Pellet Fan
All Things Considered => General Discussion--Non food Related => Topic started by: Kristin Meredith on September 04, 2021, 01:52:25 PM
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I would like to introduce the newest member of the Meredith household -- Hawkeye. Hawkeye is an 8 week old, 10 lb, male yellow Labrador who is a pup on program for Freedom Guide Dogs. We will have Hawk for the next 16 to 18 months, teach him house manners, basic commands, good behavior and take him lots of places to socialize him. He will then return to Cassville, NY for guide training and hopefully, one day elect to guide. But for now he is just a little bundle of fun and joy!!!
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Bentley giving Hawk what he calls "floor loving" since pups can't sit with person on furniture
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What a cutie. I don't know how you can part from them after their training period.
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Absolutely adorable. Serious looking too. Have fun!
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https://www.facebook.com/christine.capaci/videos/238467391253873/
Hopefully this link is viewable. It is the speech that Sam Hendrickson gave to the joint virtual graduation of about 4 months of graduating guide teams. He was matched with Stan, who was Sigmund's brother, so it probably had special meaning for me since I knew Stan's puppy raisers and we followed each others progress in raising. For me, when I hear someone like Sam speak as to what their guide means to their life, it becomes a lot easier to watch them go. It also helps that both Dozer and Sigmund are working guides and I know what they mean to their handlers.
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Hawkeye was very excited for the Alabama v. Florida game and insisted that I break out his Bama kerchief. Looks like the Tide is doing well going into halftime. Roll Tide roll!
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He was napping before the game. I think he is getting comfortable here!
(https://i.imgur.com/M7aTOkKh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sYhU48hh.jpg)
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That's cute. I thought the Alabama game was going to be a blowout early but they allowed FL to stay in the game.
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No defense -- none, nada, nyet! Pathetic when I remember back several years and they were averaging something like 3 points per game scored against them.
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He was napping before the game. I think he is getting comfortable here!
Any dog that sleeps on its back is comfortable and feels safe.
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Super good looking pup.
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He was napping before the game. I think he is getting comfortable here!
Any dog that sleeps on its back is comfortable and feels safe.
"Most Relaxed" I would say. You are right on that one Paul.
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Hawkeye is growing up fast -- nearly 19 weeks old. Time to start practicing wearing his vest for outings.
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I have no photo skills and just a little "point and shoot" camera, but Freedom asked if they could use a photo I took of Hawk for the 2022 calendar. So introducing Mr. June!
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Skills or not, that's one doggone good photo!
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Very nice!!!
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nice job
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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. :clap: :clap:
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Oh no, the Cone of Shame!
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Oh no, the Cone of Shame!
I know, but doesn't he look like an adorable Morning Glory? :pig:
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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.
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I have nothing to do with this, wanna get that straight!
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He does love on the boy!!!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Thank you
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I am a bit embarrassed to admit I primarily did it as a good outing for Hawkeye -- airport, big crowds, strange noises, etc. But I was very moved by the experience and got a bit teary because so many of the men seemed so pleased and some were even emotional. The organizers sent a thank you to all who had signed up and included the following comment from a Vietnam Vet: “When I came home from Vietnam, I wondered what I did wrong since I was not welcomed home. Today, I finally feel like I’ve come home.” I was the lucky one to get to participate.
If anyone is interested in learning more or volunteering, please visit: https://www.honorflight.org/contact-us.html
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Happy Birthday to my big boy Hawkeye! One year old!!!! I put him on the leash because I was not sure how he would react, but he was very good and did not eat until I said "free". P.S. He was not given the whole "doggy cake" to eat at once -- it is several meals.
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Lucky Hawkeye. I am curious as to what the "icing" is?
The cake looks doggie good to me!
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The "icing" is 100% pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie mix). Dogs seem to love it.
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The "icing" is 100% pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie mix). Dogs seem to love it.
My wife mixes that with our dogs food on occasion to settle an upset stomach or to get her to eat.
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Re: pumpkin, Good to know.
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Also, if a dog has had episodes of diarrhea, when you go back to feeding, it is recommended to mix cooked chicken and pumpkin and feed that for a few days. I have lots of experience with that unfortunately! >:(
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Also, if a dog has had episodes of diarrhea, when you go back to feeding, it is recommended to mix cooked chicken and pumpkin and feed that for a few days. I have lots of experience with that unfortunately! >:(
I think she puts rice in the mix sometimes too and then gradually adds kibble over a course of days.
