Hi Friends!
Tonight we went on a special walk. It was just me and Mom and Dad. The human puppies are with their other Dad (kind of like how Jasper is my Dad, but I like to think of Dan as my Dad better.) First we went out to ‘do my business.’ Then we went the other way, not toward home. That was exciting. So exciting I started to walk really fast. Dad kept telling me to go easy and I really was trying. Really. But, I mean, we were going a NEW WAY!
We saw a couple dogs along the way. I didn’t really do too bad, but I did make Dad fall a little a couple times. It was just so exciting. Then we kept walking. And I still walked fast. Did I mention it was EXCITING? We even crossed a street and went past some big houses I have only seen from inside the car. And then we were there!
There was this vegetable stand that also sells ice cream called Jem’s Garden. I have been there with Dad and the puppies to get corn but I had to wait in the car with the puppies. This time I got to be out there with all the people. Mom and Dad say their ice cream is really good. I guess I have to take their word for it since they wouldn’t get me any.
There were some kids there so I got excited again, but Dad let them come up and pet me so it was OK. There was a really nice lady there who asked a lot of questions. Mom told her about this blog. She said she wanted to get her human puppy a service dog. She said she has special needs and had some developmental disabilities. I will take her word for that too; that puppy seemed really perfect to me. She said she wanted to put me in her bag and carry me around. I liked that. Dad says I am the perfect ambassador for getting people to open up and talk more about disabilities. Mom said she is going to call me the “Ambassador of Awesome.”
Then we saw other people we met before and I got a ton of pets while Dad and Mom ate their ice cream. One guy even knew the secret of scratching my butt. (The secret is that my legs go weak and I have to sit down!) How did he know that? I think he was a wizard.
The walk home was like the walk there. I was just too excited about spreading the word about this blog and how great SDP is. It is hard for a puppy to not want to gallop around when that stuff happens. Speaking of being too excited…
I should share with you when I get scolded too. It’s OK because we all make mistakes and learn from them. It really isn’t that bad but I picked up on the vibe, so we talked it out. The other morning we got up for work and everything was as usual until I saw Dad’s monster dart from under the table to behind the food gate. I have to figure out how this room works. The monsters disappear into a room that I can’t get to. I ran around looking and even went upstairs where Mom was sleeping to find the monster. She wasn’t there so I decided to say hi to Mom and the small puppy that had just crept in for morning cuddles. I decided it was a really good time for group hugs. Mom disagreed and yelled at me. Then Dad came upstairs to get me. We had to leave, but I decided playing keep away was more fun. It turned out Dad went from calm to annoyed when I went back into the bedroom, ran around the bed, and then onto it! (I think I kind of smooshed the little puppy, but I heard her say she was ok when Mom asked so I guess it’s fine.) Dad grabbed me and pulled my harness and put me on the floor for a two-count. He meant business! I decided it was better to comply, especially when he had to use the correction collar to get my service vest on. As he snapped the buckles he said it was okay but I chose a bad time to play. After that we walked and “loaded up” in the truck for work. He gave me hugs and said I was good. Sometimes I just do silly puppy stuff so we have stories for our fans. You’re welcome!
Dad also laughs at me and says I’m just like our oldest human puppy when I get up from work naps. I wake up slow and get grouchy when he gives me an up command. I just paw at him, and ask for just five more minutes. He says I can sleep in between work. I eventually get up, but it’s a fun game. Mom tells him that the big puppy is just terrible to get ready to go in the mornings. I totally understand.
I want to tell everyone that I really enjoy reading the comments you share on the blog. I don’t usually get the chance to reply, but I do read and enjoy them. Thank you so much for your loving feedback. Knowing that you enjoy the blog keeps us posting.
It’s been a long day. I think I need to get some cuddles and go to sleep!
written by DFS and LJS
Tagged: balance and stability, big dog, cerebral palsy, dane, disability, disability awareness, dog, dog walks, family, great dane, human puppies, leash, mobility, mobility dogs, puppy, sdp, service animals, service dane, service dog, service dog project, unique service animals
Casper the Friendly Dane 
Both of you guys are fantastic. I know how much difficulty you must have training Casper. With a ‘Real Disability’ and a Service Dog that’s only half way there. Love your love and patience with him. KNOW that he will be the ‘Service Dog’ and family friend that you need and want. All of you are Champions in my eyes:-)
He is much farther along than half way. We are very lucky that he is such a smart puppy. Other than when he sees other dogs he is really great. it helps that Dan is a very patient person (most of the time) and also has a way with dogs. He has always connected with them on a special level. I am so grateful for my boys.
Love Ambassador of Awesome. Fits you very well Casper. Love your adventures with Mom, Dad, & the little puppies. I have to laugh at your antics & also remember you are still a puppy yourself. Enjoying watching you grow into the great SD you are meant to be.
I love reading your blog Casper.It only seems yesterday you were a little pup escaping over the fence!
you are the Ambassador of Awesome. You are still a pup and will learn more each day. I am sure mom and dad know that and give you a little extra time for puppyness but you are Dad’s service dog and you have to do what he tells you. You know that and as you grow older you will be a fantastic one. You are pretty good already. Glad you have lots of fun and stories to share with us. So have a good day and be a good boy. Happy Casper Day.
Hi Casper, “Your Awesomeness!!” You are a sweet boy and everyone you see wants to pet you and ask all kinds of questions. I understand how excited you were to be walking in the other direction for the first time! So many new things to see and sniff!! So, when you do go too fast, your Dad must tell you to slow down. Remember too, that you have four legs and your Dad has two, so your four legs can go much faster than your Dad can. You will “get it” soon and you and your Dad will become “1” That will be a wonderful day; in the meantime, try to slow down a bit…..your Dad depends on you. I know you’re still learning and I must say I’m so very proud of you and I know you and your family are meant to be together. And, I know how much your Mom and the human puppies love playing with you, but you shouldn’t jump on the bed when they are sleeping. I know you love cuddling and they do too, but you have to make sure that they are awake first and ask you to come and cuddle.
Anyway, my sweet boy, you are an “awesome” member of the family and an awesome service dog and your Dad knows you are still learning…(that’s probably why he has a few chuckles now and then,) because you can be very funny and you give us all a chuckle too. Have a wonderful weekend, Casper and your family, too! Love you, my boy! ❤
He was really good about sleeping in this morning. But once we were up it was CUDDLE TIME!!!!
Love all of your blogs Casper, your Mom and Dad are doing a wonderful job of spreading the word of your great ambassador work for SDP. I know you are a puppy still but please help your Dad by listening and following instructions! I know you will. Wish I could give
your kisses and hugs. Love you Handsome!! Diane
Oh Casper, you are still such a puppy. But I am so proud of what you have learned and are doing already. You are fortunate to have a good dad (and mom) to teach you and help you learn. You are still my favorite Little Ghost.
Casper, you are the best example of love on four feet. Sweet!