The hardest day

I've been absent from my blog for a long time.  I apologize for that. I got nervous about leaving the people who love me and I took a break from being in the public eye.  However, I've missed sharing all of the wonderful things that have happened in my life.



I had my first birthday!  My Peggy Mom and Momma Ellen threw me a party - Daddy Rich, Brandie and Leiden were there to help us celebrate.  I got lots of cool stuff - to eat and to chew on and we took some great  pictures!  You can see them here.

I also celebrated one year of being with my Peggy Mom, Daddy Joe, Momma Ellen and Daddy Rich.  I've had a great time growing up in two different families.  Both were great, but different, experiences.  As you may remember, I spend weekdays at The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan where my job is to greet clients and make them feel comfortable.  Sometimes I have to keep their feet warm.  Others they just need me to be nearby so they feel happy and at home.  My friend, Leiden help out with this job as well.  I spent weeknights with Momma Ellen and Daddy Rich.  At their house I am the only dog and I am soooooo spoiled.  I have a cat sister, Brandie, but I am the only dog and that makes me the most special.  I can just about get them to do anything for me.  On the weekends I go to spend time with Peggy Mom and Daddy Joe at their place in Chuluota.  They have lots of other dogs - 5 to be exact - Tobie, Fawn, Kira, Corkie and Leiden.  There I get to play and play and play - just like a real dog.  Tobie and I like to roll around in the wet grass and get as dirty as possible.  Then we want to rub ourselves all over anyone who comes near.  I just can't think of a better way to grow up - two families that totally love me.

I got to go on an overnight too - to my friend Sarah's house.  Sarah always takes me for walks when I'm at work and I like to spend time with her when there's a scary storm.  She took me home to her house so I could play with her little girl, Samantha.  We had a great time. 

Well, I'm finally up to the hardest day - it came in a couple of parts.  First was the day we got the "phone call" saying it was time for me to go on to more training.  My time with my Peggy Mom and Momma Ellen is going to be over.  We are all very sad, but we understand that this day was bound to arrive.  Then the second part was not really knowing when I was going to have to go, only that our time together was getting short.  All of my friends are very sad - everyone wanted to spend extra time with me.  We were hoping I could stay just a little bit longer - but that isn't going to be possible - at least not for now.

On Saturday October 27, 2012, Peggy Mom and I went to Lake Eola to go to the Walk to End Alzheimer's.  There were lots of people there.  All my friends from work were there including Sarah and Samantha.  We got our picture taken and then Peggy Mom was getting sad so we left.  We went to Seminole Mall and waited for Daddy Joe to arrive.  While we were waiting, Peggy Mom got in the back seat and we just spent some real quiet time together.  When Daddy Joe arrived we drove to New Horizons.  There were lots of dogs there.  I was a little nervous - you could tell because I was drooling.  They had a bunch of cute little puppies.  I love puppies.  Then, Peggy Mom and Daddy Joe were gone - it was time for them to leave so I can go to the Prison Pup program.  I hope I'm going to like it.

I know my Peggy Mom, Daddy Joe, Momma Ellen and Daddy Rich will love me forever.  I can't wait until I can see them again at my graduation when I get to go to my forever family and help out my true friend who i waiting for me.

Until then....it's me, Sienna. 

A service dog’s view of Atlanta

Monday March 19, 2012

Well I've already given you the scoop on my first flight. I thought I'd also share some thoughts on traveling in Atlanta as a dog, especially a service dog.

The Marriott Marquis was very accommodating. We had no problems or questions regarding my presence. No place to potty, however. And, the service staff had no idea where we might be able to find a small park or some grassPeggy mom took me out to the flower bed in front and there was a place in the back that had mulch. I didn't mind number one there but I wasn't doing number two. We had to find another spot for that across the street in an area that was mostly dirt and broken bottles. Worked for me though. We were on the 36th floor so the first night when I had to go really bad at 3 a.m., Peggy mom had to get dressed and take me out. She tried to make me go in the bath tub - very weird for me because no one ever asked me to do that before. I really didn't know what she wanted and it just didn't make sense. She even put down a puppy pad but I've never been taught to use one. My whole life so far everyone has been telling me to go outside. Now all of a sudden, they want something else. I'm sticking with what I know.

The hotel was hosting a convention called Momocon. Not sure what that means but there were hundreds of young people dressed in really strange, and in some cases I'm talking totally weird costumes. Peggy mom says every generation has their "thing." I was fascinated but not scared.  Some of them were dressed like animals with ears and tails. I liked the tails, they looked like my skinny toy but Peggy mom wouldn't let me have one. A lot of the "momos" wanted to pet me and every time I went anywhere they would say, "ooh, a doggy" like they've never seen one. I was very popular.

After Peggy mom’s meeting, we went for a really long walk. There was a parade where everyone was wearing green!  They even made the water in the fountains green. I drank some and it still tasted like water to me. 

