A New Direction

It has been way too long to recap the past many months, so things will reveal themselves as they come up.  Ving went into formal training in July.  We hadn't reached 0 issues, but he was ready for the next step of his training.  Then, 2 weeks ago, Ving was the Demo dog at the Guide Dogs for the Blind graduation.  He was in Phase 7, the last phase before final testing.  Alas, today, I got the call that Ving had been Career Changed for distractability.  Reading the report, he was a lot of dog (which we knew, but hoped he would still fit the guide dog mold).   He also did not take to the kennel environment with the enthusiasm I thought he would.  We are hoping for Community Placement for the big guy.  Anyway, not exactly a great start to the week!

Ving prior to boarding the Puppy Truck in July

A Working Weekend

As I have "matured" in my guide dog puppy raising experience, I have found that it is truly unnecessary to drag (I mean, take) your puppy everywhere anytime you go somewhere.  Quality of outing definitely trumps quantity of outings, in my opinion.  Esme has been no exception.  Until recently, her monthly reports seemed eerily absent of outings.  That said, any place that she has gone, she demonstrated total confidence and appropriate behavior, so I have not been too concerned.

This weekend was different, she got to be a busy working dog!  Saturday morning, a Leaders Meeting, with two CFRs, followed by a statewide Puppy Raiser Workshop.  So, what did Esme think of a large room full of 40 or so dogs?

The exception was her brief reunion with Eagle, her brother.  She gave him a sweet kiss on the nose, and a few extra body wiggles upon greeting.  The two Shawn/Darice puppies look nearly identical in the head.  I was even surprised that Eagle is pretty much the same size (small) as Esme.  They are both very submissive dog-dog greeters, which was kind of comical.

Esme and Eagle kiss hello

 

Esme & Eagle

Sunday was back-to-school shopping and more!  While waiting for my teenage boys to pick out some shoes, I had Esme try kenneling under the bench.  She was more than happy to get her shoulders under, but kind of forgot about the rear end...

After a few more stores, we went to lunch where Esme happily snoozed on the cool concrete (notice the pattern?).

Then we drove to Salt Lake City and made a short trip through Costco before heading over to the ice rink for a hockey scrimmage that my younger son was participating in.  Again, Esme just settled quickly and went to sleep.  In fact, if there was an award for the dog that settled most quickly, Esme might win!

All in all, a good, outing filled weekend for a dog that doesn't go much, and she handled it like a pro!

Too funny!

As many puppy raisers for Guide Dogs for the Blind know, GDB has a flickr site that has a host of fantastic pictures of litters from the past few years, as well as graduations.  Since I have yet to receive my picture/DVD of Pilgrim's graduation, I decided to go on and take a peek to see if it was there yet.  It was, and is, of course, a beautiful picture of a beautiful partnership.  I never tire of hearing about Suzy's adventures with Pilgrim, and seeing that handsome Golden dog in harness!



See what I mean?  Gorgeous!

Now for the funny part.  After scrolling through the pictures, I came across Esme's litter pictures, and decided to take a look.  I wasn't expecting much.  In reality, who can tell who's who with 4-week-old only black puppies?  But then, I saw it, and almost fell off my ball (I sit on an exercise ball at the computer).

 

 

 

Anyone who has been reading this blog for long knows that this is signature Esme sleeping pose.  And since there were only 2 females, I'm willing to wager...  They are who they are!

 



 

7-months-old!

Esme turned 7-months-old yesterday.  She is a really nice little puppy.  She is a bit puppyish at times, but is incredible on outings.   I can take her anywhere it seems, and be confident in her ability to handle herself and be comfortable.  Esme is a bit s-l-o-w on outings that follow a longer car ride- I think there is some residual car-sickness still going on).  However, that has improved a lot in the last month, so we'll hope it completely resolves in the next year!

I love how her eyes have lightened!  Makes a black lab so much more photogenic!

2+2

Putting 2 and 2 together led to the conclusion that Pilgrim was now Suzy's Guide Dog.  I could not be more excited to have a fellow blogger continue to share the life of Pilgrim. 

Pilgrim looks so amazing in his harness!  Beauty and Brains.  Isn't that what the Golden Retriever is supposed to possess?  Congratulations, Pilgrim.  You did it!

Congratulations, Suzy.  A match made in heaven! How does Guide Dogs for the Blind always find that perfect someone for our sweet puppies?  Love it.  :)

Once again!

Much to my relief and with perfect timing, Pilgrim is In Class to graduate May 11. 

