In For Training and A New Start for Puppy Central

Today is a culminating day for puppy raisers.  It is one of the days they call IFT, which stands for In For Training.  That means that certain puppy raisers got a letter about a month, month and half ago that told them to prepare to bring the puppy they had been raising for the last 12-15 months, back to Southeastern Guide Dogs so that they could begin their final phase of their journey to becoming a guide dog: Guide Dog University.  

Now they would be matched with a certified trainer and begin formal harness training.  They would be taken out into the field and trained, tested and trained and tested again and again.  But first, the puppy raiser has to give his or her puppy up.  After all, it's in the job description.  It's what we do.

Stephanie has been raising Coastie for a little over 15 months.  The City of Clearwater sponsored Coastie and Stephanie and the handsome yellow boy have been fixtures at City events over the last year.  They even had a farewell party for him this week to wish him luck in his studies at Guide Dog U. 

Photo of puppy raiser Stephanie and Coastie.  Photo by Southeastern Guide Dogs.  To see more about this event go to the album Guide Dog University.

Stephanie is also taking on a new role with our group.  While she has been an excellent puppy raiser, as the amazing Coastie is living proof, her next role with Southeastern will be as Area Coordinator for our Central Pinellas group, since our group split in two as of June 1st.

Photo of the Central's Area Coordinator Stephanie saying goodbye one last time to Coastie.  Photo by Southeastern Guide Dogs.  To see more about this event go to the album Guide Dog University.

Just as we know that Coastie will be giving it his all as a guide dog in training at Guide Dog U and making us all proud, we also know that Stephanie will be an amazing AC.  As hard as it is to send your puppy back, Stephanie, know that we are all there for you, wishing you the best and here to help you on your new journey.

Guide Dog U for June 2012

Post by Karen Hamilton

Here are a few pictures from the IFT day and a few recent professional pictures that we will cherish.  

Photo of Bob, Justice (a yellow lab female) and Karen all lying down.

Photo of Justice sitting and looking up at the camera.

Our day started off with Justice knowing something was up.  She didn't eat her food that morning and that was highly unusual.  As with most labs, it is eaten in about 30 seconds. Bob thinks it was because she could sense my anxiety.  This was our first Guide Dog U and WOW.....what an experience.  Far different from the days when you dropped your puppy off at the office, had to beg to puppy hug, and cried the entire way back across the Sunshine Bridge.  I was restrained and didn't cry the entire trip to school until we turned in to the parking lot and saw the row of puppy pictures and names.......that's when I lost it and the first wave of tears starting coming out.  When we went to take a picture in front of the Guide Dog U Freshman Orientation sign, I saw a carbon copy of Justice.  

Bob and Karen kneeling by Justice's Guide Dog U sign with Justice sitting in the middle.

I asked the raisers if she donated to the school and what was her date of birth and quickly confirmed it was Justice's sister AJ.  We found out that AJ's photo is on the Southeastern Guide Dog's  puppy raiser website as well as many brochures, and the flags at the school also feature AJ's picture.  When I first saw the puppy's picture I thought "wow that looks like Justice" and now I know why.  

Justice and AJ (a yellow lab) sitting by AJ's Guide Dog U sign.

The second wave of tears started when they were calling the puppies up one by one and handing them off to the trainers.  A total of 26 puppies were turned in that day and I think I shed tears for every one.  There was one particular golden retriever named Sarge, that really got me going. All of the other puppies trotted off happily but Sarge didn't want to go. He wasn't cooperating with the collar switch and turned around and anxiously looked for his people several times on the way back to the kennel.  

Bob and Karen with AJ's puppy raisers.

 

After this we went to puppy hugging in two groups.  Our group had five playful black lab puppies who put the smile back on all of our faces.  

Photo of some of the children from the puppy raiser families with some black lab puppies.

