Introducing: JESS, Guest Blogger!

Fellow blogger Jess and I might have unknowingly passed each other in the halls of the Polk Residence at Leader Dogs for the Blind last April.  I was visiting with LD Mike's new handler, Eric (see my post from April 20, "REACTIONS") while Jess and her 2nd Leader Dog, Glacier, were attending a "12-day retraining excursion" (to quote Jess).

Jess and I met in the virtual world of Internet blogging!  (Catch up on Jess's blog:  At a Glacial Pace.)  As time progresses, both of us are amazed at how small our world is--one of the members of our UP Puppy Group (Frank) works with Jess's uncle in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.  And FLD Gus is LD Glacier's half-brother!  (They share the same father, Sy.)

When Jess commented on my "HELP WANTED" post last week, I asked her to write a "guest" blog for me.  I thought that perhaps her story, in HER voice, would inspire readers to consider raising a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind.  Jim Platzer's talk last year at Puppy Days did just that to me; well, he inspired me to KEEP raising puppies!  (See my post from August 5, 2010.)

'Nuff said from me.  Get out your handerchiefs....

.......heeeeeerrrrreeee's JESS!

There are two people in this world who will probably never realize just how much they have impacted my life. They are both strangers and I have never even talked to them in person or over the phone. They live far away from me and our paths have never and probably will never cross. Their influence has touched my life so intimately and I don't even know what their voices sound like, what they look like, where they live, their hobbies, their likes or dislikes, their interests.

And yet, a part of me is closely linked to them. These two people have changed my life forever and they will never know just how truly grateful I am to them.

"Because she's stubborn and always hungry-just like you."

This is what my first Leader Dogs for the Blind trainer told me when I asked him why he had matched me with a 53 pound, Black Labrador named Jetta. He wasn't kidding when he said she was stubborn, but it was this hard headedness, her confidence and zest for life that bonded us in such a way that words cannot describe.

She was my companion, friend, eyes and safety net for six wonderful and action packed years. She guided me around the world-literally-and made being a blind, independent person much easier. I was never good at staying in one place and Jetta made my dreams more of a reality. She accompanied me to swimming training camps and competitions all over Canada and the United States and in Belgium and Greece; just to name a few places.

She never ceased to amaze me.

Once we were in an airport and she guided me back to my suitcase when I exited a bathroom. If my bag was moved in the change room, nine times out of ten Jetta could take me to it. We went to the Grand Canyon together; clamored through ancient Greek ruins; went whale watching in Vancouver British Columbia; and she pulled me out of the way of a semi-truck that almost ran us over on my university campus.

It was through my experiences with Jetta I learned that life must be lived and it is  much easier with a four legged set of eyes jauntily trotting by your side.

When Jetta retired herself in August of 2008, I spent a month without a guide dog.  It was a strange feeling and I recall refusing to attend some outings because I was not comfortable traveling without a guide dog. 

I always knew, from the first time I picked up the harness handle, that I would not go back to using a White Cane. Guide dog travel was more of my style, but it was this time that I spent guide dogless that I realized just how much of an impact little Jetta had had on my life.

On September 24th of 2008 the next life altering being came bounding into my room at Leader Dogs for the Blind and planted his gigantic paws on my chest. He covered my face in kisses and danced in tight circles about my knees.

His name was Glacier and he was a 75 pound, Yellow Labrador who thought the world was his chew toy. He also thought putting his harness on and taking me places was even better than pulling toilet paper off the roll in my room.

Glacier was and still is a huge contrast to little Miss Jetta. Jetta was/is reserved and had an independent streak, whereas, Glacier is a big goof who just wants to please you. He's fit perfectly into my life and although we've run into a few hiccups along the road, our bond as a working team is stronger than ever.

In fact, it is with this big Yellow Fellow at my side, I have the confidence and courage to move from my comfortable home in the United States to Scotland where I don't know any of the laws, streets or customs. We are moving to the bustling city of Edinburgh and there is no doubt in my mind that if Glacier and I weren't a strong working team, I would not be embarking on such a huge adventure.

Both of these dogs have come into my life and changed it for the better. They have taught me about loyalty, love and commitment.

Jetta didn't leave me standing alone in the parking lot with the semi-truck backing up at me: she dragged me into the lawn and planted her paws, refusing to move until the truck had stopped. She didn't say,"too bad for you. I'm saving my own furry behind."

Glacier never lets me go out the front door without him. He insists on thrusting his head into his harness with vigor and this small act lets me know that I do not have to travel, physically and metaphorically, alone.

And even though these two have impacted my life so much, I know their faces, voices, interests, likes and dislikes. I know where they live and their hobbies.  I am grateful for both Glacier and Jetta, but there are two other people who have made our relationships possible.

It is to these two people I say thank you. It is to these two people that I know I could never explain just what they have done for me.

When these two people made the decision to raise a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind, I really don't think they knew just exactly what they were providing.

They couldn't have known that their dogs would be world travelers. There is no way they would know that their puppies would grow up and pull a person out of the way of oncoming traffic.

