Rudy's Life...

For your viewing pleasure, I've created a short "video" of Rudy's life... as a guide dog in training.

Complete with many video clips/photographs - and some "never before seen" pictures/videos of him (ones I never posted).

So, if you don't mind, please take the time to watch the video, Rudy would have loved for you to.

*Time length: 8 minutes*

Oh - and I'd love feedback on how it was :)

Rudy's Raiser

(You can pull it up larger- but for some reason, the "quality" of the photos aren't near as good - I think blogger might have saved it as a smaller size, sorry!)

Can't believe this little guy is already gone...

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

Rudy's First Report Card!!

I just received Rudy's FIRST report card this morning, and it seems as though Rudy has started off his training quite well.
Since he has just started with his training, he still has many more things to work on, but I'm just glad to hear he's doing this well!
I'm really looking forward to hearing more news on him, and I should be receiving a picture of him in harness shortly.

(Rudy has just started his real "guide dog work" and he is mainly going over the basic stuff - but also is starting to work in the harness and practice distractions/such - which he is doing very well with... that's my boy!).

Still no news on whether I'll be getting another pup or not - it all depends if I can find a sponsor...

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

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you all a very Happy 4th of July!
Though it's hard to celebrate the 4th without a guide dog puppy (first in over 4 years!), I'm so glad that I know Rudy has passed his medical/hip exams, and started his training. I'm looking forward to posting his first report card... guess I'll be getting one in a few weeks!
Hope you all have a wonderful 4th,

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

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

It's been a little over a week since Rudy went IFT... but it seems like forever to me.

As promised, below are some pictures of Rudy with our new pet.

"Cupcake" is our newest addition, she's a 5 week old Mini Pig (hopefully staying under 30 pounds), who is currently staying inside. (She's completely litter trained!).

Enjoy!

Rudy's Raiser

P.S. For anyone who's wondering... yes, Cupcake may be helping me with some blog posts later on (With Rudy's permission, of course!)

IFT Time

As most of you know, Rudy returned to the guide dog school this past Monday (5-30-2011) for IFT (In For Training).
I've been putting off doing a post on his blog for days, as I can't handle to think about him.

Obviously I really hope he does well with his training, and can make it as a guide dog; but I keep having this feeling in the back of my mind - that he's going to get CC due to allergies/such.
Please keep him in your prayers, not only for him to do well with training - but for him to also pass his medical exams.

Since I don't have another puppy at the moment, but I'm really wanting to keep this blog updated - I will be "drawing out" the pictures and such. So this post will only have pictures of the acutely "drop off", but the pictures taken on the way down, will be posted later.

We arrived at the guide dog school a little before 10am on Monday morning. Showing up a little early, as I wanted a couple pictures in front of the guide dog sign.
Rudy was quite interested in the dog scent that was everywhere - but did obey his sit-stay for the photos.
We were turning in Rudy on Memorial Day (as we were unable to attend the IFT date), so they had very few staff there; which ended up being quite nice...

Normally, once you hand over the dog - it's just taken away (heading to the IFT kennel). And we don't see them again (for now).
But since they didn't have a trainer there to take Rudy, they allowed me to walk him to the IFT kennel (which I've never seen!) - while a kennel assistant escorted us.
I was quite happy to be able to have Rudy for those few extra minutes, but the second I handed over that leash - I was in tears.
Did Rudy care? Not one bit!
Maybe after a little while he started wondering where I was, but he's quite dog distracted... and thought he was in doggy heaven.

When people ask what's the hardest thing to do with puppy raising - the "IFT Time" is always my answer. Giving up a pup that you've had since a young age, while keeping in mind that you may never see him/her again - is what I call hard.

I will be posting some more pictures soon, and Rudy also wanted me to let you guys know the "surprise animal" we picked up down in FL (still not a new puppy - or kitty).

Rudy's Raiser

Last Post

Hey everybody!
Furry thanks to all who've left goodbye comments fur me, I've really enjoyed reading them - and I know my raiser is really thankful to have all you wonderful followers out there, leaving her some nice words.
Just wanted to do a quick post, to let you know I've made it to FL - and we'll be heading to the guide dog school tomorrow morning.
My raiser did have a surprise, that we picked up on the way down here - which I knew nothing about... (nope, it's not another guide dog puppy). She'll be sure to tell you all about the new little animal, once she gets back from FL.
I do have to say that she is very cute - and I'm so glad I got to meet her!
Thanks again for all the comments you guys are leaving - I know this is going to be really hard on my raiser to give me up... and the comments mean a lot to her (and me!).
Hugs & Slobbery kisses to all!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

