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!