They couldn't have known the magnitude of the gift they had given by dedicating a year of their lives to raising a little fluff ball into a full fledged working dog. They couldn't have known all that.

I don't know if they even know it now, but if they don't, I want them to know that my life is better because of their efforts. I am safe because they decided to raise a puppy and give it back to Leader Dogs for the Blind. They have given me the greatest gift of all, independence, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Even when Glacier retires and I get a new working dog, I will never forget what his puppy raiser did for me. I don't forget Jetta or her puppy raisers.

I know taking on a puppy and raising it to be a future Leader dog can be intimidating. I know the thought of having to give it back is excruciating. I can understand the hesitation people may feel when considering taking on such a large responsibility, but please know that if you do decide to do this incredible thing that there are not words to express the gratitude that the future handler will feel.

Without puppy raisers there aren't potential guide dogs, without potential guide dogs there aren't guide dogs and without guide dogs there isn't independence, confidence and quality of life for those of us who choose to work with guide dogs.

Thank you, Jess, for a wonderful post!  I hope that someone, somewhere will read this and decide to take on the "incredible" challenge of raising a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind.  At the very least, your words inspire those of us already raising a special puppy.

If you are inspired by Jess to consider raising a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind, please apply HERE, or call  888-777-5332 for more information.

 

Living the DIFFERENCE

The topic for the 4th Assistance Dog Blog Carnival (ADBC), hosted by Kali on her blog Brilliant Mind Broken Body is THE DIFFERENCE.

At first, I was tempted to just include posts I wrote in the past about the differences between the three puppies I've raised for Leader Dogs for the Blind.  (Here are links to them, if you are interested.  FLD Mike vs Rosie, Three Puppy Rookie, and Puppies Three/Pictures.)  Comparing puppies is inevitable, and there are ALWAYS differences.

Nope.  I wanted to focus on something "different."

So I considered submitting a post I wrote last November about how exercise can calm a crazy, energized puppy.  (Again, if you are interested, here is a link:  What a Difference a Walk Makes!)

But I keep coming back to the differences I am living as a result of our move from the city to the country.  Many of these differences are obvious.

NOISE

• City =  LOUD, CONSTANT BACKGROUND NOISE that I really didn't notice until after we moved away and came back for a visit.

• Country = So quiet I can hear a chipmunk rustle in the leaves beneath my window and the mournful cry of a loon in the distance.

TRAFFIC

• City = CONSTANT RUMBLE, EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT and BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

• Country = Last week I heard my sister miss the turn to our road a half a mile away when she drove up with her girls for our family "camp out."

AMBIENT LIGHT

• City =  Even with room-darkening shades in our townhouse bedroom, the outside glowed a frame around the window.

• Country = Except when the moon is full, it doesn't matter if the shades are up or down at night, and I can see the entire Milky Way.

PACE OF LIFE

• City = It is a HUSTLE, BUSTLE, TEEMING dance with the rest of the population.

• Country = We'll get around to it.  Eventually.

Other differences are not so obvious, especially as it relates to things that my Future Leader Dog puppy must experience.

NOISE

Future Leader Dog puppies must be "sound."  They can startle at a sudden noise, but they need to be confident enough to quickly recover and stay on task.

• Taking my puppy for a walk in the city naturally exposes him to many sudden noises:  semi-trucks downshifting, police, ambulance, or fire engine sirens, beeping horns, barking dogs behind fences.

• On a walk down our country road we can hear one car approach from two hills away.  The sudden honk of a goose overhead, or the screech of an eagle may draw my puppy's attention, but he is seldom startled.

TRAFFIC

Future Leader Dog puppies must be comfortable working near heavy traffic and remain calm waiting at a crosswalk at a busy intersection.

• In the city, I could step out our front door with my puppy and encounter heavy traffic in any direction, for as long as we could walk.

• To expose my puppy to traffic here in the county, I must drive over 20 miles to a town with more than one traffic light.  And the nearest sidewalks are 7 miles away.

SOCIALIZATION

Future Leader Dog puppies must not be distracted by, or fearful of strangers.

• City streets are full of diversity, reflected by skin color, clothing styles, age, and attitudes.

• In the country, strangers are few, and perhaps not quite so diverse.

When we first moved to the country, I was anxious that FLD Gus would not get enough exposure to things like traffic and strangers.  A fellow puppy-raiser (who lives in northwest Michigan) reminded me that Gus needs ALL kinds of experiences, and that blind people live in rural areas, too.

Of course, she is right.

FLD Gus started his life in the city, and now is familiar with the country, too.  He has taken it all in stride.

Our next puppy's home base will be here, in the country, where things ARE different.  Knowing this, I will do what I can to assure that puppy #4 is just as well-rounded.

I think I am much less anxious.

Do you think my country environment might have something to do with it?

A recent sunset at our country home.

Guess What Came in the Mail Today!

Eric and LD Mike

Leader Dogs for the Blind sent me a nice thank-you letter with this photograph of LD Mike and his handler, Eric.  LD Mike is now working with Eric in Spain.

