Billy and I - day 5

Thankfully, our ice storm turned to rain today.  Unfortunately, with the slippery surface remaining under the rain, Bill and I decided to take another day off. I looked for a picture to share from outdoors, but then quickly decided there really isn't a good picture to share when it's raining at the barn.  As I walked past my beautifully cleaned leather harness lines and bridle hanging on my laundry room door...I instantly thought it would be a good picture to share.  I just cleaned our driving lines and the entire harness.  I kept the lines and bridle hanging, not sure why, perhaps just for inspiration and encouragement.  Each time I view them, I dream of the nice driving weather to come...

I was thinking how disappointing rain can be.  I can't tell you the times I prepared for an event and then had to show in the pouring rain. My outfit, my tack, my beautifully groomed and braided horse coming in from our jumping round muddy and soaking wet!  I can distinctly remember riding a green gelding at a hunter show.  It seemed that our turn for jumping coincided with a tremendous downpour.  I also remember my sweet horse almost sliding into a fence and at the last minute deciding he could jump it - thankfully the jumps were low.  We made it around, it wasn't pretty but this sweet boy, who really was not yet keen on jumping these obstacles, kept me safe.  In hindsight, we probably should have retired...ah, youth and the feeling of being invisible!

But then there is something so sweet about coming in from the rain, that comforting feeling of peeling off those wet clothes, soaking in a warm bath, followed by a lovely cup of hot chocolate.  Of thinking about the day and how you made it.  You met the challenges of the day.  There is something so good about that feeling of knowing you did it!  Another way in which rain helps us to grow...if you think about it.

Tomorrow the temperature is suppose to rise close to 60 degrees.  I look forward to Billy and I getting back to work.  Until then...have a great day all!

Billy and Alli - day 4

A happy visit from granddaughter, Alli this weekend.  No walking this morning with Billy but a wonderful visit by his favorite little girl last evening.  Matthew was taking pictures of all the ponies with Alli. As I walked up to Billy he was a bit ahead of us and I asked him to back up and he did and just stood with us for the picture!  My eyes got as big as quarters...'did he really just back up like that when I asked', Matthew said, 'he sure did, that pony would do anything for you'!

Alli took a quick sit on Billy...he stood like a gentleman and didn't move a muscle.  A great time was had by all!  Love that little grandlady and that pony too!

Happy Sunday to you!!

Billy and I - Day 3

I woke up to another spectacular snowy day.  I couldn't resist taking photos from my house, beautiful big fluffy snowflakes gently falling on a quiet winter's morning.  I can't help myself...I like snow.  I much prefer snow over mud and 90 degree days with 90% humidity.  I have set my mind to enjoy this beautiful weather and to not let one training moment pass us by...

I could barely wait to get out of bed this morning and wake up my pony for our daily walk!  I can't tell you the last time I felt that much excitement...it's been quite a long time and it felt good.  As I watched the time go by slowly on my nightstand clock - 6:10 am...7:22 am - I decided to just get up and make an early morning of it (even though it is a Saturday morning).

As I put my layers on I was laying out my path for Bill and I in my mind.  I decided to revisit our creek and walk our neighbors very hilly 4 acre pasture.  Actually, the house is empty at the moment and I was sure no one would mind us walking the fence line.  I would be sure to watch out for gopher holes and...have some fun.  I was especially happy as my hubby wanted to join Bill and I.  I know he probably would have liked to bring his pony along for the walk, but I had to remind him that my goal is to take Bill out solo so we can help him overcome always having to be with his friends.  No problem...Matthew was game!

As the snow gently fell we started out. I was pleased right at the start that Bill seemed happy to go and that my lead rope wasn't taunt.  He just followed right by me, out the gate, over my frozen 8x8 elevated garden plot and into the next pasture.  We went to the creek first and he followed...he jumped it as if there were crocodiles ready grab him...but he followed me...no hesitation...all go!  Good boy!  We came to the For Sale sign at the top of the lane of our previous neighbors.  Bill walked right up to it and gave it a sniff...good boy!

