Growing Up

*Wriiten by Pal*

It seems as though I've never done a thing with this blog... my raiser didn't bother to give me a "blogging 101" class, so this is totally new to me.

I hate that neither of us have updated recently, so I've decided to dive right in and take over.

For all who don't know, I'm Pal... my raiser's newest guide dog in training. I was born in March last year and met my sweet raiser in June. I'm currently 10 months old, and growing up quickly! 

I'm a quick learner and extremly treat motivated... so if there is food or attention involved, I'm in! 

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Stay tune and I promise to update more often! 

-Love and kisses

Pal

Enjoy the pictures of me, and I know I'm super cute :)

My raiser and I with a few others during a puppy meeting.

My Raiser and I inside a mall for a puppy meeting

Me doing a down-stay during a meeting

Brandon Update

*(Written by Brandon's Raiser)*
Hey guys! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to give ya'll an update, I know you guys are all worried about Brandon (just as much as I am) but I've been waiting to give an update about Brandon, since we still don't know what's wrong with him.
So I'm including in this post just about all I currently know about Brandon (which isn't much!).
Please know in advance that not only are we not sure what's wrong with Brandon... but I'm not great with understanding all these technical terms/tests... and may miss use/type one!
Lets start with last Wednesday:
Brandon had an appointment with a Specialist on March 7th, shortly after he had an ultra sound down, they soon decided (after getting permission from the guide dog school) that they'd like to do further tests on Brandon and wanted him to stay there for a few days. Brandon is STILL currently being boarded at the Specialist and has been there since last Wednesday. They also determined that something didn't look right on his liver, and wanted to do more tests on that too.
Thursday: We got the results back for his "BUN #" which showed he had a REALLY low BUN number and they were afraid he had a serious liver issue (thinking it might be "liver shunts") so they'd do a "Bile acids test and liver ultra sound to determine if a liver shunt/etc is his problem.
* If Brandon did have a serious issue with his liver (or "liver shunts") he would most likely have to be released from the program*
Saturday: The test results came back from his Bile acids test normal, which means Brandon doesn't have a liver issue or liver shunt, though this was quite exciting to hear (since I'd rather him not be released from the program) I also am quite worried that we now have no idea what's wrong with him. We were told we wouldn't know more until Tuesday, which his personal vet gets back in town & can determine were we'll go from here.
Tuesday: Brandon's personal vet called on Tuesday (yesterday) to explain what the next steps will be. We are now back to square one and considering all our options (thinking it could be a serious infection... that wasn't noticed on all the tests). They will be starting Brandon on a more "powerful" antibiotic, decreasing his water intake (even creating a schedule for him), and monitoring him closely. The vet got permission from the guide dog school to board/keep Brandon there till (at least) Friday, so they can see how this works.

So that's the update about Brandon and that's really all I know at the moment... We still don't have any clue what's wrong with Brandon, but I'm going to hope/pray/keep my fingers crossed that the few things they are trying now will work.
Thank you for thinking about Brandon, being concerned, praying for him, crossing paws/fingers and PLEASE continue all this :)
I seriously thought after the Thursday results, that I would soon be doing a post on here saying Brandon was released from the program... but decided to wait a few more days to make sure. Then after finding out the Saturday test results, I thought Brandon might still have a chance.
So as you may have noticed, things can change in a matter of just a few days... I'm just going to hope it keeps changing for the better!
If all goes well, Brandon should be coming back this Friday, but I'll be sure to keep you guys all updated!
-Brandon's Raiser

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)

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!!