Way to go, Mike!  And congratulations Eric!

(To read more about Eric and LD Mike, check out my post from April 20, 2011:  Meeting LD Mike's New Handler.)

REACTIONS: Meeting LD Mike's New Handler

 

Today's post is my submission to Sharon Wachlser's quarterly ASSISTANCE DOG BLOG CARNIVAL, hosted this time on the blog "The Trouble Is..."  The topic for this third Carnival is:  REACTIONS.  To read my submission to the 2nd Carnival, read my post: "Decisions at Beary-Wood Lodge," and to the 1st, read my post: "My First Future Leader Dog Puppy."  When the third Assistance Dog Blog Carnival is up for reading, I will post the link so you can enjoy reading about REACTIONS from the various perspectives of Service Dog users, trainers, or other raisers.

Definition of REACTION 
-taken from the online dictionaries Merriam-Webster and The Learners Dictionary.

: a response to some treatment, situation, or stimulus

: the way someone acts or feels in response to something that happens, is said, etc.
: in chemistry: a chemical change that occurs when two or more substances combine to form a new substance


THE SITUATION

I did not hurry from Anne's, where I stopped to wish her a Happy Birthday and pick up Sofia; rather, I hesitated as long as I could.  I had less than one hour to drive seven miles to drop Gypsy and FLD Gus off at the townhouse, then drive 17 miles more across town to Leader Dogs for the Blind.

My opportunity to meet LD Mike's new handler, Eric, was scheduled for 6:30 pm.

And yet.

I delayed.

FLD Mike was a special puppy.  Loving, intelligent, easy-going.  Sofia, my quiet supporter, stayed my tears seven months ago when we returned FLD Mike to Leader Dogs.  (To read about Mike's return day, check out my post from September 10, 2010.)  My last view of him was his wagging tail as he bounced away at the left side of Mike, a Leader Dog employee, his blocky-Lab head turned up to the other Mike in a grin as if to say, "So, what's next?"

He never looked back.  At me.

I was hoping that Sofia would keep me grounded this day.  I wasn't sure of my reactions.  An unsuccessful match in February send LD Mike back to Leader Dogs in March and my emotions felt like they had been on a Mac Woods Dune ride--the thrill of dieseling up and over the crest of a colossal sand dune only to leave my stomach behind on the weightless descent left my mind scratchy with sand.  I wasn't eager to jump back aboard.


THE STIMULUS

• What would I feel when I saw this puppy that I had raised for almost a year?

It was important not to jeopardize the budding relationship between LD Mike and Eric, so I did not want the exuberant-body-twisting, tongue-lapping-Lab greeting like Rosie gave me last year when she was career-changed.  But I cannot lie--I hoped he would at least recognize me.

• How would Eric accept me; what questions would he have of me?

Eric hailed from Barcelona, Spain and could not speak English.  We would have a translator, but I wondered how we would fill our one-hour meeting.  Leader Dogs encourages puppy-raisers to give the handler photographs of our year with the puppy.  I assembled an album from digital pictures on my computer and hoped the Spanish titles translated correctly.  (Did you know that Microsoft Word has a translation function?)  I also brought LD Mike a new dinosaur-shaped Nylabone.

• What could I say to Eric?

Again, I didn't want to do or say anything that would cause Eric to question his pairing with LD Mike.  I knew that if Leader Dogs was confident that LD Mike was right for Eric, then I must also be confident.


WHAT HAPPENED

A group of puppy-raisers and family members were gathered in the lobby of the Polk Residence at Leader Dogs, where the handlers stay during their 3 1/2 weeks of training.  Sofia and I were the last to arrive.  Bev, from Puppy-Development, gave last minute instructions before we were taken to meet the handlers, all of whom had agreed to meet the puppy-raisers of their newly matched Leader Dogs.

Eric and Mike, another Spanish handler with her yellow Lab Leader Dog, and two translators were staged in the piano-room lounge.  Sofia and I stood in the hallway waiting to be introduced.  "Look," she said, "there's Mike.  He's staring right at us!"

A dark-haired, handsome young man dressed in blue-jeans and an "arty" long-sleeved t-shirt sat on the edge of a black leather couch talking to a woman seated next to him.  A black Lab lay facing us at his feet, on leash, not in harness.

Eric and LD Mike.

The next few moments were a blur.  We were led in and Eric popped to his feet.  LD Mike sprang up next to him, and the woman, who turned out to be the interpreter, stepped forward and asked us our names.  Before I could answer, Eric reached out, I reached out in a mirror-image response, thinking we were going to shake hands.  His hand bumped my arm and suddenly, unexpectedly, LD Mike's leash was in my hand.  Eric took a step back.

Oh no!  I exclaimed.  Please, I said to the woman, Tell him I should not have his leash.  Mike is HIS dog.

