Watch me Grow!!!

I meant to do a post like this around Sherms b-day but then I got busy. Now that I have a moment I thought that I would do it now. Sorry for the delay but here it is.

Sherman on pick up day. 9 weeks old. (What a pudge he was, but so cute!)

12 weeks old

16 weeks old. (finally has his shots, and first hike)

Sherman at five months old.

6 months old (he still protest on all our shopping trips)

7 months (turning into quite a handsome boy if I do say so myself)

10 months old

12 months old!!!!!
My big handsome boy is now 56.5 pounds. I think that is a nice respectable small male weight. :) I told him that I would be happy if he passed Adelines 55 pounds. And he did. What a good boy!

Shermans new trick

Sherman has decided that I need to get up as soon as my alarm goes off in the morning, instead of hitting the snooze button nine times. So, he has developed a new trick to get me out of bed. He will go to the foot of my bed and shove his nose under my covers and find my foot and give me a big, wet, SLURP! That is usually enough to startle me out of bed. He gets a big kick out of it too. I will freak out and pop out of bed and he comes over to the side that I get out of and wiggles and wags and looks so happy for me to be awake and getting his leash to take him out and get him fed. Silly pooch! At least he doesn't try to get me up before 8am. (He knows better. ha ha)

Also, I have had Hartley here since Saturday and then another puppy sitter is picking him up tomorrow and keeping him until his raisers gets home. I am not sure how long that is though. Anyway, today I had him and Sherm on tie down far enough away from each other that they could not get to one another. (so I thought) So I turned my back on them and started reading my book. After about ten minutes I hear Sherman screaming bloody murder so I spin around and Hartley had Shermans tail in his mouth and would not let go, even though Sherman was screaming and trying to run away but couldn't since Hartley had a pretty firm hold. (and they were on a tile floor) It was so pitiful sounding! So, I grabbed Hartley and he finally let go. I felt so bad. I shortened both of their tie-downs and made sure they really couldn't reach each other and checked Sherman over and he seemed fine, even though he was quite pouty. Poor guy! I felt horrible, "bad puppy raiser"! Anyway, now we are down in my room with Sherman sleeping on my feet and Hartley complaining about being in the kennel. I really hate to say negative things about the dogs but Hartley has been in the kennel with a long line on for the past hour and no matter how much I correct he won't SHUT UP! It is driving me insane. I am ready to move the kennel upstairs so I don't have to hear him anymore. I am playing really loud music in an effort to drown out his whines but it isn't working. I am frustrated, and I don't frustrate easily. He is giving me a huge headache! I will keep trying. . . hopefully he shuts it before I give up and go sleep on the couch! Please pray for my sanity. . . :) It really makes me appreciate my nice, QUIET doggy. (Thank you Sherman for being the awesome puppy that you are. It will be sad to see you go and have to start all this over again. lol)

Happy Birthday Sherman!!!

Today is Shermans birthday! My boy is one year old. I can't believe it! I am so proud of all the progress he has made and am so happy that I have been able to raise him. He keeps me smiling with all his goofyness, but knows when I need him to be serious too. He is very smart and I can't wait to see if he becomes a guide this year.

Shermans birthday festivities started this morning at midnight. I have had a new dog bed hidden in my closet for the last week. I think he knew it was in there because he would get excited every time I opened the closet. Anyway, at midnight I got it out and he plopped right down on it. I think he looks comfy. It is so soft, I want to sleep on it. :)This is me and the birthday boy. (Excuse my PJ's it was midnight after all)
Today I took Sherman to the park and let him play in the snow and run around on a long-line. He really enjoyed himself.
After the park we went home and he got sang to by the family. (He looks confused. .. "why are you all singing at me?!") He also has on the b-day hat that my parents got me at Disney land like 5 years ago and all of my PITs have worn it. It is goofy, but a tradition. I like it. Sherm looks more like, "is this hat really necessary?" He got a bit of extra food for dinner which he ate without complaint. I just got out all his b-day toys and he is happily chewing on his new bed. I hope he had a good day and many, many more to come. (Hopefully with a blind partner for his next b-day)
Here are some vids of Sherm in the snow. The goofy bouncing just made me laugh so hard. I love my boy!

It's been a while

Hey everyone,
It has been a while. Not much has happened. I am just keeping busy with school and work. Sherman is doing great at school after the break. He slid right back into the routine. We have only had one issue in the testing center. The lady would not let me take Sherman in the testing center, and would not let me take my test. I have taken Sherm in the testing center countless times but I guess they got a new manager over the break and she was not listening to me explain about guide dogs and that I had been there before. So I had to take Sherm home and on the way home the testing center lady called me and said that she had called the dean of my school and asked him about service dogs in training and he told her that they are allowed. So she apologized and said that I could come and take my test. (Would have been nice had she called before I left. GRR!!) Anyway, I am glad that got sorted out and I didn't really have to do anything.

