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.

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

@ Marnie, I know what you mean. The idea of a pack with all the goodies in the car is great.

I also remember that old cell phones can supposedly dial 911 even without a contract/carrier. An old cell phone left in the pack and charged once in a while, as a backup plan might be a great idea.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I knew Vern had it in him!  He loves his Mom and he wasn't going to let anything happen to you, Laurie.  I had to laugh at "premature exclaimer"...that's a new one.  I sometimes have that blood sugar issue too so I never take the boys on walks in the woods unless Dave is with me.  I have no confidence in my guys in that situation.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Laurie,  I'm so happy Vern and Fudge have your back covered.    What a sweet, sweet Vern....I could just hug him!!!     I had a similar feeling one day recently while walking Banjo....and I"m sorry to say he was completely oblivious to my distress...dashing up and down the trail, sniffing every rock and tree....I actually wondered if I passed out cold if he'd even notice.  

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Aw sweet, sweet Vern!!! I love this!  Glad you are okay, by the way. That low blood sugar can get to us all at times.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Oh Vern, you’re my hero!  Cracks me up in that Stanlee’s and Vern’s personalities are so very similar.  Stanlee is completely oblivious to real danger and acts like a dorkish-nerd when “something scary” startles him.  You know, like the sudden opening of the kitchen garbage can or a car alarm going off ON THE TELEVISION.

And F., the note on the door reminding Laurie to remember to take her cell phone suggestion is great BUT if Laurie is like me, after seeing that hot pink or lime green post-it note once….it is totally and completely overlooked and forgotten about after seeing it that first time.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

In dog speak-
Looks like you're low on sugar, Mom. I'm as sweet as can be, so you just lean on me

I LOVE DOGS! Love this age in dogs! Just thinking the past few weeks, how much I truly love the maturity I've seen this past month. All our hard work and love is now being returned in amounts we can't even imagine.
Spud has not been the same since the puppies came to visit. Long story, I just want to let you know, I completely understand your feelings of surprise in Vern and how proud you must be.
Just when you think you know them, and it is all about the toy or the walk for them/ they show you the true companion. In proud if you too, Vern

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Way to go, Vern!!  I guess we've all underestimated you!

Laurie, I'm in the same boat regarding my husband coming to my rescue.  If he's on the computer (which is a lot) , a marching band could parade through the house and I doubt that he'd notice.  Fortunately, Sedona would bark at the first trumpet sound and if Doug didn't respond to her bark, she'd nudge him until he did.  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sandy, I never thought about the lawn chairs....LOL! Good idea about leaving it all in the car. I leave the leashes in there and the dog stuff, so that is exactly what I am going to do today and get a bag packed for the car.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Karen, LOL...Fudge could probably learn to dial 9-1-1 :) Vern really was my hero that day and I now I know he has it in him :) I guess I should have married an idiot...here I went with a smartie :) LOL

DJ, Treats are packed and it scared me enough, I don't think it will happen again :)

Camilla, Thank you! Sorry about the spit :)

Joanna, Thank you!! I totally believe your dogs would be there for you, too!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Janie!

Donna, You are very sweet! I used to carry these chewable things, but never needed them before. I learned my lesson and will not take any more chances. Vern really did surprise me.

Traci, LOL....I will tell Vern. Thank you!

Nicky, Thank you! I think I need to make myself a checklist, but I am doing better and have packed my bag with treats. Vern was my hero that day!

Bonnie, Thank you! I think you are right. I have already added snacks to my bag and just need to remember my bag :)

Charlotte, Thank you! I always listen to F :)

Thanks, F.  As soon as I felt poorly, we headed right back for the car. Yes, I really think I am going to make a checklist and post it on the door. The other day I forgot my wallet, but John was there, so he paid for dinner :)

Lonnie, Fudge is like that in the house. She always checks on me if she senses something is wrong. These dogs are amazing and we are so lucky!  Way to go, Libby Lu! Thank you! Yes, let's forget about our memories!