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!



 

 

 

 

Growing like a weed!

Esme is growing like a weed.  21.6 pounds on her 12-week birthday.  Hard to believe she has been here 3 weeks already.  Esme is the sweetest, cuddliest little puppy.  She is full of that girly sass, but if you cuddle her close, she just melts.  Esme has had very few relieving accidents (in fact, I think it has been more than a week!).  She is able to go several hours without needing to go out. 

Esme's behavior with L'il M is improving.  She seems to know that she should not be biting... but sometimes her excitement gets the best of her.  The incidents are very few now.  Most of the time, they are just the best of buds!  Both Esme and L'il M had their doctor appointments on Friday.  They weigh within 4 pounds of each other!  L'il M watched with great interest to see how Esme would respond to the vaccination (she, herself, had been very brave).  Afterwards, she kept wanting to hold Esme (which is becoming quite a challenge for her).  Ah, the precious moments of toddler and puppy...

So, what has Esme learned this month?

1. The "big" dogs should be approached respectfully.
2. You are not supposed to chase cats  Lesson not yet learned.;/
3. Do your business outside.
4. Snow is really fun!
5. Rice is edible (she really struggled with a bland diet at first!)
6. The sound "Es-me" means the little black puppy is going to get loves, kibble, or attention.

Now, if only we could get the recurrent loose stools to take a hike...

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?

Pilgrim's Number is Up

I got the call yesterday that I did not want to come for another month.  "Pilgrim's number has been called for the next recall (to formal guide dog training)," she said.  It was the news that I knew was forthcoming, but very much hoped would not come to fruition until January.  I had imagined getting two Christmases with my sweet, golden boy.  I had hoped to not have to potty train a puppy in the two months most wet, and most frigid in Utah.

Just a month ago, I was dead-set against getting a baby puppy should Pilgrim have gone back during November.  L'il M was just too clingy, and it was impossible to step outside without her.  But now, she seems so much older, and has become very adventurous (thus requiring constant supervision).  My family has pleaded for a puppy rather than a transfer.  My brief consideration for a break in my guide dog raising was shelved after finding out that there are 300 fewer puppy raisers currently, than there were just a few years ago.  I find it saddening to tell someone that I cannot put out just a little extra time to help them become freer in life.  Guide dog puppy raising is a gift to those who have a harder time in life.  It is truly not a big enough imposition or trouble to forsake those who can greatly benefit from the companionship and service that guide dogs provide.  So, it looks like a black labby puppy is in our future.

Today, we celebrated the big boy with some Senior Pictures <smile>.  I have stolen that term from Mickelle, who is raising Placer, Pilgrim's brother.  Placer's senior pictures can be seen here- Placer.  He looks much like Pilgrim, only darker and a bit less "fluffy".  My tradition for the past 4-5 puppies that I have raised has been to go on a hike that overlooks the mountain valley that I live in and take photos.

 

 

I wish I had better planned for the lighting.  The gorgeous snow-capped mountains were shadowed by the afternoon, and my attempts to capture them left Pilgrim with these funny sun-spots.  I got a few of the whole hiking crew for today, too.



Dillon, Rudy, Levi, and Pilgrim

 

My hiking group- love them all!





 

It is always the most bittersweet moment in a puppy-raisers life.  Celebrating the wonderful young adult dog that so much time and energy has shaped (in Pilgrim's case, a ridiculous amount of paper towels and cleaning supplies in that first 6 months, as well).  I look forward to Pilgrim's future with hopefulness for him to make it as a guide dog, but certainty that he will make someone's life better with his charm, loyalty, and sweetness.  Our entire family will miss Pilgrim.  I think L'il M may be a bit lost without him.  He has been like a young sibling to her.  They adore each other and are always hanging out playing (occasionally getting into trouble) together.  A whole 'nother post on that.