As you know I have been a wee bit anti guide dogs because I felt so sorry for the puppies being taken away and for the very depressed and stressed guide dog I used to see. However, today I saw a blind, or virtually blind, youngish woman walking down the pavement, swinging her stick in front of her and felt so sad and realised how much a guide dog could change her life. So I have changed my view.
Ah ha... that would explain why he looks like a Golden and not like a Lab. I always rather thought that Goldens were just long-haired Labs (more or less), so now you've got me interested in finding out more about them! (Not for me to adopt one btw, just to understand the differences.) Thanks again for all your updates on this thread, it really is interesting to learn more about how guide dogs are raised plus seeing pics of Tatze and the puppies is a real joy.
I've heard from Kara's puppy walker. Hurrah! She's settled in really well and has a new friend, five year old Bella. Even better, I will see her tomorrow at puppy class.
Hopefully early October, but my supervisor is away on holiday so I won't find out for a while. If it is early October s/he will have been born last weeeeeeeeeeeek!!
Thanks for the update... happy belated birthday then to the as-yet-unknown pup! October is not so far away!
I have news. Bruce is coming back to me until he goes to Big School (probably November). We are having another pup, Paddy, for the weekend next weekend, then Bruce arrives on the 7th October. It'll be lovely to have Bruce again but it means 'my' new pup will be put on hold. A little disappointing as I know two gorgeous black GS/GRs with little white paws are coming up on the day I was due one (well, huge white paws if truth be told!) Now to go shopping for a car seat cover, Bruce is too big for the crate in the back, which is full anyway with Tatze and Zaba - last time he was here the back of the car ended up like a furry rug! (he has a car harness and seat belt) This photo shows how big he is! ... ...
Ooh you must have mixed feelings as I know you've been longing for your new pup to arrive. But on the other hand, how lovely to have Bruce back again. (And he is a whopper isn't he!)
Aw, well it'll be lovely to have Bruce back - you did a great job with him before - but I'm sure you're disappointed you won't be getting a sparkly new puppy for a while. Do you know when that will be now?
Oooooops - I said October, it's September 7th he's coming! It'll depend how Bruce does. We are going away for a week (visiting our son in Heidelberg) at the end of September. Bruce will go in to School then to be assessed, then back to us. He will then be given a date for going to School(or a marker for withdrawal if he doesn't pass his tests ) ...
Can I just what you have to do to help out with guide dogs I not sure I could manage pup walking but I know I could take dogs which might need to stay with a fostered for a few days or weeks.
Here is a link to the right place Swampdonkey - http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/supportus/volunteering/what-can-i-do/boarders#.V8b9NXh4Wh8 (Scroll down for the bit on respite boarders)
Do you know why he's leaving his current walker now, 2 months before big school? Will you get your next puppy a few weeks late, like Kara's puppy walker did?
Yes, I do, but I can't really say in public. Bruce is very happy there - it's just a training thing. And no, I'll get a brand new baby when it's my turn - I have asked for one asap after Bruce goes to school! There won't be any shortage, GDs breed more than 1,400 pups a year!
