Fire station

Well today was one of my favorite meetings, the one where we go to the fire station. Malcolm and I arrived early so we waited for everyone to arrive. Once everyone arrived we worked the dogs on commands. We had to wait a few minutes for the firefighters to get back from a call. Once they got back we went into the station. The first thing we did was have a firefighter put their full gear on, and have the dogs approach them. Malcolm was nervous about this strange person, but was willing to go up and sniff him so thats pretty good I believe the ventilator part is what made him nervous. Once the gear was off he was happier and was happy to go up to the firefighter and the gear on the floor. I was a little shocked since hes seen people in different outfits and has had no issue at all. After that we went and toured the firehouse. After a quick tour we had them pull the truck out and turn the fire engine on as well as the lights. Malcolm had no problems with this part. We were able to get some pictures of the dogs on the truck. At the very end they took the hose and turned the water on. This of course got Malcolm's attention and he really wanted to go play in it lol.

The fire fighter who put on the gear

in full gear

Malcolm in the fire engine

fire fighter malcolm. guess if guide dog thing doesn't work out he could be their new poster boy

Malcolm in front of the fire engine

Graham(one of Medford's pups) and Malcolm on the fire engine

Malcolms first week

On December 16 I went to another puppy raiser's home to pick up Malcolm puppy #10 he is a male golden retriever and is 14 months old. He has a very sweet personality. Well when I picked him up in Bakersfield I was actually on my way to Fresno to take my school finals and since I have Agent I thought it would be too much to have both at the same time while getting ready for finals so he went to stay for a few days with a raiser in Fresno. Dec 19th after my last final I picked him up from the sitter. I then took him to eat at Cheesecake factory. He did great went under the table and went to sleep while I ate. After eating we ran into the mall so I could pick up the last of my Christmas gifts for family. Then it was time to head back to my appartment where he and Agent got to meet. I have been keeping interactions between the two short while they adjust to each other so far so good. The next day Malcolm helped run errands with me. Then I loaded Agent and Malcolm into my car to drive 2 hours to Bakersfield. Both boys feel asleep while I drove so they both are great travelers.

Malcolm playing in the yard

Malcolm posing in his puppy jacket by flowers

Malcolm showing off his silly golden grin

Malcolm with some Christmas decorations in the background

Guess Rudolph retired and Santa decided to let Malcolm be his guide

Malcolm making friends with Frosty

Saturday December 22 was my Fresno Guide Dog groups Christmas party. The party was alot of fun. First we rented a couple lanes to go bowling. We take turns holding the dogs while someone is bowling. All dogs did great Malcolm was interested at first but decided getting belly rubs was better. After we bowled we went into one of the party rooms they have where we do a big potluck. All the food was yummy. Malcolm decided to take a nap while I ate which was fine with me. After we all ate it was time to do the white elephant gift exchange, but we do it doggy themed. I ended up with a cute blanket with two golden pups on it. After that we sat around a little bit visiting. My leader had her 1 yr old grandson there he is very cute. He was in love with Malcolm and thought it was fun to sit on Malcolm and play with Malcolms face. Malcolm was a good boy and didnt care at all. After the party me, Malcolm, my friend, and her guide dog puppy Warren ran some quick errands. It was raining real hard and was getting dark so we decided to spend the night and drive back to Bakersfiled today. Since we stayed in Fresno we took the boys to see Santa and have their picture taken. Malcolm was swweet just walked up to Santa put his head on his lap and looked at him like ok you can rub my head now. We got a great picture of Malcolm with Santa. Warren was very excited to see Santa but was good and sat still for his picture. After pictures we went to Cheesecake factory to eat dinner both boys went under the table and fell asleep. Then we went to my appartment where they ate and we all went to bed early. Today we got up and went to breakfast at a place called Batter up they have the best breakfast both boys did great while we ate. We are looking forward to Christmas I'm sure all five dogs will be spoiled.

