Yay, it's Saturday. Oh, wait. I still had to get up just as early and I still had a full day of workouts. Today started out with what they call a "bus to lounge" exercise. It's a pretty complex five or six block route. You start at the bus and leave individually at three-minute intervals. And you proceed down to the downtown lounge, which is really just a building with a couple of waiting rooms in it. On this route, we encountered all kinds of dogs, not intentionally planted dogs by the instructors, just dogs. And several ill mannered ones. The Prius reared it's ugly head again; it tried to run us over and then beeped at us. It wasn't really going to run us over. :-) But it did blare it's horn a lot this time.
After that workout, we got to do our very first freelance, which is basically when you get to go out on a route on your own. This time an instructor went with us, but she gave us no direction other than where the shop was. We did very well. We went to the knitting store, not because I've taken up knitting but because my friends were going there. You see, Trishna and I are all about the community.
Finally, today was Fun Day on the campus. So between workouts, I got a chance to go out amidst hundreds of puppy raisers to find several of my puppy club members, including Heather. It was nice to see them. I only had a few minutes during the middle of the day, but I also had a chance to have dinner with Ron, Shirley, Mary G. and Heather, of course, to regale them (i.e., monopolize the conversation) with stories about Trisha. Thanks for coming everyone; it was a nice diversion.
Oh, I almost forgot; we got to do something fun this afternoon. We just went for a hike. The dogs got to walk on a dirt trail with us. We didn't have to learn special commands. We just got walk and be with our dogs. Tomorrow is a day off for the most part. But I do get to go learn how to do doggy massage, so I'm excited about that. Trishna's excited too. We're off to play in the paddock for a while. It's the end of a very nice day.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!
Don't let me fool you. Trishna and I were not lost in space today; we actually did very well. This morning was traffic check morning (i.e., students and dogs go out on routes, and instructors try to run us over). And they try to run us over with every blind person's nemesis: THE PRIUS. I'm not kidding; there were a couple times that I did not hear it.
Basically, they send you on a three-block route, where the car has to turn left in front of you, back up into you, block the entire sidewalk, rev its engine next to you, and finally turn behind you while you're making a street crossing. In many of these situations, Trishna performed something called selective disobedience. She will back up in harness, which is something that she only does if there's danger. She will stop and not move if that's what she needs to do, and much more.
We did very well. We only made one mistake, and we recovered when the car started backing into us.
In the afternoon, we did escalator work. This is where Trishna has to wear special dog booties, that she would also wear if it's extremely hot outside so that her feet don't burn. She would like you all to know that she does not like them. They do not match either her or her accessories. But she says, if we must use them, we must.
Finally, tonight will be the ear cleaning and teeth brushing lecture. Yay.
By the way, Heather has met Trishna. They seem to like each other very much. Be jealous. Be very, very jealous. But remember, you did not bring me extra clothes, a twelve-pack of Diet Coke, and crackers. Yes, I do feel like I'm at summer camp. The food is too good for prison.
Basically, they send you on a three-block route, where the car has to turn left in front of you, back up into you, block the entire sidewalk, rev its engine next to you, and finally turn behind you while you're making a street crossing. In many of these situations, Trishna performed something called selective disobedience. She will back up in harness, which is something that she only does if there's danger. She will stop and not move if that's what she needs to do, and much more.
We did very well. We only made one mistake, and we recovered when the car started backing into us.
In the afternoon, we did escalator work. This is where Trishna has to wear special dog booties, that she would also wear if it's extremely hot outside so that her feet don't burn. She would like you all to know that she does not like them. They do not match either her or her accessories. But she says, if we must use them, we must.
Finally, tonight will be the ear cleaning and teeth brushing lecture. Yay.
