Willow Here…..

So, Mom and I took a trip this past weekend to Chicago. Actually, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. We attended the first annual Service Dog Ambassadors Service Dog Conference. We went to train First Responders. It’s what we do 🙂 We got to take one of my very favorite people, Jeff Deschenes (who’s your Daddy?) from the N. Andover Fire Department which is one of the reasons I didn’t call my union rep. Let me tell you, I thought a bought it, I worked my Great Dane butt off. Another reason was Auntie Ginger was there too! I got to see her and since I’ve known her since I was a pup, it was extra special.

Mom, Jeff and I were able to present to an amazing group of first responders that included Firefighters, EMS, Police, Sheriffs, Court Officers and even Park Police. It was amazing. Also in attendance were other service dog agencies, rescue groups, disaster relief dog groups as well as other service dogs and their handlers. It was incredible.

I of course, was extremely happy to see the first responders as I do have an affinity for them. I’m telling you, they have incredible skills and gear that could solve so many of my issues that mom won’t allow me to address. Boris the bad cat? They could snatch him without getting a scratch and I know he could “disappear”. Those squirrels up the tree? I’ve seen the ladders they have. Problem solved!

Anyway, they seem to focus on utilizing those skills and tools for other things which mom tells me is extremely important. I must say, I am happy to know that if mom’s ever hurt or sick, these guys and gals certainly will have her back and take good care of her. I also do enjoy their “surprise” when they realize that yes, you can fit a Great Dane in the Ambulance.

I also got to fly and although I’m not fond of the takeoff or landing part, the flight itself is a great time to nap. I also did have Jeff convinced I was way more worried about takeoff than I really am so he would pet me and baby me…lol Mom was totally on to me and busted me but, Jeff kept it up anyway…Ha! (Who’s your daddy?) They don’t call me “Monkey Pants” for nothing.:) I also got to be patted down! “Are you sure you got everywhere?” “You may have missed a spot” I love that part! It’s like a little petting break.

So although I worked my tail off, it was for a good cause. We educated a lot of people, met so many new friends and had a great time. I heard talk of going to other places to train other First Responders in other states and I’d call my union rep but, as mom says “we need to give back for the gift we received by helping to make access better for other Service Dogs and their Handlers.” When she’s right, she’s right. Now, about those squirrels……:)

~Willow (Typing Courtesy of Blaise the Good Cat. He has those little Kitty Paws)