Passed TDI - Cyst On Paw

Good or bad news first?

How about chronological order?

First off. I don't remember if I updated on Winston's eye. It was a cyst, and it cleared up on it's own, perfectly within the next week.

Last saturday (August 6th) Winston passed his Therapy Dog International test and also his AKC Canine Good Citizenship Award. We traveled to Lewisburg with one of my good friends and passed SSD trainers, Betsy. She was testing Scarlette, a 12 month old relative of Winston. (whom I fell head over heals in love with!) Winston did amazing, and I am so proud of my baby!

The week went by fast, Winston barked a lot in the crate and kennel while I worked, but that's okay.

I went to bed wednesday night after my nightly goodnight routine with Winston (petting him and playing a tiny bit). When I woke up thursday morning he had a quarter sized, red, irratated, almost oozing/open, lump on the inside of his right paw. I freaked out, called the vet and got an appointment for 3pm. I took out some frozen Busy Buddies and gave them to him before running the errands I had scheduled to run. There was no way he could work with that on his paw. Made in home just in time to pick him up and make it to the vet. At this point I knew it wasn't a tumor but it really looked like one. Doctor Barren my vet came right out and saw us in the waiting room. He is very concerned. He did a topical swab biopsy and it is not a tumor of any sort. It is another cyst, but much more serious. Winston is on an antibiotic and if it is not any better by monday morning we will be referred to a specialist. Doctor Barren said that he has seen them on Labs, in that specific area, get so bad, that they require amputation.

I can't think about it, I have to take this one day at a time. He has had two doses of his antibiotic and I think it seems less red and irratated, although the size is the same. I'm on my way to PetSmart to get dog food and more toys to keep him occupied. My dad kept saying things like "Well, you can't have a three legged service dog, so i'll take him." It took everything in me not to cry. Winston responds well to Antibiotics, so lets just hope for the best.

Please keep him in your prayers!

Therepy Dog?

WOW! Have we been busy? Where to start? Well, the last post had the photograph of Winston in regards to this random hair loss and odd patch around his eye. I've kept a close eye on it and asked all of the trainers at SSD about it. No one seemed too concerned so I scheduled an appointment at his vet for my next day off (tomorrow). Yes, i've been working full time with SSD. AND IT'S BEEN AMAZING. Winston has done WONDERFUL when he comes along. He settles quickly after meeting dogs, and did not attempt to play with ANY of them (while on duty). I am incredibly proud of him. It's just amazing to watch him work in such high stress situations! Yesterday was by far the toughest day he has had in a VERY long time. We started at 5am. He did some alerts to my nurse/mom so they know i'm awake or ready for more help. Then around 6:30am he got breakfast and had some time to go out back to potty. By 6:45 he is inside on my bed in a down stay while my moms daycare has drop off time. This in and of itself is always a challenge for him. He loves greeting people with loud barks and a wagging tail, but now he has to stay quietly on my bed, for about 25 minutes. Then he got dressed and as always, watches me do my makeup (retrieving things every two seconds haha). By 7:45 we are in the car to make it to transfer* by 9:30am. It was our first day with the new SSD Clients in public! Although it was easier for him in that environment, it was much more challenging for our new partners! The dogs were doing really well all morning. I was so impressed with Winston's behavior while I taught. We worked on the elevators with Erica and SSD Sequoia about four times in a row (that’s eight times passing through it) and he did great every time. He and Sequoia (I can never spell his name right haha) work very nicely side by side! He did a great under for lunch, and then we were headed for the rough afternoon. It was SWELDERING outside! I hated to even walk him across the parking lot. The heat index was 105 degrees! So off we go to our office at KCFS, for what I thought was going to be a simple taping for a promotional video of us demoing what the dogs can do. Boy was I wrong. Winston hadn't been into these office's since last summer (the last puppy class I saw discharged SSD Hopi at, and SSD Voltaire's first puppy class) so he was very sniffy and distracted. Once I got into the room that I once thought was large and now realize is too small for seven service dogs, their partners, five trainers and one nurse, Nancy asks me if I think Winston will lay beside "her" for the 15 minute video. Hesitantly, I said yes. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. After introducing myself to this women and answering her questions about Service Dogs, I start to realize how chaotic this shoot was going to be due to lack of preparation on Keystone's part. Okay, so now they are ready for "the dog". I bring Winston over to the seat where the reader was, and ask where they want him to lay down. After changing their minds a few times they decide that they want him to be sitting because they want a closer shot. Well, if any of you have dogs, you know keeping them in a Sit for 15 minutes is a difficult task, especially from across the room. Alas, we decided to have him curl up in a comfy chair. I do regret not taking any pictures. I am so mad that I didn't!! He was so funny! He kept giving me that "I CANT BELIEVE YOU ARE DOING THIS TO ME" look. After the camera's started rolling, and the lines began to be read, something kept sounding wrong. Finally, I looked at Karen and we both realized THEY WERE CALLING WINSTON A THERAPY DOG. Okay, so I know most people don't understand the difference - but we have to set the standard! If we don't, who will? Luckily our PR trainer was there and Karen quickly found her. I think she "kindly" argued with them for 15 minutes before we had to settle on the line reading "Winston, a service dog who is also a therapy dog...". Two seconds after the video was finished Betsy leaned into me and said "He needs to get his TDI" when I laughed she smiled and said "no...i'm serious. Soon." Haha! After all of that Winston was pretty shot. I tought for a few more hours and then we headed home. He was such an angel!