By the way, Heather has met Trishna. They seem to like each other very much. Be jealous. Be very, very jealous. But remember, you did not bring me extra clothes, a twelve-pack of Diet Coke, and crackers. Yes, I do feel like I'm at summer camp. The food is too good for prison.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tumbles and Triumphs
So, in case you are thinking that this is a made-for-TV movie love story where no bad things happen and no challenges are faced, well, you're wrong. Today, Trishna and I hit our first stumbling block. Trishna is having trouble with the Forward command. When I tell her to go forward, she sometimes will just stand there. Believe it or not, though, that was not the biggest trouble of the day.
On the morning route, she brought me to the curb after I crossed the street (which is called the up curb, because you're stepping up and out of the street). My left foot was firmly planted exactly where it should've been, on the line where the curb cut begins. But as my right foot came forward, my toe clipped the edge of the curb where there wasn't a curb cut, sending me sprawling onto the pavement, knocking over Trishna, and generally causing mayhem. I didn't do this just in front of my instructors; I did it in front of our class supervisor who was out with me this morning. He helped me up. The adreneline was running through me like crazy, so my hands were shaking. They were also scraped up, and so were my knees. All of this after Trishna and I had been having a little trouble already was a bit much.
When you're in this class, your perspective becomes very narrow, and many people have a tendency to fixate on the experience. So I was more upset than I usually would be. The instructor was very good. He let me get my composure and asked me if I wanted to just stop the route, but I said no and that I wanted to finish. He then took a minute to remind me of all of the good things that Trishna and I had done on the route, instead of just fixating on the one or two problems. He assured me that this was very normal, and it would be OK. I felt a bit better, but again, remember what I said about fixating. Trishna and I finished the route fairly strong. I got checked over by the nurse, and I'm good to go.
Then, I had the opportunity to sit for an extended period of time while others went out and think about all the mistakes. Mind you, I didn't think about the fact that I've been told numerous times that I'm a strong handler, I have lovely footwork, my gestures are good. I just thought about falling.
The instructors met with our entire class after the morning workout, and they gave the group (i.e., me) the most valuable piece of information to remember: I have only had this dog for three days, not ten years. Trishna is still under two years old; she's not eleven and a half. Bonds take time. So I started to feel better.
In the afternoon, we were told we were doing our first solo route without an instructor. You can imagine what went through my head: oh, s***. The anxiety came flooding back, but I'm happy to report that Trishna and I were perfect. Spot on, every turn, every command. The one time we reworked something, it was very minor. Perfect. So my hands and knees are scraped, but my confidence is back.
Later in the afternoon, I got the chance to do clicker training with Trishna. She was simply amazing. She loved it so much I thought she was going to come out of her skin. We ended our day with a romp in the large fenced area where you can let your dogs off leash. It was a long day, and I hope you can understand that it was a very real one.
Look forward to tomorrow's post, because it's traffic check day: they pretend to run you over with a vehicle multiple times. Fun times!
On the morning route, she brought me to the curb after I crossed the street (which is called the up curb, because you're stepping up and out of the street). My left foot was firmly planted exactly where it should've been, on the line where the curb cut begins. But as my right foot came forward, my toe clipped the edge of the curb where there wasn't a curb cut, sending me sprawling onto the pavement, knocking over Trishna, and generally causing mayhem. I didn't do this just in front of my instructors; I did it in front of our class supervisor who was out with me this morning. He helped me up. The adreneline was running through me like crazy, so my hands were shaking. They were also scraped up, and so were my knees. All of this after Trishna and I had been having a little trouble already was a bit much.
When you're in this class, your perspective becomes very narrow, and many people have a tendency to fixate on the experience. So I was more upset than I usually would be. The instructor was very good. He let me get my composure and asked me if I wanted to just stop the route, but I said no and that I wanted to finish. He then took a minute to remind me of all of the good things that Trishna and I had done on the route, instead of just fixating on the one or two problems. He assured me that this was very normal, and it would be OK. I felt a bit better, but again, remember what I said about fixating. Trishna and I finished the route fairly strong. I got checked over by the nurse, and I'm good to go.
