Frankie Update: The Last

I just received word today:

Frankie is a Guide!

What a good job my little Frankie-boy! I loved that boy and I miss him a lot, but I'm super proud of him for making it all the way! I knew he could do it!

3 Years Ago

I must have started writing this post almost one hundred times...ok, that might be a little over exaggeration on my part. But I have started this post multiple times only to realize that I don't know how to put my thoughts and feelings into words.

On May 29th of this year my first puppy, Freya, had officially been working for three years. The day is one that I have looked forward to since 2010. Freya was such a special puppy. Not only was she my first puppy, but she was also the puppy who helped me through a ton of stuff that was going on in my life at that point. I loved her. Every inch of puppy. Freya was stubborn, smart, quick, naughty. She was by no means the perfect puppy, but Freya was the perfect Freya. Perhaps that statement doesn't make sense to those who don't know her, but it's what she was. What she still is. She is the perfect Freya.

I have written before about how long it took me to get my first puppy. But I wouldn't change what happened. I often thought that I was meant for Freya. That she would not have done as well with another first time raiser. But lately I've been thinking that this is the reverse of the actual truth. Freya was meant for me and I wouldn't have done as well with any other puppy. Perhaps if I had gotten my first puppy sooner I would have gotten an easier puppy. Perhaps I wouldn't have had to work nearly as hard as I did with Freya. But, would I have learned as much as I did? Would I be the same raiser today? Would I have enjoyed it as much? To be honest, I don't think I would have...to any of those. While each of my puppies has taught me something, Freya is the one who taught me the most and without her teachings, I don't think I would be as good as I am (maybe egocentric, but I don't compliment myself on much). I think, if Freya hadn't been mine, I wouldn't have become as passionate about raising as I am. In short, I wasn't meant for Freya. She was meant for me.

Some of you may be wondering why I have continued with puppy raising. Obviously I was attached to Freya and I had to say good-bye to her not once, but three times. To tell the truth, every time broke my heart a little. I have a vivid memory of the day I placed her in the kennels. Besides the oceans of tears I shed that day and the weeks leading up to and following it, I remember walking out of the kennels and meeting up with Falla and her raisers. Falla was coming in for Breeder evals (for which Freya had been taken off around the age of 9 months for distractions) and was one of the littermates I hadn't met before. Her raisers asked, "Oh, which one is Freya?" I turned around to show them which kennel run she was in so that they might go through the kennels to see her. Instead I saw Freya's face looking over the small concrete wall. I laughed and cried at the same time and pointed to her. I remember watching Freya and the Ls walk away after graduation. I hadn't cried all day, but I lost it then. I remember giving her a kiss and whispering, "be good" when I left from my visit with them. Yes, I was enormously attached to Freya. But it's this attachment that has kept me going all these years.

I don't think I can reasonably put into words how proud I still am of Freya. And how happy I am that she is where she is. She has her quirks and I'm very happy that she went to someone who understands and accepts them.

I got an email from Mr.L in response to my "three year congratulatory" email where I told him that Dulcie reminded me a little of Freya; bold, sweet, quirky. His response was that I must be mistaken because Freya is one of a kind. Truer words have never been spoken. Freya is unique for no other dog can match her intelligence, her confidence, her sweetness...her sheer quirkiness. Above I said that Freya was meant for me. I suppose that's only a half truth. She was meant for me as a puppy, but she was born for Mr.L.

What all of this is summing up to say is that I wish them many, many more years together as a team.

New Photos of Freya

I love getting photos from Freya and her family. Absolutely LOVE it! I especially loved these as they show how far Freya has really come since she was a puppy. Freya was my love and she took a piece of my heart with her. But I wouldn't trade getting these pictures for anything in the world.

 

Freya taking a rest with her doggie friends. That's right. A REST.

Freya playing with her doggie friends.

Freya laying down with her doggie friend. That's right. LAYING DOWN.

One of my absolute favourites. Freya on her back being held by Mr.L.

