Reflection

Today, as I complete the pile of paperwork we just received from Canine Companions of Independence for Mariko's matriculation to Advanced training, I find my emotions so close to the surface that they spill over the top anytime I think or talk about this amazing puppy we have.

I have been able to complete only single pages from the pile before I need to put it away for a little while, hug this mass of fur and kisses, and reflect on this incredible journey she has taken us through.

I'm afraid the next 6 weeks will be a roller coaster for us, filled with tears, hugs, laughs, and incredible memories. I find myself looking back to the beginning of this blog and remembering the instantaneous joy we felt the first time she was in our arms, or simply just by our side.

All of our dogs have brought such love and joy to our lives, but oh what a ride Mariko has taken us on.

Such a wonderful soul this incredible puppy is!!!!!

Having a Fun Summer

We can't believe that summer is finally here. It is bitter sweet, since we turn Mariko in in just a little over one month. I find myself trying to savor every moment with this silly puppy, and the little things don't seem to matter so much any more . . . she seems almost perfect to me now.

We had the opportunity to attend a conference at a mountain resort with about 1200 attendees this last week. Mariko was, of course, an amazing dog during the entire conference. I even had a couple of presentation where she curled up in a corner behind the podium and no one even knew she was there. Such an amazing dog.

Settling into the hotel room upon arrival

Conference mascot

Special guest . . . MC Hammer. Mariko had so much fun

Beautiful view from the resort

Happy to be back to work

Not going to lie . . . I am going to miss this amazing puppy!

Random Pictures

Well, time is flying by so fast. Mariko is turning into such a well-behaved dog. People are constantly commenting about how calm she is. Yes, she can still be a wild, crazy puppy when she is playing with the other dogs or happens to get a severe case of the zoomies; but for the most part, she is just plain AWESOME.

Just chilling at work.

Such a good girl.

My BFF. Sat down for a minute and there she was.

Getting some extra loving!

Her favorite way to pass the day.

 

This is how we sleep.

Chilling at her first agility trial.

More loving.

Wait, don't stop rubbing my ears!

We call this "the zone."

Okay, I'm cute, more ear rubbing, please.

Yes!!! Heaven.

Being Good at Work

It occurred to me today that I haven't posted any pictures of Mariko and our morning routine. Each morning we walk down to the cafeteria and get ice and water, sometimes breakfast. This morning she was being good and practicing "under" while we waited for breakfast.

She is such an awesome girl!

Finally an Update

Wow, have we had a busy Spring and I have been really bad about updating information for this silly puppy.

She is really maturing and can be such an unbelievably awesome dog. I have had a few doctor visits in the past month and she has been exceptional. She will stay where I ask her to until she is released. She doesn't necessarily love working, but she doesn't seem to mind it either.

Being good because mom forgot the gentle leader.

First day back to work after travel is always interesting because I'm usually not prepared and rushing out the door. This last trip was no exception and I left this beautiful girl's gentle leader on the counter. She was superb this day and let me handle her on a flat collar. There was no pulling and she stayed by my side while we were out and about. She's so AWESOME!

Practicing stay during a presentation mom was giving.

We were able to practice more stay with distraction while giving a presentation. I'm glad we have been able to do this in an environment in which she is familiar, as I have a couple or presentation next month at a conference where I will need a dependable stay from her. We've talked and she has assured me she is more than capable and will make me look great :-)

Mariko's first agility trial. 

Bailey had a three day agility trial here in Logan this last weekend, so we brought Mariko along for a bit of socialization and distractions in a variety of shapes and sizes. She was pretty excited at first, but we had her kennel under the canopy and she settled right in as if she had been doing this forever.

Mariko's favorite pass-the-time activity

What can I say. Mariko continue to love being loved (and we continue to love loving her). She will come over and flop down when issued a "cradle" command for lots and lots of loving.

Mariko just being Mariko

Oh my, how we love this goofy puppy!

Still a Silly Girl

It has been a crazy month. Mariko is doing very well, she seems to understand the separation of work (with her vest on) and home (which always means play). She's really starting to check in as well when I am talking with someone or if someone asks to pet her. I can leave her confidently and walk away, she consistently stays when left (well, I actually haven't child tested her stays yet, I'm afraid that is still a little much to ask, ha ha). She's such a great dog.

Seems to enjoy the world more when she's upside down.

How can this be comfortable?

Such an Awesome Dog!

Another fun few weeks with this silly puppy. We had Spring break the week of April 1st, so Mariko didn't have to work much. She was able to stay home and play with the new puppy, a lot.

New puppy seems to always be pulling on Mariko's face. She just lays there.

She continues to be such a source of laughter at our house. I was on the east coast for a couple of days this week and when I returned home and had a couple of minutes to "kick back" Mariko decided she wanted to "hang out" at my feet. I couldn't stop laughing at how she decided to get comfortable.

Front leg under the couch.

Let's see if we can get the back leg under there as well.

Yesterday afternoon I had a doctor appointment, and of course, Mariko was with me. Doctor wanted to take some X-rays of my neck while I was there, so the nurse took me down to the X-ray lab. I asked the technician if it would be okay for Mariko to stay out in the room where the techs go while x-rays are being taken and she told me it would be fine. I put Mariko in a down/stay outside of the door where I was and she quietly waited for me until we were finished (even with the tech running back and forth between rooms). I was so proud of her, she didn't attempt to get up or come out of her stay, even though I was out of her sight (she could hear me, though).

What an awesome puppy she is :-)