Snow trip

One of the things I love to do with my dogs during winter break is take them to play in the snow. Since

 I didn't have really anything to do today my dad and I loaded up Agent and Malcolm into his truck and headed to the snow. We drove about an hour to a great spot that had tons of snow. Both Agent and Malcolm had to stay onleash since there were other people, but both had fun running around and digging in the snow. By the end both were worn out.

Malcolm

Malcolm

Agent and my dad

the view

Agent playing with the snow

Malcolm loved sniffing the snow

My golden boys

Merry Christmas

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

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.

nonguide dog related

This post is not guide dog related but with the tragedy that occurred today in Connecticut I found it appropriate to take the time to say my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, survivors, their families, and the first responders. I am sure this is a day they will never forget. It has been amazing to see how everyone no matter of what gender, race, or political view has been able to come together to support those affected by this tragedy. It is a good reminder how short life can be.

Malcolm

My friend saw malcolm the puppy i will be getting dec 21 and sent me a picture of him. Id say hes a very good looking boy.

puppy # 10

I got the news today that I will be getting my 10th guide dog puppy in December once finals are over. I will be getting a male golden who is 13 months old named Malcolm. He is being transferred to me to finish till his recall. I am excited and cant wait to get him.

Thanksgiving..

This Thanksgiving im thankful for Guides dogs for the Blind for allowing me the great oppertunity to raise 9 amazing guide dog pups. Each pup has found their calling in life 3 of which decided to live with my family forever.

Happy thanksgiving!!!

Doggy Day care

So with Agent now being Career Changed it has been difficult to find ways to let him burn energy off. I take him for walks every day, but with his energy he needs to be able to run around. Also when he was career changed our cfr expressed concerns about letting me have another guide dog puppy, because he wasn't sure how Agent would do. So it was decided to sign Agent up for doggy daycare. I will take him once a week on Fridays so he can run and play with other dogs. Today was his first day and he was so excited that he tried to grab his leash and help me walk himself in. When I picked him up I was told he did excellent, and had lots of fun. They said his favorite thing was the swimming pool they have, and he made a friend with another golden. Im so glad I found something that allows him to have fun, and allows me a short break from him.

Medford

Medfords breeder keepers sent me a picture of Medford today. They say hes doing great and they love him to death. As much as I wish he couldve been my forever boy I am so happy hes with such a great family who keeps in touch with me. As I was looking at the picture of Medford I realized how much Agent looks like him just a bit lighter than medford.

Happy 1st birthday!!

  I can't believe my boy is a year old today! Seems like yesterday I was waiting for the email to say Medford's first litter was born. Agent got to have lots of fun these past 3 days. On Saturday he got to go have fun with my dad in the mountains, Sunday I took him over to Fresno State and to a pumpkin patch to get pictures of him, and today I got to enjoy snuggling with him and he even got some ice cream as a treat. He got many new toys for his birthday too. I am glad Agent is mine forever. I look forward to many more birthdays with him. In case you are wondering who Agent is Agent is the new name I gave Andrew when he was career changed. Enjoy pictures of Agent I took Sunday.

Hanford train trip

  Once a year my Fresno guide dog group has a meeting where we take the Amtrack train from Fresno to  Hanford to allow the pups a chance to experience riding a train. Well today was the day for that trip. Since I do not have a puppy of my own right now I took another raiser's puppy named Atlanta (female yellow lab) for them. One thing about taking the train usually something happens, and today it happened to be that our train was an hour late. The plan was to take the 11:35 am train to Hanford get off walk some get some ice cream, and then head back on the 2:42pm train. Well since our train was an hour late that would have meant almost no time in Hanford (and no Ice Cream ) so we asked if we could change the time we came back to the 5:06pm train which worked out perfectly since we weren't rushed then. Once the train arrived we all got on and enjoyed the train ride (it was about a 30 min train ride). We then got off in Hanford and met up with one of my friends from Bakersfield and her Guide dog puppy Warren. No one in my group knew they were coming so it was a fun surprise for them to finally meet Warren since they had met his dad Shawn. After that we walked around some of Hanford, did obedience, and did some games to see how the pups did with their commands. It was then time to head over to get ice cream. The place we go to has the best ice cream, but sometimes not the best customer service. Our waitress came up to us and asked if our dogs were service dogs and what type were they. We explained that they were guide dogs for the blind and we were training them. The waitress told us she needed to speak to her manager but did not think we would be allowed to have the dogs in there. We told her that we have been going there for many years, but she could talk to her manager. In the end we were allowed to stay, but you could tell the waitress wasn't to happy. After ice cream it was time to take lots of pictures of the pups, and rest before getting back on the train to head home.  I had lots of fun, and Atlanta was a good girl for me.

