Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Raw Food Diet, Day 224- The Therapist Is In

***

Big Pupi is in his office:

I've got big news!  While Stanislaw is training for the 2012 Olympic marathon, (which I do too, by the way.  He's not the only one up running his wee bum off early in the morning!), I've found a far bigger calling for myself.  Me... Big Pupi... I'm going to make a difference in this world.  You see, my humans decided that I'm going to be a therapy dog.

We've started training so that I can pass my big certification test, and if all goes according to plan I'll be taking the preliminary exam on November 8th.  I passed my CGC exam with 100%, and since this test is quite similar to that one my folks think that I may have a shot at this.  That being said, it's been almost 2 years since I was in CGC class and there are a few skills I need to brush up on.  Like doing my Sit Like Good Boy while on a leash and letting mom greet another human who has another dog.  Yikes!  Sometimes I just get too excited.  

There are many many parts to the exam, and in order to get certified you must pass ALL of them.  There are 3 sections that give my mom pause:

1.  Exhibiting patience with a squeaky toy distraction;

2. Dog left alone; and

3. Gently taking treat from hand.

I'm a super quick learner and #3 is already in the works.  I've made some MAJOR improvements there, since I used to get way too pumped for mini-feasts.  As for numbers 1 and 2... I totally dig squeaky toys so much that I can't control myself (jumping up is an automatic fail) and I typically freak out when mommy leaves me and I'm in an unfamiliar place.  This is the one part of the CGC exam I almost didn't pass, but in the end I was able to keep my wits about me.   But in that situation I had been training at the same place for 8 weeks.  This time around the testing place will be totally unfamiliar.  Yipes!

I totally LOVE to be the center of attention and my most favorite thing to do in the world is work - any kind of work.  Whether it's a morning run or agility or performing for treats... I just can't get enough of it.  I think that I'd totally be into doing tricks to help sick or injured folks out, as long as there's a belly rub or two in it for me.  And maybe my sweet mohawk would brighten their day!  I'm also really good at learning that certain places are for behaving certain ways, so once I've got the hang of the whole hospital situation I'll be an old pro.  For example, The Place of Tile and Steel is for shivering and acting like you're being tortured even when no one is near you, and the bark park is for acting like beast and weebling wherever you please.  

I think right now all systems are Go for my training, but there is one other concern my mom has that she's not sure how to handle... I tend to poop when I'm super excited.  And opportunities to perform make me super excited.  I told mom to stuff her pockets with bags but that didn't seem to appease her.  I told her not to fret too much about it.

You can't fight nature, you know?

19 comments:

Charlie Daniels said...

You might need a Doggy Diaper for those exciting moments! ;-)

Cheers

Charlie

Mack said...

Pupi-
I think CHEESE is the answer to your poop problems. A win-win situation for everybody!!

Hero said...

That sounds awesome, Big Pupi! I really hope that you make it through so that you can wow everyone with your super cool mohawk and your gentleman ways. My mom and grandma are thinking about getting me into the therapy corp, because nothing (except fireworks) can phase my cool factor. Unfortunately, those plans will have to wait until I move to the states, whenever that may be.

Agatha and Archie said...

Oh this sounds wonderfull! PL2 think I(Agatha)should be a therapy dog but the sqeeky toy thing would be a MAJOR problem!!!!!! Arch could never do it he would be fainting al the time..Good luck!! Love A+A

Fenway said...

Hmmm.

You've given me something to chew on and it's not a bully stick.

You're telling me that behaving might be in my best interest? It gets me even more attention? More belly rubs? I've really got to weight the pros and cons and get back to you on this.

Love yer office, Pupi. I see that you can look over your cubicle to see who could possibly be sleeping on the job. Would that be Stan?

haha...your pal,
Fenway

the many Bs said...

hi Pupi, we think that being a therapy dog is a great goal for you. you can learn your patience and how to be calm. if you can learn calmness then maybe you won't get so excited and do poopies. doing poopies would probably not be that good of an idea if your doing therapy with humans. hee hee

woofs.

River said...

I bet people will just LOVE having you come visit. Poop is water soluable, shouldn't be a problem.

love & wags,
River

Anonymous said...

Pupi,

Louis and I think you'd be an awesome therapist! The world needs more canine ambassadors like you, showing how great us dogs are for the sick/ elderly and others in need. My mommy told me that petting a canine (like yourself) reduces heart rates and stimulates the production of happy hormones for humans.

Basically, we are like medicine in fuzzy outfits! Keep us posted on your training!

Kisses,
Ella Bean

Niamh said...

That is great that you are in training for Therapy Dog, Big Pupi. My sister Selkie was a Therapy Dog and she got lots of admiration, petting and treats. My person teaches classes to prepare dogs for certification and it takes a lot of practice but well worth it for the dogs and the people. I am sure that you will do very well.

Your friend,
Niamh

Molly the Airedale said...

You'll make an awesome therapy dog, Big Pupi! What's a little poop among friends?!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

Wow, that's so cool that you're training to be a therapy doggie! I'll bet the people at the hospital will be SOOOOO happy to see you and your cool mohawk! *grins*

Scottie

Girl Girl Hamster said...

You'll make a pawsome therapy doggie Big Pupi. :)

~ Girl girl

Amber-Mae said...

Oooh, I wish you good luck in your therapy dog learning! I think it's gonna be sooo fun once you officially become one...

Butt wiggles,
Solid Gold Dancer

Toffee said...

You are going to be a pawsome therapy dog! I would never, ever pass that test as I howl at even the SOUND of a dog nearby!!

Niamh said...

Stan and Big Pupi,

If you email my person at pawinhand@msn.com she will fill you in on the different certifications.

Your friend,
Niamh

Clover said...

Big Pupi! Congrats! You will be a great therapy dog, I just know it!
Good luck with your training!
Love Clover xo

Maggie said...

You poop when you are super excited?
that's coolll!!
but aniwae..
all the best for the exam!
hope that you are doing very very well! :D

FleasGang said...

Simon has a whole bag of little boy shorts that he wears at night and would love it if another cocker wore them too. He's a little self-conscious about anydoggie seeing him in them. Have fun with your training! Isn't your Pop in training too? You guys can quiz each other :-)

The Fleas

Juno said...

Big Pupi!! Good luch for your training!! We'r sure you will do well!!

Thanks so much for your kind words about our brudder. He's doing well. :)

Momo & Pinot