Also, speaking of my pups. I had a Skype call with my father and even though I got my webcam and microphone fixed, Skype still wasn't letting me turn on my video (I'm a little annoyed). So my dad propped the tablet on the floor next to Hilly and Arwen while we talked. They came up to the tablet and sniffed and Hilly started wagging her tail a few times. I think it's fair to say my dad knows me well.

A New Blog

I was going to post something up about Fun Day today, but I think it has to wait. I'm still trying to organize it to where I don't seem like I'm rambling. So, instead I thought I would share a blog with you.

Today is Dog Day for the students who are currently in class on the California campus. Dog Day is the day that the students meet their new partner for the first time. It is a day filled with high emotions. For some, they are wondering if they will love this new dog as much as the last and for others I'm sure it's a day that will go down as "one of my most memorable days" as they prepare to meet their very first Guides. For raisers with puppies in phase 8 of formal training this whole week is filled with anticipation as we wait to hear if our puppy is officially "In Class."

For this particular woman, today is not only the day she meets her next Guide but also the day she meets her first Guide from Guide Dogs for the Blind. I have followed her journey since she applied to Guide Dogs and have felt all the doubts and uncertainties that goes with making such a huge decision. I have also seen her overcome many of them.

This is her blog. It's called Six Feet Over and so far, she makes me smile. Seeing someone who is so happy, so excited about getting their new Guide really makes the whole puppy raising thing worth while. Whoever's puppy is matched with her is a very lucky puppy raiser indeed.

I hope you all join me in wishing this most recent class of Guide Dogs for the Blind a happy Dog Day and a successful three weeks of training!

An Ann Taylor Update

So, when I received the email from Ann Taylor I first thought that there might have been a mistake. Another situation where there was an honest mistake. It wasn't until I read it the second time when I realized that they were talking about Becky and Cricket. It's about that point where I began to rage. So, after being talked out of sending a new email right away I took a deep breath and thought about what I would say. I decided to go the route that there must have been a misunderstanding in my email and explained to them that I knew in this instance the dog was harnessed. I apologized for any ambiguous language in my first message.

I go this message back yesterday after all of the bad press and the retraction had started:

"As a follow up to our previous response, please see the below statement released to the press by

ANN INC. regarding this concern.

“We at Ann Taylor sincerely apologize to [Becky] for her experience at the City Creek store. Service animals are always welcome in our stores and this incident is not representative of how we approach customer service. In our previous statement we had said that her guide dog was unharnessed. This was not the case. We were misinformed and we are sorry that this incorrect information was released. We strive for 100 percent customer satisfaction. In this case we fell short. We are reaching out to [Becky] and her family to make this situation right.”

Again, we appreciate the efforts you have made to share your feedback with us."

While I think it is great that they are at least admitting to their being wrong to release the information that said Cricket was out of harness, I still wonder if they are admitting that because the sales clerk and manager really gave them false information or because they realised that saying that flat out lie wasn't going to roll smoothly with anyone let alone the people who know Becky and know the training of a Guide Dog. I guess this is just my cynical outlook on life. It doesn't rear it's head often, but sometimes I just can't help but think that the world is a horrible place. (Cheerful sentence huh?)

Anyway, the sentence that most intrigued me was, "We are reaching out to [Becky] and her family to make this situation right." Can a situation like this ever be made "right". In my eyes, the damage is done. Like I said in my last post, I'm not telling you to never shop at Ann Taylor again nor am I saying that I will never walk into an Ann Taylor again. But, the damage is definitely done and I'm wondering what they are doing to make it "right."

I don't think this is something that is so simple that just saying, "Hey, sorry our staff wasn't completely trained and threw you out of the store because you're blind and use a dog to get around. And about that whole 'blaming the situation on you' thing. Yeah...sorry about that too." will really fix anything. I guess it would show that they realize that they were in the wrong. But I just don't see a 'sorry' really going all that far.

Again, this might just be my cynical outlook on life coming up at an inopportune moment. But I know that when I'm told I am not welcome in a store with my Guide Dog puppy I to try to avoid it in the future. There is a Target that I have not been into in almost 4 years...of course, that is more because of how rudely Freya and I were treated. There have been other stores where after a few months I walk in with confidence (only if I have to) and I don't tend to have a problem again. It's not because I don't like this stores or don't respect their decision to not allow a service dog in training, it's more because my confidence is shot.

