Alan Goes to the Beauty Salon

Hi everyone, you know, when I was a guide dog I could put on my red coat and go almost anywhere Mrs Cox went. That was because if you are going to be a guide dog you need to be very highly socialised - i.e. you need to be very skilled at dealing with new places, people and experiences. I loved it and its one of the things I really miss now that I have retired. Luckily, because I am so highly socialised I have managed to hold on to a few of my guide dog privileges - like being allowed to come to Glen Taylor School! Some of the places I used to go with Mrs Cox still let me visit as they remember how well behaved I am. I'm allowed to go to the dentist and the hairdresser and also the beauty salon where Mrs Cox has something weird done to her eyelashes - I don't quite understand what but I don't mind that - I'm just glad not to be left at home!

- Alan 🐾

 

Alan's Holiday

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't blogged for a while - I had such a great time in the holidays that I just seemed to run out of time! I did all sorts of cool stuff. I went on a beach holiday with my friend Jessie - her sister Loma was there too and we had a great time playing with each other especially running about on the beach.

I also had a sleepover at Jessie's house in Auckland and that was exciting because her other sister Hettie was home too and there are two bunnies as well! The other thing that I enjoyed was going to work with Hettie - she works at a veterinary clinic. My nephew Dale works there as well so I got to see him too. Whew! I was exhausted by the end of the holidays and quite glad to come back to school for a rest!

Alan   🐾

Alan and Jessie Play Around

Hi everybody. You remember my friend Jessie the guide dog puppy? I went for a visit to her house  yesterday and we had so much fun! I am bigger than Jessie but she is very feisty so we are a good match. We played tug of war as you can see - I won of course! Jessie has a lot to learn because she is hoping to be a guide dog but she can still have fun while she is learning!

- Alan 🐾 

Alan's Special Treat

Hi everyone! I had an exciting day last week - Mr Herlihy gave Mrs Cox a treat for me to take home because it was a special day....I forget why! It might have been school photo day or it might have been my first day back at school...I can't remember but that doesn't bother me - food is always good!!
Mrs Cox made sure I said thank you to Mr Herlihy - she didn't need to remind me really because I'm a dog with very good manners.

- Alan 🐾 

Alan Goes Back to School

Hi everyone I'm so excited. Last week I had my first proper day back at school since lockdown! So great to be back - I was in Room 5 which I enjoyed because I got to sit on my purple mat. I was very pleased to see that Ms Elena had been keeping it spic and span for me - well done Ms Elena - five clicks for you!!
I did a lot of work. We were learning about families of facts for maths which was new for me so that was interesting and as a special treat Mr Herlihy came and taught Te Reo - we learnt names for parts of our bodies. We got to sing which was fun and of course I'm always pleased to see Mr Herlihy.....I gazed out the window after he left hoping he would come back but he didn't....next time perhaps. 
I so enjoyed seeing all my friends at Glen Taylor School again - I'm already excited to go back for the rest of the term!

- Alan 🐾

Alan's Famous Friend

Hi everyone I thought you might like to meet one of my friends who is famous! When I was a little puppy I had a friend called Delta who is a golden labrador. She was older than me and very soon after I met her she started her training to be a guide dog. It's very difficult to pass as a guide dog and I was very proud of Delta when she did. I saw a photo of her with her owner the other day - Delta and she are a real team. Delta gets to go to one of the hospitals in Auckland everyday to work. Mrs Cox actually saw her there one day in full work mode!

- Alan 🐾 

Alan Enjoys his Trip to the Park

Hi everyone I've been going to the park a lot now that I'm allowed to again. There are so many dogs and people enjoying getting out and about. It's exciting especially catching up with dogs I haven't seen for a while. Hank and I (you remember my friend Hank) have been going to the park together and chasing each other about and tussling over sticks. Yesterday we managed to sneak in a swim in the creek even though Mrs Cox usually says I can't do that as she has to bath me afterwards. I just ran off when she wasn't looking - a bit naughty but I really wanted a swim. I tried to look sorry afterwards....

- Alan  🐾