Week 63- My Last Week With Mom

Hello Readers,

It's me again-the one & only Lex!!! I sure have been busy on this last week with Mom before heading off to college. Read all about it!

 On Saturday, July 11th, I started out the weekend by going to a library to give a "Superhero Dogs" presentation. Harlow, Kinley, and I were dressed up as superheroes. We talked about how dogs can have many different jobs that are very important. Of course, I was happy to share about Guiding Eyes for the Blind--in my opinion, one of the most exciting jobs for dogs is being a guide dog.

Then, I went to the vet where I was such a good boy. I weighed in at 82 pounds.

Kinley and I wore our matching ties to church for the last time! Aren't we a handsome duo?!

Kinley turned 19 weeks. He's getting to be a big boy. Do you think he'll be as big as me when he grows up?!

I went on a training outing to Walmart. Anyone want to grill? A hotdog sounds really, really good! 

I climbed up on this fun cart to practice walking on an unusual footing. 

I also practiced settling nicely outside of Walmart. It's great fun to people watch. I might consider getting my guide dog college degree with a minor in sociology.   

I walked outside of the plaza where I walked on a nice loose leash, ignored garbage, passed by people without being distracted, and so on. Mom says I'm such a well behaved dog! 

Then, I went to Wegmans. A nice lady talked to Mom and me for several minutes. I did a nice people greeting with her, and then, I settled all on my own while they talked. Mom says she was really proud of me!

Did I mention that the pet aisle in Wegmans smells really good? 

I'm very patient in the checkout line! 

Mmmmm.....there's nothing like the fresh air at a baseball game. Breathe it in. Breathe it in!

I did what I always do at baseball games-sleep!

I'm trying to teach Kinley how to sleep through the games. I think it's working!!!

Harlow, Kinley, and I went on a fun hike. None of us were in the mood for a picture. After all, a hike means walking NOT posing for pictures! 

I had fun walking on fallen trees. It's really good practice for me to be coordinated and strength my muscles. 

Hiking is one of my favorite activities!! 

I went to this very super cool playground where I've never been before. 

I went rock climbing!

Hello, welcome to my home! Do you like my curtains?  

I had fun practicing my coordination. All on my own, come up with fun games to play on the playground. I haven't mastered the monkey bars just yet, though!! 

I showed Kinley how to explore different footings and surfaces.

Peek a boo! Come up and play with me, Mom!

Kinley and I played tug! 

Wee! Wee! Wee!

I went down this curved slide, as well.

Then, I took Kinley to explore this fun football stadium. 

"I'm at the top of the world, looking down on creation!"

A part of our training is to ride very nicely in cars. Kinley and I have this down!

I'm a superhero (again!). I went to another library to give a presentation on dogs who are real life superheroes.

I was a great role model for Kinley during the presentation. 

How many hands can fit on my head?! Ummmmm....quite a few!!

The 3 Real Life Superheroes! 

I enjoy going on walks. 

Big brother leads the way!

I attended my very last class in "high school." Since our Region Manager was in attendance at this class, Mom got to work with me for the entire class! It was soo much fun!

Don't my ears look really dark in this color? 

All the dogs participated in an obstacle course. Since I'm the oldest dog in the class, my obstacle course had added challenges. I rocked it! 

"Go Place"
I really need a bigger mat, please!

After class, I enjoyed a nice peanut butter bone!

On my last week with Mom, I went on a fun outing to a place I've never been before.....Mom and my aunt got manicures. 

I was perfect the whole time and just slept!

Excuse me. What are those heads doing all around that have no bodies?!
I later found out it's a school where people learn how to be beauticians. Phew! I was ready to call CSI in! 

I went to Walmart to say goodbye to one of my favorite employee friends there. He asked Mom to bring me in before I left. He's known me ever since I was little, and he even knew my big sister, Angelica, who Mom trained before me.

I thought this card was particularly appropriate for me! 

Happy Graduation to me!!

I helped pick out a card for another high school graduate. 

Back to school! Or should I say, "Off to college?!" I'm not so sure I'll need Crayons in guide dog school, but I'll take a box, just in case! 

I visited the pet department in Walmart. 

Mom said she was super proud of me in the pet aisles. I ignored all the tempting food and toys. 

After all that shopping, I'll take a nap!

I went to Wegmans to help get some groceries. 

I sit nicely while Mom picks off the items on the shelves. 

Patience could be my middle name! 

I walk very nicely beside Mom and the shopping cart.

I took Kinley to another Superhero presentation at a different library! 

I got lots of pets from the kids at the presentation. Some of the kids know me as "the reading dog," since I visit the library now and then for kids to read stories to me.

I went on my last swim in the pond. I just love water!

I truly am a Retriever!

I can make the water do weird things! 

Kinley had fun with me! 

"And Lex goes flying into the water!" 

All three of us went swimming at the same time!

This pond holds some of my favorite playtime memories.  

I had another photoshoot on a haybale. 

Harlow and I had a fun walk exploring this field.

This week, Kinley had his first evaluation and he did very well. He earned his training jacket. Since he and I both have our training jackets, we had to do a photoshoot together.

It's been fun to see Kinley mature into such a handsome young man....just like his Uncle Lex (that'd be me!)

Hey, Kinley! I want to whisper something in your ear.
"I love you!" 

As our mentor, Harlow has helped us learn many important life lessons. 

Just me

We are done with this photoshoot, right?

Paws crossed!

I took Kinley on his very first outing with his training vest. We went to a grocery store.

We hung out in the foyer area, so Kinley could soak up all the exciting sights and smells. 

I attempted to take a nap while Kinley watched! 

We posed for some pictures.

We hung out in the parking lot for a little bit where there's many fun things to watch and smell...but Kinley fell asleep!

Another hay bale picture?!

Hmmmm...can you pin point what that smell is?!

I went to my last baseball game with Mom, Kinley, and Harlow.

We hung out nicely.

We're quite the stunning group of dogs. We got a nice comment from another baseball fan who complimented us on how well behaved we are. It's always nice to get a complement on our good behavior! 

9 innings is a long time!

Kinley and I had a fun sleepover outside! It was great practice sleeping in a different place. Some dogs find this to be a hard skill, but me? I can sleep anywhere!!

I supervised Kinley's pool time.

We took Kinley's 20 week old picture a day early, since he was leaving for the sitter's house. This is our last picture with all 3 of us together. 

My very last outing with Mom was very special. We went to listen to a drum and bugle concert. There were lots of drums and brass instruments playing. It was a packed stadium, but I handled the crowd like a celebrity. 

I slept like a log through the concert. Someone asked me if it'd be too loud for me. Nope! I've been practicing around loud sounds for a long time. 

It was rather sad to end my training with Mom. We've had so much fun together, but she says it's time for me to learn from other trainers. 

We ended my last night with Mom with a fun cookie cake in my honor. "We Love You, Lex." 

A year ago...

A year later! This tree has shrunk, wouldn't you say??!!

Until Next Week, 

Lex