Pilgrim's phase report

Pilgrim is Phase 0, ... still.  Kind of disappointing to not see any "real" progress in the 3 weeks that he's been gone.  It's Christmas time.  Complete physicals take some time.   These are the hardest weeks, when you feel like the dogs are not doing anything, yet they are not able to be home.  Reality, of course, is that they are having fun getting massages, walks, group play time, a kennelmate, in addition to some very necessary medical exams.

We miss you, Pilgrim.  You'll do well soon enough!!!

Christmastime Grace

This is not a dog-related post today.

My joy was stolen for a few days this week.  Let me explain.  My hubby's business did well this year and we were excited to be able to be a bit more extravagant with our gifts to our kids this year.  After much thought and shopping (which I normally hate!), I was soooo excited imagining how thrilled and SURPRISED they would be when they opened their gifts on Christmas morn.  But then... I was gone for half a day and left the homeschooled preteen home, in addition to a sick teen.  I should have known.  I should have taken more precaution.  But, I was late for a meeting that morning.  And it happened.  They peeked.  My teen boy's BIG Christmas gift was discovered.  No longer would it be an unexpected surprise.  No, now it was a known.  My emotions ranged from anger to deep sadness and disappointment.  I even told them I was taking back all their gifts (which I knew I wouldn't do, but I hoped at least that would leave them wondering, and hoping for what Christmas morning would bring).  Truth is, they had stolen my joy as the giver of a gift.  I had planned it out with perfection, and they didn't let my plan come to fruition in it's timely manner.   As I reflected on this, and dealt with my emotions, and knew in my heart that they deserved grace, the undeserved gift, it hit me with a thud in my heart.  A moment in which I gulped with understanding.

How many times do we take control of the perfect gift that God has planned for us, to be given in His perfect timing?  In faith, we pray and ask God to help us in a situation (or maybe to achieve possession of something), but when the answer does not seem to be forthcoming or the answer is not the desired one, we peek!  No patient waiting for that moment of revelation to arrive.  I can only wonder how many gifts have been lost or ruined by a lack of trust that my Father has my best interest at heart, and that it is to His pleasure to watch me receive those gifts.  And yet, in spite of the gaps in faith that this sort of thing shows, he gives me grace.  Even when we fail to deserve it, he loves us and shares the best gift of all- an eternal life with Him.

Thank you, God, for your love and patience with me.  Thank you for your Spirit that guides and teaches.  I got my joy back.

Pilgrim's First Phase Report!

Ok, it's not really a phase, but I am so thankful to see him on the report this week.  Phase 0 includes: Walks on campus and playtime in an enclosed grass paddock, doubling kennelmates that play well together, daily grooming, medication administration, as needed, human and dog interactive play or cuddle sessions, introduction to community run playtime, kennel enrichment activities.  Sounds rough, doesn't it?

It has been weird not having a guide dog pup right now.  It is insanely quiet; well, as quiet as life gets with 2 teenagers, a preteen boy and a toddler at Christmastime.  The pet dogs seem to enjoy the extra attention they are getting, and it has been nice to be able to use food rewards on our group walks to reward any good behavior I see fit, and not just recalls...  Rudy, in particular, likes to be back to being my buddy.  He has not climbed in my lap so frequently since we were actively doing agility.  Guess he really does like to be "my" dog, or maybe it's that I am more "his" person.  I can't wait to see what happens in the agility ring next month!

Pilgrim

The last week with Pilgrim flew by!  I did not get to do any fun outings with him, but we did enjoy a few long and blustery walks.  On Saturday afternoon, my puppy raising group met for some photos with Santa.  I forgot to get one of the group, but here is the one of Pilgrim.

Pilgrim was the first of the group to go.  Santa was so pleased to have him come visit, and after greeting him, I asked if he'd like Pilgrim to sit on his stool by his feet, or next to him.  He said that he wanted to hold him!  After an extremely awkward upside-down hold, we turned Pilgrim over for the picture.  Pilgrim was right at home there!  Santa even asked for a copy to be made for him.  It was a fun outing with a great photo memory.

Right after the outing, we met the raiser that was driving Pilgrim, Placer, and George back to campus for formal training.  I cried before he left, and after I got home, but managed to keep things upbeat as I loaded him into the van on top of plush dog beds.  Pilgrim seemed satisfied by the accomodations, and was so pre-occupied by the bed smells that he did not even give me a good bye kiss. 

Due to some issues with the puppies at Guide Dogs for the Blind, we are not able to get a puppy until January...  it is very disappointing, but probably better in the long run as our big Lab sittee is coming for 3 week over Christmas/ New Years.

Good luck in your next venture, Pilgrim.  You are missed, but we are so excited for your future.

The Good and the Sad of Puppy Raising

I finally got an update regarding Pilgrim's recall last night.  While the update actually made me feel better about his return to campus, it also brought the harsh reality that this sweet, maturing boy is really leaving our lives.  It is so hard to say good-bye to the potty-trained, obedient, take anywhere, great house-mannered, knows the routines dog that is sheer joy, and start over with a little bundle of fur that pees and poops to no end, cries in the crate, abuses the toddler, and annoys the older dogs.  But that little bundle of fur is also what makes it possible to send away your previous trainee.  Thank heaven for that puppy breath which I love!

The original plan was for Pilgrim, Placer, and George to return via air cargo.  Now, thanks to some dedicated raisers who have flexible schedules, the 3 dogs will be driven to the Guide Dogs campus on Sunday.  I have had my recalled dogs taken by puppy truck, air cargo, flown with them, and sent them with another raiser.  Air cargo just stinks!!!!!  It feels like you are abandoning your dog with complete strangers.  The airline regulations require the dog to be there, in crate, two hours prior to their flight.  I hope I never have to send another dog back that way again!  Pilgrim loves being in the car, and loves other GDB dogs so I know he will thoroughly enjoy going back by car.

Of course, the recall process is not complete without the arrival of a new puppy to raise.  Our little Black Lab girly will arrive a week from today.  Her name begins with 'N', but I have no idea her age or parents.  Haven't really even thought of possible names- though Nancy was the first that came to mind, and I REALLY hope she is not named.  What do you think it will be?