The translator spoke to Eric in Spanish and quickly returned Mike's leash to him.  It was an awkward moment.  A flurry of "holas," "hellos," and chair procurement followed and then Sofia and I were seated next to a stiff-on-the-edge-of-the-couch Eric.  The translator sat on a straight-back chair across from us.  LD Mike was on all fours next to Eric, straining to get a sniff of the other Leader Dog who was sprawled out on the floor just beyond his nose.

"Mike, NO," Eric said (in English).  He  tapped his hand on his thigh and gave a little tug on Mike's leash.  Mike turned.

After about ten minutes of tentative questions and short replies between the triangle of Eric, the translator, and me, the prospect of another fifty-minutes seemed interminable.  I offered up the photo album.  Eric's face exploded with delight as the translator described, page by page, the pictures of puppy-Mike's growing up adventures.  I hope the titles are okay, I told her.  She smiled at me and said they were just fine.

I offered up the Nylabone.  Eric thanked me, opened the packaging right away, and LD Mike stole it out of his hands.  Eric laughed heartily when the translator told him how Mike set about chewing off the dinosaur's head.

Maybe it was the photo album (Eric never set it down).  Maybe it was the Nylabone.  Whatever it was, Eric slid back into the couch and began talking.  He talked and talked to the woman, who translated everything back to me.

I learned that Eric's 21st birthday is one day after Mike's birthday, and that there will be a gigantic party in Barcelona this September.  I learned that Mike was the oldest Leader Dog in this month's class, and Eric was the youngest student.  Mike is Eric's first Leader Dog and this was Eric's first time to the U.S.  Eric came here to Leader Dogs for the Blind instead of going to "ONCE" (the guide dog school in Spain) because it was only an 18 month wait instead of four years.  I told Eric that he was brave to come to the United States by himself to get his first guide dog.

Eric lives with his parents (they do not have a dog) and he has a sister; he attends a school that the translator said is like a Community College and studies Administration and Communication.  He also works two jobs--the translator struggled to explain, but said that one job is "like a waitress?" and the other is "massage?"  Eric laughed, saying "Si, si" when I told  him that he could relax Mike with a massage.  He also was amused with my story of FLD Mike snoring during a lecture in my Postmodern Literature class at Eastern Michigan University when he was just a few months old.

Eric knows that LD Mike did not match up with a previous person.  He thinks it might be because of how hard Mike pulls, but he (Eric) is strong, and is very excited, and happy, to have Mike as a partner.

Fifty minutes flew by.  My face hurt from smiling.


WHAT WAS SAID

Eric wanted to know if it was easy for me to train Mike.

YES.

He also wanted to know if I taught Mike to find things.  When Eric drops something, he has trouble finding it.  Mike has been finding whatever it is for him, placing his chin on the item until Eric can feel along him and locate it under Mike's chin.

No.

Eric leaned forward and talked with animation to the translator.

"Eric says that he asked Mike's trainer if she taught Mike to do this, but she said she did not.  She thought that perhaps you did."

No, I said, shaking my head.  I never taught him that.  Maybe Mike is just figuring out how to help you.  We all settled.  And smiled.  Could this be possible?  I, for one, would not be surprised.  At all.


REACTIONS

It seemed as if the match between LD Mike and Eric was meant to be.  Sofia thought that maybe Leader Dogs should consider matching by birthdays--"After all, remember that Rosie's birthday is the same day we moved into Mom's house."  (To read about how career-changed Rosie found Sofia, read my post from April 5, 2010.) 

I was pleased when Eric asked for my contact information.  When I asked if we could take a few pictures he jumped right up to get LD Mike situated.  Then he asked if I would send him copies.  YES!

Our "adios" and "good-byes" felt as awkward as our "holas" and "hellos," but for different reasons.  Eric thanked me for Mike and it was all I could do not to grab him (Eric, not Mike) and give him a huge hug!  I was surprised to feel a mother's instinct and pride.  Instead, I reached out, gave his shoulder a squeeze, thanked him for meeting with us, and wished him all the best with LD Mike. 


Strangers frequently say, "I could never do what you do, raise a puppy like that.  I would get too attached and could never give him up."  I struggle to reply, sometimes saying, It's not what I'm giving up, it's what I'm giving.  And besides, I can always get another puppy!  Or I say, It IS difficult, but you just do it and know he'll go on to help someone.

I will struggle with this answer no longer.

Without hesitation I can easily reply, If you saw the joy that a new Leader Dog brings to a person, YOU could do it too!

Sofia reaffirmed this when she said, "Anyone could see how HAPPY Eric was to have Mike!  I think they were meant to be together!"


CHEMICAL REACTION

The dog I saw with Eric was no longer MY puppy, FLD Mike.  At some point in our hour I asked Eric if we could pet Mike.  "Of course!"  Mike came to us, sniffed, and let us pet him, but, as Bev observed, it was like he was thinking, "Okay, hi, that's nice.  Now, where's that chew toy?"  LD Mike was a dog who graduated from a challenging training program, encountered a detour, backed up, resumed, and still decided to go on to lead an exceptional life. 

Leader Dogs for the Blind is the catalyst for the change occurring in LD Mike and Eric.  Like the definition of REACTION in chemistry, the guide dog and the human are combining to form a working team.