Just imagine... this blog will soon be filled with lots of updates about a furry yellow puppy... in just 1 week (almost).
What, a new puppy is coming?
Yep! That's the "exciting news" I couldn't tell you guys in my last post; since I thought it deserved to have it's very own post.
When I filled out the application to receive another puppy, I was told that it would most likely be mid November. I attended a puppy meeting the end of September, and a trainer from Southeastern Guide Dogs was there, so I decided to go ahead and ask, since my sponsors were wanting to know when I'd be getting the puppy. She said that didn't have many puppies at the moment, and any they will have, are going to people that have been waiting since LAST November for one. She said they would be having quite a few litters in January/February - and our group will most likely be getting some of those.
So I've been thinking I wouldn't have a puppy till 2012; but then I received an email last week, asking if I'd like to raise a male yellow lab, which I could get the end of THIS month (October).
Evidently the placement fell through and the puppy didn't have a raiser, since it was such last minute; all the raisers on the waiting list weren't prepared to get a puppy in just a few weeks.
I jumped at the chance, and I'm now looking forward to receiving my 5th guide dog puppy on Sunday October 30th (in the evening).
I'm still looking for a co-sponsor to help with the in home care of the puppy; so please pray that I'll be able to find one soon!
I will be heading to the State Fair tomorrow with all my dairy goats; and when I get back (with lots of ribbons!) I'm going to be getting ready for a PUPPY.
Hopefully I'll be finding out his name soon; but I'm still trying to decide if I should tell you guys the name right away - or make it a "guessing game" - your thoughts?

Once the new puppy gets here, this blog will start being updated more often (really, it will!) AND I will start visiting you guys/leaving comments... don't think that I've abandoned you :)

Rudy's Raiser

Rudy's Fourth Report Card (September)

Just received Rudy's fourth report card today; and I'm very happy to announce... Rudy has moved to phase 2!!!
Since there are only 3 phases over all - this is a huge step for Rudy, and wonderful news for me to hear!
As you can see from the comment left by Rudy's trainer... he still likes moving at top speed, and is a very "happy" dog (sounds like my boy!).
I've also got some more exciting news, regarding a new guide dog PUPPY... but I will save that for a different post.
Hope all of you are doing well, and enjoy reading Rudy's newest report card!

Rudy's Raiser

Do you see what I see?

The guide dog school's blog has done a few posts recently with pictures of some of their dogs in the training kennel.

I'm never sure if Rudy is one of those dogs in the pictures they post - but the few photos below sure look like him!

Hopefully I'll be receiving his 4th report card in a few weeks.

I did get a "slight" update on Rudy, Tuesday evening. I got to talk briefly with one of SEGDI's trainers (that traveled up here to attend one of our puppy meetings) and, though she's not worked with Rudy on training - she did tell me Rudy was on her "feeding schedule" and he's doing good.

I'll be posting a PUPPY update shortly...

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

Rudy Update!

Seems like I'm getting updates all over the place about Rudy! (Which is totally fine by me).
I just received a letter from SEGDI, with Rudy's harness picture in it.
Rudy has grown up so much, and looks very handsome - and I'm so proud to be his raiser!
I also received a short letter & certificate (seen below), but of course, all I care about is the picture :)
He looks very happy, which is a relief - as my other pups always had that "sad" face in the harness photo.

Rudy's Raiser

July Report Card

I was surprised to receive a email this evening with Rudy's second report card, (since I just received first one last week).
But I then realized that the last one was sent "quite" late... and was June's report card. (No wonder she said in the email "sorry it's a little late"!).
So what a wonderful surprise for me to receive yet another report card from my boy!
Sounds like he's doing wonderful, and I just love the comment that the trainer left...

"Rudy is a happy boy with a big donut for a tail. He loves to work and does so at high speed. Just when I think he’s going to blast right past a curb, he slams on the brakes and nails it".

That's so true, and I love how they even noticed his very "curly" tail :)

Rudy's Raiser

The Photos...

Now that the scanner is finally working, I'm able to upload the pictures/letter Rudy sent me.

I should be receiving Rudy's harness picture in the next week or so, and I'll be sure to post it:)

Enjoy the photos/letter below!

Rudy's Raiser

College Boy

As most of you know, Rudy headed off to "college" at the guide dog school on May 29th - though we already received the good news that he passed his medicals (and has started training) a week ago, I was happy to find a letter from SEGDI in the mail today. I just assumed it would be Rudy's harness picture, but I was surprised to find out... that the letter was "from" Rudy! Also included with the letter, was 4 wonderful pictures of my sweet boy. (I'll be receiving his harness photo shortly).

Our scanner isn't wanting to work at the moment - so each individual photo (and the letter) will be posted later - but fur now, enjoy the few pictures below!

Rudy's Raiser

The long Awaited Email...