Eye problem?

I talked to SSD about this, and the director seems to think it is not a problem what so ever. But it is alarming me, and i'm keeping a close eye on it.

1. Notice above his right eye the light colored patch. It is bald and pink. Somewhat raised.

2. Recap: Back when I was @ CHOP Winston was seen for two bald spots on top of his head. Perfectly cemetrical. The dermetologist tested for a few things (Ring Worm, Mange, ect) and it came up negative. They used a fungal spray and antibiotic and it cleared up. SO! Now, under both eyes, he has two small patches beginning to bald!



Comments welcome!

Vet Check Up

Winston had a check up today for his unknown balding (mouth eaten haha) spots (which are gone). It was perfect timing because his gums were bleeding yesterday when I went to brush his teeth! The vet did an entire physical and is confident he is 100% healthy. I kept imagining Deirdre and Christina (from Phila Pets while the vet looked him over. Sigh. It actually made me teary eyed! Sigh.
Tomorrow is PT @ Chop and then Fathers Day at my Dads.
Saturday is an appt at my Salon, and then Winston and I are doing an all day SSD promotion at Cabela's!
Sunday is CAMP! Three SD's in one cabin! Expect TONS of great pictures!
Thanks to everyone for wishing Winnie a happy bday!

Happy Birthday Winnie!!!

Today is Winston's sixth birthday! For breakfast he got his usual plus a canned of Nutro because lord knows he loves canned dog food! And we practiced "Nurse" from outside for awhile because for whatever reason it is his favorite command lately. We planned on going to PetsMart to pick out a birthday toy, and then to the dog park but it is storming heavily so that is a no go.

Happy Birthday SSD Winston
he truly is the love of my life

Winston's litter


Winnie at 8 weeks

(sniff!)

Winston and I in our transfer four years ago




Winston after our first service dog demo in an elementary school - spring 2002!


Winston and his role model, CPL Louie (rip)




Winston, my best friend and I at prom!
















SSD Ross and SSD Winston










<3 i'm going to go play with the birthday boy, now!

Stay at the Radisson - Birthday BBQ

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been insanely busy lately! My friends Tiffany and Erika are here for the weekend, and sleeping still so I figure while I have a little time I would post!

Last week Winston and I stayed at TheRadisson's Warwick Plaza which is in Rittenhouse Square, Philly. I had four doctors appointments three days in a row at CHOP so my dad agreed to help pay for the room for my nurse and I. The Radisson is no more than one block from The Rittenhouse Square Park which is more than convienent when you have a service dog! Each morning (because we were crunched for timex10) I would drop off the valet parking ticket and then walk Winston myself while my nurse finished getting ready. By the time Winston was finished with his business the van would be ready and waiting! He was in his glory the entire week, as he really seems to love hotels lately! The minute his vest is off he tears around the room, on the beds (and people) grabbing cell phones, remotes, or anything else he thinks I might want!

