The Journey of a Southeastern Guide Dog Puppy

Exciting news about Joe!

2012-01-23T20:57:00.001-05:00

In the past 20 months, Joe has gone from an adorable little tiny puppy to a handsome grown up confident dog. He has overcome everything that has stood in his way of doing what he was born to do. He spent 364 days with me as my little shadow and buddy, building his confidence (which was pretty easy because he was already very confident) and being exposed to all the sights and sounds of this strange new world.

Joe playing with a toy in the puppy kennel

Joe and his siblings in a basket, Joe is the one in front!

In that short year he made a lot of new friends (pretty much everyone he met, that boy never met a stranger!) and left his mark on the world around him. All too soon, our time together came to an end; 6 months ago he started on a new chapter and a new adventure in his life. Though I was sad to see him go I knew he had great things in store for his life.

Joe and I in St. Augustine on the way to Guide Dog U

Joe and I at the beach a day before he went IFT

Tuesday I found out that Joe started yet another adventure in his short life! Joe was matched in the January class and I could not be more proud of my little buddy!

Joe in a sit stay wearing his puppy coat looking at the camera with a big smile

I got Joe’s report card for December shortly after I got the news about him being in class and I love what his trainer wrote because it just shows that Joe has not changed one bit, he is still the sweet boy that I have always loved.

COMMENTS: Joe is my buddy. He is Mr. popular in the kennel and knows it. :) He is doing well in training and always has his tail up and happy. I look forward to his future and have enjoyed every second with him.

I cannot wait to meet Joe’s special person and see Joe all grown up at puppy raiser day on Saturday! Joe was an extreme blessing to raise and I loved every second of our year together, he could always brighten your day and make you smile. I can’t wait to tell Joe’s new partner all about the fun we had in our time together!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped Joe get to this point in his life! He is one special puppy to have such an amazing fan club!

Joe update!

2011-12-01T23:09:00.002-05:00

I am a horrible blogger and puppy raiser! Can’t believe I have not posted any updates on the boys since August! I blame school ;) While I have been busy with all my classes, Joe has also been keeping busy learning how to be an amazing guide dog candidate. From what I have heard and pictures I have seen he seems to be LOVING College! Of course he started college early by going to classes with me. Speaking of school, do you know how weird it is for so many years to be known as the girl with the dog and stopped all the time to answer questions about your puppy and then going back to blending in with everyone else! I am still not used to it!

Joe has been doing great and has been spotted by several of my spies! I have also been blessed enough to see several pictures of my sweet boy. In every single picture he has the biggest smile on his face. He always put that smile on when he was truly happy, so I know he is getting lots of love and attention.

Happy Joe!

I have gotten three report cards for my Joe Joe and he is making wonderful progress. Just like any other proud parent, his report cards have been on the refrigerator and you can’t help but smile when you look at them.

Hanging out in the office

Joe 1^st report card (August 2011) he was in phase 1 working on curbs, straight lines, harness and turns. His trainer’s comments were “Joe is a sweet fun dog to work. He is doing pretty well. We are currently working on his jumping habits. He is doing better but gets extremely excited to see new people. He is great in the kennel and gets along with everyone. I look forward to getting to know him better and can’t wait to see his potential as a guide dog. :)” I send the boy off to college and he falls to peer pressure and learns how to jump; just goes to show you that college students and puppies in college share some similar traits :)

Joe’ 2^nd report card (September 2011) he was still in phase 1 working on curbs, straight lines, harness and turns. His trainer’s comments were “I don’t even know where to start because Joe has so much personality. :) He loves to work and is coming along nicely. We are currently working on his separation anxiety. He seems to bond fast and strong to whoever works him. He is doing better with this. When he is in harness he is very happy and the tail never stops. He takes working very serious and seems to have low distraction. I look forward to working him more.” I was very happy to see that he was showing his trainer his true sweet self! I would always ask Joe if he was sure he was full lab, because he was sure clingy like a golden. We worked hard on this and he quickly became fine with working with other people while I was around, but I guess he forgot some of that. I also think that it just shows that he loves all of his friends. When I got this report card, I happened to be in the process of reading a book for one of my psychology classes that dealt with how parenting style affects adolescent behavior and personality development. I could pick out which parenting styles I used on Joe. He had a very balanced puppy hood and didn’t go off the deep end when he got to college :)

Joe you aren’t naughty!