Guide dog puppy Nikon taking a nap while we eat ice cream

Atlanta being good while I eat my ice cream

Nikon getting his picture taken

Atlanta in Hanford

Warren loves having his picture taken

group walking through Hanford

Puppy in training Graham didn't know what step he should lay on

Atlanta posing for pictures

Puppy in training Ivana 

puppy in training Frank

one year

One year ago today I had the honor of presenting my 7th guide dog puppy Medford as a breeder for Guide Dogs for the Blind. In the one year he has been a breeder he has had 5 litters. He has a great family he lives with and is very well loved. I have had the honor of raising one of his pups Andrew who has been career changed and is now my forever boy. I look forward to seeing more Medford pups go through the program.

Whats next

First I wanted to let you know Andrew now named Agent has settled into pet life with me pretty well so far. He enjoys getting to play with toys he use to not be allowed, and he enjoys getting on the couch and bed. He gets a little sad when I have to leave him home while I go to school or run errands, but he never throws a fit like I thought he would.
So what are my plans now that Andrew is career changed? Will I get another puppy? The answer is right now I am taking a break from raising. I will do some puppy sitting for now so that I can focus on Andrew and letting him adjust. I am hoping that during winter break I can get a puppy transferred to me. However, I have to get a few things in order before I can agree to take another puppy on. First I have to find a part time job that will allow me to bring the puppy to work. In the past my parents supported me so I could raise and focus on school, but with me getting closer to graduating from college I need to start getting my feet into the working field. Also I need to make sure Andrew will be ok with another dog coming to live with us (thats why I will be doing lots of puppy sitting). Long as those things go as planned, and a pup can be found for me I will hopefully get another pup at the end of the year. So fingers crossed.

Happy birthday!!!

Happy 4th birthday to my girl sweetie!!! She is a female yellow lab and the 6th pup i raised she was career changed and now living a spoiled life as a pet with my leader :)

Name change

One of the things I first said when I saw the list of names for medfords A litter was I hope I don't get the names Astor or Andrew if I do and they are Ccd I'm changing it. I hated the name Astor so I was happy I didn't get that. I was kinda disappointed when I heard his name was Andrew mainly cause I know so many Andrews that I knew it would be confusing. Now that Andrew is Ccd and my pet I can change his name. I knew I wanted to stay with an A name so not to confuse him to much. I liked the names Alvin and agent the best. After thinking it over I decided I wanted to change Andrews name to Agent. Reason is he loves to hide in crazy spots like an agent. He is protective like an agent. Plus I'm a criminology student. So I figured that name is what suited him best. I got him a new collar with a name tag that has his new name on it.

Life with a career change

As I said in my last post Andrew was career changed. There are lots of emotions you go through when you hear your dog was career changed especially when they are still young and haven't gone into formal training. I was really sad at first. Sad that I would no longer get to take Andrew in public. I was sad that just when he was getting good at settling in public it no longer matters. Sad that there were many places I wanted to take him no I can't. I was also mad. Mad at Andrew for being career changed at such bad timing. Yes I am keeping him but I had plans to go places and now that Andrew is Ccd his already small list of people who could watch him shrunk even more. I am happy i don't have to worry about him leaving me since me and him bonded so much I worried how he would deal with recall now I don't have to worry. I am happy I get to spoil him and do fun things we use to not be able to do. I already got Andrew two stuff animals and tennis balls which he use to not be allowed to have. He also gets treats every so often which is new for him. His favorite part is now he can get on my bed and couch.

