30 for 30-Day 16 (The History of my Pups)

I thought for today's post I would tell y'all about all my puppies. Sorry if this is horribly boring but too bad. :)

Prudy was my first puppy. She was born May 1, 2002 and I received her the end of June that year. I enjoyed raising Prudy and we went through a lot together. I raised Prudy during my senior year of high school and my first couple semesters of college together. We were also in a car accident together that I almost died in and Prudy wouldn't leave my side while we were in the hospital. She went through a split season my first summer with her so she was around a year old. Back then we boarded females in season at the vet so I dropped her off for her month long stay while being in heat. After the longest month EVER I got to go pick up my girl when she was finished with her heat. A week later while at a puppy meeting I noticed blood again. Not good. . . she went and spent another month at the vet for her second month of heat and after that she was spayed. So after 2 1/2 months of being at the vet I got back a fat, lazy puppy who forgot all her training. I kept her until she was almost 21 months old to get her back into shape before she left for training. When she was in training she made it to phase 8 out of 10 before being career changed for separation anxiety and relieving in harness. I got the call that she was cc'd and the next day was on my way to pick her up and make her my pet. She was an amazing pet and I loved every second with her. Unfortunately she passed away when she was six and I miss her every day.
Prudy and her brother Patriot the day they arrived at 8 weeks old.
5 year old Prudy in the snow.

My 2nd puppy was Tahoma. She was born May 5, 2004. She was always a sassy and stubborn little girl and I really loved her. She was a tough puppy and challenged me a lot, especially after mellow, easy Prudy. Tahoma was incredibly smart and I knew she had great potential. She left for formal training 4 days after her first birthday. After about four months Tahoma was pulled for breeding. She had a litter of seven puppies the end of November and after they were weaned she went back into training to be a guide. She cruised through training and then graduated as a working guide dog. She is now working in Ohio with a blind Rabbi and spends 2 months a year in Israel and also travels around the east coast so her partner can officiate at weddings. He teaches at a college so she goes there as well and all his students just love her.
Tahoma at 9 months.
Tahoma in harness.

Glennie was number 3. She was born September 27, 2005. She was my first transfer puppy so I got her when she was 5 months old. She was also the first puppy I raised while living in California. She had some issues to work through and I was up for the challenge. She was food and toy aggressive and didn't like going out in public. She made wonderful improvements during our short time together but being a guide was just never in the cards for this girl. She was career changed at 6 1/2 months and is now living as a pet in California.
Beautiful white Glennie 5 months old.
Glennie sleeping in the sun.

#4 was Adeline. She was born October 25, 2005 and I got her as a transfer puppy too, she was a little over 5 months when I got her. She was a great dog and we hit it off immediately. She was a sweet dog and loved to go out and about and meet new people. She was also about the happiest dog I've ever had, her enthusiasm was contagious and she always put a smile on my face. She left for formal training at 17 months old and was quickly career changed for a fear of men which shocked me. She is now living with her first raiser and is a therapy dog and runs agility as well. She loves her life and is in the perfect place for her.
Adeline at my work at 8 months old.
Adeline showing off her jumping skills in the Agility arena.

My 5th puppy was Sherman. He was my first male and I was really nervous about that. My fears were ill founded though as Sherman was just about the best puppy in the world! I absolutely fell in love with this cuddle bug. He was a mellow, go-with-the-flow dog and took everything in stride. When he left for formal training I had no doubt he wouldn't be a guide dog, but I was wrong as he was career changed for soft trachea. Bummer! I would have kept him in a heartbeat but he is the type of dog who needed a job so I asked if there was another school that would take him. A few days later he was taken into the Dogs4Diabetics program and after almost a year of training he graduated as a medical alert dog. WooHoo!! He is a happy working dog and his partner is just perfect for him.
Sherman at 8 weeks.
Sherman enjoying his new job.