He accompanied me to two incredibly resaurants across from the park. At Bleu we sat outside on the sidewalk. He was an absolute angel both nights, backing under chairs and ignoring the city noise. The one photo I have doesn't show as well as I wanted it to how great of an under he was in!



He had to back under the chair, and situate himself between the wall, a trash can, and my wheels. He laid their for two hours without moving except to look at me!

Before I for another appointment last week, I came in to see Oliver my cat curled up on my bed beside Winston who was in a down stay.

I just can't get over the freaking picture.



Winston doesn't generally enjoy the cats being close to him, at all. Classic!

Well, we're going to Outback so I better wrap this up!

Missing Link Plus

I have really procrastinated starting Winston on a suppliment that all adult dogs should be taking. After receiving a letter from SSD to all partners about their dogs health (weight primarily) I got my act together. I bought a bag of Missing Link Plus and he started it this morning. Here is what they say about it...

The Missing Link Plus line of products feature a unique blend of Glucosamine, Omega-3 & -6 Essential Fatty Acids, and trace food components to provide the ultimate in joint support.


The Missing Link Plus formula combines the benefits of GLUCOSAMINE with all natural, human-gradewhole foods, carefully chosen for their nutrient profile and synergistic effects. The product is in the form of a granular powder that is easily sprinkled on the animal's regular food on a daily basis according to weight.


The Missing Link Plus Formula includes:

Glucosamine to stimulate the production of collagen, the protein that helps support healthy joints.
Omega-3 & -6 Essential Fatty Acids to reduce inflammation and promote joint mobility, a healthy skin & coat and balanced energy.
Enzymes and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) to maintain normal digestion.
Fiber for bowel health.
Phytonutrients and traces of various vitamins and minerals important for overall health and well being.


Ingredients:
Flax Seed, Glucosamine, Blackstrap Molasses, Freeze Dried Liver, Rice Bran, Primary Dried Yeast, Sunflower Seed, Dehydrated Alfalfa, Dried Carrot, Freeze Dried Bone, Dried Fish Meal, Freeze Dried Oyster, Sprouted Green Barley, Dried Kelp, Lecithin, Garlic and Yucca Schidigera Extract.

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At PetsMart yesterday we started working on his concentration in the check out line. I made the mistake months ago allowing the cashier to give him a bone and ever since then he would be a bone head in the isle while paying to the point of someone else having to pay for me. It took about 10 minutes to pay and have him carry the package to my friend. Two more visits and he'll have it down again. Otherwise he was a DREAM come true. He saw two puppies and looked at me, smelled a huge gross rawhide and looked at me! That's all really.

Oh, that letter also mentioned the amount of real hard play time and i've decided for Winstons sake to move to philly so I can have Phila Pets play with Winnie every day :)

Period.

Home Again

After nineteen days in the hospital Winston and I are just about settled in back home again. I didn't realize how serious he was while we were there. Once inside, but before his vest was even off he pranced across the room and grabbed a toy from his basket! He has been rolling around, sleeping on his back, and barking up a storm! I plan on making some entries about multiple topics from our stay at the Seashore house.

Yesterday was our first time shopping since November and he was sooo great! His eye contact and attentiveness has really improved. He did have a "meltdown" though. I really expected it because of how stressful it is on them to be reintroduced into new situations but okay so someone dropped a cappicuno RIGHT where my lift lowered and Winston hates walking through water let alone that. Anyway in order for him to get into the van he has to do a "Footplate" (Up onto my...) so that I can reach his leash...well that just wasn't happening! He just could not focus on anything other than "Leaving It" and jumping into the van. I walked him away from the situation and even tried pottying him again...but after five minutes FREEZING my butt off I cheated and had my mom unhook him.

Tonight in KFC he was such an angel while I continually dropped food he just laid there watching me!

My sister and mom went to SSD's anual grad dinner and with the exception of a very select few dogs they were apalled by their behavior!! Augh! More later...sleep now!



