv there was Tali waiting for us!  We got into her car and when we got out I was at the house where I grew up as a puppy!  I could hardly believe it!  I ran for the gate and even passed by to see if my neighbor's dog Yosef was at home, but we ran up the stairs to Tali's house.  I was a bit miffed because now Mishmish, Tali's dog,  seems to own the place, and I ran off with one of her bones and she barked at me.  But my irritation at having another dog in what was once MY house was quickly forgotten because soon Bracha put me in harness and we started down the street.
Now, you have to understand that when I was here last over a year ago I was truly a rambunctious rascal.  I played with the cats, chewed Tali's shoes, stole children's shoes in the park, ran away with their balls, and generally behaved like a mischievous puppy.  And now I am, as you know, a serious, hard-working guide dog who is responsible for getting Bracha safely from one place to another.  Tali kept wondering how I would deal with the motorcycles parked on the sidewalk, protruding bushes, street corners, and even a sandpile that we had to walk around.  I handled it all like the pro that I am.  Soon we ended up in the park, and there were all my friends waiting for me!  Tali had called them all out to come meet Bracha and me!   Everyone remarked on how much bigger I am and marveled at how I look in my harness.    Everyone was taking pictures and all I could do was stand there and wag my tail and feel overjoyed at being in the place where I grew up.  It was one of the happiest days I have ever had, and I know that Bracha was happy, too, and proud of me. 

Refresher Training

There was a lot of talk on the phone last week about...me.  Rafi, Natanel, Ami, and Yael all know that I have been up to mischief.  I ran away from Bracha in the neighbor's yard with one of their new puppy's toys, and Bracha has not let me off leash since then.  Rafi said, "A dog who does not come back must not run free."  So here I am, shut up in the house or out on the patio tied up.  I guess I deserve it.  So now Bracha takes me out into the yard on the long leash or a cable.  She calls me and I come.  And this week we are going to Beit Oved to work on my coming when I am called together with one of the teachers.  I know this is important.  I remember when I was a puppy everyone used to love it when they chased me around with toys, but I guess this is not acceptable any more.
But it's not all bad.  I know that Bracha still loves me very much, and we are still going to the United States next month, and we are going to see Tali, my puppy walker this week!  I will get to play with Mishmish and meet all of Tali's friends, and she will see just how nicely I work in real traffic!  I know I can be good.  I just know I can.

A Visit from Yael

I knew that when Yael from Beit Oved showed up that Bracha was going to give her a full report on how well I've been doing and, er, also the mischief I've been getting into.
I will be the first to admit that I got into real trouble  yesterday.  Bracha wanted to take me to a choir rehearsal and left the patio carrying her guitar.  She accidently dropped my leash and off I went across the yard.  I thought it was a great game to grab a bone I found on the lawn and every time Bracha got close to me I lay down, barked, and then ran away again.  This went on for some time and I could tell that Bracha was getting frustrated and even angry.  She worked hard to control her temper when I finally ran back onto the patio and she was able to catch me, put my harness back on and we left.  That game was fun for me but it wasn't fun for her.  And, of course, she told Yael.
This is not acceptable behavior for a guide dog.  I need to drop what I am doing when called and come.  I know that running away from Bracha is wrong.  So Bracha and I are going to have to work on my coming and being rewarded when I obey.  That's OK with me.  I like to be rewarded and I just have to remember that if I come Bracha will give me a click and a treat.  All and all, I want Bracha to be pleased with me and to be good.
Yael and Bracha told me I did well in the following:
1. I don't pull so hard any more.
2. I walk neatly around obstacles and stop at every curb.
3. I am alert and obedient while working.
4. I lie quietly in coffeehouses and restaurants and behave beautifully.
So here are the things I need to improve.  I promise:
1. To come when I am called and listen for Bracha's whistle.
2. To stop giving in to curiosity and temptation to smell what is going on in the stores and walk in the center of the sidewalk.
3. To chew on my toys and not bottles, leaves, sticks, and plastic flower pots.
I will try.  I really will...

Take me Back to Jacob's Ladder!

