Bud arrived Saturday, Fate growled and snarled and barked at him for the first two days, he was undeterred, he kept challenging her to play. Fate is a fiercely independent regal dog, she is not into sharing.
But they did have a blast, and this signals another level of acceptance for Bud into our lives. Fate loves to play and plays rough. So does Bud. We’re on. Maria took this historic video. Bud settles in here more and more by the h our. Come and see.
I guess this is not a photo I expected to take on Bud’s second day at Bedlam Farm, but then when I think about it, it shouldn’t surprise me. I seem to draw remarkable dogs, and I wish I could take credit for it, but I can’t.
I had nothing to do with the first months and years of Red and Bud’s life, but i am reaping the rewards. I think Bud is auditioning for our Open House this weekend, he loves being out with Red, he barks at the sheep for good measure and is adopting Fate’s style of herding. – run fast but don’t actually try to make the sheep do anything.
Bud is in the Open House shepherding demo, I didn’t imagine he would be part of the show, but he is great out there. He will be part of the Open House sheepherding this weekend.
But absolutely loves to run, something he never got to do in his former life, and he is fearless but also savvy.
He also makes sure to stay near Red, even so far as standing over him. I’m not sure if he is hiding behind Red or trying to protect him. Red is a saint, he is so accepting and welcoming and gracious. He makes Bud feel safe and welcome, and he tolerates his occasional insanity.
I think Bud is having something of a Czechoslovakian Spring
The donkeys are incredulous, and the sheep just seem astonished. We’ve got ourselves a farm dog, and a joyous dog. But is learning how to have some fun, it is a joy to watch. Every day he surprises me, we’re going back to the Mansion for some training today.
Bud is a smart dog, and very savvy. He never gets too close to the sheep or the donkeys, but he can’t wait to come out into the pasture. He even had his first taste of sheep poop, and he liked it. Surprisingly, he is more active in the pasture than Gus and is a curious blend of caution and confidence.
I have the feeling he is just beginning to feel his oats. I love this picture.
Audio: Bud Is In The Open House
Bud was a rock star at the Mansion, he was mobbed the minute we got there. Residents clogged the hallway and lined up to touch him and welcome him. I think he was shocked and then quite pleased by it.
In my life, Bud’s first moment of therapy work, especially with Red, would be historic, much more important than a Congressional hearing featuring raging old white men hiding behind a woman. They can’t see it yet, but their time is coming. I think their time is now.
When you enter the Mansion, the dining room is right by the front door, Red and Bud went right there when we entered. Tia, the night aide, was also there, and she was happy to see Red, an old friend, and Bud, a new one.
One of the ways I train my therapy dogs is to reinforce the behaviors that I like, in looks and words. What they most need to learn is that the work is the people, there are no sheep or other distractions for them.
Bud will know that by the end of the week.
Red went to Tia and Bud went to Joan, he looked back at me to make sure this was okay, and then did his work. I was happy to take this first photo of Bud starting out his training for therapy work.
Audio: Bud Comes Home: First Encounter At The Mansion
I asked last week of there was a laptop for Peggie anywhere out there, and of course, there was. Peggie is one of the most active of the Mansion residents and she loves computer games. Her laptop broke a few months ago and there is no way for her to get a new one.
A blog reader named Kathy e-mailed me right away and wrote “I have a WIndows 8 computer that’s probably about six years old I used it for just a short time when my brother passed away so I took over his Apple computer. That was about four years ago. I’ve been looking to donate the computer, I am no computer buff but I assume it’s in good shape.”
I said it sounded great and Kathy took it to Fedex and is shipped it to me – she wouldn’t take any payment for the computer or the shipping, she is a member of the Army Of Good.
She said it would be arriving tomorrow. I saw Peggie today and almost couldn’t restrain from telling her, but when it comes tomorrow, I’ll rush it right over there. This will greatly enhance her mental stimulation and her life.
Peggie is a very special person, full of love and energy. She has been out ogling one of the construction workers building an addition to the Mansion.
She has an active mind, she loves crossword puzzles and reading and computer games. She also loves letters, you can write her c/o Peggie, The Mansion, 11 S.Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. She also e-mails.
Thanks, Kathy, this is the way in which we fill the holes in people’s lives at the Mansion. I am grateful, and so will Peggie be. I bought her six computer games but she has been unable to use any of them. Her laptop is shot.
This is what we do, small acts of great kindness.