LD Mike found his person.  He is Eric's dog (eyes) now!

Eric and LD Mike, with me.

A happy Eric, LD Mike, me, and Sofia!

 

Tuesday's Training TIP: SETBACKS

Once again, my "Tuesday" TIP is late.  My excuses?  In spite of our move north, we are still living in two places--between the travel and settling in (and all the fun we have in our new digs) I am not doing very well keeping up with my writing.  But thanks for still reading!

DISAPPOINTING NEWS

Two weeks ago I received a phone call from Wayne, the handler that had been paired with LD Mike last month (see my post from February 14, 2011).  Wayne had been curiously quiet on his new blog, My Leader Dog Journal.  I wondered how he and LD Mike were doing in their journey to become a new team.

As soon as I answered the phone, I knew there was a problem.  Wayne told me that LD Mike was not performing correctly in traffic.

What do you mean? I asked.

"He almost got me killed!" Wayne exclaimed.  He related that LD Mike failed (at least twice) to refuse his FORWARD command when a car was present.  Luckily, Wayne was not hit, or even hurt.

Refusing a command to keep a handler safe is the "Intelligent Disobedience" that a Leader Dog must demonstrate in order to function as a guide dog. 

Wayne wanted me to know he called Leader Dogs for the Blind and that the trainer would be back out the next week to assess the situation.  In the meantime, Wayne was not to use LD Mike as a guide.

Wayne was devastated.  It can take up to two years for a team to "gel," but his partnership with LD Mike was progressing better than he could imagine.  He was learning to read Mike's signals, which, according to Wayne, were more subtle than those of his previous Leader Dog, Patriot. 

Often a handler with a new guide dog will encounter a glitch or two on their way to solidifying as a team.  Perhaps other dogs may distract the Leader Dog too much and a firm hand is necessary to bring him back on task.  Obedience work or extra attention from Leader Dogs for the Blind staff can frequently solve an issue like this.

Loss of handler confidence is not so easily restored.

The trainer from Leader Dogs for the Blind did, indeed, come back to Wayne's home to help work through this problem.  Unfortunately, Wayne could not regain confidence in LD Mike.  The decision was made to return Mike to Leader Dogs for the Blind.

HINTS TO DEAL WITH SETBACKS

The steps that Wayne took to deal with this problem are similar to some of the things I've done to deal with the disappointment of this unsuccessful pairing. 

CONSIDER THE ULTIMATE GOAL

First and foremost is the safety of the handler.  The handler MUST be able to trust their Leader Dog.  My role as puppy-raiser is to do my best to socialize, teach basic obedience and good behavior, and to love my Future Leader Dog puppy in the hope that one day he will go on to live the exceptional life as a guide dog.  But the dog cannot be forced--in the end HE decides to become a Leader Dog.  Or not. 

UTILIZE RESOURCES

Wayne absolutely did the right thing by calling Leader Dogs for the Blind for help.  (It was also nice of him to keep me informed.)  When I have questions about puppy-raising, I call on fellow-puppy-raisers, my puppy-counselor, and Leader Dog staff for assistance.  When I am worried about my puppy-in-training, all of these people give me support and encouragement.  None of us are in this alone.

DO WHAT IS BEST FOR ALL CONCERNED

Confidence lost may be impossible to regain.  For the handler in this case, the best thing is to remove the Leader Dog and work to find another suitable match.  The handler's stress is certain to negatively effect the dog's performance; the best thing for LD Mike is his return to Leader Dogs for evaluation, and if he is capable, more training.  If he is unable to perform, then career-change becomes the only option.

STAY THE COURSE

Both Wayne and I cannot let this setback cause us to lose our resolve.  I will carry on with raising FLD Gus (my third Future Leader Dog puppy), and trust that LD Mike will one day step up to the task of guiding a new handler, safely.  If he doesn't, I accept that becoming a Leader Dog wasn't meant for him. 

I hope that Wayne will reapply to Leader Dogs for the Blind to finally find his ideal match.

LD Mike is now back at Leader Dogs for the Blind.  He will get checked out by their vet and evaluated for suitability to be placed with another handler.  It might be days or weeks before I know anything more.

FLD Gus weighed in at 52 1/2 pounds last week at his puppy-class!  He is three pounds heavier than his brother, Raphael.  Big boy!

Puppy Update V

LD MIKE

Wayne, LD Mike's new handler, called me Tuesday night to let me know that their team training is progressing very well.  LD Mike accompanied Wayne to work all day Tuesday (Wayne is a substitute teacher).  Wayne was proud of how Mike ignored other dogs as they traveled his neighborhood.  Another big day was in store for them Wednesday--a train-ride into Chicago for an appointment.  I'm sure they have been very busy; today is the last day working with Mike-the-trainer from Leader Dogs for the Blind.  Way to go, Wayne and LD Mike!

FLD GUS

FLD Gus and I made it to puppy-class at Leader Dogs for the Blind Tuesday evening after missing the previous class two weeks prior due to the "Snowmageddon" storm.