Airport meeting

Hey everyone its andrew here last night was a fun night we had our meeting at this place my raiser called the airport. She says there are things you get on at the airport called airplanes that can fly you. I was so excited i thought we were going to get to ride one and get away from the heat but i was wrong :(. When we got there we met up with our group and 3 other groups. We them had to go through security. My raiser went through first then i did. When i went through this thing beeped something about the metal on my leash and collar set it off. Since i set the alarm off i had to get a pat down. I thought this was so great that i couldnt contain my excitement my raiser wasnt to happy with me she said that i needed to calm down and hold still. Crazy i know right me hold still haha! After that we walked around the airport its pretty small so it didnt take long we had some photo ops. After that we were done and i came home and went to bed.

Spring Break

Well the week before Easter was spring break for my school, and I had planned to do a bunch of fun things with Andrew but unfortunally my mom got really sick so Andrew and I spent most of the vacation at home. He did enjoy getting to run in our yard though. Spring break started with Andrew and I attending our groups potluck at oso de oro park. The weather was kind enough to hold the rain till our potluck ended. Andrew had lots of fun visiting with his doggy friends, and I got to enjoy a yummy lunch. We stayed the night in fresno since it was raining hard, and left the next morning. The monday during spring break Andrew got to go to his first movie. I decided to take him to see miror miror since it got bad reviews so I knew if I had to leave then I wouldnt be missing much of a movie. Andrew did excellent and went to sleep through the whole movie. We then went to the Bakersfield puppy meeting and he enjoyed seeing some of his old friends. He did get to go to a few stores, but other then that our time was spent at home. We have a fun weekend planned this weekend, so hopefully ill have some fun stories to tell you.

fun weekend

Ashley: This past weekend Andrew and I had lots of fun. On Friday Andrew and I went to the mall where I had lunch and took Andrew to meet the Easter Bunny. Andrew was a bit scared when he saw the Easter Bunny and tried to hide behind me. Since there was no one else in line I was able to let him slowly get comfortable with the bunny. We had the bunny get to Andrew's level and put his "paw" out. From there whenever Andrew showed any positive interest in the bunny he got a food reward. After 20 min Andrew was comfortable enough to let the bunny pet him and get his picture taken. From there we went to target to get some stuff I needed, and then to petsmart where Andrew got two new toys. On Saturday we had another busy day. In the morning Andrew and I went to the baby puppy meeting where we got to see Fresno's new pups Graham and Atlanta. Graham is the halfbrother to Andrew both are Medford pups. At the meeting the pups walked around and did some commands. After the meeting Me, Andrew, my leader, and her puppy nikon went to Oso de oro park where we walked the pups and let them watch the ducks and kids fly kites. We then went to Subway for lunch where both pups were very well behaved. After lunch Andrew and Iwent back to my appartment to rest for a bit. After resting up we headed over to Fresno state baseball field. We were meeting my leader, her husband, her daughter, and her daughter's baby. We got there before them so we walked around the walk way and did some commands. While walking we ran into Derek and David Carr so we said hi to them quickly before meeting up with my leader and her family. We went to our seats and the dogs did great at laying down. Neither pup was phased by the noise during the game. During the game me, Andrew, and my leader's daughter went to walk around and ran into Bear Pasco. Of course being the cute pup Andrew is he charmed Bear Pasco into giving him a belly rub. On Monday Andrew and I helped one of my friends get around since her car wasn't working, so he was able to go to some new places.

Baby Graham

Andrew at the park
Andrew in front of the Fresno state baseball field
Andrew laying down in our seat

Andrew: Hey everyone! I had a fun weekend last weekend. To start I met this big furry thing that my raiser called an Easter Bunny. She said that the bunny was nice, but I was a bit unsure I mean that thing was big. After that mommy took me to target and then Petsmart where I got two new toys. On Saturday my raiser took me to see the new baby pups one is my halfbrother who is really cute. I then got to go to the park with my buddy Nikon and his raiser. After that we went to this game called Baseball where I got tons of attention, but also had to lay down and be good. After a crazy weekend I'm worn out. Next weekend my raiser said will be even crazier since shell be on spring break.

some lasts

This week Medford and I will be doing a lot of last things together before he heads of to Guide Dogs. Yesterday he had his last meeting with my Fresno group. The meeting was at a bowling alley, and Medford did great. He was very interested in watching people bowl but not so interested that he was distracted. I was presented my pin and certificate for raising Medford that day also. Medford and I also had our last drive from Fresno to bakersfield together. I am going to miss driving with him. Tomorrow Medford will have his last meeting with the Bakersfield group.