GoodBye to All

If I don't get a chance to post tomorrow (once I'm in FL), this will be my LAST post.
I'm leaving it picture free, as you will then have more to see later on, once I'm gone.
I've yet to see my raiser cry, about me returning to the school - but I know she'll be in tears, once she hands that lead over.
I know I'll miss her terrible - but I don't know how she's going to live life without me.
I really hope a wonderful trainer down at the school, will happen to snap lots of pictures of me - so then my raiser will be able to see how well I'm doing.
I can't believe how soon these posts I'm doing will be coming to a end. I'm going to miss running a blog, and I know I'll try with all my might to get my new owner to let me run a blog.
A furry tearful goodbye to all, and I'm sooo sorry I've not been able to stop by your blogs lately - I've been trying to save my time for my wonderful raiser.
I do hope to blog tomorrow while in FL, but if not - Goodbye!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Last Shopping Trip

My raiser took me "shopping" with her today... all day. We went in soo many different stores (including some with clothes...), but I didn't mind - as this will be my last real "shopping trip".
As, tomorrow I'll be heading to an all day event (pictures to come... after I leave), and we'll be leaving Sunday morning.
My raiser is proud at how well I've been doing with my outings. She noted that my most favorite commands are: "Find the door", "Switch", "Heel", "Left-Left/Right-Right". Of course, she knows I love all of my wonderful commands - but for some reason, the above ones have been my favorite.
My raiser did snap some pictures of me, while on our shopping trip - and she'll be sure to post them (once I'm gone...).
I can't believe I'll be heading back THIS Sunday, time sure has flown by. I'm really going to miss my raiser, and all of my wonderful blog readers!
If at all possible, I do plan on posting tomorrow... and maybe I'll be able to do a "last post" Sunday evening, once we're in FL.
My raiser just got done making a "paw print stepping stone" for me. It's gorgeous - and not only did she put my paw print in it... she also let Little Lucy (the baby goat) put a hoof print beside mine :) I'll make sure she promises to post pictures of it, I know you guys would love to see it!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Little Lucy

Hey guys!
I would like you to meet my newest friend, Lucy.

She's a baby Angora goat (just 1 week old) who LOVES playing with me.

(Though she looks just like a little Lamb - she ISN'T!).

My raiser is kind enough to let her inside (mind you, she wears a diaper), and I've really enjoyed playing with her!
I'm sure going to miss her though, when I head back to the guide dog school (this Sunday).

Rudy - The dog with a blog

(Movie of Lucy playing ON Rudy)

Wordless Wednesday

Riding shot gun...

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Miss Me?

As you may have noticed... I've been a little bit "behind" with posting (and visiting!).
I'm so sorry about this, and since I'll be heading IFT this Sunday morning... my goal would be to do 1 post each day this week.
My raiser has been super busy, and is so sorry she hasn't given me the time to blog.
I can't believe my time here is almost up, I hate that we've got to be leaving in just a couple days!
My raiser will be sure to post many pictures of me while I'm gone (trust me, I'm way behind in posting them!) - so you guys will have some things to view on this blog :)
Please keep your fingers crossed, as my raiser may have some possible sponsors... for another guide dog puppy :)
Pictures coming soon, with many more updates!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

New Plan

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*
It's almost like Rudy and I have been riding a 'IFT roller coaster'...

First off, we thought Rudy would be heading IFT ('In For Training' - back to the guide dog school for further training) June 13-18. We found out a week ago, that the IFT date was moved, and is know set for June 4th.
Not only is that 2 weeks sooner, but I also won't be able to make it - so I was just planning on another raiser taking Rudy down for us.
Plans have changed again though, and Rudy will now be leaving on May 29th/30th. But there is only one reason for that... so I can take him back.
So though Rudy is heading IFT even earlier, I will be taking him back myself - instead of another raiser dropping him off for me.

Rudy has a lot of "saying goodbyes" to do before he leaves, and 1 week from this coming Sunday... we will be on our way to the guide dog school in FL to drop him off.

I'm excited to have a dog at the guide dog school, so I can follow along with his training/report cards - but I'm not looking forward to giving Rudy up, and I know that day will be filled with many tears of sadness...

Rudy's Raiser

Traffic Walk

Hey furry friends!
One of my latest puppy meetings was a "traffic walk" & "grocery store" exposure.

With us guide dogs, we all have to "enjoy" walking along side heavy traffic, without getting distracted.

Not only do I enjoy walks, but heavy traffic has never bothered me - so it was a furry fun meeting fur sure!
We did do a quick puppy swap during the meeting, so I was with another raiser during some of our traffic walk, and while inside the grocery store.

I have ONE last puppy meeting before I head back to school for IFT, and I'll be sure to post lots of pictures of it :)

Enjoy the photos/movie below!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Rudy with another raiser (all raiser's did a quick "swap")

(Movie of Rudy in a sit-stay beside the loud traffic - and then I tell him "Forward" and we start walking)

Da Lake

OMD, I have just found my true love fur water!
Way back (last year) my raiser took me to a guide dog pool party, and found out that I was not very "keen" of swimming.

