The house has definitely been different since Mango left. Its much more quiet, the cats and dogs are much more relaxed. Its funny how fast time passes, and how much you don't realize that it has really happened until you sit down and actually think about it.
I am happy that he is back in training. Hopefully he will do well. You're not supposed to contact your puppy, but its hard not to know what is going on with him. Its the little things I used to do -- like get up early for school to take him out, get him harnessed to go out places -- that I think really make me miss him the most. I've been back to Brians lately, and every time I go my waitress asks me about him.
It was harder to give him up than I ever could have thought. He impacted my life so much more that I ever imagined. He captivated my heart. I really miss him.
January 15, 2011
December 19, 2010
tomorrow is the day.
Tomorrow, Mango goes back to Leader Dogs. I'm very, extremely emotionally charged. I feel like I'm giving away my child, but I know he's going to help out someone in need. I just cannot imagine life without him, now that I've dedicated so much time to him all year long.
I guess I'd like to reflect on my year. We've had alot of struggles, but, conversely, many successes. Both of us have grown tremendously. I have grown up alot and learned responsibility to a much higher degree than most kids my age. There were many times that I wanted to go and hang out with friends or to spend the night at an aunt's house, or something even as simple as wanting to take a quick nap because I was bored; but because of my little Mango, I had more than myself I had to think about. I had to consider his needs. I couldn't stay after school, I had to go home and take out Mango and feed him. When in the store, I learned how to talk and interact with strangers. Not only did I have to worry about homework and my job but I had to make sure he was entertained and well behaved, on top of his daily training. All in all, it was truly like raising a baby.
He has also become a much different dog than when I first picked him up almost a year ago. He has learned many commands, how to behave, how to act around people. But, perhaps most importantly, he has learned how to not only receive, but to give love to all around him. Anyone that has met Mango has been loved by him unconditionally from the moment they met. He's not the most perfect dog in the world (he still gets excited easily and likes to jump on people) but he has a heart of gold. I'm going to miss his love.
When my grandfather died a month ago, Mango was there for me the entire time. He understood that there was something hurting me, and he was there. From the little things like being careful and much more well-behaved (not to mention being quiet, a rare thing for him) to just sitting with me and kissing me on the arm. I will never forget him for that.
All night, my family and I have been hanging on him; petting him, rolling on the floor with him, scratching his favorite spot. We've taken many pictures, given him lots of love. I've even taken some video of him playing with his favorite toy -- a metal bowl, funnily enough -- but he can tell something is wrong, so he's not paying much attention to it. Here's a small sample of what we've got; I'll upload the rest at a later date. I need to spend time with Mango<3
Now it's time for him to go and make someone's life wonderful.
for any questions about what happens to returning leader dogs and the process in general, see [link]
I love you, Mango.
I guess I'd like to reflect on my year. We've had alot of struggles, but, conversely, many successes. Both of us have grown tremendously. I have grown up alot and learned responsibility to a much higher degree than most kids my age. There were many times that I wanted to go and hang out with friends or to spend the night at an aunt's house, or something even as simple as wanting to take a quick nap because I was bored; but because of my little Mango, I had more than myself I had to think about. I had to consider his needs. I couldn't stay after school, I had to go home and take out Mango and feed him. When in the store, I learned how to talk and interact with strangers. Not only did I have to worry about homework and my job but I had to make sure he was entertained and well behaved, on top of his daily training. All in all, it was truly like raising a baby.
He has also become a much different dog than when I first picked him up almost a year ago. He has learned many commands, how to behave, how to act around people. But, perhaps most importantly, he has learned how to not only receive, but to give love to all around him. Anyone that has met Mango has been loved by him unconditionally from the moment they met. He's not the most perfect dog in the world (he still gets excited easily and likes to jump on people) but he has a heart of gold. I'm going to miss his love.
