Bones

Hello again! It's me, Echo.

Barb and Mark, my temporary mom and dad helped me meet some very nice visually impaired kids and adults on Friday at East Towne in Madison. There was a girl who was about 7 or so that was so nice, she liked to pet me. I was very good. A boy about 14 was there too… mom and dad helped Dale take the boy for a "test drive" to see how he might like working with a guide dog. Mom and dad led Dale around, and the young man held onto the harness. The young girl also walked with Dale. Promise was there too! Promise of course was the hit because she is cute. I used to be cute too!

Then yesterday, Dale, Nikki, Promise and I went to Michelle's house where we practiced down, sit, down, sit, stand, stay, stay, stay, stay. Moby, and Bodie, their mom and dad, and Marlene were there too. (Promise did not stay, sit, down,,,she was just being her usual puppy self..) Michelle showed us her rat terrier too! He ran around the building a lot.

Of course, there was a lot of human "blah, blah, blah".

And I guess I past another milestone, I think. Last night I got to sleep in the bedroom with Stitch and Reggie (I shared a blanket with Stitch). It was pretty weird cuz they were not very neat - shoes and socks and clothes were on the floor and I guess they were happy since I left everything alone - go figure. And I didn't move or make a sound until the puppy woke us all up about 4:30 to go potty. I didn't have to go, I just went back to sleep. It's amazing how happy humans get when I just sleep quiet.

I understand that I am going to have pictures of my bones taken on Monday. I wonder if I need to put on make-up for that? Maybe I don't need that, because, I am naturally HANDSOME!

Hope you have a good Easter!

Echo

Happy Girl

Hello!

This is Lilly! As some of you know I have been placed as a CVCD(Childrens Visual Companion Dog) with a young boy that is losing his vision. This was my first week with my new family. I had a blast, and I absolutely LOVE my new charge and my new digs - right in his room.




Barb and Mark came today to talk to my new family to see if there were any questions and to show them more obedience exercises with me. We walked along a bike path and I showed them how proud and happy I was to be a part of my new family's lives.

They are going to come for more human blah blah blah and walks for me next week.

Lilly

Where's Slick??

Folks have been asking about Slick, so I (Echo) thought I would write down what I heard.

He went to Theresa first. From what I heard he did pretty well. But, he did have an accident at the Dawg Zone when he went to class. Oh, well.

He then went to Chris' house where he did pretty good, except that he pulled on other dogs - - which she worked on correcting. From what I understand he grew on her.

He is now at Ernie's. Ernie just got him Tuesday night, so we will have to wait and see what kind of report he gets.

Slick (along with some other pups) will have his hip and elbow X-rays done on Monday. Let's cross our fingers for ALL of the dogs in training….I want them to have PERFECT pictures.

Hopefully mom and dad will be able to take some pictures when the X-Rays are taken, so you all can see him again.

Echo

Milestone

Hello everybody!

It was a beautiful day outside today.

First of all, I went out with mom and dad for breakfast

Mom and dad were curious how I would do in the outdoor kennel, so they put me in "prison" for several hours. I LOVED it! I had a tasty bone to chew, I did not have to be a "good" dog, and could just do my own thing.

When I came inside, they told me that I was the best behaved EVER! Initially I did not have the urge to bring them toys, I just relaxed in the living room while Promise tried to get me to play but I just laid there watching her. What a milestone!

That's it for today.

Echo

Settling in too!

Hello again! It's me, Echo!

I had a fun day today. First of all, we played "find it". Mom hid my favorite toy, the Jolly Ball. Then she asked me to find it. At first I did not understand that I was supposed to find it AND bring it to her. But, we figured that out now. WOW was that fun! She hid it in every room in the house, but I always found it. Waiting for her to say OK, find it was easy.

Bringing it back, bringing it back....

Then, we went to thousands of stores, in the car, out of the car, in the car…


We were delivering pieces of paper that said "Culver's on the Beltline", and then something about a fund raiser on April 20 from 4 - 7. I guess she wanted everybody to know about that. We even ate at Culver's…



It looked yummy, but, alas, no food for me! Mom said I was very good and did exactly what she asked me to.

To make the day complete, my little buddy (Promise) and I play tug with rope and other tug toys too!


She pulls, and I just stand there and hold the toy in my mouth. If I pull too hard, she falls over!


Sometimes I watch her play with Stitch. Stitch, a Golden Retriever, rolls over on her back, and Promise jumps on her. More fun. Here she is pretending to be a rabbit - I recall being a little too interested in rabbits so she's helping me.



The one thing that I seem to have trouble figuring out though is that Mom and Dad don't like it when I bring them toys (after toy) after playtime is over. I don't understand, I bring them toys, get really close, pant at them, and say (with my eyes) "please take this, and throw it so we can play some more". When I continue to do that after mom or dad say "no" they will sometimes put me on a "down/stay", or worse, put me in my crate. I am very persistent, and REALLY want them to play with me… after all, I am a Labrador RETRIEVER… Get it RETRIEVER, Labrador…… I guess you just have to be here to understand.