Spanky was my 6th puppy. He was a transfer that I got at 11 months. I raised him while I worked at a summer camp for blind and VI kids. He was a great camp dog and all the kids loved him. We did have an ongoing battle with my socks. He ate 12 pairs of my socks while I had him and I still to this day can't figure out how he got them. He was career changed before he made it to formal training for some fear issues and is now a very loved pet in Oregon.
Spanky 4 months.
Spanky at 14 months.

Well, that's all I have patience for now, so the rest will be tomorrow. :) Enjoy!

A Review of 2008

Well, 2008 definitely had it's ups and downs. It was a good year though. Here are some of our adventures from 2008. :)

January:
on the 20th of this month was my boy Shermans first birthday. Other than that nothing too exciting happened, well Sherman learned how to honk my horn when he was sick of waiting for me. That made for some pretty entertaining experiences while putting gas in my car.

February: Sherman had some evals this month that decided which recall list he was on. We also had blogger pal Hobbs come for a few days.

March: Was the month that I found out that Sherman was leaving in June. It was also the month that Sherman made my Nephew, Cannon love dogs. :)

April: We went on a lot of fun outings like to the kids discovery museum, and the airport. Sherman also made it into the Community Connections Newsletter at GDB.

May: I found out that I got a job at Camp Bloomfield, I also learned that Sherman was going to be Mr. September for the GDB calendar. It was also my last month with Sherman. Tahoma (my second puppy) turned four. I was also supposed to get a baby puppy (MBL Texas) this month but since I was going to camp decided to get a transfer pup instead.

June: It was the month that Sherman was leaving for training. I received my sixth puppy Spanky. I also left to go to camp for the summer. Later that month I found out that Sherman was cc'd and was devastated that he would not be a guide and hoped he would find another job. And Spanky turned 1!

July: Spent all month at Camp which was such a blast. Spanky taught kids to walk dogs and about dog care. I turned 23 (AAAHHH!) and I found out that Sherman was accepted into Dogs4Diabetics!! :D

August: More time at camp, went to Fun Day in San Rafael, found out that Spanky had a recall for October. I also got home from camp and had to start doing real world stuff again. :) I was able to go to an agility competition for Adeline and saw Sherman at Fun Day.

September: Nothing really happened this month. I got a job at a jr high, which I like but can be overwhelming at times. (Jr High kids are just cruel sometimes!!) And had my last month with Spanky (so I thought)

October: Spanky was cc'd after an eval with our CFR. I kept his as a pet for three weeks before GDB could pick him up and I enjoyed every minute of it. Found out that I was getting a MYL "F" puppy the end of the month. (So I though) Took Spanky to the puppy truck ready to say goodbye but then returned home with him anyway. :)

November: I had to actually say goodbye to Spanky. Finally met my new puppy Fullerton. Found out that Sherman was placed with his partner and am still waiting for him to be official.

December: Well, you guys know, Had tons of snow, went to Mexico, found out Spanky had a forever home, Fuller continues to learn and grow and all my dogs are happy, what more can I ask for. :)

Here is to a fabulous 2009 with hopefully a few more ups than 2008 had to offer. :) Happy New Year Everyone

It's been a good day. . .

Today was long and dull and well it pretty much sucked. I was constantly contradicted at work and I got hit by a car in the parking lot!! I mean, look in your rear view mirror people!! Anyway, all my frustration and anger just went away when I got home and opened my e-mail and had two messages that instantly put a smile on my face. One was titled Sherman, and the other Spanky!!!

The one from Sherman said:

Hi Megan,

Sherman continues to live with potential partner and work on consistency. He is doing well.

I am glad that he is still doing well. He has been with his "potential" partner for a little over a month now so hopefully he is "official" soon!

The best news though is that Spanky has a home!!! I am so happy that he was placed before the holidays so that he can spend them with his new family! Here is the message I got from his new mom: (and yes, she already contacted me, I am already loving this match)

Dear Megan,

Thank you for raising Spanky to be such a great dog. In the short week he
has been with us, we have all fallen madly in love with him. Your
description of him was very accurate. He is sweet and loving, smart and
goofy. He is also beautiful.