Well, everything Bracha promised me this weekend really happened.  I had such a wonderful time at Jacob's Ladder Festival that all I want to do is go back there. 

When we got to the festival Bracha unpacked my water bowl, food, and treats in our hotel room and then we headed for the beach!  How wonderful that there is a large body of water with no waves for me to swim in, and even a rope stretched across it so that when dogs get tired swimming they can hold on to the big wooden beads and paddle and rest!  I swam and swam and Bracha and I even went out into deep water, where I brought back sticks that she threw for me.  And then I dried out in the warm sunshine lying on the lawn while the music played.  Once in a while I'd drift off to sleep, and then wake up when someone came to pet me.  Everyone loved me and admired me and I made a striking scene with my red shoes that Bracha put on me to keep my feet from getting burned on the hot sidewalks.  And every night I fell fast askeep on the little rug Bracha put down in our hotel room, tired out and happy.

We even saw the children from the Ma'Aleh Tzia school who Bracha spoke to three years ago!  They remembered Suki and at first some of them thought I was SUki.  Bracha explained to them that Suki had died and they were very sad, but Bracha reassured them that I was a good guide dog and that we are happy together and love each other very much.  They are much older then they were when SUki and Bracha came to their school, but they still remember!

Now, there is only one thing that I didn't like about the festival.  SOme of the music was so loud that it hurt my ears, and I shook and trembled at the Irish session because the noise frightened me.  Bracha sat with me afterwards and hugged me, and assured me that next year she would find a friend to take care of me when the session goes on because it's too loud for me and she never wants me to be frightened or unhappy.  There are times that it's better for Bracha to do her thing and I do mine.  So all in all I can say that I had a great time, and I can't wait for the next festival!

The Best Day Ever!

Bracha promised that Tali, my puppy walker, would come visit me.  And sure enough, like all Bracha's promises, it really did happen!  When Tali got out of the car I was so excited that I didn't know whether to greet her or her pretty honey-colored golden retriever, Mishmish.  Well, let me tell you that Mishmish and I hit it off right away.  Bracha put me in harness and we walked down to the river, and then she let me off leach.  We went in and out of the water, ran through the grove, and generally did what dogs are supposed to do.  I was thrilled when Tali was impressed at how I lead Bracha when I am in harness.  When Tali left and put Mishmish in the car again, I stood on the patio and cried, because I just didn't want it to end.  But Bracha came and comforted me, and promised that we would see Tali again and she would take me to Givatayi where Tali lives.  That way she can REALLY see how I work!
Today, on the other hand, was a morning of work in Nahariya.  Am I gullible when I led Bracha eagerly to the doorway of the vet's office, only to discover that I had to have three - yes three - shots?  But I got a treat for being good.  But oh my, I've put on a couple of extra kilos!  Bracha is going to put me on a diet!

Mishmish and I playing near the river

Who needs and escort?

The people who work for the railway are very nice.  They have been taught that I am allowed on the train without a muzzle and always take time to ask Bracha where she is getting off and if she needs help.  Sometimes they find us at the station on the platform and ask if we need help getting on the train.  One of these people came up to Bracha and really wanted her to ask the station manager for help as soon as she came into the station every time she rides the train. 
Bracha was very polite to him and told him that a blind person with a guide dog is not like every other blind person.  She explained that we don't need help at all in the stations that we go to all the time because I know my way in and out, and I can also get on and off the train and find the door and stairs.  And all the time I just stood there feeling more and more happy and proud that Bracha trusted me so much and that I can help in the train stations. 
And then we got on the train and I settled down for a good sleep.  Now I guess I was feeling a little too smug because when we got off in Acco I led her out of the train station and outside, and we started walking down the sidewalk to the bus that would take us to Nahariya.  And I was going a bit too fast and was a bit too eager, and whoops!  Bracha ran into a pole.  She called me on my mistake and I looked back and felt very bad.  So with all my skills, I am still not perfect.  I make mistakes.  And I have to slow down a bit on a crowded sidewalk.  I'm sorry, Bracha.  I'll try not to do that again.   And, of course, when I curled up under the seat on the bus, filled with remorse, Bracha reached down and petted me and told me everything was OK, and that I needed to be more careful next time.  She forgave me.