He fairly leaned his head on the sign and I couldn't help but take a minute and get the picture.  Funny how a pony's brain works...I thought he might think twice about this sign and didn't at all...I didn't think he'd look twice at the  trash can yesterday and he did.  We then went to visit the bright read pipe sticking out from the pond, again not a thought about it.  We walked up a very steep hill and continued to have a nice loopy lead...out for a stroll enjoying the moment.  This is really fun.  I do have to admit I did have to ask Bill to stand a few times while going up the hills today...but after all, it is good practice right?  And I was able to catch my breath.  I am happy for the opportunity for me to get fit as well! Huff...puff...huff...whew!  Billy was patient and kind and didn't think anything about our stops and starts.  Good boy!  Matt decided to help me as we started up our second big hill...I have to admit that was very nice.  Good boy, Matt!  :)  I was also very pleased that the girls left at home didn't whinny once.  Amazing...only our 3rd day out and things are settling into routine...  Billy didn't dance at anything today, he was forward and didn't balk at anything as well...we walked under the clothes line, over a couple wooden railroad poles and down the long drive way.  We decided to walk back to our farm on the road.  It's always a bit quieter on our road on Saturdays and Sundays.  I was pleased that we had a truck come down the hill opposite and behind us and he slowed way down.  I thanked him and waved him on.  We were right in the road and Bill stopped and faced the truck and just stood...again a loopy lead...well done buddy!  We then had several cars come toward us and we walked to the side of the road without barely a nod from Bill.  Amazing how when you simply ask of your horse or pony, they so willing follow you.  Often times, we so often make up a story in our mind how our horse doesn't like this or he'll freak out at that...  I've done the same thing and realized how much I put us both in a box that we didn't deserve to be in.  I haven't done a great deal of road work with Bill because of my own silly thoughts.  I am so glad that I decided to embark on this journey...so happy to see again the willingness of my pony to follow me!

Happy day to you!

Billy and I - Day 2

Today was absolutely beautiful for our walk.  It was about 16 degrees with a lovely, soft, light snow falling as we enjoyed our second day of walking solo around the neighborhood.  We crossed the road immediately today and walked our neighbor's 2 acre plus lot, pass the wood pile, no problem today.  We get to the top of the hill and my wonderful neighbor let her pack of Brittanies out to run the adjoining field.  God love her...perfect.  Bill stopped and looked, danced a bit and I had him walk back to the fence line and we continued forward.  I couldn't have been happier with the timing of this, barely crest the hill and we see the pack of about 6 red and white wiggly dogs come bounding out of the house and up towards us by the fence line! Perfect!  I was pleased with Bill as well, he noticed them, was pretty excited about them but stayed with me and then moved forward.  I can work with that.  The silly mare's in our field were whinnying again as we returned across the road toward our property and I was again pleased that Billy ignored them.  No returned whinnies! We walked the opposite direction today past our farm and Bill spotted a dreaded garbage can with colorful bags beside it.  It was across our road and with the slippery surface I felt it wouldn't be a good thing to be in the road if a car should come down the hill.  So we stood and looked at it across the road for sometime until he just gave up the excitement.  As we were standing there a couple of our neighbor's horses spotted Billy and I and came to their fence line, again across the road, snorting and dancing...yay!  Billy took note but didn't return the snort or the dance..."good boy".  We then found a stream to cross and Bill followed me without hesitation jumping across.  We will return to this place again and hopefully next week when it warms up and rains, we can play in the water...I have to remember to wear my tall boots, but great training - can anyone say "water hazard"!

We returned to our gate, Bill kind of slowed his pace...I think he wanted to continue our walk...that's another good sign.  I think he is enjoying our walks just as much if not more than I am.  I had many people drive by and wave...that's kind of fun.  We had several things happen today that are all good training moments and I was pleased with Billy's response.  

With our goals in mind we will continue our training plan.  I can't help it, I like this pony and enjoy spending time with him too!  Until tomorrow...have a great day all!

Bill and I - Winter Training

Bill (my driving pony) and I have several goals this year...several events we'd like to attend.  Bucket list type things that I've wanted to do for a while, but because of other responsibilities, I just never had the time to put into these particular goals.  I will eventually share those goals, but for now I just want to use my blog as a diary of sorts.  It's always a good thing to Journal as it allows you to see your progress or lack thereof.