That's all for now,

Echo

Settling in

I had a great day today! I met all sorts of people in wheelchairs! They thought I was sooooo cute! (Well, I think so too.)

Mom carried me most of the time because she was afraid that I would forget where to potty! - - Silly mom, I know where to go, I just forget sometimes.


Mom also has been doing a new dance with me… I whine, and she walks me to the front door to go outside potty. It is a lot of fun watching her get up and down, and down and up. Sometimes I fool her, go potty outside and then come inside and go again. Mom and dad don't like that as they have to take something out called the "spot bot". It makes lots of noise and gets the floor wet…


She also has added a "name" to me sitting on my backside - - it is called "sit". Then a name for the sleeping position, "down". Doesn't she know, she does not have to tell me to go to sleep? I'll do that when I am tired.

Humans can be so silly!

She even thought this looked comfortable while she ripped out my toenails :-(

I'm learning how to play with the big dogs too!!! I'm getting pretty good at it.


I think Echo is weakening here and I'm winning.

Sometimes a loong day of play takes a lot out of a pup...zzzzzz

Promise

Speaking for myself

Hey everyone, it's me, Echo saying "Hello again"! I can't believe I'm getting to do the talking!!!

I am going to stay a week or two with Promise at the Schultze's house. I took advantage of the ride to their house, and took a nice long nap.

Yesterday was my first day at the Schultze's, and I am learning the ropes. I already knew about staying off of counters, or beds or couches, so that part was easy. I also already knew that I have to be quiet in the house - no barking, more easy stuff. I love all the bones and big dog chew toys they have. it is Paradise!

I really like their back yard because they have a large Jolly Ball! I can carry it all around the yard , toss it in the air and catch it! My foster mom, Barb, says it is a great toy because I can't swallow it and irritate my tender tummy.

I like to play with the other dogs that live here too! Their names are Stitch, Reggie, and a little tiny dog named Promise….She is just a puppy.

Yesterday during the day I just could not find a place to lay down and settle. This house is just not like Jeff and Lisa's house…. But I was able to sleep last night in a crate in the kitchen and be very quiet. This morning I went to breakfast at Shelton's with them and was VERY, VERY good. I'm a different dog with my vest on - I know when it's business. I went under the table and stayed. Mom and dad were very happy with me.

Mom and dad did have to remind me not to go thru any doors without permission. I have to sit and wait until permission is given to pass thru the door. That part is really hard! I KNOW that is what I am supposed to do, but I forget it sometimes. It's pretty tempting to just want to run and play. I also wanted to lick mom to show my appreciation when she leaned over to pick up some socks off of the floor. She reminded me that was NOT permitted no matter how sweet.

Overall, I have had a pretty good 24 hours here. I'm much quieter tonight so I just have a little more adjusting to do. It really helps when the border collie Reggie runs and runs with me and if I do enough puppy bows I bet that Golden will run with me more too!!

Echo

Promises, Promises

Hi!

My name is Promise. I am a black Labrador, and have been told that I am destined to help somebody see. I was donated by Mike & Desirae Pausma of Neverest Labradors. Yesterday, I came to live with somebody named "Barb" and somebody else named "Mark". They also have three other dogs, Stitch, Reggie and another Occupaws dog named Echo. (Mom says that Echo is only going to be here a week or so….) All these names - - so confusing. Mom and dad tell me that I am VERY CUTE!

I like to play with the big dog named Echo. He is so gentle with me. We exchange bones. Mom is especially pleased with me because I have asked to go outside to poop two times today! But, I DO forget to pee outside… oh, well, I am only eight weeks old!

I have not gone to any "places yet", but mom says that will come with time. In fact, I might go visit a nursing home on Tuesday…I'll let you know how that goes! What are there, a group of nurses running around a home?

Well, that is all for now.

Promise

Busy busy

Hello fellow pups,


It's been a busy couple of days - Moby and I got to meet up with Tyler and Tanner Tuesday night.



We got pet while the humans spent the entire evening blah blah blah blah blah and then more blah blah. Finally we both got to demonstrate when Moby, Lilly and I have been learning. How to walk on the right side while a child (who cannot see well) holds our harnesses with their left hand.



We took several spirited walks and then the counselors blind-folded the parents and we took then for walks. It was great fun. Finally we posed for some family pictures.


Tanner had quite a good hold of old Moby.

Then today, before Lilly left our pack, she and I went to Menard's to practice those scary open stairs again. Lilly had done it before and was quite the showoff.


I was smart enough to refuse momentarily before finally summoning the courage to begin my ascent. What I was not told was the open sides are somewhat disconcerting.


I did, with the help of rymthmic breathing, settle myself and continue the walk.


