HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TOBY!

*(written by Rudy's Raiser)* I've been so busy taking care of all my new baby goats... that I almost forgot to do a HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY post for TOBY. (My last guide dog puppy). Toby turned TWO years old today (March 27th) - gosh, I remember when he was such a cute little puppy... And now, he's not only a nice handsome dog - he's also serving as a Search & Rescue dog! I'm so proud of my boy :) A (very) quick recap with the dates/months of when Toby came/left/graduated... We first picked up Toby on May 30th 2009, and he didn't return to the guide dog school till April 16th 2010. In October 2010 I heard that Toby was being Career changed due to allergies, but would hopefully be working as a service dog. In November 2010 I got the email telling me Toby's allergies were so severe, that he was going to be adopted out as a pet. BUT in December 2010 I was surprised with the news, that Toby would be heading into the "Search & Rescue" work! Toby decided after all, that working was way more important then his allergies! I would like to wish Toby the best of luck with his job, and... a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOBY! I love (and miss) you :) Rudy's (and Toby'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

Toby is a Working Dog!

(Written by Rudy's Raiser)
**This post DOES include what work Toby will doing - and NEW updates about him**
Remember the post Rudy did back in December? About Toby finding a NEW job to do? After the school found out he had severe allergies - they were left with the decision to Career Change Toby - or adopt him out as a pet. I was told the school loved how Toby worked, and they decided to evaluate him for the Gifted Canine program (He'd be a service or therapy dog - maybe for an injured veteran or a disabled child). I heard in November 2010 that it was official - Toby was to be "let go" (adopted out) as a pet. And of course - he was offered back to me. It was a hard thing to say "no" I won't take my pup back, some of you guys may have said "yes" in a heart beat - but for many reasons (that can't be listed) I had to say no. I hate doing that, Toby was one of my favorite dogs.
I waited over a month watching emails closely - as I really wanted to find out who adopted Toby. I soon gave up on receiving a email and just emailed my AC, who forward my email down to the school.
I soon got this email back:
"Hi *****,
I heard back from the school with some exciting news. Toby's been adopted by ******* County Search and Rescue in Florida, which means he'll doing very important work! His handler's name is ******.
Good job!"
I've been waiting since December to post that email - but I wanted to make sure it would work out.
I just received this email this morning:
"We have just heard from the school - that the person who adopted Toby has decided to use him as a Search and Rescue dog for ******* county. What a great career for him. I'm really proud of you - this is a big win for Toby and I know he is going to make a big difference in his new job.
Thank you again for all you do for these puppies.
With much love
*** and *****"

To make a long story short...
Toby was adopted out - but instead of being adopted out as a pet (like we all thought) he was adopted by someone who decided to use him as a Search & Rescue dog - yes Toby will be working - not as a guide dog, not as a therapy dog, but as a Search & Rescue dog.
With the last email, I also received a PICTURE of Toby with his new handler/owner (pictured below). This was one thing I was really hoping for - as I really wanted to use it on his blog, so I hope you guys like it!
Though Toby isn't a guide dog as I hoped, I know he'll do amazing work with this program - and if something does go wrong, he'll do his best at whatever path he decides to take.
Thanks to all who kept through reading all his adventures (May 2009 - April 2010), we really appreciate all the comments you left for us, when we went through hard, good, and amazing times.
Hope all of you guys are having a great day - Rudy sure is... as it's SNOWING outside! (Pictures/movies coming soon).
Thanks for taking the time to read this! Congrats to all who guessed Search & Rescue would be Toby's new job!

Rudy's Raiser

Pictured below is of Toby & his new handler/owner

Happy (almost) New Years!! *and 2011 goals!*

I hope all my furry awesome followers have a very Happy New Year!

2010 was a GREAT year for me, to start off with...

1. I was BORN this year :)

2. I met my raiser this year

3. Our blog participated in the FIRST ever Global Animal Blogging Event that Twinkie set up!
3. I started training to become a guide dog this year, and... I met all of YOU guys!

Hope all of you had a furry cool 2010 like I did!

Now for my 2011 goals:

What, dogs have goals?

Yep! My raiser let Toby (her last guide dog puppy) come up with some goals he'd like to reach before heading back down to the guide dog school. So I decided I want to come up with some "goals" too.

I'd like to "reach" them before I head to the school for future training (date unknown; but will be after May 2011).

