Hi, Friends!
You all remember what happened earlier this week when I told you that I thought Halloween came early this year, right? If not, check out THIS POST, I’ll wait…
So we know we’re still in September and Halloween is over a month away, but things around here are getting really strange. It all started when one of the monsters came up this morning and sat right on the couch next to Mom and Dad. I was put into a down-stay and they said I did well. I was a little sad because I really wanted to play. It’s alright though because the kitty didn’t seem interested in play; she hissed a lot with her ears back. I mostly starred. Mom says we are getting closer to being friends. I don’t know, but maybe soon we can play together.
I really thought that things couldn’t get any weirder, but you really never know with my family. We loaded up into the truck and we went for a ride. This is pretty normal so I wasn’t worried but I did ask where we were going. Dad said we were going to a fair. I said great, that sounds fun, fried dough and carnival rides, maybe a tractor pull? That sounds fun, right? Nope, not in this house. I ended up at this place where all kinds of people had costumes on; they were dressed weird and talked funny. I asked dad, what kind of fair this was supposed to be! He smiled and said it was a Renaissance Faire. It’ll be fun, he said. You’ll like it, he said. Alright I’ll try to get past everyone talking funny and I’ll do my best with the funny clothes, after all I’m a working dog with a job to do.
I settled Dad into the ticket line and greeted several people. We thought we’d be in for a long wait, but this day was one full of surprises. A really nice lady who worked for the Faire came over with two tickets and gifted them to us with a smile. She said “I know you’ll be the center of attention and you may never get out of here with a such a handsome horse like that at your side. Enjoy your day!” We are amazed every day at the kindness of all of those we meet.
We did meet all manor of folk dressed in all kinds of different outfits. There were people that had what I thought were squirrels hanging from their dresses. Maybe they were keeping them for when they get hungry? There were ladies in long flowing dresses, men in helms and armor, and even some dressed as, what Mom told me later, were gypsy outfits. I know one thing for sure. I do not like those jingly-jangly noises they made as they walked by; they make me nervous and my legs shook. I needed a break after meeting those ladies for sure! After our break we continued around the village meeting everyone we could.
There were a few that were special, and in no particular order. We met a family that had a son with autism. I didn’t see anything all that different about him. We connected while Mom and Dad talked about how a service dog may help their family too. We told them all about SDP and that maybe one of my family could help, or maybe another wonderful organization, you never know. Another was a wonderful family who’s daughter was in a wheelchair. As we talked with them about Danes as service dogs, we learned she has a service dog who was at home. This seemed strange, so I asked why her dog wasn’t here to meet me. She said her dog didn’t have the same work ethic as me and wasn’t much help to her. Of course we shared details on SDP and and our last business card in case they wanted to check into having a Dane in their family. I hope they do because they seems like a really great family too! We also hope they will follow this blog. The third meeting that was memorable, was more fun for me than my people but this is my story, so there! I met another service dog. She sure was a pretty girl. She was tall like me, but she was a sheepdog, so she was all shaggy and soft. A sheepdog in a shirt. That’s right, she had her own costume, that was fun. We greeted really calmly and our people were very impressed.
As we continued our journey we crossed paths with a small parade of people that really scared me. The parade was really loud and had these instruments Mom called bagpipes. I can tell you this, I DO NOT like those! I got so scared that I backed up as far as I could and we ALL practiced our down-stay until it was done. While we were there, though, we met a vendor who used to breed Danes for service as well. I don’t remember what her organization was called but what matters is that she was also very kind and understanding while I was taking a break. After the parade I helped Dad up and we continued about our way.
I’d have to say that it was a fun day. We all look forward to bringing the human puppies. Mom says that there is a Trick or Treat weekend. That sounds interesting; I’m excited to see what that is! I hope I get a treat!
written by DFS
Tagged: balance and stability, big dog, cerebral palsy, ct ren faire, dane, disability, disability awareness, dog, great dane, human puppies, leash, mobility dogs, puppy, rennaisance faire, service dane, service dog, service dog training, service dog vest, silly puppy
Casper the Friendly Dane 
Glad you had fun at the fair Casper. You & your family are real ambassadors for SDP & service dogs. Keep up the good work & enjoy your adventures.
Wow Casper you had a busy day, and meeting another Service dog and a sheepdog at that. I bet the sheepdog was impressed with how wonderful you were. You may not like Trick of Treat but the human puppies will. Don’t worry, the human puppies and dad and mom will protect you. Sometimes those big “punkins” can be scary. We love you Casper. You are a very good boy.
Casper, what a great day for you. This was great preparation for the holiday that celebrates the “great pumpkin”. What until you see all of the human puppies in their costumes!!!
Casper glad you had a good day. The bagpipes could have been less scary if you had heard them before. What a nice woman to get you in for no cost. Some people are really nice like that. Meeting people with disabilities and spreading the word is fantastic. Between your Dad and Mom and definitely you Casper, do a great job. We love your blog and stories. Every day you make someone smile. Keep doing what you are all doing. We love you Casper and wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Hugs and Kisses
What an exciting outing for you, Casper! You had such fun and excitement. Sounds like you did pretty well all things considered and that you made some very interesting new friends. I hope you have as much fun on Halloween! You are one sweet secret service Dane! P.S. your mom and dad handled the situation very well by helping you adjust to the funny looking and strange costumes and noises!😄😘
Oh, Casper, you are such a great Ambassador. Sounds like you are learning every day, and so quickly for one so young. But then I have always known your are exceptional. Sounds like a truly fun day at the Faire. It will be interesting to get your report on the trick or treat part next time. Hope you get some treats, even if they are from mom & dad. Just keep telling yourself that even when you are startled by something new, your first thought should be that you gotta take care of dad, and he will always have your back. Big hugs to you and your human family.
You sure had a fun filled day. My little Chloie doesn’t like loud noises, either. And, my Scoutie never liked thunder; thunder really scared him. He would hyperventilate and hide, poor little guy. You were a very good boy to sit and stay during the bagpipes. (I love bagpipe music, especially, Amazing Grace, but my ears aren’t as sensitive as yours.) I hope you’ll be okay during Halloween; I’m sure you will be, and I’m sure you’ll be getting lots of treats, so you better learn a few tricks. It’s always nice to have a few tricks up your sleeve; you’ll never know when you’ll need them. Keep up the great work, Casper; you’re one in a million. Love you, big guy. ❤