Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in jady_lady's LiveJournal:

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Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
8:39 pm	park Inn - Their Mistake is my Gain! Went to settle my bill this evening expecting to pay my £70 meal. I gave my room number and they asked for £21.50! I felt I had to query it, saying I was expecting it would be a little more. they said no so I paid it and ran! (Comment on this)
8:20 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 11 - working Hard and Playing Hard This morning it was off to victoria Centre in Nottingham which is a fairly large indoor shopping centre. We walked the length of the upper level, went over a bridge across a road, came down, crossed back over the road and walked back the length of the lower level. Jasmine was very highly strung when I started her off, but she soon realised that I wasn't going to let her go flat out and she worked brilliantly. I only brushed two or three people on my right and who's to say they were looking where they were going! jasmine was so positive and certainly seemed to take notice when I did have to correct her. We had a coffee in a cafe on the way back and she settled down very quickly. this afternoon we took the dogs up to the kennels where they have a paddock for free running. We ran them in pairs and jasmine ran with her friend Pedro who allowed Jasmine to bully him ceaselessly. I do wonder what it'll be like when I eventually introduce Jasmine to jade as they're both dominant little madams and I think fur will fly while they sort out which positions they hold in their pack! Home tomorrow at last. I'm off now to have a drink with some of the class. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
8:13 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 10 - Testing Times We talked today about the "honeymoon period" which is particularly relevant to rescue dogs. When they are re-homed, for the first few days they behave extremely well, but once they feel more confident and settled, they start to exhibit behaviour which hadn't been obvious up till that point. New owners are often surprised that they have what would appear to be a butter-wouldn't-melt dog who suddenly starts to misbehave. I have that dog today! We have been taught to use a "first command, second command" system. first command is pleasant. if the dog doesn't respond to that command, the second is done with a harder voice and a correction. Today, jasmine has been doing everything on second command. I feel sorry for her really as in a way today has felt quite negative, but its the only way she'll learn. I feel as though I've been on at her all day. This morning we did more traffic work, including having a car drive across the pavement in front of us whilst walking along. This was the last traffic session we'll do and I'm not sorry as I felt Jasmine was losing momentum with constantly being driven at. That sounds awful and in reality it is very controlled even though the dog doesn't realise it! This afternoon we went back to mapperley Top where we did more crowd work. jasmine was a lot steadier and apart from a minor brush with a wheely bin on a narrow stretch of pavement she did well. This evening I took her to the restaurant whilst we ate our evening meal and apart from some initial sniffing, she was very good. She's snoozing happily in her bed now. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
8:52 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 9 - Positive Walk Today I woke up feeling incredibly tired and down. this morning we did some more traffic work which Jasmine did very well. However, she seemed generally distracted and sniffed a fair bit. I wonder if the little madam realised that I wasn't as positive as I'd been on other days! this afternoon We worked in the north Sherwood Street area again and there were a fair amount of people there. Jasmine worked like a dream, weaving in and out of the people, feeling very confident. I received an excellent compliment from my instructor who said she wished she'd videoed us as jasmine was working so well and I was following well too. When we arrived back at the hotel, we were asked to assemble in our lounge area and the instructors suddenly rushed in with squeaky toys, rattling biscuits and generally making a racket. this was to see how we'd cope when the dogs were faced with a high level of distraction. Jasmine was initially very out of control and it took me a minute or so to settle her properly but I achieved it. One of the instructors then came in with her pet dog on a lead. Jasmine was well behaved that time, probably because i'd just told her off! (Comment on this)
Monday, November 30th, 2009
9:45 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 8 - A Full On Day Its 9:30 in the evening now and we finished working about half an hour ago. Its been a long, fairly mixed day today. Our first walk was around North Sherwood Street in Nottingham with some busier conditions for the dogs to work and many more distractions. I was largely left to my own devices and at times I didn't feel that jasmine was concentrating very well. I also felt that she was challenging me a bit which is bound to happen. That was followed by a talk on dog welfare and health, and lunch with jasmine in attendance for the first time. this afternoon we did the dreaded traffic work. A member of Guide dogs staff driving a car close to us to enforce the dog's response to unexpected or misjudged traffic. Jasmine did well with that. Its a difficult area to work on as it has to be so controlled. Following that we had another talk, this time on dog behaviour. I learnt that Jasmine is probably a more dominant dog with both other dogs and with the handler. I was pleased to hear this as I had certainly asked for this type of dog. We then had a short break, followed by our evening meal and then a night walk. no real difference for me than a walk in the daytime, but an opportunity to work the dogs in training at night. So, a 12 hour day with very little in the way of breaks. Jasmine is spark out at my feet now and I don't think I'll be far behind her. the other thing I learnt today is that Jasmine's birthday is 29th of december when she will be two years old. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, November 29th, 2009
