This morning I had an appointment with Disability Support Services (DSS) on our campus. I had really anticipated some resistance to Reilly, which is why I started this so early. I should have known better. I've worked with these people serving disabled students, and they are good advocates for whatever is within the law. It was pointed out to me that not only is Reilly welcome when he's fully trained, but NC law allows him to come as an SDiT (Service Dog in Training), as long as he has manners and is not disruptive.
Our DSS also let me know that if I was unable to clean up after Reilly, that they would designate a potty area for him, out of traffic areas, and then the grounds crew would clean up after him. I will do the clean-up as long as bending is safe for me, but it's nice to know they are willing to go so far!
I was also informed that there will be two other service dogs on campus this fall. One is a guide dog, and I don't know about the second. That's all to the good. More dogs ends up being more acceptance in the long run. Since we're near a military installation, they are also expecting an increase in service animals from that area, including mobility mini-horses. I had actually considered a mini-horse at one point, but figured the dog would be easier. But for a big disabled soldier, a strong mini-horse makes sense. It would be much more useful for bracing a guy who's 200-250 pounds than any dog would be, with a much longer lifespan, to boot. I can't wait until we have some of those on campus!
This afternoon, Reilly and I went to the other pet shop to pick up rats and see the layout. I learned that I should check places out ahead of time if at all possible; at least until he's fully potty trained. Their walking area was too far across a parking lot for a puppy. I parked in the middle instead of by the building, but the hot pavement hurt his feet. He's going to need to learn to wear boots to protect his feet if I have to do much walking on pavements. I'll have to see what I can start him with, as fast as he's growing. Perhaps toddler or children's socks would work to start, just to have something on his feet. Not that they'd give him much protection, but they'd be practice. And shoot, they'd be better than barefoot. You can cook an egg on pavement in 100 degree weather in North Carolina! I bet I could design some custom knitwear for later. Fulled soles dipped in rubber (They make liquid rubber that you can dip things in and it dries quickly into a thin layer.) Tops knitted cotton, to be cooler. A warmer version for winter, as he's short-haired. I can do this. I remember waaaayyy back when I was working as a vet tech, we had a dog come in whose owner had taken him running, during the afternoon, on pavement. The dog had literally run the pads off his feet, and had bloody, raw, painful open places where his pads had been. Over fifty percent of the pads were gone. Took a long time to heal up. Reilly doesn't need this at all.
At any rate, after getting across the parking lot to the shop, we discovered that it was a great store. The best in town for dog supplies, as a matter of fact. Several different varieties of harnesses. If I hadn't purchased one yesterday, I would have tried on several today. As it is, I'll wait until he's ready for the next size, at which time he'll also be better at holding it, and will not have to walk across that parking lot! They also had a large variety of healthy treats, a larger variety of toys, bowls...everything. All the good brands of feed. I like this store. I don't like the location, but it'll be better for us later. And the staff was very helpful and pleasant. And not a single other dog in sight. I'm going to go back without Reilly and really look over those harnesses to see which looks the most comfortable. And find another water bowl for the car. The collapsible one is good, but a no-spill metal one would be even better. And I want to look over the beds they have. He'll need something practical in my office, but not so cushy that going to classrooms and waiting seems like a hardship.
So, today after chores Reilly spent the morning alone. I came home around noon and we had lunch, then went to the pet shop. Since then, Reilly has alternated between sleeping and pestering Murphy, or begging for carrots.
I would like to note that he did some limping today, at the pet shop...on his left foreleg instead of his right. Might have been the hot pavement, although I checked all his pads and there's no visible damage. Damage is not always visible, though. Only lasted a few minutes, then it was done. I'll be making sure he gets a full check his next visit, or before if need be.
I'm planning on walking tomorrow, but I'm going to find a shorter walk, just in case he starts limping again. I don't want to be on the far side of the ball field if he starts that. I think maybe just up and down a fifty yard stretch near the car would work better.
Meg and Reilly
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