Big Trip to the Grocery Store

Moose woke up late this morning, so we went to the grocery store after dropping Bean off at school (usually, we head home for a nap). I planned to get in and out in less than an hour, but other things came up.

The canine team was doing a demonstration just outside the commissary. There weren't any kids around, so they came into the store to recruit some kids for the coloring contest and goodie bags. So, before we hit the cold stuff, we went out to watch the dogs search for drugs and bombs and attack. Did you know military canines get TWO cups of food a day - that's it! We also learned:

• They also train both males and females.
• Most all the dogs are spayed or neutered.
• The reason they prefer German Shepherds over other breeds is because the German Shepherds tolerate the heat and cold - many breeds cannot handle the heat (and if you shave them, then you have to worry about sunburn).
• The dogs are trained to be toy-motivated - they get their kong and verbal praise, not a treat.
• House dogs usually only outleash 10 to 15 percent of their natural aggression. Military canines are trained to outleash 65 to 95 percent of their natural aggression.
• The dogs will attack whatever is harming them or presenting a threat, usually the arms/hands or legs. If you shove you face towards them, though, it becomes fair game.
• The military canines only interact with their handlers, the head handler, and the kennel manager.

Anyway, Moose won the coloring contest and received a big stuffed dog. We also got a goodie bag with lots of snacks that Bean will enjoy.

After the dogs, we went back and got all the frozen and refridgerated stuff. We saved lots of moolah on our bill with lots of great coupons.

Now poor Moose is passed out and we have to go get Bean in a couple minutes.