Going to the Movies

 

Going to the movies at a theater may seem like a simple task, but it has some challenges.   Tibbs and I recently went to the theater to see the new movie "Wonka."  We walked into the theater through the front doors and the first thing my senses noticed was the smell of buttery popcorn.  It is a smell that I enjoy, but since Tibbs and I can't eat it we could definitely do without.  The large display of movie posters is always exciting.  New movies that have just come out and movies coming soon are like surprises just for you. I do not go to the movies often, but when I do it is always with a friend making it extra special. 

Tibbs is also my special movie buddy and is great at watching movies with me both at the theater and at home.   There are not many places for wheelchair seating at the movie theater. It is always a good idea to plan ahead or call and ask questions ahead of time.  I love that they have cutouts at most theaters allowing wheelchair users and non users to sit side by side.  The cutouts also allow extra space for Tibbs to get comfortable and relax. The theaters are dark and loud.  It could be very stressful for a dog that has not had this experience.  I have been to so many places with Tibbs that I know where we will both be comfortable.  Sometimes he does have his leg fall asleep and he will stand up to wake it up and reposition, but then always goes back to his down position.  Tibbs helps me when I get stressed by laying his head on my lap or my foot.  He can quietly get me things I might need without disturbing others with some hand cues.  We enjoy going to the movies together.  Tibbs and I enjoyed "Wonka"and think you might too.  

When we watch movies at home he is free to wander if he desires, but sometimes enjoys watching with me.  He is always around just in case I need him. He especially likes movies with dog characters.  I think his favorite we have watched together so far is "Beethoven's Christmas."  I hope you get to enjoy some relaxation, and maybe even a good movie this holiday season. 

 

December to December

I want to take you on a wild adventure back in time to the first home pass Tibbs and I got to have a year ago this month.  I had worked with Tibbs at outings previously, but this was my first ever furlough and opportunity to bring a service dog in training home to spend a week with me. 

I was so excited to go pick up Tibbs at the Bradley campus bright and early on a Friday morning.  Normally it takes me awhile to wake up and get ready.  It was not the case that morning.  I was so excited I could hardly sleep the night before.  I was up and out the door before my mom told me it was time to go.  When we got to the parking lot we quickly saw cars pull up with all the furlough dogs.  I immediately spotted Tibbs looking at me in the car window.  I immediately recognized his big brown eyes and doggy smile. As soon as he got to me he must have felt my excitement, as it took a few minutes for us both to calm down.  We got him all settled in the van and took him home.  

I showed Tibbs all around the house.  He loved my room.  Since he was on furlough he had to sleep in a kennel, so we got him all set up in my room.  It was hard adjusting to seeing Tibbs everywhere I went.  He seemed so big at the time and we had to learn to work around each other.   Now Tibbs looks so small to me.  Tibbs has not changed in size we are just so used to each other that I hardly notice his size anymore.  This was the first time for me working with a service dog for over a couple of hours.  At first it was a bit exhausting.  Tibbs and I were both trying to figure each other out.  We had to learn to work together, care for each other, and help each other. Tibbs was also in a new place learning house rules, adjusting to a new dog, and adjusting to living with a family with siblings and chaos.  Tibbs also had to learn to work full time with a power wheelchair, how to take commands from a then 8 year old girl, and practice working with me.  We both had our work cut out for us that week.  As you can see from the pictures below, a year ago we both looked a little different. 

   

 

We went to dog friendly places, and worked around home.  We learned how to do commands together and learned how to benefit each other.  I cannot count all the things that I learned that week. Tibbs taught me how to work with a service dog, the independence they can help bring, and that i really wanted a service dog of my own. I took Tibbs to my grandmas to decorate and make cookies and we just spent the week living life together.  We became best friends in just a short time.  We were able to go on a public dog outing and pass our level one public access test.  Unfortunately it was on our last night of furlough and I was going to have to take him back for more training the very next morning.  I unlike the week before had a horrible time getting up that next morning.  I was dreading taking him back and saying goodbye.  I shed a few tears and tried to remind myself it was not goodbye but see you later.   I miss the excitement of a furlough morning and learning new dogs personalities and new adventures with them.  I instead get Tibbs love and continued adventures something I didn't know existed then, but am so fortunate I get to experience every morning now. I still enjoy meeting all the new dogs and watching them grow and learn.  It is such an amazing experience getting to see them get fully trained and finally go to their forever homes with their person.

This December we will get to experience all kinds of holiday traditions together.  I no longer have to say goodbye and Tibbs and he and I are well adjusted.  Tibbs is part of our family and fits right in.  I can't imagine what December would be without him. 

SNOW

I cannot believe my girl is still sleeping.  Doesn't she know what is outside our window. It is white, it is cold, oh my SNOW!!   Finally my girl is waking up! I better give her kisses so she doesn't think she should go back to sleep.  She may need a quick snuggle to wake up faster. 

My girls sister came in, I tried to give her the puppy eyes to make sure she knew to wake up my girl by yelling SNOW!... but she didn't... she acted like it was just a regular morning. She did finally look out the window and told my girl there was snow. My girl was now awake and excited to look out the window with me.  She told me "look Tibbs snow," but of course I already knew that.  I was so excited to get to work helping my girl get ready for the day, because I knew where we were headed. My girl suggested maybe I would like some breakfast.  Of course I  decided I would eat, but I made it quick so we could go outside.  I made sure to give her all my paws and patiently wait to get cream on all of them.  Oh boy I know what she needs next... I will just go ahead and get her hat and gloves for her. She only had to remind me to "wait" a few times.  After I helped her get all bundled up it was finally time for SNOW!! 

 

While we were waiting for my human family to shovel snow off the walk my girl threw snowballs and played with me.  Nothing is more fun than playing with SNOW and MY GIRL.  We carefully played on the slick sidewalk.  My girl even had me play with my dog sister. Can you believe she loves snow more than I do?  My dog sister can be a bit much sometimes, and the snow is great for wearing her out.  She may even get so tired I may not even have to remind her to let me do my work this afternoon.  We took some fun pictures with our family.  

 

It was pretty chilly and my girl was afraid the cream had warn off on my paws and I might be getting cold. Maybe my girl is getting cold too?  I better help her get inside quickly. We got inside and all the snow off our coats.  Boy do I love warming up with a good ear scratch by her on my comfy couch.  

Oh Tibbs I am supposed to write the blog.  I guess you did a pretty good job.  You may even need a nap later.  I will have to take over next week, but I now know who I can get to fill in to write for me!