Sleigh Ride

On Friday, December 22nd, my furraiser took me to church for their Christmas service.  They had all kinds of things going on like carolers, s'more making, kettle corn, donkeys, camels, goats and even a live nativity scene.

They also had sleigh rides.  I got to take my first sleigh ride pulled by 2 huge horses.  I was a bit scared of the big animals cause I was just so tiny next to them.  My furraiser lifted me up on the sleigh and she got on and rode with me.  It was alot like riding in a car, only very slow.

After that, we went and met the donkeys.  They kinda smelled but I liked the food they were feeding them.  My furraiser kept telling me "No, leave it" but it just tasted so good.  I would sneak it when she wasn't looking.  After that, she fed me and I busied before going into church for the service.  It was such a good sermon according to my furraiser.  Personally I wouldn't know cause all that other stuff made me so sleepy that I kinda slept through it all.

I know I'm late in posting this so I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas.  And I hope that everyone is safe and has a great New Year as well.

Fur Friends Furever,
Fran

Christmas Shopping

Me and my furraiser did some Christmas shopping this weekend.  Boy, I didn't know it could be so exhausting.  My furraiser didn't even take me to all the places that she went.  She said something about not wanting to overwhelm me with the big malls and crowds....wonder what a mall is?

Anyways, we only went to a couple of stores but we walked around furever.  I did get to stop and be petted by the employees and some of the little kids in the store.  That was fun but by the time we got done, I was tuckered out.  I think I must have slept all night and then some the next day.  Even my feet were tired.

After we went Saturday, she took me out again on Sunday to do a little more shopping.  I don't know if I like this shopping thing.  It makes me very tired and very thirsty.

All in all, she said that I did good.  No accidents in the stores....yippee!!!!

I hope we are done now though and I hope everyone else has completed their shopping too.

Fur Friends Furever,
Fran

UPDATE: Waffles First Report

By Beth

This just in.....Waffles first report card for Phase 1 Training.  She is still being considered for breeding but the comments on her sheets were:

"Waffles has done very well in training so far.  She enjoys working and responds well.  She is confident in all kinds of environments and likes getting admired by people passing by.  I am looking forward to having more time with her!"

I am so proud of her. And why wouldn't she be admired when people pass by, she is an exquisite dog.

Miss you much,
Beth

Vet Visit

I had my first vet visit here with my furraiser.  There were so many new friends in the waiting area and I got so excited I tinkled all over the floor as I met each one of them.

I waited for a very long time it seemed and I had to sit for what seemed like furever but my furraiser didn't seem to think it was too long.  When they finally took me back, they weighed me first.  I am a big girl at 15.0 pounds.  After that they took me to this room and put up on the shiny, slippery table.  I stayed close to my furraiser cause I didn't know what these strange people in white coats were going to do to me.

They were all really nice and like me so much and made a big fuss but I wasn't too sure I wanted them to be around me.  And for good cause too, because they stuck me with some pin!!!  Not just once either, but twice.  They tried to trick me with a treat but I knew what they were up to....after they stuck me anyways.

The vet says that I'm a healthy girl and very smart.  She thinks I'll be a good guide dog some day.  I do too.

Fur Friends Forever,

Fran

Sunday Church

This past Sunday I got to go to church for the first time at The Cove.  My furraiser said I was very good cause I slept through most of it.  I thought sleeping through a church service was a bad thing but I guess only for fur people is it a bad thing.

After the service, I got lots of attention.  All the little kids wanted to pet me, even the big kids.  My furraiser made me sit to be petted but I just wanted to wiggle all over everyone and give everyone kisses.   Some of the little fur kids tasted good.  I didn't know that so many of them had different tastes to them.  I wanted to lick them all but my furraiser wouldn't let me.  Something about making me sick..but I don't get it.

After that we went to this place called McDonalds.  There were these things called french fries all over the floor.  Boy, I wanted to taste those too cause they smelled so good but my furraiser wouldn't let me have those either.  I swanny (that's southern for swear) she won't let me have anything that smells soooo good.

My furraiser did get a picture of me with the tree at church.  I didn't want to sit still cause there were so many people to see but she did get a halfway decent one.

