International Traveler

Little Watson was included in our (American) Thanksgiving travel itinerary to Ottawa, Canada. 

It consisted of a 3 1/2 hour flight, plus a 3 hour layover, plus, another one and a half hour flight. Repeat for the return.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, packing for Watson was more involved than packing for ourselves. 

First and foremost essentials: SEGDI vest, leash, and MOST important, the treat bag! 

Then, there was the paperwork: rabies certificate, health certificate, records of all her shots, a letter from SEGD verifying us as Puppy Raisers, Puppy Raiser ID cards, Watson's business card, and Puppy Raiser brochures. 

Then: diapers for quick clean-ups, Puppy Pads as back-up for quick clean-ups, handwipes for after quick clean-ups, portable dish, chew toys and stuffed toys - and that was just in the carry-on bag! Just in case!

The suitcase had dishes, food, more training treats, a towel to define "her space" and back-up paperwork. 

Watson was oblivious to the planning and preparation.

After all that - Watson traveled like a pro!

She breezed through security screening, walked the airport confidently, waited patiently for our flight and slept on the plane. 

Then, we had to transfer flights with our 3 hour wait. 

This is when "busy" and "busy busy" tracking is very important! 

Newark has a Pet Relief area in the terminal, which was great because we did not want to deal with clearing security again during Thanksgiving weekend. 

I don't think Watson was fooled by the plastic grass and fake fire hydrant, but, she did make use of it. YEAH! 

Once we got to Ottawa, cleared Customs & Immigration, and set foot on Canadian soil we breathed a sigh of relief.

Watson was surprised to be greeted with remnants of the previous week's snow on the ground!

She LOVED it. And she LOVED the crisp cool air.

I think her 2am and 4am potty breaks were just to enjoy the cool air and make sure the snow was still there. Siiiiiiiiiiiiigh.

By the time we were ready to return home we knew Watson was an International Traveler that could cross the border and fly the friendly skies with confidence.

Many thanks to United Airlines and Air Canada for graciously accommodating us and making the trip an easy journey and special time.

Farmer's Market

Our Houston Puppy Raisers went on a group outing to a Farmers Market.

There were lots of distractions with food smells, people that wanted to pet the Guide Dog Puppies, musicians, and other dogs.

Cami, one of Watson's sisters, is also being Puppy Raised in Houston. At the end of our outing they were able "Take a Break" to re-acquaint themselves and have a little tussle.

I think they also swapped tips on how to get into trouble - and look cute so that they don't get into trouble.







A Farmer's Market before (American) Thanksgiving would not be complete without a Pumpkin Patch.

Happy Thanksgiving from our patch to yours. 

She's a Really Good Dog....

..... except for when she's bad.

Like when she got into the dripping pan for the BBQ.

Actually, that is the only thing she has done which is bad.

Well..... except for.....

Definition of a Good Day

Watson is learning that car rides can bring about great adventures.

One of her favourite adventures is going for a car ride to Memorial Park for a big walk.

Parts of the park are like an overgrown jungle, full of bushes and vines that are home to interesting critters that move, hide, fly and rustle leaves.

In the park she can practice walking on different footings including vines, roots, sand and little footbridges made of thin wood slats.




She loves that she gets to meet other dogs, people and bikers. It creates an opportunity where she can practice proper greetings.

At the end of her great adventure she welcomes a cool drink and is generally exhausted for the rest of the day.

A tired dog is a good dog.

And a good dog makes a great day for us!

Public Relations Pro

Watson is starting to do Public Relations work for Southeastern Guide Dogs (SEGDI).

She has been to several presentations sitting quietly and showing off her good manners (basically). She has also "manned" a booth. (Or, should that be described as "dogged" a booth?)

With her cute little face, platinum hair and (relatively) good manners, she is a natural at attracting attention and spreading the word.

This year nature has been generous to SEGDI and right now we have over 200 puppies that need to find Puppy Raisers before the end of the year. That is a LOT of puppies.

Watson wants to know if anyone is interested in being a Puppy Raiser?

https://www.guidedogs.org/volunteer/raise-a-puppy/

Costco Shopping

You never know what you really need until you go shopping at Costco. There is always a cornucopia of previously unknown "must have" items.

Costco is a great experience for Watson with an abundance of sensory stimulation - people, shopping carts, kids, bright lights and most significantly, tempting food smells. (I have to admit, I am always tempted by the sample tables, especially when they have something chocolate!)

Where she especially perked up was when we walked past the fresh fish section. She stopped, twitched her little nose, raised her head and sniffed the air.

She was also distracted in the aisle with dog food.

Watson is now interested in being added to the membership card. I suspect she would like double shopping points for redemption on dog treats.

I am going to have to keep an eye on the Costco statements.

Future Librarian?

Watson went with me to the library at the Bayou Bend campus of the Museum of Fine Arts to do research.

The Museum's curator heard we were in the library and came over to visit with us. (I am quite sure that the visit was just to see Watson, and I only happened to be on the other end of the leash.) His mother raised Guide Dogs for 20 years and it brought back many happy memories for him.








Watson behaved like an angel (phew!)


I was very proud of her when she was told she was welcome to come back to do more research at the library anytime.

Watson wants to know if she can be compensated in treats.