As most of you know, Rudy headed IFT on May 30th, and I've been "excitedly" awaiting the email/call letting me know if Rudy has passed his medicals and moved on to training.

Below is the email I found in my inbox this morning:

Subject: Al and Rudy

Hi - Your boys both passed their hip and medical evaluations, and will continue into guide dog training. Congrats!

I'm so excited to finally know Rudy has passed his medicals, and I'll soon be receiving his report cards!

Fingers crossed for a good first report card! Best of luck Rudy & Al!

Rudy's Raiser

Quick Rewind - The Trip Down

Wow, I can't believe that Rudy's been gone for (almost) a whole month. I'll be looking forward to the "phone call" or "email" soon... giving me news on whether Rudy passed his medicals or not.

I'm doing a "quick rewind" and posting the pictures of the trip down the FL (for dropping Rudy off).
He was such a good boy, and slept most of the way - waking up sometimes, to find out what was going on.
When we picked up miss Cupcake (the mini piglet), Rudy was very calm - and didn't mind sharing the back with her (though she stayed in the crate). I know he was wishing he could have spent more time with her, they sure would have been great buds!
All in All, Rudy did wonderful - though the trip back (without him) was quite lonely.

Rudy is definitely missed here, but I wish him the best of luck with his training.

Rudy's Raiser

Where's Rudy?

Rudy has made a brief appearance on SEGDI'S Blog this week!
I was quite excited when viewing their latest post, as they had many pictures of recent IFT dogs... and luckily Rudy was in the group!
Thankfully Rudy has his "brindle markings" which allows me to "somewhat" tell him apart - but when the picture is slightly blurry, the markings aren't visible.
As you can tell in the pictures below... Rudy is having a blast, and happens to be the only dog jumping! (He never got the "exposure" of playing with many other dogs).

I sure hope Rudy is behaving himself, and I wish him the best of luck!

Rudy's Raiser

Contact with Toby

(Written by Rudy's Raiser)
I've been counting down the days that the "3 month no contact" (with Toby's new owner) will be up - and just last week, the 3 month wait ended!
I just received a email back, from Toby's new owner - which (of course) has made my day :)
For your reading pleasure, I'm including (some) of the email below:


"*******:
I am going to start out with a couple of pictures of Toby with his new family and a picture of Toby with me next to our Search and Rescue Truck. Toby is progressing VERY well with “specific scent tracking” and area searches. Once he has finished his “live victim” search training I will also train him for firearms search and explosive detection to assist me with my duties at the Sheriff’s Office. Toby has a fantastic disposition….I have been able to take him with me everywhere that I go. He is naturally curious but never unruly. I will keep in touch with more photos and updates. He definitely came from a loving and caring puppy home.

******"

I was so happy to read that email, and I'm very glad to have contact with Toby's owner!
Thank you so much to Toby's new owner, for sending me this email, I'm looking forward to keeping in contact with you!

Toby will be turning 2yrs old THIS coming Sunday (March 27th), so a early Happy Birthday to him!

Rudy's Raiser

My Beautiful Boy

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*
Hey guys, Rudy's Raiser here... I was planning on letting Rudy post today, but when I checked the SEGDI guide dog trainer's twitter page, I thought you'd rather have a "different" update.


Most of you know, that my last guide dog puppy "Toby" returned to the guide dog school in April 2010 - he was "career changed" in October 2010. (He had severe allergies, and couldn't be a working guide dog). And in November/December 2010 Toby decided to try out life as a Search & Rescue dog, and last I heard, he loves it!

I was very happy to see a picture of my beautiful boy "Toby" (in his new career uniform) on the twitter page this morning.
He looks just like I remembered him, I can't believe it's almost been a whole year since I turned him in!
For some more good news - the "3 month no contact" is almost up, and I will be (trying) to get in contact with Toby's handler next week.
(The school doesn't allow contact for 3 months, once the dog is placed in a new home - as they want the dog to "bond" with his/her new owner).
I'll be sure to update you all on him, once I hear more :)

BTW - Toby's 2nd birthday is coming up, he'll be turning TWO YEARS OLD on March 27th.
(and Rudy is turning ONE year old on March 17th!).