Joe’s 3^rd report card ( October 2011) he was in phase 2 working on escalators, obstacles and traffic checks. I know he was happy to finally be able to get on that fun ride at the mall (also known as an escalator). He had always been so interested in them and all we could do was sit and watch them. I kept telling him once he went to college he would learn how to ride them. His trainer’s comments were “Joe is coming along well. He is a fantastic little worker and enjoys going out. He gets along great with all of his roommates and everyone that we come in contact with. He can still be a little immature from time to time but is doing much better and with maturity this will improve.” That boy has never met a stranger!

You do make a very handsome Santa!

I am super proud of my little guy! I think about him often. I miss having a little buddy to run errands with or who makes college classes a little bit more fun, but I know he is where he is supposed to be.

Joe’s harness picture came about a month or so after he went back and it is framed with an impression of his paw print. It joined the wall of fame of the best guide dog puppies ever! Out of the 6, Joe has the biggest smile of them all!

All grown up!

Keep up the good work Joe I am super proud of you!!! Even Ely gets excited when he sees a picture of Joe, though I think he misses his snuggle buddy!

Look at that handsome, happy boy!

Joe update!

2011-08-17T18:16:00.001-04:00

First off ‘Happy 15^th month Birthday’ to Joe, Oko, Woody, Mario, Lexie, Snap, Charlie S, and CW! Hard to believe that Joe has only been gone 3 ½ weeks… it seems like so much longer!

I got an e-mail yesterday morning saying that Joe passed his physical, elbow and hip x-rays and will continue on into the training program! He should have started working with his trainer this week as well! I was told that Joe’s trainer had already picked him out even before he made it onto campus so hopefully Joe has shown her just how smart he is.

It is amazing what Joe has already learned! He borrowed one of his new friend’s phones and sent me a sweet note and even included a picture of himself chilling out in college. Such a smart guy, though a BIG thanks to Ashley for helping him!

Also thanks to fellow puppy raiser Amanda for getting some pictures of Joe when she was at puppy raiser day for her puppy!

Joe has already made me proud and I know he will do great in whatever he decides to do!

Good luck to the Guide Dog U freshmen class of July 2011! I loved how all the puppies are coming in at one time, because you get to meet the awesome puppies that your pup will hang out with and their wonderful puppy raisers!

IFT Day

2011-07-27T00:13:00.001-04:00

Saturday July 23, 2011 Joe started a new chapter in his life. Joe headed off to college after being by my side for the past year.

The day started bright and early at 5:30, which seemed even earlier since we didn’t get to bed till around 12:30 AM. Joe was so cute sleeping underneath the desk in the hotel room (I think he felt safe under there and it reminds him of his nice comfy room at home, also known as his crate). Joe followed me around while I got ready like he normally does. We then went outside to go busy where Joe met another one of his fellow freshmen, Smitty (who is a smooth coat collie). After he went busy, Joe came back up to eat his final meal as a PIT:( We finished getting ready and packed up while Joe watched out the window to make sure everything was okay. We then went downstairs where we met up with MAC and Frank and their raisers. MAC’s raiser just happens to be an amazing photographer and she was sweet enough to take some really good pictures of Joe! Later George came down and we got to meet him and his raiser.

“This place looks like fun!”

It was soon time to head over to the school for the beginning of a great adventure for some sweet, smart pups. As we drove in, there was a welcome sign for each puppy going in for training (which was a very nice extra touch!) After getting some pictures, we went and met Elvis who is a very handsome black lab and his raisers. Next up Joe met one of the amazing trainers that Southeastern has… the fabulous Karen. (I told Joe to be extra sweet to anyone in the blue shirts!). We also got to meet several other of the amazing staff that work at Southeastern!

“Hey Elvis! Are you ready for the party tonight?”

“I was told to give all the people in blue shirts lots of love, so here are some kisses!”

“You know just where my favorite spot is!”

“I really like all these people in blue shirts!”

There was a yellow lab that was built somewhat like Joe named Oko who turned out to be his brother! They seemed to remember each other! Oko looked a lot like their brother Charlie and I got Oko’s raisers e-mail address so I can send her baby pictures of them at the puppy kennel. Joe and Oko were among the smallest in the group of dogs going IFT Saturday.

“Hey brother!”

