So what else have DeeDee and I been up to these past few weeks? I saw my rheumatologist, for one thing. DeeDee did great. This is one of DeeDee’s least favorite places to go. The first time she went there with me, I made several big handler errors. Dogs are much like young children - first impressions are huge. DeeDee has now been to this particular location several times with me, and she does great. Even though she doesn’t like being there, she understands what her job is and is great about doing it. In fact, she saved me from a fall right in front of the nurse!

“You doing okay up there, Mom? Just checking…”

One thing I’m learning is that people tend to view a service dog’s job as some super glamorous thing. And it is, sometimes. The rest of the time, it consists of lots of this:

DeeDee waiting…

and waiting…

and waiting…

Those of us in the service dog industry often refer to this as the “hurry up and wait” factor. It can be surprisingly difficult to train for, since these are working dogs who love their jobs. Training a dog to be alert enough to save your life as you walk up the steps in a theater, then turn around and relax for two hours during the movie can prove interesting, to say the least. Thankfully, DeeDee pretty much has this down (read part 1 of this post for pics of DeeDee and her service dog friend Boondox relaxing together in public).

A week after my doctor appointment, DeeDee and I went to the mall with my mom while she was in town. You’d think a mall would mean more action, right? Well yes… and no. I was already crashing from the previous week’s activity, so DeeDee had her work cut out for her every second I was on my feet. Thankfully, I rested often. Guess what DeeDee got to do each time I stopped to rest?

DeeDee in JC Penney’s…

“Who needs a mat? I’m comfortable like this…”

DeeDee chose to lay down while I talked with the check out lady about service dogs. She would have stood if I asked her to do so, but I had the counter to lean on and figured she deserved another rest.

Chilling in the food court at the mall.

Watching the people go by.

At one point while in the food court, a small toddler began to run full speed toward DeeDee. I immediately put my hand out to shield DeeDee in case the toddler fell or grabbed inappropriately at my service dog’s face. Thankfully, the toddler’s mother caught up with her a mere foot or so from DeeDee’s face and apologized profusely. DeeDee was absolutely perfect. She simply lay there watching the toddler with an amused expression on her face.

As a service dog handler, I must always be aware of my surroundings - especially where children are involved. Because she knows I am aware of these surroundings, DeeDee is relaxed, trusting me to handle any situation that arises. After all, we’re partners. It’s all part of the deal.