Do Fudge and Vern Have What it Takes to be Service Dogs?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Last week, the dogs and I were on a long walk.  Usually, I am halfway from my car when I realize I forgot my phone and anything else I might need in case of an emergency. The older I get the harder it is to remember things and frankly, Fudge and Vern are lucky I remember to take both of them out of the car before we start walking. 

Hey, did you see where she went?

Seriously, Do you think she is coming back for us??

Now where did Fudge go?

On this particular day, we were a good distance from the car and I could tell by the way I was feeling that my blood sugar was low. Like a dummy, I had not eaten before this walk.  The last time it happened, I vowed never to forget a snack on future walks, but unfortunately, I forgot my vow.  As we continued to walk, I felt worse and worse and just wanted to get back to the car.  I unzipped my coat and continued to plod ahead. 

 

Now, most of you know that I tease all the time that Vern is my under thinker and no one has ever accused him of being the most insightful or perceptive dog at our house.  Usually when someone talks about the amazing tricks or feats their dog can do, I think to myself that Vern still runs into the patio screen door, eats mud, and thinks sticker bushes are a place to recline.

Other than those tricks and knowing how to get a treat in the middle of the night, Vern doesn’t have much else to show on his resume. On top of that, most of the time on a walk he is hell bent on pulling me to my knees.  I honestly think somewhere in his lineage is Bernese Mountain Dog and I should just save on gas and let him pull me in a cart to the park each day.  Just thinking about Vern as a service dog makes me laugh because anyone expecting him to guide them in traffic or around obstacles had better be prepared to squeeze into tight places and get used to his motto, “I might not fit, but I am going to give it a shot”.

Vern really does not have a clue as to his large size or that some things are not meant to be plowed through and most of my evergreen trees can back me up on that statement.  God help anyone on the other end of the leash when he decides to find a spot to go #2, because his ritual consists of bulldozing his way into the remotest part of the woods, preferably through briar bushes, and trying to locate a spot where the holder of the leash has to balance precariously or risk falling down a hill. For these reasons and many, many more, I have never thought of Vern as a good candidate for a service dog.  So, what happened next really shocked me and I saw a whole new side of Vern.  As I began to sweat and feel worse, Vern started walking right beside me and continued to glance up at me continually while I was walking.  His body was almost leaning against mine and he never once left my side.  I have to tell you that his reaction scared me almost more than the low blood sugar feeling because I knew Vern sensed something was wrong and I feared he saw an angel on my shoulder or something. 

Despite being a bit unnerved by Vern’s unusual behavior, I was also reassured by his nearness and concern, especially since Fudge’s only concern seemed to be which way the wind was blowing and if I could walk faster when she caught the scent of something good. My normally concerned, attentive, sweet Doodle is completely different in the house and if you would have asked me which dog would have been the first one to sense something wrong, indoors or outdoors, I would have answered Fudge.  I would have also added Vern wouldn’t have noticed anything unless I actually fell directly on top of him and even then he might not put it all together.  Well, I certainly underestimated Vern’s sensitivity and he truly surprised me that day.  Fudge, on the other hand, reminded me of John when he is watching one of his shows or reading his Kindle.  In other words, if I want help from Fudge, I had better make sure my problem happens indoors and if I want help from John, I need to hope he is not reading, watching TV, or on the computer when I go down.

 

Now that I think about it, I might just be better off just getting a Life Alert system or seeing if my neighbors would be willing to keep a walkie talkie or baby monitor in their home in case I need help.

I will have to be clear that any heavy breathing they hear coming from our bedroom followed by a series of grunts, slaps, a male voice saying, “is it my birthday?” and a scream of “John, I can’t take much more,” is just me trying to get John to stop snoring and roll over.  It will probably be in everyone’s best interest to come up with an emergency code red phrase, since “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” is way overused and too easily ignored.  I am leaning towards a series of Johns that escalate in pitch until near hysteria with no response from anyone named John.  I can just see our neighbors bursting into our bedroom one night and finding me out cold in our bed and John next to me reading his Kindle.  John, Laurie alerted us that she has been in distress for quite some time. Why aren’t you helping her? Hi Rhonda, can you hold on please, while I finish this chapter!

