Belated Holiday Greetings

Happy New Year to all!

                                       Our family is hoping that you all had a very happy holiday.  

We wanted to share more pictures of Cable, Service dog in-training and to thank everyone for their ongoing support of Cable's training.  Without you this would never have been possible.

Cable is learning the confidence and skills necessary to be a strong support for Amanda.

Learning to wait patiently and quietly.

Staying focused on her handler to be ready for signals or commands.

We thank Heather McLeod for continuing to work with Cable despite some medical challenges over the past several months, and wish her well with her recovery.  Amanda can't wait to have Cable home full-time.

Updates on Cable

 Amanda, Heather, Mary and Cable continue to train and practice in public venues.   Tomorrow they will visit a restaurant again, to acclimatize Cable to a busy place with lots of distractions to see and smell.  Cable will be expected to ignore the distractions and remain calmly out of the way, able to see her handler and pay attention to any signs that she is needed.  This is a big job and takes lots of patience, practice and repetition.

Cable and Kira at Ruffsport.

Cable and Luna at Ruffsport.

Cable takes her learning very seriously.

Here are some photos of what Kira, Cable and Mandy have been up to!

Cable is learning to walk and attend to Mandy.

Kira still has a playful spirit, but she is tired and ready to retire.  

Learning to squeeze into tight areas.

Poor Kira had a hematoma on her ear last week and had an unexpected trip to the vet. She is doing well on antibiotics and will revisit Animal Hospital of Oak Ridges later this week.

Amanda, Kira and Cable thank you for your continued support!

Another Big Wheel Winner!

Kira enjoys visiting Yappy Hour at the Market Brewery. This event is hosted by York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking on the first Wednesday of each month except January, March and September. At the November event Amanda and Kira were able to present one of the Big Wheel Spin prizes to Janice Collard of Wagz Wear dog accessories. Janice won two stools hand-painted by Brian Dunn of Dunn Reimagined Furniture.

The Big Wheel Spin may be returning soon. For fun and an opportunity to further support a fund for Cable's food, veterinary bills and ongoing training and classes, stay tuned for information about the the Big Wheel in the future! Great prizes to be won! 

 On Nov.2 it was Heather MacLeod's birthday. Cable seems to be asking her trainer for "cake please!"

Cable begins her service dog in training sessions!

Cable's First Outing as a Service Dog In Training

Last week Cable and Mandy had their first outing with trainers Heather and Mary.  They visited Kelsey's where Cable was a rock star, staying neatly under the table and out of the way during the meal.

 

Cable and Kira

Thanks to Cable's trainers, Mary and Heather.

Let the fun begin!

 

 

 Amanda's current service dog, Kira, is learning to work with Amanda at her volunteer job at the New Roads Theatre in Newmarket.  Both Amanda and Kira are loving their time at the the theatre!

Cable is continuing her training after recovering from being spayed.  What a cutie!

Thanks for continuing to follow Cable's blogposts!  Our fundraising continues as we work towards covering medical bills and grooming costs.  Cable thanks you for your support.  Please share our posts with your friends!

Cable, looking good!

 While I was at Princess Margaret, Heather Macleod, (our wonderful trainer) snapped a few pictures of Cable .  I would love to share them with you!

Cable with her Trainer, Heather!

Our Cable

 

We are so pleased with how hard Cable continues to work with her trainer, Heather MacLeod, at Ruffsport.

She does well with all basic commands and knows some specific seizure response tasks that will assist Amanda in her daily life.  Some of her solid commands are:

"Under": necessary in restaurants, office settings, school, etc. to ensure Cable is out of the way.

"Stay":   an important command to ensure Cable stays by Amanda's  side regardless of distractions such as squirrels, birds or playing children.

"Leave it",     "Fetch it up",     "Pull",    "Left about,"    "brace"