So much to think about in the next few days. I do enjoy a good moral discussion.

Another Ann Taylor Post

Hi People!  I know that this is pretty old news by now, but I wanted to share it so that it got as much circulation as possible.

I think I've mentioned GDB alumni Becky over at the blog Cruisin' with Cricket. But I'll say again that she is the most kind hearted and wonderful person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting...even if it is just over the Internet through our common interest of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Now, there are three posts that I think you all should read if you haven't already. The first one is Disappointed in Ann Taylor. The second one is Sharing. And the third is Finding Lemonade.

For those of you who don't want to go and read them all the short story is that Ann Taylor kicked her out of the store because of Cricket. Obviously, this is not only illegal but is also really hurtful. A bunch of us wrote in to Ann Taylor through their website to voice our concern and hopefully to get them to have more vigorous training when it comes to access rights of service animals. Here is the letter I received back from Ann Taylor.

"Thank you for taking the time to contact us.  We truly love to hear from our clients and appreciate your efforts to email us directly.

Please know that all service animals, including guide dogs, are welcome in all our stores at any time.  The situation you are referring to was a misunderstanding that occurred when a customer entered the store with an unharnessed guide dog.  In accordance with the mall regulations, dogs should be leashed or inside a carrier at all times.  When the customer entered the store with an unharnessed dog, the associate did not realize it was a guide dog, but upon realizing her error, she apologized and told the customer the guide dog could stay in the store.

Again, we appreciate the efforts you have made to share your feedback with us. At Ann Taylor, we want to help women put their best selves forward every day and we will continue to strive to make your shopping experience the best it can be."



 

Now, I have highlighted and bolded the parts of the email that were untrue. Hopefully you were able to see them without this help, but just in case. Apparently, everyone who wrote in got this exact same email.

 

Ann Taylor is now is the middle of a retraction as the PR representative was allegedly told that Cricket was out of harness (a ridiculous claim) and was also told that they were allowed to stay in the store. Of course, if this was the case none of us would have written in. Obviously, this is an example of someone trying to cover their own mistake by blaming someone else. I'm not too sure if Ann Taylor decided to retract this because of all the bad press they were getting or because the store manager really did tell them something wrong in order to cover her own mistake.

 

Now, I'm not upset that this happened. Things like this still do happen, though it does not usually involve a large corporation like Ann Taylor. Smaller organizations, much like the hotel we stayed at in Oregon for the Shakespeare Festival, have not fully read nor fully understand the terms of the ADA regulation involving service dogs. What upsets me is that they tried to make Becky look completely at fault instead of just owning up to their mistake and apologizing. As Becky says, she doesn't plan to sue and that all she wants is to educate. I like to think that I would have the same attitude, but I know when I received that email I raged for a full ten minutes straight before calming down and feeling sad. As always, Becky has made me feel like an inferior human being with her wonderful attitude and sweet nature.

 

Now, for something good that has come of all of this. If you go to the Ann Taylor facebook fan page or their Twitter Page you can see that the public has rallied to support Becky and Cricket. People are saying that they will never shop at Ann Taylor again and that there should be a public apology and all manner of things like that. I know one of things that Becky said was that she felt so alone when she was told that she was not welcome in with Cricket. I'm sort of glad that there is such support from the public. Now, I don't know if Becky will stop shopping at Ann Taylor entirely, but I think that she might not want to go back for a while.

 

I don't shop there often and I'm not telling you that you should never shop there again. While it was handled badly by the PR representative, it was an isolated incident (which is what they should have said to begin with). I've been into Ann Taylor with puppies before and have never had a problem. The point of this post is just to pass it on and hopefully to educate any new readers. ADA regulations state that service animals are legally allowed to accompany their handler anywhere.

 

I also think they has educated me a little. Normally, when asked to leave somewhere I say politely that it is a service dog in training. If still asked to leave I make sure that they are aware of ADA regulations regarding fully trained service dogs and then leave. Once though, when I was having a bad day, my voice did raise a little. I know that in the future I will be able to take a breath and calmly educate the employees. A learning experience for all of us I think. Though it is absolutely horrible that it happened.

