The Dreaded News and Christmas Puppy....

The dreaded news arrived late Thursday night, Niguel has been career changed. I had high hopes for this puppy despite his willful behavior from the second I picked him up. He was by far one of the least straight forward puppies I have raised, but with this said, I got to work and it wasn't an easy year but by his 12 month birthday he showed amazing improvement and continued to only improve until his recall at 16 months old. In the end he was career changed for fear and dog distraction issues. I am confident Niguel will enjoy career change life.


Good News in my uproar of an eventful past three days... I am assigned a FBL "J" puppy. 14 more days! Franco is going to be very much missed...

Road Trip to Graduation

Franco and his friends, Filbert, Sigmund and Doug went on a road trip to Ogden's graduation last Saturday. My van some how became, "Kristy's Puppy Truck" or the "Green Hornet." It all depends how the trip goes. If we don't hit anything it is the Puppy Truck, but if it is an eventful drive it turns into the Green Hornet...

What a ride, we all loaded up in to my 'Puppy Truck' and took off... The ride up there included, four humans, and four dogs, Franco, Filbert, Sigmund and Doug. What a well behaved bunch!

Buddies Filbert and Franco at Graduation

The ride home - dog pile!

New Puppy in 17 days...

I am excited to announce that I'll be getting a new little bugger in 17 days, and upon Franco's recall. I was hesitant to get a new pup after Franco leaves but Thanksgiving break was just what I needed and I am feeling up to pupil #16.

After raising a few pups I concluded that I honestly don't care what the puppy's name or color is; there are far more important matters to address in the world of Puppy Raising!  My thoughts.... (not a poem)

New little puppy - I am excited for your arrival,
I love your puppy breath,
Your puppy wrinkles,
Your eyes that see many life's first adventures with me,
Your legs that will lead you many places in life,
Your belly that I will promise to keep fueled with expensive kibble,
You don't know it but you are a lucky puppy.

As your raiser I have a few simple request...
Please remember my bedtime is 10pm to 6am.
I like my flip flops just they way there were designed - You don't work for Nike, Got it!
My professors ask that I do my 'own' work,
When we go shopping it is not polite to leave 'gifts' on aisle 9, or any other for that matter.
We keep our paws and teeth to ourselves.
The pet dog can hear just fine and prefers not to have her ears pierced,
Try to keep your fur to yourself; I only like to buy one case of lint brushes quarterly.
When you are told to obey try your very best!
The leash is not a tug toy.
The crate is not grass.
The car is a fun thing.
No barking, whinning or howling allowed.
Now the most important....Listen carefully little puppy, this is a raisers request:
NO DIARRHEA! 
I look forward to your arrival and I don't care if you're are ugly or have a hideous name, just leave your issues in California little one!

Franco and Kashi

Puppy updates left and right...

I am no longer raising Kashi. She is now being raised by some really awesome people in my club, whom absolutely adore her!! Not that I don't, but I think she is the perfect puppy for them and I know they love her as much as I do.

Kashi at her first Guide Dog meeting.

Franco is staying with me a little longer, mid-December; the November recall was canceled and this will also give him a little more time. He is such a great boy and someone raised an awesome puppy. I am falling completely in love with this four legged boy. It is going to be hard to say good-bye to him even though I won't have had him that long, just two months upon his recall.

Filber (left) and Franco (right) wearing doggles. Neither tried to get the doggles off. They fit the boys so nicely!

Niguel Update and Pictures!

Niguel is a crusing along in formal Guide Dog training! Phase 8 as of today, which means only two more to go before he is 'class ready!' I am excited for Niguel, he is a hard working puppy and very eager to please.

I miss the boy so I am posting some pictures that bring back good memories with Niguel. I am excited for his future graduation and to give him a hug again!

Niguel the day he arrived. He is my 'baby elephant' puppy. Weighing 23 lbs upon arrival. Big boy he was and is!

Also from the day I picked him up. I love his wrinkles and giant paws.

Niguel with his buddy,  working guide dog 'Almaden' in September 2008. (4 1/2 months old)

Niguel and his sister Natara at the Little Roadhouse Golf course. I love this picture. I believe they are about 4 mo. old here. So cute and so small still...

Niguel at Baumans' Farms. This picture was taken at the same time last year. (6months old). Now he is in phase 8. Craziness!

Niguel and Natara (9 months) at a School for the Blind meeting. I think this is one of my favorite pictures of these two pups.

Niguel (10 months) at Devil's Lake in Lincoln City, OR. He got to spend 10 days yurting with a couple friends and I. What great memories!!

Niguel (13 months) two months before his recall. This picture was taken at Detroit lake. He got to ride a plantoon boat. Again he did wonderful and was so easy to take places because of his confidance.  I love this puppy!

Girlfriends' Night and Franco dude!

Franco got to join the girls for a church event in Beaverton. It was a Western themed event and lots of fun. Franco got SO much attention and was the only boy there. The poor guy got tired of being pet but handled it well.

Franco wearing his bandana.

Franco and I.

Franco waitng for me to get my nails done.

Halloween Photos. Franco went tricker treating.

Franco and his Pal, Filbert, when tricker treating last Saturday. We only visited peoples homes we knew, but it was so much fun and a great experience for Franco. Lots of good distractions. Franco did amazing, even with the scary house with smoke and noises.

Pictures....

Franco and Filbert infront of the first house.

Waiting at the door really nicely.

Franco and the nasty, bloody arm.

Filbert in is cute Pirate costume.

Scary dead dude.

Waiting again... Ice Cubes, please!

Drive home from a busy night. My pal, Filbert.

Poor Franco is being layed on by Filbert. He is so easygoing. Good boy Franco!

Great night and all dogs had fun too, and obeyed well.