"Forty-seven and a half pounds," Sandy said and turned to her clipboard to record Gus's number.  (My, he's getting big!  His brother, Raphael, weighed in at least a couple of pounds lighter.)

"I don't know why I can't find you on here," Sandy said, searching her list.  "I know you are in class."

By the way, I brought this chase-it toy to use as a distraction tonight, I said and held up what looks like a fishing pole that caught a stuffed animal.

"We won't use that for the 'Basic' class," Sandy replied.

Wait, I said, glancing around the room full of unfamiliar puppies and raisers.  Did I come to the wrong class?

Sandy flipped the sheet on her clipboard.  "There you are!  You are in the NEXT class!"

I felt like an idiot.  Leave it to me to get the class time wrong.  Six-thirty is the "Basics" class; SEVEN-THIRTY is our "Beyond Basics" class.  My niece, Sofia, came with me tonight and now she was going to have to hang out an extra hour with me.

"Well, let me record Gus's weight.  What was it?"  Sandy asked. 

Forty-seven and a half, I replied.   Can I just hang out until our class?

"Sure.  Observe or participate, whatever you'd like.  Or, maybe you can help us out with the class."

Sofia was a real trooper, sitting with FLD Gus while I lent a hand during the "Basics" class.  It was good training for Gus, having to settle with her and not be at my side.  As class wound down I sat down next to Sofia and Gus.

"I think he needs to 'park,'" Sofia told me.  "He didn't whine or move or anything when the puppies walked by before, but now he's whiny.  And a little stinky."  I smiled.  She is learning to "read" dog.  Here, I'll take him out.

A few minutes later and I was back inside with Sofia.  Yep, that's exactly what he needed to do!  Now she smiled.  I still feel stupid for getting the class time wrong, I said, leaning into her.

"I did something the other day that made me feel like an idiot," she whispered back.  "I had to play a solo on my horn and it was acting up and it only played about half the notes!"

Oh no, that's bad!  What happened?

"I don't know, but my teacher told me it was okay, sometimes that just happens."

What a sweetheart, sharing her story to make me feel better.

It worked!  Thanks, Sofia!

Sofia.

Thinking of LD Mike

(Happy Valentine's Day to all!)

 

FLD Gus wanders into the kitchen just as Andy and I sit  for dinner.  Gus.  Mat.  I command.  He stops in mid-step and stares at me.  I stare back and mentally start counting, One one thousand, two one thousand...  He backs up to his mat and sits.

Good mat, Mike,  I say, I mean, Gus.  He looks at me like he's thinking, "Why are you always calling me Mike?  My name is GUS.  G. U. S.  GUS.

Or maybe that's just what I'M thinking.  Mike has been on my mind lately.

LD Mike met his person, Wayne, Friday.  He has a new home (in Illinois), and a new job with Wayne.  Mike is a LEADER DOG now. 

Wayne called me Friday evening to let me know that Mike and he are bonding already, that Mike will have a loving home.  I have no doubt about that.  Mike is a special dog and Wayne's gracious "Thank you" on the phone brought tears to my eyes.  It's felt like Christmas all week, finding out that Mike was graduating and his new partner was eager to be in touch with Mike's raiser--me!

During the next week to ten days, Wayne and Mike with be training together with another Mike--a trainer from Leader Dogs for the Blind--to make sure they get off to a great start.  Wayne tells me that Wednesday will be a big day; a train ride and/or bus ride into Chicago.  I guess I was too excited to get the exact details.  Wayne started his own blog (My Leader Dog Journal) to keep LD Mike's story going, so perhaps he'll set me straight. 

Here are a few details I think I can get right...

Wayne told me he is a substitute teacher, so LD Mike will be going back to school.  Wayne, I never told you how good Mike was when I took him to class with me at Eastern Michigan University.  He would like down at my side and fall fast asleep.  Oh...his snoring during lectures did elicit snickers from my classmates, but luckily my professor was a good sport! 

Leni is Wayne's wife and together they are raising a lab/shepherd mix, six-month-old male puppy named Harley to donate to another guide dog school.  After Harley goes for formal training, Leni and Wayne would like to raise a puppy for Leader Dogs for the Blind.  What a wonderful gift for them to give, and a great experience!  And LD Mike has a buddy to show the ropes to and play with when he's not working.

Can a puppy-raiser ask for anything more?--A puppy raised and graduated, and able to be in contact with his handler.  Perfect closure, a long time coming. 

I thought that I was settling down with this news about LD Mike and Wayne.  I guess my name-slip today with FLD Gus indicates that Mike (and Wayne) is still on my mind.  (Can't wait for more posts on your blog, Wayne!)

Sorry Gus, I'll try to do better.

FLD GUS.  G. U. S.  GUS!

CONGRATULATIONS LEADER DOG MIKE!

November 6, 2009.

Picking up FLD Mike at Leader Dogs for the Blind.

September 13, 2010

Returning FLD Mike to Leader Dogs for the Blind.

TODAY, February 9, 2011.  

