Long and busy days

Hi all woofers:
As you know, Shadow has been here for a while.
Well the first few days he spent in the comfortable chair writing and
reading, and Chris didn't talk to him muczh. Yesterday, however, things
changed all of a sudden.
Chris walked me along the field route, and then we got into the car with
Shadow, and stopped by an electronic store, where they looked at stuff.
I hear them talking that it is mom's birthday soon, and that Chris wants
a present for her. They must have found one, because they ended up with
a big box to put in the car. I followed Shadow around like the good girl
that I am, and even Chris was impressed, because at times Shadow walked
really fast.
I didn't run Chris into anything. Only once my leash got caught
somewhere, and I knocked something off the stand. But it was no glass
bottle, so things were allright.

We then continued to the city, where they first went into the bank with
me. The bank is the place with the two escalators, where I always have
to find the right one going down. They solved everything there, and then
we went into my favourite eating place for the humans to have ice-cream.
I was a bit impatient, because so many dogs kept passing us, and I
wanted to greet them. But of course, Chris told me off and put me into
my down stay not very gently. She also prevented me from blocking the
aisle <rrr>

Then came the first fun part. We walked up to the city wall, where Chris
let me go off leash. Shadow watched out for other dogs. And when one
showed up, Chris put me back on leash. I had fun sniffing out the place,
the trees and all the piles of fallen lieves for messages from other
dogs.
Then we went down again to continue the shopping tour through various
stores, including the inevitable bookstore. That is the most boring for
me. It smells like paper, which is no food, and Chris just sits down
with me and flips through books. She says she doesn't read, but she
loves feeling the paper. Some books, she says, have really nice paper -
and bookstores for her smell good. Whatever, don't believe all your
human tells you <woof>

Then we went up to the wall again, the wall that is turned into a little
park - and I was granted some offleash time again. Shadow discovered
another dog and I went on leash. Chris then talked to the owner and
found out that my friend was another female. But for some reason she
still let me loose after I had been sitting nice and calm. She told me
to leave slowly, which I did. I didn't get in trouble with the other
female, because she was more interested in sniffing than in me, and she
didn't even start arguing about who is the boss. I like woofers that
just want to co-exist.
Chris and Shadow and that other man walked and chatted, when the friend
Mila and I spotted a tiny barker dog. We ganged up, ran towards him and
barked into his face. His human, a lady, let out a mighty stupid cry,
and we went our merry way sniffing and running. Mila's human talked to
that sstupid ladym, but then we were allowed offleash again. It was so
nice to go sniffing with another dog!

Then came two more boring parts - the dinner time, and the cinema. In
the cinema you are to lie quietly under a narrow seat while some voices
and sounds keep blurring from the front. I don't understand what's fun
in there.
And then we went home, and I could tell Chris was really tired. So was
I, I admit.
And about yesterday I will tell you in a new post. Cheers and woofs,
Hapoo.

Shadow's here...

Hi all:
Shadow is finally here, but he behaves somehow strangely. But let's
start from the beginning.
The beginning is that Chris got me out of my Hapoo house very early
yesterday morning, and she even let me run free in the field when we
went for our Hapoo walk.
Mom went to the train station with us, and I just love trains. The train
was there, so the humans sat inside with me and had coffee. I thought
mom was coming with us, but she eventually got off, and we left on our
own.. We rode and rode, and when we finally got off the train, Shadow
immediately found us and hugged Chris.
Well man, don't you know I'm there, too? He just said hello to me and
gave me a quick pet - as if I didn't deserve more! But it's allright, as
long as Chris is happy.
We went into a restaurant, and the lady who brought Chris the orange
juice also brought me water - how wonderful! I love it when the folks in
the restaurants remember me and are kind to me.
Of course, we then went on the train home, and mom already waited for us
on the platform. And of course, mom greeted me apropriately.
Chris convinced Shadow to go for te Hapoo walk with us, but we just made
it a short one. She said that he was tired. He sure was, because after
thw shower Chris put me in my Hapoo house and disappeared in the bedroom
with Shadow. That's strange, because she doesn't sleep during the day
very often... Only sometimes when she's tired.

