Before, After and After Again

Well, it's been a busy time with vet appointments for Mason. Last week he went to the Animal Eye Hospital for an eye check up. This is a requirement for future guide dogs. The good news is that Mason's eyes are fine.


Dr. Bonney and Veronica check Mason's eyes.

On Tuesday we went to Towne North Animal Hospital for Mason to get neutered. Below is a picture before the appointment.


BEFORE

There is a Far Side cartoon of a car backing out of a driveway. The dog in the back seat of the car is bragging to a dog on the other side of a fence. He says, “Ha, ha ha, Biff. Guess what? After we go to the drugstore and the post office, I’m going to the vet’s to get tutored.”


Mason looking forward to getting "tutored"


AFTER - A wiser dog emerges sporting an E-collar to prevent him from taking out his stitches.


"I am smiling!"

Later that night Mason decided he didn't want to have stitches anymore. Where there is a will there is a way. Mason has a strong will and made a way - E-collar or not. He started pulling out his stitches. Luckily we caught him right away. But what could we do? The first thing was to hold him while calling Michelle Pelletier, Puppy Department Supervisor. She suggested covering the incision and wrapping an ace bandage lightly around the area to get us through the night until he could be rechecked. We did that but Mason didn't want to take "No" as a negative. As soon as we looked away he was trying to get the bandage off. We knew we had to make the E-collar larger. We looked around to see what might work. We came up with 2 giant playing cards. We had them as decorations for the Guide Dogs of Texas Casino night in April. We taped them to the E-collar and they did the trick. Later we cut them down a bit.

Mason is finally resigned to his fate of having stitches.

Mason made it through the night. We heard loud scraping noises every time he moved in his crate but he hadn't bothered his incision any more. Mason needed a little help eating his breakfast the next morning.

Yummy

By the time we got back to the vet's office Mason found that he could press down on his collar and chew the playing cards. We knew the quick fix wouldn't have lasted another night.

AFTER AGAIN - Dr. McIlhany and Carlos fit Mason with a larger E-collar.

Mason was his normal, spirited self during the appointment. Dr. McIlhany said, "He's quite a handful, isn't he?" We agreed. The doctor gave us some tranquilizers to help Mason stay a bit calmer during his healing. Someone asked if the tranquilizers were for Mason of for us! Whatever!

So, that's Mason's Before, After and After Again story. He's now adjusted to the larger collar and is not running into so many things. There's never a dull moment when raising an guide dog puppy!

Mason Speaks

Hi from Mason. Mary said I could write this edition of Mason's Tales. I'll catch you up on what's been happening in the last month. I got to see my namesake again. His name is Mike Mason. He used to be the pack leader of the Guide Dogs of Texas. He and his wife, Chris, are really nice. I'm honored to be named after him. I hope to make him proud someday if I become a guide dog.

At the end of May I went to Retama Park with Ernie and Shawna Landy, Ernie's guide dog, Mikey, and Wes and Mary. It was nice to see all those horses going by. At first I thought they were funny looking dogs, but when Mary took me down to see the horses closer up I saw that they are really, really big! I was kind of scared and was glad when we went back upstairs and watched from afar.

Boy, you should have seen Mikey guide Ernie, and all the rest of us, back to the elevator when we were leaving. I heard all the people saying, "Which way is the elevator?" They didn't know. So Ernie just told Mikey to "find the door." Well, Mikey led all of us to the elevator and out to the van. There were several turns and I didn't know where we were going but Mikey did. Wow, he is totally awesome! Someday I hope I can be a guide dog like Mikey.

I got to stay with Ernie, Shawna and Mikey for a night when Wes and Mary went away. Mikey hasn't always been overly friendly to me. I guess he doesn't like us young pups so much, probably it's because we bounce around a lot. Anyway, when I went to his house we got along great. I really liked that night with them. And then I went to another nice home for over a week. Tim and Cindy Buechner took me in. I had a great time with them and their kids, Morgan and Joseph. They were so much fun. I especially liked playing hide-and-go-seek with them. I found them every time. And they had cats too. I didn't have any experience with cats so it was good to learn about them. They're not as bad as I've heard. You know, the whole "Dogs Rule and Cats Drool" thing. I hope all cats are as nice as them. Thank you, Buechners, for taking such good care of me while at your house.

