nice job

Poor boy had to undergo "the snip" at the vet's yesterday and now the indignity of a collar for 10 days!  Yet the tail wagging is constant.  He is a sweet boy.

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Beautiful pup!  I never knew the care and effort that goes into training guide dogs. Congratulations to you both for your contribution. 

Oh no, the Cone of Shame!

Oh no, the Cone of Shame!

I know, but doesn't he look like an adorable Morning Glory?

It's a great thing that you and Bentley are doing raising these pups. I have the utmost respect and admiration for guide dogs. And also for police dogs. They are truly amazing. Thank you for doing this.

I have nothing to do with this, wanna get that straight!

He does love on the boy!!!

Being retired and mostly house bound I'd love to do something like you are doing with the dogs but I don't think that I have the required skills to pull it off.

Being retired and mostly house bound I'd love to do something like you are doing with the dogs but I don't think that I have the required skills to pull it off.

I had no experience with dogs or training until I became a puppy raiser.  I attended a few orientation classes where things were explained to me and I learned what was expected, then I received written materials to consult and went to classes with my pup every other week.  Even after several years, I know I make a lot of mistakes, but organizations that I know of aren't looking for perfection or high training ability.  I think they are looking for a loving home, patience and a desire to help train the basics and socialize the pup to a variety of situations

Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can do it. You should look into it. There is a real need for puppy raisers.
 

I was directed to this blog and found it very interesting.  He answers some good questions about guides.

https://www.guidedogtales.org/posts/chaws_12132021.htm

Another first for Hawkeye -- first time in church for a whole church service.  Organ, choir, hymns, Bible readings, sermon, he was good through it all (he did poke his head out into the aisle a couple of times and maybe startled the pastor!!!). He got many compliments and some folks got to learn a bit more about service pups in training and working guides.

What most folks don't know is that the ADA does not apply to religious institutions.  So fully trained guide dogs and service dogs have to seek permission to go into a church or other place of worship. And there are numerous examples of churches not allowing them, which is somewhat mind blowing to me.  Same holds true for pups on program.  I am very grateful to Culpeper Presbyterian Church for allowing us to worship.

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Hawkeye and I were privileged to participate this morning in greeting two "Honor Flights"  at Dulles International Airport for veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts who were transported from Wisconsin to visit their respective war memorials (and other sites) in Washington, D.C.  About 250 people turned out to applaud and thank them for their service.  There were also pups on program from Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence.  A great morning and Hawk was just super!

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The men in dark blue served in Korea
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The men in light blue served in Vietnam
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That is fantastic, that must have given you goose bumps. It would have for me.
Absolutely awesome.