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



Rudy's Sixth Report Card!

*(Written by Brandon's Raiser)*
I've just received Rudy's sixth report card and also included in the email, was a short message from my Area Coordinator:
"Rudy's just waiting for the right partner now!!"
I know Rudy was in the "last phase" when I received his previous report card, but that little message made me start thinking, Rudy could really graduate ANYTIME now! He's just waiting for the perfect match, so for all I know... he could graduate next month!
Keeping my fingers crossed that his training continues to go well, and that he'll be able to find the perfect match, sooner than later!

Comment from Rudy's trainer:
"Rudy is a sweet boy.  I have only had him for a short period but he is a fun dog.  I look forward to working Rudy and getting to know his personality. J  We are working on some of his distractions and tendency to rush."
Just a few things that Rudy needs to "touch up", but it sounds like he's doing wonderful! I really miss my sweet boy :)

Brandon's Raiser


Copy of Rudy's Sixth Report card

 

Rudy's Fifth Report Card - LAST PHASE!! (also - Meet Hunter)

I have just received Rudy's fifth report card this afternoon... and found out some exciting news...
Rudy has now moved into PHASE THREE (polishing & blindfold walks). Which is the last phase of training down at the school.

He still has lots more to learn; but I'm so glad to hear he's in his last phase of training!
Seems like Rudy is still working on a few things; see the comment from his trainer: "Ok we are still working on some things. Still wayyy to excited coming out of the gate. We are also working on slowing him down a little. Longer routes don’t faze Rudy one little bit. We went to the marina in Sarasota. “No Rudy you can’t swim with the fish.” Tampa this month, not too crazy about the big city. Rudy – “Revolving doors, are you serious?” He didn’t like those, not too happy with the narrow escalators either."
Wow, doesn't that sounds just like a lab?

The best of luck to Rudy; and to make this post even better... the raiser that picked Brandon up for me; also stopped by the training kennel and snapped a quick photo of my "energetic" boy...

And of course... the wonderful report card!

Before I end this post (yep, I'm gonna make it even longer!); I would like you to meet Hunter

During the week of November 7-11 (yes - I waited till the last day to participate!), Mayzie is going to be honoring her Grampa J that passed away earlier this year by having "Rescue Me Week". For everyone that participates in this event will have the opportunity to win $100 which will be donated to your favorite rescue (shelter). Mayzie will be having a drawing the following week and 5 different blogs will win. That's $500 going to help homeless pets!!

When I happened upon Hunter, I decided he was the perfect dog to feature in this post... Not only because he was a black Lab mix (same as Rudy) BUT he's also got a little issue with being "energetic" (sound like someone we know?).

Hunter is about a year & a half old Labrador mix. He needs a family that will be able to handle all of his wonderful energy. He likes to run around and when it's time to come inside, he runs straight to his crate and gets in without running off. Hunter is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and on heartworm preventative.

I do hope Hunter is able to find that perfect home, he sounds like a wonderful boy & reminds me so much of Rudy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy post!!

Brandon'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

Rudy's 3rd Report Card

I just received Rudy's 3rd report card this morning :)
Seems like he's doing wonderful, and finally has all his boxes crossed off! Which hopefully means he'll be moving into "Phase 2" soon (he's currently in phase 1. SEGDI only has 3 phases, and once the dog is in training phase 3 he/she is ready and waiting to be matched with a visually impaired person. So phase 2 would be the "in between" stage. At least, that's what I've been told!).

I really enjoy reading the comments from the trainer, and how it seems Rudy is always moving at "top speed" during his training. I remember thinking that Rudy had the energy to run a marathon!
Some of you may think that with Rudy's "high speed" he won't make it as a guide dog, but as long as he minds what he's told... he'll be fine. Every dog has a different speed, and that is very helpful when it comes time to place them with people. You wouldn't want to give a fast paced person a "slow/easy going" dog - or the other way around.

P.S. Some of you have been asking me "When is Rudy going to graduate with a blind person?".

Throughout the entire training process, I'm still never going to know if Rudy will be a working guide dog... until he actually graduates as one (some dogs will be placed and start training/bonding with the blind person - and then end up getting adopted out as a pet due to a "sudden" training issue that occurs).

And for the answer "When is he going to graduate", that really varies on how fast they are advancing with their training. Normally it's about 6-8 months til they finish with their training. Once Rudy is in "phase 3" (if he gets there...) it could be anytime (following week/or month - depends on how long it takes to find his perfect match).

Enjoy the report card, and for anybody who didn't see my last post with news about a NEW PUPPY... please make sure to head over to read it!

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

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.

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.

Toby's second report card!!

Just received Toby's second report card!
Sounds like he's doing well and he has been neutered.
Attached below his his recent report card - please view larger if you'd like to read it :)
I'm very proud of my boy and he's doing much better in training then last time. Some places he needs to do a little better, but I'm still so happy!
Enjoy,

(Update - just got mail, Toby's harness picture taken at school enclosed!! Post coming tomorrow)

Toby's Raiser
The human with TWO dogs that have a blog

Toby Update - Once More! Report Card Style!

***NOTE: (Haven't read my last post? Please back up and read it before continuing on - as I heard GOOD news about Toby yesterday!)***

So, Toby's my first pup that I will be getting "report cards" on.

Starting last year each month you will be sent a short and simple report card on his training.

Of course since he was just moved to the training kennel - and still needs to be neutered, his training isn't that great (and he has only started with a couple commands).
But I'm excited to be able to "hear" how is training is going through out the months!

Note to my sweet boy:
Dear Toby;
You made it through the first little bit of your test - the medicals. But now it's really time to shine, show all the other dogs what I taught you and become the BEST guide dog you can.
And please watch your grades - I don't want to get a phone call that you've been expelled.
Thank you,
Your Loving Raiser

Any updates I receive on Toby, I will be posting.
Name Game Rules coming soon :)
Have a awesome Friday and give you furry friends a hug for me!

Toby's Raiser & Tracker's Sitter
The human sometimes with a dog that has a blog








*Please click on picture to make bigger*

FRANKIE PASSED!!!

Hey guys,

Great news, I just got a email saying Frankie passed her hip exams!!
I was so certain she was going to get put out of the school because of her hips!!

Here is the email from the guide dog school:

Good Afternoon Puppy Land! Here are the Hip x-ray results for the March IFT.
The following dogs have passed their hip evaluations:

Frankie
J.J
Katie

J.J & Katie are both from our group, Katie is Frankie's sister, and J.J is the dog I puppy sat in October.

Now that Frankie is out of the medical kennel she will start her training, then hopefully she will be seen in some of the IFT(in for training) pictures on the school's blog(which I will then post on my blog). And I should also get "school reports"from the trainer on how she is doing .

I CAN'T WAIT!

Frankie's trainer

First day(March 2 2008)

Last day(February 28 2009)