My Sense of Humor

I admit it.  I'm more than a bit of a rascal.  It takes intelligence, cunning, and a good sense of humor.  And when a man stopped Bracha at the crosswalk in town and told her, "Do you know that your dog has a cigarette in its mouth?"  I know Bracha was more than a bit flabbergasted.  She bent down and felt around my mouth and lips.  Sure enough, I had picked up a plastic stick and held it in my mouth so that one end was sticking out and I was just sauntering down the street in harness with it.  Bracha removed it and laughed.  There's no end to what I will do to get some excitement.
But seriously, I know there are a few things that we need to work on.  Bracha even consulted with Rafi, our trainer, about my, er, problem ending our play sessions.  I can simply grab a toy or stick, crouch with it with my rear end up in the air, and refuse to come back when she calls me.  I know that if I behave better Bracha will trust me and let me run off leash more.  So when she suddenly presented me with another toy I fell for it.  I came back when she called me.  And I continued to come back until she ended the play session and took me gently by my collar and put my leash and harness back on and gave me a treat.   And for that I earned - a run on the beach!  And yes, I came back when she called me!
And what's this I hear about a trip to New York?

The Right Dog

Last Thursday Bracha and I went to a board meeting.  Of course, my friends Tommy, Alice, and Tango were there.  All four of us wandered about the room - four Labrador golden retrievers all buff colored just like me.  Tommy and Tango are guys, and Alice and I are girls.  Tommy is very big, Tango is about my size, and Alice is a bit chubbier than me.

I can hear you begin to snicker as the story unfolds.  Yes, there was a mixup.  This often happens, and we have to be very careful.  I know Bracha loves me more than any other dog (exdcept for Suki, whom she loved as much as she loves me).  So I was rather surprised when Bracha put MY harness on Tango and walked out the doort with him.  I knew she'd be right back.  No one walks like me, and it didn't take her long to realize that she had the wrong dog.  Also, Tango, er, has something that I don't...so by the time Betty called Bracha and said DInka was still in the office, she had already realized her mistake and was turning around and racing back.

Now Bracha has put one of those sticky dots on my collar that she can feel.  I don't think she'll make that mistake again.  But just to make sure...

London!

Bracha promised and promised and it finally came true!  I was the first Israeli guide dog to enter the UK!  It was thrilling for Bracha and me to travel to London, but it was a hard week for both of us, and we are happy to be home and back into our usual routine.  We were treated like royalty (no I didn't get to see the Queen, but we did meet a member of Parliment and his handsome guide dog, which I'll tell you about).  My paws were terribly cold outside on the streets, I had to find my way through tube stations, streets, and large stores, but we did it and I know I did my best.
Noach came to pick us up and drive us to the airport early in the morning.  I didn't get any breakfast that day because I had to get on the plane, but I don't think I could have eaten too much anyway, I was so excited.  When we got to the airport Noach said goodbye and then Dennis, Bracha and I got on the plane.  I was good and very quiet throughout the flight, and people wondered if Bracha had given me something to make me quiet, but she proudly told them no, that I just knew how to behave.

