Merry Christmas!

(written by Brandon's Raiser)

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful friends out there!

Though this is the first time in 6yrs that I haven't had a guide dog puppy with me for Christmas, I still managed to enjoy quality time with my family and I'm so grateful to have them.

I have just received Brandon's 1st report card, and I will be posting it in a few days.  I'm so glad to hear Brandon's continues to do well, and it's a relief to have a recent update during the holidays. 

Merry Christmas!  

-Brandon's Raiser

Picture of 2 of my dairy goats and I

Angry Birds Winner!!

And the winner is....

Stella!! (over at Jo's World) Congratulations on winning our Angry Birds dog toys giveaway; I will be in contact with you shortly.  

Thanks to all who participated in this giveaway!

-Brandon's Raiser

Image of the red bird with a blue hat

Greetings from Florida

Brandon's harness picture has arrived, and oh does my sweet chubby boy look all grown up and handsome!

I also received a letter, and a "post-card" from Brandon, it looks like he's enjoying the sunny state :)

I can't believe it's already been 2 months since Brandon headed IFT (In For Training), I still miss him dearly, but I'm so excited to finally have his harness picture. 

Don't forget to enter our Angry Birds dog toys giveaway, it ends THIS Sunday, and the winner will be announced on Monday (11-17).

-Brandon's Raiser   

Picture of Brandon staring straight at the camera in a sit-stay, while wearing his harness

Picture of Brandon running, which was then photo shopped to have a beach background, with the text "Greetings from Florida" up in the right hand corner

Copy of the letter that "Brandon" sent me, stating that he passed his medicals, will be moving up into  a new kennel, and will meet his trainers.

Angry Birds Dog Toys GIVEAWAY!!

Giveaway, did someone say giveaway?? 
That's right! Hartz asked us to help pass along the word of their Facebook guessing game, for the holiday themed Angry Birds dog toys.  In return, not only did my pups receive 4 Angry Bird dog toys, but they also are sponsoring a giveaway on our blog!! 
Entering is super easy, just leave a comment that you'd like to be entered, include your email address (or be sure one can be reached on your profile/blog) and your entered! Yes, it's THAT easy!
Giveaway starts 12/7 and ends 12/16, hurry and enter... these 4 Angry Bird dog toys need a home for the holidays!  *Winner will be picked at random and announced on 12/17*

Now, be sure to head over to Hartz Facebook page and participate in their interactive guessing game!
The details for the game are as follows:

• There are four unique holiday Angry Birds toys that will be shown in four different holiday locations that will be slowly revealed throughout the course of 4 weeks.
• Each week (Monday-Sunday) a photo of one of the toys in a distinct setting, will be featured on the Facebook application with only a small amount of the photo visible.
• As the week progresses, more and more of the photo will become visible and ultimately be fully revealed each Sunday.
• Fans will be able to submit their guesses as to the location where the toy is hiding out as many times as they like throughout the week for a chance to win their own limited edition set of all four characters.
• The campaign will kick off on Monday, 11/26/2012

I did receive the 4 Hartz Holiday Angry Bird dog toys, and thankful that I had Harris here to help "try them out"! (though Liberty loves these toys, she's not the eaiset dog to photograph!).
Enjoy the pictures below, and don't forget to leave a comment to be entererd in our giveaway!
-Brandon's Raiser


I was super excited when I got the box in the mail, cutest packaging!

Picture of the box, cute logos on side and even a gift box wrapping and bow on the top!

Harris was very interested to see what was inside...

Picture of Harris peeking his head inside the box

Are you sure it's mine?? 

Picture of Harris sniffing one of the Angry Bird toys

Pictures of the 4 Hartz Holiday Angry Birds dog toys (photos below provided by Hartz)

Black Bird with candy cane

Red Bird in blue hat

Green Reindeer Pig



White bird in red scarf and grey hat with pink flower

Brandon Update... Finally!

I have finally gotten Brandon's first update from the guide dog school, he passed his medical/hip tests and has now moved into training!
I'm glad Brandon has started training, and I know he must be enjoying himself and his classmates.
I should be getting his harness photo in the next few weeks; I'm looking forward to seeing how grown up my boy looks!
Starting in the next month or so, I should be receiving monthly updates/report cards about Brandon's training. 
Still, at any point, Brandon could be career changed due to a training/medical issue he may have developed, so please continue to pray and keep your fingers and paws crossed for him!  I want what's best for  my sweet boy and I'll be excited to see how Brandon progresses during his training.

Harris (the chocolate lab I was puppy sitting) returned to his raiser this past week, and he started his guide dog journey in FL this past Saturday, I wish him the best of luck with his training, he sure was a joy to have for the last month!

On a totally different note, I will be doing a review and giveaway on some doggy toys (thanks to Hartz!)
So keep your eyes peeled for that post!