When she finally appeared, Shadow wasn't with her. Of course, I
complained about being put in my house during the day, but Chris made up
for it by taking me upstairs to see mom. They talked and had something
to eat, and then Chris took me for a longer Hapoo walk, just the two of
us. Finally Shadow crawled out of the bedroom, and we went outside to
get the humans some supper.
They eventually went back to sleep, after I got my food out of the door
handle machine - o what fun!
In the middle of the night Shadow came, turned on the light, sat down
and played computer, even got a phone call! But he never even thought of
letting me out of my Hapoo house! Allright it was night, but he was
there, so he could've let me!
Of course, this morning I squeeked a lot to be let out! I raced upstairs
to wake up mom, and then I ran back and forth between her and Chris to
get rid of some energy!
Then came a really lengthy breakfast, and only then was I allowed to go
out for the Hapoo walk, and this time we went around the churc, another
favourite route of mine. But Chris only does that with Shadow or mom.
Now we're back to boredom, because Shadow is working with papers (they
don't taste good at all) and Chris wants the computer back.
Cheers, Hapoo.

Huge huge Hapoo brag

Hi woofers and poofers:
Of course, when I brag, I brag about myself, and I have a million good
reasons for that. I thought that today I did a fantastic job guiding
Chris.

The excitement started in the morning when we went for the Hapoo walk.
Chris decided to take me along the field route instead the street, which
I liked a lot. I saw the neighbour's dog, the one that always barks
behind his fence when we cross the street. I don't like him much,
because he always growls at me. Chris made me sit and stood between the
two of us. She was happy the man master was with him, because she says
he is best in controll of the growl monster. He started the growls, and
I joined, but he had already passed us. She said that I was a good girl
for my standards, and that I had good intentions. Of course, I first
want to play with every dog I see - I lay down, but that one never wants
to play.

We returned, and to my surprise I got morning food - potato and carot
mash, Chris says it is good to clean my digestive system - whatever, as
long as it's food!
And then mom whistled from upstairs while Chris was playing on her
computer. O I love that particular whistle, because it means that I must
get Chris off her computer. I sit by her, sing her a tiny Hapoo song and
then nudge her hand with my nose, so that it is impossible for her to
type things that make sense. So she is always quick in shutting down the
computer. And then she gets up and does one of two things: Either put on
her jacket and take me out somewhere, or go upstairs.

This time we went out and into the car. We stopped in the car parking
house and walked along the street. Chris says I did a good job even
obeying her commands, clearing her of people, signs and huge umbrella
things. At the bank I wanted to take her to the machines where she
always puts in her card and gets money in return. But she told me to
find the escalator. She was proud, for I found her the one that goes up.

Mom showed us where the lady was. That was a fun place, because I could
see her sitting frum under the table. So I tried to walk under the table
to greet the woman and receive pets. Chris didn't let me, as always, but
she made me sit and then lie down at her feet, while she, mom and the
woman talked. This time Chris must have gotten the money from the woman.

We returned, and I took Chris to the same escalator. She directed me to
the right, because she says that one goes down. We reworked the
situation, and this time I did well and received a click and treat for
the job. Mom told us that a man was watching with fascination, because
he couldn't believe we'd manage. Of course we managed, because Chris is
smart, and because I want to get the click and the treat. We very
confidently walked towards the door. And whenever we do, somebody opens
it for us, how cool!

On the way back to the car parking thing we passed the bakery, which I
wanted Chris to go into. She always does, but not this time. So I had to
make up for it by taking her through narrow walkways between chairs and
past umbrellas. My next attempt was to take her into where we always go
for lunch, both with mom and with Shadow. But again she told me to find
the way out. Down the stairs and over to our right. I hate working on
the right side, so I had to cross the street to make the correct turn.
But then I did a good job showing curbs and stairs. I could tell Chris
was really proud of me.