Then, I had the opportunity to sit for an extended period of time while others went out and think about all the mistakes. Mind you, I didn't think about the fact that I've been told numerous times that I'm a strong handler, I have lovely footwork, my gestures are good. I just thought about falling.
The instructors met with our entire class after the morning workout, and they gave the group (i.e., me) the most valuable piece of information to remember: I have only had this dog for three days, not ten years. Trishna is still under two years old; she's not eleven and a half. Bonds take time. So I started to feel better.
In the afternoon, we were told we were doing our first solo route without an instructor. You can imagine what went through my head: oh, s***. The anxiety came flooding back, but I'm happy to report that Trishna and I were perfect. Spot on, every turn, every command. The one time we reworked something, it was very minor. Perfect. So my hands and knees are scraped, but my confidence is back.
Later in the afternoon, I got the chance to do clicker training with Trishna. She was simply amazing. She loved it so much I thought she was going to come out of her skin. We ended our day with a romp in the large fenced area where you can let your dogs off leash. It was a long day, and I hope you can understand that it was a very real one.
Look forward to tomorrow's post, because it's traffic check day: they pretend to run you over with a vehicle multiple times. Fun times!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
License to Click
Today was jam packed with information and experiences. The morning routine hasn't changed much, although I've backed up the wake-up time to 5:40. Woohoo, love sleeping in.
As I'm writing this, Trishna is lying on my foot, chewing on her very first toy that I got give her, a very big Nylabone. It looks something like a foot. I figured out that her biggest preference would be for me to hold onto the Nylabone while she wraps both paws around my wrist, holds on, and chews on it. But that is somewhat inconvenient for typing.
So here's what we did today. Morning classwork always starts with obedience (see previous blog for descriptions of doggy pushups). Today's obedience distractions were much higher value that just a plain old cracker. We had to do obedience while other instructors brought their personal dogs and ran them past us and among us. One of the instructors has taught her dog to bark on a visible signal command, which is oh so much fun for a bunch of blind people with new dogs. Lots of wiggling and spinning around, etc. Trishna and I actually did OK, which is good because she has a fairly large tendency to be distracted by dogs. (I think she really does know that she's being set up.)
Then we were off for our morning workout in San Rafael. This was called a "destination workout," because instead of just walking around a block or two, we actually went to a destination, just like I would do in the real world. Trishna and I went to Starbucks, although our instructor had us take the long way around.
Trisha did very well on the way there, weaving through a crowd a people and around bushes, poles, etc. I was the problem on the way to Starbucks. For some reason, I was overly anxious this morning when we started, second-guessing decisions I was making, doing some nervous stepping, and at least one time, not paying attention to what Trishna was trying to show me. It sounds like I was just acting the fool, but it wasn't really that; it just wasn't neat and tidy. Sometimes, it takes a few minutes to settle down when you start this kind of work with a new dog.
So we get to Starbucks and it's really crowded and really hot inside. I looked at my instructor and said, "It's really hot in here. Can we work some more?" and she said, "Yes." And I have to tell you, the way back was beautiful. There was a giant yellow lab that wanted to be Trishna's boyfriend. She got a little distracted, so we had to do doggy pushups in front of him, so she would pay attention to me and not him. But other than that, it was pretty near perfect.
Now here's where the real fun begins. In the afternoon, we got our ID pictures taken, and then we went to clicker training. So you know all those fancy trainers you see on Animal Planet with that clicky device? Well, now I know how to use it and how to get dogs to do things with it. Actually, I'm beginning to learn to use it, and I can get a stuffed dog to do things with it. Trishna had to go to the room and take a nap while we learned (i.e., made mistakes). To make a very long explanation short, basically, we're learning how to use the clicker combined with a food reward to teach the dogs to target certain things (empty chairs, light poles, etc.) or to keep repeating certain, very specific behaviors that could potentially be useful for guiding. I have to tell you it was absolutely fascinating to learn all of the tiny steps you have to use to teach a dog with this tool but just how quickly they're going to be able to respond to us. I'm very excited to try this with a live dog soon.