Fur Friends Forever,
Fran

Cottonelle Dog

I've been out and about lately and everyone keeps telling me I look just like the Cottonelle dog.  I really don't know what that is but I'm not a Cotton Dog...I'm a guide dog in training.

Fur Friends Forever,

Fran

Weddington Assisted Living and 1st Holiday Concert

I had a very busy weekend.  On Saturday, I  met my sisters and some other fun fur friends at the Weddington Assisted Living home.  I got to meet alot of people there.  Some were in wheelchairs, some had walkers but most were just seated around in the common area.  All the residents just loved all of us puppies.  We loved them too.  It was fun to watch all their faces light up when they got to pet us and as we wiggled in their laps when they held us.  What a joy!!!!

I also got to go to my first Christmas Concert on Sunday.  The singing was so beautiful but I didn't understand a thing they sang.  It was all in Latin but it was fun anyways.  My furraiser said I did an excellent job on sitting still but she said I still need to work on my walking on a leash.

Fur Friends Forever,
Fran

Adjusting

It hasn't even been a week but it has been such a full week.  First I had that very loonnnnggg ride and ended up with a new furraiser.  Then I actually got to have a play date on Wednesday with my sister, Emilee.  Tomorow I'm going to the Assisted Living home with my siblings and some older furfriends.

My furraiser bought me all kinds of toys to play with this week.  I have bunches to play with now and keep me busy.  I'm starting to get used to being here but there is so much new stuff to see and do.  It all kinda scares me sometimes. 

My furraiser told me that she wanted me to get used to everything and settled before she started taking me places but I've been on several "small" walks on our street.  I really don't think I like this thing they call a leash.  I don't get to run where I want to run when we are on our walks and frankly, I just don't want to be on it.  My furraiser said I had to work on that. 

She says I'm very smart though cause, I don't want to brag, but I've had very few accidents in the house.  And the few I've had was because she didn't get the door opened in time and I just couldn't hold it any longer.

Anyways, I wanted to share with you this picture that my furraiser's daughter took of me while I was sleeping.  Can you tell what my favorite toy is????

Fur Friends Forever,
Fran

UPDATE: Waffles Medical Exam

By Beth

I just got the email on Waffles and her siblings, Judy, Hedy and Happy.  All passed their hip and elbow exams.  Judy will be starting the formal guide dog training soon. 

Waffles passed the medical exam with good hips and normal elbows.  At this point she is still a breeder candidate. 

GO WAFFLES!!!!!

Beth

What a ride!!!

Well I finally made it to my new home and boy was the ride long.   I've even had my first outting in my coat.  The coat is huge on me.  My new furraiser says that it swollows me and that I'm really tiny for 10 weeks old.  I think I'm perfect just the way I am.

My first night was fun.  I got to meet Max.  He is huge and a big meanie.  All he does is growl at me.  I just want to play and get to know him.  My furraiser keeps telling him to be nice and sometimes he will let me smell him but he definitely lets me know where my boundaries are.

I understand that there are these 2 other fur creatures in the house called cats.  I've only seen 1 of them and he is bigger than me....bol.  But who wants to play and be with cats.  yuck!!!!

My furraiser is going to go buy me some toys today so that I have something to chew on and keep me busy.  I think she needs to buy me some treats too....bol

Anyways, I'll keep you posted on my progress in my new home so until then...

Fur Friends Forever,
Fran

Fran is coming

By Beth

I will be getting my second puppy to raise this evening.  I don't know much about her except that she is a yellow female labrador donated to the school.  She is on her way here to Charlotte as of the writing of this post.  I'm not sure which of the yellow labs in the crate is Fran but we soon will find out.  We are excited and anxious to meet our new house mate.

Hugs,
Beth

New Arrival Coming Soon

by Beth

Once again, I will soon be welcoming a new bundle of fur to my home.  Although I had initially wanted to wait until after the holidays to raise another puppy, the overwhelming desire and the hole in my heart left by Waffles leaving has made it difficult for me to say no to another puppy.