Lastly, we spent the ENTIRE afternoon in the kennels whilst the counselors took Miss Lilly to her new home to begin her career as a Canine Visual Companion Dog for a young lad who has lost most of his sight. For now, they are just learning to be pals and will begin the task of training the parents later this month.


I have also been told, Moby and I will be returning to the Ward Household to each begin our CVCD life with Tanner and Tyler. I am certainly looking forward to the reunion.


All for Now,

Bodie

Slick reporting from the field

Woofie Woof!!

This is superdog Slick reporting from Camp Moe!! Well fellow poochies, I've been living here since Saturday and I'm settling into my new adventures fairly well. My new, temporary house is like my own house EXCEPT for one mystery. I still can't figure out how those deer jumped up so high and got their head stuck inna wall...and what they are standing on the other side so they don't fall down. They are also decidedly unfriendly - I've tried talking to them but they just ignore me!!



When I walk around and sniff and stare their eyes follow me but the never MOVE! You'd think their noses would itch sometime. Oh well.

There are some here that do pay attention to me, the humans of course, and the two lovely ladies. Sky, an older lab mix started playing with me Saturday night.



She told me she usually takes a day or two to want to play with the new dog but because I'm SUPERDOG she likes me :-) Lizzie, a sheltie is a tad more aloof and just ignores all my play bows and attempts to get her to play.



She just doesn't seem to enjoy my body slam the way Moby and Sky do.

We've gone on a few trips to the store and we have wandered the mall. Sometimes it's a bore but I have to keep the humans happy - they seem to enjoy it. Mom told me to be on my best behavior so I put up with the human blah blah blah and stuff and Mom, I'm trying to always be very well behaved.

Tomorrow night they said I go to the next house - someone named Chris Hamilton. Well, all for now - I'll be out of touch for a few days as my next home does not have a computer (perhaps I'll contact you by smoke signal or beating drums :-)

Slick

Letter from Camp

Another letter from Moby and Bodie to Tanner and Taylor. (double click on it to enlarge)

and the pictures from camp life...

Reunion

There are many joyous milestones associated with puppy raising:

1. Sleeping until 7am
2. Housebreaking Complete
3. Earning "Canine Good Citizen"
4. Handling Rotation Well
5. Accepted for Harness Training
6. Completing Harness Training
7. Placement with a Partner




8. Reunion at OccuPaws event



Poker for Paws provided an opportunity for Weily's puppy raisers to see him and his partner Lisa in action. I can only imagine their pride as they met the puppy that they raised to be a guide dog.





Here's a picture of their current trainee, Deegan:

Poker for Paws

Greetings and Salutations!!


Slick has started his puppy rotation and has given me the position of "dog ghost writer" for him. Hopefully he'll be reporting from the field, but until then as a "newcomer" I'll do my best to report the news. My Name is Bodie and I am at Boot Camp to learn a few new things to properly help my young friend Tyler. I'm going to learn to work with a harness and to heel on the opposite side.

When I got here following a festive event "Poker for Paws" I met up with my pal Moby and a new friend, Lilly. I also met many dogs at the event today. I'm going to attempt to settle in and properly train these humans in proper dog treatment. We'll let you know how that goes. In the meantime, here are some photographs of today's proceedings.


All for now,

Bodie

Moby's Letter to Tyler

Woof guys and gals - here is Moby's letter to Tanner.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Dear Tanner AND TYLER TOO,

How are both of you? I am fine. Hope you are too. I went on two car rides yesterday and one today. First we went to the Pancake house with Slick and me and everybody came an petted me and said what a good doggie I was and how handsome. We sat under the table while the humans ate. Slick said they do that a lot and blah blah blah – human talk to everyone.

Then Lilly and I went to Mt. Horeb to see the Vet. Did you know I weigh 82 pounds!!! It took two people to lift me on the table to meet Dr. Dave. Dr. Dave and the camp counselor went to High School together about a hundred years ago, back in the olden days. Dr. Dave did some tests and gave me some shots – I was brave and didn’t cry at all - and he gave me a doggie sucker when it was done. He said I am real healthy.

Then we went outside and walked and walked and walked. I thought the counselors got lost but we finally found the car and came home. Then later on we went to the store and walked some more. I’m really getting good at walking in a straight line.

Then today was nice, we went to Shelton’s in Cross Plains and I saw that Slick was a celebrity and everyone there (about a zillion people) all said hello and they were going to come see him tomorrow at Poker. I don’t know how to play poker, do you Tanner? They are going to have pizza and I sure hope they drop some on the floor. I guess tomorrow is a big day cuz the counselors have got two cars filled with stuff. And they are going to give it all away – kinda dumb don’t you think??

Then I got two recesses outside to play with Lilly and Slick. Here is a picture of me.

That’s all for now Tanner.

I love you and I miss you.

See you soon!

XXOOXXOOXXOO
Moby

PS: Here are some pictures of me.

PSPS: I miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXOXOXO