More Practice and another storm

11.07.2012 Wet-nesday

     Since Mother Nature has decided that a hurricane was not enough, she has thrown quite the Nor'easter at us here in Long Island. A nasty wintery mix with snow has been clobbering us all day.  I have to say, this is nothing compared to last week.  Having lived in New England most of my life, this is kinda the norm during our winters.
     Today was another hard working day for Fernando and I.  We practiced and practiced some more with the trainers continuing to challenge us.  For our retrieve we went from picking up wallets and pill bottles to motivating our dogs to pick up heavy rubber boots and an large awkward backpack.  Fernando and I were successful while tripping over the command sequences a bit. The tug command also was increased in difficulty from opening a drawer to opening a heavy door and holding it so I can pass through.
     One of our discussions today entailed what to do when we get home.  Our dogs are to be attached to us for the next 1-2 months with limited contact to strengthen the bond.  Since my kids have grown up around veterinary medicine and are somewhat accustomed to me taking on other animals to foster or care for, I think they will be able to understand why they won't be able to play with Ferno like they do with Odin.  Fernando and I already have a strong bond, I am confident that will continue to grow.  When we get home, we have to consider that our pups have been in intense training and living in the kennels for the past 6-9 months.  We may have to reign in their manners in a home environment again.  Ferno has been a gentleman while in the dorms as well as when we stayed in the hotel overnight.
     A veterinarian that has been working with CCI for the last 20ish years came in the talk to us about canine health.  This lecture involved emergencies, wellness visits, proper vaccinations and preventative medicine.  This is definitely an hour I could have probably taught.  Lol.  I also received all of Fernando's health records from the time he was puppy.  I found out his birthday is November 1, 2010.  He just turned 2!
     For our last hurrah today we took a field trip to a pet store.  The trainers were there to advise us of our dogs favorite types of toys or other items some of us needed to buy before going home.
     Tomorrow morning we are taking our written exam and will be testing for our public access later in the day.  Time to go study and get some serious sleep! Lol.