Well, that's about it for now. Mary will write soon about my recent vet appointments. She promised to have some very funny pictures. So come back soon. And if you want to tell me anything please be sure to leave some comments.

Mason Grounded

Well, I can’t believe it’s been a month since I last sent a tale about Mason. I went to PA to visit family for 3 weeks. The plan was for Mason to come with me for more training exposures. Heidi, a previous guide dog puppy flew 13 flights with us on four different airlines, so I didn't anticipate a problem.

Heidi flying United Airlines to Florida

But as Mason and I went to the gate to board the Southwest Airlines flight I was told that he was not allowed on board with me. Even with proper documentation and a health certificate he wasn't allowed to fly.

That was certainly a disappointment. How else can guide dogs get trained to fly with a person they will serve? Can you imagine how it would be for a visually impaired person to have to fly with a dog who has never been exposed to airplanes and flying? We were glad we had taken our Southeastern Guide Dog puppy on several flights. When she was matched, Jim, her new owner, flew to the facility in northern Florida and flew in a small commuter plane back to southern Florida. Heidi had already flown on a commuter plane on two flights. It was a relief for Jim to know that his new guide dog had flying experience and wouldn't be nervous on the flight home.

The four airlines (Continental, ExpressJet, United and U.S. Airways) we’d flown previously with a guide dog puppy were all very helpful. U.S. Airways was especially accommodating. They allowed our puppy raiser group in Charlotte, NC to visit a hanger and board an airplane so the puppies could get experience before they actually flew. U.S. Airways staff also arranged for our whole group to go through airport security at a non-busy time to give experience to puppies, raisers and security personnel. (Yes, this was post 9/11.) Several of the dogs also rode on the carts that transport passengers from one terminal to another. That could be very helpful to a visually impaired person and a guide dog.

The Charlotte Area SEGDI Puppy Raiser Group

When I got back I heard from Guide Dogs of Texas staff that they often need to transport guide dogs in training to meet with a person with whom the dog may be matched. Sometimes the best flight arrangements would be on Southwest Airlines, but they are not allowed to fly with the dog even though the dog is fully trained and ready to be placed with a person. So, my question is: What can we do about this? I’m not sure yet. Anyone have some suggestions?

I'll have more about Mason and how he did while I was away on my next blog.

Puppy Play Day

On May 12th Guide Dogs of Texas had a Puppy Play Day at the K9 Country Club north of San Antonio. It was attended by 25 dogs. Some were guide dog puppies and some were personal pets. Everyone, including 35 people, had a good time. Let's look at the canines first.

Frankie is getting into the spirit of the day. He's a real party animal!

Did someone call a yellow lab meeting? These pups must have gotten the memo - All Dogs in the Pool. Some liked swimming - some didn't.

Bear sports his lei, while Siku keeps a watch on all the pups to make sure they are playing by the rules.

Mason and Jade find a way to cool off.

These two labs won the synchronized dancing contest.

"Who me? Digging in the sand? It must be a case of mistaken identity. You know that all yellow labs look alike, don't you?"


Bromley and Mason were the smallest puppies and enjoyed each other's company. Mason also played with the big pups but found them a bit too much at times.


Ignacio is Jade's puppy raiser. Jade is getting lots of practice with her dog distraction since she is with other puppies at Dominguez Jail. Ignacio is doing a good job with her.


Wes and Mason dressed for the occasion.

Hi Henri.

There was food for the people, but the dogs had to wait for their dinner time.

Phil to Ron, "How about the Spurs?!"

The Lord family and Willie all having a good time.

Spring has Sprung

Spring has come to Texas and summer will not be far behind. We've had lots of activities. Mason has been busy, lots of posing for pictures too as you will see.

