#39 - The Last One

Nothing like going out with a bang!  #39 is a great dog!  He is a lab/golden cross which makes him especially cute and affectionate.  Like most every dog we've had, he's well mannered.   We are in love with him, as we've been with all 39 of them.  He is pre-matched with a visually impaired person so he will be leaving us to go to class just a few days before we move.  I'm glad we get to keep him until then.  A dog makes our apartment seem like home!

He does have some endearing quirks, like the way he hold his bone!

It might be hard to tell but he is actually 'holding' his bone in the air!  Why?  We have no idea and we had no idea he could do this at all!

 Tonight he's been sleeping for 30 minutes using the leg of my desk chair as a 'not so soft' pillow.

 This is his favorite position for relaxing....froggy stretch!

On the long list of things we will miss about Portland, Guide Dogs for the Blind is near the top.  I'm so grateful that we got to be so involved with such a wonderful organization staffed by truly kind, caring and fun people and that we've been able to make so many good friends - the 4 legged and the 2 legged kind!

Puppy Fun Day 2018

One of the funniest days of the year for Guide Dogs for the Blind volunteers and staff is Puppy Fun Day when we honor the selfless puppy raisers.  These devoted people love and train a cute little puppy knowing that he will eventually leave them to be trained to be a guide dog.  This day is all about them.

Last year 1000 puppies were born at Guide Dogs for the Blind's campus in California.  Of those puppies, 300 went all the way through their training to become guides.  50 more were selected for the breeding pool.  The rest were career changed to become therapy dogs or search and rescue dogs or service dogs or autism dogs....or really wonderful pets.

They say it takes about 251 volunteers to raise one Guide Dog!  I'm glad I get to be one of them.

Each year has a theme and this year it was "SPACE ROVERS"

The vet clinic where I volunteer each Wednesday morning was "Sick Bay 3018" featuring lots of Vulcan doctors and various aliens!

Darth and Yoda were the welcoming committee to the pedigree area where puppy raisers could get information on their dog's blood line.  

I talked to one raiser who had raised 15 puppies.  Some of her puppies were the grandchildren of others that she has raised.  There is an entire department devoted to the breeding program.

A fun new attraction this year was the chance to make pawprint art! The puppies just looked at the volunteers like, "Humans are so weird!"  But they are cooperative and didn't seem to mind too much.

George and I manned the "Poo Toss" game.  Participants could throw bags of 'poo' into buckets for a prize or into the monster mouth for a 'grand prize.'  And less you worry, no real 'poo' was involved! One funny thing was when I was talking to a mom and her 8 year old son and mentioned that my wig was itchy.  The little boy said, "That's a wig????"   I so badly wanted to tell him that it was my natural color!

Finally #38

Somehow I skipped making a post about Guide Dog #37.  We only had him for a week.  He was an active guide being boarded but who preferred being in a home, as they all do!  It was way back in December when we had #37 so #38 was a welcome addition to our family.  He is 'pre-matched' which means that he has completed his training and they know the visually impaired person he will guide.  In July, I will take him back to the Guide Dog Campus where he will spend a week brushing up on his guiding skill before meeting his 'forever person'.  Then they will spend 2 weeks on campus learning to function as a team.

The first night he was here I discovered that he was fascinated by a commercial on TV that featured many different breeds of dog.  I was watching a show and petting his head when the commercial started and suddenly dogs appeared on screen.  It immediately caught and kept his attention. My neighbor told me that her dog also loves that particular commercial...and any dog food commercial.  Funny dogs!

We've only had him for 24 hours but so far we agree with the sentiments expressed in this cartoon.
#38 is definitely a 'Good Boy'!

#36 Graduates and Hello to #37

#36 graduated on Sunday and went home with the young man he will guide for the next 8 - 10 years.  Doesn't he look smart in his new harness? 

This sweet, social dog will love going to college with his new grad.  Don't you know that he will be the enter of attention in every class.....and a great chick magnet!  The woman with the papers in her hand was the lead trainer for the class that just finished their training.  The other two are his excellent puppy raisers.    They deserve a lot of credit for raising a dog so prepared to learn.  #36 had impeccable manners!  