10:39 pm	Am I One of a Dying Breed? I am increasingly more and more concerned about the emphasis that seems to be put upon blind and partially sighted people these days that we need sighted assistance in order to live our lives to the full. I can honestly say that there are very few things in and around the home that I can't do. OK, I don't do DIY but my partner does the basics, and he too is blind. I also don't paint or decorate because I can't see to do it. However, not doing these things doesn't set me apart as a blind person as there are plenty of women and a lot of men too who don't do these tasks. OK, I don't do my garden, but that is because I'm lazy, not because I am blind. I don't do my own cleaning because I believe that our weekends together are for other things and I am fortunate enough to be able to pay someone to do it for me. Today I was told I was expecting too much from my guide dog in training because I expected her to work onto a bus. The advice was to take off the harness and seek sighted assistance to board the bus. So GDBA are clearly advocating that as blind people, we should not expect to be able to board a bus independently. Some of us don't have sighted help at home from other family members. those of us who work are met with howls of derision by social services departments if we dare to ask for a couple of hours' support a week to help ensure a good standard of cleanliness in the home and to assist with form filling. So, we maintain our independece as best we can and protect it fiercely. it is therefore soul-destroying when organisations such as Guide dogs suggest that we can't now, because of changing times and health and safety expect the same level of independence as in times gone by. I'll be teaching my dog to board buses, to navigate railway stations and if necessary to travel on escalators, with or without help from GDBA. And, to hell with the assumption when I do ask for a little help, that we all have sighted help to draw on. (5 Comments |Comment on this)
10:21 pm	Guide dog Training Day 7 - Rain, Rain and More Rain! Got absolutely soaked first thing this morning when most self-respecting folk were still in their beds! Did a straight walk up Mansfield Road with lots of traffic, surface water and spray. Jasmine didn't seem perturbed by it at all which is unusual as all my other dogs hated working in the rain. We then caught the bus back to our starting point which was uneventful except that the latest thinking amongst GDBA staff is that we take off the harness before the bus comes and get sighted assistance onto the bus! Yeah right! So i'll be teaching Jasmine to work onto buses myself. After a very nice pub lunch, we did some off-kerb obstacles and some work on a flight of steps. Jasmine coped well with both situations, although I think she found going up and down the same stretch of pavement with the off-kerbs a bit boring. have had a lovely relaxed evening with my partner. Jasmine was pleased to see him but didn't jump all over him which was great. Over half way through the hotel stay now and the end is in sight. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
11:50 am	Park Inn, Nottingham - complete rip-off I hate this hotel. I would never, ever recommend it to anyone. In my opinion, it has all the comforts of a Travel Lodge and the food is mediocre pub food at posh restaurant prices. A three-course meal for two last night with a glass of wine, a bottle of cider and liqueur coffees cost the best part of £70. thank goodness I am living cheaply courtesy of Guide dogs this week. Its no wonder the dining room was so empty. I've paid that amount of money for meals many times but I'd want a lot bettter quality for my money. the starters were very modest, the main courses were meat or fish, no sauces, chips and a sprig of salad, and the dessert was probably the best bit! Its clear that the Park Inn relies on people passing through on business for its trade. I don't know how they can get away with charging those sorts of prices but they do. A definite thumbs down for this establishment. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
11:34 am	Guide Dog Training Day6 - Flying Solo I didn't write my update last night as my partner came to visit me so we had the chance to have a meal together and catch up. More about the meal in a separate entry. Yesterday morning we walked along mapperley Top, so more shops and distractions for Jasmine to deal with including a guy that would insist on trying to stroke her even though i'd asked him not to and explained that she was still in training! In the afternoon it was back to the obstacle course which was more complicated this time but she still managed it very well. On both walks the instructor barely used the guiding lead so I was in control most of the time. Jasmine worked well for me and I really felt that she was responding to me rather than looking for the instructor. She was well behaved when my partner visited and seemed to like him. he was very taken with her so all is well! (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, November 27th, 2009