A quick update on Polaris he is almost 4 months old now and weighs 22ib now. Small guy. He has stared loosing his fluff and getting more short strait golden hair look now.he is a sweet boy who still has lots to learn.

clovis fire station

today we had a fun meeting. We got to take the puppies to the clovis firestation. There we walked the dogs around the fire engine while it was running, have the puppies go up to a fireman in the full gear and mask, and got to walk inside the firestation. All the puppies did really good. Some were not to sure about the truck, but all like the fireman in the gear. Medford did great and had no fears. He walked around the truck with no fear at all. He really could of cared less about the fireman in the gear he said a quick hi and was back at my side looking at me for his reward. At the end as we were leaving the firemen got a call so we got to see them go lights and sirens. Again medford wasnt to bothered by the sirens, prob since we hear them alot where i live so he is use to it.

ready, set, and action

Well yesterday was a very fun day for me and medford. We decided to stay in Bakersfield till Monday night, so that we could attend the Guide Dog meeting that night. The meeting was little bit different for us, since we were being filmed by 17 news. We decided to seperate the big dogs and the puppies since we were working on different things. Medford was a good boy and was behaved and did all his commands like he should. They got some film of me and medford together. lol of course medford looked at me like really mom another camera i already have enough cameras taking pictures of me in fresno now bakersfield too. We do not know yet when or if they will air the film. Hopefully they will cause I think it will be cute.

meeting/ new addition

Well today was our weekly meeting, and we did something new. We normally do outings for our meeting, but today we instead went to one of the raiser's in the group work where we did lots of activities with the dogs. We had 4 stations set up. one was a distraction course where we had food and different toys to distract the dogs. Medford did great! Second station was meeting with our leader to discuss any issues our puppies have and to see how the dogs weights are. third station was a obedience rally course. Medford did really good. The final station was a go to bed station. We put some xpens up to block the pups, and then we would each go with our dogs and do go to bed few times. Unfortunally the floor was slippery so medfords bed kept slipping when hed run to it so he got little nervous, but by then end he was fine and doing it perfectly like he normally does. After that we had lunch (costco pizza and cookies, brownies, etc.). From there we went in pairs to walk our dogs by traffic. Medford is use to this from us walking to school last semester, and from us walking on campus so he was a pro.

Now for the exciting news. I just received a call from my first puppy i raised, wilbur, partner. She informed me that he has now been retired, and........he will be coming to CA to be my forever dog. I am sooooooo excited i've been waiting for this day. So now we have 4 dogs. My cc'd lobo, my sister's yorkie princess, my guide dog puppy medford, and now Wilbur will be joining us soon. We have not decided totally if he will stay with my parents in Bakersfield or join me and medford along with my roomate and her chihuahua in fresno, but im sure hell end up in fresno with me. So now the count down begins. Oh and Wilbur is a male yellow lab now 8 years old and very big should be over 80ib.

meeting

Well today we had our weekly Saturday meeting, and this weeks meeting was at downtown Clovis. We all met up in a parking lot to work on obiedience. Medford did ok he was not his normal self today, which i admit got pretty frusterating since I know he is a very good dog. For some reason when we did down and were told to stand over him as soon as I would go to walk over him he would freak out and stand up and back away from me. Normally he just lays there with me over him with no issue. So I took him aside and worked with him on it giving him food reward when he did good about me being over him. After a while he was lot better about it. After doing obedience we all walked around to expose the dogs to traffic. Medford did good he was little pully but not to bad. After walking around we stopped at a ice cream store to eat I wasnt to hungry so I sat there and chatted with everyone. Medford was very wiggly and did not want to lay down for the longest time, however by the end he settled down. Looks like i'm going to have to work even more with him. Hopefully, it was just an off day. Fingers crossed, because besides his wiggle issue he doesnt really have any other issues, and if he gets over this phase he should have a good chance of graduating.
I am hopefully going to meet up with my leader on Monday afternoon to take our dogs to a park to see the ducks. Medford has seen many animals, but I don't think he has seen ducks before. Also next friday I might be going with another raiser and her puppy in training to the snow. So we have some exciting things ahead of us.

