So recently my boss wanted me to accompany him to some stores with a couple dogs, so we could get some photos for the website. He has been contemplating adding a branch on to the business in the form of offering service dog certification. So we took Mango (his right hand pup, yellow lab) his granddaughter Juneau (Wyatt’s litter mates) and Luna, to town with us as we went to do some errands.
First stop was IHOP, I chose to leave Luna in the car as I thought she would be too wound up to contently lay down while we ate lunch. So we took Juneau and Mango in. They both did great. Juneau did not want to lay down at first but eventually got sick of sitting under the table, and went into a down on her own. Mango is an old pro at this so he was a good influence on her.
After Ihop we walked over to the bank to make a deposit. Mango helped out with that as Juneau stayed by me so I could get pics. This is something I think I could teach Luna.. I had her put paws up on the counter at a store last night and she did well. Just a matter of keeping the command low key so that she doesn’t jump all the way up there, as I know she is totally able to do.
After the bank we headed back to the truck and made our way to Lowes. Everybody went in the store as we grabbed a few things for the kennel.
Like mop heads.. This may not look like Mango is very happy, but I assure you the posture is simply because it was the largest mop bag I’ve seen. There were 3 in the bag, so that’s like lifting a goose for him.
I have to tell you a little story about mango. A while back, Dan took him to Lowes to get a couple things… usually we do need mop heads, and it’s one of the things mango goes and gets for the cart. Well that day we didn’t need any, but as they came up on the cleaning supplies Mango dashed down to where they were kept and grabbed one and came back to Dan. Pretty amazing for him to remember where they were and want to work so much that he went and got them on his own. Maybe one day Wyatt will have such a work ethic, he shows all the signs.
Luna did a nice sit & wait while I went to take the above photos of Mango and Juneau
Mango is good at his stays too. After we got all our things we left and headed to staples for a couple more things.
Dan took a hold of Luna to walk with Juneau as Mango walked himself.
Luna showing Mango is not the only one with the tricks. Our staples visit wasn’t long, only needed a couple things, but mainly we were going in so we could see how they would do in another store. Over all everyone did fantastic. So it was back to the truck to head home
I just thought this last photo was funny… it’s almost as if Juneau is the offspring of Mango and Luna.
And that concludes the update for the store trips. But there is still more to come, our trip to Great Falls and also a field update.
Stay tuned (take a trip over to my photo blog ( http://akgphoto.wordpress.com ) if you want to browse while you wait), happy Tuesday
Vizsla Inspiration 
OMG!!!
They’re adorable!!!
I envy you so much, you cant even tell!
Here in my country, we cant take dogs to most places. Dogs are seen as merely ‘animals’ instead of the beautiful souls of our best friends that they are.
I have two boys of my own, as you can see on my latest post, and I wish i can take them to places like you did.
Service Dogs – or other Service Animals – are amazing. They’re the most noble creature that can live in this world.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog. I’m glad you enjoy the dogs. You still can’t take dogs most places here either, but honestly, I’m kind of glad for that as some dogs need to be better citizens first (which is usually not their fault but their humans). I will go check out your boys now, hope to see you back again.
Anna
Oh, one more thing, your story is so inspiring that I put a link to your post in our dog-rescue group page on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/911-for-Dogs/
I hope you don’t mind. 🙂
Thanks again.
Fantastic photos, as all ways!! I took Becky to a dog show this weekend to watch her littermate sister show. Becky went for the socialization aspect. She will start obedience soon – I hope to maybe do rally one day. I find the U.S. much more open to dogs – in Canada dogs are not allowed in Lowes. I often take my dogs to the garden center for socialization though.
Great photos on this and your other site. Luna is beautiful. I have a friend who has a Vizsla, she’s very sweet.
The booties I have for my dogs are from Voyagers Dog Coats. They are nice for the snow. They do stay on well, they have an upper and lower velcro strap.
Thank you! Yes most vizslas are too sweet, Luna has found a good balance. I will have to check out those booties. what are the bottoms like?
Thanks for stopping by the blog
Anna
The bottoms are a kind of textured rubber and it comes over the top of the feet too. They are shaped more like a sock, not fitted like the heavy duty hiking boots for dogs.
I love your shots and Luna is a very beautiful girl.
Please remember that in the US there are NO certification programs for Service Dogs. The ADA does NOT require certification.
The CGC is a certification test along with THERAPY dogs through Therapy Dogs International and Delta Society. Those dogs, when certified, are covered under those memberships’ insurance. These dogs interact with the public, and those in frail or compromised positions.
Service Dogs cannot be certified. You can have a training course to teach beyond basic manners and have a form for your facilities graduation. But it means nothing legally. This is the case because it allows Owner Trainers to raise their own dogs without having to wait the years a School Dog may take, or pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in training fees.
A touchy subject. Because facilities out there create these “certificates” it causes no end of trouble for those of us that don’t have them. Business, not knowing better, insist that you must have one, since the prior dog handler did. This maka a quick trip out to the store a burden on a person with disabilities.
Just my $0.75. Great blog otherwise! I also love your cooking blog. I will be staying tuned in.
Artie
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/ADAregs2010.htm