WINSTON'S IN CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's right! He's due to graduate on December 11 which means that I get to go! YAY! This makes me very, very excited!
Now, for that little announcement I was going to make today. About a week before I flew over "across the pond" I figured out what I wanted to do later on in life after University. Now, before I tell you what it is that I really want to do when I grow up let me tell you that, no, it's not being a Guide Dog trainer up at GDB. That was something I was throwing around for a while. I would get to work with the dogs and the people and that would make me very, very happy. But then, I wouldn't get to raise the puppies anymore. That was the one kink I could think of, but it was a big one. Then, Freya's partner said to me, "Why don't you become a Mobility Instructor?" I was about to come back with a "Well, obviously because..." but I couldn't think of one. I honestly could not think of one single thing that I wouldn't love about the job. There's wonderful job stability because there really aren't a lot of them out there and I could most likely still raise puppies and I would get to work with the blind community. After thinking about it for a while and not finding anything I didn't like about the job description and growing to like the idea more and more I finally said, "I don't know." So, that's what I'm aspiring to be. A Orientation and Mobility Instructor and a Blind Rehabilitation Specialist.
:)
The Complete Adventures of Raiser Erin and a couple of naughty puppies.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
November 29: So Close
So even with my small miss, I feel that I have accomplished something. I posted (almost) every day for a whole month and I'm hoping that someone new stopped by and got interested in raising Service Animals. It's a wonderful, wonderful job even if I don't get paid for it.
A few things:
I'm probably going to see Rocco sooner than I thought because I'm going home sooner than I thought. I haven't talked with Rocco's new raiser about it yet, but if she's willing to give him up sooner, I'm willing to take him sooner. :)
This morning in my Oral Gaelic class my teacher said that there was a contest to name a Guide Dog and she won by naming the dog "Suilean" which means "eyes" in Gaelic. Cool huh?
I have something pretty cool to tell you guys, but I'm gonna wait until tomorrow on the last day of November. For now...
Thing I can't wait about Rocco #7: The way he runs around the yard trying to get Arwen to play with him. Maybe if Rosie is big enough she'll be able to play with him. :)
A few things:
I'm probably going to see Rocco sooner than I thought because I'm going home sooner than I thought. I haven't talked with Rocco's new raiser about it yet, but if she's willing to give him up sooner, I'm willing to take him sooner. :)
This morning in my Oral Gaelic class my teacher said that there was a contest to name a Guide Dog and she won by naming the dog "Suilean" which means "eyes" in Gaelic. Cool huh?
I have something pretty cool to tell you guys, but I'm gonna wait until tomorrow on the last day of November. For now...
Thing I can't wait about Rocco #7: The way he runs around the yard trying to get Arwen to play with him. Maybe if Rosie is big enough she'll be able to play with him. :)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
November 28: Failed
Well, I failed this whole 30 post for 30 days thing. I completely forgot that I hadn't written up a post yesterday when I went to sleep. I had something planned, but just forgot that I didn't write it yesterday. I've been preoccupied with writing a sonnet for my English course so I can analyse the structure I used.
Anyway, I don't remember now what I was going to post yesterday. I think it was something about the number of dogs I see tied outside of stores here compared to what I see in California, but that'll have to wait for another day. What I want to tell you now is this, Mary is going up to a leaders' conference up at GDB on Friday and guess who'll be there? Yes, the All Mighty and Powerful Jim will be there, but that's not who I'm talking about. I'm talking about Rocco! Yes, he's being raised by the co-leader in the group so he gets to go and Mary gets to see him! On Friday!!!!!! She's promised to send me pictures and tell me how's he's doing. So, I'll tell you guys how he's doing.
Thing I can't wait about Rocco #6: Our long walks together. I miss them so much that I feel incomplete without the leash in my hand. That, and I can't tell my left from my right without a puppy.
Anyway, I don't remember now what I was going to post yesterday. I think it was something about the number of dogs I see tied outside of stores here compared to what I see in California, but that'll have to wait for another day. What I want to tell you now is this, Mary is going up to a leaders' conference up at GDB on Friday and guess who'll be there? Yes, the All Mighty and Powerful Jim will be there, but that's not who I'm talking about. I'm talking about Rocco! Yes, he's being raised by the co-leader in the group so he gets to go and Mary gets to see him! On Friday!!!!!! She's promised to send me pictures and tell me how's he's doing. So, I'll tell you guys how he's doing.
Thing I can't wait about Rocco #6: Our long walks together. I miss them so much that I feel incomplete without the leash in my hand. That, and I can't tell my left from my right without a puppy.
Friday, November 26, 2010
November 26: Attention!
Attention all CCI Puppy Raisers! And other service dog raisers I suppose...anyway. I need a little bit of help.
My Grandfather is getting on in years and is having trouble doing things around the house such as bending down to open cabinets and close them and grab things off the floor and all that stuff. He's also in need of a companion in the big house in which he lives all alone. My question to ALL of you who raise service dogs is if he qualifies with your organization. I know of CCI, but I know there are other organizations out there that help the elderly get around. So, if you are a part of that organization or know of another I would really appreciate an email telling about your organization and what would qualify a person for a dog from your organization and what your experience is with it and all that jazz. Possibly a link to your organizations website. Email me at dramaqueenEEA92@gmail.com
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Thing I can't wait for about Rocco #5: His sad eyes. You look into them and you see an old soul come back to help a person in need.