When my grandfather died a month ago, Mango was there for me the entire time. He understood that there was something hurting me, and he was there. From the little things like being careful and much more well-behaved (not to mention being quiet, a rare thing for him) to just sitting with me and kissing me on the arm. I will never forget him for that.
All night, my family and I have been hanging on him; petting him, rolling on the floor with him, scratching his favorite spot. We've taken many pictures, given him lots of love. I've even taken some video of him playing with his favorite toy -- a metal bowl, funnily enough -- but he can tell something is wrong, so he's not paying much attention to it. Here's a small sample of what we've got; I'll upload the rest at a later date. I need to spend time with Mango<3
Now it's time for him to go and make someone's life wonderful.
for any questions about what happens to returning leader dogs and the process in general, see [link]
I love you, Mango.
October 14, 2010
guess what mango did again!
But I didn't do it, mom!
This time, we were at Big Boy's. Once again, he was being too still and quiet for it to be true. Now, two or three months after the first time he did it, he's done it again!
I'm not sure what exactly is the cause of this behavior. Is it because he's a lab? Or because of some destructive behavior I have taught him? Boredom? Because he's not fixed and he's young?
Whatever the cause, I'm truly at a loss. They have never mentioned chewing being a specific "bad behavior" at any puppy classes I've been to, so they obviously aren't too worried about it. It's probably a fairly normal behavior that isn't too difficult to fix.
However, he is destroying alot of my property. Just this past week, it seems as if he's getting worse. He's chewed up my favorite bra, several pairs of underwear, two stuffed animals, a fuzzy pen, and somehow he got into my dog's rope toys and destroyed all three of them (as in, ripped them in half and spread the innards).
In any case, if you find your puppy taking something that isn't theirs, here is the best approach;
-Take the item away calmly.
-Don't say anything to the puppy in the process. This is giving them attention - you mind as well be handing them a piece of food.
-Scold yourself for having something puppy-acessable in the first place. If it isn't able to be reached, it wouldn't have been destroyed in the first place.
September 23, 2010
more nostalgia!
I was looking through my things, clearing out my phone memory, and I stumbled upon some old videos I had of Mango doing the CUTEST things as a puppy!
Mango, roughly three months old, playing with his toys! Believe it or not, he's still that rough, even with how big he is today.
Actually, here is a photo of him by that same chair. I just took this photo. It is AMAZING how much he has grown in just a few months!
Mango chasing his tail, about four months old. Again, he STILL does this! Although, not quite as much as he used to, because now his body is too long for him to be able to reach his tail.
Mango, roughly three months old, playing with his toys! Believe it or not, he's still that rough, even with how big he is today.
Actually, here is a photo of him by that same chair. I just took this photo. It is AMAZING how much he has grown in just a few months!
Mango chasing his tail, about four months old. Again, he STILL does this! Although, not quite as much as he used to, because now his body is too long for him to be able to reach his tail.
September 1, 2010
mango's bath
Earlier this week, Mango went for a bath at the local dog wash. He's had baths in the tub before, but I would always let him outside to dry. Seeing as its getting colder outside, I don't really feel comfortable letting him outside when he's wet. The dog was has a doggy drier (basically just a big hose that blows air), so I decided to go here.
Although Mango loves water (he always loves getting in the shower with me and playing in his pool outside) he didn't really like this one. The hose with the water was designed similarly to an industrial hose at a restaurant, and I think the water pressure was a little too high for him. He doesn't normally like baths at home either, though, so its not really a surprise.
Although Mango loves water (he always loves getting in the shower with me and playing in his pool outside) he didn't really like this one. The hose with the water was designed similarly to an industrial hose at a restaurant, and I think the water pressure was a little too high for him. He doesn't normally like baths at home either, though, so its not really a surprise.