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Man he is a lucky dog.
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Hawkeye and I went out to support a car show fundraiser for Wreaths Across America to raise funds for wreaths to be placed on graves at the Culpeper National Cemetery (which has soldiers from the Civil War to the present buried there). It was at the Culpeper Technical High School and the Culinary Arts students were selling food for both practice and to raise money. So we bought a couple of wreaths and a breakfast sandwich, then admired the cars.
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That's a win/win!
Hawkeye appears to be panting. Must have been a hot day.
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It was not hot. He sometimes pants when he gets a bit excited. That is why we try to get out for "socializing".
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Looks like a fun day.
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Hawk has had an exhausting afternoon preparing for turkey day tomorrow. He hopes you all can put your feet up and have a relaxing and happy Thanksgiving Day with family and friends!
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He is living life the way we all should.
Happy Thanksgiving Hawk.
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The Culpeper downtown merchants decided to have a little window decorating contest this year. So Hawk and I went downtown to check it out last night because I knew it would be empty and I could walk off some of that stuffing I consumed. For a small town with small shops, I thought the windows were pretty nice!
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Pretty empty when I can stand in the middle of the street for a photo!
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She does not have them long, but when they are here, they live the Life of Riley! Hawkeye does not appear to be enjoying his new day bed.
(https://i.imgur.com/0lX22PZh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/spGYRl4h.jpg)
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She does not have them long, but when they are here, they live the Life of Riley! Hawkeye does not appear to be enjoying his new day bed.
(https://i.imgur.com/0lX22PZh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/spGYRl4h.jpg)
Couldn’t agree more…..poor pup!
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Hawkeye and I visited the Culpeper National Cemetery today to remember and honor all who have served, especially those who gave "the last full measure of devotion" for our country. The Culpeper Cemetery was created in 1867 on 6 acres of land purchased from Confederate General A.P. Hill's brother (A.P. was born and raised in Culpeper and died at the Third Battle of Petersburg). At first, those buried consisted of Union dead from battles in Culpeper and surrounding counties. Over the years, veterans and their spouses from all wars the U.S. was engaged in up to the present are buried there. Thank you to Wreaths Across America for placing all the flags and remembering our veterans.
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(https://i.imgur.com/khkFbAfh.jpg)
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Beautiful cemetary.
Beautiful Hawk.
And a nap!
Happy Memorial weekend all.
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Very nice Kristin.... The pup is no longer a pup - lovely looking dog.
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Today was Hawkeye's final Sunday in church. In a strange little twist, it was exactly one year ago this Sunday that he started coming to church. The minister had us come forward and he acknowledged what Hawk had meant to the congregation and how they had helped him in his socialization. He prayed for Hawkeye's future and that he become what God wanted him to be. The amazing part of this whole thing is that it took the leaders of the congregation 3 months to decide if he could come to church. They were worried about certain things, including whether he would bite people (we went and met with the elders and I have to admit that question threw me and it must have taken 30 seconds for me to just close my mouth and formulate a response!) Hawk has benefited greatly from going to church, but I think we have also helped to educate folks about service dogs and pups on program. Half the church was teary eyed. He is very well loved and will be missed and they are all anxiously awaiting any updates. It was a lovely gesture today and a great memory for me.
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How neat is that, wonderful job to all.
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Thank you for all that you do for our Soldiers. You are very special
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Very touching! A truly wonderful saga.
Thank you Kristin.
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Just got sent my first photo of Hawkeye from Freedom. I think he looks happy. And it is a thrill for me to see him in harness since I have never seen one of my pups training in harness. I am told they all think he is sweet and love him. I agree, but I am biased! He started training on Monday, June 19 just walking with his Guide Dog Mobility Instructor on leash. Then, that Friday they started in harness.
I was also sent the following update on his progress: "Hawkeye is doing well. I checked in with Dave, his Guide Dog Mobility Instructor who says he is coming along nicely. He thoroughly enjoys working and has mastered the skill at stopping at curbs. They have just introduced obstacle training this week so that is still very new and exciting. Hawkeye is a fast learner and has picked up on skills fairly quickly. He is a little too active with his nose still as far as trying to sniff objects while guiding so they are working on that. Dave enjoys working with him!" I am so happy for the report and update and happy that he seems to be doing well and enjoying what he is learning.
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Great report and MAN he is very good looking!
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Thanks Kristin! Your hard work & dedication has paid off.