Judith and I started blogging last April and this will be the final one.You have read all about my training; some of the serious things and some funny things. It seems a good time to stop since I am now a full-fledged Assistance Dog of the West. I am really happy in my home. I love Judith, Philippe and Chutney. I love being of help.

So I want to say goodbye,thank you for reading about me and maybe I will see you around Santa Fe.I send you many licks and wishes for a  wonderful 2010. Love, Chablis

I am very excited to tell you that Judith’s third book,Nito and Chloe Get an Invitation, has just been published.In it Nito,an Assistance Dog of the West and Chloe the little girl he helps are invited to Washington where Nito receives the Service Dog of the Year award (and yes, meets Bo).Children from 2-6 will love this story,(it rhymes!) with such fun illustrations by Sue Blackburn.

All the money goes to Assistance Dogs of the West.The book is $12 and tax deductible.Call ADW: 505 989-964.Toll free:866 986-3489 or go to the website:assistancedogsofthewest.org and click ADW STORE

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged.I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.Turkey is certainly delicious.

Judith and I are now attending clicker class.Judith says a command,then she “clicks’ her clicker, I do the command and get a treat.I guess it’s faster, but, to tell the truth,I like doing the commands no matter how I am asked.

To celebrate my graduation,we had a party at the ADW office.On the left is the cake and the right is the plate.I got a dog biscuit!

A long time ago, I mentioned that, before me, Chutney had been Judith’s service dog. Now she is ten and the family pet.We have the best time together, playing, chewing bones, licking each other’s food bowls (that doesn’t make much sense, since we lick them clean!) and nuzzling.

This morning Judith asked me to “up-get” a pen from a high chair. I was in my stubborn mood amd didn’t want to do it.Chutney saw what was going on and promptly did as I was told.Then I was really ashamed, so did it too. Judith gave us both treats.

My first day as an offical Assistance Dog of the West and Judith took me shopping.We went to a pet store where I wanted to sniff everything.I guess I have to learn not to do that!Then we went to a human store where I was very well behaved.Judith dropped her sun glasses and I picked them up for her.People were amazed and that made me proud.

          Today we had our “Public Access Test (how to behave in public spaces) and I passed.Now I am an ASSISTANCE DOG OFTHE WEST and can proudly wear a red vest. Judith and I are so happy.

In the morning there was another test.This time it was outdoors. First I had to SIT while waiting to cross the street.Then JUMP-ON/STAY on a big stone, continue to the Plaza and go UNDER a bench, head back to a bank, PUSH the handicap button outside the door. In the bank, go to a table and do an UNDER and STAY. Judith backed 20 feet from the table and said COME and GET YOUR LEASH.Then she dropped her key ring and I had to GET IT.What alot of work, but I was happy.

In the afternoon we went to the Georgia O”Keeffe museum where Judith is a docent. I followed her around as if she was giving a real tour. So easy! When I got bored I lay down and thought my thoughts.

Today we went back to the ADW office and Bonnie,Mimi and I had our Practical Test.Some of the things we had to do:stay,down,come,get your leash,jump-up,retrieve a pen on the floor,retrieve a pen from a table,leave it,go to bed (there was a cushion in the corner).And there were other commands too.Then Judith was asked if there was something I could do to “dazzle” the trainers (there were three in the room).You will never guess what Judith did…she threw a whole bunch of treats on the floor and I didn’t touch one, not one.I passed my test with flying cloros!

This morning we went to a different mall.The hardest was a store with narrow aisles where there were so many good things.Judith said “leave it” and I didn’t touch anything (for which I got a little treat).Even harder was the pet store with toys and food.I really wanted to sniff everything, but that was a no-no.In the afternoon we went to the Plaza which is in the middle of Santa Fe.It was a beautiful day and I loved being outside.Lots of people wanted to pat me, but first Judith put me in a “sit” position.The most fun was opening big heavy doors.I went up on my back legs and then pushed the handicap button with my nose!

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