Need a Puppy Fix?

Check out this link which shows some of the puppies at the kennels of Lackland Air Force Base. Too cute!

CBDC Made the News...Again!

Random Picture of Ggoody around Christmas time

Today marks the two year anniversary since I had received Llarson to raise. Crazy how time flies! It's been about four months since I last posted which is way too long for my liking. Between school, club meetings, and work I have been super busy which leaves hardly anytime to update. However, I have a bit of free time now so I thought I would update the blog with what has been happening.

Back in November Llarson graduated with his handler and is currently working in Minnesota as a member of the National Explosive Canine Team Program. I couldn't be more proud of him. I haven't been able to get in contact with his handler, but I am sure Llarson is doing just fine. I hope he can handle the cold weather since he grew up in Texas!

Ggoody is doing well. I miss having her around all the time since I am in college now and dogs are not allowed in the dorms. She is still her very laid back, loving self. I love going back home during the breaks to see her. Over the Christmas break I tried to make up for lost time during the fall school semester and took her to several dog parks to burn off excess energy. She loved it! Over Spring Break I plan to do the same thing and possibly take her golfing with me at a course that is dog friendly.

In December my family and I fostered a seven year old long haired dachshund named Elwood from the local humane society. He was such a sweet dog, but had some severe health issues (heartworms and severe dental decay) that the humane society was trying to correct. We offered him a loving home for the holidays. He fit right in and enjoyed sleeping on Ggoody's bed. Sadly we couldn't keep him so we had to take him back to the humane society, but I think he was adopted soon after we returned him since he was removed from the website listing and the shelter is no kill. I sure hope Elwood found a loving home.

Elwood and Ggoody sleeping


Now to the title of the post. A fellow TSA Puppy Raiser shared a link with me about Lackland Air Force Base's Working Dog Program. It was a news story from ABC; it made the national news! The video is awesome and gives a good perspective of what the program is all about. Scott Thomas who is interviewed in the video is the Puppy Raising Program's manager. Too cool! Enjoy. Here is the link.

-Addie

P.S There may be some exciting news coming up regarding puppy raising, but I am not 100% sure so I don't want to jinx it quite yet. But stay tuned!

BIG NEWS!!!

Okay, it might be a little early to say this, but I have to announce it anway...









This afternoon I talked to my mom and she told me she had some news about Llarson and I knew that could go one of two ways. Then she told me...





Llarson is graduating! That is right folks, after nearly year of training Llarson has found a handler and is officially an explosive detection dog (well almost). Right now as long as everything goes according to plan (and no changes are made), he will be leaving Lackland Air Force Base on November 19 to work in the Minneapolis Airport. I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to meet Llarson's handler and say goodbye to the big guy before he departs for work. Right now it is sort of a mess because of when I get off of school for Fall Break and being in Colorado for school doesn't help, but hopefully everything will work out and I will be able to find a flight back to Texas to see him.

To be honest I can't even put into words what I am feeling. All I know is that I am so proud of Llarson. I know he will do great things. I really can't believe that goofy, crazy pup I raised a year ago has matured enough to make it through the rigorous training that he has. I can't think of one moment that I have been more proud than this. I have called a lot of my friends and family to tell them the news. It is an amazing feeling knowing that I helped raise such an amazing dog. Congratulations Llarson!!

Almost a Puppy Sitter!

Last night I attended my 3rd meeting for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I filled out the paper work to be a puppy sitter and all that's left is reading the manual. I am so excited and can't wait to start watching some pups!

New Half Siblings!

Llarson is a big brother to 9 new labrador pups! His father Aabel was the father of the newest Z litter. The other neat thing about the litter is that they are the first litter in the program to be born on September 11. These pups truly are a tribute to those who lost their lives on that tragic day nine years ago.

Check out the link from a local news station that talks about the newest litter.

Also here are some pictures of his half siblings both from the Y litter (they are purebred Vizslas) and the Z litter (the labs).

The Z litter with mom Bbarbara



The Y litter



As one puppy raiser put it "A Y litter pup being modest."

Remembrance

Every year I like to take time to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy of 9/11.

I would like to say to Harry Goody III and Scott A. Larsen, that you will never be forgotten. I am proud to say I have raised two wonderful dogs who are named after two extraordinary people. I couldn't be more proud of what these dogs exemplify and I only hope that they demonstrate the true bravery of both of these men. I express my deepest condolences to the Goody and Larsen families.

I also would like to recognize both the men and women in our armed services who risk their lives everyday to protect our country. I hope everyday for the safe return of our nation's soldiers.

God Bless America.


Addie

First GDB Puppy Meeting

I just got back from my first puppy meeting with Guide Dogs for the Blind! I had a great time and everyone was so helpful. One raiser let me borrow her career change dog Hoss for awhile, then we switched and I got to work with her puppy in training, black lab Oliver. Oliver was so sweet, but had a bit of a stubborn streak, especially with the down command. Overall I really enjoyed it. The only thing I am going to have to adjust to are the training methods. The puppies I raised basically had the complete opposite approach to training (basically obedience was not overly emphasized with the explosive detection dogs). Oh well, it will be fun learning new techniques. I can't wait for the next event!