Week 13

Here I am with my Companion Dog Class teacher, Jen. She's teaching us commands such as Don't Pull, Look at Me, and Heal. We've learned that I already know hand signals for Down and Sit, and we're having a good time practicing. Jen tells me that I'm a good student, and that we might  consider taking the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. This is fun!

Week 11

How do you like my Irish outfit? No, Rocco's isn't in today's St. Patrick's Day parade in Worcester, just modeling uncomfortably for the camera. Such a good sport.

Companion Dog training was delayed a week because I fell and hit my head (a big lump that time is healing) just before we planned to leave for class. Our teacher rescheduled us for the following week (tomorrow) in a four-week 1x1 class, a good deal for all of us. Rocco reports that he does not plan to wear the Irish outfit to class.

Week 7 and Year 10

Today is Rocco's 10th birthday. We'll sing to him at suppertime. His original owners bought him from a Manchester NH pet store, which provided papers including this real birth date. We celebrated with a short walk around the neighborhood to nurse his sore right front paw that'd he'd hurt on the ice in our back yard. Rocco had a hard time getting comfortable for sleep last night, but is much better today.

Tomorrow evening our 7-week companion dog classes begin. Stay tuned for star student reportage. We're hoping to learn how to keep him off the couch, as well as some standard training and bonding fare. This pic shows the bags and baskets that we use as couch distractions, which he just gently nudges aside to get comfy. Our dear 10-year old lad.

Week 6

I'd read in the paper that when your dog follows you around the house, perhaps he's bored and perhaps you and he could both benefit from some playtime to shake things up a bit. With all these snow days, Rocco follows me around the house especially in the morning, so we play hide and seek. He's getting great at this game and finds me every time; he's not yet taken the lead on hiding, but we both like the running and sneaking-around-the-corner parts of this game. Playing with his rope toy pleases us all in the evening, though his humans are respectful of his missing teeth so don't pull too hard.

Week 5

Rocco's big adventure this week was his first visit to our camp. We parked on the main road and walked in, but because the snow was so deep, we couldn't make it up to the camp. Instead we walked across the lake to see Queenie, a pretty and big wooden structure provided by the local historical society who'll sell tickets for an ice-out bet. On the way we visited with an ice fisherman who had half a dozen fishing holes that were keeping him busy. It was a great cold and windy day to be out on the ice, and Rocco trotted along nicely with us. On our way back, we stopped in to see a couple of our neighbors; one was glad to meet our new dog, the other wondered if we could put him in a back room while we visited -- NOT.

Week 4

Rocco loves riding in the car, and is glad to do errands with us or take a longer ride. He's very popular at the nursing home where folks who stop to admire him also share a greeting with mom. And, he's even dealing well with the nursing home elevator.

Our Rocco doesn't mind the icy sidewalks, and prances along nicely for a walk. But, he doesn't stay outdoors too long during these cold days. This week we think his biggest new adventure is walking on top of the crusty snow. What a sight!

Week 3

Rocco visited the nursing home again this week, and this time he was a confident and affectionate guy. He nuzzled mom when we arrived, and he sat quietly as we had our coffee and snack -- one for Rocco too. When he is lying down and attentive, Rocco crosses his front legs like the well-mannered dog that he is. Very cute.

Today we walked at Alden Labs and found a confined area where we dared to let Rocco off leash. He did great, staying with us, and then coming when called. Good dog.

He loves to be brushed and seems at ease when we brush his teeth too. And this weekend we began his monthly flea and tick and heartworm meds. Handsome and healthy Rocco.