Rudy's 2011 Goals:

1. Have over 300 followers on my blog (current: 233 followers)

2. Get more comments on my blog posts (normal around 5/12 per post - would like 15/20 per post)

3. Continue posting often

4. Do very well with training and obey my furry cool raiser

5. Hold more giveaways on my blog for YOU guys!

(Updates on my goals will be posted later on in 2011)

Fur now I hope ALL OF YOU enjoy New Year's Eve and have a very Happy New Years!

Many updates coming in 2011 :)

Furry last 2010 kisses,

Rudy

The dog with a blog

My 2010 cuteness...

Toby Who?? (New UPDATE!)

Oh yeah - Toby is the pup my raiser had before me!
You guys remember the post my raiser did - announcing that Toby was being adopted out due to severe allergies? (post back in Nov.)
That was over a month ago that she heard the news - and she's been "dying" to know who Toby ended up with; and what state he'd be living in.
Yesterday she finally decided to contact her Area coordinator - hoping to get some info about Toby's new family. Sadly she got an email back saying that the lady at the school who deals with the adoption program - would be out of the office 'til next Monday. (Go figure!)
But much to her surprise - my raiser found an email from the Area Coordinator waiting in her inbox this morning.
Just is case something falls through; my raiser will give you the cool news next week (after she has contact with his new owner) - but here's a hint...
Toby may be working after all!
Here is a piece of the email my raiser received:"which means he'll be doing very important work!"
(No - he's not being put back in the guide dog school - he still is being adopted out - just not to who I expected!)
News to come next week, sorry to make you all wait - but just in case this falls through; my raiser doesn't want to get to many hopes up :)
If you feel like guessing what Toby will be doing - go right ahead - and feel free to leave it in a comment... BUT my raiser will not be answering questions on what he'll be doing... you just have to wait & see :)

(pictured below is of Toby - taken before he headed to the guide dog school in April 2010 for IFT)

Furry cool kisses!

Rudy
The dog with a blog

It's Official

I had left a little hope that Toby may be able to make it into the Gifted Canine program, but evidently his allergies are to severe. I just wish they didn't draw it out in a whole 7 months - and now he's just getting adopted out.
Here's the email I received from my AC when we got back from the craft show -
"Hi *******,

We just got a message from SEGD that Toby's going to be put up for adoption…his allergies are too severe for him to be placed as a gifted canine. ******* said to tell you they'll find him a wonderful new home.

I know it's disappointing for you that Toby won't be a guide, but you did a great job raising him.

Thanks for all your hard work!

*****"

This isn't the email I like to see when I get home, I don't get why all my dogs like allergies so much, maybe it's just the Labs. I hope Toby will find a great home, and I'll be letting you guys know when I here anything on when/where he's placed.

What's really sad is - the day before I recvieved this news, I got an email from a raiser in our group who was down at the school dropping off their dog last week, and was allowed to walk an older dog. They just so happened to be given Toby - and even got a picture for me (posted below). Seeing this picture and hearing about him; made me think that he just may make it into the gifted canine program after all. Guess I wasn't right.
The raiser who took the picture for me also has a blog - feel free to stop by, the picture of Toby was also posted on their blog.
I know Toby will still be a great dog, he'll be a awesome pet for some family and we know they will love him.
Updates coming from Rudy later, enjoy the picture!


Rudy's Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog

A Blast into the Past

Hey furry friends!
My Raiser had some time on her hands (which isn't that often!) and decided to put together a furry cool flash in the past slideshow.
To show all of our newer followers some older pictures of the dogs she raised. (she did say it will include some of me!).
So enjoy the furry fun slideshow below, it's just various pictures of the guide dog puppies she raised over the years. If you are new to our blog, then you will enjoy seeing the new faces of dogs you haven't met.
(the pictures she will be showing are only of dogs she has raised - 3 previous to furry cute me... so I make 4!)

Rudy
The dog with a blog

Smilebox slideshow/scrapbook of the guide dogs I've raised

See You Soon!

Hey furry friends, I'm about to head off to the puppy sitters house, just wanted to say a quick bye to all my furry fun blogging pals - and have a blast without me here!
My raiser will be heading out soon with some of her family to the fair - so she can show her dairy goats. Do to the fact that she will be WAY busy, she has to leave me behind... with a puppy sitter. I'm fine with that though, it sounds like this sitter will be a total blast! (aren't they all!?)