-Brandon's Raiser

My sweet, lovable Brandon!

Picture of Brandon & I beside an old barn (Brandon joined me for a few of my senior pictures this Spring!)

Brandon & I at a different section of the old barn, it looks like I have Brandon in a head lock!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 (Written by Brandon's raiser)
Happy Thanksgiving to all our blogging friends out there! I'm thankful to have so many friends, and also extremely thankful to be a part of the guide dog program!
Still no news about Brandon, but should be hearing something any day now, it's so hard not knowing anything!
Harris (the chocolate guide dog puppy we're dog sitting) is still here, as we ended up keeping him for another week.
Harris & I have been keeping busy with my college classes, and I also managed to attend a weekend leadership conference this month, which was a great experience for Harris!  (and of course, I enjoyed it!).
Harris has settled in well to my lifestyle and I know I'm going to miss him dearly when he leaves next week!
Have a great Thanksgiving and fingers crossed that I'll have an update about Brandon in a few days!

-Brandon's Raiser

Up-close picture of Harris in a sit-stay, waiting for us to get checked into our hotel (for the conference) 

Picture of Harris & I with some of our wonderful friends! 

Picture of Harris & I with our driving buddies!

Chocolate Anyone??

*(Written by Brandon's Raiser)*
I may have decided to take a long break from puppy raising, but I've still planned on puppy sitting for other raisers, when they needed it.
So when given the opportunity to dog sit "Harris" for 3 weeks, I was more than happy to say yes!
Harris is a handsome 1yr old Chocolate Lab, who can make just about anyone fall in love with him in a matter of seconds.

Though I still really miss Brandon (and anxiously awaiting news on how he's doing) I'm extremely glad to have another dog in my life, even if it is for a short time.
Harris is a bundle of fun to work with and has such a different personality than Brandon ever had!  I haven't had the chance to work with a Chocolate guide dog puppy before, and I'm very glad to have Harris with me for the next few weeks!

It's hard to believe Brandon has only been gone for a little under 3 weeks, I won't be expecting to hear any news about Brandon for another week or 2, but will be sure to keep you guys updated!
Enjoy the chocolate pictures below :)

-Brandon's Raiser

Picture focused on Harris and I's face

Picture of Harris and I staring at each other

Adorable picture of Harris in coat, staring at the camera

A New Chapter in Life

*(Written by Brandon's Raiser)*
We traveled down to FL this past weekend, and Brandon was turned In For Training "IFT" at the guide dog school on Saturday morning (October 13).
Brandon was extremely happy and excited to see all the other dogs and I know he's enjoying himself down there.
He started his new chapter in life on Saturday morning; this is a very exciting moment in time, not only for me as a puppy raiser - but also for Brandon, as he learns more and moves further along in his training.
It will be about 4 weeks before I hear any news about Brandon, but I will be sure to post all information on the blog, and keep you guys in the loop!
I will miss my furry yellow shadow, that went everywhere with me. Brandon was a joy to raise, and though he had some "hard times" it all ended well.  I'm looking forward to seeing how Brandon progresses down at the guide dog school, and excited to see how it turns out.  GOOD LUCK BRANDON!
Enjoy the pictures below,

-Brandon's Raiser

Picture of Brandon in a sit-stay beside me, at the FL welcome sign

Up close picture of Brandon & I at the FL welcome sign 

Picture of Brandon & I beside his "sign" at Southeastern Guide Dogs

Up close picture of Brandon's sign - it even has a picture of Brandon, when he was 6 weeks old!

Picture of Brandon being handed over to one of the guide dog trainers - he sure seems excited! 

Picture of Brandon "hopping" away with the guide dog trainer

Picture of me doing a blind fold walk with  one of the "class ready"  dogs (a female black lab , named "Betty Jean")

Picture of Betty Jean & I doing a forward walk (with the guide dog trainer  on her left side, holding the leash)

After all the dogs were turned in... we soon headed to the PUPPIES... to do some much needed "puppy hugging"!

Picture of me holding a little yellow puppy

Picture of me holding a small black puppy, who is licking my face

Harness Every Moment

Time sure is flying by quickly... I head back IFT (In For Training) in 2 weeks!
My raiser introduced me to the guide dog harness a few weeks ago, and I feel like such a grown up while wearing it :) 
I can't believe that I'll be leaving soon, I'm really going to miss you guys!
My raiser's Fall classes started in mid-August, and boy have I been enjoying attending those with her.
She has quite a busy class schedule, and it helps to keep my life interesting.
I feel like I've been such a slacker when it comes to posting... and I've realized how many exciting things have gone on in my life that I never had a chance to post about.
I think I'm going to "assign" my raiser to dig up all the random pictures taken of me over the last year... and post them once I'm gone; keeping you guys occupied with lots of "never before seen" pictures of me :)

My raiser has started to fill out the "Final Evaluation" (which will be turned in when I head back IFT), and she's starting to realize all the "little things" she still needs to work on with me... I guess I'm going to have a very busy 2 weeks!
Enjoy the pictures below of the puppy meeting last week,

-Brandon

Picture of  Brandon in harness at puppy class doing a "forward walk"

Picture of Brandon in a down-stay beside me

Picture of Brandon in a sit-stay in front of me

Picture of Brandon in a stand-stay 

Picture of Brandon in another stand-stay going up against the other dogs for the "Puppy Olympic" gold medal...