Well almost impeccable manners, he was wildly excited to see us again!  We sure love this boy and are so proud of the little part we played in getting him ready to be a life changing addition to a very nice man's life. 

And here is #37....only here in our home for an hour but already settling in.   Can anyone think of a better volunteer job?  I can't! 

Veterans Day and Guide Dog #36

A Veterans Day post about Guide Dogs for the Blind.  In 2017 we have celebrated the 75th anniversary of this wonderful organization.  I feel blessed to be a volunteer.  Right now a sweet yellow lab is sleeping soundly at my side.  He is completely trained and is just waiting to start class with his visually impaired new friend.  We get to enjoy him for this week here in our home before he starts his life of service.

When Guide Dogs for the Blind was created in 1942, our founders hoped in part to aid servicemen and servicewomen returning from World War II who were blind or had low vision. One of those helped was Sgt. Leonard Foulk, the very first veteran to graduate from our program. 

Sgt. Foulk was paired with Blondie, a German shepherd, and it was their success as a guide dog team that paved the way for many more veteran teams in the years to come. Guide Dogs for the Blind continues to proudly serve members of the military today. 

On this Veterans Day, we honor men and women like Sgt. Foulk who risk — and sometimes sacrifice — their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their dedication and their service in support of our freedom. 

#35 is a Cuddler

Foster Guide Dog #35 is an affectionate snuggler !  Sometimes when we foster 'working guide dogs' who are bonded with their visually impaired partner, they are not too crazy about us.  Their attitude is, "I appreciate your care and I like you fine BUT YOU ARE NOT MY PERSON."  Not so with #35! He has adored us from the very first day we brought him home. When I come home after leaving him for a short time he dances around with total joy.  If I dare to shut the bathroom door during the day when no one else is home, he'll stand outside and cry.  And he thinks my floor exercises are the perfect time to shower me with kisses.

 I'm not the only member of the family he feels this way about.  He adores George too and relishes the time spent in George's presence.  Belly rubs, back rubs, head rubs....he likes it all. 
On Wednesday we take him back to campus.  If he has to go to another foster home I don't think he'll mind.  This sweet boy seems to love everyone.  George and I will miss him!

More Photos

Here are 6 more photos illustrating that being a Guide Dogs for the Blind photographer would be a dream job!

     

These are big posters that brighten up our Oregon campus!  What could be cuter than a puppy!   

Another Dream Job

I have said before that my dream job would be official photographer for FC Barcelona.  What could be better than having a super cool camera with a massive lens, traveling and hanging out with the team, and seeing  all the games?  If only I spoke Spanish and Catalan! I've just decided what my 2nd dream job would be - Photographer for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Where do I apply?  I am pretty fluent in 'dog'! How cute are these little models!!! 

Plus the signs give some good advice, not only for driving on the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus, but for life in general. 

Puppy Fun Days

On Saturday we had lots of fun at Guide Dogs for the Blind's annual 'Puppy Fun Days'.  This annual event is to honor the puppy raisers, those selfless individuals who get a tiny little 8 week old puppy, spend the next year teaching that little one good manners and basic obedience and then just when they have a well mannered dog, that dog is returned  to campus to begin formal guide dog training.  What amazes me is that some people do it time and time again!  There are some raisers who have gone through this with 20+ dogs!

The theme this year was "Under The Big Top".  In addition to celebrating the puppy raisers we celebrated the 75th year of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The vet clinic staff were suitably attired for the circus! Clowns, a snake charmer, tight rope walker, strong man, lion tamer and even a bearded lady!

George is a good sport and got lots of compliments on his muscles. 

I know that dressing up is not his idea of fun so I appreciate his willingness!  He is contemplating wearing the 'muscle shirt' to work next week!  The staff would be impressed with his muscles. 

I found a lion to tame! 

Scott drove out to campus for what really puts the 'fun' in 'fun days'....all the adorable puppies! 

Falling for #33 and Meeting #34

Foster Guide Dog #33 was recovering from some health concerns at our home, just waiting to go back into training.  Unfortunately for me, his interest in other dogs was a bit obsessive.  A quick, strong lunge to make friends with a passing dog resulted in my ever so dramatic flight through the air and a not particularly graceful landing on my nose and knee. My walking companions were horrified at all the blood.  I was just thankful that I didn't break my wrist or nose or land totally on my head.  My neighbor had a similar experience with her dog that resulted in what they call a FOOA break - falling on outstretched arm.  She had to have surgery.  I decided to not complain too much about my swollen nose and wounded pride! 

