School Days

Happy Wednesday  everyone! This past week has been very exciting, as you can tell by the shake shake of my tail. “Simply D” and I went to visit the 3rd graders at an Elementary school, which also happens to be the school “Simply D”’s son attends. 

“D” and I did a presentation to educate the children about guide dogs. It still amazes me that so many people, both young and old, don’t really understand what my job is... My job is solely to protect “Simply D” and by protect I don’t mean like a body guard, although I would gladly do so. My job is to help “Simply D” preform his daily tasks, safely and proficiently. 

We educated the children on why they should not speak directly to me, it’s of up most importance that when I have my harness on I am on my A game and I can’t be distracted. Talking to me and trying to pet me is a big distraction for me, one I cannot have. 

You all know by now how much I love my job, I love being active and having a job, so if I were to be forced into retirement I would be devastated. If I get distracted from my job or start not preforming correctly, then “Simply D” will be forced to retire me, *sad puppy dog eyes* and that is something neither of us want, ever! 

The children were so excited to learn about how they can help ensure my job is done properly by not petting me, and not talking directly to me, and even by educating people they know about service dogs. They are a smart group of little leaders; I know they will be fabulous at educating! 

Oh dear, I almost forgot to tell you, “Simply D’s” little man was so excited we were going to visit his school, he did a presentation all on his own before we even arrived! That little man makes me so proud; he is such a smart kid, I am so glad to share the house with him.

Remember me telling you about the wonderful nomination I received for the Hero Dog Awards? Well, I wanted to remind you all to please pencil me in your calendars so that you can vote for me. As long as you are over the age of 18 years young you are able to vote for me once per day! This means that each day you vote brings me one step closer to being the winner. Guide Dogs of America is a fantastic school to attend to become a certified guide dog; I should know it’s my alma-mater! 

http://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/1/2015/03/hero-dog-awards/ 

I know what you're wondering…..How can I vote?  Well, you can vote for me by following this link: http://www.herodogawards.org/hda2015vote-gypsy 

For every vote I am appreciative.  What I would really like you to do, is take the time to share my story and ask your friends to vote as well.  Simply D really wants everyone to have the opportunity to learn about the stories that make all of us Hero Dogs. For those of you who are willing, I'm asking that you would please put “Vote for Gypsy” on your daily schedule. Remember that you can vote starting today and voting ends May 15th 2015.  That will be the last day you are able to vote. 

Have a Dogtastic day and don't forget to smile!

Good Days & Bad Days

Well, hello my dearest friends, *tail tucked* I must apologize for being gone for the past two weeks! “Simply D” and I have been so busy with things that I just forgot to turn on my laptop to write about it. You all can forgive me, right? *cocks my head a bit and gives those sweet puppy dog eyes* 


Everyone has their good days and bad days, it is simply a part of life, however, when your good days and bad days have a direct effect on your work like mine do it’s very important that my good days outweigh the bad ones. 
In my line of work, guiding and caring for my partner “Simply D”, I have to be on my “A” game, no getting distracted by squirrels or those delicious hot dogs from the vendor on the corner. I remember earlier this week I was having an off day and I got distracted, I was trying to be the Alpha and kept pulling “D” ahead while walking across the street. Poor “D” ended up running into a few other pedestrians in the crosswalk. He wasn’t very pleased. (Here comes the tail tuck part) “Simply D” was certainly a bit irritated with me at this precise moment, but he understood how like anyone I can become distracted as well.  

“Simply D” took a moment to help me, after all is that not what a partnership is about? We help each other. “Simply D” pulled me close to his side and helped me to regain my focus, so that we could continue on with our task. He is such an understanding and patient human, I just adore him. 

I have to admit my good days are more often than not, luckily so for “Simply D” because he depends on me so that he can do his daily routines, safely. I really enjoy my job; I guess you could say I was born to be a guide dog. “Simply D” just gets out my harness and I am all ready to go, doesn’t much matter where we go as long as I can work. *Sits down a moment to scratch* Pardon me, I had an itch. 

One main issue that I have when out in public with “Simply D” is most people do not understand the do’s and don’ts when around a guide dog, such as myself. These things are important because it’s very important that I do not lose my focus.  

Don’t get me wrong I love a good head rub as much as the next dog, however, please remember  I am a well-trained guide dog and I must stay focused, so please no touching, even though know we both know we would be content rolling in the Daisies getting belly rubs all day, we must refrain. 

*Ears perk up, nose sniffing the air* That is my cue to get back to work, “Simply D” is ready to go, stay tuned for our next entry and follow D and I on more adventures through our daily lives. Have a Dogtastic Day!!