A Day of Remembrance

Today is September 11th and it is a day in United States' history that will never be forgotten. For me, this day is forever memorialized not only as a day of tragedy and loss, but also a beacon of hope in the form of a four legged companion.

I will never forget that warm summer evening in June 2006, when a tiny twelve week old black Labrador puppy was placed in my arms. Her name was Ggoody. Her future held high hopes, more than just digging holes in the backyard and chewing holes in tennis shoes. She was destined to be an explosive detection dog for the Department of Homeland Security. That's a lot of pressure to put on one tiny pup! However, what made her even more remarkable was her name. Ggoody was named after Harry Goody III, one of the 2, 996 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

A year had passed with the normal ups and downs that accompany raising a puppy. However, what amazed me the most when it came time for Ggoody's formal recall date was how mature she had become. No longer was she a gangly puppy trying to figure out her place in life, but in fact a mature, confident dog with the ability to live up to and honor her namesake, just as she was bred to do.

I believe that was the true power of the Puppy Program. In a way, it's a bit poetic (albeit tragic) that the very dogs bred to protect our nation were named after people who lost their lives in the very event these dogs now aim to prevent. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to raise two of these incredible dogs, who have profoundly changed my life for the better and have truly honored their namesakes.

Although Ggoody was released from the program due to medical reasons, Llarson (my second puppy to raise) did graduate from the program as an explosive detection dog. It's hard for me to put into words how proud I was when I heard the news of Llarson becoming a detection dog because it was a feeling greater than pride. It may seem a bit ridiculous from the outside perspective that this amount of emotion can be evoked by a dog, but I know my fellow "puppy walkers" understand. The whirling dervish of a puppy that I raised would soon be protecting our county just as his namesake, Scott A. Larsen, had done as a firefighter during the 9/11 attacks.

Today I am writing this post in memory of Harry Goody III and Scott A. Larsen. You will always be remembered. #neverforget #honor911

Rain or Shine a Dog has to Walk

Today started out sunny and bright, but has ended with much cooler temperatures and rain. I am loving the cooler weather, and the rain to some extent. Despite the rain, Llarson has to get his daily walk in because Mondays are my longest days on campus. Without his daily walk he can be quite the handful! It was surprisingly great walking weather and even cleared up towards the end. Here is a picture from our evening jaunt.

-Addie & Llarson

Back to School

Well it's that time of year again where summer ends and school begins. I have been back at school for two weeks now. I have to say senioritis is already kicking in because I keep thinking of my graduation in December. I can't wait! As for Llarson, his schedule hasn't changed all that much since school started. I am fortunate enough that my schedule allows me to go home for lunch, so I can spend a little bit of time with him during the day. The part he doesn't enjoy is that during the week I only have time to go for walks around the neighborhood. However, we make up for this on the weekend by going on long hikes. We went on a great hike this morning. Llarson loved looking at the prairie dogs that were just off the trail. He could not figure out what these "squirrel-like" animals were. Other than that not much has been going on. Until next time...

-Addie and Llarson

New Beginnings

It's been a long time since I have updated, and a lot of happy, exciting, and also heartbreaking events have happened since that time. However, I want to try and keep up with blogging because I really do miss having a place where I can keep track of the outings with the dogs.

I guess to begin where I left off, Llarson had been retired from detection work and came back to live with me as my pet dog. He is loving the life of a pet dog, especially the part about sleeping on the bed. He lived with my parents from September (when I officially adopted him) until about two weeks ago when he moved in with me because I found a place that would allow dogs for my final semester of college. (Yes I am graduating from college in December! I can't even begin to express how excited I am about this.) Having Llarson with me has been the best change so far. He is an excellent study buddy, as I am taking an online class this summer, and best of all he is also an excellent motivator for getting me outdoors for a much needed walk/hike/run each day. I think the picture below proves this.

I think the worst change that has happened since my last update has to do with Ggoody. Back around September, Ggoody had been having increased problems with her allergies. Her liver counts were elevated due to the fact she was taking very low doses of Temaril-P, a low dose steroid, to control her allergies. Unfortunately, the elevated liver counts meant she had to be taken off of Temaril-P which caused a downward spiral in her allergy flare-ups. The poor thing was so itchy and losing so much hair that she had to be bathed with a special shampoo at least once a week.

Around the time I came home from school for winter break and at the recommendation of our vet, we started Ggoody on a drug called Atopica. This drug is used to control skin dermatitis as a result of allergies. She seemed to be doing slightly better, but she still wasn't the same perky and happy-go-lucky dog we were used to. Within a few weeks, her hind end began to get very stiff when she stood up from laying down. Our vet found nothing physically wrong with her, however there was a small chance that this was a side effect of the Atopica.

