Winter Happenings with Cable

 Cable had a busy fall and Christmas and is working hard with Brooke Nishio of T.E.A.M. Canines to complete her service dog training.  Here are some photos of recent events for you to enjoy!

Cable attended Amanda's Aunt Heather's graduation party and was an obedient guest.

Cable was obedient and ignored the Chinese food (with reminders) while Amanda gave a speech thanking the Optimist Club for contributing to the fund raising for Cable's training.

The Optimist Club provided Amanda with a snazzy new hat for winter walks with Cable.

The three Robar goldens joined Brooke's dog in some training exercises.

Amanda is setting up for a "recall" practice at Upper Canada Mall.  Distractions of food on the floor and people walking around the busy mall were in place to gauge the dog's focus on Amanda.

Success, as Cable runs through the gauntlet of treats and other trainees to greet Amanda at the far end!

Other trainees (both canine and human), being tested on the same activity in the photos above and below.

       Cable had lots of practice learning to navigate stores and ignore distractions while Christmas shopping with Amanda!

Socializing Cable at the Market Brewery for Yappy Hour's special Santa Paws event.

Kira in her Christmas finery.

Cable, Kira and Galaxy with Amanda.

                   Christmas morning with Cable and friends!

Happy New Year Everyone!  We'll continue to keep you posted on Cable's progress.

Catching up with Cable

 Let's catch up on what Cable and Amanda have been doing over the past few weeks.

They've learned to ride public transit in Newmarket.  

Learning to ride the bus.

                                                    Finding and waiting at the bus stop.

Learning to navigate the mall-- lots of exposure to distractions for Cable to learn to ignore.

    

                                      Kira's 11th birthday!  Enjoying retirement life at our place!

    

                                                     

                                                         Cable's first time at a wedding!

Cable had fun at Marques Family Farm, meeting different animals and helping Mandy pick a pumpkin.

Such a funny puppy.  When she's off duty Cable loves to run and play with Kira and Galaxy, and always chooses to squeeze into small spaces... like the fire pit!  

Cable has had the opportunity to train alongside Brooke's ambassador dog, Casey.  All of the pups were together for a group session this month.

                                                           Relaxing under a box flap.  

                                   

                                   Group training session at the Upper Canada Mall this month.

Cable and Mandy at Amanda's aunt's graduation party.  She was so good for the whole event!

Cable is doing so well in public places and is growing excited to practice her tasks at home.  Last week she had to guide Amanda home twice after some cluster seizures.  She responds immediately to a finger snap which Amanda uses to alert Cable that a seizure is coming on.  She is doing so well at pulling the bathtub plug.

Last Wednesday Amanda made a speech at the Optimist Club, to thank them for their contribution to Cable's training, and to explain some of the many tasks Cable performs to keep Amanda safe in the community.  She ended her speech by saying, "Before, I could never have imagined myself with a service dog.  Now, I can't imagine myself without one."

Cable News

 Since moving in with Amanda in June, Cable and Amanda have been working closely with trainer Brooke Nishio of T.E.A.M. Canines to further develop and refine her skills.  Bonus for me is that Brooke is a former student of mine!  She runs a comprehensive service dog training program and we were delighted to become reacquainted with her.

Brooke works with Amanda at her apartment and in the surrounding community.  Cable is getting to know her apartment building and neighbourhood well, which is important should it be necessary for Cable to guide Amanda home after a seizure has left her disoriented and confused.  She loves her lengthy walks with Amanda.

Most recently Cable has begun to become familiarized with the Newmarket New Roads Theatre where Amanda volunteers.  They have started to work with staff to help Cable become accustomed to the sights and sounds of the theatre environment.

                                                  Cable learning her way around at the theatre.

Cable celebrated her third birthday on August  25th.  We can't believe it's been three years since this little pup was born!  She has learned so much!

Cable being introduced to the ticket-taking position at the front doors of the theatre.

Learning to press buttons.  This one is for fun.  A recording plays "I love you Mommy," if she presses it.

Last week Cable activated the OnSwitch Emergency button when Amanda became incapacitated after numerous cluster seizures.  We are thrilled that she is learning this important life-saving skill!  

Cable was introduced to the box seating area where she will sit with Amanda when watching a show at the theatre.  She will need many practices to learn to lie quietly for extended periods of time.  Amanda can also take her quietly in and out as needed during the show.

This young pup is smart!  

Getting Used to her surroundings

 Cable is doing an amazing job at getting used to her surroundings and learning her way around the community.

Cable knows that the cot is her spot.  She enjoys lying there.

She is getting used to her new home with Amanda.

A big step is that Cable has begun excursions within Newmarket and has handled herself wonderfully in Kelsey's, Ren's Pets and most recently at "Yappy Hour" at the Market Brewery.  Yappy Hour was a good test as this is an experience sponsored by York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking which invites dog owners and their leashed dogs to come into the brewery, have a drink and socialize with other dog owners.  The many dogs served as perfect distractions for Cable, and she passed the test with flying colours, lying patiently under the table!

All Yappy Hour events are held at Market Brewing Co.

17775 Leslie St.  Newmarket (North of Davis Drive (Beside the Hyundai Dealership at the very back)

Yappy Hour is an opportunity for you to bring your pooch out and socialize with other pups and pet parents.  Enjoy some great local craft beer from Market Brewing, they also stock wine. 

All Yappy Hour events run from 4PM – 8PM but you are welcome to stay later if you choose.

The next event will be September 6, 2023, but check with York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking to confirm this closer to the date.

 

Thanks for continuing to follow our blog and watch as Cable progresses into the service dog she was born to be!