My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Saturday, February 4, 2012

A Simple Day in the Life of Cricket

I thought I would give Cricket a break from posing with me in outfits :) and talk about her work! We reminisced last night at our office party as there was one of my colleagues that joined the office the same time as Cricket.

Five years ago this month, I was getting ready to return to Guide Dogs for the Blind for my second guide dog. Pantera had retired in September, after nine years as a guide. She had settled in nicely to the role of Steve's pet. I spent a few months back walking with a cane and was so excited to be returning to GDB to meet my new guide dog! The memory of an excited dog with the name of Cricket greeting me with such love will always be a sweet memory.

Today, Cricket started her day off with a trip to Costco.   Basically in a big store like this she is aware of the direction that Steve is going (follows). He gives me verbal clues so that I can tell Cricket - left, right, inside, outside.  We were all happy that we arrived just as it was opening and beat the craziness of Costco on a Saturday. 
She then ventured to my office - her second home for a short time to pick up some things.  We returned home and I had some Alumni Board Meetings (conference call) so she was off duty for a few hours.  Then, she had her annual appointment with the vet.  She's had an easy, healthy year.  Thank you!  Vet report:  She has gained four lbs.  He gently told her she could lose a few.  We'll cut back her portions and go on a few more walks. Its for the best, Cricket.  She also has a chipped tooth and a growth on her back that he wants to test further.  Most likely nothing but they will take care of it all and clean her teeth.  Sweet girl had to have a doctor's note to get a day off. She'll  get her medical needs met on the 21st :).   
Then, Cricket attended Kendall's table tennis tournament.  Fairly straight forward - find the door, find the chair, avoid some obstacles.   Go Kendall.  He was playing strong for his Aggies!  3-0.
This evening - dinner at a family member's house.  She'll go and hang out on her fleece then go to bed not knowing what tomorrow will bring! 

4 comments:

Infrequent Flyers said...

Crickers is such a busy dog! It's hard to believe she could gain 4 lbs with all that activity. Oh, that lab propensity for flab, such a constant battle in our house, too. (I must be part lab myself!) Do you have any idea how Cricket might have chipped a tooth? I hope the growth on her back is just a nothing bump.

Becky Andrews said...

Mimi; Cricket is quite the chewer - he thought probably on one of her bones? She only has nylabones. He tested her lump in the lab and looked good but thought while she was 'out' he'd examine further to be safe.

Just Jess for now said...

Busy, busy girl, but she does have a busy handler. :) Hope everything goes well with the lump.

Karen said...

Go Aggie! Go Kendall! and of course Go Cricket! What a group of greats.