Olvera Street Guide Dog Puppy Event

The years just fly by. Once again, we took our trip on the train to Union Station where we met up with other members of "Diamonds in the Ruff" and Elbert (Dan and Carol too). This year my mother, sister and niece came with us. We drove to Pasadena to take the Gold Line to Union Station.


First stop, Philippe's French Dipped Sandwich restaurant. I look forward to having lunch here. We head immediately upstairs to save a couple of tables while others stand in line.


On over to Olvera Street to peruse the shops and listen to the mariachi band. Pilot was hesitant when he passed the band - the music is a little loud for him. We will have to add that to the list of things to get used to, louder music, drums, etc.

As we wandered around, we didn't see many other Guide Dog Puppies until 1:30 when we are all due to meet for a group picture at the steps.

Then, from all directions, come these puppies. Very exciting to see.

Pilot got to spend some time with Rick where he had a little lesson. Rick used his kibble which Pilot was not interested in. In fact, Pilot spit it out. Hummm, Pilot will eat a clump of dirt but not the bland kibble from Rick?? What's that all about?? Rick did say it was time to dress Pilot in a head collar. He is a little dog distracted, I downplay, he is A LOT dog distracted. We also saw Polo, Pilot's brother.


It was fun to spend the day with our puppy friends and so good to see Elbert again too. I can't believe how often I get to see Elbert. Very special.

Guide Dog Puppy donation

Our puppy club, Diamonds in the Ruff, goes to the Diamond Bar fire house once a month. The firemen turn on the lights and sirens for the puppies, this allows them to be comfortable with the loud noise and flashing lights.

This week was the fundraising drive that the firefighters put on to raise money for Jerry's Kids.

Freeway, one of our puppies, donated to the cause. See the video.

Elbert is 3 years old!

Happy 3rd Birthday Guide Dog Elbert - I am honored to have raised you and am so proud when I see you working.

The Pilot got to fly!!

This was a great experience for Pilot. He was a trooper. We were in and out of elevators, on and off busses and trains. He is totally over any fear he had of those.

I have to give a big THANKS to United Airlines. They are so good to Guide Dog puppies in training. Not all of the airlines are as accommodating.

I had a great visit to the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus. Pilot got checked at the vet clinic for his ear infection. He got the meds for that. Got to meet my Facebook friends. And got to see Zach and Fogerty (Fogerty was the first dog we raised and he gets to hang out at the school).

The trip was quick but perfect.

Here are some pics:

Hooper is a working Guide Dog

Hooper has been placed with a very nice woman named Carol. Carol and Hooper were planning to leave before the formal graduation ceremony so I took a trip to San Rafael to meet her and see Hooper. We had a very nice visit - Hooper looked so handsome and mature. I was very proud of him. I am sure he will be a great guide and take good care of Carol.

With a great deal of pride I announce Hooper got the job!

I got the call last night from Rick. Hooper is in class. I am going to have to make a run up early though since he and his partner are only staying until May 9. We will not be part of the graduation ceremony :(

It's ok - the most important thing is to get to see Hooper again and meet his partner.

This has been a great litter - I must tell you that Harbor is a breeder, pregnant, and I believe has already given birth. Harmon is in class now too. Hooper is in class. Just found out Haggerty is also in class. Harold is already a working Guide Dog. There were two more - Halima and Helsa. Does anyone know about them? Their parents Denzel and Vonnie can be proud.

San Diego Fun Day 4/19/09

What a great event. Elbert brought his family. Sam and Abby had a good time learning what we do to make a Guide Dog like their Grandpa has. They got to see how we went around the police car, on the bus, over the surfaces and past the distractions and obstacles. Abby made a video of it all. I can't wait to see her finished project.

Pilot got to meet his brother Polo - you could hardly tell them apart. I hope Pilaf gets to see this picture.

And the best-est part was when I won a 35# bag of puppy food. This comes in handy since Rick gave Pilot the go ahead to have an extra cup of food each day.

Hooper made it to Phase 10 - come on Harmon you can make it

Hooper made a jump from Phase 8 to 10. I know he still has a ways to go but for this we are proud.

Elbert - at work

Pilot and I went to visit Elbert at his house in LA. We went with Dan and Carol and family to the Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street 4/11/09. What a wonderful day!

Need to light a fire under Hooper and Harmon

These boys are still sitting in Phase 8 - Haggerty is in 10. Making his brothers look bad. What's that all about?

Pilot is 5 months old now/Hooper is still in phase 8

Pilot is now wearing his "big boy" jacket and collar. He is growing up so fast. Nadia is coming over to spend a couple of nights here tonight so look for some pictures of them together. It's nice having 2 the same age now that I figured out the best way to handle them.

Hooper is still in phase 8 with his brothers Haggerty and Harmon. Hang in there guys - I have a good feeling about this.

Oh yeah, and did I mention I get to dog-sit Elbert in September. I know it's a long way off but I can hardly contain my excitement.

Hooper, Harmon and Haggerty are all in Phase 8. Harbor is already a breeder.

Hooper is in phase 8!! Ok, now we are getting close.

I am so excited that Hooper is still advancing. He was such a good puppy and I would love him to be a working dog - keep up the good work. Make mommy proud. Yes, it is all about me.

Pilot and Nadia - walking together

Pilot and Nadia went to puppy meeting together this morning. We worked on "Go to Bed" and they both picked it up quickly. Pilot and Nadia also practiced being side by side while walking - good to see that they were capable of being together without biting each other.

Happy 7th Birthday Jojo

Pilot and Nadia

Two 4 month old puppies are exhausting. Thank goodness for tie-downs and playpens. I have been working with them to teach them that they don't have to spend the whole time chewing on each others ears. Thank you Kelsey for the inspiration.

Pilot went to Prado Park

Michael and Sara took Pilot to the park. They fed the ducks and had lots of fun.

Those are very funny looking legs

I saw Pilot in this pose
I had to document it.
Very funny!!

Hooper made a leap right over phase 6 to 7!!

Go Hooper!

Pilot is FREEEEEEEEEE!

Pilot received his 16 weeks shots today. He handled it like a little man and weighed in at 29.6 pounds. I can't wait to take him on his first walk around the neighborhood.