We were then taken to the kennels but were behind schedule so we received the condensed version without a tour.  Then we were presented with the presidential award by Titus, Karen Mersereau gave us the scoop on what happens to our pups from the time we turn them in to the time they are matched.  This talk was very informative and took a lot of the mystery out of what happens with your puppy after they are turned in.  Then, the most touching part of the day was when a guide dog user (and I am terrible at names but I think it is Susan Willoughby - she was the kennel manager but has another job at school) told us how her dog Carson changed her life.  She also told us about a technique used in the veterans assistance program for PTSD anxiety attacks.  We teach our dogs not to jump on anyone but these dogs are taught to give "hugs" during an attack.  She also spoke about how a recent graduate was on 11 different medications and lived apart from his family, but since getting his dog, is no longer taking medication and lives back with his family.  I needed about 100 tissues by the time she was done speaking.  

 
Prior to the ceremony I was selfishly hoping Justice would be a breeder and we could get her back.   After the ceremony I was hoping she could make a difference in someone's life and her story could be told to a future group at Guide Dog U Freshman Orientation.

Photo of Justice lying down, paws crossed in front and smiling for the camera.

North Pinellas IFT and Some New Puppies

From Carolyn:

This past week we had three first time puppy raisers experience their first IFT day.  The Ciletti family dropped off Cherry for her next step.  

Black lab Cherry knows something is up as she looks back at Dianna from the front seat.

Dianna and Cherry at Cherry's Guide Dog U sign. 

Vince on a blind walk with a trainer and guide dog.

Susan and Brian Blair's time with Essie came to an  end. 

Brian and black lab Essie by their Guide Dog U sign.  Brian is wearing his sunglasses for a reason.

And finally Tanner and Tim Brown said their farewells to Nigel.  

Nigel, by his sign, looking as regal as a yellow lab can.

Tanner and yellow lab Nigel.

This appeared to be a really large IFT day.  I heard all of  Miss Faye's 14 puppies were there along with 17 other pups.  Thirty-one dogs were called in for Freshman U this past weekend.  I sure hope the trainers got a good night's sleep on Friday. I got emails from each of the raisers and it seemed like the bittersweet day that most of us have experienced a time or two (or 8, 9, or 10 times) before.  And no, it doesn't get easier after the first one.  Like I've said before, each pup touches our life before it touches someone else's.  Remember friends, this is the day we long for from the minute their paws hit our front door.  We can only get them so far, then it becomes time for their next step.  These dogs are our special friend, but will be someone else's best friend.

On a lighter note, Susan & Brian came home with a pup on Saturday as well!!! No reason for Essie's bed to get cold.  They have a new black female (sound familiar Essie?) named Liz or Lizzy depending on her behavior!  And Stephanie Miller picked up Coastie late last week.  Coastie, remember, is being sponsored by the City of Clearwater after the "incident" at Coachman Park.  Rock on Stephanie for taking the extra step with the city.

Stephanie holding her adorable yellow lab Coastie.

I can't wait to meet each of these new pups very soon, and Brown & Ciletti family, if you want a new pup, just let me know and I'll see what bundle of fur the school has for you!

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Upcoming dates:

April 26th MONTHLY THURSDAY MEETING, this is at the Lapham's horse stable.  

• 6:45 to busy pups, meeting at 7:00. 

• http://thesoaringeagle.com/

• 11612 Innfields Drive

• Odessa, Florida 33556

• *** WEAR TENNIS SHOES AND LONG PANTS *** 

 April 27th, HUDSON, the 20th annual Southeastern Guide Dogs Golf Tournament at Beacon Woods Country Club.We need pups there throughout the day. 

May 5, 2012 Symphony Under the Stars:  This will serve as our MONTHLY SATURDAY MEETING.  Thanks Michele R. for setting us up with tickets for this.  If you have not already RSVP'd, please send her an email with the number of tickets you need:  michele_reese(at)verizon(dot)net. We will be tailgating early, if you'd like to join us.  More info to come on that!

May 11th, 2012: Walk-a-thon at Largo Day School (I think the time is 10-1, but I will get confirmation asap)  Vonn Rd, Largo.MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR JUNE DATE CHANGE.

WEDNESDAY June 20th will be our monthly meeting date at the Threshers Stadium in Clearwater.  This will be in lieu of the meeting June 28th.