Success At Last:
As I woke up the next morning to the unfamiliar feeling of fur next to me I started to realise how Charlie was making me so much more relaxed, the next four days were more of the same training in the training room and simulation room. Day 6 is where the fun began, in our pairs we went into the local shopping centre to see how they reacted to social situations.
We all attempted to load into the bus, once I finally was wheeled up the ramp and secured with the dogs safely stowed we were off. 20 minutes and an uneventful journey later we were heading into the centre.
Charlie and I slowly made our way around the shops and into the hair dressers to have a trim. He sat very patiently and waited for me to be finished before we headed towards the food court for lunch we were the last to arrive and quickly went to buy food.
I decided to get a pot of noodles with sweet and sour chicken so that I could pop it on my lap rather than someone carry my food along with a bottle of water.
We were all soon tucking into our food when Sammy Chloe's dog began to bark. Before we knew it she had begun to fit and had slid to the floor hitting her head on the table on the way.
The seizure didn't last long, but Chloe was bleeding. I saw a staff member come over and I asked them to get a first aid kit.
I sat Chloe on the chair and began to clean the wound, soon realising that I would need my kit bag which I had put in the front of the bus. I sent Claire to get it and soon began to stitch Chloe up and do basic obs. Once completed I cleared Chloe and we all went back to our lunch.
Dealing with the situation gave me a chance to get my confidence up while in my chair.
We spent more time shopping before heading back to the centre for tea and bed.
The next morning we were all called to the kitchen for an early breakfast to be told that today we were going to a busy country fair and to pack for both you and your dog and your trainer will accompany you the whole time. In the afternoon there is a show at which Sam you have to go to the platform to be able to see.
We were all off again for the hour drive with dogs and water bowls in tow. Initially some of the younger dogs were quite on edge but soon settles, whereas for me Charlie was fine it was me that was on edge. I was ok until Claire and I went into one of the large exhibition tent and the crowd just got too much.
Charlie could sense my panic and jumped up and was nudging my with his nose to keep me calm.
Claire noticed my distress and took control pushing me outside and towards a quiet corner, Charlie in tow. After about half an hour I had calmed down and we headed to get a cup of tea, Charlie's reaction to my anxiety showed me that if anything was to happen he would be by my side supporting me all the way.
After lunch Claire and I headed to the staged area to get onto the platform, the had to check that we were legitimate, Claire came as a carer so we were both let in and enjoyed the show, the challenge was going to the loo, it was hard in daylight never mind the dark. 15minutes later we were heading back to the bus with one last sleep before the final assessment tomorrow.
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The next morning the anticipation level was high as I wheeled into the assessment room we passed the public test the previous day we just had obedience to pass.
Charlie responded to all my commands and I was given the green light all I had left was to get out I'd card and certificate. We all lined up and received our paperwork and service jackets and headed home.
Claire carried my bag to the car and Charlie got in the passenger foot well, we drove to the service station and stopped for a break, we went in and had a coffee and loo stop before heading home on the final leg.
The rest of the journey was uneventful and Charlie and I were soon settled in bed for the night ready for heading to the corps tomorrow for my talk.