My Grandfather is getting on in years and is having trouble doing things around the house such as bending down to open cabinets and close them and grab things off the floor and all that stuff. He's also in need of a companion in the big house in which he lives all alone. My question to ALL of you who raise service dogs is if he qualifies with your organization. I know of CCI, but I know there are other organizations out there that help the elderly get around. So, if you are a part of that organization or know of another I would really appreciate an email telling about your organization and what would qualify a person for a dog from your organization and what your experience is with it and all that jazz. Possibly a link to your organizations website. Email me at dramaqueenEEA92@gmail.com
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Thing I can't wait for about Rocco #5: His sad eyes. You look into them and you see an old soul come back to help a person in need.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
November 25: Thankful
I'm thankful that I have one success story out there working to her heart's content and making someones life easier. I'm thankful that I have another soon to be success story out there making progress in his training.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Thing I can't wait about Rocco #4: His soft fur. Even if it does get everywhere.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Thing I can't wait about Rocco #4: His soft fur. Even if it does get everywhere.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
November 24: Ooops
Well, it's technically 12:42am here. So I guess I've failed. But I'm sure the blog gods can see it in their hearts to forgive me seeing as I went to see Harry Potter.
Anyway, tired and all so I'll leave you with this:
Thing I can't Wait for about Rocco #3: His cuddly nature. I love that he loves to cuddle me. :)
Anyway, tired and all so I'll leave you with this:
Thing I can't Wait for about Rocco #3: His cuddly nature. I love that he loves to cuddle me. :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
November 23: Nothing to Post
I really have nothing of interest to post today. I wish that I had somehow been able to raise a puppy here, but it doesn't look like I'll get to do that until next year when I have my own place (hopefully with a few friends). But if I had I would at least be able to think of something more interesting to post than what I can't wait to see about Rocco.
Thing I can't wait to see about Rocco #2: I can't wait for his puppy kisses again. I know I complain about the fact that he has no control whatsoever over his tongue, but I really think it's an endearing quality about him. He'll have to be partnered with someone that doesn't mind Rocco Kisses because I don't think we can stop him from licking indefinitely.
Thing I can't wait to see about Rocco #2: I can't wait for his puppy kisses again. I know I complain about the fact that he has no control whatsoever over his tongue, but I really think it's an endearing quality about him. He'll have to be partnered with someone that doesn't mind Rocco Kisses because I don't think we can stop him from licking indefinitely.
Monday, November 22, 2010
November 22: Waiting on Pins and Needles
The new class comes in today at GDB and I believe that Dog Day is on Wednesday so we're hoping to hear then if Winston's in class or not. I really hope he is. I've gotten use to the idea of heading home a week early and getting to see Katlynn again. Of course that would also mean that I would get to spend a little more time with Rocco if his new Mom wouldn't mind me stealing him a little sooner than planned.
And that is the other thing I'm waiting for. I'm waiting (not too patiently) to see my boy again. I can't wait to see how big he's actually gotten. For those of you who remember he was a BIG boy when he came home and even had to be put away from the other puppies because he and Rocky were about twice the size. I know Rocky's going to get a little bigger than Rocco, but however big Rocco gets he's already bigger than Freya ever was. :)
So, as a countdown until I get to see Rocco again, I'm going to put one thing that I can't wait to see again every time I post. For the rest of November this means that I'll have something to post everyday at least and you guys get to hear my inner most thoughts about Rocco.
What I Can't Wait for #1: To see his goofy, big, black nose again and to feel press at the back of my neck when I get on the floor and play with him.
And that is the other thing I'm waiting for. I'm waiting (not too patiently) to see my boy again. I can't wait to see how big he's actually gotten. For those of you who remember he was a BIG boy when he came home and even had to be put away from the other puppies because he and Rocky were about twice the size. I know Rocky's going to get a little bigger than Rocco, but however big Rocco gets he's already bigger than Freya ever was. :)
So, as a countdown until I get to see Rocco again, I'm going to put one thing that I can't wait to see again every time I post. For the rest of November this means that I'll have something to post everyday at least and you guys get to hear my inner most thoughts about Rocco.
What I Can't Wait for #1: To see his goofy, big, black nose again and to feel press at the back of my neck when I get on the floor and play with him.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
November 21: Dog Distraction
I saw this cutie patootie outside the food store the other day when I came out with my groceries. He looked at me as if he really wanted to play with me. It might have been because he could hear my dog tags jingling on my bag and he thought that I had a dog he could play with. But I like to think that he knew I was a dog person and that I loved him on first sight. I just wanted to sit down and give him a cuddle and play with him. Then I remembered that I had groceries and that the owner of this dog might think it a little weird if they came out of the store and I was sitting on the wet ground cuddling their dog. What can I say? I'm dog distracted. I should have someone walk beside me with a bag of small biscuits and make me give them eye contact every time a dog crosses my path. 
Saturday, November 20, 2010
November 20: 10 Things at 10 Months
Hey Bloggers! Did you miss me? I missed posted for this long. I've had so much fun doing all my Guide Dog Puppy training these past two months away from Momma. Today is my 10 Month Day. Yep! I'm 10 months old today. How cool is that!? Everyone keeps telling me how much I've grown and that I'm a handsome boy. It's embarrassing really. Momma especially says that I've gotten big and that I should stop growing. I can't help it though. I just wake up in the morning and I'm bigger. Here are my 10 things at 10 months.
My 10 Best Traits and Commands: (though my new mom says that I'm amazing at everything)
1. I'm told that I'm great at the "sit" command.
2. I'm absolutely fantastic at doing my "down". Hey, any excuse to lie down right?
3. I always "do my business" when I'm told to and I haven't had an accident.
4. New Mom says that my "wait" is great!
5. I do really, really well when my people go out to eat at a restaurant (even though I'm never invited to join in at the table and eat).
