Picture Perfect

My raiser went to a Naval Academy event a few weeks ago, and decided to take me with her, since it would be a "great exposure" fur me!
I absolutely LOVED the event, all the humans there liked me, we got some furry cute pictures of my raiser & I, and best of all... there was FOOD! What a sec, that was something my raiser loved about the event... I'm not allowed to eat human food :(
My raiser said I did furry well at the event, and obeyed wonderfully! There sure were a lot of people there... and I handled it perfectly! (of course...)
Enjoy the furry cute pictures below!

-Brandon

My furry awesome raiser and I...

Picture of Brandon in a sit-stay beside me (I'm also sitting on the ground with him)

I give furry sweet kisses to my raiser!


Picture of Brandon laying down giving me kisses (yes, on my face!)

Stare down with my raiser...

Picture of Brandon and I sitting and giving each other a stare down

SMILE!

Picture of Brandon and I staring at the camera

I'm soo furry cute looking...

Picture taken from Brandon's level, with him in a down-stay staring at the camera

People LOVE me...

Picture of Brandon in a down-stay with people walking by (and stopping to pet him)

Look at all the people behind me, it was quite busy!

Picture of Brandon in a sit-stay with a crowd of people behind him

My raiser's sister & I...

Picture of Brandon in a down-stay with my sister laying over him

Career Changed

*(Written by Brandon's raiser)*

I received the devastating news Wednesday morning, that Rudy was career changed. I know I kept reminding you guys, that no matter how far any dog gets in their training phase (even once they're placed with a blind person) there is always a chance the dog could be career changed. (Some dogs just "develop" something out of the blue - which I assume, is what Rudy did), but it still came as a sudden shock to me.
Below is the email I found in my inbox:

Subject: Rudy was career changed this morning
"Hi there
I have just heard that Rudy has been career changed due to “general anxiety”. His fears mean that he can’t be considered for any service dog role – and he will be made available for adoption. I know this is always tough to hear – but for some of these puppies we raise – there are other plans for them.

Because you were his raiser – I want to see if you are interested in adopting him yourself. If so – let me know and we can probably arrange transport after WAT.

But you are not obligated at all – and if you can’t adopt him – the adoption program at the school is amazing with a long list of folks waiting to love on these dogs.

Please let me know what you decide.

With love and thanks again for all you meant for Rudy.

***"
It broke my heart to read this email, and it was extremely hard to email my Area Coordinator back, saying I'm unable to adopt Rudy.
Yes, I would LOVE to have him back, but I can't both adopt him & continue raising puppies (not enough room...).
 
I know Rudy will be placed in a loving home, but you don't know how hard it was for me to hear this news.
Rudy LOVED to work, he adored it; I think he enjoyed shopping out in the mall MORE than I ever did (I never could handle large crowds, but boy he was amazing at it!).
 
I'm still so shocked that he was career changed, more for the fact that it was for something he's never shown signs of before.
I know, it can happen at any time, for any reason; but it still hurts.
 
It makes it even harder, since I just received a new report card the day before (Tuesday), which I would have been posting this week, with a note that I hope he gets matched in the next class (coming up in just a few weeks).
 
I will keep you updated on ANY news I hear about him; if you didn't understand in the email I included above, Rudy will be adopted out, and not be evaluated for another career path (due to the reason he was career changed).
 
-Brandon & Rudy's Raiser
 
 
I miss my handsome & sweet boy!

Picture of Rudy & I sitting on the sidewalk, with lots of traffic in the background (puppy meeting)

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Below are some furry cute pictures of me hanging out with a little toddler, that was super in love with me!
I asked my raiser if I could adopt him, but she said no :(  Don't you think it would be soo cool if I could have a cute toddler by my side, 24/7!?!

Quick favor I'd like to ask all my furry friends... Voting is now open over at Mango Minster for the "Working Stiffs" category, and I would LOVE fur you to head over and vote fur me!!
Furry thanks!
-Brandon



Picture of the toddler hugging and snuggling with Brandon

Picture of Brandon trying to kiss the toddler's face



Picture of Brandon kissing the toddler's head

Slight Rudy Update

*(Written by Brandon's raiser)*
It seems as though I've been so overwhelmed with other things, that I keep forgetting to post updates about Rudy... (my previous guide dog puppy).
Last week I asked if one of the employees at Southeastern Guide Dogs could possible take a picture of Rudy for me; and within just a few days, this wonderful picture was posted on Southeastern's Facebook wall, of my handsome boy!

Picture of Rudy in a sit-stay, he looks soo happy and you can really see his tan markings on his face!

I'm so glad to see a picture of him, and boy does he look happy!

On to the next update...

I was sent Rudy's latest report card (December) back in the middle of January, and I of course... forgot to post it on the blog!

 

Copy of Rudy's recentest report card (December) I should hopefully be receiving his January report card soon!



Comment from Trainer: "Rudy is a smart, happy dog who enjoys channeling his considerable energy into work.  We are working on his distraction around other dogs.  He is a charmer.  J "

 He's still in his last phase of training, and just doing some final touch ups; until he find the "perfect person". 

My fingers are staying crossed that he makes it into the next class, but of course, he's got to what till the perfect match comes along... Fingers and Brandon's paws are staying crossed!

I should be receiving his January report card soon, and I'll be sure to post it :)

-Brandon's Raiser



Puppy Meeting at Ikea

I had a furry fun puppy meeting at Ikea recently, and everybody was quite surprised that it was not only my first time being there - but also fur my raiser!
We had a great time during the meeting, and we were even given a personal tour by some of Ikea's employees! (including going "behind the scenes" so we could see the cardboard eater, ride a different style elevator, see fork-lifts & much more!).
After working in Ikea & also doing some obedience, we shopped around fur a bit and then headed over to the Ikea restaurant fur lunch time.
Enjoy the wonderful pictures my raiser's sister took!

-Brandon


Look at my furry cute sit-stay!

Brandon doing a perfect sit-stay outside Ikea


My furry awesome puppy group!

Group shot outside Ikea! (6 dogs with their raisers & 3 Ikea employees that would be giving us a personal tour)

 Guess my raiser doesn't give the best of commands... cause we're going the WRONG way :)


Picture of Brandon walking through Ikea, you can see the arrow on the ground going the opposite way... oops!


 See, I can do a loose-leash walk with other pups around!

Picture of Brandon doing a loose-leash forward

Awesome elevator we got to ride :)

Picture of Brandon & his puppy group riding the work elevator (large see-through elevator used for taking large crates & boxes, but fits all the dogs quite well!)

My furry good down-stay beside other pups

Picture of Brandon & some other dogs doing a down-stay in Ikea

My awesome raiser & I at lunch!


Picture of Brandon in a down-under (sleeping under my chair) with me during lunch time at Ikea