Category Archives: Holidays

Today was the annual GDA holiday potluck up at the school.

It rarely occurs to us puppy raisers because this is our everyday existence, but when you stop to think about it, it’s pretty remarkable how well behaved these dogs can be. Dozens of them, all in one place — and puppies, at that — in close proximity to each other in the presence of food, people of all ages, and unusual sights and sounds. You might expect an explosion of barking, at the very least. But somehow, it never goes that crazy.

Not to say that it can’t go a LITTLE crazy, especially when littermates are involved.

After Truman, Tai and Tori posed nicely for several photos in the little sleigh (did someone say “cookie,” Truman?), the three of them — as if on cue — took a simultaneous flying leap over the decoration on the side, like furry little superheroes. I wish someone had captured it on camera…would have made great video.

Anyway, after that, I think they were a little concerned that Santa thought they were naughty.

Because it took me so long to sew the garland on Truman’s jacket, I decided to leave it on an extra day or two so he could show off for my co-workers. When we went back to work on Tuesday, I was thrilled to discover that the lobby of the building had been decorated for Christmas. I took a few quick photos, then the graphic designer at my organization offered to take a few more with her nice camera equipment.

The folks at the building security desk folks are very nice, and they love Truman — especially Yolanda. When she noticed Truman was getting distracted by passersby who stopped to watch his little fashion photo shoot, she very kindly (and unsolicited) directed traffic for us. We felt quite fancy and important.

Do I hear reindeer on the roof?

Santa? Is that you?

Sure, he doesn’t look thrilled about the jingle collar. But come on — he’s even cute when he’s mortified!

The South Bay puppy raisers march in the Downey Christmas Parade every year. It’s a great opportunity to spread holiday cheer as well as awareness of the GDA program. The dogs get terrific exposure to crowds, marching bands, horses, and all kinds of other distractions. It’s fun for the people, too. Everyone dresses in Santa hats and red vests, and gets to spend the first hour or so trying to prevent their puppy from chewing the garland off its jacket.

This year, our day began at Baker’s Square restaurant, where we met the group for breakfast. After attempting to settle Truman under the table in the presence of some exuberant young puppies and apparently fragrant intact females, we relocated, I was able to use both hands on things like utensils for my pancakes, and he did just fine.

Here’s how it went: The walk to and from the parking lot to the parade staging area was practically longer than the parade itself. Truman — who is usually a champion loose-lead walker — nearly decapitated himself by pulling so hard on the leash, he was so excited. My left arm was killing me by the end of the route, but I know he had a great time. Everyone applauded for the dogs, and the excited shouts of “puppy!” and “doggy!” from children lining the route were a welcome addition to the shouts of holiday well-wishing. And, this being Southern California, it was a brisk and Decembery 78 degrees outside.

He was NOT tired afterward.

As much a part of our lives as these puppies become, sometimes it’s hard to remember that the holidays we spend with them are often the first and only ones we get to spend with them. Truman is ten months old, so by this time next year, he will most likely be in formal training up at GDA. The thought is always bittersweet.

We spent yesterday at my aunt’s house with her and my two cousins. While Truman had had an uncharacteristically mellow few days — I’d been sick and thus he didn’t get as much exercise as we all know he desperately needs — he was very well behaved under the restraint of a leash and some marathon down-stays. It must have been difficult. He’s always excited about visiting other people’s houses, he knew there were cats on the property, and everywhere he turned, there was something forbidden that looked delicious and smelled even better.

I played with him for a few minutes in the backyard so he could get some of his energy out before I asked him to lie down politely next to my chair during dinner. Aside from a few “grumpus noises” of complaint (he is less a whiner than a grumbler, vocally speaking), he was quite patient. Nevertheless, while I was on the phone with my parents, Truman decided he’d had quite enough of this self-control business and broke into a gloriously unfettered Labrador Shuffle, much to the delight of my aunt and cousin, who had never witnessed such a display (they have two very dignified cats, no dogs). The house is hardly puppy-proof, but Truman is surprisingly nimble and managed to turn his speedy circles on the carpet with only one head-smack into the coffee table. The hardwood floor proved amusing but not as shuffle-friendly, so he returned to the living room for the finale. I haven’t heard my aunt laugh that hard in a while….