6. I still love people.
7. I've been told that I have the most handsome face ever. I'm not sure if that's true because my brother Rocky is also a very handsome dog.
8. I've been told I'm a sweetie, but I'm still a tough guy. I'm not sissy.
9. Nothing phases me. I'm perfectly fine sleeping at work even though my people work at a diesel truck centre.
10. I don't chew on peoples' shoes. Not that I ever did. But, I feel that this will be important for me when I go on to my future career of a Guide Dog.
My 10 things I need to work on:
1. Keeping my tongue in my mouth. I've been trying, but I just like to taste things.
2. I've gone back to being a little noisy in my crate and I need to start being more quiet. The crate is just so boring! But I know that I have to be quiet.
3. I need to come every time I'm called. I hear people saying that I'm going through my "teenage phase" which means even though I had the best recall Momma and Mother Mary had seen in a baby, I've started to rebel. Hey! I mean, why should I come every time I'm called anyway?
4. New Mom says I have to be more calm. I'm just an energetic boy...but I'm trying.
5. I'm told that I'm not suppose to eat bark and branches, but I live in the country! There's just so many different types of trees to taste. Sometimes I can't help myself.
6. I'm working on my dog distractions while I'm out walking and working. I just want to play and sometimes I forget that I have to be focused.
7. My loose leash walking. I'm pulling a little too much, but I'm just eager to work and please. I know I need to go at the pace of my person, but I forget sometimes.
8. I have to be not so distracted when John drives the ATV.
9. I get a little too rough when playing with my doggie friends and have to be reminded sometimes to play nice.
10. Stop bothering the flies. I've been told this many times, Momma even took a video of me trying to catch a fly and I have to admit I'm a bit obsessed. They're just so...annoying.
My 10 favourite things ever:
1. Playing with my doggie brother Toledo who is a Career Change. He made it all the way to class before his CC, so he shows me the ropes and tells me how to behave. But he's also a great playmate.
2. I love swimming with Toledo. Swimming in the pool is the most fun thing ever!
3. I chew on the bone that Momma left with me all the time.
4. Licking (but as I said before I'm learning when it's appropriate and when it's too much)
5. Running. Oh Running around with my doggie brothers and sisters is so much fun.
6. Puppy Meetings! I love going out the work and it's even more fun when you get to go out and work with your friends. Especially when one of those is your brother.
7. Food. Hey, I'm a lab and a teenage boy.
8. Sleeping. Again, I'm a teenage boy so I love me some sleep.
9. Working. I really do love to work. I just love to please my people.
10. Snuggling. I still like to snuggle with people and dogs.
That's pretty much all from me right now. I'm doing very well in my training and I'm having loads of fun! I do miss Momma though. But! New Mom told me she's coming home for Christmas and that I get to spend her break with her!!!! I'm very excited. Momma says that she's gonna take me to meet Santa Clause when she's here. She told me that if I was a very good puppy Santa would bring me a toy for Christmas so I've been trying to be on my best behavior at all times. I hope Santa over looks the very few times I wasn't on my best. I'm hear my big half-sister went off yesterday for her Breeder evals. I wish her the very best of luck. I also heard that my friend Winston is in phase 8 and is just waiting for a person to come along! I know there's a graduation today so maybe we'll hear from GDB about Winston soon. I hope so.
Puppy Kisses,
Rocco
My 10 Best Traits and Commands: (though my new mom says that I'm amazing at everything)
1. I'm told that I'm great at the "sit" command.
2. I'm absolutely fantastic at doing my "down". Hey, any excuse to lie down right?
3. I always "do my business" when I'm told to and I haven't had an accident.
4. New Mom says that my "wait" is great!
5. I do really, really well when my people go out to eat at a restaurant (even though I'm never invited to join in at the table and eat).
6. I still love people.
7. I've been told that I have the most handsome face ever. I'm not sure if that's true because my brother Rocky is also a very handsome dog.
8. I've been told I'm a sweetie, but I'm still a tough guy. I'm not sissy.
9. Nothing phases me. I'm perfectly fine sleeping at work even though my people work at a diesel truck centre.
10. I don't chew on peoples' shoes. Not that I ever did. But, I feel that this will be important for me when I go on to my future career of a Guide Dog.
My 10 things I need to work on:
1. Keeping my tongue in my mouth. I've been trying, but I just like to taste things.
2. I've gone back to being a little noisy in my crate and I need to start being more quiet. The crate is just so boring! But I know that I have to be quiet.
3. I need to come every time I'm called. I hear people saying that I'm going through my "teenage phase" which means even though I had the best recall Momma and Mother Mary had seen in a baby, I've started to rebel. Hey! I mean, why should I come every time I'm called anyway?
4. New Mom says I have to be more calm. I'm just an energetic boy...but I'm trying.
5. I'm told that I'm not suppose to eat bark and branches, but I live in the country! There's just so many different types of trees to taste. Sometimes I can't help myself.
6. I'm working on my dog distractions while I'm out walking and working. I just want to play and sometimes I forget that I have to be focused.
7. My loose leash walking. I'm pulling a little too much, but I'm just eager to work and please. I know I need to go at the pace of my person, but I forget sometimes.
8. I have to be not so distracted when John drives the ATV.
9. I get a little too rough when playing with my doggie friends and have to be reminded sometimes to play nice.
10. Stop bothering the flies. I've been told this many times, Momma even took a video of me trying to catch a fly and I have to admit I'm a bit obsessed. They're just so...annoying.
My 10 favourite things ever:
1. Playing with my doggie brother Toledo who is a Career Change. He made it all the way to class before his CC, so he shows me the ropes and tells me how to behave. But he's also a great playmate.