We filled out a card about Joe of things that they needed to know about him and turned in his puppy coat, paperwork, food, special treats for the freshmen pups and the wonderful people who will be taking care of them. They should know who they came with since Joe’s name is all over them :-)

“Joe Joe wants some Joe-Joe’s!”

It was getting close to the time that most puppy raisers dread… saying good bye and watching that confident puppy walk away into a new chapter in their life. There was 4 trainers who took them back one at a time, Joe was the last puppy in the second group. As they had started calling them back, Joe did one of my favorite things that he does, he laid down right beside me and rested his head on my feet. He always was a good foot warmer and I guess he always wanted to know where I was.

“mom, not in front of all the other pups!”

“I’m going to miss you mom…”

I knew where Joe’s name was on the list and I knew he was after the collies; the collies got called, and then Joe’s name was called. Jonathan came over, put his collar and leash on Joe, I told Joe one last goodbye and he went happily with him to the receiving kennel. I was afraid Joe was going to look back because in the last few months he has always made sure nobody left me. Joe made me proud and pranced right off with his tail high and wagging and his happy ears on (of course it also helped that he was getting his favorite spot on his back scratched as he walked off:) ). Saying goodbyes sped up a little faster after Joe left when the trainers got a golf cart ride back to get more pups. There was another puppy after Oko went back that I had a feeling was Joe’s brother (he had gotten there a little late, so I didn’t get to meet him); turns out that he was one of the brothers, he is a handsome yellow boy named Mario.

“I will make you proud mom!”

“Here I go!”

“I am already liking college!”

After all the puppies went happily to the kennel (none of them broke their puppy raisers hearts by looking back), the raisers were split into two groups. One group went to the puppy kennel and the other group stayed and did blindfold walks. I was in a group of wonderful puppy raisers who I am friends with on facebook. I've have seen and heard about their puppies since they were babies. As we were waiting, another smaller yellow lab showed up and it turns out it was Woody, another one of Joe’s brothers!

The blindfold walk is truly an amazing experience. I got to do a walk with Ace, who was a gorgeous darker yellow lab. While watching him walk with someone else it looked like they were walking pretty slowly, however when you are wearing black out sunglasses and on the other end of the harness it seems like you are flying you are walking so fast! Ace did a wonderful job and got us back safely and then gave me some kisses, which was just what I needed. Another raiser pointed out how even in harness each of the dogs still had their unique personality.

We then swapped and headed for the puppy kennel. As we were going in I saw a familiar face from pictures… it was Bentley who is the proud dad to a lot of puppies, including several in our group. He was also raised by the awesome AC in Georgia. We then headed into the puppy hugging area where we got to play with 2 white golden retrievers who looked like little polar bears! They were pretty mellow for the most part. The next group we played with was 3 goldens and 2 black labs. The goldens were true very puppyish goldens and the labs were very laid back, they reminded me a lot of Colt. I figured out the reason why my puppies have been completely housebroken within a week or so of coming home - I apparently send off messages to 'go busy here'. Only 2 puppies went busy in the puppy hugging area, one was on one side of me and the other was on the other side of me, at least it was not on me!

Getting the President’s call to service award!

We then went back to the gazebo area where there was a very special surprise for the raisers, we were all awarded the President’s Call to Service Award, which is the highest level of the presidential volunteer awards. Then, one of the trainers, Karen, told us what our puppies would learn (which was pretty helpful for all of us sad puppy raisers). The first official thing Joe will learn will be down-curbs and then up-curbs. But first they learn the life and rules of the kennel. Next there was another trainer who talked about one of the new careers that our puppies can have if they don’t make it as a guide dog. They can be a veteran assistance dog, which is pretty cool with what all they learn to provide support to the amazing veterans suffering from PSD. I think everyones favorite command was “give me a hug” where the dog put their feet in their person’s lap and leans in to give them a hug and a kiss. Next up one of the graduates talked about his guide dog and all that they have been able to do together, like travel to Mexico and Italy.

The AWESOME shirts we got!

The “give me a hug” command

It is truly a lot easier and actually a little fun to turn in a puppy now. I know all the raisers I know who were there LOVED the new way that Southeastern is taking back puppies. There was a lot of extra work put into it and I for one want to thank Southeastern for going beyond the extra mile to make it easier on us puppy raisers. Even though you are still having to say good bye, you have a wonderful support system of fellow raisers who are going though the exact same things.

Frank and MAC ready to start college!