I left #33 at Guide Dogs on Wednesday so he can continue his training but I picked up #34.  This handsome fellow (the one on the ground, not the one in the blue shirt!!!!)  is a working guide dog who is being boarded at the campus but wasn't enjoying life in the kennel.  While excellent care is taken of these dogs, there is no place like a home!  Even a foster home!!!  We'll have him for a couple of weeks.  George and I feel so lucky to have so many furry friends in our lives. 

Goodbye to #31 and #32!

Last week I took foster guide dog #31 back to Guide Dogs and she was adopted by a family with children and a 10 year old yellow lab!  I think she is going to be living the sweet life!

I went home that very day with #32, kept her for a week and then took her back.  She didn't look too happy to be left but later that same day she went to another foster home, one they call a 'working' home. 

 Every day the trainers will pick her up in the Guide Dogs for the Blind 'school bus' and she will continue her training.  Hopefully she will succeed as a guide for a visually impaired person.  George and I are so lucky to have all these great dogs to love!

Foster Guide Dog #31

Nothing like a nap under a heated towel after you get back from a 4 mile walk in the pouring rain.
Yes our foster dogs get spoiled! 

#29 - Dog Who Shall Remain Nameless

Guide Dogs has asked that we not publish names and photos of our foster dogs so this puppy will just be #29!  A real cutie but a slightly naughty one.  We'll only have the dog here until Tuesday morning but I already am in love.

HOWEVER - this is what I saw when I came out of the shower this morning.  Somehow the duvet had managed to 'fall off the bed' and explode!

Reminded me of this dog meme!  Our mess wasn't quite as bad but I'd still say at our house it is Dog 1 - Duvet 0!

Gratitude #2 - Best Volunteer Job in the World

I have done a lot of blog posts about volunteering at Guide Dogs for the Blind.  It is an absolutely perfect place for me to spend my time.  I have learned tons while helping in the vet clinic.  My longing for a 4-legged friend is satisfied by walking dogs each week and fostering 28 dogs over the last 5 years. 

This morning I spent 2 hours in the vet clinic.  I cleaned the instruments they had just used for a surgery and got them ready to be wrapped and sterilized.  Then I got to snuggle with a little sweetheart who had just been spay.  Normally I read but today I was sleepy so decided why not take a little nap myself!  The floor is heated.  This little doggy just wanted me to be there and keep my arm around her! She whined every time I moved my arm so it was a great opportunity to relax! As I always say, "It's a rough job but someone has to do it."

#28 - Liv- Practiclly Perfect

Foster Guide Dog #28 is practically perfect in every way!  She has impeccable house manners.  When friends came over for dinner on Sunday night she was politely friendly.  I've heard her make two noises. 

On Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. when we were enjoying a rare morning sleeping in, I heard her make one soft little whine while stretching out to lick my foot.   I think she was saying, "8:00 is late enough.  Please I need to go out and I REALLY need my breakfast."

While on our morning walk, she growled at a dog.  Not good behavior for a guide dog...but not too problematic when you see that this is the dog she growled at!

 Liv quickly discovered that he was no threat at all! Our little Livvy Lou is going to be a great guide dog and make someone very happy!  Glad we have had her in our home for a short while!

#27 Puebla

Foster Guide Dog #27 is a young cutie named Puebla.  She was career changed while still in the puppy raising program so she is only 15 months old....a puppy really!

Her medical problems make her a bit quirky but she is a much loved temporary addition to our family.   We call her our 'special needs dog' and are showering her with love! I'm happy to report that the longer she stays with us the more 'normal' she appears. Someone is going to be lucky to adopt her!

Another Graduate!

One of our favorite foster guide dogs, Todd, graduated on Saturday.

 

He's on his way to Twin Falls, Idaho.  We both love him so much.  In fact, George once said that if  Todd didn't make it as a guide then we should adopt him. He would have been a perfect pet but we are both happy that he was successful with his training and that he'll spend his life giving this very nice woman independence! Way to go Todd!