STILL under construction

Bruno checks on the progress of the magnificent flamingo statue soon to be unveiled at Tampa International Airport.  

Cue the lullabies

Lovely Janny shows off her new family.  Maybe we'll have the chance to raise a Janny pup in Tampa one day.

Let the teething continue

Anna gives her new keyring toy a workout.

Coaching our newbies

Tonight's meeting was designed to give a series of pointers to our newest raisers, Marie and Lori.

First, we demonstrated and practiced calm entering and exiting of the crate.

Sue and Bruno

Then we taught the procedure for teaching a young pup to wait for its bowl.

Marie and Anna

After our practice and an advice session, it was time to reveal a well-kept secret.  Since our group has experienced an emotional couple of months, it needed some great news.  

Marie and Cecelia introducing Anna.

And the big surprise?  Anna, in addition to being sponsored by our group, is a "Jewel puppy!"  George and Nora raised and are hosting Jewel, so this is their grandpuppy.

George's reaction would suggest that the surprise was kept a surprise.   :-)

 

A reunion with momma.

What a treat it will be to watch Anna grow.

A poignant reunion

This gentleman, Matt, is the recipient of raiser Jennifer's dog, Mastro (black).  After meeting Matt, Jennifer chose to sponsor another puppy in his honor.  The yellow dog, currently in puppy training, is Bruno (Matt's given name is Bruno Matthew).  All in the family!

Volleyball star

Julia accompanies raiser Meghan in her coaching duties.

All the comforts of home

I think I'm going to like living here!

The start of something big

Newbies Lucca and Anna meet for the first time.  They're off to a great start for their exciting year in the puppy group.  (They differ in age by only five weeks, but both just came home this weekend.)

Welcome home, little girl

Today Lori traveled up north a bit to pick up our newest sweetheart, Lucca, from her "starter" family.  In order to keep our pups from having to stay in the Puppy Academy on campus too long, some of the 8-week-olds move into "starter" homes before a permanent raiser home is identified for them.  The starters work on housebreaking, house manners, and the earliest basic skills, including some Puppy Kindergarten classes led by someone in their local groups.  Today Lucca becomes a TAPR pup and a member of Lori's family.  Lucca was sponsored by our group in honor of a Military Working Dog who saved countless lives during deployment and eventually lost a leg in the line of duty.

Walkathon 2022

This year's Walkathon was a bit small, likely from the "Covid hangover" associated with large crowds.  There was also a good chance of rain -- discouraging others.  Two special signs surprised us as we rounded the first curve.

Jennifer, you were the soul of our puppy group.  You will live in us forever.

Walkathon-day gift

Marie had to miss the annual Walkathon because she had something much, much more critical to do!  The time finally came for her Anna to come home.  Welcome, Marie and Cecelia, to full-fledged raiserhood, and welcome, Anna, to your loving puppy group.  Anna is sponsored by the Tampa Area Puppy Raisers in honor of one of our members' mother.