church | Casper the Friendly Dane

Hi Friends,

I have to start by telling everyone how pawsome it was this past Sunday! First we went to the place where humans go to talk to The Great Spirit. I like it there because I have made so many friends that are really nice. I was so happy that I sat up in the pew for a bit before service. Dad didn’t let me stay long. It’s okay, I know I have to work on my manners and be ready for Dad if he needs me. It was also wonderful to see Rev. Steve. He really understands the connection we all have. Another great thing was Mom and her pack sang to us and the angels again. I love when she does that; I can feel the joy.

The joy continued, from the service we delivered a foam mattress topper to a friend. I tried to talk Mom & Dad into keeping it. I liked laying on it; talk about comfort! I gave in though because it’s a nice thing to do. I like the spirit of giving, ya know? It’s all in the name of service and that’s what I do, after all.

You might think that would be enough, but it gets better. Dad drove us up to SDP where I got to see all my family and friends, both human and K9. I was so happy to be able to run off lead and play that I could hardly contain myself. You may not understand the sniffs we dogs get from the pond or the grass but let me tell you, combine that with family and it is as close to heaven as we get here. Don’t think that it’s only for us dogs, it’s not. You should all get a dog from SDP and take us for walks where you have to leave your truck behind, we’d be happy to share. The day still got better if you can believe that! I know! Does everyone know about those places where you can trade green paper for stuff? One of those places, Mom called HomeGoods, decided to become friends with the farm and decided they wanted to give me gifts. I mean hey, it seems natural to me, everyone loves me right? Dad explained that this wasn’t just for me but for many other dogs and their people. It was a delight to receive such a gift and in all seriousness such a touching gesture. Dad always genuinely feels the great spirit when receiving gifts of any type, material or time, such a blessing and a Pawsome day!

The next day we went back to Dad’s office. I brought my new bed that was part of our gift from SDP and HomeGoods. It really does make a difference when I have to down-stay for so long. On one of our walks, the box that carries us up and down broke. I took the chance to show Dad that I’ve been learning stairs. I made sure we walked easy and made it safely to the next floor, he was impressed but it’s how we service dogs do it. I thought we were just going to ‘go out’ but I was surprised to see a friend that I met last week. He’s a black lab who helps his person hear. He’s a pretty cool guy from California. You know I can’t share his name, it’s a secret service dog code. I was so happy to see him I pulled Dad a little but not too much, our people kept telling us how good we were because neither of us barked this time. We greeted and played for a minute. We both had to get our people back to work so we made a plan to meet later in the week. I’m so excited that I have a new friend. Of course I will tell you all about it. I really hope our people get along too, it would be a fun way to break up our days.

written by DFS
edited by LJS

Moving the Furr-nature

Hi Friends –

It’s been an interesting few days since my last post. I’ve been going to Dad’s work as usual and I’m used to the day to day path there. For me it’s more naps than anything but I do get out several times a day. We make a point to walk around the indoors too. I think it’s good for both of us because when Dad sits too long he moves differently than when we walk and it makes me worried. (My new move for helping with that is to cross my shoulder in front of his hip and slow down, or stop. I think he’s catching on.) I like it because we get to see so many people and I get so many “handsome boy” comments and pets when we can allow it. There aren’t many times when someone touches me without asking, when they do, Dad barks pretty loud. I’m not sure who taught him that but it makes a Dane proud.

Yesterday, after the office we helped move a lot of boxes. After that I took a special trip with Mom and the girls; it helped make room in the truck for the second load so I didn’t mind really. We went to the building where the humans talk to the Great Spirit because Mom had to practice singing to the angels. I was so happy to see everyone there that after awhile I got lost in the spirit. I couldn’t help but run all around and try and play with everyone. Most people were ok with it, but after I leaped over the 4 stairs from the stage area and then ran up and down the aisle all super-dog fast, Mom got upset and made me down-stay. She was already a little mad because they all were lying on the floor practicing breathing (I don’t get it, breathing is easy) and I got worried and pawed her face. I guess it was a little hard because it left a mark. I left early though ’cause Dad was done with his chores and came to pick me up, along with the little human puppy.

Dad took the day off work, and I know he’s not feeling well, so I let him sleep in. He still got up early but not like an office day. I “did my business” then had breakfast while Dad fed the monsters. I really hope we can play soon. I just get so excited to see them because they are small, fast and furry. That gives me an idea for a new animal show, “The Fast & the Furriest”. Maybe not.

Anyway, we went to move more weird shaped things that humans seem to need, they called it “furr-nature” I don’t know, there wasn’t a new couch for me, I’m not interested. Anyway, Dad’s pack of friends are really nice helping us all to live in the same kennel. I like knowing that my new pack gets to stay in one place instead of two now.

I need to keep an eye on Dad and make sure he gets some rest so I’m going to save more stories of my adventures for another time.