meeting/Home Alone

Well today was a big day for Medford. To start my fresno guide dog group rode the bus from Manchester mall to Fresno state. This was the second time Medford had been on a bus, and he did great. He was little fussy at first because he wanted the gentle leader off, but soon realized that it was not coming off so he settled in under the seat. Once we got to Fresno State the group walked around some and did some obedience. Half-way through I let another raiser work Medford just so he gets use to someone other then me working him. He did pretty good. After that we went into the school library where we worked stairs and elevators and got starbucks to drink. Then it was back to the bus to go back to the mall. Once back Medford and I stayed for the baby puppy meeting (so we could see baby puppy Pelham and so Medford could work in the mall). He did good had few distractions that we will need to work on (aka loud kid toys). After the meeting we went home and I gave him dinner, since me and my roomate were going to run errands. Since he had a long day I decided to leave him home, and decided to try a first for him. I decided to leave him loose in my room with his bones and his bed. Now he has been left alone in my room loose for short periods, and loose in the kitchen when i am in Bakersfield for long periods. However he has never been left in my room for a long period. I was a little worried and moved things he shouldn't have out of his reach. I was very nervous. However, when I got back after 5HRS! I found he had been perfect no accidents and nothing chewed up. I am very proud of him. Next up working on being loose and left alone in the living room.

Medford meets Santa

Last saturday was a very eventful day. The day started out with some of the puppy raisers doing a presentation at a church. All the dogs did great. After the presentation we had our meeting at fashion fair mall. There we walked the dogs around and did some obedience. Medford did great except for when we took him to see one of the fountains he tried to jump in. After the meeting I relieved Medford and went back in the mall. Medford got to lay down while I ate lunch. After lunch I took him over to see Santa. Medford was very excited when he saw Santa. His tail started wagging and his ears perked up. When we went up to meet Santa Medford lost it for a moment and started trying to give Santa kisses. Then Medford decided to he liked Santa's beard and tried to chew on his beard. Luckly Santa got a good laugh out of it. After they started squeeking a squeeky toy medford calmed down and posed for the camera. The picture turned out cute.

(sorry pic is blurry it is a pic of a pic)

train trip

This past saturday my Fresno Guide Dog group took a trip to Hanford. We rode the Amtrack train from Fresno to Hanford and then Hanford back to Fresno. All the pups did great. The best part was when we were in Hanford we got to go eat ice cream. While we were eating ice cream my group sang Happy Birthday to me. After ice cream we went to a park where we did some doggy obedience games. Medford and I won the game of simmon says. All the puppies slept on the train back to Fresno. After the train trip Medford and I drove home to Bakersfield for the weekend. Medford was excited to see and get to play with Lobo.

Getting off the train in Fresno

Riding the train

Worn out from trip

Kern county fair

This past weekend Medford and I headed to Bakersfield to watch my sister show her steer in the Kern County Fair. Medford did great. He slept through the whole show, and when we were waiting for my sister to get her steer ready he just layed down and watched. He also got to meet my sister's friend's lambs. He thought they were cool. At one point he started giving the lambs kisses. Medford was excelent walking around and not getting distracted. His only problem was he kept wanting to eating the grass. After 4 days at the fair he was worn out.

update

in my appartment worn out from sacramento trip
asleep in my dad's truck. using his suitcase as a pillow



Medford is doing great. He enjoys going to school everyday with me. We walk to school everday. It is great exersise for him, and usually by time we get to class hes so tierd he falls asleep. Medford has become a big hit on campus. He is also starting to get along better with my roomates dog. last weekend medford, my dad, and me drove up to sacramento for a guide dog funday. Medford was very well behaved. We rode a steam train, and walked around. At the end we drove back and Medford slept the whole way.

First Evaluation

Today Medford and I met with our adviser Jim for his first evaluation. Medford did pretty good his main issue was he kept getting distracted. Jim said that since he is a golden he is automatically getting put on a food recall to help him focuss. Don't think Medford will mind. His potty issue is doing better with him on medication. Jim does not want him on a halti yet since he is "slugish" when he walks and feels putting a halti on would shut him down right now. Hopefully with the food recall he will get focussed and motivated. Over all though Medford was a good boy.