I have the year off from my teaching job, so Spanky and I have a lot of
bonding time. I take him for daily walks in a wooded area and he has had a
few play dates with other dogs. He is wonderful on the leash except when he
is tempted by other dogs, then he needs a bit of reminding. After school,
where he charms everyone, my fifth grade daughter ___ practices retrieving
a ball in the park with him. He is a quick learner.


We look forward to taking him to the beach to swim and to building many
family memories together. Spanky is a dear and has brought lots of joy and
laughter into our lives.


Thanks and best wishes for the holidays.

I am so happy for him. It sounds like just the right place for him, and I am sure he is loving it! Here is a pictures she sent me too. :D


I guess it wasn't such a bad day after all. :D

Happy Thanksgiving!! (and my house guest)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
I want to start by giving a small (very, very small) list of things I am thankful for:

1. My Family (who have supported me through everything and put up with my weirdness and only abandoned me a few times when I sing to loud in the department store and then get my hair caught in a hanger. . . (so I may have had too much caffeine.) :)

2. My Friends (for similar reasons but I won't list the weird things that I do in front of them. ;) and BTW if you read this I consider you a friend. Because I also am thankful for my blogging pals, it is so nice to know that there are so many of us out there working toward the same goal of helping the blind gain independence.

3. My Puppies (who have taught me an infinite amount and have enriched my life so much. I am blessed to have had so many wonderful dogs in my life and have been honored to be the one to raise them, that's Prudy, Tahoma, Glennie, Adeline, Sherman, Spanky, and now Fullerton)

4. My Education (I really do enjoy school and I love learning new things)

Those are the main things but I am thankful for so much more, my health, technology, to not live in an age where I would have to wear a dress all the time. (I hate dresses!! WITH A PASSION!!) Anywho, I will stop there.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not only do we get to celebrate all the things we are thankful for but we also get to have an excuse for a few days off of work and a day to gorge ourselves to bloatation with nummy, delicious food. (especially mashed potato's and gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie. . . mmm. . . salivating already) but it is also a holiday and people go out of town. And when certain people go out of town other certain people are there to watch their guide dog puppies. So, during this weekend I have Myra. She is a sweet girl. The last time I had her she was much smaller and especially when I am used to having Fullerton she seems really big. But she is a sweetheart. Here is Princess Myra. (she is 14 months old now)
Here is Myra and Fullerton. They are really great together and don't seem to be distracted by each other at all. In fact, they haven't really tried to play or anything. It is really nice, this is Fullertons first time with another dog since he left his siblings at GDB and he is doing wonderful with her.
This is just too cute not to share.
Myra and Fullerton. After Myra got here she claimed the bed and Fuller had to be on the floor. After a while he crept over and did a little army crawl over to Myra and eventually he was right next to her. She didn't seem to mind though.
I felt so bad for Myra because Fullerton is a pretty squirmy puppy, he doesn't hold still for very long so he would crawl all over her while she was trying to sleep. (I think she would make a good mommy, she is very patient with him.)
Then he finally fell asleep. WOOT!!!

"My what big teeth you have. . . and stinky breath!"

And Fullerton chewing a big boy bone. I think all Fullerton really needed was a mentor dog. He is finally sleeping with her around and he is actually chewing on a bone. It makes me happy. Hopefully he continues after she goes, I am really happy she came.
It is also fun to have a big dog around. My family has a tradition of going to the movies every Thanksgiving morning and Myra is going to join us. It will be the first time I take a dog out in a long time. Hopefully she enjoys the movie. Apparently it is about a dog but I don't remember what it is called. And it is in 3-D. It should be fun. Too bad Fuller has to stay home. I think he would enjoy it. :) Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

~~Megan, Myra, Fullerton & Spanky (in spirit, I really hope he finds his forever home before Christmas so he can spend the holidays out of the kennels.)

