Tradition born, habit formed

Hiking has become a favorite around here lately.  The (pet) dogs love being able to run and sniff.  L'il M also loves to run free (without constant reminders to stay on the side of the road, etc).  L'il M runs after the dogs, but every now and then, she stops and does a recall with the dogs, rewarding them with kibble from her ever present bait bag that she carries.  It is quite funny.  I am not sure if she is resting her legs when she does it or if she just wants the dogs to pay attention to her.  It does seem to happen more frequently on the way up though.  Random recalls while hiking is something I did the first day we went hiking in a long time.  The dogs were so excited and I wanted to make sure they "remembered" and were motivated to come.  They were great, and then the next time I forgot to bring any kibble (which L'il M reminded me of).  Ever since then, L'il M has prioritized grabbing the bait bag before exiting the car at the trail head.  The irony of it is that this is exactly the method that I encouraged dog owners that I was working with to use in order to maintain some focus and responsiveness while their dogs were off-leash.  Many had such a hard time doing such a simple exercise.  So simple, in fact, that even a 2-yr-old can do it.  Habit formed.

Leia(our house guest), Dillon, L'il M, Esme, and Rudy posing in "the spot"

L'il M looks irritated that Leia is not posing for the camera

I hadn't planned on taking even more photos of our hike up to the same location.  But, toddlers are so routine oriented, and apparently I have formed a tradition of bringing a fruit leather (yes, the good old fashioned kind) for L'il M to have when we reach the top of our hike.  She begins asking about it when her legs start to tire.  There is a little bench at the top that allows enjoyment of the view while you rest your legs.  Now, pictures are also required before we begin the more downward continuation of the Outlook loop.  Tradition born.  This day, L'il M walked the whole way without needing to get a ride on my back.

Wordless Wednesday

Esme and Rudy

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.