Yesterday was our start date.  What a beautifully cold and sunny day.  It was about 12 degrees but the sun made it feel much warmer.  Billy was keen to head out the gate.  I had ground driven him a couple days before and he headed for the upper gate and stood.  That's a good sign...he wanted to take a walk around the neighborhood, but it wasn't in our plans for the day.  Billy has become a bit herd bound.  He started his driving career as my only driving partner and when we attended events it was with him only.  We then added a second driving pony to our family; my husband and Miss and Bill decided he reeaallly liked to have company.  So much so it was hard for him to leave his friend when asked.  It can happen and I didn't notice it until it came to a bit of a challenge point.  "Uh-oh" I should have seen this coming way before...but I didn't. So my plan this year is to go back to Billy and I going out solo.

Since the ground is covered in snow and slippery and we couldn't drive, I thought it would be a good thing for us to take a walk; for him to practice leaving his friends and for our fitness level to walk around our country neighborhood.  We live on an extremely busy road, one that truly would not be safe to drive on...but walking is another matter entirely and we have lots of places we can explore.

Day 1 we walked around our neighbors 2 acre field, up by the road and on the road when no cars were in sight (thankfully we did have a car pass us as we were standing right by the road and Bill was fine - "good boy").  We then crossed the road and walked up behind our neighbors house (we have been given permission by our neighbors to walk their property lines in advance) by a wood pile while a little animal scurried out from under some rubble - Bill spooked in place, another "atta boy" - around our neighbor's 2 plus acre lot, back across the road, out in front of our pasture while Bill's mares whinnied to him, of which, Billy did not whiny back which again was a very "good boy".  Billy was forward and looking all around but very good and listened well.  Back to the barn.

A very good start...

"One thing I've learned is that you can always make the decision to start over..."

I recently received my monthly Cesar's Way magazine. I am a subscriber because I enjoy having many different types of resources for my training business. I believe you can glean good and useful information from many different sources and Cesar is one I enjoy.

I was struck by an article that appeared by Cesar entitled, "My Darkest Day...Cesar reveals the untold story."  In this article Cesar talks about having to apply the same principles he would use if he was rehabilitating a dog...only applying these principles on himself.  It was strikingly honest and candid.  I can't imagine it was an easy thing to do.  I wanted to share a bit of his story because I think it strikes at the heart of every man's story in some form or fashion.  I hope too that it will encourage someone who may read this blog.

Right after losing Daddy, Cesar's beloved Pit bull who taught him so much and was his partner in rehabilitating other dogs, Cesar was called to Ireland and England to do some shows there.  He hadn't had enough time to properly mourn Daddy's loss before he headed back to work.  While in Europe Cesar received news from his wife of 16 years that she wanted a divorce.  And upon his arrival home he learned that because of some bad business deals he had next to nothing left (monetarily) after seven years of his Dog Whisperer tv show.  He shared how his weight dropped dramatically in one month's time and that because of his weak energy he was even unaccepted as a leader to the many dogs he had at his Dog Psychology center for rehabilitation.  He went to his home he shared with his wife to try to work things out and that went badly.  So much so he found himself in a Psychiatric hospital for three days because he was told he took an overdose of pills.  I love how he described being lost but that he had a Pack Leader who had his eye on  him.  "God still had a purpose for me."  He met a gentleman in the hospital who had also experienced great loss and Cesar was encouraged by his faith and that he found strength in reading his Bible.  Cesar began reading the Bible again!

I so appreciate Cesar's honesty and I am thankful for the hearts he will touch with His story!  We all know this man as a very successful and visible celebrity dog trainer.  Someone who was balanced and seemed to have it all.  And yet...he too is human and struggles with the difficulties that come with being a part of this wonderful,complex thing called life.  It comes at you, full force, no matter who you are... We all struggle...we all have challenges we face...heartaches, worries, failures...but I am thankful for the One who has come to help us solve each and every challenge we face!

I thought about how puppies can be such a challenge, young children and teenagers...  And how with age comes wisdom because we learn and grow through each and every phase of life.  If I had a $1 for every time I heard someone say their old dog was perfect and now they had this unruly puppy who just wasn't like their perfect dog, I would be rich. I always smile and say some day this puppy will be perfect too...and how do I know this? Because I have experienced it with my own dogs and seen it over and over again with the dogs I have had the privilege to work with and guide through their puppy years well into adulthood.  I think also of the scripture that states, "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."  It really is all about the Journey...the learning who we are and how we fit in this great big world...both human and canine.

