training

So who is Nigel?

Nigel was born just over two years ago, and was taken into a training programme offered by our local Dog Guides training facility.  Unfortunately, while he apparently did respond quite well to the training, he did not meet the necessary minimum performance expectations of a future service dog. He was therefore deemed to be a “Career Change” dog and was posted on their website as available for adoption.

We met with the Dog Guides representative this afternoon, during which time his shortcomings were discussed, and it was ultimately agreed that we could foster him for a month. At the end of that time, we could either return him …. or proceed with a formal adoption of him.

He has only been here a very short time but his personality is starting to show already and, unless he really surprises us in a negative way, I think it is pretty safe to assume that he will be living with us for many years to come!

The Life of a Celeb!

A question was recently asked about how Ray handles his celebrity* status, acknowledging that the puparazzi are everywhere. It can be difficult for him however, with a little help from some old clothes and the inevitable dark glasses, he does get some privacy. Continue reading →

Ray’s World! (1 of 2)

So many of my Posts have incorporated lessons learned about, and from, Ray. He, being my first dog, dictated a distinct and expected education in all matters canine, and his physical and emotional condition when moving in with us dictated a pretty severe bell curve in such education! Continue reading →

Cafes, Gelatos and Ray.

Oakville is a small town on the edge of Lake Ontario and, although it is within the “The Golden Horseshoe” (being an area of dense population and industries stretching from Toronto to Hamilton), it has endeavored to maintain a small “olde towne” image which it has done with moderate success. Continue reading →