2. I love swimming with Toledo. Swimming in the pool is the most fun thing ever!
3. I chew on the bone that Momma left with me all the time.
4. Licking (but as I said before I'm learning when it's appropriate and when it's too much)
5. Running. Oh Running around with my doggie brothers and sisters is so much fun.
6. Puppy Meetings! I love going out the work and it's even more fun when you get to go out and work with your friends. Especially when one of those is your brother.
7. Food. Hey, I'm a lab and a teenage boy.
8. Sleeping. Again, I'm a teenage boy so I love me some sleep.
9. Working. I really do love to work. I just love to please my people.
10. Snuggling. I still like to snuggle with people and dogs.
That's pretty much all from me right now. I'm doing very well in my training and I'm having loads of fun! I do miss Momma though. But! New Mom told me she's coming home for Christmas and that I get to spend her break with her!!!! I'm very excited. Momma says that she's gonna take me to meet Santa Clause when she's here. She told me that if I was a very good puppy Santa would bring me a toy for Christmas so I've been trying to be on my best behavior at all times. I hope Santa over looks the very few times I wasn't on my best. I'm hear my big half-sister went off yesterday for her Breeder evals. I wish her the very best of luck. I also heard that my friend Winston is in phase 8 and is just waiting for a person to come along! I know there's a graduation today so maybe we'll hear from GDB about Winston soon. I hope so.
Puppy Kisses,
Rocco
A few more 10 Month photos of me 
Friday, November 19, 2010
November 19: HUMPH!
In too much of a state of furious to really post anything as of right now. Don't want to say anything I might regret. Let's just say I'm having a rocky time with getting to raise a puppy over the summer. Not GDB's doing, but my family's. Let's not get into it just now shall we?
Hmmm...Erin want to scream into a pillow but scared she'll alarm her flatmates.
I'll post more about it when I'm in a calmer mood and can think more clearly. For now all I will say is that I'm still not convinced I wasn't adopted.
Hmmm...Erin want to scream into a pillow but scared she'll alarm her flatmates.
I'll post more about it when I'm in a calmer mood and can think more clearly. For now all I will say is that I'm still not convinced I wasn't adopted.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
November 18: Royalty News
I'm glad to see that I started a tradition in my puppy group that whenever a puppy leaves or is CC'd (I would have made some for Tomales and Colorado if I had been there) we have cookies. I generally make too much. But at least I have fun doing it. Mary sent me this picture of Royalty's cookies that she made for Tuesday for her last meeting.
Very pretty. :) Perhaps I won't make as many the next time I'm able to make cookies. Though I think the next puppies we have leaving will also leave while I'm here in Scotland. So, oh well. :) Anyway, Royalty unfortunately didn't get to enjoy her cookies. Why you ask? Because she went back into season again on Tuesday. That girl has been in season 3 times since being in the group from 4 months old on. I hope this means that she's meant to procreate. Mary said that it might put a snag in the cogs of our plans for me to start a Royalty puppy over the summer. But I don't think so. Not with the way that she keeps going into Season. :)
Anyway, Good Luck Royalty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
November 17: Mostly Wordless Wednesday
He looks just like I left him...only bigger. Who gave him permission to get bigger?!
I can't wait to see him again!!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
November 16: This is Getting Hard
This is getting a lot harder than I thought it would be. I mean, I knew doing a post a day on this blog would be difficult because I'm not raising a puppy at the moment, but I thought it would be a little easier than this. I wish I had more to post for today, but I still don't have much news about either of my pups.
Oh! I am starting to get my application together for a puppy this summer. I'm really excited. Props to anyone who can guess what I'm asking for. When the time comes closer there will of course be a contest with possible prizes. :) But for now, I'm just getting started.
In other news tonight is Royalty's last puppy meeting before heading off for college. It's getting so close.
Oh! I am starting to get my application together for a puppy this summer. I'm really excited. Props to anyone who can guess what I'm asking for. When the time comes closer there will of course be a contest with possible prizes. :) But for now, I'm just getting started.
In other news tonight is Royalty's last puppy meeting before heading off for college. It's getting so close.
Monday, November 15, 2010
November 15: Nothing New
Well, no news is good news I suppose. I haven't gotten anything from Freya or Rocco as of late which I'm taking as a small victory in its own right. I am starting to plan when I'll be going back home for Winter Holiday and when I would go to pick Rocco up and when my heart will be complete again. Funny thing is I'm only sort of kidding about that last part. Really and sincerely Rocco is one of those heart dogs you get. I have been unlucky so far to receive two heart dogs.
Now, you people might be thinking, "Erin, you'd get attached to every dog. Stop talking nonsense." While it is true that I would love any dog that was placed with me for a year there is something special about both Rocco and Freya that I can't quite put my finger on. There are some puppies in my group who I absolutely love. I love all dogs. But if those dogs were CC'd I would offer up for community placement first and then place them with another family. It's not because I don't love them, it's because I know I would love a different dog more and a different dog would fit me better. Unfortunately this wasn't the case with my first two pups. I'm hoping for my third I get a dog that I can't really bond with as a team which sounds weird, but it's kind of what I'm hoping for. :)
Anyway, what this all boils down to is that I miss my Baby Boy and I can't wait to see him again.
Now, you people might be thinking, "Erin, you'd get attached to every dog. Stop talking nonsense." While it is true that I would love any dog that was placed with me for a year there is something special about both Rocco and Freya that I can't quite put my finger on. There are some puppies in my group who I absolutely love. I love all dogs. But if those dogs were CC'd I would offer up for community placement first and then place them with another family. It's not because I don't love them, it's because I know I would love a different dog more and a different dog would fit me better. Unfortunately this wasn't the case with my first two pups. I'm hoping for my third I get a dog that I can't really bond with as a team which sounds weird, but it's kind of what I'm hoping for. :)
Anyway, what this all boils down to is that I miss my Baby Boy and I can't wait to see him again.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
November 14: What's in a Name-Rocco
Another installment of "What's in a Name" (again stolen by Maddie with PIT Jorinda and CC Betsy). In today's informative and exciting post we will be looking in depth at the name "Rocco."
