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'Emmit' gets aroundEarly in the month we were invited to the Rotary Club of Invercargill South to talk about Mobility Dogs and introduce ‘Emmit’. ‘Emmit’ did us proud by lying quietly while we made our presentation. After speaking to the club, he demonstrated some of his commands. Again, we were very proud of this clever boy, only eight months old, trying so hard to show his best. At the end of our presentation, there were many questions, and we received several expressions of appreciation from the members.
A Visit from Helen and ‘Chance’
Sunny Sky, the organiser of the event and owner of Exposure Talent Agency, donated a portion of the proceeds to Mobility Dogs. Thank you, Sunny!
Sandwiched between our fund-raising events, we had ample time to take several walks in the area, relishing the sunny, warm spring days and the brilliant scenery.
Leisure Time
The trails were groomed and wide, the slopes were gentle, and the skies were sunny; three happier dogs could not have existed that afternoon.
Progress on Commands and Behaviour At almost nine months old ‘Emmit’ knows all of the 46 commands to be introduced by the raiser. This month we have been working on visit, snuggle, turn, closer, get your leash, take it to Judy (Grant), and food avoidance (part of the automatic leave command). Although there are no new commands to be taught by us as raisers, ‘Emmit’ needs constant revision on all commands. He is still quite immature (goofy and unpredictable). ‘Emmit’s’ behaviour on walks needs continued work. When walking on lead, he wanders and pulls for the first two or three blocks and then settles down. We are using praise and the occasional reward for correct positioning. When he tries to pick up sticks or the ubiquitous rabbit and goat poo, we use a sharp no, leave it. Sometimes it is necessary to combine this with a pulsing action on the leash at the instant he dives for a forbidden item. As ‘Emmit’ transitions through adolescence, we have noticed a heightened, instinctive interest in birds, cats, and other small animals. We are working on preventing him from lunging after these very tempting distractions. Lately, the retrieving set of commands appears to be ‘Emmit’s” favourite activity. He has started to voluntarily come to us with the occasional dropped sock or glove. He has also taken an interest in flower arranging and pruning as he surreptitiously and so carefully plucks a flower from the bouquet on the coffee table or is caught with a rhododendron bud clutched in his mouth. This brings to a close our news from Emmitsville where the snow lingers on the mountain tops, the sun shines, the cherry and peach trees are in glorious bloom, and one adolescent, endearing Golden Retriever is learning a lesson or two about proper behaviour in a newly-planted, spring garden.
Posted: Sun 28 Sep 2008 |
© Copyright 2008 | Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust | Registered Charitable Trust CC24410 | New Zealand
During our visit to Invercargill, we were also invited to the Southland Museum and Art Gallery to meet Lindsay Hazley, tuatara curator, and some of the tuataras in residence. ‘Emmit’ especially took a liking to 22-year-old Charlie and like a good Kiwi, gave Charlie a Maori nose-greeting. Charlie didn’t flinch at this goodwill gesture, and ‘Emmit’ showed mild interest. It isn’t every day that a mobility dog has the opportunity to meet a tuatara! 
A week later we were invited to speak at the Rotary Club of Queenstown. We were enthusiastically received, ‘Emmit’ was the star, and the members showed a keen interest. Once again we felt honoured to be able to represent the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust.
In late September, Helen, Sponsorship Manager, and Ambassadog, ‘Chance’, flew down from Auckland to help us with fund-raising. On Friday and Saturday at the entrance to New World, we conducted an appeal with ‘Chance’ and ‘Emmit’ sharing the spotlight looking very professional and handsome. The Trewavas family, puppy-sitters for ‘Emmit’, helped us by taking a shift to talk to people about Mobility Dogs. It was a successful appeal not only monetarily but in the fact that we had numerous opportunities to tell people about Mobility Dogs. We sincerely thank the people of the Southern Lakes District for their generosity and interest in Mobility Dogs. 
On Sunday we took part in the annual Life Synergy Expo at the Queenstown Memorial Hall. Again, we enjoyed educating people about Mobility Dogs and introducing them to ‘Chance’ and ‘Emmit’. Both dogs drew a gathering of people when they demonstrated a few of their tasks. 
We decided it was time to introduce ‘Emmit’ to cross-country skiing before the snow disappeared so a few weeks ago we travelled with “Emmit’ and our old pet dog,’Hannah’, over the Crown Range to Wanaka and the Snow Farm Cross-Country Ski Resort. ‘Emmit’s’ buddy, Yosca, a working guide dog, and his partner, Jenni, came along. 
‘Emmit’s’ other leisure time activities include his regular waterfront walks (and splashes) at Lake Hayes, Lake Wakatipu, and along the Arrow River. 