I am thankful God has a purpose for each and every one of us.  I am thankful that He sends helpers along the way and I believe we receive the dogs we are in most need of.  He also sends people and children in our lives who challenge us to love more deeply and to grow in our faith!

I agree with Cesar...you can always make the decision to make a change...to start over...  May this New Year 2013 be the year you see God's plan, for not only your life but also the people you love the very most and yes, even your canine companions, more clearly!

                                Happy New Year from all of us at Pawsitive Journey!
                   
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A Star is Born

Alli loves the stage!  I would have never guessed she would love this experience so very much!  I have a new appreciation of my sweet collie girl and her abilities.  Alli, as you know, is a therapy dog.  She is so laid back with everyone from the very small to the very tall and everyone in between.  It doesn't faze her when someone mistakenly steps on her or accidentally pokes, pulls or pushes her, wheel chairs come really close to her and people who walk differently or with canes pass right by her. Nothing fazes her and I suppose this is why I thought we might try the theater when this opportunity arose.  I did wonder what she would think of the bright lights, big stage and all the people in the audience.  I have trained two dogs for other theater productions and enjoyed the process and the challenge behind the scenes.  This was my third opportunity and this time I had the happy privilege to use one of my dogs.  Alli fit the part of "Wolfe" the dog perfectly.  From the start Alli seem to enjoy herself; I wonder if she thought it was one big therapy session; helping the actors where she was needed whether it be on stage or in the Green Room.  She brought me to tears many times throughout this process and they were very happy tears.  The heart of a collie was so evident to me again; that sweet, gentle and kind spirit, trying her very best to figure out what was needed and meeting those needs.

I wanted to share a few of my favorite moments....

We practiced our scenes in a smallish room at another building for months leading up to the play.  We were only in the large theater on the big stage three nights prior to opening night.  I wondered how Alli would react to this new place.  The surround sound and new lighting. She seem to adapt immediately and didn't skip a beat.

Alli was in the first two scenes of the play and in order for us to be on stage timely, we had to stand behind the curtains on stage quietly and calmly well before the play started - almost 20 minutes. The reason...there is only so much room and the actors were standing on the stairs and in the small area off the stage waiting for their turn on stage. Also, a choir sang before our performance started and they also needed room to get to their places and off the stage before our music started.  The music for our play was a long intro as well. There simply wasn't enough room for us to come on stage at the last minute we had to wait in line and we were first in line.  I was amazed at how Alli led me to the stage each and every one of the three performances...she wanted to be there.  While we waited quietly in a very small area between two curtains right on the stage with the scenes all set to go; Alli just relaxed and watched the stage and listened. No panting, no whining, no signs whatsoever she wanted to leave...she knew this was her part and she relished it.  I stood there amazed at her...she kept me calm. And when it was her time to go on the stage; she very happily trotted by my side to her place each and every time.  Amazing!

There were three performances.  The first performance was spectacular and was more than I could have hoped for...Alli was very thoughtful and it was evident she was trying her best to do her part. One of Alli's lines was to bark on my cue when a young actor walked on stage.  Alli is very aware that barking isn't usually something I ask her to do; being quiet and reserved when we visit schools and hospitals is the order of the day.  Alli picked up the cue to bark very quickly but seemed to be a bit inconsistent while on stage during practice.  I wasn't worried about her barking; she learned to bark on a visual cue and we practiced but the director had a dog barking on the audio ready to go if Alli didn't bark.  We were prepared.  The first and second performances Alli didn't bark.  I did wonder if Alli could quite see me give her the cue to bark with the dim lighting of the scene; as I saw her looking for me when the actors spoke the lines that she had heard many times before she was asked to bark.  She seem to know; I suspect it might have been lighting or perhaps because it was her first time on stage and she sensed all the people now in the theater she thought it would be rude to bark, but she made that decision and I respect her for it as it is really something way outside her comfort zone.  I might add Alli is completely off lead for the first scene, stayed in her down stay (even when two young people run over by her to talk to another actor...so cool!) AND she was on the other side of the stage from me as well...Alli arose when she heard the familiar line of the lady who enters onto the stage and started heading for me, right on cue. The 2nd scene is a dreamy kinda scene - this is when she is to bark and the lighting is way different; kind of darker and bluish...she walks out on stage off lead with the character that owns her in the play and stays with him while he has a little exchange with her.   There is a part where the country dutchman do a bowling sequence and she just watches. She was engaged and did so well...way to go Alli!