Now, I have found a number of interesting explanations of the name "Rocco." All of them made me laugh a little because none of them really describe Rocco at all. But, that doesn't matter, there was hope when he was named. :) Without further adieu...
Now, I have found a number of interesting explanations of the name "Rocco." All of them made me laugh a little because none of them really describe Rocco at all. But, that doesn't matter, there was hope when he was named. :) Without further adieu...
Rocco
(I don't think I ever posted this picture, but over Fun Day Rocco dicided to get into the shower with me and got water Freckles for his troubles)
Full Name: Rocco de Angelo
Meaning: from the Italian meaning "rock" or from the Germanic meaning "roar" or "battle cry" or the hrok meaning of "rest and repose"
Nicknames: Roc, the Boy (this is another nickname that is individual to my Rocco. It is not a valid nickname of the name) There aren't a lot of Nicknames so I generally call him Roc, Rocco, or Rocco de Angelo
Fun Fact: When I first heard that I was getting an "R" name I immediately thought of the name "RED" because of my favourite superhero the Red Panda. I was listening to an episode (it's a Canadian radio show) of Decoder Ring Theatre's other show Black Jack Justice and the name Rocco de Angelo popped up. It didn't even register at the time that Rocco was an "R" name, but as soon as we were told Rocco up at GDB I knew what his future career was. He was going to be a famous mobster. :)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
November 13: Recall
Well guys it's official. Royalty is on the November 29th recall and the Puppy Truck is going through my town on the 19. :( Erin is sad that she doesn't get to see Royalty when she goes home for vacation.
You won't be seeing Royalty show up on the phase reports for a while as she is going in for Breeder Evaluation. I have high hopes for her as a Breeder. She's such a nice dog. Even the All Knowing Jim says that she's just a wonderful pup. I'm hoping this is a sign of good things to come. Because I have a plan!
Step 1 of my plan is for Royalty to become a breeder. Step 2 is for her to be bred almost immediately. Step 3 is for Royalty to have her puppies about 8 weeks before I come home for Summer Vacation. Step 4 is for me to start a Royalty puppy over the summer. I like this plan and I think it has potential. Now the only problem is for me to be able to get GDB to cooperate with me. But I think that's possible too. :)
Anyway, that's the news for today. Tuesday is Royalty's last puppy meeting and then she's heading to GDB on Friday the 19th. Time sure flies.
You won't be seeing Royalty show up on the phase reports for a while as she is going in for Breeder Evaluation. I have high hopes for her as a Breeder. She's such a nice dog. Even the All Knowing Jim says that she's just a wonderful pup. I'm hoping this is a sign of good things to come. Because I have a plan!
Step 1 of my plan is for Royalty to become a breeder. Step 2 is for her to be bred almost immediately. Step 3 is for Royalty to have her puppies about 8 weeks before I come home for Summer Vacation. Step 4 is for me to start a Royalty puppy over the summer. I like this plan and I think it has potential. Now the only problem is for me to be able to get GDB to cooperate with me. But I think that's possible too. :)
Anyway, that's the news for today. Tuesday is Royalty's last puppy meeting and then she's heading to GDB on Friday the 19th. Time sure flies.
Friday, November 12, 2010
November 12: What's In a Name-Freya
I stole this idea from Maddie. I really like the idea because, as most of you know, GDB takes a lot of liberties in what they name their puppies. I have been fortunate enough to get two great names, but there are some real weird names out there. (before I really get into this I encourage you all to head over to my College Blog for a good laugh)
For those of you who don't know how the naming system at GDB works here is a crash course. Each litter that is born recieves a "Litter Letter" (try saying that 10 times fast) and each puppy's name begins with this letter. For Freya her litter was an "F" litter and Rocco was an "R" litter. You get the idea? GDB also does NOT reuse names that are "active". An "active" name is, basically, one that is in use. This means that it is the name of a Working Guide or a Puppy in Training. Once a dog is Retired or Career Changed from the program the name goes back into cirrculation. For those of you who read Mimi and Cabana's blog you know that Cabana was CC'd. That names is currently being used again for a PIT but it would not had happened if Cabana was a Guide or still a PIT. Understand? Good! Let's get on with it then!
(so for I have only found one other GDB dog with the name of Freya. She was a black lab female as well and was CC'd quite a while back)
For those of you who don't know how the naming system at GDB works here is a crash course. Each litter that is born recieves a "Litter Letter" (try saying that 10 times fast) and each puppy's name begins with this letter. For Freya her litter was an "F" litter and Rocco was an "R" litter. You get the idea? GDB also does NOT reuse names that are "active". An "active" name is, basically, one that is in use. This means that it is the name of a Working Guide or a Puppy in Training. Once a dog is Retired or Career Changed from the program the name goes back into cirrculation. For those of you who read Mimi and Cabana's blog you know that Cabana was CC'd. That names is currently being used again for a PIT but it would not had happened if Cabana was a Guide or still a PIT. Understand? Good! Let's get on with it then!