Picture of myself blindfolded and trying to take Brandon's harness off (then count to  10 - and put it back on)

Picture of  me still blindfolded, and now succeeding at putting the harness back on

Success! Picture of Brandon in a stand-stay beside me and his harness is on correctly! 

Happy (late) Birthday Brandon! And a soon goodbye to my Sweet Boy...

*(written by Brandon's Raiser)*
I've been so overwhelmed with things lately, that I completely overlooked the fact that some cute puppy had his first birthday coming up!!
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY BRANDON! 
The poor puppy didn't even get a birthday celebration, or a blog post the day of his birthday... I feel like such a horrible mom for overlooking this!
Brandon turned 1yr old on September 4th (3 days ago)... I just can't believe my little puppy is already 1 whole year!
I do hope all of Brandon's wonderful blogging pals are able to wish Brandon a happy (late...) first birthday!!

On a sad note... I just received notification that Brandon will be heading IFT (In For Training) on October 13th to the guide dog school; where he'll be finishing his training, have various evaluations, temperament tests and once finished be placed in his new home (whether as a working guide dog, or another career path he may choose).
It seems like I just got my sweet, chubby puppy and to receive this news breaks my heart, though at the same time I'm extremely happy for Brandon.
Brandon will be missed, not only by me, but also by all of the awesome friends and fans he has out there...
And to answer the question that is always asked at this time (will I be getting a new puppy??)
At this point, I'm not planning on raising another puppy for a little while and will be taking a break. Though I really enjoy raising the guide dog puppies, I'm extremely busy at the moment and since Brandon was such a "challenging" dog to raise (with all his medical issues...) my family would rather have a break for a little while, before making the decision as whether to raise again or not.
This choice isn't definite, and things can always change, but for now it looks like it might be a while before we raise another pup.  I do plan on staying involved in the guide dog group and hope to remain a "puppy sitter" so I can have a "guide dog puppy fix" when needed!
This doesn't mean I'll stop blogging... after Brandon heads back IFT in Mid October I will continue to update about him, and maybe Liberty (our English Mastiff) will start blogging again!
But enough of the emotional news... and one last "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to my sweet boy!!

-Brandon's Raiser



One of my favorite pictures of Brandon as a sweet, innocent little puppy...

Picture taken at Brandon's level of him walking through the grass , with our  porch on the left side

Pictures below are of one of the most recent guide dog outings... a ice skating rink!!

Picture of Brandon (middle) and a few dogs playing on the rink 

Picture of a little black female puppy wrestling with Brandon 

A group of dogs running on the rink (Brandon's the yellow dog in the rear... I think!)

Picture of Brandon and his new girl friend

Picture of Brandon and his new girl friend getting a little hyper...

4-H Congress... Doggy style!

I was able to attend 4-H congress with my raiser this past month and boy was it an exciting adventure!

It's a week packed full of workshops, activities, interesting speakers, dances, presentations, honor club inductions, large crowds, and fun times with lots of 4-H friends!

My raiser was happy for me to get the experience of staying in a dorm for a week, and for being calm around huge loud crowds of people, ignoring food in the campus cafeteria, not being bothered by the extremely loud music at the dances, putting up with wearing a honor club sash all week, being quiet during long workshops, presentations & for speakers that we had - but most of all... having FUN!
My raiser was inducted into 4-H Honor Club the first night, and since she always has a dog on her side, they decided to let me wear a sash too!! 

On the second day my raiser had her presentation competition, she was very happy to win gold with her Farm Camp presentation!   

They even had a professional photographer take the honor club inductee photos and the presentation winners... and I was able to star in both pictures with my raiser :)

I had a wonderful time at 4-H congress and learned many new & exciting things... it was a great experience and I'm so glad I was able to attend with my raiser!

-Brandon 

Picture of my friend, Brandon, & I all wearing our purple "Honor Club" sashes (Brandon was  given one also!)

Picture of Brandon, I and the gold medal I just won for my 4-H presentation

Dorm room!

Picture of Brandon in a down-stay inside the dorm room

Picture of Brandon in a down-stay (sleeping) under a table

Random picture of my friend, Brandon & I (all wearing the honor club sashes) 

Nap time on the way home! 

Brandon resting his head on my lap on the way home (all four paws are still on the ground!)