Honestly, all of these issues were a part of a much larger problem that had been hiding. On the morning of January 13th, we woke up to find Ggoody downstairs, panting, very weak, and with white gums and eyelids. I think my family knew at this point the chances were not looking good. My dad carried her to the car because she couldn't even stand and laid her in the backseat of the car. We rushed to the emergency vet and they immediately rushed her back for tests. It was soon discovered that Ggoody had hemangiomasarcoma of the spleen. This is a very deadly and aggressive form of cancer commonly found in Goldens and German Shepherds that attacks the blood vessels of the spleen by forming a tumor. Currently, there is no cure for this type of cancer. The problem is, that sometimes these tumors can rupture and cause dogs to bleed out internally. Unfortunately this is what was happened to Ggoody and actually our previous dog as well. It was a heartbreaking prognosis and not at all what I was expecting to hear. To ease Ggoody's suffering, my family and I decided it would be best to put Ggoody down.

It was a very difficult thing to decide, but looking back on it that was the best decision for Ggoody because treatment was not a humane option at that point. I miss her terribly. In fact when I go home for school breaks, I still expect to see her greeting me at the door with her tail going a mile a minute. Her loss was taken pretty hard by my immediate family, my grandparents (who adored her), and my neighbor Lois, who was Ggoody's "baby-sitter" when my family was away from home. We miss her so much, but it was really nice having Llarson at home to comfort us.

One of Ggoody's last times out at the field with her favorite toys.

I didn't mean for this post to be such a downer, so on a more positive note, Llarson recently moved in with me (as stated above). He has been loving life and is still the biggest goofball. He has such a funny personality (I blame the Vizsla in him). He was great during the moving process and I think loved checking out all the new smells our new house brought. It's an awesome feeling to be an official dog owner!

And most recently, as of Sunday, my family back home (my mom, dad, brother and sister) welcomed a new addition to the family. Her name is Ava and she is pictured below. She is an all white Spitz mix, who after she was originally adopted from an animal shelter was left in the backyard all the time. She escaped and found her way back to the shelter where her owner was contacted to come pick her up. Her owner never came, but the rescue group where my family adopted her from did come. From what I hear, she has been a wonderful, calm, and loving new addition to the family. I am hoping for the chance to go home in a month or so to meet her for the first time. Can't wait!

I am hoping to be a better blogger and update regularly on Llarson's adventures. I plan on taking him hiking this weekend, so I will try my best to update on this upcoming excursion.

Have a great rest of the week,

Addie and Llarson

MAJOR Llarson/TSA Puppy Update

I'm not sure if anyone follows this anymore, but either way I felt it necessary to update on the complete story of what is going on with Llarson and the TSA Puppy Program since there have been some major changes in the last year.

To begin, after Llarson graduated (almost 2 years ago) from the explosive detection dog program at Lackland Air Force base, he was sent to the Minneapolis Airport to work as a detection dog. Long story short, after about a year of working something happened with his handler and Llarson was no longer needed in Minneapolis.

He was sent back to Lackland Air Force Base where he became what I like to call the "practice dog," where new K9-handlers practiced what they learned in the classroom about detection work using Llarson in the beginning stages of their training to get the techniques right for when they were assigned their K9 partner. After staying at Lackland for a few months, Llarson was eventually picked up by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS). The goal was that he was going to become a detection dog for this agency. Initially we thought he was going to graduate with them back in May 2012. However, after no word on a graduation date, I just assumed he was still "in-training" with them.

This is where there was a major change of events. About 2 months ago I woke up to go to school (it was about 6:30am) and I was checking my e-mail on my phone while eating breakfast. I literally dropped my spoon in my cereal when I read an e-mail that Llarson had been dropped by TXDPS and the department was wondering if I would like to adopt Llarson. A range of emotions went through my head. The first was utter excitement. I was being offered the chance to adopt Llarson! I had always said if he ever needed a home, I was going to adopt him. The second was sadness because his career as a detection dog was at an end.

I immediately called my mom. Since I am going to school out of state and live in an apartment that does not allow pets, if I were to adopt Llarson he would have to stay with my parents until next year when I could find a place that allows animals. It took a bit of convincing, but my parents agreed and picked Llarson up September 14th.

I haven't seen Llarson in 3 years and will finally be reunited with him this coming Saturday when I get home for Thanksgiving break. I literally cannot wait! From what I hear from my parents and sister, Llarson has been making himself at home and is loving the advantages that come with being a pet dog. The pictures below describe what I mean.