Lance and A New Puppy

Well, he did it. Sir Lance-a-lot is now a working Guide! I'm sorry, but I don't have any pictures for you of him in harness as I wasn't there. But stop by my group's facebook fan page in the next couple of days and hopefully there will be a few loaded. I have to say, not being able to be there killed me just a little. Lance wasn't my puppy, but I saw him a lot when he was a baby because Mary, Brenna, and I were still co-raising Rocco. And he seemed to not mind me walking him at puppy meetings. Sure, he still looked for Mary, but he wasn't hard to walk while he did it. It was more like he'd turn his head every thirty seconds or so but he would never stop walking and he never turned around. I do miss the goofy boy. But, I hear his new handler is an absolutely WONDERFUL guy. That's all anyone can ever hope for. So, good luck with you new job and your new life Lance! Your Erin is so very proud of you.

With every graduation comes a new puppy. Well, really, I guess that isn't true. I guess it's not ever true to say that with every recall comes another puppy. But, I'm sticking with it. A new family just finished their week long puppy sit and it went fantastically! They've been assigned a Female Black Lab born to Simon/Salina on February 25, 2012. The litter letter is "A". I'm a little bummed because next weekend is about the time Hestia's babies would be old enough to leave the kennels, but I guess, from the birth date, that there are still a lot of older puppies in kennels that they want to get out. But, at least this is a black lab female. You all know how I love the black lab females. Haha! Can't wait to see the newest member of PWAP!

My Valentine

Told you I had a few back up pictures. I recieved this the day after Valentine's Day. I had to leave early so I didn't get it until I got home from classes, but it was definitely a pick me up after the long day I had had.



A Valentine's card from Freya and her family. The front says, "For someone special. Special people know the art of giving from a loving heart. On the inside it says, "Erin, you will always be Freya's Valentine." on one side and on the other the poem is, "Today is a day/ for celebrating the people/ who make our hearts happy.../ like you!/ Happy Valentine's Day" There are also birthday wishes in there.

I have to say that I am an extremely lucky puppy raiser. Freya's people make sure to keep in contact and send me pictures every other month even if they're just pictures of Freya playing with some toys. It makes me feel a little bad that I don't have more to send them. I will forever feel blessed that my special Freya went to such special people. It's always hard to give up our puppies, but I think it's worth it when you have the opportunity to have wonderful people in your life. It was hard to give her up in February 20, 2010 (Gosh! As of today she's been gone from me for 2 years.) but, if I'm really honest, one of the easiest things I've done was to say good bye to her just three months later.

Wordless Wednesday

Freya in her harness, boots, and new winter coat

A frontal view of Freya in all of her winter garb

Frey and Mr.L outside in the cold

Gorgeous Dog

Today I saw the most amazing picture today while reading a wonderful story.

It was posted on the GDB UK facebook fan page and I read it right after I was out of class this afternoon (I might have found it in class, but let's not get into that subject shall we). It's all about a guy who is retiring his...fifth Guide Dog and starting with his sixth. It's really a touching story about the relationship that is formed between handler and Guide.

What really caught my eye was a picture of his second guide dog who was a German Shepherd/Golden Retriever cross. He was such a beautiful dog! Now I really want one of those, though I imagine that that colouring with that coat shape is very rare.

Here's the link.

Guide Dog Books

At the moment I am reading two books about Guide Dogs. Well, I say reading. I started reading one of them and downloaded the other to my kindle (Kendall the Kindle) in anticipation of when I would finish the first and be able to start the second. Unfortunately, school got in the way. It does seem to have this nasty habit of getting in the way of my pleasure reading.

Anyway I thought I would give some free publicity to these two books (even though I haven't really started reading the second one yet).

The first is Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson. Mr. Hingson is a GDB graduate. This is the story of his escape from the collapsing building on 9/11 with the help of his Guide Dog, Roselle. For those of you who don't know Roselle won this year's hero dog award. Sadly, she also crossed the rainbow bridge a few months ago. Roselle was the first Guide Dog I ever saw and way back then I wasn't aware that people like me could help train those amazing creatures. I highly recommend buying and reading Thunder Dog. I'm only a quarter through it, but everyday I can't read it is another day I stare at my kindle longingly.