Well the day wasn't over yet, because we went for a major shopping tour
at the usual grocery store. I tried to sniff a man but got corrected for
that. I tried to sniff out the Hapoo gooddies in the cart, but got
corrected.

But when we were home, I got something really yummy - I got a few
chicken necks - and they weren't dried - they were fresh and super
delicious.
And then I slept lik there was no tomorrow. Don't know how Chris spent
her time, because from then on it got boring.
I think I'll sleep some more until we go for the evening walk, and then
I'll sleep some more until I have dinner.
Goodnight and happy snoars, Hapoo.

A new game invented

Hi all:
This morning Chris came to greet me and let me out of my Hapoo house, I
was excited, of course. But the joy continued when she asked where mom
is. She has recently started calling mom Mickie, but I don't exactly
know why.
Anyway, I ran towards the stairs, made sure Chris turned around the
corner to follow, and then up the stairs like crazy. There's this door
that I cannot open, so I have to wait, wag my tail and point at the door
handle with my nose stretched out as much as I can.
When Chris finally gives me a pet and then opens the door, I can run and
see if mom's livingroom door is open. Today it wasn't, so I had to wait
again. And when that was opened, I ran into mom's bedroom. I usually wag
my tail against the door that's always open so I can slip through. That
sound wakes mom up. And if it doesn't, then I stand or sit beside her
bed and produce a rather quiet high squeek. That sure wakes her up, and
then she pets me and asks if I want her to get up.
Of course, why does she think I'm there? Plus I want pets! And if I
don't get them, I make my tongue rotate. And because mom doesn't like
that one, she'll pet me. Smart me, eh?
Today after I had made sure mom is awake, I ran back down the stairs so
fast that I slipped and had to run even faster, so I don't fall.
Chris came downstairs and motivated me to run back and forth between my
Hapoo house and her. She sat down on the steps and cheered me on.
But I thought that was boring after a while, so out of my speedy run I
jumped on her with my front paws. Man that was funfunfun! When she told
me to run off, I backed off on the long mat that goes from the door
right to where my leash is, and lay down in my play position, ready to
jump. When she motioned to wards me, I let out a small bark and jumped
on her again. She sent me off, and we did the same game, until I once
let out two pay barks.
Then she held out both her hands, told me quiet and I came and licked
her hand. Of course I understand her, she's cool! But I was allowed to
attack her one more time before she decided it was time to start the
coffee and prepare breakfast.
I just love playing!
Besides, have I told you that Shadow's coming? Chris is in such a good
mood these days, it's fantastic!
Cheers, yours cheerfully, Hapoo.

My super run

Hi all:
This morning was a little strange. First Chris never made it outside
with me, I had to be really patient. Then she forgot to take off her
jacket and sat in the corridor, talking with Shadow. Only then did she
decide that she wanted to go out. So she took my harness and the leash
and collar for going out, and we went by car with mom. First we went
into that place where it smells like computer. Boring store, but you
can't change it. Chris bought a few things and then we left the big
store.
And then came my super job. We went into a store where we don't go
often. Mom wanted to buy something very small. The place was very
narrow, and we had to turn around a lot of corners, following mom. I
love this job, and I lept Chris clear of any obstacles. She did a great
job following me, I have to admit.
On my way, people kept telling Chris about a box that was in the way,
about how narrow aisles were, and about where to go. She didn't answer
back, but I bet she thought that that's my job and that she didn't care.
Mom picked up whatever she wanted, and then we reversed the route,
following mom around the corners and through narrow aisles. It was such
fun!!!
Of course, I love it when people are impressed with my wor, but I love
it the most when Chris is happy. We then went outside and looked at
flowers - I mean mom did and we followed, and Chris was amazed that I
still wasn't into petting and playing mode. I just really loved this
weaving around many corners in crowded places - just like an arrow -
breeze and I'm gone.
I think it's time now to tell Chris that I need my evening walk - I've
slept enough. Cheers, Hapoo.