Lastly, this evening, all of the retrain students got together to have a tribute to their former Guides. It was very moving to hear how others had the same profound experience I had with Stacey. I always knew that they did, but now I really know that they did. There's nothing quite as emotionally complicated as retiring or losing your Guide. It's a very specific feeling, and it was nice to be with people who had this shared experience. And it was nice, at the end, to remember that Stacey and I had a responsibility for loving each other and keeping each other safe, but that Trishna and I also have that same shared experience. We're just at the beginning of the road.
As I'm writing this, Trishna is lying on my foot, chewing on her very first toy that I got give her, a very big Nylabone. It looks something like a foot. I figured out that her biggest preference would be for me to hold onto the Nylabone while she wraps both paws around my wrist, holds on, and chews on it. But that is somewhat inconvenient for typing.
So here's what we did today. Morning classwork always starts with obedience (see previous blog for descriptions of doggy pushups). Today's obedience distractions were much higher value that just a plain old cracker. We had to do obedience while other instructors brought their personal dogs and ran them past us and among us. One of the instructors has taught her dog to bark on a visible signal command, which is oh so much fun for a bunch of blind people with new dogs. Lots of wiggling and spinning around, etc. Trishna and I actually did OK, which is good because she has a fairly large tendency to be distracted by dogs. (I think she really does know that she's being set up.)
Then we were off for our morning workout in San Rafael. This was called a "destination workout," because instead of just walking around a block or two, we actually went to a destination, just like I would do in the real world. Trishna and I went to Starbucks, although our instructor had us take the long way around.
Trisha did very well on the way there, weaving through a crowd a people and around bushes, poles, etc. I was the problem on the way to Starbucks. For some reason, I was overly anxious this morning when we started, second-guessing decisions I was making, doing some nervous stepping, and at least one time, not paying attention to what Trishna was trying to show me. It sounds like I was just acting the fool, but it wasn't really that; it just wasn't neat and tidy. Sometimes, it takes a few minutes to settle down when you start this kind of work with a new dog.
So we get to Starbucks and it's really crowded and really hot inside. I looked at my instructor and said, "It's really hot in here. Can we work some more?" and she said, "Yes." And I have to tell you, the way back was beautiful. There was a giant yellow lab that wanted to be Trishna's boyfriend. She got a little distracted, so we had to do doggy pushups in front of him, so she would pay attention to me and not him. But other than that, it was pretty near perfect.
Now here's where the real fun begins. In the afternoon, we got our ID pictures taken, and then we went to clicker training. So you know all those fancy trainers you see on Animal Planet with that clicky device? Well, now I know how to use it and how to get dogs to do things with it. Actually, I'm beginning to learn to use it, and I can get a stuffed dog to do things with it. Trishna had to go to the room and take a nap while we learned (i.e., made mistakes). To make a very long explanation short, basically, we're learning how to use the clicker combined with a food reward to teach the dogs to target certain things (empty chairs, light poles, etc.) or to keep repeating certain, very specific behaviors that could potentially be useful for guiding. I have to tell you it was absolutely fascinating to learn all of the tiny steps you have to use to teach a dog with this tool but just how quickly they're going to be able to respond to us. I'm very excited to try this with a live dog soon.
Lastly, this evening, all of the retrain students got together to have a tribute to their former Guides. It was very moving to hear how others had the same profound experience I had with Stacey. I always knew that they did, but now I really know that they did. There's nothing quite as emotionally complicated as retiring or losing your Guide. It's a very specific feeling, and it was nice to be with people who had this shared experience. And it was nice, at the end, to remember that Stacey and I had a responsibility for loving each other and keeping each other safe, but that Trishna and I also have that same shared experience. We're just at the beginning of the road.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Moving Forward
Today, for the first time in over three years, I picked up a harness handle with a four-legged furry friend inside it. And I remembered the feelings of being graceful, fast, and confident. I wondered to myself, why did I wait so long?
