4th of July

Joe had a great second 4^th of July. Hard to believe he was only 6 weeks old last year this time! Joe went for a long walk this morning and then came home and took a nap while I cleaned the house. Later on one of Joe’s favorite people showed up -his “uncle” Michael along with his “aunt” Jessica. We had some thunder storms come by right before we were going to cook out, so we moved everything inside. Joe passed out like a good little boy during dinner. 

 

As a guide dog in training Joe is not allowed to be exposed to fireworks. However, living close to a bunch of firework stores and also one of the bigger firework displays in the city right down the road, Joe got to hear a lot of fireworks in the distance. They didn’t even faze him one bit, and he continued his nap like a good guide dog in training. 

Joe wanting to know why I woke him up to watch the fireworks on TV

The boys were apparently not in a mood for getting their pictures taken

Happy 4^th of July! Joe and I want to say an extra special thank you to all the brave men and women who serve our country!

3 weeks

Joe heads back in less than 3 weeks. Hard to believe our time together is almost over! It seems like the time goes by faster the more puppies I raise. 

Joe has gotten his IFT package, a letter from the kennel assistants, and a phone call from the puppy department. All of his medical records have been sent, hotel reservations have been made, and he is starting to say his good byes to all of his fans. Joe has a very strong following and if he goes missing before we leave, I have a very long list of who might have him! 

 Can I just say I am a just a tiny bit excited for Joe to start a new chapter in his life? He is ready to head off and learn what he was born to do. Over the past few weeks he has gotten even better (if that is really possible) when we go off. It just shows that even if I am not 100% ready for Joe to leave, I have done everything I can do for Joe to be a great guide dog candidate and it is now time for him to go show his trainer just how smart he is. 

From what I hear,  Joe will have lots of lady kennel assistants to give him lots of loving and snuggle time, which I know Joe will LOVE! He is quite the lady’s man:-)

Today Joe and I went to his store (a.k.a. Trader Joe’s) and got some yummy treats to share with all of his fellow freshmen and an extra special treat for his kennel assistants and trainers.