 

Not counting my concerned family, I think with two Doodles, I have all the help I need. Fudge can be on duty in the house since she already alerts every time I sneeze and Vern can be my outside alerter.  I think this system has me covered and eliminates my worry that if I go down in the park and Fudge is in charge, I will wake up in a part of the woods I don’t recognize, miles from my car, because a certain chocolate Doodle was following a scent and pulling me along for the ride. Fudge is the best choice inside because Vern is what you might call a premature exclaimer and a little too quick to bark at nothing at all. Meanwhile, I have loaded my dog-walking bag with treats for me if this happens again.  Now, I just have to remember to bring it on our walks or teach Fudge and Vern to find it as part of their new caretaking duties.  Do I think Fudge and Vern have what it takes to be service dogs? The answer would be no, but I do think having them with me goes a long way for peace of mind and I believe both of them would rise to the occasion if I ever needed them, just like Vern did the other day.

 

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Love your blog's Laurie!  I've learned to wait to read them when no one is around so I don't scare anyone with my outbursts of laughter =:)) 

It is so amazing how our buddies seem to know when and what we need so often.  I'm just not sure what they think I must be needing when they bring me a chunk of bone or poo they've found somewhere!?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Love this blog Laurie! It sounds like  you have the perfect arrangement with your innie and outie  doodle service dogs.

If I passed out Tara would be all about reviving me by licking my face as long as I remembered to put my face lotion on since she loves the taste of it.  Once I was at licking level she'd be on it.  Does that count as a service dog or just a face washer?

[Christine & Shelby]

Laurie... great blog as always!   Did you ever get your dog walking belt?  Rachel (of Rachel & Ollie) said that Petco had them and here in our town they were on sale... marked $12, but we got them for $7/each.  I bought 2 for when my current one wears out!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I love that Vern stands by the gate to get back inside. We had a Clumber Spaniel that could manage to open the back gate to go lie in the front yard and watch the world go by. He never left the yard. We figured out how to keep him in but it took awhile to catch "Houdini" Dudley in the act of pulling the swinging gate toward him to get out.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Joanne, I could load him up with lunch for the three of us :) He surprises me, so maybe he will like the feeling, BUT remembers he rolls on every walk and he is so joyous when he does it, that it always makes me smile. I can just see all of my camera stuff smashed to smithereens as he rolls on top of it :) I got an over the shoulder camera bag that I can even keep a 50 foot lead in it for Fudge (Vern can be off leash for short periods), a squeaky toy, and my wallet and phone. I just stocked it with granola and treats, so I think I am ok. I so appreciate your concern. Maybe you could come walk with me :)

Pat, Fudge would take off like a bat outta hell :) I have no doubt! She is my girl, but she has her limits. LOL Vern busts out of the yard and stays by the gate and wants back in the yard. Trav is so sweet and I see his calendar month is coming up.

[Pat and Traveler]

Funny and serious, Laurie!  So sweet of Vern to have your back that way.  Love the photos, too!  I get those low blood sugar moments too, sometimes.  Not fun!  I think Trav would be like Fudge, trotting over me to sniff that fascinating brush.  :)  He wouldn't go too far--he has his own pretty rigid idea of how far from me is okay, but within that limit he's a veddy busy boy.  lol

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

He wears a life vest! And, it may feel cozy and secure, similar to a Thundershirt. Think of all the junk you can take on a 100lb dog!!
I think, this is working.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Joanne. I actually had a fanny pack...my kids called it my granny pack, but since I take my camera now, I have stuffed everything into a bag that goes over my shoulder. I need to go get that instant glucose. I used to carry it everywhere, but never needed it once. I also must eat before I walk. No brainer, but I didn't :) I wonder if a pack would scare Vern. Good idea.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Maybe a doggy back pack? Lots if those. I have also seen collars the have a tiny key pocket- just the right size for a piece of hard candy.
If nothing else, instant glucose in the glove box. But she knows all this- she just wants to tell us how Proud she is of Vern. We sometimes underestimate our dogs and that's when we truly are surprised at just how wonderful they are

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Deanna, I think we are both lucky we have dogs :) LOL Way to go, Sedona.

Joanne, Thanks, Joanne! You know I love a long story :) I liked the dog speak and it does sound like Vern!

Marnie, Wow...Vern loves his new cheer :) Yes, I would probably forgot to look at the door on the way out. Vern actually growls at the TV when something scares him or surprises him. Vern and Stanlee...they sound like friends.

Thanks, Allyson!

Carol. Banjo sounds like Fudge. Fudge's nose gets her into all kinds of trouble and she is oblivious to life around her when she is on a good scent. I seriously think she would have made an outstanding hunting dog. Thank you. Just remember to pass out on Banjo so he notices or don't pass out at all :)

Jane, I wish John could go on every walk. It is seriously my favorite thing to do. I just need to be smarter. Vern appreciates the vote of confidence :) He is my sweet boy. Thank you for noticing my premature exclaimer...I thought that was a good one :)

F, Another good idea. I have old cell phones and old chargers.