Then we got to London and the red tape began.  Evidently a man was supposed to have met us at the gate, but he didn't come because we did not know we were supposed to have produced yet another document saying we wanted to get into the UK.  When the man finally appeared he checked my microchip and told us that my papers were in excellent order and that we were approved to enter the UK.  We raced outside and everyone was very excited and happy. 
There are many things in the UK that I find very confusing.  The trains run underground there in a large tunnel, and it's very noisy when the train comes into the station.  The people all go racing about, but they really do love dogs there.  Everyone stopped to say "AAWWW!  Isn't she cute?  Can I pet her?"  If I was not working Bracha always said yes.  And the children in the schools all wear jackets and ties just like the adults do, and stand quietly next to their desks until they are permitted to sit.  They were wonderful, petted me a lot, and asked Bracha a lot of questions.  And the strangest thing was that when we got into a car we got in on the wrong side, and Bracha sat where the driver usually sits.  A lot of people asked me if the fact that the traffic runs backwards confused me.  Bracha felt that I simply did my job, stopping at every curb and waiting for her to tell me when to cross the street, but I could tell she was a little hesitant at times and found it confusing.
There was only one time in London when I really got upset.  Something approached us in the street.  It was huge and round and had legs, and came walking towards us.  I wanted to get BRacha and myself away from it, and turned around in harness in the middle of the road.  I don't know what it was, but I hope I never see one again.  AFter all, I am  only a dog, and Bracha forgave me for being frightened at this thing and barking at it. 
But the best thing was meeting Crosby.  He is, I think, the biggest, most handsome guide dog I habve ever seen!  They caught us kissing on camera, too!
We were also on TV.  What interested me most was the large yellow foam ball on a stick that the reporter held just out of my reach.  I longed for it, but she wouldn't give it to me, despite the fact that I was very good and sat quietly while they photographed Bracha and me.  But Bracha rewarded me with treats for being so well behaved, and told me she was proud of me.
So now we are home, and Bracha says we might travel again, but we both hope it will be warmer next time.  And now I have my beautiful red raincoat that Bracha bought me!  I'm so happy and proud!
Here is our TV interview:
http://jn1.tv/video/news/israeli-guide-dog-arrives-in-london.html

We're in!  Outside at Heathrow after I was approved for entry.

Flirting with Crosby, David Blunkett's guide dog

Trying to keep warm outside Westminster Abbey

Riding in the car - on the wrong side!

Talking to school children

The horrible thing I tried to run away from in the street

My beautiful new raincoat

Multi-Tasking

This week Bracha brought me back to the Guide Dog Center at Beit Oved!  The moment I got out of the car I was so excited that I could barely contain myself.  I sniffed loud and long taking in the familiar smells.  I finally calmed down when Bracha sat with NOach and Dennis to talk about our trip to London, and we went outside on the lawn and to visit SUki's little memorial post in the garden.  Then Rafi gave me a brand new Gentle Leader Harness.  I don't like it much better than I like my Halti, but I must admit it keeps me from pulling too hard and Bracha and I walk a lot better with it.  I did the obstacle course flawlessly, while Rafi observed that I led Bracha along, sniffed the air, explored the hedges, and kept an eye on that cat, all at the same time!  I am a multi tasking dog! 
Bracha has begun to pack things for me - a food bowl, water bowl, treats, a bone, brush, and things she will need.  Am I really going to be the first guide dog to enter the UK???

People are Strange!

"Is that a Labrador?" yelled the taxi driver from his taxi.  He then got out, petted me, and offered us a free ride into town.  Whenever someone asks Bracha if I am a Labrador, she is very careful to tell them that I am HALF Labrador retriever and HALF golden retriever.  This is because Bracha has a special affection for golden retrievers, because SUki was a golden.  She is also well aware that I have some very predominating golden retriever characteristics.  I am very smart, I have a phenomenal memory, and I am very stubborn.  Like when I try and go to the pet store, or refuse to do "busy" in the special place she built for me.  Maybe next week I'll feel differently.  Who knows.

Anyway, while we drove to town Bracha explained how I am trained, and assured him that he could not simply teach his Labrador (of questionable lineage) to cross the street.  "What for?"  she asked.  
And I have several questions:
What makes people feel they have the right to ask Bracha whether she sees at all, or how long she has not seen?  What business is it of theirs?  I never hear Bracha asking them why they are fat, or whether they dye their hair, or ask a person in a wheelchair why they can't walk...why are people so rude?

Today in the clothing store Bracha was told by the sales woman not to let me touch the clothes.  "There are white clothes here.  She mustn't put her paws on them."  Bracha assured her that my feet were only on the floor, and then left the  store without buying anything.  I think she lost any enthusiasm for patronizing the store.  Bracha told me afterwards that she was tempted to ask her if she told other customers not to put their shoes or feet on the white clothes, but decided against it.  Why bother with these people?  I got on the bus, did my doughnut turnaround and lay under the seat, quietly dozing all the way home.  How strange people are!