I could give you a million reasons for why I waited, all of which are true: I wanted to keep Stacey as a retired Guide. She retired just before I got married, etc. Time flew, and years have passed, but the magic is still the same. So here's my day, the first day with Trishna as a working Guide.
Morning, as all mornings here do, started out at 5:30, getting myself up and coherent, feeding and relieving Trishna, having breakfast, and so on. Our day started after breakfast at about 8 o'clock. Every morning, we put the dogs through an obedience routine, which consists of a series of Sits and Downs. I call them doggy push-ups. And then, we do some Stays and formal recall (which is a Stay to a Heel). Then we had our first food distraction. I must say, Trishna did a very good job of ignoring the instructor trying to feed her a cracker. (She knows when she's being set up!).
Then the day really began. I got to put the harness on her for the first time and go for a walk. After a quick bus trip downtown, I found myself standing in a doorway ready to head out on our first walk. Now, please remember that my first walk with Stacey was a combination of feeling like I was flying and being dragged, sort of like water skiing but less smooth. I have to tell you, after three years, for the first minute or so, the feelings were very similar. Trishna has a nice, strong pull into the harness. Then we got our stride, and we were off!
She took me around poles, low walls, and other obstacles seamlessly. And that is where the grace and magic happens. She stopped at every curb and let me know about every obstacle. Good girl, Trishna.
Then it was back to campus for lunch and a vet lecture. Basically, we talked about not letting your dog get fat and not letting them get heartworms. So, just so you know, no overfeeding, and give them a pill once a month. Then the afternoon workout. This workout was much like the morning, only longer with more distractions. Yes, everyone, Trishna is still a dog, and she is dog distracted. So any of you with pups, we will be enlisting you and your dogs to walk past me for the next few months.
The highlight (or lowlight?), of my workout was the fact that I got stopped on the street with my trainer by some gentleman with an unruly dog. See above to imagine Trishna's behavior at this moment. He wanted to know if he could buy my harness for his friend. Just in case you were wondering, the answer is "no."
After the workouts, back to campus for feeding, relieving, and grooming, and the evening lecture. Which is actually not a lecture tonight, it's yoga. Not for the dogs, for me. :-)
I was going to get a picture of us working in harness today, but because we have to take turns one-on-one with an instructor, it takes a little longer. So pictures will come when they start to give less individual attention, and people have time for photos.
So while not as exciting as Dog Day, it was pretty amazing nonetheless. For me, this is the truly magical day, because it's fun and exciting to get the dog, but it is an immensely empowering feeling to actually work the dog.
We've been told we're doing very well, and I got a huge compliment today. My trainer told me that Trishna was actually ready to go a few classes ago, but she needed just the right handler who will be consistent and strong. I'm incredibly humbled by that, and I hope we can live up to the expectations.
I could give you a million reasons for why I waited, all of which are true: I wanted to keep Stacey as a retired Guide. She retired just before I got married, etc. Time flew, and years have passed, but the magic is still the same. So here's my day, the first day with Trishna as a working Guide.
Morning, as all mornings here do, started out at 5:30, getting myself up and coherent, feeding and relieving Trishna, having breakfast, and so on. Our day started after breakfast at about 8 o'clock. Every morning, we put the dogs through an obedience routine, which consists of a series of Sits and Downs. I call them doggy push-ups. And then, we do some Stays and formal recall (which is a Stay to a Heel). Then we had our first food distraction. I must say, Trishna did a very good job of ignoring the instructor trying to feed her a cracker. (She knows when she's being set up!).
Then the day really began. I got to put the harness on her for the first time and go for a walk. After a quick bus trip downtown, I found myself standing in a doorway ready to head out on our first walk. Now, please remember that my first walk with Stacey was a combination of feeling like I was flying and being dragged, sort of like water skiing but less smooth. I have to tell you, after three years, for the first minute or so, the feelings were very similar. Trishna has a nice, strong pull into the harness. Then we got our stride, and we were off!
