Happy Halloween, everybody

Carly compares grins with a neighborhood Jack O'Lantern.

http://www.history.com/topics/jack-olantern-history

Revisiting the grandpups

Soozie's brood gets some time outside.

How do they capture a pose like this???

Growing like weeds

At four weeks old, Soozie's pups continue to thrive.  Rumor has it that one of these little fellas is coming home to Tampa...!)

Cultured girl

Because our program pups accompany us essentially everywhere, they do get some unique experiences.  Carly enjoys an exquisite lullaby at a recent concert.

Investigating IKEA

The best thing about an excursion to IKEA is the wide range of "natural materials" to delight the nose.

First things first, though, as C-C makes her debut in the group.

Julie and Maya talk with applicants Loretta, Michael, and Heidi.

Then, an elevator ride upstairs.

Zelda checks out the ever-appealing lamb's wool throw.

Beth channels her inner Julia Child, staying out of Julie's way on a sit stay.  Julie and Julia!  Great movie.  ;-)

One of the more challenging dog-handling scenarios comes when sitting on a barstool.  The handler's feet don't reach the ground, so stepping on the leash to maintain a down becomes impossible.  Zelda cooperates!

Beth admires the guide dog harness body that she is wearing for the first time!

Zelda investigates chairs woven from banana fiber.

Carly snoops around in bedding.

A "controlled ascent/decent" of a staircase is always a work in progress.  Carly starts out great, until distracted by contraband.  Kay's quick action reveals her veteran raiser reflexes!

After the first flight, novice raiser Peggy shows how much she has learned from Kay.  She requests the sit, praises the sit, keeps a loose lead, and proceeds.  Carly, less intent on perfection, still manages to snag a second tiny piece of contraband...

Zelda gets up close and personal with an entire stack of cowhides.

Carly makes a pass through the "bundled grasses" section.

(Some of the pups were inadvertently underrepresented in this post, simply due to the position of the photographer in the "caravan" through the store.  Sorry.)

More transitions

Tampa has seen eight of its pups move on to their professional harness training in 2012 (with one more leaving soon).  Anyone who has relinquished a pup understands the emotional investment inherent in our work.  We've all heard dozens of people say, "I could never do it.  I could never give them up." 

That's why puppy raisers are a rare breed.

Page and Tyra enjoyed one of our first cool autumn days for their "Guide Dog U" (University) event.  There's a reason that high school and college graduations are called Commencements; they are beginnings, not endings.  Guide Dog U is the beginning of forever for Tyra and Page.

Kay and Page.

Jackie and Tyra.

We welcomed Suzanne (and Craig and Anne Marie) back from Colorado for the big day.

Now, while everybody likes to have "sibling photos," nobody really enjoys capturing them!  Here are a few outtakes.

Got it!

Next comes the handovers.  Most of us go through the emotions of our "real goodbyes" at home or in the car.  When the trainers come to take the new freshmen to their dorms, there really isn't time for much more than a quick "Godspeed."  But we know we've done our jobs by that point; our dogs need their trainers if they are to soar.

The reality soaks in after Tyra walks away...

...and before Page is called.

The classic cure for the "matriculation blues" is a trip to the puppy kennel!!

Then kennel manager Dave introduces the details of the canine enrichment program, which includes puzzle toys, wind socks (to prevent fence running in the play yard), massage, and even lavender!

Titus awards the Presidential volunteerism pins and certificates.

Karen enlightens the raisers on the progression of steps through the training process, starting with figuring out who is the most compatible roommate for whom.

Finally, graduate and Board Member Chris McNamee re-emphasizes the mobility and independence provided by the dogs to whom saying goodbye is so very difficult.  Our mission is life changing.  We are proud to do our part.

Congratulations, Jackie and Tyra, Kay and Page, for your dedication to each other over the past year.  We will follow the girls' progress with great anticipation.

Thank you, Bruce and Michelle, for sponsoring these two beautiful chocolate girls, and for giving us the privilege of loving them.

Forward Together.

Consolation prize...

...for losing his manhood.  :-( 

Strange, but true

Beth meets an undistractable pooch at Downtown Disney!

(Our program pups do not go to amusement parks.  This is a much calmer venue.)

Making memories

As Page approaches IFT, her family is committed to making the best possible last-minute memories! 

Okay, I'm done being a herding dog -- I've got 'em up against the ropes -- can I be a bird dog now?  =)

Me next!  Me next!

Hmm...  Which one doesn't look as excited as the others?

(Page was protected from overstimulation in this environment.  We know better.)

Every Southeastern puppy is blessed...

...but Page made it official at the Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis.

Homecoming

The arrival of a new puppy is always a highlight for a puppy group!  Welcome, C-C.  Congratulations, Amanda.

The ride home.

With brother, Cain, who -- yes -- DOES "run this place!"

At the delightful mercy of her three sisters...

Have a fabulous puppyhood, little lady.