A New Journey Coming Soon

Yesterday marked 2 weeks until my honours level dissertation is due. After that all I have left is final exams at the end of May and then my undergraduate University career will come to an end on July 10, 2014 when I graduate. It always shocks me how quickly the past 4 years have gone by. It seemed like forever away when I arrived in Aberdeen in September 2010. But forever has come...maybe a little too soon. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I started and now I have a clear path erm, idea rather, of what I want to do. What is totally out of the blue though is that I'm heading back to my home town. Gosh, I never thought that I would ever want to go back. But I do. And while I'm not looking forward to saying good-bye to Aberdeen I am looking forward to going back for a gap year while I apply for graduate schools (and try to convince the American schools that I'm NOT an international student).

Which brings me to my next journey.

I turned in my puppy application for August 2014. I can't believe that I'm actually going to start again. I know I've done bits and pieces here and there but to actually have my own puppy again is terribly exciting. I've loved my summer puppies (Hilly and Dulcie) and my Scottish Lads (Frankie, Quinn, and Marco) but I'm very excited to have a full time puppy again.

I'm excited to get back to GDB. There have been so many changes to the puppy raising scheme since I was a full time raiser and I'm very excited to learn all the new tools GDB has introduced.

I'm looking forward to my next venture, but soaking up all the time I have left here in the...well the rain. But, I love the city of Aberdeen.

Happy Birthdays! (Again)

I've realised something in the past months. All of my puppies with the exception of Marco share birthday months. Freya and Quinn even have the same birthday! I suppose it makes things easier for me to remember. Haha!

So, Happy Birthday to my March babies!

My fur-ever girl HILLY turned four on the 23rd of March. I have to say, I'm so ready to stop having to spend birthdays away from my Sweet Bean. I'm ready to wake up to her pushing me off the bed everyday. I'm ready for early morning walks everyday. I'm ready be able to call her really and truly mine. I've always held that these dogs go where they are needed most. Hilly could have been a Guide if she wanted to, but I think she knew that I needed her more. What can I say, she's one of two dogs I have formed such a strong bond with in such a short time. She is one of my "heart" dogs. I said my last good-bye to her in January and I'm ready to be reunited for good in August. Four more months Bean!

Hilly super happy at a baseball game this past summer. Gotta love Dog Days. 

And Sweet Dulcie Doodle Doo turned one on the 14th of March! She got to spend her birthday with Mary but then went back into season so is finishing up another two weeks of "spa treatment" just now. One year marks a time when recall is just around the corner. Dulcie has been given the title of PPP (practically perfect puppy) by the great and powerful Jim. An exalted title to receive. She's an absolutely stellar puppy and I know that she will do great things! We're hoping that she become a breeder because she's just such an awesome puppy, but if not she will be one amazing Guide. Happy Birthday Doodle Bug! I'll see you at your graduation because I'll unfortunately not be home in time for your recall. Keep making Mary and me proud.

Dulcie at a meeting in January with one of my homemade fabric flowers on her leash. 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo Description: Dulcie lying in the "frog leg" position in hot pink "feminine hygiene" pants.

Wordless Wednesday

[photo description: Marco at the park in front of some flowers in bloom holding a toy]

Yes, I Talk to my Dog

I get looks a the time out on the street and in buildings, classrooms, the office, etc. Why? Because I talk to my puppy. Not just "Good boy/girl!" when they've done something good. I actually hold conversations with my puppy. Obviously, their end of the conversation is all imaginary but I do say my part of the conversation out loud. Especially when I'm walking with them. It gets pretty boring, so having a conversation, even with a puppy, takes away some of the boredom.

So, this was the conversation that Marco and I had yesterday. Keep in mind, Aberdeen gets very blustery in the winter months.

Me: Marco, leave!
Marco: Yes Erin, those are leaves! Aren't the so cool when the blow in the wind like that?
Me: No Marco. I mean that you need to leave them alone and let them go about their business ok?
Marco: Oh, ok...But Erin?
Me: Yes Marco?
Marco: I REALLY don't want to.

I'm hoping that other raisers out there understand because otherwise I'd feel crazy.

Feeling Puppy-less

I've only been back in Aberdeen for three and a half weeks and I'm already going through puppy withdrawals. I'm so ready to have a puppy of my own again. It feels like it's been so long! Freya is still the only puppy who I have raised from start to finish and I kind of really want another one. Haha! It's an addiction.

Luckily, Marco Polo is coming for a short visit tomorrow evening. I think he's still a tad too young to handle a full week during term time, so we're easing him into the University Student life slowly. He'll be going to work with me Thursday and Friday and then hopefully he'll be ready for University by March.

Happy Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to my two January boys!

Rocco turned four years old on January 20th. As far as I know he's still working as a Guide Dog, but I haven't heard from his partner since just after graduation. While I miss him, I know he's well loved and right where he needs to be.

Rocco (yellow lab) in his harness when he graduated in August 2011.

Frankie turned two on January 28th. He's just graduated as Guide in September and still doing well. No surprise there of course. We haven't heard anything from his partner, but that's OK since he is also well loved and right where he needs to be. We were told that it would be a bad idea to visit again even if invited since he's such a baby boy and very attached.

Frankie (yellow lab / golden cross) in his training harness

I miss both of these boys very much and I hope they got the spoiling they so rightfully deserve on their special day!