All the pups looked like they were great dogs and Joe seemed to want to be roomies with all of them!

Good luck to the freshmen class of July 2011 at Guide Dog U! Don’t party too hardy, study diligently and go make your raisers proud! Go Joe!!!!!

Day 3

2011-07-25T23:10:00.001-04:00

(this was written on my phone on Friday July 22nd, but I wanted all the pictures with it before I posted it)

Today was Joe's last full day as a puppy in training. We got up and my parents went to the beach while Joe and I got packed and ready to go.

We then started the 4 1/2 hour drive to Sarasota to go to the Discovery Center. We stopped once and Joe slept though his last lunch out with me at Five Guys. He did get quite comfy in the car and slept on his back for a little while.

Joe asleep during his last lunch as a puppy in training

Joe listening during the tour of the Discovery Center

Sorry buddy, I didn’t get you anything

We got to the Discovery Center around 2:15, only to find that their hours had changed and they were closed. Thankfully, they have some very sweet ladies working there and we got a private tour and heard all about the Discovery center. Joe's favorite room was the room full of kennels where some of the trainers come Monday- Friday to work with the dogs. We also got to meet Lucy, a black lab ambassador dog, and the famous Miss. Fay who set the new record at the school by having a litter of 14 puppies. It was fun to talk to other puppy raisers and they also told me they would give Joe some love for me when they saw him. Lucy's mom volunteers in the puppy kennel and remembered Tina's litter and the black and tan pups. I know Joe is going to have fun learning some new things with his trainer!

Asleep under the desk at the hotel. I think it reminded him of his crate

We checked in at the hotel and one of the ladies who worked there said they had 8 puppies spending the night tonight.

We were on our way out to busy when we saw Frank checking in. Frank is Rocky's half brother and looks a lot like him. I think Joe would be happy if all the boys could be roomies!

For dinner we went over to the outlet mall behind the hotel, which also is one of the places Joe will be coming to train.

Giving me those puppy dog eyes again

Friday night we went over to another raisers house for Joe's last play date as a puppy in training. He got to play with Dave who is a very sweet BIG puppy. The boys played for a long time and Dave's raisers were sweet enough to get a cake with "way to go Joe" on it. Joe now wants Dave to come visit him at college so he can give him a pre-college tour.

Hi Dave!

The sweet cake that Dave’s raisers got in honor of Joe!

Dave and his raiser Meagan and Joe and I

From all that playing Joe slept very well his last night as a puppy in training. I am sure going to miss my snuggle bug.

Day 2

2011-07-21T23:55:00.000-04:00

Last night Joe slept on his bed in the room and stayed there all night. I think he was tired! This morning we went for a long walk on the beach.

We then went to Castillo de San Marcos which is the oldest fort in North America. We were getting ready to go into the fort wen one of the rangers got on his radio and made an announcement that there was a service dog entering the fort. He did so well with all the people and the heat. Joe's favorite part on the fort was the gift shop since it was air conditioned! He did try to get in the prison, but I told him he was too good to go to jail. I think Joe and I both agree that we are both very thankful for air conditioning! As we were leaving, one of the rangers gave Joe some cold water in the shade.

After we were done at the fort, we walked through part of downtown St. Augustine. Joe got some good exposures and did really well working in the heat, even though he was very hot. We then came back to get cooled off and Joe took a nap. Of course, no trip is complete without a trip to the outlets. Joe, as usual, was a great shopper.

Since we only had a couple of hours before the sun set, we took Joe to the beach and let him go out deeper in the water. Joe prefers to stay away from the breaking waves and where it is not over his head (I, of course, can’t blame him!) He then came back and got a bath to get him all clean since you have to look good your first day of college and also for a play date with his blogger friend, Dave.

Next up was a late dinner where he passed out as soon as we sat down. Joe always does his job well- when you get up to leave and everyone around you says “I didn’t know there was a puppy under there!”

He is now passed out asleep under the desk as I type. He is going to miss hanging out and taking some good naps under desks!

Tomorrow is his last full day as a puppy in training and it is going to be a busy day!

Happy Birthday Ely!

2011-07-20T23:17:00.000-04:00

Ely turned the big 5 today! Even though this is the first birthday that I have not been with him, I know he got lots of loving from the three little kids he is staying with. He was very happy to be at their house again and get lots of attention from some sweet kids. We will be celebrating when we get back next week.