She took me around poles, low walls, and other obstacles seamlessly. And that is where the grace and magic happens. She stopped at every curb and let me know about every obstacle. Good girl, Trishna.
Then it was back to campus for lunch and a vet lecture. Basically, we talked about not letting your dog get fat and not letting them get heartworms. So, just so you know, no overfeeding, and give them a pill once a month. Then the afternoon workout. This workout was much like the morning, only longer with more distractions. Yes, everyone, Trishna is still a dog, and she is dog distracted. So any of you with pups, we will be enlisting you and your dogs to walk past me for the next few months.
The highlight (or lowlight?), of my workout was the fact that I got stopped on the street with my trainer by some gentleman with an unruly dog. See above to imagine Trishna's behavior at this moment. He wanted to know if he could buy my harness for his friend. Just in case you were wondering, the answer is "no."
After the workouts, back to campus for feeding, relieving, and grooming, and the evening lecture. Which is actually not a lecture tonight, it's yoga. Not for the dogs, for me. :-)
I was going to get a picture of us working in harness today, but because we have to take turns one-on-one with an instructor, it takes a little longer. So pictures will come when they start to give less individual attention, and people have time for photos.
So while not as exciting as Dog Day, it was pretty amazing nonetheless. For me, this is the truly magical day, because it's fun and exciting to get the dog, but it is an immensely empowering feeling to actually work the dog.
We've been told we're doing very well, and I got a huge compliment today. My trainer told me that Trishna was actually ready to go a few classes ago, but she needed just the right handler who will be consistent and strong. I'm incredibly humbled by that, and I hope we can live up to the expectations.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Dog Day
I won't make you wait for it. This afternoon, I received a female yellow lab named Trishna. She's 64 pounds and 24 inches at the shoulder, i.e., she's kind of a big girl. She has a very soft, fuzzy coat and a sweet disposition. As far as we can tell by Googling, Trishna is an Indian name derived from the word for "thirst" or "drive" or "longing." It's a Buddhist concept for spiritual enlightenment (that's deep). I don't know how deep she is though, as she's lying on her back right now having me rub her belly.
Now here's the interesting thing. Almost all of the dogs in class now wear a collar that's called a martingale, which is sort of halfway between a flat collar and a chain collar. My girl gets the good ol' fashioned chain collar, because she "likes to work." I think that means she's rather spunky, but they don't want to tell me that yet. She's very sweet, and we're getting along very well. I think this could be the start of something wonderful. And she's not smelly like some labs are.
For those of you who want to know, they made us work with fake dogs all morning. The fake dogs are all called Juno. We had to practice obedience, go for walks in harness, and pretend. At about 2:30, we all went back to our rooms and they individually brought us our dogs. No Guide work in harness today, only heeling around the dormitory building. But nevertheless, I am exhausted. And I think Trishna is still wondering what the heck is going on.
On the whole, I think we're off to a good start. Here a picture, so that you know what she looks like.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
First Day
I finally made it! I checked into the Guide Dog campus. I am unpacked. I have my dog supplies; food, bowel, leash, etc. are all ready to go. There's a white fluffy dog bed right next to my own. All that's needed is my four-legged friend.
I have to tell that I'm incredibly excited as well as anxious. To be very honest, being back in this place that hasn't changed all that much after 13 years, I'm thinking of Stacey more than I ever thought I would, the fun we had and the challenges we faced. I'm excited to get a new dog, but I'm also anxious about whether or not it will be as good. My head says it will, but my heart's not as sure.
The people in my class seem to be quite nice. There are twelve of us total, six first-timers and six retrains. There are several teachers on summer break, so it's nice to have people here who sort of understand what I do. There's someone who does disability advocacy. There are two college students, and someone who's getting her PhD in linguistics. One of my classmates makes a lucrative living by playing the stock market. So as I you can see, I find myself in a very successful and highly animated group. We have folks who live in Iowa as well as folks who were born in China, so it's exciting times.
