I love...

I love that we heard from Phoenix's breeder keepers.

I love that they had his grandpa Kentucky.

I love that they live so close to GDB.

I love that we will get to see him in July at Fun Day.

I love that they sent us pictures!

I love that he has a FAMILY!

Congrats to Phoenix for getting the best family for him and for getting to be a daddy! (They said they just dropped him off for a second round of "dates".)

I hope Placer gets just as lucky with his future person as all of my working dogs have so far. (I'm sure my CC dogs are taken care of, I just haven't had contact with any of them except Vinnie.)

All of them have been the best for that dog.

I love that GDB cares enough to take care of all their dogs!

It's not a muzzle, it's a headcollar

This is a muzzle:

or this:

Today, while I was putting Placers headcollar on him- getting ready to take him on his daily walk during lunch we stopped for a minute under a tree to wait for my co-worker. As we were waiting in the shade a woman yelled to me "Why does that dog have to wear a Muzzle? Is he mean?" 

Yup... yup- this 65 lb ball of fluff resting in the shade with a "Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy in Training" coat on, that I take every where with me- is mean.

Poor guy wasn't happy the flash went off in the middle of his nap.

 Hardly.

Speaking of the ball of fluff, he's doing great... now.

Ever since right before Judith came home (about 2 weeks ago), he's been showing signs of extra stress, which isn't like him at all. He's always been a chill-out, whatever kind of dog. We think he might have picked up on the change and had a mini freak-out. He didn't want to go anywhere, was having accidents, and puddles of drool just appeared.

Woah, woah woah!

Is this our Placer puppy? The one that loves to go with us? The one who would do anything for anyone that pets him?

Luckily, after house arresting him for a week and teaching him how live nicely with Judi... he's back to his normal self and much more relaxed again.

Like my co-leader explained it- It was just the "perfect storm"... He's 10-ish months old, a major change, plus he's a golden... all of that equals a very stressed out Placer.

We're so glad he's back to being his normal, happy self.

You know you're a puppyraiser when...

... You have loose kibble in your purse from a bait bag...

                                 AND... can tell which dog it's for by the size, shape, and smell of it.


Ah... my life...

Pointy-eared dogs

I decided recently that I just don't do pointy eared dogs..

Not saying that they're bad dogs... or people that like them are bad. I commend those who can- and do- successfully have a pointy-eared dog. They are very cute and I love that you can tell exactly what they are thinking just by their ears- but...I just can't do it myself.

I don't think I could have raised a Shepherd...

And my sister has a Chihuahua that doesn't like me or my puppies... 

But, since before we were married, my husband has been begging to get a husky... I had heard about their personalities and I KNOW these are not the dog for us. Too much energy, whining, barking, and just way too smart. (I prefer the ones that don't learn "Down" until they are 7 months old *ahem*JoaquinPhoenixPlacer*ahem*.) They are bred to work- and work HARD. We just don't have the lifestyle or patience to do it.

Because of this desire that my husband had, we agreed to puppy sit a 4-month old Husky puppy overnight, for a friend of our co-raiser (the day after Judith comes home- Poor Placer thinks he's being mobbed out of the house!). I know it was just overnight- but I was hoping she would be "husky" enough to deter him away from the breed.

Well... it worked.

He's officially stated he wants a LAB for the rest of his life. (He does love Place, and he definitely appreciates him more now- but his heart is still with Phoenix and Judith is quickly confirming his love. I knew she was sweet, but I had forgotten how perfect this girl is!) I've been trying to convince him that a Mastiff is what he really wants- but no go. I'm fine with that. I love my labs- and now I'm glad we don't have to "try" the husky thing once (for 10-12 years) before he believes me...

We just aren't pointy-eared-dog type of people.

(*sigh* She is finally not crying or barking or freaking out in any way... so what if maybe she's on the couch. It's not our good couch- it's the one we're storing for my brother from the thrift store... but she's asleep. *breath, breath*)

Good to be back...

It's been a long day at our house... long- but so good :)

I have a pouty golden in the corner of our living room- a little upset with the revelation that he ISN'T the center of the universe.  It's fine though. He'll get over it. He's been showing off his Go To Bed command quite a bit today. (We've been using it to give Judith a "break" from him.)

I also have a sweet little black puppy in the other corner of our living room, making herself at home. She doesn't quite understand why Placer wants to play with her or why she's in a strange new house- but she'll be fine. She's actually more happy than I thought she would be. Wagging her tail and jumping up when she hears her name.

Here are some pictures from our exciting day today!

Joe getting her ready

My brother with Placer and Judith (He's totally going to be a future puppy raiser!)

Our family...

Hoka (FYL) came with Judith and Lomax (MBL) came when she left

He's gonna be a daddy!!
5-7 puppies due July 7th!
He's got an official home now! :)

I sure love these two...

12 year old Vinnie- GDB pup #1... now blind- he still loves life and is still the cutest puppy ever...

8 month old Placer- GDB pup #...10 (?) Best Guide Dog Puppy ever... we like him lots!