The second is called Scary Lions: The Journey of a Blind Psychologist. This is the one I have currently not started reading so you'll have to excuse me, I don't remember who wrote it. I don't know if he's actually got a Guide Dog, but I'm studying Psychology at the moment in hopes of becoming a blind rehabilitation specialist or an O&M instructor. Reading about a blind psychologist sounded like fun for me. I'm hoping to start reading it soon as I have lost most of my sanity in the past week to overworking and over stressing. Once I do start it, I'll let you know how it is. The title sounds pretty cool though doesn't it?

Freya is Three!!!

Happy Birthday to my very first puppy, Freya! Freya taught me so much as a first puppy. She was easily distracted, was over hyper, and was in general a goofy girl. She was the one that started my friendly competition with the our Overload Jim about always proving him wrong. From the first time he met Miss Freya he said that I shouldn't be too disappointed if she was Career Changed within the next few months. Every eval he said that. And now look at her. Best gosh darn Guide around if you ask me! *Smile*

Freya chewing on a Dental Dino. This was always a coveted toy when she was my puppy.

 (Just to be clear, I respect Jim more than I respect most people which is why I feel little remorse for poking the slight bit of fun at him every now and then)

At the end of next month she will be an Official Guide for a year and a half. How time does fly! This means that Freya and Mr. L have pretty much cemented their relationship as Guide and handler. Every time I get an email from the Ls I'm more and more proud of Freya (and sometimes I just have to giggle at what a bad quirky dog she really is).



Freya making a funny face while trying to "kill" her rope toy. This was always the number one toy when she was a puppy. She was the best rope player in the world!

  I tell people often that it took me longer than normal to receive my first puppy, but I know it's because Freya and I were meant for each other. I wouldn't change my first girl for anything...even a full golden (which shows you how much I truly love her). 

It's been a while since she's sent a postcard, but hopefully soon you'll all have an update on her Guiding ways. 

Happy Birthday my first Darling Little Girl!



Freya in her absolute favourite position at work: on her back.

And happy birthday to the rest of Dylan and Belle's "F" Litter; Falla, Freeway, Foothill, and Faulding! 

*These are pictures I got over the summer that for some reason I never posted. Hope you like them! I think they show off her beauty and her goofiness*

Rocco's Graduation (Part 2)

*Warning: LONG and LOTS of pictures!*

When last we left off during our exciting "tail" of Rocco's graduation, it was just about time for all of the puppy raisers to meet in the Day Room before presenting their dogs.

First off, no one came to get us so we were wondering if we should head down to the Day Room or not. When we saw all of the other raisers there we thought it would be best to go too. We'd been sitting with Rocky and his raiser for about five minutes when Rocco's trainer came in, saw Ms.D, and looked very relieved. Haha! Apparently they had been looking for her. I swear, no one came to get us.

A picture of Rocco (R) and Rocky (L) in the Day Room.

Anyway, for those of you who don't know, this time in the Day Room is a time for you to be alone with your puppy. You spend an hour getting to know your puppy's new person, but these fifteen to twenty minutes is for you to really say good-bye to your puppy. It's actually the second hardest time for me during the graduation. It was especially hard with Rocco. That's not to say that I love Rocco more than I love Freya so saying good-bye was easier. With Freya her graduating was like a big "take that!" to everyone who thought she couldn't make it so all I was thinking was how proud I was of both her and myself. But I always knew that Rocco would graduate so not having that "take that!" attitude, I found myself trying really hard not to start crying before going on stage. Both Mary and I took advantage of our time alone with Rocco.

Rocco jumps up on his Mother Mary and gives her a kiss.

Rocco and me sitting down in the Day Room
Rocco in Harness. He's looking so mellow and mature.

Rocco and Rocky laying down and being absolutely perfect!

I got down on the floor and cuddled with Rocco.

He was very affectionate and lovely. It's almost like he knew what was going on.