The big bother

Hi all:
Today was a fun day. In the morning after Chris' long morning routine,
she finally decided to go out with me. So she gave me my morning meds
and then stood for me to give her her warm hat. She says it's still too
cold for her head without a hat. Then she asked for the signal jacket,
and I gave it to her. Then she asked for the collar, and I brought her
the leash. She made me sit and asked for the leash, I brought the
collar.
She said leash, I brought collar.
No, leash - collar.
No, leash - collar.
She finally helped by holding the collar to where it lay, so I couldn't
pick it up. And then I brought the leash and got a major treat party.
Then she asked for the collar. That was the only item left, so I did it
right and got another praise party.
Then she had both in her hands, leash left, collar right. She said
collar, I targetted the leash - no way, clicker remained quiet. But she
says she was impressed because she could sense that I was thinking
before I decided which hand to go for.
We did this a couple of times, leash left, collar right, until I had
both right for once. And then we were both really happy.

Tonight after our evening walk she sat down at the computer. Well I knew
I still had to get my meds, so I sat beside her and bothered her with my
nice long wet nose. She gave me a pet and continued playing on her PC. I
repeated that procedure twice, until she got annoyed and granted me my
wish. She went and got me my meds.
Am I cool or what? I save my old Chris from forgetting things!
Cheers, the big bother Hapoo.

Long weekend tails

Hi everybody:
On Thursday night Chris didn't feed me on time. Instead, she took my
harness and leash for going out, and we went around the church with mom.
Then into the car and off to the train station, where I worked a lot.
For some reason we went on a platform where a train was supposed to
arrive. They announced something and we went back down. We have never
done something like that before.

After that we spent some time looking around in the bookshop, where mom
bought a book. And then the ladies got themselves some coffee, and we
went on the platform again. Allright, but still there was no train. Then
the speaker thing above our heads said something, and mom and Chris
tensed up, talked a lot and walked down the stars with many sighs. I
didn't have the time to sigh, I did all my staircase work. I wasn't
supposed to run over a step up, even though mom was sometimes walking
ahead. Those girls do trick me sometimes. But after I had made that
mistake once, I was okay. We stood in a line for a while, where we met
more excited and tense people. Then we went away, for they didn't get
ahead with anything. I thought it was one of those lines for the money
handover in the shops, but there was no money involved.

Then we saw another trange thing. Chris took out a coin and walked up to
something that resembles the old phone she used to have, with buttons to
push and something that is connected to the button part with a chord,
and that she holds up to her ear and mouth. She taked for a little while
and then mom and she and I continued our aimless walk through the train
station.

As we were walking through the tunnel, I spotted a bench and showed it
to Chris, because I was just near it and thought that was fun. Chris
said she did't want a bench, but mom said we had to sit down, because I
showed it. I loved that, because that meant many pets for me. And then
Chris even made me bark, and my bark echoed through the tunnel. But I
have fun barking and don't worry much about my own voice talking back to
me.

We re-parked te car, and then finally went on a different platform. Wow,
there finally was a train, and finally we met the friend that we had
visited the week before. That was really cool. Chris says we had to wait
for one and a half hours.

From then on the fun started, because the friend joined us on all the
Hapoo walks, although Chris says the weather was dradful. It snowed such
a lot this past weekend, and we had winds, but I didn't mind. She let me
run off leash for short periods, so I could have fun playing in the
snow. Yesterday I saw a car dropping off somebody, and guess what, there
was another dog. I said a fewloud woofs, and then Chris shut me up. She
made me sit and touch her hand, calmed down herself and then told me to
walk left, which was the oposite direction of the other dog. I did what
she asked, and from then on I was a god girl.