Sad news

Well today I had an eval with our cfr so he could see how Andrew was doing. Im always nervous for these but today i was extra nervous something in me just knew this one would be different from all the others ive done. Andrew is a great dog but he has some issues such as not wanting to listen to others. I got there early and had lunch with my leader. Then it was time to meet up with the cfr. It started out with us sitting and talking about Andrew our cfr was worried about some of the issues but still didnt think Andrew should be ccd. Then the big test came where i had to handover Andrew to the cfr so he could walk Andrew. I was told to wait at the table while the cfr and my leader walked. Soon as i handed over that leash trouble started Andrew got excited and was jumping and biting his leash not wanting to listen. My leader and cfr came back bout 20 min later by the face on my leader i knew i was getting bad news. They sat down and told me Andrew refused to listen and would not settle for puppy handeling at all so it was decided Andrew would be career changed. He will be living as my spoiled pet. Our cfr said he would hold out on making it official till after this weekend so Andrew can take the train to sacramento fun day with me.

labor day weekend

So last weekend was a very fun weekend (no it wasn't just because of the long weekend). It started out on Friday. Friday I normally have class but last friday class was canceled so Andrew and I decided to meet up with his half brother graham and graham's raiser for a fun outing. We met at river park which is a big shopping center in Fresno. We started out walking, and after one lap we decided to switch dogs so they could get use to being handled by someone else. Graham is a lot like medford he really doesn't care who works him he'll listen to anyone. Andrew on the other hand is stubborn and does not like when I hand him off to someone else. He gets really goofy and starts grabbing the leash. So we switched pups, and of course in Andrew fashion he got goofy luckily it was for a short period and as soon as we started walking he was a perfect angel. We did a couple laps, and even went into REI where we worked stairs.
On Saturday Andrew and I met up with my sister and her boyfriend at the mall. My sister's boyfriend's sister and her two kids also joined us. Now Andrew hasn't spent much time around kids, and has shown that he's unsure of them when we have seen them on outings. I got to the mall after the rest of the group so I met them in the food court where we all grabbed lunch. The boys were a little confused as to why I had a dog with me, so I explained he was a special doggy which is why he goes places with me. After eating we all went and walked around the mall. The boys kept wanting to pet Andrew, and Andrew did great with them. First time they went to pet him he was unsure and tried to get little mouthy but after one correction he realized he just had to sit and be calm while they pet him. At one point the youngest got some food out and was right in front of Andrew, but andrew did not go for the food. After a while we were all done. Andrew and I went back to the apartment and crashed the rest of the day.
Sunday Andrew and I had to get up early to pick my sister up to head to Bakersfield. Andrew rode in the back in a crate since my sister was with us. Once we got to Bakersfield we unloaded and waited for one of my friends and her guide dog puppy warren to come get us. We then went over to the Kern County museum which is an outdoor museum of old buildings you can go into. This was Warren's first big outing he is only 3 months old so we had to limit where we went since he doesn't have all his shots. Both pups seemed to enjoy it though poor Warren was worn out after a bit from keeping up with Andrew. Andrew did good, but decided he really did not want to sit for pictures (he soon realized he had no choice we weren't moving on till I got good pictures of him). After the museum we headed to Rosemary's Ice cream where both pups slept while my friend and I enjoyed ice cream. After Ice Cream we went to my house where we let the pups play in my yard. Warren figured out he couldn't keep up with Andrew, so he would wait for Andrew to run by and then would grab the rope toy and play tug with Andrew.

Andrew and Warren in front of museum sign

Andrew and Warren in one of the buildings

Warren wanted to take a nap in front of the old jail

Andrew and Warren went to jail

Andrew with an old train

Warren found an old store he liked

Andrew in jail

Andrew and Warren burning energy. poor warren couldnt keep up

Warren was one thirsty pup. lol look at that big belly on him.

future bffs

Warren says see my tongue is just as big

yes warren actually tried to bite Andrew's tongue

Monday we had to drive back to Fresno. Andrew was a good boy he went into his crate in the car and slept. We had me, my sister, and one of her friends in my car so I was nervous he would be excited but he just slept in the crate the whole way back. We have now made it through week 3 of school and he is still doing good. Andrew has an eval on Tuesday so I will post how that goes.