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!