We miss Phila Pets :(

2nd Rehab Update

Again I only have a few minutes to update but these three pictures are worth a million and five words!!

the secret garden that only zeth and those whom he deems worthy may encounter...



on the bridge leading to the dog park they've been taking him too!



and last but not least...



his glamor shot!!

gotta run!

first update from rehab (very short)

wow, have things ever been a crazy whirl wind these past two days!
the mjaority of everything has been spectacular!!
I CANT BELIEVE HOW FREAKING AWESOME THE PHILA PETS DOT COME CREW HAS BEEN. more on that later though!! ee!
winnie has been very well behaved minus his random "i should bark at that person" times. okay- to the guts of the entry!

okay so my nurse put me on the bed pan and was instructed to come back in one minute to take me off.
well, she forgot.
when i reached for the call button she had left it on the desk!
normally i would have had win get it but she also left the rails up and he cant get to me with them.
i thought about it and i called winston over to see if he could just pick it up and mouth it enough to get it to push...well the rails are solid plastic so kids dont get stuck under them? so winston couldnt even do a direct retrieve because he oculdnt see my hands or what i was pointing too.
at that point my leg started to really hurt and he definitely sensed it because he on his own got his favorite toys are started bringing them to me by jumpnig all the way onto my bed
when that didntt help and i said to him 'winnie wheres the nurse?" (oh the door is VERY not sd friendly)
he jumped off RAN to the door - pawed at it and then started barking
two nurses came vey quickly.

i doubt they'll do that again.

moral of the story

barking labrador retrievers remind the nurses they're being idiots.

ill write more tomorrow!

oh and zeth got a GREAT shot of winston on the bridge!!

Off to CHOP!

Winston's dressed and ready! We'll try to update from the hospital!

Wish us luck!

The Implications of Service Animals in Healthcare Facilities

In prep for rehab I did a little new research as to the laws regarding SD's in health care facilities. Man, I hit gold! The Implications of Service Animals in Healthcare Facilities written by The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. can be downloaded in full by going here.

It contains the following catagories-

*THE DEFINITION OF SERVICE ANIMALS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

*APPLICATIONS OF SERVICE ANIMALS FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES

*HOW SERVICE ANIMALS DIFFER FROM THERAPY ANIMALS

*SERVICE ANIMAL TERMINOLOGY AND SUPPLY

*HOW HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ARE AFFECTED BY LAWS THAT APPLY TO SERVICE ANIMALS

*IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SERVICE ANIMALS: CERTIFICATION AND OTHER MYTHS

*IMPLICATIONS OF SERVICE ANIMALS FOR INFECTION CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

*HANDWASHING FOR EMPLOYEES, CLIENTS, HANDLERS, AND VISITORS

*HANDLER AND CLIENT EDUCATION

*STAFF EDUCATION

*SERVICE ANIMALS IN SPECIFIC CLINICAL AREAS

*HIGH-RISK CLIENT POPULATIONS

*ZOONOTIC RISKS

*SERVICE ANIMAL HEALTH

*AREA CLEANUP

*ALLERGIES

*ROOMMATE ISSUES

*STEWARDSHIP OF THE SERVICE ANIMAL: ITS CARE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE FACILITY

*INCIDENTS INVOLVING SERVICE ANIMALS AND FIRST AID

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This is from the first time Winston and I went to NYC. He had never been there and his reaction when we checked into the hotel was proof that the experience wore him out! I thought the picture was the cutest thing ever so I thought i'd share!

First Time Working w/ SD Since Surgery (4months)

Winston is such a great dog. I tried out my new (very old) hoyer lift today. After forty-five minutes of wrestling with it I was finally in my chair. The moment I got situated, Winston was at my full attention. We did a "Heel Back" right away and it was like he hadn't ever stopped working! We also practiced "Foot Plate" (an "Up" onto my footplates) and "Back" and some simple "Heels". If you could have seen the look in his big brown eyes when I got the brush out to groom him...it was priceless. The second we were outside he was up on the bench waiting for me to start! He is such a great dog...I can't even express how true that is. When we came back inside he did a PERFECT "Go On Through" and followed me into my bedroom, where he laid on his bed (a pink bean bag chair he claimed as his own) and watched my nurse intently.

