So, many of our readers are what you call, “CPs.” For those of you who are new around here, let me explain. This is not for “cerebral palsy” in this case; it is for “camera peeps.” These are the loyal supporters of SDP who watch the dogs day in and day out on the Explore.org cameras. Casper was in the very first litter to be born live on camera so he has a LOT of wonderful fans. (He was actually not born on camera since he was the last of the litter and unexpectedly born in a van on the way to the vet!)*
This weekend is a big retreat at SDP for all the amazing CPs from all over the country. It has been in the planning for months and months and now it is here!!!!
I have to admit, Dan and I are not wild about being there in the midst of all this chaos. (I mean, we love Momma Chaos, but other chaos not so much.) We are not crowd people. BUT we know that Casper is so loved and pretty much an SDP celeb so if we don’t show up you all might lynch us. Plus, we have had SO MUCH support from you all that we do want to meet you face to face. So, we are willing to brave the gauntlet so that we can reap the rewards.
We do have a few things we want to request of all of you before we get there, though. (We will be there Sunday, probably around 11 ish.) This will just make it easier for us all and much more enjoyable.
1. Because of all the extra people and because who knows what other danes will be there Casper will be on his lead. He is very big now, but still a pup, so he does not always practice the best manners with other dogs. He is TOO friendly and wants to play and hop in other people’s cars, too. For now we are keeping him on lead until he can get over his wild teen stage.
This means that he will be attached to Dan. Normally at SDP we let Casper off duty, and Dan WILL have his cane so that if I want to walk with Casper or someone else does, then we can do that. But, if he is on lead and you call out “CASPER!!!!” he might just pull Dan right down in the excitement.
So we are asking, pretty please, DO NOT CALL OUT TO CASPER WHEN YOU SEE HIM.
Of course, we want you to meet him!! So, please just come up and introduce yourself (we don’t know what any of you look like!!! and even if we have met once we might not remember a name) and then you can give Casper all the loves you want!
2. NO FOOD FOR CASPER. Most of you know we have him on a special diet. This means that most dog treats are even bad for him right now. And even if you think that a bit of hamburger patty is ok… it’s not. We don’t give him any people food. (Unless he steals it but we have that under wraps now.)
We are going to bring special treats he is allowed to have so that if anyone wants to give him one you can.
We don’t want to sound like those obnoxious new parents that make you wear a mask before holding baby, but these 2 things will make our lives much easier.
We really are excited about seeing you all and getting to know you!!!
One more thing: you know Casper is fighting off some systematic yeast. This makes him kind of stinky. Sorry. We will make sure he is all clean, but you might notice the smell. It is not horrible, but just a bit of stank. We are working in that.
*If you don’t know all our abbreviations, places or things we are always referring to please check out our Glossary page.
written by LJS
Tagged: big dog, cp retreat, CPs, dane, disability, disability awareness, dog, great dane, mobility, mobility dogs, puppy, retreat, sdp, sdp retreat, service animals, service dane, service dog, service dog training, weekend
Casper the Friendly Dane 
Hello Casper and family. I too wish I could be at the retreat to meet everyone. I just want to wish you a safe trip and hope you come away with many happy memories. I look forward to hearing about your experiences in your blog and will watch for you on the website.
Are you going to be there! Will I get to meet you?ššš
>
Yes we will. On Sunday
Wish I could be there to meet you, Casper, Dan and family. SDP is on my “bucket list.” Hopefully, next summer, we can make the trip down. Have a wonderful time; most everyone has read your blogs and I’m sure they are aware of the rules, but as you said, with all the excitement……. The Chuppies were the first pups I saw being born and I’ve been hooked ever since! I do recall a pup being born in the van! No wonder you love travelling in the car, Casper. I’ll be watching this weekend and I know I’ll see you on camera. Give us a big smile…..Love you, Casper. ā¤
Hi Lauri….I met you & Dan the 1st weekend in June when you were applying for a Dane. It is wonderful how things have worked out for you. Have a great time this Sunday…wish I could be there but I will be watching from CT.
Great reminder, Lauri. Unfortunately I will not be at the farm this week-end although would love more than anything to meet my Little Ghost, as I have always called Casper. Know things will be hectic but also know you are prepared to deal. Let’s hope everyone minds their manners around all the dogs and people. Hugs to Casper, the super secret service guy. Thank you so very much for this blog.
I wish I could go to SDP and meet you Casper. You and your family are awesome. Don’t you worry your big puppy heart about a little stinky ness. I have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and she has her own special aroma. People will get used to that in no time. Puppy smooches to you and your family.
I wish I were going to be there with everyone, but maybe next year, if there is another gathering…I hope! Thank you for welcoming all of us into your lives to share Casper’s experiences. Yes, the Chuppies are special to me, because they were the first litter born on camera, and I have been addicted to SDP since. In my opinion, I feel Casper’s placement with Dan is a win-win situation. Casper has provided such wonderful things for Dan and your family, and Casper has a wonderful family that loves him!!! This is a win-win for me š Not only would I love to meet Casper and all the other danes, but I hope I have the opportunity to meet you and Dan some day. I admire all of you!!!! Thank you for sharing your lives with us, and for loving our sweet boy, Casper! ā„
Thank you!
we have a lab that has systemic yeast at times too…. we went on the dinovite diet and it really helped…. i also make our treats and dehydrate them and the dogs love them…… i use rye and whole wheat flour that isnt as bad as the AP flour and no other heavy carbs….. let me know if you want some recipes if you want to try some home made treats or i could send you some….. my dogs are partial to the pumpkin/peanutbutter or banana/peanutbutter ones….
He is on Nutri-source grain free and we found grain free treats. The Nzyme healthy skin regimen seems to be doing wonders, too! We have only been on it for about 9 days and already see improvement.
Enjoy the retreat! This is a good blog post. It is always a good idea to remind people about expected behaviour around dogs. I am soooo sad I can’t be at SDP this weekend. Give Casper a hug for me! š
It is a shame that you would have to even write this. I hope everyone behaves and you have a great visit.
Oh, I don’t think that anyone is going to do anything ‘wrong.’ I just know there will be a lot going on and some excitement. It is easy to get excited and forget. Also, most of the dogs get people food and it is hard to resist those dane eyes so I thought I might need remind people to be strong. š
I didn’t realize Casper was the pup born in the van!! That makes him even MORE SPECIAL!! All sensible requests. Have fun!!!
https://www.zymox.com
Please try all these products are fantastic skin care & ear care. I use them.
We have a zymox spray but it did not help his chin. It is because the yeast is sytematic so he needed some internal help. We use nzyme.com supplements.
Awesome blog today. Wish I could be there to meet everyone, maybe next time. Will be watching though. Have a great time with everyone Casper, Dan and Famiy!!
I hope everyone enjoys themselves at the retreat. I feel it was a good idea to write this about CP’s meeting him and how it could interfere with his job and his health. Casper, while you may still be a wild teenager, you still have to listen to mom and dad. Enjoy all that go and we will see you on the camera.