Running In the Rain

Yesterday, Kruizer went for his first official run. Actually, its was more like a run, walk, run, then walk again, so no harm done to his young bones.

The funny thing was that he really didn't know what to do at first. Couped up over the last few days because of bad weather, he was full of vim and vigor. So when I started running, he'd bound in front of me, flipping and jumping, ready for a game of catch or some other fun. When he fully assessed the situation, I swear I saw a look of disappointment on his face -- especially when I would slow to a snail's pace to try desperately to catch my breath (yes, its been a very long time since I last ran too.)

He finally got used to the new routine and both runner and dog had a nice outing. The light drizzle and cool weather made it even more relaxing. Hopefully we'll make a habit of this in the near future.

That Doggie in the Window

Poor Kruizer. Over the last two weeks, the flu has been spreading through our house like wildfire. That has left us a little on the lethargic, if not scattered, side. So admittedly, Kruizer has not gotten the exercise he's grown accustomed to around here.

We also haven't taken him out much because, well, we haven't gone out much. This is so unsettling for him. He's gotten used to our busy schedule and used to lots of work. So this dry spell has led to one very, very stir crazy pup.

Its gotten so bad that as soon as he sees me get my keys, he not-so-patiently waits by the front door. The look on his face is too much for me. So in the car he comes, even if its just up to the store and back.

This morning was exceptionally crazy, everyone in the house in an official tizzy. And that's why I didn't have time to bring Kruizer with us on our daily trip to school.

As I pulled out of my driveway I looked up and saw the most pathetic, sad doggie in the world looking back at me from our living room picture window. My heart broke.

So today, I'm making a special effort to play ball, go on a walk and get out of the house for a little while. This guy has brought us so much happiness, its the least I can do to return the favor.

Our Holy Canine

I am very embarrassed to admit that, due to all the excitement in our household, our attendance at Church has been less than stellar. Come Sunday, we've either been sick or tired or both and can't seem to get ourselves out the door.

Feeling the void, I decided to buck the trend and once again make it a priority. So this Sunday we went to Church.

Now, usually Kruizer's boy has a very difficult time here. The noise, the close proximity to so many others and the sermons he doesn't understand, make the experience less than enlightening for him. He usually acts out and becomes aggressive even at the thought of going.

Not this week. That's because instead of going it alone, this time he had his faithful companion by his side. Kruizer was wonderful -- except for the occasional snore that could be heard from our pew. And his boy responded in kind. He was calm, settled and relaxed.

I was so happy. This is an important part of my life and I was glad to see my son finally able to share in it. We'll be back next week and hopefully Kruizer can work another miracle or two -- hopefully minus the snores.

Kruizer Gets Suspended

As a parent, whenever you get an unexpected call from school, your heart skips a beat. Is everything OK? Did someone get hurt? Or, what did they get themselves into this time? I'm happy to report, I've never gotten a call saying one of my children was in some sort of trouble...that is until today.

Who thought that child would be about 2 1/2 ft. tall, have a soft blonde coat, the most impressive puppy-dog eyes and floppy ears. Yes, today, I got a call from school asking me when I could pick up "the dog." Turns out today at recess, while he was in a down-stay, Kruizer decided to do a little socializing with a dog he spotted across the school grounds. He slipped out of his collar and ran off to greet his new friend. And if that weren't enough, he then caught sight of a tennis ball. Being his favorite thing in the whole wide world, and already feeling his oats, he decided he would just join in on a game of catch. Whoops.

As my son described the situation later, I had to chuckle. Too bad the teachers and principal didn't see the humor as I did. I guess the whole scene caused quite a commotion on the playground, leading to our furry friend's stint in the Principal's Office.

As a result, I have agreed to keep Kruizer home for now -- at least until we can step up efforts on training (yes we will be at all the Sunday trainings from now on!) and working with distractions. Service doggy boot camp, here we come.

Kruizer Goes To School

Kruizer's boy started school on Monday. A new school, new teacher and new classmates is usually a recipe for disaster. But not this year. That's because Kruizer has been going with him.

Of course, he was an instant hit, with the kids lining up to throw a ball or play with him at recess. This ended up being a little bit too much, so I ended up in class this morning, going over some ground rules so that dog and boy alike don't get too overwhelmed. All went well and I had a class of 30 kids quiet and behaved for a half an hour. That's the kind of affect that Kruizer has on all those around him. Its pretty amazing.

I'm not sure if Kruizer will be spending all his days at school, but its really coming in handy right now.

Part of the Family

I realize its been a while since I've posted last, but things have again (or still) been crazy around here. Kruizer's boy is in the hospital and that is no fun for anyone -- especially Kruizer.

He looks downright depressed. There's a sadness in his eyes that is visibly noticeable. After two months he and his boy have a strong bond and nothing is the same without him around. The good news is that Kruizer visits the hospital almost every day and when he does, they both light up. Also, Kruizer's boy is doing better and may be able to come home in the next week.

In his master's absence, we took Kruizer to a training session. Here he not only got a visit with his puppy raisers and dog-pal Pat, but he met many of his younger siblings. It was quite a sight to see so many adorable Lab puppies with tiny vests on. As similar as they lookit was amazing to me how each one has their very own, very distinct personality.

It was also wonderful to see all the different families there. What made us feel particularly good was that three of the families were there because of either seeing Kruizer at work, or hearing about him. I'm very happy to spread the joy and share in the fun.

We're looking forward to the next gathering -- and hopefully Kruizer's boy will be on hand to show him off.

Ripples in a Pond

Just read our puppy raisers' blog entry about their new charge Kaboose. In it they mentioned that someone decided to get an autism dog for their son after witnessing Kruizer's calming affect on our guy.

Ahh yes, I remember the day well. Kruizer's boy had to go to a group that was brand new(which he hates) and they ended up sitting at a table talking about feelings (which he hates even more). As long as he held onto Kruizer's leash he was OK. But as soon as he was told to let go of the leash, he fell apart. When he was allowed to hold Kruizer again, the change back to calm was almost immediate. It was like a light switch going on and off.

Thinking back over the last couple of months, I can recall several instances where Kruizer has given our son this emotional buffer. There was the time he was upset and started screaming when he had to get into the car. As soon as we put Kruizer in with him, he settled down and was fine the rest of the trip. Or the time our son curled under the table with Kruizer when a restaurant trip became too overwhelming for him.

Then there were the many blood draws he has had to endure over the last month or so. Once very anxiety producing, these are now no problem as long as his dog is by his side.

Kruizer comes with us to pick up his boy from his day treatment program almost every day. Its amazing how they both light up after a day apart. The bond is beautiful.

I'm not sure if Kruizer will spend every day at school come fall, but he will certainly be available to help his boy transition to his new environment.

I know I must sound like a broken record, but this dog is changing not only our son's quality of life, but that of our whole family. Some days the change is very subtle, but it is there all the same. I'm so glad to hear that another family will get to experience this firsthand. If your puppy is anything like Kruizer (which I'm pretty sure it is), you're one lucky family.