I'll be blogging when I get back, but fur now - I leave you with a picture of me "helping" my raiser shop for her Sweet Sixteen Birthday party,

(For those who didn't get a chance to read the post my raiser wrote yesterday, please make sure to stop by and read it, as it has some sad news about Toby (her last dog she raised) in it).

Rudy
The dog with a blog

No News... ISN'T Good News

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*
Most of my older followers will remember Toby, the third dog I raised for SEGDI (he went back in April 2010). I've been getting monthly report cards from the school about him. But when it got to October - I received nothing, asking my Area Coordinator, she said when they have time - they send them. But I remember always receiving them on (close to) the same day each month. I'm told "No News is Good News" but in this case.... No News is bad news...
I got a call from my Area Coordinator today - telling me she heard from the school.
I'm crossing my fingers; wishing for good news... then I hear her say
"Toby has been career changed". Yes he's out - he'll never be a guide dog.
I'm told he was let go do to severe allergy issues. BUT he isn't out of the program completely (which means he isn't just being adopted out as a pet). Toby does still have a slight chance to become a gifted canine. Though he can't become a working guide dog, the school did really like him and have decided to evaluate him for a different line of work. (could be with a veteran - or as any kind of service dog).
I wish Toby the best of luck with his evaluations, and hope he blows the people away with amazement.
I'm so sad to hear he didn't make it as a guide, knowing all those hours, days, months, I had him raising him up to be the best guide dog I could didn't work out. But knowing he does still have a slight chance of working makes me happy.
We all know, that if he doesn't make it in this program - he will get adopted out (which I did tell my area coordinator I can't adopt him, though I'd love to - we don't have the room). But even adopted out as a house pet, Toby can always change peoples lives. Just cuddling up with a family who needs a pet is helpful.

For those who have no idea what I just said up there - he's a review :)

1. Toby was just "put out" of the guide dog program due to severe allergies
2. Toby isn't being adopted out yet, as the school does really like him - and hopes he has a chance with a different career (the gifted canine program)
3. Toby will undergo some different evaluation tests, to find out if he is capable of doing a new task
4. Over the next 2-4 weeks I should be hearing some more news (I hope for good news!)

Thanks so much for following our blog, Rudy will be posting before he heads off to his puppy sitter tomorrow (as we will be heading to a dairy goat show). Just thought I'd update you on Toby,

Toby's & Rudy's Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog

Is He Mine?

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*

If you were a guide dog raiser - and you dog is already IFT (In For Training - at the school), you sometimes get that feeling "is he mine?" when you look at pictures taken down at the school.

Sometimes you get lucky - and you're dog's name is printed above the picture or sometimes it's just a picture - and it's up to you to figure out if he/she was your dog.

The guide dog school's blog did a post yesterday with pictures of a couple different IFT dogs going on a walk.

The second photo on the post (or see below) caught my eye - it looks just like Toby. I could easily be making it up - as they have a whole bunch of yellow labs down there... but I'll let you guys decide for yourself!

Rudy's (and Toby's) Raiser

The human that has a dog with a blog

Compare the 2 photos below... and let me know if you think the top picture looks like Toby.

Photo posted on guide dog blog:

Photo of Toby taken while down at school:

New Vehicle?

*(Scheduled post; Written by Rudy's Raiser)*

Remember back in January when we got the cute new green Honda Element? (when we still had Toby)

That car was soo awesome - I loved driving it, and it was a really "dog" friendly car!

Due to some money issues... we had to say goodbye... to it :( We sold it earlier this month; back to the dealership. With it gone - we have one less car insured... which is a lot better for us.

Picture of Rudy with the car... before we left it at the dealership :(

We own a huge dually truck - which we used sometimes. It is now our official car to drive. I'll really, really, really miss driving that cute little Element - even if we plan on buying one next year. I LOVE driving the huge dually - but it's so hard to park!

Okay... enough about cars - the REAL reason why I'm posting this? Since we are now driving in the truck... the only way Rudy can see me is by doing this:

Yup - he does this for more than half the time while we are driving down the road... When I feel a wet nose... I know it's him!

We are most likely enjoying Disney right now... and Rudy's probably hoping down the hall ways with Charlie S!

Rudy's Raiser

The human without a dog that has a blog

A Smile a Day; Keeps the Raiser at Bay...

