Hi friends –
Mom asked me to write about something fun today. Things have been kind of serious around here lately, other than my human’s making fun of the color of my “output”, but I’m glad we can all laugh as we learn.
The times that I really get to kick up some dust are the days we spend visiting our SDP friends, and to me that is REALLY fun! It’s always nice to see Momma (Chaos) and Grandma (Luna), even though neither seemed overly interested in extended greetings. That’s alright, we all have our dog-days; I understand. They could tell I was just excited to run around the farm again. It seems like it has been awhile since we were there for Sunday stew and I was so happy. Any day on the farm is great now because I know it’s just a fun day and I get to go home with my people and not camp out in the nut-house. Not that the kennels aren’t nice on the farm, but I really like working with Dad.
One thing I couldn’t figure out, and didn’t bother to ask is why Mom and Dad brought apples with them. I thought it was funny because who wants fruit at a pot-luck. (Other than our human puppy, Alyssa, I mean?) Oh great Apples! – said no pot luck attendee ever! As it turned out, they brought other items for the humans. The apples were for Lincoln and Crosby (the horses) and Clementine (the miniature donkey). I was there while they ate their treats, and boy it makes me wonder why I have to try and be so neat when I have dinner or drink a bowl of water. Apple juice and pulp ran all down their mouths. I am a dog and even I thought it was gross. I’m just pointing out the double standard here folks. Clementine, though, was a neat little lady about it.
What makes Sunday stew so special is that we all get to see our friends from all over the area. This time I got to see quite a few of my puppy friends and their human’s, it was great! I was really excited to see Tye this time! It’s been so long that I even jumped into his family’s truck when Dad had his back turned. I kind of got us in trouble for that, but it’s okay, I just need to be close to Dad more often. That probably means more time on a lead until I learn my manners a little better. Oh well.
Speaking of pack rules, humans know about hierarchy, right? Well, it means that we agree to pack leaders and subordinates in all the packs we’re part of. This day Bentley decided that I needed to be reminded that he out ranks me. I really didn’t think I needed the refresher, he just has to look my way and I start to crouch down in submission, but what’s a dog to do? He was in the mood to give several examples. One time we were all playing king of the hill on a pile of stone dust. The game was fun for a minute, until Sergeant Bentley came over, ignored all the rules, ran to the top and declared “I’m the king!” The fun was sucked right out of that game! The next time I was running along the fence line in front of the pond showing everyone how fast I could do wind sprints. I really was just trying to impress Megan (my favorite trainer). She says I’m “her lobster.” I’ll have to ask Dad what that means; it can’t be bad, because she smiles and I like the tone when she says it. Then Mia joined me and we started to wrestle and play bitey-face. That was when Sergeant Bentley showed up to end that game too! New orders must have come down from the Major that said no fun is allowed at Sunday Stew or something. I really have never challenged his position, and have no intention of trying. I totally submitted this time. I presented my belly and everything! No tail tuck was going to work here! I really think I ended up winning this one because Mom, Dad and Megan yelled at him. I wanted to wag my tail but I didn’t dare. Actually, as Megan was yelling at Bentley to “down” I started to down, too. Mom had to reassure me that I was not the one in trouble, but when Megan commands I do it!
Soon after my encounter with Sergeant Bentley at the fence line the gates opened up to my favorite place on the farm, other than the food barrel, I mean. That’s right…The POND! You all know that I’m one Dane that loves the water. I made my way in pretty quickly. What made this even more fun is that Mariah joined me for some laps around the pond. Boy is she fast; she really embodies her name and runs like the wind! I kept running into the pond to cool off and to take shortcuts so I wouldn’t get lapped. I think she caught on though because she kept offering a play bow at the shore and barking at me to get out of the green algae covered water. She was grossed out, especially when I drank it. It was bark-tastic! She is such a GIRL. She kept yelling “Eww, gross. Get out of there and play like a civilized dog!” Jokes on her; when I am at a pond I am NOT civilized.