Friend is gone now, but Chris and she had fun. And mom is back from
somewhere, to, and I think I should tell Chris that I haven't yet had
dinner. I think I'll be having rice with a few tiny bites of ground
beaaf. Cheers, Hapoo.

An update from before

Monday, Feb 27, 2006
Hi all:
I think I deserve to brag a little. Two days ago when we were still at
home, mom came back, and I behaved really good. I didn't make too much
noise when mom came, but I sure wanted all the cuddles that she hadn't
given me in the past week and 2-3 days. We sat down together, mom
unpacked her things, and Chris prepared supper for the two of them. Mom
says the food was good, and even Chris liked it. She says Shadow had
told her what to do. And then they sat and watched TV before Chris just
went to bed. I tried to tell her that she hadn't fed me, but she didn't
listen. So I went to bed hungry and just got a few pieces of sliced
carrot every now and then.

Yesterday in the morning we went out, and then mom came to have
breakfast with Chris. And then Chris played computer.
But after that she started running around like she only does when she
packs her bags to go on a trip. I followed her from a distance, so she
wouldn't get mad at me, and she really didn't. See, I'm learning things
even in my old days. But I was really glad to see that a lot of Hapoo
food, and even a few treats, made it into Chris' huge bag, along with
her computer. I think this girl doesn't go anywhere without her
computer! Good for me, so I can write a few lines, too.
Sure enough, after lunch I got to run and roll in the snow a little, and
then we went to the train station with mom and the car. Mom put us on
the train, and we stayed there forever. But I had a lot of space for
myself, so it wasn't all that bad - plus Chris gave me a little chew
treat.

When we got off the train, I slipped between train and platform. A man
lifted me up, so I could go ahead and walk, and Chris could continue to
climb down the train steps. We walked through a crowd of people. Chris
didn't have time to let me guide proper, because we had to hurry to get
our next train, but she held on to the harness handle, so I could at
least indicate some guide work, and that is fun, too. We then arrived at
the next train, bt despite the mis-step at the previous one I just
jumped in and that was it.

That train was not at all as nice and spaceous, but we didn't stay on
for long anyway.

And when we got off, a nice lady greeted us and took us to the big car,
where I have enough space to sit between the seat rows. I really like
that. And when we got off the car, they immediately took me out for a
run. We walked a little, and then Chris let me off leash to run and roll
in the snow and jump and bark, and do my business, of course. I think I
was a good girl. We went into the room where Chris put down the bags and
gave me water, and then we went downstairs, where only Chris got
something to eat. She did a few more things downstairs that I don't
remember, and then we went back upstairs. I know where the elevator is,
but we also have stairs. I do like the elevator, though, and sometimes
Chris takes me there. And whenever I find that elevator door, I get a
click and a treat. And only just before she went to bed, Chris gave me
my food. And when I was all stretched out on the floor by the door, she
gave me many cuddles, which was surely very very nice.

This morning we went for the Hapoo walk with another lady, and I got to
run and play off leash again. Then Chris sat at breakfast forever, but
slowly people started to arrive. I like new people, but I think I have
seen them before.
And then came the other dog, a female. Sorry, you don't sniff me from
above when I am nicely lying under my chair, because I am the boss, hear
me? Well I voiced my claim, and our handlers made us both back up. But I
sure intimidated that old girl. Chris says it's a nice GSD lady and I
should behave around her, but I don't want!

And I think from now on we are into a routine of sitting and speaking
English, collecting papers to distribute, having food, going for Hapoo
and people walks, sitting down for English and papers again, taking
another break and having more food and walks. And Chris does most of the
talking.
I like our room, I can have all the space on the floor that I want, and
nobody runs back and forth, and I have Chris all to myself, except when
she talks on the phone that is.
Allright, I'll tell you when there's more to tell, Chris wants the PC.
Cheers, Hapoo.