Ely has certainly been a blessing to have as part of our family!

Ely and two of his sisters (who I can’t remember their names right now)

Happy birthday my sweet Ely!

Day one

2011-07-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

Today we started the LONG drive south to take Joe IFT. (Ely got dropped off at some friends house last night; I think Ely knew that Joe was leaving as he hung out with Joe most of the day.) We left this morning around 8:00 and Joe was passed out asleep within just a few minutes. We stopped 3 times and made it to St. Augustine by 3:45 (where we will be staying the night). At the Florida welcome center Joe got dolled over by all the ladies who worked there while Joe enjoyed the nice cold floor. Joe slept with his head on my leg most of the way down. Riding puts him right to sleep and he slept very well on the almost 8 hour trip down.

Once we got to the hotel, he was very stretchy after all that sleeping. We went out to dinner at a restaurant next door to the hotel and set up on the deck on the roof. Joe enjoyed the cool beach breeze. There were a lot of wild parrots flying around which is something you don’t see every day. After we ate, we came back up to our room where my dad and Joe were looking out the window when they saw a gorgeous guide dog walking down the sidewalk! (which is really the perfect thing to see when you are taking your puppy back!)

Next up was Joe’s first trip to the beach, he LOVED it! His ears were just a flapping in the wind and he was sniffing up all the good smells that came with it. He enjoyed bouncing through the waves and it was really fun to watch his puppyness come out. Joe could easily be a beach bum. Joe got exposed to quite a few other doggies on the beach and he did awesome about ignoring them. There were also 2 coast guard helicopters that flew right over, so he only looked up at the first one to see what it was and ignored the second one. And of course being the sweet natured puppy that he is, he pointed out a grasshopper who was almost in the water so that it could be saved.

He is enjoying looking out the windows while getting blasted by the air conditioner. Right now he is curled up in a little ball fast asleep.

14 months

2011-07-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

Today Joe turned 14 months old. Joe spent his 14 month birthday telling all of his friends at church good bye (which only made just a few people cry). A lot of our regular attendees in kids church were not there today, which I guess might be a good thing since they loved Joe and we didn’t need a room full of crying kids.

In honor of Joe’s 14^th month birthday…

14 things that Joe does well!

1) Joe can find an elevator, door, my car, stairs, and the curb in a new building or environment in a matter of seconds. He is my first puppy to actually pick up those commands so quickly.

2) He has an awesome sit stay while he waits for his food at meal times

3) Joe knows he is not allowed to say hi to kids when he is working and will walk right past them even when they are squalling.

4) Joe is one of the few puppies I know who will walk over to where a dead animal is, sniff the area and walk away. He has left baby birds, a mole and a squirrel that have either been brought into our yard by one of the many cats in the neighborhood or picked our yard to spend their final moments in.

5) over the past few months, Joe, the puppy who used to hate his create, now loves his little room and will put himself to bed at night, just like his Uncle Colt.

6) Joe is my little shopper and does wonderfully well in busy stores.

7) Joe does brilliantly when he goes into new situations.

8) Joe has a second career as a paw signer. For most of my puppies I have stamped their paws on a sheet of paper for their scrapbook. Joe just laid there and let me put his paw all over the paper. (which is pretty big for the once puppy who didn’t like his feet being touched after a bad experience with a groomer who did his nails as a puppy)

9) Joe knows that babies need extra protection. There were some baby birds that were around our yard a few weeks ago and Joe stayed close to them till he made sure I saw them , then went off to play with his friends.

10) one of Joe’s favorite commands is switch and he does it like a pro

11) Joe is one happy puppy and always has a smile on his face and a happy tail

12) Joe already knows what the harness means and gets excited when he sees it come out

13) Ride is one of Joe’s favorite words and he is a perfect little rider

14) Joe has been a great puppy in training over the past year and I know he will love being in advanced training.

Happy 14^th month birthday to my little Joe Joe!

Last puppy meeting

2011-07-15T00:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight was Joe’s last puppy meeting. It still has not completely set in that I won’t have my little guy after next week. As usual Joe did a great job at the meeting. He is enjoying everyone telling him good bye more than everyone else, because he gets extra loving! I am not liking all these 'lasts' with Joe, since it means 'lasts' for me for as well, at least for a little while as I am taking a short break from raising.

Joe and his friend Baity (who is only 6 months old, but almost the same size as Joe!)