SD + Ortho Rehab Clinic

I've posted for input on the handful on Service Dog message boards I am a member of, but i'm pretty sure I know what i'm going to do. Whether or not Winston will provide assistance to me while I am in rehab is not the question. Rather, whether or not I can provide HIS care is what is being contemplated. I think for the first few days I should just focus on my own needs and getting into a routine there. Once I am confident that I can potty him and what not, I will have someone bring him up for me! I know I am very very lucky for having someone I trust to watch Winston for me. The only other concern I have with Winston being in the hospital with me is this: I will be having water therapy and during that time I have to figure out what to do with him. Any ideas? Okay well, that's all for now!


Original post - 4/1/05

although im a little over whelmed right now i want to jot down some thoughts.

it looks as though i will be admitting myself into the childrens hosp of phila's ortho rehab clinic for a few weeks.

whether or not i take winston.

this will consume my thoughts for the next few weeks.

general comments are very much appreciated.

thanks guys.

Support SSD!

Just wanted to tell everyone i've got really nice small sized window magnets that have the SSD logo on them with the word "supporter" down the side!
If you make a donation to ssd I will send you one to rock!
The donations can be any amount and i will mail it to you. :)
So help represent this organization that makes it possible for me and others with physical disabilities to be independent!
-
Linzey

Ask me for the address!

Read more about Susquehanna Service Dogs or what a service dog likeWinston does!

Photoshoot

Winston's favorite "aunt" was over tonight and as he was sleeping she laid her sunglasses on him. It turned into an entire photo shoot. We're easily amused :)









and my personal favorite...

Easter with his new niece, Becca!

Happy Easter! Winston was such a good boy over this holiday. It was a busy day today, with all of my family over, including my sister's new puppy! Shannon and Chris got Becca last week. She is an eight week old GSD.



Winston put up with her relentless need to bite his privates like a champ! My sister couldn't even get a picture of the two of them without the action!



Hahhaha, even after hours of it, he would still turn over onto his back in submission.

Voltaire, our foster puppy followed her around like he had never seen another puppy! It was rather cute if I do say so myself.

Waiting for the Ambulance + Last Nights Victory!

Winston is rather antsy, as he has caught on to the routine of getting ready for me to go to the hospital...without him. Last time he threw up his breakfast right after I left, so i'm not feeding him. Nick, my great friend and trainer at SSD is coming to pick him up at 9 because like I said, he is a great freaking friend. I have Winston vest out. In the packs is my clicker, poop bags, two meals worth of food, his shot records, a law book, water bowl, gentle leader, leash, mini lint roller and haha fliers for a concert...I also have Winston treat bag ready and in it I hid a mix cd, letter and $20 for Nick. Hahah, that sounds like a ton but really it is hardly even full. Winston is curled up on the floor beside my bed, ears back and alert to every sound. If it weren't for Nick, Winnie would be alone with Bill the alcoholic all day! I'd be a mess for my entire hospital visit. I can't express how grateful I am of Nick. He plans on taking Winston out all day to places including the dentist and even a soccer game!

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Last night I was exhausted and when Winston heard a weird sound he leaped off my bed and nudged my door open. After he came in I was detirmined to get him to shut it again so that it was dark in my room again. I have tried to get him to "close" the door from across the room in my hospital bed ever since I came home from the hospital in November and have not been succesful unless someone pointed to it. Last night after turning my closet light on and off twice he ran over to the door, and looked back at me with that look they get when they finally figure out what it is you need! With very little encouragement he pushed the door shut and ran over to give me kisses!! I LOVE MY BABY!!!

Paws Abilities

In promotion for



(click for more info)

our local news stations have been doing a ton of coverage on SSD.

WGAL had a great five minute segment last night aboutSSD Gilly and Winnie decided he really needed to be in bed too.



And tonight Winstons mother, Fern was on Fox43!! They were at the training kennel and filmed Magic being trained for balance work (by our karen!!!), and Cindi worked with a yellow lab on retrieving. Nancy did a really great interview also.

foster puppy doesn't like man

Foster SSD Voltaire...



...had his first negative encounter with someone today. Coincidentilly it's a friend of Bill (my moms alcoholic ect boyfriend) who is very, very drunk.

He has never even hesitated with someone, and he would not stop growling at this man. He followed commands still, coming into my room, but the minute he was in the same room with the man he would begin growling again.