shadowchaser
Platinum Member
Ok to start out I have 2 service dogs. One is a 93lb love bug who was trained for medical alert and mobility assist. The other is a 4lb cuddle buddy who is an awesome medical alert dog. The big girl had a vest that was getting very old and worn. I had re stitched the wording on it several times. It just simply needed to be replaced. The little man never had a vest because I couldn't afford it. I came into some money from the sale of a the last puppy that was open even after all the moving costs. My first thought? New service dog vests!
I checked out my usual online shop and found everything I wanted but was unsure about colors. My friend (who I'm staying with while my new apartment is slowing getting arranged) suggested going down to the store and looking for ourselves. I agreed as it sounded like a good idea and kept the most excited happy face. Inside I was screaming. Out on the road in public. A very long car ride and going to a place in a town I don't know with people I don't know. What was I thinking.
Car ride started out with snow on the road. Oh joy. Then we end up getting lost along the way when the gps lands us on a deserted stretch of road. We get ourselves turned around and heading back the way we came when we passed a stalled truck. Knowing my friend I say well we better stop and see if they need help. And she did. No they didn't need help but they were actually able to help us. After being pointed in the right direction we end up at our final location. Great just over 2 hours in the van in winter on icy roads. My heart was pounding but little man was cuddled up against me and not letting lose.
I got out and went in to look at everything. The place was almost deserted. It was a relief. Nice wide open area. The sales lady met us and told us that there is a discount from the net price when you actually come into the shop. I asked her about the discount notice I got on my e-mail on the way there and she said she would stack the two. It was almost half off! I went picked out everything I wanted and they even made them to order right there. It was great. Then on the way out my friend told me she was donating some cold weather coats to the small dogs.
Between the two of us we had around 400 dollars worth of merchandise and payed a total of only 120. It was a relief to be in a relaxed environment with people who didn't crowd in on you. And the price was definitely great. Between my purchased and my friends we got equipment for 6 dogs today. And we didn't crash on the way home. I know this may sound like a baby step but for me it giant. I have not gone that far and socialized in years. I don't like leaving the areas I know. It freaks me out.
But next trip will be much closer to home. Still a little strung.
Here is the equipment I bought and the donated coat
I checked out my usual online shop and found everything I wanted but was unsure about colors. My friend (who I'm staying with while my new apartment is slowing getting arranged) suggested going down to the store and looking for ourselves. I agreed as it sounded like a good idea and kept the most excited happy face. Inside I was screaming. Out on the road in public. A very long car ride and going to a place in a town I don't know with people I don't know. What was I thinking.
Car ride started out with snow on the road. Oh joy. Then we end up getting lost along the way when the gps lands us on a deserted stretch of road. We get ourselves turned around and heading back the way we came when we passed a stalled truck. Knowing my friend I say well we better stop and see if they need help. And she did. No they didn't need help but they were actually able to help us. After being pointed in the right direction we end up at our final location. Great just over 2 hours in the van in winter on icy roads. My heart was pounding but little man was cuddled up against me and not letting lose.
I got out and went in to look at everything. The place was almost deserted. It was a relief. Nice wide open area. The sales lady met us and told us that there is a discount from the net price when you actually come into the shop. I asked her about the discount notice I got on my e-mail on the way there and she said she would stack the two. It was almost half off! I went picked out everything I wanted and they even made them to order right there. It was great. Then on the way out my friend told me she was donating some cold weather coats to the small dogs.
Between the two of us we had around 400 dollars worth of merchandise and payed a total of only 120. It was a relief to be in a relaxed environment with people who didn't crowd in on you. And the price was definitely great. Between my purchased and my friends we got equipment for 6 dogs today. And we didn't crash on the way home. I know this may sound like a baby step but for me it giant. I have not gone that far and socialized in years. I don't like leaving the areas I know. It freaks me out.
But next trip will be much closer to home. Still a little strung.
Here is the equipment I bought and the donated coat
