SDiT Yahaloam’s Belated Update

Heyoooo peoples of… well, wherever it is my dear reader is from.

…probably mainly Wisconsin.

Anyway… let’s address the polka-dotted elephant in the computer, shall we? Good night, I am scraping the bottom of the analogy barrel today, aren’t I? However. That’s not the elephant. Yes, I am aware of how long it’s been since I’ve posted an update, and I apologize for that. I think I have it mentally sorted out, now, but I can’t promise anything. *sheepish grin*. That said, once a month rather than a once a week expectation of uploads might be more realistic.

So, what’s happened since I’ve gotten Yaha? A whole crap ton of a lot. Here’s a brief overview:

1.) After 19 years, I’ve learned to play. According to my mom, that’s a miracle. According to me, I’m not getting nearly enough work done, so she may be right. 🙂

2.) He’s grown. A lot. Seriously, is a service moose a thing, because that’s what I may end up with.

3.) We’ve figured out a nap schedule. !!! And that’s the time that’s not sending me into a panic attack about how little work I’m getting done. 🙂

4.) We were able to visit the Stockyards without too much of a freak out! He barked once at a horse that came out of nowhere (read: behind a sign that was blocking his view of it previously), but other than that, impressively calm. AND! I was able to tell him to stay and take three large steps away. He stayed put for ~15 seconds before I came back to release him. Surrounded by the other dogs at the outing. And we did this several times!

5.) We’re onto lesson 4.

6.) He has gotten his vest!

7.) I have started taking naps.

8.) I need to start wearing a hat on our walks or my hair and face may switch colors by August. 😀

9.) We have been able to walk past fences with barking dog(s) behind them without him freaking out. Not every time, but we’ve been able to do it more and more.

10.) We have figured out dog chews that save our furniture and stuff for the most part. Hint: if you have a lab or lab-mix puppy, check out nylabones and antlers. If you know someone who has a power chewer and are looking for gift ideas: antlers. Those things can get expensive. Deer antlers. I’m buying deer antlers. If you had told me a year ago to start stockpiling deer antlers I would’ve struggled on just how to respond to that but now… man, can someone invent time travel so I can search the woods at the end of mating season throughout history?

Okay, so I guess I should say that antlers aren’t the best for every dog. They’re too hard for our neighbor’s dog’s teeth, and some dogs tire of them easily, but this is about what I’ve learned, so that’s my 2 cents.

11.) Patience. You want to learn patience? Find someone or a group that needs a puppy raiser. Or a babysitter for long periods of time. I’m not kidding. I love kids of all species but… man. Mom, I publicly apologize for my younger years. Fervently.

In the words of a childcare coworker of mine: “they really are adorable. You just don’t see it when you’re constantly telling them to get off of tables.”

Things we’ve also learned? A kiddie pool and bubbles for your dog to play with will unceasingly bring a smile to your face.

Bike helmets can be scary.

Yaha will make a great seizure response dog as long as he goes where I need him to, and I don’t wake up on the opposite side of the street going the other way.

Don’t give the dog a reward when they’re halfway through what you want them to, or they’ll think they’re done.

Backyard pools can be frightening if pup doesn’t know how far down they go.

I am EXCEEDINGLY grateful my dog likes fruits and veggies.

Despite common tastes, bunnies must be watched closely. And sometimes chased. (We’re not quite perfect, yet.)

Puppies can prance like ponies.

The best things in this life take work. Like, yes, I knew that before, but knowing something is different than having it become something you’d stake your life savings on, isn’t it?

Love y’all and see you soon!

–Lauryn