To finish the day Dad and Mom decided to take a trip over to Salem again. They had some shopping to do and decided to get dinner. Oh, you know what else? We had a successful meeting there with a pup I’m pretty sure is a cousin. Right inside of a store there was a brindle greyhound. We saw eye to eye, quite literally, and made friends quickly. The humans greeted as well and we parted company with no barking or pulling from either side. Mom and Dad were proud, and I was worn out. I slept all the way home.
written by DFS
Tagged: balance and stability, big dog, cerebral palsy, dane, disability, disability awareness, dog, great dane, human puppies, leash, mobility, mobility dogs, playtime, puppy, sdp, service animals, service dane, service dog, service dog project, silly puppy, weekend
Casper the Friendly Dane 
Hello! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through
your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on
the great work!
Dan/Casper – I work with you guys. Saw the both of you in the lobby a few weeks back and I had to take a photo of you – since my wife and I have a Dane of our own. It probably seemed a little creepy at the time but I didn’t want to bother you guys. Danes are simply the best breed ever. I wish you guys both the best of luck!!! And oh yeah, if someone sneaks up on you at work and takes some pics…that would be me. You guys make a great team!!
Haha! I don’t think Dan noticed. He is always happy to chat or take a pic if he is not busy and you talk to him and not the dog. Don’t want to distract him from his job. 🙂
Great blog. Saw you at the Stew on Sunday & you were having a blast zooming around. Also saw you & Mariah at/in the pond. So happy your family comes to the Stew, just love seeing everyone having fun.
Casper, all your adventures make me so happy. I know that your family are all proud of how you take care of your dad. Wish I could have been at the farm to see you play in the water. Thanks for making me smile.
You are such a funny pup, Casper !A chance to run and just be a pup is always a great way to get rid of all that energy you have. You have learned so much in such a short time. Keep writing. You makes us laugh.
Casper, it just makes my day coming here and reading about all your fun adventures. You always manage to bring a smile to my face and make me giggle because of your great sense of humor. Keep on doing what you do, putting smiles on everyone’s face and being such an inspiration for other Great Danes! Love and puppy kisses..
What a great day you had at the farm! Especially swimming in the pond; I would have stayed away from the algae, too…I guess I’m “such a girl!!” lol…. And, as far as Bentley is concerned, I do believe that he is “king” of the castle. I’m sure I would be on the ground, rolled up in a ball, if he came charging towards me….he is the master of SDP! But, then again, that is his domain. He can only show his weaknesses when he’s with Carlene because she is the “QUEEN” of SDP (I’m afraid that out ranks you, Bentley.) There’s always a good time when you’re at the farm. Keep up the good work, Casper…you are an inspiration. Love you…. ❤
Casper, you have the greatest blog – and when you find out what “lobster” means, please let us know. I have never heard that term of endearment! Smooch!
In an episode of “Friends” they were talking about how lobsters hold claws. Then at some point 2 characters, I think it was Ross and Rachel, kiss and Phoebe says, “Awwww, he’s her lobster!”
Casper I enjoyed your blog today. You are quite a pup. I am sure you have a good time at the farm and play and run with all your friends and relatives. Mom’s sometimes are not likely to give you the time of day either does your grandmom but they love you just the same they just don’t show it. And you are related to a greyhound? Those brindles are my favorites but I love my danes. I bet your were pooped after all that excitement. Hope to hear from you soon.
The Great Dane originated from a cross between the greyhound and the mastiff. That is why danes have such long legs and narrow waist, but thick legs, necks and heads.
Aha! I thought that was you racing around and playing in the pond. What did mom & dad think about all the algae you no doubt collected…..yech. Guess that’s why you got a bath.
Just remember that every day is a learning day, and you are doing a really good job although still young to do what you do. You are the BEST!
love you…
love your blogs
Casper, you must have learned some of your writing skills from Ms. Carlene because when you were talking about Bentley and playing King of the Hill and that “The fun was sucked right out of that game!” I almost spit my salad all over my desk. You are quite a comedic pup. You are one special Dane.