A Little Excited and Nervous

Well, here we go.  It's countdown to London.  Bracha has already written down all the dates when I have to have treatments against parasites (yuck, I'm sure I don't have any but that's what we have to do!) and even Noach is a bit nervous.  He probably imagines that the stuffy Brits will find some excuse to tell Bracha that I can't enter the UK and has visions of me being kept in a cage for a week and going home without seeing London at all, and the beautiful plan to make me the first Israeli guide dog to enter the UK will be blown into smitherines.  But I secretly think things will be OK.  After all, I am beautiful and healthy and we are following all the instructions on the British government website that Bracha and I read together.  Bracha has taken out a large suitcase and is beginning to toss a few things inside.  And I am working extra hard on getting used to my Halti and walking nicely.  Bracha is very proud of me, and tells me she is happier when I don't pull too hard, and she is careful to give me opportunities to run and play in the yard and let off excess energy.
Today we were in Nahariya and the street was full of water from the rain, and a car drove past us as we were standing on the traffic island.  I jumped back in fright, but that didn't keep me from getting sopping wet from all the water it sprayed at us and all the other people standing there.  When we got home Bracha toweled me off and we laughed.  I guess I'd better get used to it.  It's going to be cold and rainy there.  Right mate?  Cheerio!

I'm Going to London!

I guess it's really true.  Bracha and I are going to London!  We will be the first guide dog team to visit the UK from Israel, and that's very exciting.  Bracha has talked to me about it, and we have decided to work very hard to make sure that I am on my best behavior.  I've been doing my best, and Bracha has told me that in the last few days I've been working very nicely, and not pulling on the harness or rushing down the sidewalk too fast.  This is because I "consented" to wear my Halti almost all the time.  It really doesn't bother me too much, and it reminds me that I have to slow down and not pull on Bracha's arm, which is getting more than a bit sore.  This is part of our agreement, and it's working out well.  Bracha doesn't want my collar to be pulled all the time, because she knows it's not pleasant for me, and I must admit that I prefer walking with a Halti.  So we will take it with us to London, too.  We may meet some important people there, and I want to make a good impression on  them and be on my best behavior!
So here I am - DInka, the first Israeli guide dog to enter the UK!  And there is even a member of the British Parliment who uses a guide dog, too!  I'd better start brushing up on my English!

Getting Checked Out

Yesterday Bracha and I went to Tel Aviv on the train to meet Y. from Beit Oved.  The idea was for her to see how we are getting on and how we are working together.  Well, she saw some things that were very good and some things that need improvement.  As Bracha explained, I get a bit excited and energetic at times, and that makes me lurch ahead - even if there are a lot of people around.  And I admit that I like to skirt over to the edge of the sidewalk, where interesting things lurk such as crumbs and papers to sniff.  I know this is out of bounds and Bracha is going to keep me in the center where I should be.  So Bracha and I made some decisions together.  We discussed it, and agreed on the following:
I will keep to the center of the sidewalk when I am reminded to do so.
If I'm too excited Bracha will try and let me have a short run in the yard before we go out.  That will help me let out some energy and keep us from getting into a struggle to slow down.
If I can't have a run Bracha will put my Halti on sometimes.  I don't like it, but it's better than Bracha pulling on my leash.  And Bracha's arm is getting sore!  That's not fair to her.
Bracha will reward me when I walk nicely and slow down.
Now at home I clearly need some better defined boundaries.  I've been getting into far too much mischief.  Bracha loves mischief and would not like a dog that does nothing wrong, but I must admit we got a bit out of hand stealing tomatoes and oranges out of the basket and rolling them onto the rug.  So the kitchen is being declared OUT OF BOUNDS.  That means I get fed in the entryway so there will be no doubt as to where I am allowed to go.  I'm allowed all of my toys, and I guess that will be enough.  I promise to try.  I know Bracha loves me a lot, and I want to do my best.
And now I am soft and fluffy because Bracha gave me my first bath at home!  And she even told me a secret last night - we are going to England!  And we will be the first Israeli guide dog team to go there because until now guide dogs were not allowed to enter the UK!  We'll be making our own little piece of history!