Rudy's 3rd Report Card

I just received Rudy's 3rd report card this morning :)
Seems like he's doing wonderful, and finally has all his boxes crossed off! Which hopefully means he'll be moving into "Phase 2" soon (he's currently in phase 1. SEGDI only has 3 phases, and once the dog is in training phase 3 he/she is ready and waiting to be matched with a visually impaired person. So phase 2 would be the "in between" stage. At least, that's what I've been told!).

I really enjoy reading the comments from the trainer, and how it seems Rudy is always moving at "top speed" during his training. I remember thinking that Rudy had the energy to run a marathon!
Some of you may think that with Rudy's "high speed" he won't make it as a guide dog, but as long as he minds what he's told... he'll be fine. Every dog has a different speed, and that is very helpful when it comes time to place them with people. You wouldn't want to give a fast paced person a "slow/easy going" dog - or the other way around.

P.S. Some of you have been asking me "When is Rudy going to graduate with a blind person?".

Throughout the entire training process, I'm still never going to know if Rudy will be a working guide dog... until he actually graduates as one (some dogs will be placed and start training/bonding with the blind person - and then end up getting adopted out as a pet due to a "sudden" training issue that occurs).

And for the answer "When is he going to graduate", that really varies on how fast they are advancing with their training. Normally it's about 6-8 months til they finish with their training. Once Rudy is in "phase 3" (if he gets there...) it could be anytime (following week/or month - depends on how long it takes to find his perfect match).

Enjoy the report card, and for anybody who didn't see my last post with news about a NEW PUPPY... please make sure to head over to read it!

Rudy's Raiser

New Puppy Update **(Please Read)**

Many of you guys have asked me recently if I'll be getting a new puppy - and if not, why.
Well, if you remember back when Rudy headed IFT (May 2011), I noted that I would LOVE to raise another puppy, but I'm unable to do so, unless I can find a sponsor that can cover the basic expenses for me (dog food, gas to/from puppy meetings, flea/tick, etc), as I'm unable to afford them. (I did have a sponsor for my last 4 guide dog puppies - but they are unable to continue sponsoring my puppies, because of the economy).

I have been searching for a new sponsor, and I just found out last Friday that our local Eye Center would like to be a main sponsor for my next guide dog puppy.

I now just need a "co-sponsor", so if you know anybody who would like to help out... please let me know! (guidedogawarenessATyahooDOTcom).

I have just asked to be put on the list to receive another guide dog puppy (since I found a main sponsor), but I'm still in search of a co-sponsor; so, even if you can't help out - please pray that I'll find a co-sponsor soon!

The guide dog school said they wouldn't have any puppies till mid November, and since I got on the list so late, I don't even know if one of those could be mine - which is the main reason why I went ahead and filled out the application while I'm still searching for more sponsors... since I know it will be a "little" wait.

For anyone who's wondering; the basic cost involved in raising a guide dog puppy (only accounting: dog food, flea/tick, gas to/from puppy meetings, & a few other things), is (about) $1,500 per guide dog puppy (averaging 12-13 months with the dog).Our local Eye Center has agreed to sponsor $1,000 of the in home care for the new puppy, so only $500 to go!

I will keep you guys up to date on the new puppy (and... hopefully receiving another sponsor), I'm really looking forward to having another little bundle of joy around :)

Rudy's Raiser

Don't worry, I still miss my little fur ball Rudy...

Rudy?

I've been keeping an eye on Southeastern Guide Dog's blog, just in case they posted pictures of the older dogs they have in the training kennel.

A few days ago they posted a "Ready For Fall " post, complete with pictures of some older dogs.

The picture below caught my eye, though I'm not sure if it's Rudy; I did notice that sweet face - complete with the "brown dimple" markings on "it's" face.

What do you think?

Rudy's Raiser