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!

First GDB Event!

I have to say I completely love GDB (not that I didn't before), but now I know why so many people continue to be a part of this great organization.

Today I went to volunteer as a "gate watcher". A neighborhood pool was shutting down for the year and invited all pups in training, as well as career changed dogs, guides, and retirees. I helped make sure that no dogs escaped while people entered or exited. It was really fun and the dogs were so sweet! Some of the pups that I saw were: Spruce (male golden retriever), Chet (male black lab), Covey (male black lab), Tatum (female black lab), Hugo (male yellow lab), and Macaroon (female yellow lab/golden mix, I think). I hope I spelled their names right!

I had a great time talking with another woman helped guard the gate with me. Overall I really enjoyed the experience. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I cannot wait to attend my first official meeting.


Addie

New News

First off, I don't think I mentioned it before, but I am off at college now! Currently I am dogless, living in the dorms and all. However, there is a guide dog puppy raising group near me (Yay!), so I am hoping to get involved with them, maybe as a puppy sitter? I will update on the progress of that.

I received an update on Llarson and he is still in training. (Come on big guy, no need to stay in school forever!) But I did learn that his sister Llangone has been placed with a handler and should graduate in early September. His brother Llevin on the other hand seems to have been dropped from the national explosive detection dog program and is now awaiting to be picked up by a police agency to work.

Also some exciting news, Llarson's mom just a litter of eight puppies! They are purebred viszla's and their names will all start with the letter "Y". They are absolutely adorable and I wish I could raise a Llarson half-sibling.

Anyway here is a picture of Llarson's newest siblings.

The newest "Y" litter.




Addie