I don't have a name yet that I can share but I'm sure nonetheless, she will definitely live up to whatever name the school had chosen for her.  She arrives November 28th and I'm sure to take lots of pictures and post a page for upon her arrival.

Until then, hugs and wet doggie kisses,
Beth

In For Training (IFT)

By Beth


The time has come and Waffles will be heading back to Southeastern next week.  Raising Waffles has been a challenge and a tremendous joy.  I've tried so hard not to get attached knowing that she will be leaving me, but I have come to love her and a piece of my heart will go back with her.


I've seen her grow from this tiny puppy with more energy then she knew what to do with, to a mature dog who now channels that energy into her work.


The first several classes, I thought "this dog is never gonna make it,  She is so hyper and will not obey me especially in class".  I remember having to take her outside the obedience classes just so that she could be successful in learning the things she needs to learn.  As the months passed, she still got excited but would settle down and eventually do the obedience.  Now when we go to classes, I see how the other pups act just as she did and know that eventually they do grow up.  She is a sweet angel and still has a great deal of energy.

I know that in no matter what she does, she will be bring joy and life into wherever she goes.  I will truly miss her.  So in the next week, Waffles will be getting alot of extra loving as we prepare to send her off to do great things in this world.

Love, hugs and kisses,
Beth and family

From Baby

To Graduation

To Grown Up

Harness Time

Well, this past week I got this new contraption that my furraiser calls a harness.  I guess it's like the one that I hope to be wearing when I get paired with a blind person.  It's heavier then my jacket and a bit awkward as well but I think I'm getting the hang of it.

My furraiser took me shopping for school supplies this weekend and I got to wear the harness.  I had alot of practice in it walking back and forth and with all the other people trying to get last minute things for thier kids.  I also got to wear the harness when me and my furraiser went to church.  I've learned how to comfortably stretch out on the floor with it on and go to sleep.

The only thing that I have noticed is that even though the harness has a big sign on it that I'm working, people just can't resist wanting to pet me.  It really distracts me from what I'm supposed to be doing.  I wish people would learn what it really means to be guide dog.  Oh well...maybe some day they will.

Wags and Wiggles for now,
Waffles

What a weekend!!!

I had the most fun this weekend.  Saturday I got to go on a boat ride with my fellow pups in training.  It was so fun to see Oakley and Baity again.  Before we got on the boat though their furraisers put some blue stuff on thier noses and made them look funny.  Kinda like the lifeguards that you see with the white on their noses.  Apparently, the white labs sunburn the tops of their noses.  They looked funny but I bet a sunburn woulda hurt worse.

I got to look over the side and watch the water as it went by but I was just a content to sit by my sister, Judy.  It kinda felt like a car ride.  When Judy would sit up into the wind, her ears would fly out like the Flying Nun.  I had to bark out loud at her.  Oakley would do it too while he stood out the front of the boat watching.

Me and Judy enjoying the ride






Judy the flying dog

Look at the water!!!

 











Sad news though.  Judy went home on Saturday after the boat ride.  Ray, her furraiser, came back because Tillie got sick and he picked Judy up while he was here.  I missed her so much and sat at the window crying for her to come back.  It's so lonely without them.  I love Max and all but he just doesn't play like my sisters do.  I'm sure I will see her again though.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

First Baseball Game - Knight's Stadium

Yes I know, I've been slack in posting.  But I hope that everyone is having a wofferful summer.

What have I been up to?  Well back in June, I went to my first baseball game.  My furraiser's daughter was singing the national anthem with some of the other children from the Charlotte Children Choir.  They were awesome.  However, it was soooo hot but my furraiser helped with giving me plenty of ice to keep me cool.  I also got to meet Homer the mascot for the Knights.  It was a bit scary at first but when I found out that I'd get petted, I was all about that.    We didn't stay for the whole game cause they didn't want me to get overheated.  I'm kinda glad because even in the shade I had a hard time keeping cool.

Later in June, my furraiser and family flew out to Colorado.  I didn't get to go but I had a great time spending it with another furraiser.  They had a puppy named Oakley.  He was much younger than me but he was almost as big as me.  I wonder what they feed him because he looks like he is on Miracle Grow.

