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.

Our Energizer Doggy

The last few days have been unusually rainy and cold for a Colorado summer. Unfortunately, this has made us remiss in our Kruizer exercise duties. So after three days of no outside play, he was pretty much bouncing off the walls.

Even tonight during our evening fetch time, he was literally pouncing in the field as he tried to find the ball. He'd sniff, take a hop, turn, then take another hop, until finally he found his prey. This continued for at least a half hour. It took an additional half hour for him to finally slow down enough to rest.

Tonight I'm a little nervous for winter. I guess we're all going to have to brave the elements so Kruizer stays happy and calm. The exercise will do us all (me especially!) good.

In the meantime he's at my feet dropping the ball yet again. He keeps going and going and going.................

A Shining Example to All

The other day we ran into another service dog at the hospital. We gave Kruizer a quick "Ignore" command and he did brilliantly.

Not so for the other dog. He was definitely aggitated and kept barking at us. The sound echoed in the large lobby and lots of people turned to see what was going on.

We had to pass him again on the way out, but this time went on the other side of the lobby so we didn't create a scene. Unfortunately we still got the dog's attention and the barking started all over again.

As we were ready to leave one of the security guards called us over. You see, we're pretty much regulars there and they all know Kruizer. The guard was concerned about the other dog and even questioned if it was truly a service dog (I guess they've had a problem with people trying to bring family pets in under the guise of being in service).

"After all, a service dog shouldn't bark, should it?" he asked. "Your dog never does that."

The kids and I got a good chuckle over this little exchange. Looks like Kruizer has set the Gold Standard for dog behavior at Children's Hopsital. Too bad I can't take any of the credit for this. But Deborah, Meridee and Ed, you should be very proud of your puppy!

Everybody Loves Kruizer

Today while we were visiting the hospital, I noticed so many people pointing and smiling as we walked by with Kruizer. Come to think of it, this happens almost every time we go out with him.

I realized how special this is. Not many people can bring so much joy simply by walking by. Yet Kruizer repeatedly makes people Oh and Aww and Smile. He just oozes a sense of calm and sweetness. I feel very lucky to have him in our lives.

Kruizer Goes Camping

This weekend we introduced Kruizer to a family tradition. We packed up kids and dogs alike and went camping at Lake McConaughy in Nebraska.

At first Kruizer was a little unsure of where we were taking him and what he was supposed to do in this mini home-away-from-home. But he soon rebounded and got into the fun.

He had an exceptionally fun time playing catch at the swim beach. We kept thinking we had worn him out, but time and time again, he'd come back for more. Both he and old Beau-Dog were swimming up a storm and having a grand time. Same for the humans. We were truly sad to leave come Sunday.

Beau enjoying the water.

Kruizer showing off his stroke!

Kruizer and Beau crashed out after a day of fun at the beach.

Happy Birthday Grandma

Today is Grandma's birthday. We all went out for brunch at a local restaurant and, of course, Kruizer came with us. He did great. He sat under the table quietly for over an hour, wasn't tempted by any food or passersby -- even his heel was good!

He also helped his Boy during the event. Usually outings to restaurants can be stressful and boring for him. But today, he was noticeably more relaxed. At one point when it became too much for him, he just went under the table and sat with Kruizer. That helped him get through the event without any major anxiety or meltdowns. A good time was had by all.

Earlier today I also went on a long walk with Kruizer and his Boy. We worked on Kruizer's heel and automatic sits. He's doing much better, but sometimes I think if he wasn't a service dog, he'd have a career as a sled dog because he loves to pull so much. He was also in a social mood, trying to visit with a couple of dogs passing by, but quickly went back to a heel with a couple of prompts.

That's it for now. Its time to go back to celebrating Grandma's 81st.