I took Larry to the airport last week to greet those wonderful lifesavers who work at Southwest Airlines.  What with security and all of that stuff, they made us wait outside the check point.  But when I heard their voices, I got all excited and in a very uncharacteristic way, I let my emotions take hold.  I surprised everybody by leaping up and kissing a whole bunch of faces.  Tammy, the shy one, kind of stood back a little.   Then she started crying.  Happy tears, she called them.  Followed by happy hugs.  It was a good time had by all.  Reunions are like that.  So now that I’m pretty well healed, I’m out and about with Larry most everyday.  It’s a great life.   Keep your tail a waggin’, Banner         

Well here it is one month to the day since Banner’s Lucky Day. He’s high stepping the neighborhood on his morning walks and covering about a mile. Of course, he hits the side walks before six a.m. when it has cooled down to 80+ degrees!

Banner was overjoyed to learn that the Southwest employees who saved his life will be receiving Southwest Airline’s Spirit Award on Wednesday August fifteenth. Making the trip to Dallas will be Supervisors Toni Dreiseszun and Karen James, along with Customer Service Representatives Tammy Ward, Rhonda Newton, Kristy Boehr, Michelle Burwell, Leslie Riesterer and Troy Anderson. Troy, who is now known as the “Human Tourniquet”, has become one of Banner’s greatest friends. Congratulations to all of these kind, committed and caring individuals.

Banner has been nosing at the key board, honing his typing skills. It won’t be long before he’s tapping these keys with his very own paws. Stay tuned.

The summer monsoon weather has hit the deserts. With the morning temperatures much cooler, Banner has begun his rehabilitation exercises. The first couple of days he took short walks around the block at an even pace. By the 3rd day, he was returning to his curious and spunky self, so the route was expanded. With this renewed zest for his work, it was time to see how he would handle crowds.

So, on the 4th day it was off to the local shopping mall for an early morning stroll. The pedestrian traffic is mild prior to the stores opening and this would provide an easy way to slide him back into the situations he encounters at airports, hotels and convention centers.

Banner blended in with the morning “mall walkers” and never missed a beat. He navigated in and around the people, baby strollers and maintenance workers as he always does. Now his routes will be increased to build his strength and stamina. Before too long he’ll be up to his full potential and ready for a few laps around the pool!

This photo of Banner just being a “dog” was taken in May of 2007 on Dale and Betty Johansen’s farm in Underwood Minnesota. He was truly enjoying himself. All his friends are anxious for his speedy recovery. Won’t be long and he’ll be rolling, running, and romping like this again.

Banner visits his wonderful vet, Dr. Bastec. He has two stitches removed but the rest need to stay. He is being treated for a slight infection in the wound.

See Banner’s story on YouTube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=YZ17L8j6bsY and be sure to rate the video and leave a comment. THANKS!

In case you came here from somewhere other than Larry’s site, we wanted you to know that Banner’s story hit the news from coast to coast! We are just amazed at all the care and concern people have shown. Here is a link - and don’t forget to watch the video.
Airport Workers Save Seeing Eye Dog’s Life

It seems he had been busy responding to messages from fans on his BLOG. The expressive experience has been so rewarding that he has been thinking of writing his own memoirs. Stay posted for his progress. He has many “tails” to tell.

Dear Marsha Petrie Sue,

Mr. Larry has indeed been a GOOD BOY! All I have to do is make a few little whiny noises and he’s at my beck and call. Having a guide man has been a stupendous experience.

Your Friend, Banner

Dear Xena,

Thanks for the compliments about my poolside photo! I AM a very handsome guy. If you ever saw me in person you would not be afraid of my big paws. After all, I do have a college education. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite courses was P.E. where I won a blue ribbon for maneuvering through the most difficult obstacle course there ever was with flawless flair. As far as I know, no dog in training has ever been able to come close to my record setting “grace in motion”.

Sincerely, Banner

To My Catt Friend,

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate broken bone incident…. And thanks for the advice about keeping my faithful master jumping to my every command. Did you see that photo of me by the pool? It’s a dog’s life, isn’t it? Why didn’t I think of this medical leave thing before?

Banner

Hey Courtney,

It was really fun seeing you again yesterday. Mr. Larry, that’s the guy who follows me around, was in one of these no-nonsense moods after the second time in one day that I chewed through the bandages. Thanks for making it sky blue this time. I have decided that sky blue is my very favorite color!

Luv, Banner

 Banner took two unscheduled trips to University Animal Hospital today.  He has discovered how to chew through the bandages in stealth mode!  It turned out to be a very colorful day.  The 9 a.m. bandage was lime green.  Banner must have found the color disagreeable because by  3 p.m., the green one had been chewed away and he was given another one, this time in sky blue.  The doctor and staff have agreed not to humiliate Banner with one of those buckets for his head, as long as he refrains from further destructive activities.