Well, after the opening and the presentation of the new Breeders and the CSI: Miama stars presenting an award to a real life Blind pheorensic scientist it was time for the dogs to be reunited with their blind handlers. Freya and I were one of the last...Rocco and I were one of the firsts. Still tyring not to cry we walked out on stage and presented Rocco to Ms.D...I also gave a horrible speech. I had it all planned out in my head and I knew what I was going to say and then I got up on stage and was like "Rocco was my second puppy *trembly voice* and...uhh... *"Erin, don't you start crying now!* he was special..." I don't cry at these things because all I can think of is the happy stuff. I cry after, but never during. It was an odd experience for me. I totally forgot to mention how much easier it is to give up your puppy when they go to a wonderful person and Ms.D is simply wonderful. *face palm*

Mary and me walking Rocco on stage. My head is down, but I swear that's just how I walk.
Ms.D giving her speech. I'm still holding Rocco because she gave her speech before taking him. He was so bad on stage.

Me handing off Rocco's leash. She handed me the microphone without taking Rocco and so into the mic I said, "Here, let me just give you this." *face palm* I'm sure I sounded horrible.

Then we got refreshments and Rocco got to say hi to Lance again before leaving. Now, Ms.D went down the hall with her husband to get some dog food and left us in the room with Rocco and her best friend. Mary and Ms.D's best friend started talking so I just sat down on the floor with Rocco and started petting him and told him how he had to be a good boy or else I would be so disappointed in him. And that, my dear friends, is when I started crying. That also happens to be the point when I started crying at Freya's graduation. When I was left alone after presenting her. I think it's going to be a trend now. But, yes, I started crying and Ms.D's best friend looks over at me and says, "Don't you start now. You're going to make me start!" Haha!

Rocco (R) and Lance (L)

Then it was really time to say good-bye and to watch my boy walk away from me.

Rocco walking away with Ms.D and her husband. "You know you're a puppy raiser when you find such joy in handing over your dog's leash to someone you just met."
A close-up of them walking away. "You Know you're a puppy raiser when you'd rather see your dog walk away than stay."

It was a lovely graduation and, if I haven't said it enough, I can't believe the great matching powers of Guide Dogs for Blind. My first puppy went to the absolute perfect person and now my second puppy is starting his new life with the absolute perfect person for him. Good luck and many Guiding years to Rocco and Ms.D!

*This post might have caused me to cry*

Rocco's Graduation (Part 1)

*Warning! LONG and LOTS of pictures*

Graduation day for me started out really early in the morning. Mary and I wanted to leave at 6:30am just in case there was traffic, but Candie was driving and she said that we could leave by 7am and be just fine. So, Mary and I are standing outside of Mary's house at 6:50 waiting for Candie. She was running a little late and, of course, Mary and I were going crazy. Haha!

We ended up getting there just fine and a little early. It was just enough time for Mary to check Lance into the kennels and for us to go to Panera and inhale some soup before checking in at the Day Room. We sat with Rocky's raiser (who also graduated yesterday) and talked about how excited we were and how nervous we were to meet their new people. We waited a full 30 minutes to meet Rocco's new person and see Rocco again. I think it could be considered torture, but while we were sitting there a training comes up to us and says, "I was Rocco's trainer." It doesn't always end up that the dog and its trainer end up in class together. She told us how much she loved Rocco and that he learned really fast and really easy. Then she told us that Rocco was going to the most wonderful lady. It was so good for us to hear that because we had tried to call Thursday and Friday and never got through.

Finally, it was time to see our pups again. With Freya they led in all the graduates and let the raisers meet them there. They're doing it a little different now and leading the raisers to the graduate's room. I like this way a lot better because you're alone with the graduate right from the beginning. Also, last time at Freya's graduation, I was the last raiser to get paired with their puppy. This time Mary and I were the first (probably because Rocco's trainer was there and wanted to match us up first)! We went straight to their room and this is what I saw;

My first glimpse of Rocco and his new "mom," Ms.D.