Our second performance was in the afternoon. When we practiced our scenes it had always been in the evening.  Repetition is so important to dogs and everything matters; time of day; place etc etc. So our 2nd performance was a matinee.  I had a busy morning and our time to leave for the stage came very quickly.  In all fairness I did not drain Alli's energy and in retrospect that was my mistake.  Alli was very energetic very up and happy on stage.  She came up on her down stay...uh-oh...but she stayed on stage and then proceeded to visit with all the actors.  The second scene she was a bit eager to receive her treats on stage and wandered over where I couldn't see her when the actor came on stage she is to bark at...I thought for a minute she was going to leave...but she did not, she got back on track and everything else went rather well.  Just not quite as planned.  Everyone said it was great...a dog milling around is what dogs do...we even got very good reviews after that performance while in line greeting the people who attended.  Most didn't know anything went wrong.  Alli and I knew...I let her know I was a bit disappointed and we practiced our down stay on stage between performances, took a walk and went home to rest.

Alli's third performance...well gee, I get teary eyed just thinking about it, she was excellent.  She seemed to say Mom, I lost my head a bit...I enjoyed myself a bit too much...I am on it this time.  She did her down stay, she slowly walked over the stage to me, stopping and waiting until I asked her to come off when the line was spoken "Wolfe head for the hills boy!"!  She followed her owner actor and even peered out over the audience when he walked to the very front of the stage as if to say HI good to see you all and then went right back to her script. I almost laughed out loud, I would love to know what was going through her mind as she peered out at the people looking back at her!   And then her moment came, the one we had practiced for months and months; I gave her the visual cue while standing back between the dark curtains to bark and she barked!!!! YES!! She sniffed her owner actor at the end of the scene before walking off stage to me...she nailed it!!!

We had a few actors in place to help keep Alli on task and I have to give a shout out to her owner/actor of the play Rip Van Winkle aka Robert Calabretta, Canine Officer Mike for giving her a well timed treat and pat and to Country Dutchman Abbey (pictured below) who helped her as well to stay on task, Abbey's timing was perfect!!

What a relief...we did it!  I think of all the times she could have chosen to say, "I'm outta here" but she did not. It truly was a choice of her will to stay on stage and do her part.  I could not ask for more, each time she tried her very best.  I was thinking of how very important this experience was for Alli...it broaden her concept of the world around her.  It gave her confidence, allowed her to think and problem solve...  All dogs need these opportunities.  It doesn't have to be on a big stage...but the more we get our dogs out and work with them and ask of them through new and different experiences; the more they learn and think and grow!

I have to give another shout out to our friend Ping (pictured below).  Ping was a country Dutchman bowler and walked Alli out on stage for her curtain call.  All the clapping, whistling and yelling can be a bit daunting for dogs I learned from previous experience. I thought that perhaps Alli's owner actor would get quite a bit of applause as he had a very big part and wasn't sure how she would enjoy that. So I made the decision to have Alli go out with someone she already knew.  Alli has known Ping for years and Ping is a wonderful dog handler in her own right. I knew she would be perfect to give Alli the confidence she might need to face all the applause and it worked perfectly!!  Thank you Ping!

I will end this extremely long post with the most important part of this experience that warmed my heart...Alli's interaction with all the actors during our practices and in the Green Room between scenes.  I had quite a few tell me they were glad Alli was there with them.  And I had the lucky privilege to see many, many smiles.  I observed over these many weeks and months Alli doing her real work behind the scenes, bringing peace and calm and happy smiles...and that is what truly makes her a bright and shining Star!!

Thank you Michele Bayko and Orange Barrel Productions Co. for allowing Alli and I join you for The Legends of Sleepy Hollow!