Introducing....FLD Dutch!

Andy and I couldn't wait to get back to the north woods. Coming home, even after a fun-filled trip with family, is like a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven. By the enthusiastic leap into the van when we picked up Gypsy and Gus from my sister's, I think they felt the same way. (Thank you girls, for watching them for us!)

For one of us though, coming "home" was a totally new experience.

Future Leader Dog Dutch!

FLD Dutch wasn't sure about his two new furry buddies--Gus, who bowled him over in greeting, and Gypsy, who snarled at us as much as to the little guy. Not another one!

Before we passed Flint on I-75 N, Dutch was fast asleep, cuddled in my arms. The ride home on pick-up day is the only time I indulge; soon enough he'll learn to curl up at my feet on the passenger floorboard.

Dutch is the fifth puppy I am raising for Leader Dogs for the Blind, but my first Golder Retriever. He is eight weeks old today and weighs in at a hefty 12.8 lbs!

Dutch's first puppy-breath kiss!

So far, FLD Dutch seems to be a content and confident puppy. His breeding host family and LD volunteers have done a tremendous job helping him to realize that "SIT" gets you just about anything--pets, praise, treats, and sometimes dinner!

Gusto-Gus learns "gentle" with our new boarder, and is proving to be very generous. Here he is with a toy he brought for Dutch; when we went outside to "park" and check the furnace, Gus carried a log out of the woodshed and dropped it near him. Nice, Gus, but we don't need another dog emptying the woodshed!

Gypsy, on the other hand, created a different reaction from Dutch. When he approached her as she played with a toy, she gave a deep-throated growl. He hightailed it into his little crate. Smart puppy!

It doesn't take much to tire out a young pup. Dutch shows his preference for the soft-life.

We're in for a fun ride!