An after-dinner stroll around a nearby park and a brief visit to the neighbor’s house — where he was greeted with great enthusiasm by young and old alike at their family-packed celebration — rounded out the evening nicely, and we returned home to a good night’s sleep: mine, due to the turkey; Truman’s, a job well done.

He may not look it in this photo, but I know for a fact that Truman is thankful for many things. Food. Naps. Playtime with his favorite canine buddies. Belly rubs. Ear rubs. Chicken chips. Ice cubes. Magnolia leaves. Denim. Birds. Wind. His Amy (pictured here).

I, too, am thankful for many things. Food. Naps. Playtime with my favorite canine buddies…okay, you get the idea. Honestly, there’s just too much in my life to list in the blessings column without making this the world’s longest post. I have a great “day job” and the most satisfying volunteer work I can imagine. I’m healthy, I’m loved, and I’m free. I have a lovable, goofy dog, and a lovable, goofy roommate who will tolerate posing with him just because I notice their outfits match.

There is so much more to acknowledge. Not only do I owe thanks to God for the grace He has extended to me in my life, I owe thanks to family, friends, and strangers alike — anyone who has ever supported, protected, defended, befriended or encouraged me.

May you know your blessings today as well, and take hold of them, and give thanks.

Before I run out to my humans-only costume dance and leave Truman to his well deserved nap in our quiet apartment, I thought I’d take a moment to tell you how very well he did on a walk through our neighborhood this evening. I didn’t take photos because I wanted both hands free, so…sorry about that.

But Truman has impressed our entire neighborhood! After dinner, just as the sun was dipping into the Pacific, I leashed him up and took him to see all the cute little kids in costume and to find out how he would react to strange sights and sounds. He was shrieked at by random sound effects emanating from overly decorated houses, offered bites of candy by well meaning princesses, and assaulted by toddlers dressed as cows. He maintained composure for the most part (though the minuscule bovine WAS a little scary), sitting when asked and greeting nicely. The only thing he really wanted a piece of was a yappy little “Toto” dog who accompanied a teenaged Dorothy — and I’m sure that was more about playtime than about anything serious.

Everyone who walked past us told him how very handsome he is, and told me how very well behaved he is. We met neighbors, we had a nice walk, we enjoyed the festive decor, and we even benefited from the generosity of people who recognized us from our daily strolls. I got a candy bar from a nice man with a table set up outside his house (who, incidentally, once adopted a career-changed German Shepherd from GDA), and Truman scored a huge dog biscuit from the couple down the street who see us walk past their house on a regular basis. Maybe next year we’ll wear costumes….

In order to convince people that Truman was dressed as President Harry S. Truman (and NOT as Harry Potter), I made sure we had some other identification with us. Not only was he sporting an authentic American flag lapel pin I purchased for him on a recent trip to the Mall of America in Minneapolis, he also accessorized with a replica of the famous “Dewey Defeats Truman” 1948 election outcome as erroneously reported by the Chicago Daily Tribune.

The President was also seen with his Secret Service detail, Tai, who did an excellent job of protecting him all evening.

“Psst! Don’t be alarmed, sir, but there’s a scary ghost right behind us.”

The President’s aide adjusts his tie before the briefing:

Even when Secret Service has to go to the bathroom, the President is always protected:

“…The President of the United States.”

That’s right. President Truman. More to come….

Poor Truman, so young and naive. No idea what was in store for him at the October puppy raiser meeting: the annual dog Halloween costume contest. No clue whatsoever concerning my notorious infliction of canine indignities past, of elaborate costumes such as Lomaximus, Mighty Roman Centurion. But we’ll get to Truman’s costume in our next post.

For now, please enjoy a few of the evening’s other fine costumes!

Paging Dr. Soren! You’re needed in LABaroscopic surgery:

With a name like “Virtue,” is there a more appropriate costume?

SuperGrady (brother of Geo):

Little Pumpkinhead Emury:

“Scariest” costume prize went to Hedda, for her portrayal of Hannah Montana:

“Most Creative” costume prize went to GoldenDoodles Carlee and Cyrus as Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion:

However, “Most Creative” was a tie between them and two other dogs. Bet you can guess who! Stay tuned….