We had lunch at Smokey Bones, one of the supporters of our Casino night. David Neathery is the Board Chairman. Michelle Pelletier is the Puppy Raising Program Manager - our "Boss!" Jaimie Landy is a Trainer. Ernie Landy is the Volunteer Coordinator. Below the table are Mikey, guide dog extraordiaire, and Mason, guide dog puppy. We had good food and the dogs had a good nap.

We went with several friends to see the wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country in early May. There were still some bluebonnets left and lots of yellow, purple and red flowers. Then we went to the Wildseed Farms near Fredericksburg.

As you can see Mason is becoming a good poser (or at least puts up with it).

Ready for the long ride home.

We took Mason to visit Wes' brother in the hospital. It cheered him up to see Mason's antics. He is back home and doing well.

In our next blog we'll show you photos from a Puppy Play Day. - 25 dogs and 35 people.

Casino Night for Guide Dogs of Texas

We had a Casino Night to raise funds for Guide Dogs of Texas in mid-April. A good time was had by all and we made money (always a plus). As a nonprofit organization GDTx fundraising and friend raising are and important focus so we can help the visually impaired.

The Casino Night had several people and dogs in attendance. Some were working guide dogs and some were guide dog puppies in training. Mason was one of those puppies. As the youngest puppy he was a hit and did a good job as an ambassador.

Wes and Mason stand in front of a table that was sponsored by Grumpy's Mexican Cafe. Various businesses sponsored the tables.


Lou Ann and Ernie stand in front of the silent auction table while their guide dogs take a break. In the background Mike and Michelle Dolan, sponsors from Scrapbook 911, check out the auction items. Notice the signed Tony Parker jersey on the table. Go Spurs!


Johnson, a guide dog puppy being raised by the Dolans, keeps watch for Michelle as Mike gambles.


Ed, Ernie and Lou Ann have some food while their dogs have a rest. Guide dogs are trained not to beg for food at the table. They have, however, been known to ask for a treat now and then. ☺

This guide dog is checking out the music.

It was an exciting night, especially for a young pup. Mason takes a snooz under a blackjack table.

Before casino night we visited many businesses with Jade asking if they wanted to be involved with the casino night. After the event we returned with Mason and a photo of the two thanking those who participated.

More Mason's Tales

This is a continuation of catching up on Mason's Tales - learning to be a guide dog.


"Big sister" Jade tells Mason some tricks of the trade. Here she tells Mason about going "busy" outside. Mason wants to know what "busy" is and learns it simply means eliminating waste. Mason is taken out often and told to "Go busy" as he goes. He eventually catches on. Thanks for the help, Jade.


Mason returns the favor by giving Jade a dental exam.



Mason learns to eat dry food from a dish. He likes to lie down as he eats. He soon learns to keep most of the food in the bowl as he eats.

Mason and Jade proudly pose in their vests. They will have a big outing today.

But first it's pre-trip nap time. "Gee, I wonder where we're going?"

On Mary's birthday we all went to Sea World. Though it was barely April it was a hot day. We didn't stay very long since we have a season pass. We'll be back. We got to see the dolphins, horses and donkeys. The Clydesdales are very interested in the puppies and vice versa.

On the way home we stop at Dairy Queen and have a post-trip nap.


Mason has so much to learn, including how to ride in a vehicle. He tries to ride on the seat but is shown back down to the floor where he belongs. He prefers being on the seat so he can see out. We know that it won't be too long before he will be able to see out the windows from the floor. The puppies grow up fast.

Until Mason learned to go busy outside he was banned to the den and kitchen. We set up barriers to enforce this ban. Mason lets us know how he feels about being seperated from fellow guide dog puppy, Jade, or from his new people, Wes and Mary.

The pups wait at the back window letting us know they want to come in from the enclosed patio where they've been playing. If they had just turned around they would have seen that the back door was wide open. Jade eventually figured it out and led Mason into the house. Mason enjoyed his "Big Sister" but it was now time for Jade to move to another stage of training. We'll get to see Jade from time to time as she continues her training to become a guide dog. It will be fun to see her make progress towards that goal.