But fur some odd reason, I've changed my furry little mind!
Today, after our "mini farm camp" ended, my raiser (her brother, sister & friend) took me to something called a "lake"... which held lots of water.

She let me go near the water to "investigate" and when I showed interest of wanting to get in, she decided to let me try it. Not knowing that I soon would absolutely fall in love with swimming.

Once I touched the water, I found my true passion... swimming, and man was it fun!
I've been reading some of my followers' blog posts, and noticed that a lot of my friends have a pool - or visit a lake. I guess that looked like so much fun, that I wanted to try it fur myself!
Since I'm heading IFT on June 4th, my raiser plans on taking me MANY more times to this lake, before I head back :)

Enjoy the pictures/movie below.

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Note from Raiser: (Rudy was on leash at ALL times during his "swimming" fun - though next time, I will be taking a longer leash!).

(Movie of Rudy with my/my sister's friend - he was on leash swimming, and then when I called him, he came swimming over to me - at the beginning of the movie clip, Rudy accidentally "hit" my/my sister's friend with his paw... while trying to "doggy paddle" )

A Change in Plans

(Written by Rudy's Raiser)
And when I was just getting used to the idea of Rudy returning to the school for IFT around June 13-16, I receive even worse news in a email I opened this morning.
Evidently the guide dog school is changing the "IFT" process... and decided to move UP the date to June 4th (of course, the exact day my brother is graduating... which means there is no way I'll be able to take Rudy back - and you have to take them back on that exact date).
Yes I did realize that sooner or later, Rudy would have to return back to the school... but since I'm not raising again (for now) this news is even harder to take in.
I really wish I could take Rudy back myself, he's going to be the first dog I did not return to the school.
Yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed, just in case something may change... but at this point, Rudy will be going back on June 4th WITHOUT me dropping him off.

Rudy's Raiser

Bark in the Park

My raiser & I attended the "Bark in the Park" (a very fun dog festival) as our guide dog group had a booth - and wanted some puppy raisers to be there to hand out SEGDI information.

My raiser & I stayed at the table for a little while, then she took me to walk around the festival. Most booths were selling either dog treats/dog toys (to raise money for dog rescues/such) - but I also found out, that almost every booth was giving away FREE samples too :)

My raiser said this event was one of the best exposures I can ever get (any other human at this event - had a dog... and I'm "somewhat" dog distracted). But my raiser said I did very well there, and (once I calmed down) I was even able to meet some other doggies.

My raiser & I also got to watch "Kyra Sundance" & her dog "Jadie" perform a live acrobatic show, which was very exciting!

I sure had lots of fun, enjoy the pictures below!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

The Expected... but Unexpected News

I know you guys have been waiting for the "exciting/sad" news I told you I would be posting soon, but I wanted to put it off as long as possible.

This post will be so hard to write - that I'm actually going to hand the keyboard over to my raiser...

(written by Rudy's Raiser)

Hey guys!
If any of you guys out there are puppy raisers, I know you are already guessing what this "news" may be.

As you know, Rudy is in training to be a guide dog for the blind - which means, someday... he'll end up having to leave. (We call it "IFT" - In For Training, where they head down the guide dog school for further training... and then hopefully get placed with a blind/disabled person).

We thought that IFT date would be in March/April, but we were quite glad to here Rudy wasn't going in around that time.

I was then told to expect him to return late May/early June. Which, back in March (when I was told) seemed like a while a way... but when I received this email last week, it seems like moments away:

" Good morning,

It's that happy/sad news time…. your puppies are almost ready to head off to college.

We were able to learn through somewhat "unofficial" channels that Al and
Rudy are due IFT June 13-16, so you probably won't get the letter from the
school for another few weeks.

Let me know if you'll need help with transport. Once the letter goes out we can contact
other groups and see if there's anyone else going to Florida.

Hugs to you, and to Al and Rudy!

***** and ******* "

So to sum this post up... Rudy will be going IFT around the week of June 13-16 2011.

In some later posts, I'll write up some more about the IFT process and such - but for now, I really can't stand to think about it.

What makes it even harder, is the fact that I really don't know if I'll be raising again. These dogs take a lot of green papers... and though the school pays the medical bills (and heart worm pills) - everything else is paid by us puppy raisers. (Unless I have a sponsor)

Yes, I'd love to raise again, and I really hope I'll be able to. This guide dog puppy raising is my life, and I don't know what I'll do without it.

After Rudy returns to the school, my goal would be (if I'm not raising) to be a puppy sitter for the group - but I'll be sure to update all of you on Rudy's training progress once he returns :)

I will be keeping this blog up, and even if I'm not raising puppies - I'll find something to post about! And we all know Liberty (our English Mastiff) will love to step in and do some posts.

Have a wonderful day, and Rudy sends kisses to you all!

Rudy's Raiser

Wordless Wednesday

I may be a HUGE doggy... but I can always fit in a small dog bed :)

Rudy - The dog with a blog