Other news is last week my dad announced to the family that for next Christmas we are going on a Mexican Cruise! Each kid has to pay 60% of their way and mom and dad will take care of the rest. We are leaving December 20 and coming back on the 28th. I have a year to loose all the weight I want off and pay for my portion of the ticket. :) I can't wait. My dad also said that it would give me a year to find a puppy-sitter for my next pup. ha ha. I can't wait!!! I have never been out of the US before. Each of us siblings are taking our turns getting passports too since you need them to get into Mexico now. Did I mention I am excited!?!?!?

Oh, and I have now received by first dog related "war wound." I feel so official now. lol just kidding. About a week ago I was putting Sherm on tie-down. (I hooked both of my tie downs together so he has about 5-6 feet of room to move. Anyway, he took that moment to decided to bolt out of my room for the first time ever because my door was open. I guess he didn't realize that I had him hooked up already so the cable tie-down rubbed against my ankle and took a pretty good size chunk out of it. I also have a bit of a cable burn around the sore. I screamed so loud. (I never scream!) My sisters heard and came running, thinking that I was dying. lol Anywho, Sherman looked pretty pathetic when he realized that he had hurt me. And came over and sat on me. (I fell to the ground after because it hurt so bad) It took forever to stop the bleeding but it is starting to heal now. Just hurts a bit when I twist my ankle or stretch it too much. Sherman felt so bad, it was really cute. He was forgiven pretty quickly. I doubt he will EVER try that again.

I also heard from Tahoma and her partner the other day. They are doing fantastically. They have been in Israel the last few weeks. They spend every January and July there because he does translation work. He is always so pleased with her work there. He also said that she does wonderful on the long plane ride. (I am jelous Homie is more traveled than I am) She acts as if she was born to work there. :) He also officiates weddings all over the eastern states and after Tahoma showed her reluctance to being in the audience she now stands up front with him and she behaves herself beautifully. He said that they had their first big snow and Tahoma did perfect and was able to find the route even though it was covered in snow. Good girl Homie! Oh, and after I told him that I called her Homie while I was raising her he now calls her Homie all the time and she wags her tail really fast whenever he calls her that. So cute! I hope they have many, many more wonderful years together!

I also have Myra right now. I have had her since Saturday and she goes home in a few hours. She is absolutely adorable. It has been a LONG time since I have had a girl around, or a baby, or been woken up at 5am in the MORNING. (Those who don't know me I am so NOT a morning person, good thing she is cute. lol) She is 16 weeks old and such a doll. We have been out on a few outing and she is just so happy and prances around. She does really well in public too. Doesn't get overwhelmed or anything. It has been nice to have a little girl around, but I am happy to get my boy back today. And sleep in. hee hee. I really miss my goof-ball boy!

Myra's mighty yawn.

Isn't she a doll!

Sherman's birthday is in four days. I can't believe he is almost a year old! I have some fun stuff planned for him so that to come later. He has really come a long way in the last 10 months. He is a great dog and I really hope that he can become a great guide!!

Random funny things

So today I had a couple of funny little run ins with some people out in public. The first was a lady at the gas station. I pulled up to the pump, put my car in park and got out. I scanned my card and was getting ready to stick the pump into my gas tank when *HONK* *HONK* *HONK* (yes three times, a long, short, and another long honk) I leaned to the window and yelled "Hey! Knock it off" The lady who was parked in the stall behind mine leaned over and asked, "Is that your dog?" I said "Yes, he gets impatient." (Seriously every time I get out of the car and don't get him out immediately he honks at me. I have watched him to and he will hop up onto my seat and lean into the horn, occasionally he will stick a foot up and push!!) She said, "What a smart dog." I said "ya, he is pretty smart." and we both laughed.

The second funny incident happened at the pet store. I was in line getting a new food tub (since I dropped Shermans and broke it *sigh*), and a toy (cant ever leave the pet store without a toy, GEESH, spoiled dog!) and was behind this lady and her two daughters. The youngest girl looked at Sherman and I heard her whisper to her mom, "that dog looks just like Sherman." I didn't know what to say so I told Sherman to sit and the older sister heard and turned, and asked, "what is his name?" I said, "Sherman." Then she asked if he was in training to be a guide dog and I said yes. I asked how they new him and they said that they met him at Michelles house. (Montgomerys raiser) Small world. How funny that the girl would recognize him since most people out in public can't even tell what color or breed he is. :) (You know the whole "is he a black lab?" question that I can never understand. "Nope he is a GREEN lab!" Honestly *sigh*)

2007 year in review

Well, it is 2008! Happy New Year to all. I remember being in Sunday school when I was six or seven and my teacher asked what we all thought that we would be doing in the year 2008. Some of the kids were telling about jobs they would have or animals they would own. You know, typical six year old answers. When it came my time for me to answer the question I said, "I think I will be dead!" Well, I am happy to say that I am still kickin'. I dunno why I remember that, but I remember thinking that 2008 was such a long time off. I am already starting the new year with my first puppy trade. I have Murray here for the next few days and Sherman is with his raisers. Murray is such a love and absolutely gorgeous and very very sweet. I adore him. :) Anywho, back on subject. . .