Freya
(so for I have only found one other GDB dog with the name of Freya. She was a black lab female as well and was CC'd quite a while back)Full Name: Freya Louise (yes I gave her the middle name Louise because they sound good together so whenever she did something naughty I called her "Freya Louise")
Meaning: 1)From Norse mythology "Freyja". Freyja is the Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, Fetility, Gold, Witchcraft, Love, and Death. She rules over the heavenly afterlife field Folkvangr and recieves half of the souls of people lost in battle.
Meaning: 1)From Norse mythology "Freyja". Freyja is the Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, Fetility, Gold, Witchcraft, Love, and Death. She rules over the heavenly afterlife field Folkvangr and recieves half of the souls of people lost in battle.
2)Also from Scandinavian meaning "Nobelwoman"
Nicknames: Frey, Frey-Frey, Rey, Missy (but this is unique for my Freya, it's not a nickname for the name Freya)
Nicknames: Frey, Frey-Frey, Rey, Missy (but this is unique for my Freya, it's not a nickname for the name Freya)
Fun Fact: I guessed the name Freya. I was going through some awful names you could get with the letter "F" and then thought "Freya, it has to be Freya." and Freya is what I got. You see I thought Freya was a cute name for a little girl and was thinking at the time "If I ever have a daughter I'm gonna name her Freya." So...I love the name.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
November 11: Little News
I have little to say today besides...
Can you believe how fast time is going?!
I can't. That's for sure. What prompted this was an email from J. about when I would be back in Fresno and when would I like to pick Rocco up. I thought about it and if everything goes the way I want it to I should be back in the States in a month! A MONTH! That's it, first half of first year done. What is this? I mean, I only just started. So weird...
But you know what that means don't you? I get to see my boy in about a Month! I'm so happy I could dance! In fact I think I will. *Sings Carnival tune while dancing around the room*
I get to see my baby boy soon.
Can you believe how fast time is going?!
I can't. That's for sure. What prompted this was an email from J. about when I would be back in Fresno and when would I like to pick Rocco up. I thought about it and if everything goes the way I want it to I should be back in the States in a month! A MONTH! That's it, first half of first year done. What is this? I mean, I only just started. So weird...
But you know what that means don't you? I get to see my boy in about a Month! I'm so happy I could dance! In fact I think I will. *Sings Carnival tune while dancing around the room*
I get to see my baby boy soon.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 10: Swimming
So, I was going to do a Mostly Wordless Wednesday, but blogger is being weird and not letting me upload a video. So, I'm gonna tell you about the video instead.
It's of Rocco and Toledo swimming. If you remember my Transfer Post you'll remember that Rocco really didn't understand how to get into the pool to swim. But he does now! I'm so happy that Rocco finally figured out how to get in because he really is a water dog. He loves it so much. Anyway, I'm glad to see he's fitting in very nicely with his new family. :)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
November 9: Letter from Arwen
Hey Bloggers,
I haven't written much as of late because things have been relatively quiet. The boy Rocco was a lot quicker to learn that I was the head four-legged in the house than Miss Freya was so I have had very little need to complain. But I would like to tell you of the injustice that has recently been brought upon my life.
First off, my girl has gone away for school. This has never happened before. I mean, sure, she would go away during the day for school but sure enough everyday she would come home and give me a big hug. It's been almost 2 months now and she hasn't come home from school. What is this? A conspiracy towards all dogs to be taken away from their people? I just don't understand it. My boy went away too for a while, but at least I had my girl. Now I don't have either one of them and I'm stuck with the old people. Don't they realize that I'm not a senior just yet? I'm a young 8-year-old for goodness sake! Dad tells me that my girl is away at "COL-LEGE". I've hear about this "COL-LEGE." It's suppose to be a lot of fun. I like to have fun! Why didn't she take me? I'm the life of the party at any social gathering. What's worse is that the boy is gone too which means she must have taken him.
Now if that weren't fair enough the old people have brought a new puppy into the house. It's this itty, bitty, furry thing that they call "Rosie." That little pipsqueak shouldn't even qualify as a dog. And she barks at birds. Probably because they could fly her away to their nests if they had any interest in her. But I'm sure they realize that then they would be stuck with the barking. And you know what the worst part of this is? I don't even get a break from this one. Sure I was jealous some time when Dad and Erin would take Freya and Rocco places that I couldn't, but at least I got a break from the fur ball of energy. And, at the end of the day, I was the one sleeping on the bed and they were the one sleeping on the floor. So I knew who was most important in the household. But I'm with this one all day and all night and my girl is probably off at COL-LEGE with Rocco and now he's getting to sleep on her bed.
They say I'm a grumpy old woman now. Is there any wonder as to WHY?
Golden Kisses,
Arwen
I haven't written much as of late because things have been relatively quiet. The boy Rocco was a lot quicker to learn that I was the head four-legged in the house than Miss Freya was so I have had very little need to complain. But I would like to tell you of the injustice that has recently been brought upon my life.
First off, my girl has gone away for school. This has never happened before. I mean, sure, she would go away during the day for school but sure enough everyday she would come home and give me a big hug. It's been almost 2 months now and she hasn't come home from school. What is this? A conspiracy towards all dogs to be taken away from their people? I just don't understand it. My boy went away too for a while, but at least I had my girl. Now I don't have either one of them and I'm stuck with the old people. Don't they realize that I'm not a senior just yet? I'm a young 8-year-old for goodness sake! Dad tells me that my girl is away at "COL-LEGE". I've hear about this "COL-LEGE." It's suppose to be a lot of fun. I like to have fun! Why didn't she take me? I'm the life of the party at any social gathering. What's worse is that the boy is gone too which means she must have taken him.