I haven't really done much lately.  However, right now I have my sister Judy and her friend/sister Tillie at my house.  I so love it when MY family gets to come and visit me.  We are having a blast playing but I think Tillie just does NOT like cats.  And I think the feeling is mutual...BOL.



Judy, Tillie and me all waiting for a treat


 

That's all for now.

Wags and Wiggles,

Waffles

Northsprings Elementary School

Wednesday I got the pleasure of visiting Northsprings Elementary School in Columbia, SC.   I also got to meet Ann Humphries and her guide dog, Brego.  Brego is a graduate of Southeastern Guide Dogs and was paired with Ann about a year ago.  He has his own website as well at http://www.sitstaygive.org/Brego

This was such a rewarding experience to be able to show off to the elementary school kids all my skills and for them to learn all about the school.  There were 4 sessions which Brego and I both got to showcase what we know.  Brego even showed the kids how he stops Ann from falling off the stage by standing in front of her so she can't go any further.  He even did it without being told.  I was impressed and I think my furraiser was too.

In the last session, we were filmed to be shown on the local community channel.  I've never been on TV before so I hope my hair wasn't all messed up....BOL.

At the end of the programs, my furraiser and Ann were introduced to the school's blind teacher.  She had told them that they had just had a student transfer in that was considered legally blind.  Both of his parents were serving our country, with his mom just coming back from Iraq and his dad just being deployed to Afganistan.  WOW, that young gentleman had some major changes in his life.  Anyways, the teacher said he was a little afraid of dogs and wanted them to talk to him to make him a little more comfortable about his blindness and that there are people out there to help him.

We all met the young lad and he was awesome.  He told us of his parents and even told us he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.  Ann talked to him about being able to regain her freedom with Brego and my furraiser even let him pet me.  He was all smiles and such a wonderful young man. 

To be able to see Brego and Ann work as a team and to meet this young gentleman makes all the hard work worth it.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

P.S. Pictures to come as soon as available

Irish Dancers

Last night, my furraiser's daughter had another school concert at the Northwest School of Arts.  Their theme was British Isle music.  The singing was good and they had bagpipes and Irish Dancers.

The bagpipes were very loud and the sound they made hurt my ears.  I was a good girl though and only howled once really low.  My furraiser wasn't too happy about it but it really hurt my ears.  She would have howled too if her ears were as sensitive as mine.

Anyways, they also had some Irish Dancers from the Rince na h'Eireann school of Irish Dance.  They were pretty cool and I even got my picture taken with them.  My furraiser must've moved though because it is kinda blurry.  The last dance they did was the Riverdance while the choir sang behind them.  It was very cool and my furraiser wanted a picture of the choir and the dancers with me but they all moved before she could get me up there. 

All in all, it was good to get out and hear the beautiful voices of the kids. 

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

Kindergarten Graduation

Puppy camp was fun but I was glad to come home.  I so missed Max and Emily.  OH and my furraiser too.  I had fun and did lots of new things with the other furraiser.  My furraiser said the others told her I was a perfect lady (hahaha I got 'em all fooled).

Guess what???  I graduated this past Saturday from kindergarten.  I've got all the basic commands, sit, stay, down (well, I'm still kinda working on that one) all down pat and I'm even good at not being distracted by our newest member of our group Baity, once I've got all my energy out...BOL.

We had a really good class and did lots of practice with distractions.  The newest puppy Baity even got a chance to learn some things and get good exposure too.  I even got to play with my sisters a little bit.  After training class and graduation, we all got to have treats while the furraisers got to have cookies and cupcakes.  Not fair if you ask me cause I wanted a cookie too.

Anyways it was a very nice day for our cap and gown graduation.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

Puppy Camp starts tomorrow

Tomorrow starts puppy camp for me.  I get to go to a new house with all new rules and play toys...WMT (that's wag my tail) for you fur people.  I'm not even the least bit nervous cause I know I'll have fun but I think my furraiser is getting a little sad on me. ...geezzz...it's only for 2 weeks.

I know though she is nervous about my behavior.  I say, what behavior!!!!  I'm just a puppy and I'm beautiful and cute and smart... oh and did I say beautiful????