Puppy Truck- Take Two

Well Spanky is now officially gone. But I will start with the days of Spankys extended stay. :) First on Friday was Halloween. So I had to dress him up, he is a half Angel half Devil. He didn't like it so much so I only had him wear it for a few pictures. Then later we ended up taking my friends son and a bunch of other kids trick-or-treating. We had a grand old time and then stopped at Taco Bell for dinner. Yum!! (for me, not Spanky. :)
Above: Me and Spanky (you can't really see but I have a bunch of holes in my pants with red fishnet tights under them. It looked pretty cool) Below: You can see Spankys devil side complete with Angel wings.
We stopped at the Mall for some trick-or-treating (fast easy way to get a bundle of Candy) and we ran into the Sanderson sisters (Hocus Pocus) I was just tickled pink because I am pretty much obsessed with that movie so I asked if I could get a picture. They look pretty darn convincing it made my night.
We got home pretty late but I was in the mood for Hocus Pocus after the mall so with Spanky laying across my stomach I laid on the floor and watched Hocus Pocus. :) Saturday was pretty uneventful. Me and the Spankster went to my grandmas house to watch a football game and have a chili dinner which was good. My nephew came over (sorry no pics) and he and Spanky got to hang out one last time. After that me and Spanky went home. So his last day wasn't as fun as his first last day but oh, well. I enjoyed my few extra days with him.

This morning I got up at the crack of dawn. (5:30am) and got myself and Spanky ready for the puppy truck. I fed him breakfast and remembered that I have been meaning to get a picture of him waiting for his food because when he has to wait he sucks his lips into his mouth and it is really funny looking. This morning he only sucked in one side but I got a picture anyway. So here he is sucking in his lip. :)
Then my leader picked me up at 6:30am and we were off to the puppy truck. We got there around 8am. We were the first ones there and the puppy truck drivers were nowhere in sight so we took a couple pictures while we waited. It was quite rainy and windy but they turned out okay anyway.
The drivers came out about five or ten minutes later and took me onto the truck and showed me all of the new fun stuff on the truck like the extended kennels (they said they are three inches taller and wider than the old ones so more room for the adult dogs. There is more storage space and everything it really is quite nice. Me talking to one of the drivers, Lee. You can see a couple pups behind me the one on the top is Adeline. She was the first one I saw when i got on and it just made me smile that I could meet the Adeline after my Adeline. She is a cutie! and the one on the bottom is Alonzo.
I also saw Spankys brothers Shakespeare and Salvador on there and asked if I could take a couple pictures of them then Lee offered to take them out of the kennel so I could get a few pictures. That made me so happy so here is Spanky, Shakespeare and Salvador with truck drivers Joe and Lee. I was so happy that they would do that for me.
The boys reunite, Spanky, Salvador (facing Spanky) and Shakespeare (facing away) I was surprised how similar they look to each other. Especially Shakespeare and Spanky.
Here is another picture of Shakespeare. This was taken by Emily while they were still in Colorado. THANKS EMILY!! He is a lot bigger than Spanky though, and so handsome.
Then it was time. I had stalled long enough and Spanky had to get on the truck. Here we go ready to board.
Spanky didn't make it any easier by freaking out in the truck and putting on the breaks halfway down the isle. Lee managed to get him in a kennel and then I had to say goodbye. I gave him a big kiss on the nose and told him that I love him and to be a good boy with his new family. I was able to contain my tears until I started walking away and luckily it was raining so that camouflaged them a little. :)

It felt so anti-climactic walking off the truck, there was no anxiety of a potential graduation, no excitement about seeing his name on the phase reports, nothing, just an empty feeling. No matter how many times you do it, it never gets any easier. It is so heartbreaking knowing that this could possibly be the last time I ever see my boy. Bye Spanks, I love you so much and I will miss you. Be a good boy and I know that GDB will take good care of you and find the the perfect family where you will be spoiled and loved forever.