We went to the Atlanta Underground but didn't stay long. Then we walked over to the CNN studios. First we were going to have lunch and then go on the tour. We wanted to eat at a restaurant called Don Juan's Cantina only they wouldn't let me come in. That's the first time someone said I wasn't allowed to come in. Even the manager said I wasn't allowed. Peggy mom got really mad and asked for their card.  Teresa friend was trying to keep everyone calm. Finally a nice man named Armando came over and said, no problem, we can come in. He did say that some people don't know about service dogs. Seems to me like they should do a better job of training people about what I do and why. Peggy mom said she was going to write a letter to Ted Turner. I think he owns the place or something. I didn't like that restaurant anyway. They have these really ugly and uncomfortable iron bases on their tables so I didn't want to go under the table and Teresa friend didn't want me to lie in the aisle. I don't think we will ever go there again. 

We never did go on the tour because you had to pay – we thought it was free. Then we found a nice park and went over to the Coca Cola  place. There was a long line and it cost too much too.  We did meet a nice man in a wheel chair and I got my picture taken with him. He was nice. I hope I get someone like him as my real person.

We didn't go to the aquarium either. It was way too hot out and very, very busy. So we just walked around a lot more. My feet were killing me. I never walked on so much concrete in my life.  I don't know how city dogs do it.  I guess they just get used to it. 

Eventually we went back to the hotel for a much needed rest.  Then back out again.  We went and had some snacks (well Peggy mom and Teresa friend did).  I had to eat dog food. 

We did go to the top of the Westin Peach Tree Plaza – up a glass elevator for 72 stories!!! My Peggy mom was really scared but not me!  We had a great view of the city from the top.  Then, back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.  I tried to sleep in the bed but got kicked out for taking up too much room. 

We were up very early on Sunday morning to go home.  I went in another cab, had to go through security again at the airport.  Again, they patted me down but everyone was really nice.  This time we got to have a whole row on the plane to ourselves!  I really got to stretch out.  Finally we were home and I think I’ll sleep for a week.  Chow!

My first plane ride

Friday March 16, 2013

Today was the first time I ever flew on a plane. Wow there's a lot to do to get ready. My Peggy mom had to pack her clothes, put my food in separate baggies, make sure I had my vest and my I'd.  Then we had to drive to the airport and park the car. The place where we parked sends a little bus around to pick people up and I had to ride on the bus!  At first I wasn't so sure, but it was fun. When we got to the airport we had to get into a box that took us to a different place from. Where we got in. Then. We had to wait in a line so Peggy mom could drop off her suitcase. Lots of people were talking to us like they've never seen a dog at the airport before.

Security was fun. They let Peggy mom go in a shorter line so we didn't have to wait too long. They we went through this weird thing that beeped. They made us go back through it and start over. This time I had to sit and stay while Peggy mom went through by herself. She didn't make it beep so I guess it was me.  Sure enough, when I went through it beeped again.  They told Peggy mom they were going to have to "pat me down" - whatever that means. Then this guy in a uniform came over and petted me on my vest. I like getting patted down. 

Then we rode on a people mover that took us from the main airport to the place where we were going to get on the plane. The doors closed right in our face so we thought we were going to have to wait. Then they opened again, like magic, and we got on. It was hard to stand up. A little girl wanted to pet me but Peggy mom said no I was working". Working!  I thought we were going somewhere to have fun. I like meeting new people and she wouldn't let me play with anyone!  I'm not sure I want to go the airport again. 

We waited a while for our plane. Then they actually let us get on first - cool!  I walked down this long tunnel and then had to get on the plane. I was a little afraid but Peggy mom came with me so. I figured it was okay.

First we sat near the window.  There was a lady sitting on the aisle who didn't seem very friendly but talked to us a little.l. She said she wanted to bring her dog but it was a little one. I guess she doesn't realize that I'm a service dog and have a special job in life. Then an man came and told Peggy mom she was in the wrong seat. Oops!  We sat in row 10 and we were supposed to be in row 20. The flight attendant man said we better stay up toward the front so another really nice man went to row 20 and let us stay in his seat. Only it was really uncomfortable. There wasn't anywhere for me to go where I wasn't in the way. I was half out in the aisle and lots of people were getting on the plane. They almost stepped on my tail!  Peggy mom found a spot behind the last row of first class seats. Problem was I had to go in backwards.  I still wanted to lie in the aisle and the flight attendant made me move. Then Peggy mom had to move again so she could be closer to me.  The grumpy lady I mentioned earlier was the one who had to give up her seat and she wasn't very happy. She showed her disgust by picking imaginary dog hair off her slacks. You should see Peggy moms pants - they are covered! 

Take off was no problem and then I took a good nap for about an hour or so. Landing was a little different - I was really nervous when I heard those engines reverse and the plane touched down.  I was really panting.  I was really happy to get off the plane and back into the airport.