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*
I don't have any idea if that title makes since... but it sounds good to me!
I checked the SEGDI trainer's twitter this morning - all to find??
ANOTHER picture of Toby! Wow, 2 in just a couple days? This is awesome.
This picture really made me smile - and I'm quite happy to see he's out and about getting not just inside exposure... but outside too!

You may notice, that in any picture I post of him down at the school; he always looks sad. I betcha that once he gets placed (or finds his forever home) he'll change that look to a happy smile!
He's a great dog, our fingers are crossed - Good luck Toby!

BTW - don't forget to check out Rudy's giveaway - it ends TOMORROW night - get your entry in soon :)

Rudy's (and Toby's) Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog


My boy Toby:

My Boy TOBY

Remember him??
Toby was the male yellow Goldador I raised before Rudy. He returned back to the school in April 2010.
Every month since then I post a report card from the school about him....
Well, this time I'm going to post... A PICTURE of him!
A guide dog trainer down at the school has twitter and is always taking pictures of the dogs she and other trainers are working with. I have NEVER seen anything about Toby posted before.

But when I checked out her twitter account today... this is what I saw!

"Toby enjoying the Sarasota gift shop"


This made me soo happy! I've not seen a picture of him in a while.
I'm glad he's out getting exposures and having fun. Thanks so much to the trainer who posted this picture!

Don't forget to visit the giveaway post Rudy did - I know you want to enter... !

Rudy's & Toby's Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog

Toby's Fifth Report Card!!

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*
I received Toby's FIFTH report card yesterday...
I was totally freaked out when I mom called me down stairs, and said "There's an email from ***". Because our report cards normally don't come 'til mid month (around the 15th).
When I saw the the email and read the first part "Here's Toby's latest report card", I read "Here's Toby's LAST report card".
Thinking that he'd got put out... and this was his last report card!! I was wrong... :) I shouldn't have anything to worry about, my big boy is doing me so proud down there!
He does still have some "W's" (Working On) for some things - but he's doing great in all the other categories!

Enjoy reading it - I attached what it say's below the picture - so either way you should be able to read/view it!

P.S. About the upcoming giveaway (to celebrate posting over 400 posts) we are still doing it... but Rudy is wanting to order something for it online.... so we are "postponing" it 'til he decides what he wants! More news to come, enjoy the report card!

Rudy's Raiser

The human that has a dog with a blog

TRAINING REPORT

DOG: Toby
Tattoo: 3B09
Date: Sept. 1 , 2010

Training Phase: Phase 1


++ - exceeding expectations + - meeting expectations W=working on
Accepts harness W
Forward +
Straight line concept +
Left +
Right +
Down curbs +
Up curbs W
Clearances +
Traffic +
Indoor mall +
Off curb Travel W
Left, Left +
Right, Right +
Stairs +
Escalators W
Underfootings W
Food scavenging W
Obedience +

Distractions:
Scent +
People +
Small animal +
Dog +
Children +
Kennel behavior +


COMMENTS: Toby is a very smart dog. He is improving at putting his harness on. He enjoys work and is progressing well.

Toby's Fourth Report Card!!

(written by Rudy's Raiser)
Seems like time is still flying, just received Toby's FOURTH report card - yes FOURTH!
Remember last week? He was just heading off to school...
Oh wait, that was FOUR months ago!!
Toby's doing very well in school, and it sounds like he's doing much better with the harness. Though he's taking his time in training and not rushing - I'm glad, he's doing me proud just the way he is!
Congrats Toby, can't wait to see your next report card, keep up the GREAT work!!
(for those who are unable to view the report card - I attached the words/grades, and posted them below).

Have a great Thursday, Rudy sends licks & furry kisses!

Rudy's AND Toby's Raiser
The human that has a dog with a blog


TRAINING REPORT

DOG: Toby
Tattoo: 3B09
Date: August 2010

Training Phase: Phase 1

++ - exceeding expectations + - meeting expectations W=working on

Accepts harness W
Forward +
Straight line concept +
Left +
Right +
Down curbs +
Up curbs W
Clearances +
Traffic +
Indoor mall +
Off curb Travel W
Left, Left +
Right, Right +
Stairs +
Escalators W
Underfootings W
Food scavenging W
Obedience +

Distractions:
Scent +
People +
Small animal +
Dog +
Children +
Kennel behavior +

COMMENTS: Toby is a very smart dog. He is improving at putting his harness on. He enjoys work and is progressing well.

Switch It Up...