Tomorrow morning, I get to sleep in, eat, and start at 7 a.m. instead of 6. We have lectures and orientation in the morning, and then Dog Day in the afternoon. Yes, they make us wait until the afternoon. That means you will have to wait until tomorrow night to find out more.
I have to tell that I'm incredibly excited as well as anxious. To be very honest, being back in this place that hasn't changed all that much after 13 years, I'm thinking of Stacey more than I ever thought I would, the fun we had and the challenges we faced. I'm excited to get a new dog, but I'm also anxious about whether or not it will be as good. My head says it will, but my heart's not as sure.
The people in my class seem to be quite nice. There are twelve of us total, six first-timers and six retrains. There are several teachers on summer break, so it's nice to have people here who sort of understand what I do. There's someone who does disability advocacy. There are two college students, and someone who's getting her PhD in linguistics. One of my classmates makes a lucrative living by playing the stock market. So as I you can see, I find myself in a very successful and highly animated group. We have folks who live in Iowa as well as folks who were born in China, so it's exciting times.
Tomorrow morning, I get to sleep in, eat, and start at 7 a.m. instead of 6. We have lectures and orientation in the morning, and then Dog Day in the afternoon. Yes, they make us wait until the afternoon. That means you will have to wait until tomorrow night to find out more.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Puppy Truck Guys
OK, I promise that tomorrow starts the real blog about my new dog. I check into campus tomorrow morning, but tonight, I am in the Bay Area with friends being lazy and eating wonderful food. Thanks Cheryl and Scotty!
This is a tribute to some little-known folks who work at Guide Dogs but make a big difference---The PUPPY TRUCK GUYS! I don't know if they're all guys, but those that I've seen are.
The puppy truck guys drive all around the seven Western states where Guide Dog puppies are raised. Their job is to deliver new, young wiggly puppies to excited puppy raisers and to pick up dogs that are returning to formal training. They're incredibly kind and understanding fellows. They will let you hold a new wiggly puppy for a while after your dog that's going back for training gets on the truck. We gave them Apple, and they let me hold Godiva, a very squirmy yellow lab puppy whose raiser would meet them at the next city. It helped a lot, because frankly, this is the only time that I would ever have turned down chocolate for apple.
The drivers will stay for as long as they can, so you have time to get ready and put your dog in the kennel. They're outstanding with dealing with the joy when you recieve a new puppy and the tears when you say good-bye to your dog. While they're on the road, they exercise and care for a large number of dogs of all ages. They keep their ride an impeccably clean and enjoyable space for the dogs. And every dog gets a toy in its kennel.
So I salute the Puppy Truck Guys!
Tomorrow is the first real day and then what we've all been waiting for---Dog Day is Monday! So stay tuned as the adventure really begins.
This is a tribute to some little-known folks who work at Guide Dogs but make a big difference---The PUPPY TRUCK GUYS! I don't know if they're all guys, but those that I've seen are.
The puppy truck guys drive all around the seven Western states where Guide Dog puppies are raised. Their job is to deliver new, young wiggly puppies to excited puppy raisers and to pick up dogs that are returning to formal training. They're incredibly kind and understanding fellows. They will let you hold a new wiggly puppy for a while after your dog that's going back for training gets on the truck. We gave them Apple, and they let me hold Godiva, a very squirmy yellow lab puppy whose raiser would meet them at the next city. It helped a lot, because frankly, this is the only time that I would ever have turned down chocolate for apple.
The drivers will stay for as long as they can, so you have time to get ready and put your dog in the kennel. They're outstanding with dealing with the joy when you recieve a new puppy and the tears when you say good-bye to your dog. While they're on the road, they exercise and care for a large number of dogs of all ages. They keep their ride an impeccably clean and enjoyable space for the dogs. And every dog gets a toy in its kennel.