Overall this was not exactly how I had planned for any of this to work out, but I am so pleased with the outcome.

On a sad note, the TSA Puppy Program has been shut down as of late due to cuts in funding. The status of this program still remains unsure at this point, but hopefully they are able to pick up funding again to resume this incredible program. That means no more puppies to foster during the breaks when I come home from school. They just recently did a story on TODAY about the 500th puppy, Ddolan, who just recently graduated. The video can be found here.

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!

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

Llane Has Graduated!

Llarson's sister Llane has graduated! She graduated back at the end of July and is currently working in Pennsylvania. Congrats to Llane and her handler and great job Llane's puppy raisers.

Llarson and his two sisters Llenoir and Llangone are still in training. Let's hope for a graduation sometime soon!


-Addie & Ggoody

Bowser Update

Bowser aka Marley's owners have been so sweet in sending us updates. About a month ago they sent an e-mail that said Bowser has settled into his new home and is a wonderful addition to their family. I am so happy Bowser found such a wonderful home. They even sent a few pictures. Enjoy!







-Addie & Ggoody

Summer Vacation

Well Ggoody and I returned from our vacation to Lake LBJ on Friday, July 30. (Yes, that was a long time ago!) We were gone for about six days and had a blast! I still miss the lake and I am sure Ggoody does too being a true water dog an all.

Just to recap, we arrived to our lake house Sunday, July 25, in the afternoon. We mainly lounged and unpacked while Ggoody took it upon herself to smell every last inch of the house to make sure everything was ok.

On Monday my family and I rented a ski boat, but Ggoody had to stay behind for safety reasons (ie: high speed of the boat for tubing, choppy water, etc.)

Tuesday we rented a pontoon boat that Ggoody was allowed to go on. She loved it, except when she fell into the water by accident, but all was well after she got back onto the boat. After that ordeal she fell asleep on the bench inside the boat.

On Wednesday we were supposed to have a ski boat however the boat we had, had issues so instead we took out another pontoon boat. Ggoody tagged along again. She loved the wind in her face! When we got back, I went fishing that evening and caught a small bluegill! Ggoody had no idea what to do with the fish. She just smelled it and looked at it funny, then watched it swim away when I released it. I didn't have my camera with me so no pictures of the fish.

Thursday was another ski boat day so Ggoody spent the day with my grandma and grandpa liked she did on Monday. She even got a rawhide bone because she was being so good!

Then Friday came and we had to leave. Ggoody got one last round of fetch in before we had to head out. Overall it was a great trip. I think Ggoody proved herself worthy of accompaning our family on more trips. Sadly vacation is over and we are back to reality...

Ggoody is all packed and ready for vacation!



One pooped pup!



Ggoody was fascinated by the waves in the lake.



Ggoody on the boat



Checking out the water by our boat dock




Until next time,

Addie and Ggoody

Quick Update

Our lake trip is going well so far. I just wanted to update on what has been happening so far. We arrived Sunday at Lake LBJ and Ggoody settled in quickly. On Monday my family and I rented a ski boat, but Ggoody had to stay home. On Tuesday however, we rented a pontoon boat and Ggoody got to tag along. She loved it! After about an hour we stopped to swim and Ggoody slipped into the water. She loves to swim, but the middle of the lake is hard for a dog to swim without tiring. My mom and I hoisted her up on our tube so she could rest and get back into the boat. After her 5 minute dip in the water, Ggoody was tired. And she slept for the rest of the boat trip. That's all for now, more to follow later.

Megan and Picassa's Green Leash Giveaway!

Megan and Picassa, her puppy in training for Guide Dogs for the Blind, are hosting a leash giveaway. Megan knows how to make service dog leashes that can adjust to two different lengths and come in a few different colors. Check out her blog to enter the giveaway. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Long Overdue Summer Update

It has been way to long since I have posted last. The end of school, graduation, work, and summer have consumed much of my time, but nonetheless I have an update on Llarson and his siblings. Llarson is currently still in training. I was really hoping he would have graduated either in June or July because I head off to college in August, but I guess he is progressing at his own rate. Congrats to Llinnane and Llane! His sister Llinnane graduated on June 25 and his sister Llane is set to graduate in July. Llangley, another sister, has been transferred to the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program (DoD MWD). The rest of the L litter is still in training with the National Explosive Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP).

In further news I will be heading to the lake in a few days and Ggoody gets to tag along. I will try and take some pictures of Ggoody's first vacation with us. I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Until next time,

Addie & Ggoody