I'm a blog failure...

Phoenix is joining me this morning for my Photography class... we don't really want to be photographers, but it's the last one that's required for my major. Wish us luck!

Puppy Hungry

It's puppy season here in Utah...

I really want a puppy.

A lot.

Anything- as long as it's black... and home away from hom

This is our weekend in pictures:

This is the puppysittee dogs: Cosette (not a GDB dog) and Radisson (PIT)

Apparently Radisson likes riding in the car?



And while I had the black dogs....

Phoenix was playing with the cats at Marnie's house.
I got this picture on my phone yesterday- I guess Paisley, the cat, likes to cuddle just as much as Phoenix does.

We both had a good weekend... especially Phoenix:

Wish I could crash with a blanket in the middle of the living room too!

Evals

Phoenix has his evaluation today with our CFR, Barb. He did great.

Lacole and Kay- both Female Black Labs, joined us for our evals. We started out by sitting down and just answering some of the basic questions: How does he do in the house? Where does he sleep at night? Does he bark in the crate? Does he typically wear a Headcollar or a Flat collar?

After that we started on walking around the Gateway Mall. This has become our official evaluation spot. We typically have them here because of the variety of distractions there... Tons of people, things to look at, noises, and smells. Starting with the Food Court, of course. Phoenix started off on his headcollar working with Willie, Marnie's boyfriend who helps out a lot with the puppies. Then we headed on through to the arcade and practiced walking over the Dance, Dance Revolution game for some different surfaces. There was a game that looked like the cab of a truck so we had our puppies jump in a get comfortable for a second to test their "scrunching" skills.... Phoenix was awesome at that... mostly because he's not one of those monster huge labs.

Next, we walked across the bridge close to the edge to let them see down on our way to the grated stairs that are there. Barb asked us to take all the puppies' headcollars off to see how they handled it. Phoenix is pretty much a pro at open stairways because we live in apartments that have open stairs... No big deal.

The last thing we did was show off our layover skills. Pro. Phoenix's favorite thing in the world is to cuddle... and layover=Cuddle time. Example:

He flopped right over on his side and went right to sleep as soon as I reach over and grabbed his leg. Best way to end an eval.

Overall, Barb said he looks good. We're pretty proud of him.

Date night

Last Saturday Phoenix got to go with my husband and I on our date night. We went to eat at California Pizza Kitchen and got to see the new Pirates movie. It hasn't taken long for my husband to fall in love with this guy- He's always coming up with reasons why we have to keep him... too bad our apartments don't allow pets- only Service Dogs.

There was a little bit of a wait before we got into eat. I don't even know how he slept for 15 minutes on the hard cement- there were people, bikes, and skateboards going past him and he just slept.

We love this guy! Can't believe how big he's getting!

Short updates

I guess it's been a while since I've updated. There isn't a whole lot to update on. Phoenix is just a great puppy. He's probably one of the most well rounded puppies I've ever had. He goes pretty much anywhere and has no problems with anything- except church. He's not used to having so many kids at church :) Before I was married we went to a Singles congregation for church and now we have families everywhere. He's pretty sure the kids need to be petting him. He's only 9 months old but I'm kind of excited to see him go back- to see how he does... Good thing we still have a long time with him!

Dog movies

Secret: I can't watch movies with dogs...or really animals in general.

They make me sad.

The animal always either dies, gets lost, or gets hurt and I can't handle it.

I was watching Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye (Don't judge. It's a good show) and Levi- her hearing dog- gets lost. I wanted to cry... all I could think about was my dogs... Not cool. Then when they were reunited- I was practically bawling.

It's a problem

Joaquin (and) Phoenix

He's a Guide Dog... and yup... Still the same old Joaquin. They said this he earned the name frog dog while in training... Surprised?

And this guy:

Is getting bigger all the time. Last night we had a blindfold puppy class and we had to find our puppies. There were only two puppies there without a head collar on so I knew it was one of the two, but they both felt too big to be my little puppy. I forget how he's almost 8 months old!

He's doing really well... a VERY nice puppy and we love having him around. We are sooo lucky to have gotten such a nice puppy... Marnie (my co-raiser) and I decided that he can be a charter breeder so we can get one of his puppies, but he's too good not to be a Guide Dog- then he can come back here to retire. So we can have the best of all 3 worlds, right? The reality is, when I raise a puppy I want to keep this much, they graduate. Psh...

