Since it was the end of October Mom weighed me to see what to report on my monthly evaluation that she sends in to the school. I weighed in at 48 lbs.! Not bad for almost five months old! Then she arranged for me to go stay with my friend, Cali, for a few days while she went on vacation. Cali is a black lab who's a few months older than I. When she would board with us Mom wouldn't let us play together because I was too small. This time we got to play for an hour every day. Cali plays rough but then she met me and rolled right over every time! Play time was SO much fun! I had to 'sit' and 'stay' at the door to go out but I was running in place on the hard floors trying to get out the door. Of course all good things come to an end and Mom came to pick me up. I was very glad to see her - and so was Cali! - but I miss playing with my friend. I think Mom needs to arrange a play date! Mom was happy to see that finally all my baby teeth have been replaced by my adult teeth.
Sunday was graduation at the guide dog school. I got to go down and see my sister, Lexie, again. I got to see Cali, too, but we were working so no playing this time. It was my first time out with my big-boy working jacket but it looks good. Mom also talked to the trainer about my tendency to try to pull her where I want to go so I got introduced to a training collar. Wow, that'll get my attention! Luckily it's only used when I'm working or being difficult. I'm learning to be good, though. Last night when we went for a walk I got lots of extra praise because I stopped at the curb without Mom having to show it to me. I don't know what the big deal is but now I know what she's looking for. Walking clear to the corner and pausing and then turning is now normal for me but I've noticed I'm the only one doing it. I'm sure Mom has a good reason.
I found out one of my brothers was at graduation. I didn't get to see him! He's about the same size I am and is really bouncy. The child in my family got to pet him with Dad there and she reported to Mom later. Mom and I were both wishing we could have seen him too! Maybe next time. I'm told they live a couple of hours away so we may have to wait until next graduation.
OK, you're all caught up! Now we need to get more pictures to post...