Just got news from Leader Dogs for the Blind that FLD Mike is soon to be LEADER DOG Mike.  Details to follow, when they become available....YIPPEE!

Way to go, Mike!

We are so proud of you.

(Thanks for the wonderful year with us.)

Puppy Update IV

Leader Dogs for the Blind is instituting process improvements in all areas of its operations.  Change is good, especially when it advances the great things this organization is already doing!

This week I called the phone number listed on the contract I received from Leader Dogs when I returned FLD Mike for his advanced training to get an update on Mike's progress.  This number dialed me into the kennel.  I identified myself and asked how Mike (dog # 12588) is doing.  The kennel transferred me to someone else.  The person I ended up talking to works in "Dog Care" and had lots of nice things to say about Mike, but couldn't tell me much more than "He's been held back and is in Phase 2."

What a surprise!

Earlier this month I received news that Mike just started Phase 4 (see my post from January 5, 2011).  As any puppy-raiser can tell you, it is a blow to learn that YOUR puppy--your special, sweet, smart, amazing, he's-going-to-be-the-very-best-Leader-Dog-EVER puppy--is doing anything BUT advancing to graduation.

I emailed my puppy-counselor in frustration.  I wanted to know more.

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND'S IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY

Part of Leader Dogs' process improvement plan involves the establishment of one main source for puppy-raisers to get information on puppies-in-training.  This will go a long way to preventing the frustration I felt by not getting specific details about Mike's development.

Another plan component is instituting standards (reachable goals with action plans if they are not attained) across the board.  Puppies will be evaluated periodically during their time with raisers, when they return to Leader Dogs on their one-year anniversary, and during each Phase of training until they are ready to become a working guide-dog.

Implementing such an extensive plan takes time, and is best accomplished in stages.  Leader Dogs is rolling out changes "in-house" with paid staff before expanding to volunteer activities.

As with all change, there is bound to be "glitches" that will need fine-tuning.  I am confident that Leader Dogs for the Blind will accomplish their mission to "enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired" with the vision to "become the most innovative and forward thinking organization in the profession."

Why do I believe they (we) will succeed?

Leader Dogs for the Blind will succeed because of their dedication to involve employees and volunteers in the process, over 70 years of experience to draw on, and the passion possessed by everyone in the organization to make a difference.

In the future, I will contact "Puppy Development" for news about Mike (and FLD Gus when it is his turn), as I subsequently did this week after communicating with my puppy-counselor.

UPDATE ON MIKE

Mike did indeed begin Phase 4 at the beginning of January, but before a dog can "graduate" and be placed with a person, he or she must pass a "class-ready" standard.  Unfortunately, Mike couldn not pass this standard.  While he was doing very well, he developed "out of character barking."  Fortunately, the new standards allow for action plans as a way to address a problem issue.

What this means for Mike is that he avoids a career-change, at least for now.  Leader Dog trainers want to understand if his barking is "becoming a pattern or just a small set back." 

Mike is now back in Phase 2 with a calm, easy group of other dogs under the direction of an experienced team supervisor.

Our paws are still crossed for you, Mike!

Me and FLD Mike when he returned to Leader Dogs.

And a hearty THANK YOU to Nance, my puppy-counselor, and Bev in Puppy Development for filling me in on Mike and what I need to do to get detailed updates in the future.

DECISIONS AT BEARY WOOD LODGE

Fellow-blogger Sharon, at "After / Gadget " started an Assistance Dog Blog Carnival last fall.  Sort of like a quarterly collection of blog postings about a specific theme, but somehow concerning assistance dogs.  

Follow this link to the FIRST Assistance Dog Blog Carnival, hosted by Sharon, the theme of which was an Assistance Dog "First."  (To read my contribution, click on My FIRST: Future Leader Dog Puppy.)

Coming up next week is the second "issue" of the Assistance Dog Blog Carnival, this time hosted by L^2 at "Dog's Eye View."  L^2 selected this quarter's theme, DECISIONS.

My submission follows:

DECISIONS MADE AT BEARY WOOD LODGE

Gypsy sprawled out on the daybed; FLD Mike curled up at my feet on the rug under the kitchen table.  I enjoyed a long drink of cold water.  Our 2 1/2 mile "slog" (can't really call it "jogging" I'm so slow) on the sandy dirt roads surrounding the Beary Wood Lodge tired all of us out.  And September still held plenty of summer.

Unexpectedly, the phone rang.  Cell-phone coverage at my brother's cabin is non-existent due to being surrounded by the Huron National Forest, so Andy had a phone-line with DSL Internet installed.  I forgot that before we lost "bars" on the drive up I programmed my cell to forward all calls to the cabin.

"Hello, Patti?"  It was Sandy, from Leader Dogs for the Blind.  Yes.

"I wanted to give you a choice for next week."

FLD Mike was going back to Leader Dogs the next Monday to begin his "formal" guide-dog training.  A month earlier, Sandy wanted me to "overlap" and take another puppy before Mike returned, but our townhouse rules prohibit more than two "fur-bearing" animals.  Leader Dogs is desperate for puppy-raisers (hint, hint).  Instead I agreed to take my third puppy five days after returning Mike.