Here are my New Years resolutions:
1. To be more patient and understanding, both with people and my pups.
2. To save some money!!!
3. To loose some weight. (who doesn't have that on their list?)
4. To be more social
5. Spend more time on school work
6. Get a better job
7. To not care what people think of me
8. Be more decisive. (I am probably the most indecisive person alive)
9. Not to worry so much!!!! (I am getting worry wrinkles)
10. Take a little stress out of my life
11. Catch up on my scrapbook. (I am about 2 years behind)

Here is a little survey that has been going around:

1. Was 2007 a good year for you?
Umm. . . yes and no. We had our ups and downs. :)

2. What was your favorite moment of the year?
So many lets see. . . I would have to say. . . reuniting with Adeline after 4 months, or finally getting done with generals and being able to finally take classes that I want, or actually choosing a major to stick with after changing about 15 times!
3. What was your least favorite moment of the year?
When Adeline got cc'd, when Prudy passed away and when me and my bf broke up. :(
4. What are your plans for 2008?
Continue school (should be another 2 or so years), keep raising puppies. . . those are pretty much the consistent things in my life. Umm. . . save money, get a new job (maybe at LDS social services, I am going to see if my uncle can help me get a job there, even if it is just reception work, at least it will have something to do with my major)
5. What countries did you visit?
None, I wish!
6. What date in 2007 will remain etched in your memory?
March 30th when I met my silly little labby boy! February 14th when I had my first kiss. (pathetic I know, took me 21 years to achieve that) and August 23rd when Prudy died.
7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Passed all my classes. . . and learning HTML format and making my own website. (I am very proud of it)
8. What was your biggest failure?
I don't believe in "failure". Just try your best and that is all you can do. :) I learn from my mistakes so. . .
9. Did you suffer any illness or injury?
Broke a couple toes. . . other than that I had the flu and a cold a couple times.
10. What was the best thing you bought?
My car Lola, she is great! Umm. . . a wire kennel, I love that too.
11. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Nobody really. . .
12. Where did most of your money go?
School, rent, dog food, books, & GAS.
13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My new puppy (Sherman), and hearing from Tahomas partner, and learning how to make a website!
14. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
Hey there Delilah, Smile, Into the Ocean, umm. . . I am not a huge music buff, oh, the girlfriend song.
15. Compared to this time last year are you:

a) Fatter or thinner? A little fatter *sigh*
b) Happier or sadder? about the same
c) Richer or poorer? POORER

16. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Going out with friends, being more outgoing, maybe traveling (if I had the money), and reading.
17. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating out, Procrastinating.
18. How will you (now it is were) be spending Christmas?
I was at a puppy-sitees house but went home Christmas eve afternoon and Christmas evening.
19. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Yes, but it didn't work out.
20. What was your favorite TV show?
Lost, The Office, Desperate Housewives, CSI, and Law & Order
21. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not hate, hate is a strong word. I strongly dislike someone that I didn't this time last year but I can still stand to be around them and we have civil conversations sometimes.
22. What was/were the best books you read?
I finally got around to reading the Harry Potter books and I love them all. I also read the Golden Compass which I liked a lot, and Artemis Fowl. (next is New Moon, Ark Angel, and the Alex Rider books)
23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
umm. . . .
24. What did you want and get?
A Noz 2 Noz Portable Kennel, and shoes.
25. What did you want and not get?
Adeline to graduate.
26. What was your favorite film this year?
There are a lot, Music and Lyrics, Transformers, No Reservations, Martian Child, August Rush, Waitress, Stardust, Pirates of the bean 3, Harry Potter 5, Hairspray, Sweeny Todd (I haven't seen it yet but i am SURE that it is fantastic) I could go on
27. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 22, I went shopping and out out to dinner with the parents, ate banana cream pie (my favorite dessert) and slept.
28. What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?
More money, and a better job.
29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
I am never one for name brand "in fashion" clothes. If it fits I wear it. I like to be comfortable!
30. What kept you sane?
Sherman, and having some close friends around me.
31. Which celebrity did you fancy the most?
I have always loved Cathrine Zeta Jones and Drew Barrymore.
32. Which political issue stirred you the most?
politics *snore*
33. Who did you miss?
My puppies especially Prudy, my friends in California.
34. Did you treat somebody badly in 2007?
I sure hope not!!
35. Did somebody treat you badly in 2007?
Kinda, but not really
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year?
I am a lot better at sticking up for myself, I can make decisions a lot better, and I am better at asking for what I want.
37. What would you like to have in 2008 that you didn't have in 2007?
Dunno, a better job, and money. (story of my life)

So that is pretty much my year. Here is hoping that 2008 brings in bigger and better. :)