Now if that weren't fair enough the old people have brought a new puppy into the house. It's this itty, bitty, furry thing that they call "Rosie." That little pipsqueak shouldn't even qualify as a dog. And she barks at birds. Probably because they could fly her away to their nests if they had any interest in her. But I'm sure they realize that then they would be stuck with the barking. And you know what the worst part of this is? I don't even get a break from this one. Sure I was jealous some time when Dad and Erin would take Freya and Rocco places that I couldn't, but at least I got a break from the fur ball of energy. And, at the end of the day, I was the one sleeping on the bed and they were the one sleeping on the floor. So I knew who was most important in the household. But I'm with this one all day and all night and my girl is probably off at COL-LEGE with Rocco and now he's getting to sleep on her bed.
They say I'm a grumpy old woman now. Is there any wonder as to WHY?
Golden Kisses,
Arwen
Monday, November 8, 2010
November 8: More Pictures
I unfortunately have no updates from Freya or from Rocco at the moment. I know they're both doing well and that Freya sent me a Christmas gift that I'm eager to go home and open. Though, I'll be a good girl and wait until Christmas to open it. I hear Rocco is being an absolute doll which I love haring. I honestly can't wait until I get to go to his graduation...but if there never is one there is, at least, a plan. But there's going to be one. :)
What I do have for you guys are some more pictures I drew of Rocco. I started the first one yesterday while waiting for a committee meeting to start and finished it at lunch today while I was waiting for a friend to meet me at the Hub so that we could discuss the poem we were suppose to talk about today in our tutorial (which I have to say we nailed seeing as we started it two hours before we had to talk about it).
What I do have for you guys are some more pictures I drew of Rocco. I started the first one yesterday while waiting for a committee meeting to start and finished it at lunch today while I was waiting for a friend to meet me at the Hub so that we could discuss the poem we were suppose to talk about today in our tutorial (which I have to say we nailed seeing as we started it two hours before we had to talk about it).
And this second one I started today. It's not the best, but it was relaxing. I absolutely love this picture of Rocco and the face he's giving me. He's just one big ol' ham.
There have been more pictures besides these two but I figure that since I had nothing to post today I would post the pictures that make me very happy that I'm seeing my boy in a little over a month. Can you believe it!? I really can't wait and I think that's why I draw him. In some way I can have him here with me. :) All of the pictures I've drawn, the good and the bad, are now posted to my wall with blue tack so that it feels less drab in here and more like home. :)
There have been more pictures besides these two but I figure that since I had nothing to post today I would post the pictures that make me very happy that I'm seeing my boy in a little over a month. Can you believe it!? I really can't wait and I think that's why I draw him. In some way I can have him here with me. :) All of the pictures I've drawn, the good and the bad, are now posted to my wall with blue tack so that it feels less drab in here and more like home. :)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
November 7: Nothing to do with GDB
So, I recently had a conversation with my father about how Arwen is getting on without me. He said that she was depressed for about two weeks and now she's over it and is just a grumpy old woman. I'm not too sure how much I believe that. Now here's why;
For those of you who have ever owned a Golden Retriever you know that they get particularly attached to one person. I am Arwen's person. There's no getting around it. She loves everyone, but at the end of the day I'm definitely her person. I know my family would disagree to this but that's just because they're jealous that the pretty girl chose me. I mean, I've been walking, feeding, watering, bathing, and everything else her since she was 2. She is know 8. She's been sleeping with me since she was 8 weeks old (Arwen was by far the easiest puppy we've ever house trained). so for basically 8 years we've been inseparable until this point. She was never what I would call a "grumpy" dog even with the PITs. But she is now. I only assume that this is because her girl is gone and she just doesn't care anymore. I'm sure my dad and step-mom are talking her for a walk everyday, but she's a fast walker, much like myself, and to be truely exercised she needs to be walked at that pace. I don't know.
What are your feelings on this? Do you think she just misses me and is grumpy because I'm gone or am I being to conceited?
For those of you who have ever owned a Golden Retriever you know that they get particularly attached to one person. I am Arwen's person. There's no getting around it. She loves everyone, but at the end of the day I'm definitely her person. I know my family would disagree to this but that's just because they're jealous that the pretty girl chose me. I mean, I've been walking, feeding, watering, bathing, and everything else her since she was 2. She is know 8. She's been sleeping with me since she was 8 weeks old (Arwen was by far the easiest puppy we've ever house trained). so for basically 8 years we've been inseparable until this point. She was never what I would call a "grumpy" dog even with the PITs. But she is now. I only assume that this is because her girl is gone and she just doesn't care anymore. I'm sure my dad and step-mom are talking her for a walk everyday, but she's a fast walker, much like myself, and to be truely exercised she needs to be walked at that pace. I don't know.
What are your feelings on this? Do you think she just misses me and is grumpy because I'm gone or am I being to conceited?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
November 6: You Can the Puppy Away...
But you take take the Puppy Raiser out of the person.
This is something I've recently discovered. How did I discover this? Well, here's a great story. I told myself that I was going to take my bone shaped poop bag holder (a must have for every puppy raiser) off of my purse before I came here to Scotland. Well, that didn't happen. So I ended up running through the London airport (some issues there, but don't get me started) with blue poop bags streaming behind me. I've taken the poop bags out of the dispenser, but I've left it on my bag. Why? I'm not too sure. It just feels like that's where it's suppose to be. I am also wearing my dog tags every day or taking them with me in some form or another. I tremble with rage at the people who don't pick up after their dogs when they go on the sidewalk. I must suppress the urge to laugh at someone as they're saying, "sit, sit, sit, sit, sit". Really? Do they think that kind of repetition will get the dog to sit the first time? No, silly person. They're just going to think it's ok to wait a minute or so until you get kind of annoyed then they'll sit.