"I know we have next Saturday already scheduled for you, but we have a male puppy ready that you could take home the same day you bring Mike back," Sandy explained.  She went on to tell me what breed-stock this puppy came from, but as a fairly-rookie puppy-raiser, I wasn't familiar with his parents.  "Or, you can keep the Saturday appointment.  I just wanted to give you the choice."

I wasn't quite sure what Sandy was asking of me.  When you apply to raise a puppy, you can specify your preference for sex and/or breed; once a puppy becomes available, you schedule a pickup time that works for you.  Beyond this, the specific puppy you receive is totally random.  Did Sandy want me to take this returned puppy?  Was there an issue with him that she thought I could handle?

"There's nothing wrong with this puppy," she said.  "The family that took him realized they were in over their heads--they have small children and this was there very first puppy.  Ever."

Well, I thought as I stood up from the table and began pacing around the cabin, better to return him early, than risk future problems. 

I guess I would rather wait until Saturday, I said.  I think I need a few days to get over Mike.  After I returned my first Future Leader Dog puppy, Rosie, in July of 2009, I waited until November to get FLD Mike.  It IS a sad day when you bring your puppy back, and I didn't want to jump right in with a new, demanding bundle of fur.  Andy and I took our big bike ride to Green Bay, Wisconsin in August of 2009, and besides, if Rosie were to be career-changed, I wanted her back; I wanted to keep my options open.

"Oh, I understand that," said Sandy.  "Okay.  But.  There is something else you should know.  The yellow-lab puppy that's coming in for you is from a donated litter.  The breeder told us she is worried about him, something about him being too small or something.  We won't know for sure that we'll take him until we check him over."

If you don't, does that mean I'll have to wait longer for another puppy?  Or can you hold the returned one until Saturday?  I asked.  I had to admit that I wasn't excited about taking a couple-of-weeks-older puppy--they grow SO fast.

"If you want a yellow-lab, you'll have to wait.  But we do have another black lab male you could take Saturday, from Sy and Sienna's litter."  Another breed-stock pair I didn't know.  "I just wanted to give you a choice." 

I hesitated, paused in my pacing.  Okay.  Well, what will be the most helpful to you?  I still wondered if there was something else behind Sandy's call, but maybe she didn't want to come right out and say.

"Whatever YOU want," she said.  "I just wanted to give you the opportunity to decide." 

I started pacing again.  Why was this becoming so difficult for me?  I suppose it didn't really matter.  I agreed to raise a puppy and whatever helped Leader Dogs would be fine with me.  This wasn't so when I applied for Rosie and Mike.  I requested a female black lab the first time (and waited nine months before I receive her); I never owned a male dog.  Part of my reason to raise a puppy for Leader Dogs was to practice my own "dog" skills, so the second time I requested a male.  Of any breed.

I think it might have been my puppy-counselor who told me, "If you don't care what sex, you'll always get a male."  I guess most people want females!  This third time the sex of the puppy didn't matter to me, but my niece Natalie thought it would be neat if I raised a yellow lab.  So I requested a yellow lab.

At any rate, I was overwhelmed with all the options.  In the long run, it really didn't matter.  Whatever puppy I took home wasn't going to belong to ME.  In less than one year the puppy would return to Leader Dogs for the Blind to fulfill his destiny.  My role was just his beginning.

I decided to raise my first Future Leader Dog puppy to strengthen and test my own skills.  My decision to raise a second Future Leader Dog puppy came on the heels of a thoughtful sermon by  my brother, Reverend Jim.  (See my post from May 19, 2010.)  I HAD to raise a second puppy--because I COULD and someone needed me to.

At the annual "Puppy Days" at Leader Dogs for the Blind last July, Jim Platzer and his Leader Dog Maddy inspired me again.  (Read my post from August 5, 2010 to learn about "Maddy's letter.")  There was no way I could NOT raise another puppy after listening to Jim explain how Maddy changed his life.

Really, Sandy, it doesn't matter to me.  I'll do whatever helps you.

"It's your choice," Sandy replied.

We weren't getting anywhere!

Eventually, we decided that if Sandy couldn't find another raiser for the returned puppy, I would take him the Saturday after I returned Mike.  If she found him a home, I would hold out for the donated yellow lab puppy.  If Leader Dogs decided not to accept the yellow lab, I'd be happy with the black lab male from Sy and Sienna's litter.

Whew.

I didn't know that making a decision like this could be so difficult!

Which puppy did I end up with?  Sy and Sienna's little black lab puppy, dubbed "Mr. Blue" by the host family of his mother, Sienna.  (The host family ties colored ribbons on the pups to tell them apart.)  Sandy found a raiser for the returned puppy, and the breeder never brought the little yellow lab to Leader Dogs.

Looks like my decision about any future puppies I raise will be easier--I'll just get male black labs!

FLD Gus, formally known as "Mr. Blue."