June 9, 2005 - 09:47 PM
There isn't much to tell as far as Geneva's and my work together today. I am very proud though on how well she does with every new situation., Whether it's going to a new place or meeting new people, she continues to perform like a professional.
I'm finding that in previous emails there have been a few things I've neglected to share about Geneva, or at least not focus on enough. So this email is dedicated to the gentle Geneva whose more that a wonderful guide dog.
At home, most of the time, she's calm and relaxed and you'd hardly even know she's here. But then, someone comes over to visit or comes home, or even enters the room, and she goes into the cute, look at me stage. This also happens first thing in the morning when she is unhooked from her tie down.
Geneva races to pick up a bone and show it off to you or whoever is visiting. She struts herself around the person who she deems worthy of watching, and proudly displays the bone in her mouth, swinging her muzzle left to right, waggin her tail, and all but doing a Jig.
She plays nicely with Arabelle and Madison, a much calmer play than we experienced with Spud, and they all seem to enjoy it.
When Geneva is ready for night-night or a nap, she has no problem taking herself into the bedroom and curling up on her bed. If she hears activity out in the main part of the house and she's not on tie down, she'll get up to explore. But if you tell her to go back to bed, she does.
I still haven't heard a bark or growl out of her. But she can most certainly moan and groan. This occurs usually when she's lying down and very relaxed. I've also not heard a single whine out of her, which pleases me beyond belief.
If I leave her in the bedroom, if I go outside with Arabelle to relieve her, or anything like that, she's fine. She's happy to see me when I return, but she calm and patient. It's as though she already knows I'll be back.
When traveling in our van, she rides in the back and I in the front seat. So when we're stopped and I get out and open the sliding door, she comes to the door but doesn't jump out until I say, "okay!"
At dinner, I have her come and lay at my feet. There is no leash. Just a "down" command, and she stays put.
At this juncture in my journal, I will probably not be writing daily anymore. I will however write as things happen which I want to share. Now, don't be too surprised if you do get another email from me tomorrow. It'll just depend on the day. But this weekend is going to be a busy one with our PCB chapter meeting on Saturday morning followed by Kid's Day and then Amelia's graduation that night. And of course, her graduation party on Sunday afternoon.
Thanks so much to each of you for sharing Geneva's journey with me. It's pretty darn nice to have so many people who care about us. smile
I hope you all enjoyed the poem I sent out earlier about Spud. Although he hasn't been placed in a permanent home yet, Ben has assured me that he's living in the Penthouse Kennel and being treated like the very special dog he is.
I praise God for his faithfulness in helping me bring closure to my time with Spud, and for bringing me such a special partner in Geneva.
Hugs & wags,
Cindy & Geneva