I've never seen so many people in one place. We had to go to baggage claim to find Peggy moms luggage and it was a pretty long way. We had to find the elevator and then ride a little train. It went really fast. When it stopped we got off at the wrong spot. I was confused what door we were supposed to go out of and then we had to get right back on.

Finally we got to baggage claim. I was fascinated watching the luggage go round and round. Peggy mom found her luggage and then we went to the restroom and waited for our friend Teresa. Speaking of restrooms, now that's a whole different story. First of all, they arent places where I get to go "busy". Only people "go busy" and then wash their hands. I don't like the small stalls so I try and stay outside.  Whepeggy mom figured this out, she started going into the larger handicapped stalls. Probably a good idea any way since that's where my real person will have to go.

You should know that the Atlanta airport actually has a dog walk right outside of baggage claim. There's not much grass though so its not very interesting. Plus, I didn't see any other dogs there.  Boring.

Then. We caught a taxi - actually a mini van and drove to the hotel. I had a whole row of seats to myself. I've been in a hotel before so this is old hat to me. I am learning a lot about traveling though. One thing I've discovered is that most places really don't have facilities for dogs.  Helpfully this won't be a problem for my real person.  I'll check back in soon!  Chow!

Peggy moms note:

Sienna  is right. The challenges for a person with disabilities who also has a dog are many.  Although the airport, airline and hotel personnel are very accommodating, the facilities just don't have enough services for dogs. The airplane really doesn't have a good systematic way to reassign seats when the traveler has a larger size dog, like sienna. And, there really isn't a good place for a dog to be so that they are out of the way so as not to interfere with other travelers. We were permitted to board first which was really nice. However, the downside to that is then sienna had to wait for the balance of the plane to load. Upon reflection, I think I'd still get on first, find my seat, get my carry ons stored and then head to the back of the plane and wait in the galley area until the plane is fully loaded. I would then head to my seat just as the plane is ready to leave.

Again, the hotel staff is very accommodating but they just aren't prepared to have a dog as a guest. There's no area designated where a dog can relieve themselves. Sienna had to piddle in the flower bed out front and we had to find a desolate patch of dirt about a block away for "poopy busy."

I'm learning more about what a person with disabilities has to do deal with when they travel or eat out or try to do anything with a service dog in tow. Sometimes it isn't easy. And I can only imagine how much more complicated it would be if I was in a wheelchair or otherwise handicapped.

Puppy Raisers Needed - New Horizons Service Dogs

New Horizons Service Dogs needs puppy raisers! There are two litters of puppies that are ready to be paired with puppy raisers. If you know of anyone who has a heart big enough to take on a service puppy, please contact Ellen Marks.

Sienna has been a total joy. She is smart, funny, loveable and is going to make the best service dog ever! Ellen Hall and I (Peggy Hoyt) have enjoyed every minute of our time with her.

People ask all the time - "How are you ever going to be able to give her up?" Our response is always the same - "She's not our dog." She belongs to New Horizons and we are doing this so that a person with a disability will have the love and companionship (and service) of a fabulous dog.

You can do this too! It's fun and rewarding.


Ellen Marks
New Horizons Service Dogs Inc.
ellen@nhsdi.org
Phone: 386-456-0408
Fax: 386-456-0409

Happy new year!

I know I've bee a little quiet since Christmas. I hope everyone had a very happy holiday! I did. I got lots of great new gifts to chew. My Peggy mom and momma Ellen had lots of extra time to spend with me too. My daddy Rich even got a t-shirt that says, "Sienna's Official Walker."

Peggy mom even made momma Ellen a 2012 calendar with all pictures of guess who? Me! Momma Ellen loves her calendar so much she won't hang it up. She carries it around and shows everybody. It makes me feel so special.

I'm really looking forward to a great year. I still have lots to learn and every day I'm making progress. I continue to do and learn new things daily. I get lots of good practice hanging out at my Peggy mom's office. I meet lots of new people and I get to practice my patience skills relaxing during all of her client meetings. Everyone I meet seems to really like me too. Even when I try to share my slobbery toys with them.

I've been doing some camping recently. A few weeks ago I went to a horseback ride in the Goethe forest. There were lots of horses, of course but there were also lots of other dogs. I also learned I like to eat horse poop - much to the dismay of Peggy mom.

Then I went camping at a really nice RV park. That was fun too. No horses but lots of dogs. I went to the dog park and played with a boxer who. Was chasing her ball. We were having so much fun I ran full speed right into my Peggy mom and nearly knocked her on the ground! I'm glad she didn't get hurt.

I've been making lots of progress on my leash walking skills. I'm not pulling as much as I used to. I'm usually in a hurry to get somewhere but my momma Ellen needs me to slow down and wait for her. So, I'm really trying.

Gotta go now, chow!