Phase 6

Is it okay that if he graduates March 12, I'm planning on going? Even if it is 3 days before my wedding??

Pictures...

As promised...





But I think I'm destined to never have good pictures on my computer.





First, my camera broke.





Second, I can't find the cord to my phone so those pictures are gone.





and Third, my last resort- is the webcam.





The yellow blob? That's Phoenix now at 4 1/2 months old.

I'm getting on Amazon to buy a new camera...

Phase Report

Okay so maybe Phase Report day is a good day this week.

Joaquin is FINALLY out of phase 0... not only that- but he's in Phase 2 :) Go Joaquin!!

Phoenix is at my co-raisers house this week. I miss him alot... but it sounds like he's being spoiled rotten at Marnie's and is doing so well! I'll post pictures soon!

Christmas Card

Here is our lame Christmas card... a) I don't have a real camera (this is my phone) and b) I'm feeling un-creative. I just finished a Photoshop class and I'm done making things complicated for now. Give me a semester off...

But really, We hope you have a fantastic Christmas full of puppy kisses.

Shorts

Joaquin IS on the phase report... in Phase 0. He's already passed his health during breeder evals, so I'm not too worried. Crossing fingers he moves quick! (Don't worry that I might or might not be looking at dates to get married in March and maybe I had to look at graduation schedules first...)

We heard from Monet's career change adopter. She lives in Portland and her new name is Molly. Maybe it fits her better now- but it doesn't sound like the dog I raised. Molly is a sweet name- my dog is too independent for that name. Maybe one day...

One week later...

It's been over a week since Phoenix came home and I'm pretty sure I have the best puppy in the world. He's mellow, but not so sleepy that he's boring. He definitely has a personality!
The first time I fed him he tried to dive into his food bucket and how he will sit and wait for me to get his food. It's so cute! As soon as he hears the "snap" of the lid closing he jumps up (literally) and gets as fast as he can to his eating place to sit and wait for his food.
He's a champ at "Go to Bed" and as soon as I get the mat out- he's on it and sitting.
Last night he got to go to a choir concert with my co-raiser, Marnie, and she said he was fantastic! I can't say enough good about this guy... Maybe he really IS Joaquin's other half? (Just smaller and less furry)

No new news on Joaquin- He got neutered last Monday and was sent up to OR for training. Here's hoping he's at least on the report this week!

Keeping Promises

told you I'd upload a pic... more to come...

Other Half...

After the last year of saying "His name is Joaquin- WAH-KEEN... like Joaquin Phoenix." I guess I'm not done with that namesake... because I picked up the other half of it last night.

14-week-old, Male Yellow Lab

Phoenix

Even though he thought that 4:30 this morning was time to get up, he's still a sweetheart and I'm excited to raise him. I haven't had a MYL since Vinnie- almost 11 years ago.

Pictures to come...

Might or might not...

I might or might not be REALLY excited today....


I might or might not be getting a puppy at the State Holiday Party...


This state party might or might not be on the 11th...


You'll just have to wait and see...

Any opposed?

Joaquin didn't like my deal.

Apprently he wanted to train to be a Guide Dog instead of a dad... he just doesn't know what he's missing out on, I guess.

It's okay though, I'm excited to watch phase reports. Although now I'm going to be having a nervous breakdown every time my leader calls me. It's fine.

So... now that there are no Joaquin puppies coming, I need myself a new puppy. I told my leader yesterday that I'll take anything as long as it's black. I just don't like yellow hair- unless it's golden, then I can deal, but since I just raised a Golden I doubt there will be another one in my near future- they have to spread the love. (...And I need a car that everyone isn't trying to catch the floating hairs while riding in it. The interior of my car is black. Not smart, puppyraiser... not smart...)

Missing Joaquin

Okay... He can come back now. Now that I've had the chance to get my car detailed and rid of all fuzzy golden hair, the crate cleaned and out of my room, and school is crazier than ever... he can come home.

Okay... really, Joaquin, you can stay but only if you send me little Joaquin puppies in the spring.

Deal?

A Dog by any other name...

Joaquin, I'm sure like many of your puppies, has several names he responds to. Here are just a few of the most popular names that he goes by at my house:

• Keen
• Keenie
• Joe-uh-Quinn
• Joe-Walk-in
• Bikini (My 2-year-old sister couldn't say his name. Poor guy)
• J (mostly over text or email.)
• Handsome (and we wonder why he's conceited)
• Little boy

It's no wonder he has an identity crisis ;) Don't worry though... the one he goes by the most is just plain, old Joaquin. After almost a year with us- it's grown on me. Just like all of my other puppies names. I love that fact that each GDB puppy comes with it's own personality in the name.

