What's up, Pilgrim?

It has become clear to me that even Phase 8 is not a guarantor of completion of training.  I received extremely disappointing news last night...  and unfortunately, it was via voicemail so there is no clarification as to what could be happening.  Pilgrim was taken out of Class on Tuesday due to a "training issue".  I am so disappointed because it looked like he had a great home with a very communicative partner.  The plan now is to work with Pilgrim to see IF the problem can be corrected.  Without knowing what the issue is, I don't know if I should feel optimistic about what this means for Pilgrim's future.  Anyone have any information on this sort of thing?

On the bright side, I was not going to be able to go to graduation anyway (primarily beacuse it was Easter weekend and you cannot fly anywhere affordably and last-minute, but there were other factors preventing driving up, as well) so, perhaps he will get his "issue" corrected and we will still get to see the Boy graduate.

Wishing for quick learning, Pilgrim.  Hope to see you soon, BumBum (toddler speak for Pilgrim).

Way to go, Pilgrim!

 

The sweet Golden boy has done it!  Pilgrim is listed as Phase 8 on the phase report this week.  Phase 8 is the final phase of formal training that includes all the final testing to ensure that he is ready for his career.  Pilgrim's love for being in public, his joy in learning new things, and his confidence have been shaped into what I think must be the cutest guide dog ever! ;)  I wonder if the tail is still carried high and wagging while he works?

Do well on your "tests", Pilgrim.  I hope to see you soon!

I Don't Think This is Right...

Phase Report Day today.  Pilgrim was phase 3 for the second time last week, but this week was listed as Phase 6!  No matter how I try to justify that as accurate, I cannot come up with an explanation.  5 maybe, but not 6.  So, for this week, I am just thankful Pilgrim has not been Career Changed, and I look forward to next week figuring out where he is really at with training.

Any thoughts on this?

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?

Wordless Wednesday

This may or not be a "normal" day at our house!