7:54 pm	Guide dog Training Day 5 - Obstacles As far as guide dog work goes, today has been a good one. Jasmine was very responsive to me and I felt she was really tuned into me. We did some obstacle work this afternoon and she is a lovely dog to follow, taking turns very smoothly and adjusting her seed well too. We also did some group obedience work and Jasmine was very good. My biggest problem is still Jasmine out of harness. Although she will come to me now well enough, she isn't really that bothered when I make a fuss of her. she's better than she was earlier in the week though so things are without doubt improving. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
9:07 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 4 - Progressing today has been a fairly uneventful day as far as the training is concerned. We have done two walks, including right and left turns, road crossings and sitting and standing to command whilst on the move. Jasmine is a very confident worker at the moment. The instructor was dropping right back at times and allowing Jasmine to get on with it which she did very well. Out of harness she is still a little shy of me at times. She won't allow me to brush her, she rolls onto her back at every opportunity. fortunatly she has a short straight coat so the lack of grooming won't be a problem for the time being. I really think she would benefit from the old style grooming tables that we used to have at the centres instead of being brushed on the floor, tied to a drain pipe. Apart from that we have had a few games and a bit of a cuddle, so she is gradually getting more confident. Her tail is a little better today. she's carrying it fairly low but its more or less fit for purpose, which of course is wagging! I really am not enjoying staying at this hotel in the slightest for several reasons which I have today discussed with my instructor. She may arrange for me to travel in each day at the weekend which I feel will benefit Jasmine and me no end. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
10:08 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 3 - A Mixed Bag the last 24 hours with Jasmine have been somewhat eventful. After I'd written my entry last night I prepared to take Jasmine out to spend last thing. However, she was having none of it. She went under the desk and would not come out. Both my instructor and I tried coaxing her with happy voices but she stayed where she was. I eventually managed to get her out with the use of a food bribe and she reluctantly came with me. She slept solidly through the night but this morning seemed very subdued. Her usually waggy tail was hanging straight down and when doing obedience work she was very reluctant to sit close to me. After observing her for a while, my instructor booked us an appointment with the vet and we took Jasmine just before lunch time. Its not obvious what is wrong with her, although her anal glands were apparently uncomfortable. alternatively it could be a bruised tail. She was given an anti imflamatory injection and since then she seems a little brighter. We did our first harness walk this afternoon and Jasmine worked brilliantly. My instructor I think was quite relieved as it was possible that Jasmine may have not worked at all today. She's been a lot more responsive to me too this evening although she is now flat out on her bed. Time for last spend of the day soon so we'll see how she is tonight. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
9:45 pm	Guide Dog Training Day 2 - Jasmine has Arrived! This morning went very slowly knowing that we would receive our dogs after lunch. time was spent going over obedience exercises learned yesterday. Getting your guide dog is always a slightly strange procedure. You sit in your room and the dog is brought in, let off the lead and the trainer then leaves. Jasmine arrived and initially was very happy to see me and was quite enthusiastic. However, any slight sound and she was at the door just waiting. Since then she has been very quiet and withdrawn. A very natural reaction but one I haven't experienced in a new dog, even though she is my fifth. The nice thing though is that whilst I've been sitting here at the desk she has crept underneath and is lying with her paw across my foot. One thing I have noticed is that her house obedience, i.e. sitting and waiting at doors is excellent. she seems very bright and responsive. So, keeping it low key and allowing her to sleep on my foot for the time being. (Comment on this)
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
8:53 pm	Guide dog Training Day 1 - Slow and Frustrating probably because I'm impatient. I'm sitting here in the hotel kicking my heels wishing I could just get on with it. today has been spent familiarising ourselves with our surroundings, talking about obedience and going through the Guide dog Owner's agreement, yawn! I just feel as though I've wasted a day. I'm here and Jasmine still isn't. We get the dogs tomorrow afternoon. I'm not keen on the hotel. The rooms are very basically furnished. A bedside shelf instead of any sort of cabinet, a hanging rail instead of a wardrobe, with four hangers on it, and one deep drawer to put things in. Obviously designed for people who are staying for just one or two nights whilst passing through, not for an 11 night stay. the up side to this room is the bathroom though. Its got a big walk in shower with an absolutely massive shower head. I've yet to try it but it looks good. Hopefully tomorrow's entry will be more interesting. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, November 20th, 2009