Joaquin fits him and I wouldn't have him with any other name. Joaquin: the suave, handsome Spaniard...

This is work?

A rare occasion, but I didn't have a student today, so Joaquin got to come to work today. We got to chill in the Disability Office for the 2 1/2 hours I was scheduled. Sound like an exciting life? I think so.

Leavin' on a ... puppy truck

It's interesting how much more protective of your puppy you get when you have a recall date. His days with us are numbered...

As of right now J-puppy is on the list of Utah dogs heading back for breeder eval in November. Cross your fingers and paws for him. He's such a nice boy. We really hope we get to see some little Joaquin's showing up around the GDB realm, but if not he will be an AMAZING Guide dog.

Back to school... okay- and some brags on J

Class this morning was not amusing for Joaquin.

Fall is coming! I'm excited for the leaves to turn and for it to be a little bit cooler... but I'm still not convinced of the excitement of school starting again. Last week was the first week of school. (only 2 more semesters and a internship!) Joaquin got to start it out right with going to see the kids in K-12 with Lindsey then heading off to higher education with me this week. He's such a great boy and I can honestly say- this dog was born to be a Guide Dog.

Looking back at pictures of him as a baby, besides making me really want a puppy, made me think about how far he's come since he was little. He just turned a year old and has gone from being a silly, wiggly puppy to a mature, grown up dog. No recall date set yet- so we get to enjoy the big guy for at least a few more months. I love it when they get to the stage where you can trust them with pretty much anything. He just got a headcollar last week to get him used to wearing one before he does go back for training- and even that doesn't phase him. He walks perfectly on a loose leash with it on and only rubs it a little when we stand too long (and even then it's super easy to get him to stop)... Okay so he deserves a little bragging every once in a while. His only fault right now is... he thinks he needs to take up too much room when he lays down. I guess I can deal with that...

Fun Day!

While Joaquin got to go to both Fun Days, I only got to go to one. It was a super fast trip up there and back, but it was alot of fun. Carlos made the trip up to Oregon and Joaquin ended up coming home with me along with some of his new toys we bought.

He didn't get to see any siblings in Oregon but on Lindsey's blog you can read about his adventures in California- along with his family reunion down there.

Needless to say-- he was one worn out puppy for the drive home!

Withdrawals

I miss Joaquin. That's all


Because I've been working at a day camp for the last 3 weeks (my last week!) I haven't seen him in 3 weeks and wont' see him until next weekend when we meet up with Lindsey at Fun Day.

I'm going through withdrawals.

I need me some golden in my life. Good thing he'll be back in a week and 1/2.

Identity Crisis

Because Joaquin's only clothing consists of a green coat he seems to be confused as to if he is a dog or a frog...

It doesn't matter where he is- at home or out in public- he always tries his hardest to take up as much room as possible.

fail

Yes I fail. i've been super crazy busy and forgot post.

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Judith (on the 7th of May), Vinnie (the 18th), and Maryjo (the 19th)!!
Happy BIRTHDAY toooo you!!!

I told them all happy birthday but just didn't post. See I'm not THAT terrible of a dog mom.

Changes

It's Official... Monet has left for new adventures. I was impressed I only cried a little when she left (It's been a while since I've turned in a puppy. I had the usual feelings of "Why do I do this to myself" but there's still Joaquin) So... Upated Monet News?

She's been Career Changed. Monet just doesn't want to be a Guide Dog- but we think she still needs a job. The last few weeks she's really enjoyed just being a dog. Getting to sleep on the bed and couch, playing fetch, and just chilling at home. Lindsey is taking her to Oregon so she can catch her "limo" to the San Rafael Campus. She's been recommended for Search and Rescue work so... hopefully!! Wish Monet Luck! I know she'll be great no matter what she does and hopefully we get to hear how she is doing...We'll miss her lots and we love her even more.

Joaquin will enjoy being spoiled rotten while he's the only GDB puppy in the house. Don't worry that won't last for too long... You really think we can live that long in a house with 2 puppyraisers and 1 dog? I don't think so...

Updates...