I was wrong it wasn't so bad after all

Well, last night while I was finishing packing stuff up I gave Spanky a peanut butter kong. Which he loved and devoured as you can see. I love this picture it is pretty funny.
So I woke up this morning and did my finishing touches gave Spanky lots of kisses packed up his "Fun Things About my Puppy" including a few pictures. I did say that I had about a million pictures of Spanky that I was going to hold ransom until they contact me. (Whoever his new family is. lol, I am so mean) I went in the front yard and played fetch with him one last time which he loved and ran himself to exhaustion. We played until my leader showed up to take me and Spanky to Salt Lake to get on the truck. (My leader was going up anyway, she wanted to see the new puppy truck so I just bummed a ride off of her) Here is Spanky in the car on the way up. He had no idea what was going to happen.
We get to the puppy truck and it is NICE. I love it. The picture on it is absolutely adorable too. I'll bet it took a LONG time to get all those pups to stay still like that. :)
They handed out seven puppies. This part really did make me sad but those puppies are so darned CUTE! Lets see if I can remember the pups there was Saunders MYL, Nell FBL, Thurston MBL, Saranac MYL, Sakari MYL, Teesha FYL, and Millicent FBL, whew I did it. They were all so small and cute. Below is a picture of Thurston I got to pet him for a bit and he has the cutest little wrinkly face I love it. The pic is not very good, he didn't hold still for long.
Then it was time to load the returning dogs on the truck. Lee came over and asked my puppy name I said Spanky and he said "Oh, yes, he is returning today." Then he told me that it would be okay if I wanted to bring him back on Saturday night or Sunday morning. My eyes welled up and I said no, it is okay, he can go. So Lee went back on the truck to get Spankys sign in paper. Then my leader leaned over and asked me why I didn't bring him back Sunday. I couldn't give a great answer just said something like because it was so hard to get work off and if I don't it won't be worth it. "Worth it" how silly am I. Anyway then she offered to drive me and Spanky back up on Sunday herself. How could I refuse. So then Lee came off the truck with Spankys card and I said, "I think I will bring him back on Sunday." So Lee gave me all the info about the Sunday drop off and directions and everything. I really love my leader, that was so nice of her to offer. I totally would have regretted it and come Saturday/Sunday I would have been freaking out knowing that my boy was in Utah and I couldn't see him. So Spanky is still here with me and I am so happy (and I think he is too) So here is me and Spanky right before the truck took off. I guess it was a good day at the puppy truck after all. (Thanks for all the good thoughts and offers of your puppies, I really appreciate it) So I will have Spanky until Sunday and then i won't be puppyless for TOO long. :) I just have to say again MY LEADER ROCKS!!
The look on my moms face when I walked in the house with Spanky was priceless. Her eyes bugged out of her head and she nearly fell on the floor. After a little explaining she understood.

Later today was our Halloween meeting. I was kinda sad I didn't have "F" because I had cute matching costumes for me and him but it was still fun. All the pups dressed up and we did a puppy parade around the mall.

This is Forbes the witch.

Safari the Vampire.

Sparky (Sterlings brother) with a cute jester collar on.

Myra the pretty princess

Dax was there too but I never got a chance to get a picture of him. He didn't dress up but he is still cute as a button. :)

ALSO,
I got a little tid bit of news on "F"
It is very tentative information and who knows what could happen between now and then but in an effort to tell you what I know here it is:
GDB has scheduled for "F" and his brother (who also got sick and didn't make the truck) to fly to Utah on Tuesday (November 4th) and arrive here around 3:45 to the Salt Lake Airport.
Here is what my CFR had to say about it:

"This is VERY early info, no real plan can be made until Monday when we see how the pups are and if they are well enough to go."

So everyone say prayers and cross fingers, toes, and paws that my puppy is better by Monday and can be flown out on Tuesday. It is pretty good timing because I get off work at 3pm and can make it to the airport by 4-4:15pm ish. I will be crossing everything until I can get more info.