Enjoy the picture below (of TOBY),

Rudy's Raiser

Da Good News About ME

(Really, really, really good news!!)
As most of you know, I'm in training to be a guide dog for the blind, which means... I will be leaving my raiser one day, to head back to the school for future training.
I came into this cool home in May 2010, and (at first) my raiser thought she'd have me for (around) 1 1/2 years... but she found out, back in January 2011, that the school has started taking pups back early (no idea why) - which would make my IFT date be this coming April.
My raiser has been expecting a IFT email soon, and every time a new email from our AC comes in... her heart skips a beat, wondering if this is the email - then she'd start having to plan on returning me to the guide dog school.
But she was SOOO excited (and surprised) to find this email from her AC in her inbox:

Subject: We are NOT on the April IFT list

Email: Have no word on May yet – but it looks like this litter will be with us until at least late May/June timeframe.
My raiser was very glad to hear that I'm NOT going IFT in April, and I agree with her :)
So you guys are stuck with me for another couple months, enjoy it!!

BTW - for anyone who's thinking about asking this question:
"Will your raiser get another guide dog puppy, and if so -when?".
At this point, due to some "financial" issues, my raiser may not be able to raise again (seems as though, guide dog puppies cost a lot to raise/care for...). But since I'm staying with her, a couple months longer - she hopes that things will work out, and if so - she may plan on getting a puppy after I return (around) June 2011. It all depends on how much "green papers" she has :)
She will keep us update to date on that situation though... and if all else, Liberty (my Raiser's English Mastiff) can run the blog for a while!
Enough about that though... I'm not leaving for QUITE a while, so you shouldn't have to worry about it.

I'm still far behind on posting... I've got LOTS more interesting posts coming up, with even more good news about ME.
But fur now... enjoy the pictures below, of ME! (My raiser decided to take me out into a empty goat fence... and let PLAY and RUN in it! And she took many pictures, just for you).

Rudy - The dog with a blog

If your tongue hangs out while you run... it's double the fun!

Update on Rudy

*(written by Rudy's Raiser)*
For all that have missed our last few posts - Rudy is attending a puppy swap (through our guide dog group) and currently, he's away at another raiser's home.
He will return to us this Saturday (after the guide dog meeting), but for now - I have "Al" (Rudy's brother) who has been doing the last couple of posts on this blog.
So for all who wonder why "Al" is writing the blog posts... well, that's why!
Rudy will be back on the blog, this weekend.
On to the updates about Rudy...
The raiser who has Rudy for the puppy swap, has noticed that Rudy (looks to have) allergies, so we've been emailing over the last couple days. (Normally you "shouldn't" have contact with the other raiser - unless it's about medical issues). In her emails, she did give me a few updates about Rudy, and sent a couple pictures too. (Updates about Rudy's allergies, coming later - though we both assume his allergies are to corn).
I'm not going to copy her whole email in this post - but I've taken a couple parts out of the email, for you guys to see.
Enjoy!

"Rudy is having a blast being at our house. He has made friends with the two labs across the street and has outsmarted the younger one when it comes to playing with the toy. He spent most of the afternoon outside hanging in the backyard with his new friends. Rudy was a very good boy at church this morning and slept right through all the kids dancing and singing. I am guessing he knows that Ely can’t play with him (he tried though by taking him a toy last night) but today he has not messed with Ely at all."

"He loves running around our backyard and has been enjoying the warmer weather.

He is past out asleep right now, he went to Costco and to the vet to pick up some meds for Ely this afternoon. Then he played outside before we went for a walk. He was very good laying still while I got pictures printed. He loved the walk in refrigerator"

"I can certainly see the golden in him! (Mostly in his personality)"

"Rudy is a sweet guy and loves to be touched. He has really good house manners so far"

Those are just some parts taken out of our email conversation, I do hope you guys enjoyed the (short) update.

Pictures below are of Rudy (not Al) and were taken by the Raiser that Rudy is currently staying with, during the puppy swap.

The raiser who currently has Rudy, also keeps a blog. And she just happened to do a post this morning, all about Rudy - so make sure to check it out!

Rudy returns this Saturday (when his Valentine's Giveaway ends). Enjoy the pictures below, have a great Monday!

Rudy's Raiser