Rocco's trainer wasn't lying. Rocco was paired with the most wonderful lady I could ever imagine! I could tell that she and Rocco were already totally in love with each other, but Rocco's heart is big enough for all of us. So, as soon as he saw me he decided that he would not be the good Guide Dog I know he is and went a little nuts! I brought both of them a gift in a lovely bag and guess what...Rocco ripped it when he jumped towards me. Haha! Right away Ms.D handed the leash to me (perfect way into my heart). I tried getting down with Rocco but he was just too crazy! So I said hello standing up. Ms.D also had people coming to the graduation as her cheering team and they were wonderful too (gosh, Canadians really are lovely people. I know people joke about that, but I think it's totally true). They adored Rocco so much and that's so nice to see.

Because Rocco was being so good Ms.D decided to give him a little treat. He's such a lab! His entire attention went from everyone to directly on her.

Rocco looking up at Ms.D after she gave him a treat. "Please Mom! Can I have more?"

But then he decided that he wanted to pose for the camera and be sociable. He's such a cutie pie! I don't know if you can tell from some of these pictures how BIG he's gotten but Ms.D said he was 72.5 pounds! He looks so good and has filled out so nicely.

Rocco looking straight at the camera with a goofy smile.
Rocco with Mary and Me. The light wasn't that great, but we're all smiling!

Rocco with Ms.D and Mary and Me. Rocco is looking right at Ms.D!

Then it was time for pictures. We were led from the room to the picture place and took all of our pictures. Obviously Ms.D got her picture alone with Rocco then Mary and I took a picture with her and then we did separate raiser pictures.

Rocco and Ms.D in the picture room.

A close-up of my handsome boy in his harness!

Mary with Rocco and Ms.D in the picture room.

After pictures we were allowed to visit some more. I of course took more pictures. We exchanged gifts and Rocco knew that there were a lot of toys for him and he kept looking over at the suitcase where they were packed! Silly boy! Ms.D had also never heard that Rocco will be Mr. May for the 2012 calender so I got her one of those.

Rocco and Ms.D with the dead present bag.
Rocco smiling and looking all happy in harness.

Then it was time to go back to the Day Room and get ready to present our puppies. Stay tuned for Rocco's Graduation (Part 2) either later tonight or tomorrow.

Pauli Graduates

Hilly and I went to graduation this past Saturday. We went because we had a very special puppy graduating. No, no it wasn't Rocco. You'll know the moment I get the news that he's in class. He's only in phase 7 right now so he's got another phase to go before he's considered class ready. So, he probably won't be in this next graduation unless he's in the retrain class or involved in a Dog Swap. But there's a good possibility that he'll be in the August 27 graduation. Got my fingers crossed.

This graduation though Pauli was the star. Pauli came to Emily with a list of bad behaviours. Apparently, he never exhibited these behaviours with Emily. He was such a good boy for her and Emily did such a good job. In order to congratulate Emily on such a good puppy a few of us decided that we would go up and support her. This graduation was especially cool because it had all the youngsters graduating. They do one of these graduations a year where the graduates mostly range on the younger side. Pauli's new guy isn't in his thirties and there were others that ranged from 14-20. It was so cool to see these young people graduate as a team with their first dogs. And Pauli looked so great in harness!

We were so proud of Pauli and his new partner. They are now off, back to their home in Canada! Good job Emily on your work to raise a great Guide.

Now, on to brag about Hilly. There were so many dogs around. There were puppies in training and working Guides and breeders and new graduates around. Now, I was really worried about taking Hilly to Fun Day with no prior experience in a large crowd of dogs. I am no longer worried, because Hilly did awesome! She was totally focused and calm and well behaved. I'm so proud of her. We even saw a few German Shepherd Guides and they didn't bother her at all! Hooray!

First Anniversary

I've been meaning to post this for a while, but things have been a bit crazy around here lately with exams and my parents visiting. So, whenever I sit down to write this I always realised that I was meeting my parents in a few minutes or that I should be studying for an exam. But, I finally have the time.

So, Sunday was Mr.L and Freya's Graduation Anniversary. It's hard to believe that my first puppy has been an official Guide for a whole year now. Especially considering that no one was sure if Freya would actually graduate. I mean, we all knew she loved to work and loved to please, but sometimes her love for bids, squirrels, and other dogs was a bit more potent. But she did it and I couldn't be more happy.