I am sooo thankful that his "training issue" was quickly resolved, and that he is again deemed Class Ready.  Since the following Class comes on a very busy holiday weekend, and just days before my oldest child graduates from high school, this graduation date gives much relief that I won't have to make hard choices again.  Oh happy day!

Pilgrim was a "late add" to the class, which gives me an inkling of who he might have been placed with...  Updates when they come!

Esme

Our little Esme girl has not had much time in the spotlight!  She is almost 5 months, I say, 5 months already.  Where does the time go?  Esme is super sweet and morphs into your body when held.  She had that beautiful puppy breath until about 2 weeks ago when the nasty smells of teething took over her mouth.  Esme is fairly confident, although not necessarily the most outgoing puppy when we are out.

 

 

Esme had some issues with the recall, so we began practicing it by the book (always a kibble) and now she *loves* to come when called.

Good Girl, Esme!



 

 

 

 

Holding onto hope, Pilgrim

First of all, I am needing a Pilgrim hug.  Pilgrim is a hugger.  I know that, in general, dogs do not like hugs from humans (they feel very dominated by the behavior), but it always felt like Pilgrim hugged back rather than just tolerated the hugs.

Pilgrim hugging L'il M



For the first time (well, since that first week or two) since Pilgrim left for formal training, I feel a hole in my heart when looking at other Goldens.  My eyes tear up.  The unknown of what is going on with Pilgrim's training saddens me.  I just wish I could know the severity of his "training issue" and what the expected outcome will be.  I feel empathy for Pilgrim getting to have that special week being someone's buddy again only to be returned to the kennel.  What must Pilgrim be feeling?  I know he's probably adjusted by now, but that first night and day really eats at me.  Pilgrim will not be returning to our family if he gets career changed, and the prospect of never seeing him again...  oh, let's just say, he needs to graduate!  Come on, Gold Dog, you can get it!  Hugs, Pilgrim.

Esme needs a post update- I'll get it together this week!

Back to this, for now

Pilgrim

535C

GLD

M

8

03/28/2013

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).

I got the call...

The call came last night at 6pm. 







It was from Guide Dogs for the Blind.










It was about Pilgrim.

Pilgrim is IN CLASS. 

 

Woo Woo!

Graduation day is March 30.

Way to go, Golden Boy.  See you soon!

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?

Phase 3, again

I could not be happier with the decision that Guide Dogs for the Blind made to put the weekly phase reports online.  I love getting up on Thursday mornings and finding out what Pilgrim is doing this week.   Admittedly, it was a bit disappointing this morning to find him in phase 3 still.  All sorts of crazy ideas run through my mind!  I have to remind myself that this is a bit of an evaluatory phase, and it also is not necessarily Pilgrim needing some extra time (could be any dog(s) in his string)...  we'll just hope that next week he moves on to 4.

Our new arrival...

We got a sweet delivery via air cargo yesterday.  Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy #9!  Her name is Esme, which is apparently a character from Twilight.  At first, I thought the name was just weird, but now, even despite her disappointing namesake,  the name Esme is growing on me. Esme is 9-weeks today, and is out of Shawn and Darice.  She has the super long labby ears that I love, and oh, the puppy breath!!!  Our family is totally in love with her already.  Esme slept 8-hours last night in the crate without a peep.  She probably would have slept longer, but since I got up to see if she was awake, I thought I should take her out anyway. 

Esme modeling a small GDB vest.  She is not thrilled by our frigid temps in this pic!

A face you can't resist!

 

Esme also has "a story" already...  It was a switched a birth moment; only it was yesterday, not at birth.  A lesson in not taking life lessons learned by your kids for granted, the importance of effective communication, and plain old double-checking the important facts!  Alls well that ends well, and we have never laughed more over the arrival of a guide dog puppy!

Phase Report Thursday!

What a great start to the morning to discover that Pilgrim had moved on to Phase 3!  This phase includes preliminary obedience and blindfold testing.  I am so relieved to see Pilgrim progressing now, though I know that he has a long way to go, and it ain't over til it's over.  Still, we are proud of our Pilgrim boy!

Finally, moving in the Phases

Good news this morning!  After waiting 3 really long weeks to see Pilgrim do something on the weekly phase report from Guide Dogs for the Blind, I was thrilled to see that Pilgrim is now in phase 2!!  He is working on up-curbs, planned distraction work, taking the lead.  The fact that Pilgrim "skipped" phase 1 just confirms the notion that the dogs do work ahead of the noted phases sometimes.  Pilgrim's strengths are certainly at the forefront in these early stages anyway; Pilgrim has no body sensitivity or surface issues- I'm sure he was amused by the treadmill! 

Go-o-o.... Pilgrim!

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!!!

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!

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?