My furraiser will be getting my sister, Judy.  I know she will love it here.  My furraiser is so loving and we have lots of play time (when I'm not working).  She will learn alot of new things too.  I don't think she has ever been on the lightrail train.  It's fun but crowded.  She will get to do some new things and I think that's kinda the purpose of this camp.  We all get to learn new things and how to adjust to different people and situations.  It will be fun and I'm sure Judy will go back spoiled....BOL.

I won't be posting in the next 2 weeks but maybe my furraiser will post with her adventures with my sister, Judy.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

Long Time

It has been a long time since I last posted and I'm sorry but it has been very busy.

As you can see by my new picture, we had a Christmas/New Year's Party in the past couple of weeks and I got to see my mom again (Maggie).  The picture is of all us siblings that came to Charlotte sitting as nicely as we can (we are still babies you know) with mom.  Can you see that she is just not happy with our behavior?...BOL.

I've started kindergarten classes and I've definitely got alot to learn.  I'm just so curious and they just won't let me roam to smell everything like I want to.  I must maintain a "loose leash" whatever that is.  I know my furraiser must like doing circles because she always has me doing rightabouts whenever I want to pull.  I wonder if that is why they call her a dizzy blonde????

Well, I must let my furraiser get back to work but I did want to stop in and update my picture.

Have a bark of a good day.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

My First Day at Work

Yesterday was my first day at my furraiser's work.  It was exciting yet boring.  I don't understand this whole going to work to sit in front of a computer and talk on the phone.  The ride there was fun and I got to see all kinds of people on the train.  My furraiser got a good seat so that I had plenty of room to lay.

I actually made it the whole day there.  My furraiser said I was such a good girl.  She did take me for walks to stretch my legs and to busy between her telephone calls.  However, there were sooooo many new smells and things to see that I didn't want to go busy.  I can't believe I went all day without going.  Not for lack of walks but because I was just too distracted.  (Boy did I go when I got home though).

I got to see and experience alot of new things too.  Like I've never walked on a street grate before.  It felt kinda funny under my feet and it really smelled but it really was nothing to be scared of.  I also got to experience riding an elevator for the first time.  You know those little boxes that people get in and push buttons to go up and down.  It was kinda like the train ride only it went up and down.  OH and the big thing, the security portals.  My furraisers scans this funny looking card and these doors automatically open.  Not like the ones at stores where you step on them, but she had to use this card thing.  I almost walked right into it because it was supposed to open automatically for me....don't these doors know who I am after all?????

Everyone was so nice there.  Even the security people stopped to say hello to me and give me good praises for being such a wonderful girl.  Of course I am, why would anyone expect anything different....bol.

Well today I'm at home.  My furraiser said once this week going downtown was enough for my age.  She doesn't want to push me but I can't wait to go again.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles

Charlotte Lightrail Train

Yesterday, my furraiser and I went on a ride to uptown Charlotte on the lightrail train.  She works uptown apparently takes this to work.  I think she is getting ready to start taking me in with her.   It was a really boring experience for me.  It was just like riding in a car only the doors kept openning every time we stopped.  Once I realized we weren't getting off anytime soon, I just decided to take a nap.  I laid down between her feet and used her soft comfy foot as my pillow.  She said I did so wonderful but I don't see why she got so excited.  Like I said, it was like riding in the car.  I didn't get to ride on the seats and look out the window so what else was I supposed to do???  Sometimes she can be so silly....bol.

Besides that, I learned a new trick yesterday.  My furraiser and Emily weren't to keen on it though,  I've learned that I can get up on my furraiser's bed finally.  I've gotten tall enough and strong enough that I can now jump up there to chase Emily.  I just don't understand why Emily and my furraiser don't like me to chase Emily.  My furraiser wasn't too happy with me either for getting her bed all muddy.  I was very proud of myself though regardless of what they said but I don't know if I'll be doing it again anytime soon.  Emily was NOT happy that I was in her territory.  I don't think my furraiser liked it either.  Oh well, at least now I know I can do it.

Wags and Wiggles,
Waffles