She continues to amaze me in her goofy moments. She's a very fun-lovin' girl, but when it's harness time she's all work. But I hear these stories about her having a goofy moment and it just amazes me. I'm so glad she's out there working and doing what she loves to do (that's one thing that always made me laugh. Some people come up to you and tell you you're abusing the animal. I always tell them that if they see a working dog you can tell that they're enjoying doing their job and that sitting at home alone all day would make them horribly depressed).

So, a little late, but happy anniversary to my first pup and her person. Hope they have many more.

Freya in front of the Korean War Memorial
Freya on the bus
Also on the bus, but in a considerably more comfy spot

A nice shot of her new Korean sign

Freya watches Mr.L "put". Look at that girl who use to have a thing for balls.

I almost (almost) sent them a paper gift for their first anniversary. ;-)

Post Card from Freya

Hello All!

Well, the fam and I have been here in South Korea for a little over a week now...more like a week and a half. We're settling in nicely to a daily routine, but M--- and I are still a bit of a novelty item here. We haven't seen another Guide Dog team around the whole time we've been here. When we go walking down the street people point and say things that I don't fully understand...I'm still learning the new language. You will see, however, that we've changed the sign on my harness to match our new home. It's now in Korean which I think is awfully cool! You will also notice that I am wearing my booties. Now, I tolerate them well enough, but I sure don't like the things. But, M--- and R--- say that I have to wear them because it's below freezing here every day and they don't want my pads to get hurt. They also say it's far more muddy than back in Alabama, so they help keep me clean as well. But, hey, sometimes a girl just wants to roll in the mud. It's something that Mommy never understood either. Whenever I would roll in the mud she could give me a bath. *sigh* Humans. Sometimes I just don't understand you.

Now, I've said that we are a bit of a spectacle here. That's definitely true where taxis are concerned. M--- and I were trying to get a taxi the other day and not just one but TWO taxis refused to let us in because I'm a "dog". They wouldn't even let M--- open the door. That was a bit of culture shock let me tell you. We finally found a taxi, but it was a black taxi. Those are the "luxury" taxis and it did cost us a bit more to get to where we were going.

Other than the taxi thing and having to wear my booties EVERYWHERE I'm really having fun with the fam in our new home.

Lick and Love!
Freya

PS: R--- takes sooo many pictures of M--- and me that I have a hard time choosing. So, sorry for the influx of pictures.

The booties again!

Like the new sign?
Here we are heading into work. Jeez! You'd think they'd make these things Doggie friendly.

Post Card from Freya

Hi Bloggers!

Ok, how many of you guessed that the map of South Korea had to do with me? Well, if you did, you're one smart person. But I bet that you didn't guess all of it. I've been waiting to tell you guys this for so long, but Momma said it would be better until it was "official."

Anyway, if you guessed that the map had something to do with me then you probably thought that I was going on vacation with my people there for a little. That's partly right. I am here with my people, but we aren't on vacation. How many of you guessed that I would be living and working in South Korea!? That's right! My person got a promotion and it came with a transfer. I'm so excited. I'm sure that I'm going to have so much fun working here.

Before we left my person and I had our year (well...really 8 month visit) visit with a GDB representative since we wouldn't be here for our real one in May. The GDB guy was really happy with our work together and said that I was the same weight as I was when we left GDB in May. It was a quick 10 minute visit and I figure that that's a good thing.

The plane was a little dull...alright, it was really boring! But, it's all worth it to be working in such a cool place. It's going to take me a while to get use to this time difference though. It's night time here when I'm use to it being day time.

I promise to keep you all updated on the cool adventures I'm having. For now, some pictures of our flight.

Licks and Love,
Freya

Ok, so it may not look like I'm terribly happy here, but I was. I was just very tired.
Notice the Green leash? Thanks again to Megan for making it for us.
I've tried to tell them to let me have some coffee, but they said I was energetic enough...psht! Who's energetic after flying?
*sigh* The things I do for my job.

I don't even get a window seat most of the time.
I'm still thinking about writing a petition to the airlines to create doggie friendly seats.
Just a little longer...