So I salute the Puppy Truck Guys!
Tomorrow is the first real day and then what we've all been waiting for---Dog Day is Monday! So stay tuned as the adventure really begins.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Both Ends of the Spectrum
Tonight, with heavy hearts, Heather and I are saying goodbye to our Guide Dog puppy Apple. By sheer coincidence, Guide Dogs has recalled Apple for formal training the same time I enter class. I know this sounds strange, because if we raise puppies, why wouldn't I just get Apple? The answer is that Apple is very bonded to Heather, as she is her primary raiser. And it would be difficult for Apple, Heather, and myself to sort out a new dynamic.
So Apple is going back to school for the next few months to do some very hard work. I am going to school to become the beneficiary of other puppy raisers' hard work. So, you see, two ends of the spectrum. Our family has lived the full Guide Dogs circle---from having a working Guide (Stacey) to raising puppies (Berlina and Apple) and once again to receiving a new working Guide.
Once again, I'm living the puppy raisers' hardest moment, followed very quickly in a few weeks by one of the greatest feelings of empowerment and freedom you can imagine. So my heart goes out to all the puppy raisers, with the biggest thank you possible. Send hugs to Heather, as she says "see you later" to both of us. And send good luck to Apple; she will do well.
So Apple is going back to school for the next few months to do some very hard work. I am going to school to become the beneficiary of other puppy raisers' hard work. So, you see, two ends of the spectrum. Our family has lived the full Guide Dogs circle---from having a working Guide (Stacey) to raising puppies (Berlina and Apple) and once again to receiving a new working Guide.
Once again, I'm living the puppy raisers' hardest moment, followed very quickly in a few weeks by one of the greatest feelings of empowerment and freedom you can imagine. So my heart goes out to all the puppy raisers, with the biggest thank you possible. Send hugs to Heather, as she says "see you later" to both of us. And send good luck to Apple; she will do well.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pre-trip
Greetings all.
This is my first post of the Guide Dog adventure. Not so much an adventure yet, because really, I'm still doing laundry, finishing up work, and not nearly through my to-do list. Mostly, with this first post, I want to share with you that I'm very excited. I've had several discussions with instructors on what kind of dog I would like and my lifestyle, and I've listened to all of my class lectures in advance. (Go me! I didn't even do this in college.)
I also find myself remembering May 23, 1997, which was the exact day I received my first Guide Dog, Stacey. She was a very excited German Shepherd who jumped on my lap and licked my ears. And that was the day that our twelve-year relationship began. I guess my excitement is tempered a bit by some very natural apprehension. Will this dog be as good? Will I love it as much? Will I actually remember the exact date that I receive it thirteen years from now?
I truly believe that the answer to all of these questions is "yes." The staff at Guide Dogs are experts. And let's face it; they matched me really well the first time. So I'm going to trust that magic will happen again.
I hope you all will enjoy the next two weeks. I know I will learn a lot, and I hope you will too.
This is my first post of the Guide Dog adventure. Not so much an adventure yet, because really, I'm still doing laundry, finishing up work, and not nearly through my to-do list. Mostly, with this first post, I want to share with you that I'm very excited. I've had several discussions with instructors on what kind of dog I would like and my lifestyle, and I've listened to all of my class lectures in advance. (Go me! I didn't even do this in college.)
I also find myself remembering May 23, 1997, which was the exact day I received my first Guide Dog, Stacey. She was a very excited German Shepherd who jumped on my lap and licked my ears. And that was the day that our twelve-year relationship began. I guess my excitement is tempered a bit by some very natural apprehension. Will this dog be as good? Will I love it as much? Will I actually remember the exact date that I receive it thirteen years from now?
I truly believe that the answer to all of these questions is "yes." The staff at Guide Dogs are experts. And let's face it; they matched me really well the first time. So I'm going to trust that magic will happen again.
I hope you all will enjoy the next two weeks. I know I will learn a lot, and I hope you will too.
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