Hey furry friends!
My raiser has been hogging the blog lately - due to "updates" on Toby, (like he's more important than me! NO WAY, I'm much cuter than him in a long shot).

I thought I'd give you guys a short update on me real quick... as you won't be seeing many posts next week.

This Sunday I will be leaving... Not for long! Just 1 week :)
My Raiser will be going to some week long "4-H Congress" event, and thinks I'm "too young" to attend it with her. But she hates going dogless to events, so she's doing a "puppy swap" with my furry friend Sparkie. (We puppy sat him last month).

Tomorrow after our puppy meeting we will be swapping - I'll go to Sparkie's house, and he'll come to mine!!

I know we are both going to have such furry fun, but I'll sure miss all you guys! I told Sparkie he could do a post or two - but he's leaving with my Raiser on Monday. So I don't know if he'll have time.
My raiser might "schedule" a post or two to publish while she's gone - just so I don't leave you guys completely!

So long furry friends, and I'm leaving you with 2 furry cool pictures of me!

P.S. My Raiser wanted to let all who commented on the last post know that the picture of Toby may have been sad - but he's really enjoying himself down there, and she wants to make sure you all know it's really heaven in the kennels at the school - so Toby doesn't think he's in "prison" or anything!

Furry Kisses!

Rudy
The Dog With a Blog

Picture Of... TOBY! (not so Wordless Wednesday!)

One of the puppy raisers in our group was heading down to FL last week for Puppy Raiser Day (Graduation) -as the last dog she raised had just graduated.

I asked if at all possible, could she peek into the training kennel, and snap a picture of Toby for me.

What I woke up to this morning - was a very special email, enclosed with A PICTURE of Toby!

Though it's just "a picture", those are worth a thousand words. And this one sure was.

You can read his face in the picture, it's so sad and sweet at the same time.

She said Toby looked great, and all their siblings were doing fine.

I'm glad to hear that, and wish Toby the best of luck!

Rudy's (and Toby's!) Raiser

The human that has a dog with a blog

Toby's THRID Report Card!

*(Written by Rudy's Raiser)*

Wow, seems like just last week I was saying good bye to Toby, dropping him off at the school - and having the thought that I'd never see him again (still have that thought!).

Now Toby has been down at the school for almost THREE months, and I've already received his third report card!
So far, he's doing real well with training - most of his "W's" (Working on) are just on new things he's started learning. He still is having trouble with the harness, but we all know he'll expect it in his own time.

Each day I worry. Wondering if I'll receive a email - with bad news in it. Each day, when opening our inbox, I sometime wish I'd just stop and walk away.

But for now - Toby is still IN training down at the school, it doesn't matter to me how quickly he jumps through training, as long as he's fine, and doing well.

I wish him the best of luck, and know all you guys do the same!

Thanks to all who follow this blog, through our ups AND downs, and sticking with us no matter what happens.

We hope to keep passing on great news about Toby to you all. But we all know everything never turns out perfect.

Thanks for following, Rudy will be posting in the next couple days!

Please note that all the W's (which stand for Working On) in the report card are mostly on new things he's just started, he's not having much trouble with things he already knew - which I'm real happy about, as he's learning lots more, and I know he'll do great!

Rudy's Raiser

The human that has a dog with a blog

The Report Card says:

TRAINING REPORT

DOG: Toby
Tattoo: 3B09
Date: July

Training Phase: Phase 1

+ - meeting expectations W=working on


Accepts harness W
Forward +
Straight line concept +
Left +
Right +
Down curbs +
Up curbs W
Clearances W
Traffic W
Indoor mall W
Off curb Travel W
Left, Left +
Right, Right +
Stairs W
Escalators W
Underfootings W
Food scavenging W
Obedience +
Distractions:
Scent +

People +
Small animal +
Dog +
Children +
Kennel behavior +

COMMENTS: Toby is a sweet boy. We are working on his harness acceptance. He is learning new things quickly and is fun to work.

He's All Grown Up!

After receiving the report card for Toby yesterday, I went out to get the mail.

Coming back inside with something from SEGDI!

I was so excited, knowing it was "hopefully" going to be a picture of Toby in harness.

Was I right??
YES!
The picture looks great, and he looks so good in harness!

Also enclosed with the picture was a certificate for my puppy raising days with Toby.

I still miss him (really badly), but I know he's doing good down there.

WISHING YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD TOBY!!

Rudy's (and Toby's) Raiser

The human with TWO dogs that has a blog