Since I'm not so good at blogging about the dogs without pictures:

At about 7 months old Joaquin keeps growing. I tell him to stop but he doesn't listen...I think I give up. He's such a nice boy and we love him. He's got the cute golden look down- so people are in love with him the minute they see him. It is a problem sometimes because HE gives people permission to pet him- not me.

I don't know if you can see this picture very well. Monet and I went to the Gateway mall the other day. It was fun- although she was pretty worn out by the end (that is an accomplishment!) She got to go shopping, watch the water show, and try a few things on...

Like mother... like daughter?

She will probably be recalled on the first truck back to campus in the spring (April/May?) so were trying to get as much fun in as possible :)

Joaquin minus Monet

This last week Monet was at a puppy sitters so it was just Quin... He was pretty happy with himself being an only dog (we don't count the beagle ;))

Anyway... Right before Mone came home he got to head off to the dog wash so he wasn't so stinky:

He loved his ears being cleaned and the shampoo massage but wasn't too fond of getting sprayed down or blow-dried. Poor poor Joaquin. It's tough being so cute!

You know you're a puppyraiser when...

So, tonight I was reading the news. It was an article about the Bureau of Land Managment. Don't worry that when I saw the Bureau of Land Management condensed to BLM, I automatically thought "Why is there a Black Lab Male in this story?"... I might hav a problem. It's fine. :)

Masterpieces by Monet

Monet and I had an adventure today. Despite my complaining about her bad breath (I bought some mint toothpaste on the way home in hopes that it will help get the dead-creature-smell out) we got some good pictures of her and she got to have some fun in the snow. Lesson learned?

How to take Monet Pictures:
1. Tie down Monet to tree or bridge.
2. Let Monet sniff and do whatever (except eat things that are not Monet-approved).
3. Be prepared at any moment to take a picture.
4. Do not try to get Monet to sit-stay for the picture. It doesn't work. Just let her do it naturally and refer back to step 3.
ENJOY! :) (some still need to be edited...)

My favorite one :) A good one by fluke- I just clicked it from the side without looking.

It's dark but I think this would be a cool one once it's edited- anyone really good at that?

Halitosis

Do you think a dog could be dropped for having bad breath? I'm pretty sure something decided to make it's home in the dogs mouth and then died in there... Ugh!

Oregon Graduation

P.S. For those going to Oregon Graduation on Saturday- I'll be there- dogless (Too many dogs for the ride home/sleeping at other peoples houses) I'm going to pick up CC Teesha with her puppyraiser. So Excited... I love Portland even if we'll only be there a few hours! Wish us safe driving...

Coming of age...

There comes a time in the life of a Guide Dog puppy where they put away the childish things of the past and look forward to the future... this is celebrated with a ceremony that is called the "Changing of the Collars". If you have not been privileged to attend one of these special ceremonies here is a comemorative picture to symbolize the newness of life that is Joaquins. We offer our congratuations to him on his new big collar ;)

Getting bigger...

I thought I told them to stay small- but apparently they didn't listen. I think Joaquin will pass up Monet here pretty soon. I'm not sure how much he weighs but I would assume close to maybe 40-45 lbs. Monet sits at around 50.

Evals went well. They are both pretty confident puppies and love to hang out at the mall. It didn't hurt that we went by the mall the Monday before evals just to check it out ;)

Nice puppies+back to normal= boring posting

I was just noticing lack of blog posts. Sorry. I guess it's a good thing- nothing to write about other than what good dogs everyone has been. School has started and things are back to normal boring life around here I think Monet might have gone through a temperment transplant sometime last month- or maybe Santa brought her some "good dog dust" or soemthing because she's been pretty good. Normally she's a VERY sweet dog- but very independent and wants to do things her way. Lately "her way" has been our way. She and Quin got a bath yesterday (Thanks Linds) and they are both super soft now and ready for Evals at the mall on Tuesday. Quin is also doing very well too- he's a nice boy (although is slightly "forgetful" when it comes to what "sit" means... He'll do the golden shuffle for a little bit then figure it out) Basically he's a typical 5 month old Male Golden... goofy and sweet.
Evals bring updates... be on the look out for them.

Storytime

My Birthday is next week and my 7-year-old brother couldn't wait until my birthday to give me what he made. So here is my birthday present. I don't know if the pictures will enlarge if you click on them so underneath is what he wrote. So adorable.

Guide Dogs
I love Mickelle

From For
Philipp Mickelle

Dogs pull Blind Peo
ple

Guides The person a
cross The
street

I love You Dog.


I love my dogs too :)