It's a fact. I'm a puppy raiser through and through and I'm going out of my mind without a puppy. I'm thinking about trying to find a place that allows animals for next semester so I can raise one here. I just don't think I can go from January till June without a dog.
This is something I've recently discovered. How did I discover this? Well, here's a great story. I told myself that I was going to take my bone shaped poop bag holder (a must have for every puppy raiser) off of my purse before I came here to Scotland. Well, that didn't happen. So I ended up running through the London airport (some issues there, but don't get me started) with blue poop bags streaming behind me. I've taken the poop bags out of the dispenser, but I've left it on my bag. Why? I'm not too sure. It just feels like that's where it's suppose to be. I am also wearing my dog tags every day or taking them with me in some form or another. I tremble with rage at the people who don't pick up after their dogs when they go on the sidewalk. I must suppress the urge to laugh at someone as they're saying, "sit, sit, sit, sit, sit". Really? Do they think that kind of repetition will get the dog to sit the first time? No, silly person. They're just going to think it's ok to wait a minute or so until you get kind of annoyed then they'll sit.
It's a fact. I'm a puppy raiser through and through and I'm going out of my mind without a puppy. I'm thinking about trying to find a place that allows animals for next semester so I can raise one here. I just don't think I can go from January till June without a dog.
Friday, November 5, 2010
November 5: Freya is Working
Some pictures of Freya and her awesomeness for today.
"Right guys. We're getting one of everything right?"
"Oh those look like fun!"
"Oh but so do these tennis balls."
Confession time; Freya had a tiny, little thing for balls when she was a PIT
"Hey this is fun! What do you call this game?"
I absolutely love that if you look closely you'll notice that her eye is huge.
"They should have doggie rows. I don't have any leg room."
"Please don't make me do it, it's so cramped." Note: Freya does actually enjoy going on planes I just love how this picture looks like she doesn't really want to go on it.
And who can blame her? Look at how little doggie room they have for her. Oh, and I suppose Mr.L was deprived of some leg room as well.
"Fine. If I am to be deprived of leg room then I'll just curl up and look forlorn about it. Perhaps the attendants will give me a pillow."
These steps looks so high for Freya's short little legs.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November 4: Not so Wordless Wednesday (Sketch)
For those of you who are my friend on facebook you might have noticed that last night I was trying very, very hard to write a few essays that are all due on Tuesday. Unfortunately for me I have this really bad habit of procrastinating until the last minute. I always go into my essays and papers with the best of intentions but I will always be proof reading at 4am the morning before it's due. I think it's because I find things I would much rather be doing. Last night it happened to be studying Gaelic (yes, I find this very fun) and sketching out a picture of Rocco. It's not great, but I think it's a reasonable likeness of the handsome boy.
This is the picture I was trying to recreate in sketch form. It's one of my most favourtie pictures of Rocco. He was about 5 1/2 months here.
And now, here is the sketch:
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
November 3: New Necklace
I have a new favourite necklace. Here it is. :)
You see, when my dog Brandy died (pretty much the whole reason I got into puppy raising) I kept her collar and her ID tags. Then I moved her ID tags to my key ring so that wherever I went Brandy would be with me. Then when Freya left for formal training I took off her ID tag and moved it with Brandy's on my keys. Then when I had to leave Rocco I took his ID tag and slipped it on my keys as well. I don't use my keys here at all so I moved their ID tags to a chain and I wear it as a necklace now so that they can always be with me.
You see, when my dog Brandy died (pretty much the whole reason I got into puppy raising) I kept her collar and her ID tags. Then I moved her ID tags to my key ring so that wherever I went Brandy would be with me. Then when Freya left for formal training I took off her ID tag and moved it with Brandy's on my keys. Then when I had to leave Rocco I took his ID tag and slipped it on my keys as well. I don't use my keys here at all so I moved their ID tags to a chain and I wear it as a necklace now so that they can always be with me. Tuesday, November 2, 2010
National Blogging Month
Just found out that this month, it is November everyone meaning that your Christmas shopping days are dwindling, is National Blogging Month. On both of my blogs (this one and my College Blog) I will try very hard to write a post every day for the month of November. It's going to be quite a challenge on this blog because of my lack of puppy, but who knows what I'll come up with. I'm going to try not to bore you guys I promise, but you know...30 posts without a puppy on a puppy blog. It should be interesting to say the least. :)
Anyway, for those of you who aren't my friend on facebook you haven't seen this picture yet. I think it's a cute picture of Miss Freya. You see, she now thinks that she's a lap dog and when Mr. L sits down to watch TV in the evenings Freya usually joins him in his lap. :)
Anyway, for those of you who aren't my friend on facebook you haven't seen this picture yet. I think it's a cute picture of Miss Freya. You see, she now thinks that she's a lap dog and when Mr. L sits down to watch TV in the evenings Freya usually joins him in his lap. :)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween
I unfortunately have no cute picture of my puppy in a Halloween costume for you. But! I do have a picture for you. So, for your dinning and viewing pleasure....
That's Colorado on the right who came home yesterday. Colorado was, as you might recall, CC'd for elbow dysplasia and returned home yesterday. I know he's not staying with his raisers, but they are going to get to keep him for a while while the family they have for him is getting ready for him to come live with them. (That was a nighmarish jumble of pronouns). And that's Lance of the Left. He's looking so grown up. :)
That's Colorado on the right who came home yesterday. Colorado was, as you might recall, CC'd for elbow dysplasia and returned home yesterday. I know he's not staying with his raisers, but they are going to get to keep him for a while while the family they have for him is getting ready for him to come live with them. (That was a nighmarish jumble of pronouns). And that's Lance of the Left. He's looking so grown up. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)