8:47 am	Last Day at Work for a While Well this is it. Last day at work this year! Six whole weeks to train with Jasmine and hopefully to develop a good bond before I have to come back in January. I still have reservations about training from a hotel. Time will tell now. (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
1:25 pm	Are Blind People Incapable of Committing Crime? Took a walk to our local Royal Mail sorting office this lunchtime. I had a feeling that one of their cards had been delivered to me last week and I'd inadvertently thrown it away so I thought I'd go and ask if they had a parcel for me as I was expecting something. Whilst queuing a lady in front of me was unable to collect a parcel for her son as she had no proof of address on her. A quick rummage through my bag revealed that I didn't either. No chance of retrieving my parcel today then. Oh well, I was there so could at least ascertain if the parcel was there. When I got to the counter I explained the situation and asked if they had my parcel. I apologised for having no proof of address on me. The guy took my name and address and within a couple of minutes returned with my parcel and handed it over, no questions asked. So I'm wondering ... Are blind people considered unable to commit a crime? I could have been stealing property or even someone's identity and he did nothing to prevent me! Just as well really that it was simply a bit of harmless EBay shopping! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, November 16th, 2009
2:48 pm	Jade This is an entry purely about Jade, my fourth and without doubt the best guide dog I have owned. Born 2nd June 2000, qualified on 14th February 2002 and retired on 14th november 2009. Jade is a very small almost white labrador. Unlike most Labradors her features are finer, convincing some of us that way back when, a whippet got into the wrong kennel! Jade settled down with me quickly I seem to remember, establishing a good level of work very early on. Although she was a bit cheeky in the early days her main characteristic was willingness which made it very easy to teach her new routes and for her to settle into my lifestyle. Throughout the years with her I have had some serious changes in my life. A period of illness, a marriage break up and a move to a new area. In all that time Jade has worked well although i'm sure that at times I didn't give her all the support I should have. Once we moved to Nottingham, jade and I had to learn a lot of new routes and her work level increased dramatically at around the age of six. Far from being a problem, she took it in her stride and seemed to relish the challenge. The standard of her work increased tremendously. Since then she has had to work very hard as we don't have any sighted backup at home so wherever we go, Jade had to work. For about the last year I have noticed an element of caution creeping into jade's work and on occasions this has been quite marked. For this reason i asked to go back onto the waiting list in march of this year. I felt that for a dog as willing as jade to show that she wasn't enjoying things so much was surely a sign that she was getting tired and needed to retire. jade's social behaviour was also excellent and she stayed looking youthful until the end of her working life. Almost every week someone would approach me and ask if it was a young dog I was working with! so now jade has gone to Bristol to live with my parents, or my sister and her family when my parents are away. She is happy and healthy and I hope she has a lot of fun. I'll miss her. Yes, she of course made mistakes whilst working, but I can honestly say that she never once compromised my safety. My partner will miss his little playmate and my work colleagues will miss the dog who one Christmas was given a rubber rope toy as an award for team member of the year by them! I consider myself very privileged to have owned and worked with a dog like Jade for the last seven years and nine months. (5 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, November 13th, 2009
11:21 pm	Packed and Ready Its amazing how light jade can travel. My parents have got bedding and bowls ready for her so she just has a bag with some toys, brushes, a collar and the remainder of her food. Today's been strange. Everyone saying goodbye to her at work was very sad and a few of us shed some tears in the office. tonight she's had cuddles and lots of play time and one last mad five minutes with the Hamster Dance! I don't think i'll be able to hear that silly tune for a long time without crying. So tomorrow its off to Bristol for the weekend from hell. We're clearly not in the good books for whatever reason as we haven't even got a lift from the station when we arrive. an afternoon of small talk at my mother's 70th birthday party on sunday, then a train journey back without Jade. I guess I'll find the strength from somewhere. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
12:11 am	Jasmine Update heard from jasmine's GDMI earlier on. apparently during the last few weeks a lot of the support is withdrawn for the dogs when they're working and they're left to get on with it and make decisions as they have to do when working as a guide dog. jasmine has taken to this very well and is growing in confidence all the time. The GDMI has also done a blindfold walk with jasmine so she must trust her! also, at the weekend there was apparently a huge fireworks party right next to where jasmine is staying. she slept through it which is great! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, November 8th, 2009
7:36 pm	Last times I'm well into last times with Jade now which is so, so hard. Today's our last Sunday together. For a treat she's had broccoli, carrots, A roast potato and some gravy. Strictly against the rules and one normally reserved for Christmas, but the little dog deserves it. (1 Comment |Comment on this)