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.