August 26, 2010
chasing the cat and other behaviors
I have noticed a number of behavior issues I have noticed with Mango I thought would have gone away with age but have not so far. The first, and perhaps worst, is his obsession with the cats in our home. We have three, and all are very social. Ever since Mango was little, we always kept gates up so that the cats could have a place to be where he isn't. We have started to take the gates down now that hes older, but we still need to keep at least one up because he continues to misbehave around the cats. Their food and their litter box are in opposite directions in our house because of the layout, so they have to intersect the area where he is in order to get to either.
Whenever he sees a cat, he drops whatever he is doing to go and chase down the cat. He used to play really rough, but he has learned to be gentle (somewhat). Instead of biting he nudges with his nose, but Mango is by no means gentle. Kitties are similar to squirrels and other outside animals, which he needs to learn to avoid in order to be successful. This is why I'm so concerned.
He also still has a problem with walking on a loose leash! He's close, but still doesn't quite get it.
The other major behavior problem is STILL house training. He understands that he needs to go outside, but sometimes cant hold it! And this is for both peeing and pooping. Unless he gets taken out every hour or so, he still has accidents. Leader Dogs recommends I just fulfill this, but its not working at all. Im not sure what to do.
Whenever he sees a cat, he drops whatever he is doing to go and chase down the cat. He used to play really rough, but he has learned to be gentle (somewhat). Instead of biting he nudges with his nose, but Mango is by no means gentle. Kitties are similar to squirrels and other outside animals, which he needs to learn to avoid in order to be successful. This is why I'm so concerned.
He also still has a problem with walking on a loose leash! He's close, but still doesn't quite get it.
The other major behavior problem is STILL house training. He understands that he needs to go outside, but sometimes cant hold it! And this is for both peeing and pooping. Unless he gets taken out every hour or so, he still has accidents. Leader Dogs recommends I just fulfill this, but its not working at all. Im not sure what to do.
August 18, 2010
Wal-Mart
Earlier in the week, Mango and I took a trip to the local Wal-Mart to get some groceries, and it went fairly well. We got to work on him interacting with other people and pulling. He still has a definite problem with pulling to get to see people, and just being fast-paced in general.
This trip went fairly normal in these regards, but I met a lady after I went through the check-out that approached me about Mango. She asked me the usual questions; what kind of dog is he, what is he being trained for, how old, ect. But then she asked me a few somewhat unusual questions.
She told me about her Sister, who has a problem with having frequent seizures. She told me that she had done some research, and heard about helper dogs who could sense when their owners were at risk of having one. She asked me for more information. Although I couldn't provide much, I explained to her briefly the difference between a Leader Dog and a dog with which she was describing.
"A Leader Dog is specifically trained to guide blind and visually impaired people. The act as "eyes", so that their owner can carry out day-to-day activities such as shopping, going to school and even something as simple as going for a walk. The type of dog that you are describing is a PAWS Dog, who do help people with frequent seizures and other illnesses such as severe asthma and whatnot."
I referred her to Paws With A Cause. If you are interested in learning more, follow the link.
Also, do not confuse with Paws for a Cause, the one-mile long dog walk benefit to cancer research.
This trip went fairly normal in these regards, but I met a lady after I went through the check-out that approached me about Mango. She asked me the usual questions; what kind of dog is he, what is he being trained for, how old, ect. But then she asked me a few somewhat unusual questions.
She told me about her Sister, who has a problem with having frequent seizures. She told me that she had done some research, and heard about helper dogs who could sense when their owners were at risk of having one. She asked me for more information. Although I couldn't provide much, I explained to her briefly the difference between a Leader Dog and a dog with which she was describing.
"A Leader Dog is specifically trained to guide blind and visually impaired people. The act as "eyes", so that their owner can carry out day-to-day activities such as shopping, going to school and even something as simple as going for a walk. The type of dog that you are describing is a PAWS Dog, who do help people with frequent seizures and other illnesses such as severe asthma and whatnot."
I referred her to Paws With A Cause. If you are interested in learning more, follow the link.
Also, do not confuse with Paws for a Cause, the one-mile long dog walk benefit to cancer research.
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