Computer Gremlins

We're having computer issues, hope to have them resolved by the weekend.  Patriot is home from "Puppy Camp" and is doing well.

"REX"

For family, friends and followers, let me explain what Puppy Camp is. Puppy Camp is part of the socialization of Southeastern Guide Dogs.  Raisers trade dogs for three weeks, exposing the dogs to different environments that they may not get from one household. During this time the dogs also get familiar with taking commands from someone other than their Raiser.  This is our second week with "Rex" as our house guest, he'll return to his family on June 11th.  Patriot will return to us that same day.  (We miss that sweet boy) 


Rex's first golf cart ride



Out for a walk



Rex shopping at Spanish Square

Rex loves to go shopping, has such a sweet personality and makes a great walking buddy!

"PUPPY CAMP"

For the next three weeks Patriot is off to "Puppy Camp" It's only been a few days and I miss him already!


Patriot at 6 1/2 months weighing 64 lbs.



Let me introduce you to "Rex," our house guest for the next three weeks, I know his family is missing him as much as we're missing our handsome boy

"REX"

Rex is our puppy camper for the next three weeks.  He comes from a family with three teenagers and two dogs, I think he's enjoying being an only child. 



OBG Lions Club

We've been busy, we represented Southeastern Guide Dog School at the local OBG Lions Club.Betty Van Dellen, Group Leader and Obedience Assistant for the Orlando Puppy Raiser Group, gave a presentation on Southeastern Guide Dogs School to the OBG Lions Club. 

Betty Van Dellen

Some of the puppies from our Orlando puppy raiser group were attendance and represented SEGDI 

"REX"



"RUSTY"

"YAZ"

"REX and YAZ"



  We had the opportunity to meet the newest Lions Club member Ron Van Gelderen and his guide dog Murray.  Ron & Murray recently completed their training at Southeastern Guide Dogs School and reside here in The Villages.  It's great to see the end results of the work that we do with our puppies.

"PATRIOT BEING PATRIOTIC"



Getting ready for Memorial & Flag Day



Patriot is now six months old, is 59lbs and still growing.  He is now considered a "teenager" 

 Oh my!  Like any other thoroughbred, he is spirited and has attitude.  That being said, big improvements are evident when it comes to his walking on a leash.  We are both now beginning to enjoy our walks, there for a while I never thought that day would come.

Our goal is four miles a day, so far we're at three and counting. While on our walks, anything the wind blows Patriot thinks is fair game.  He can spot an acorn, cigarette butt or leaf fifty feet away,  needless to say, we stop often to do a mouth search.

Our last class was was May 14th at Altamonte Springs, where the 2nd Annual Dog games with Humans was held.



Patriot playing "Simon Says"



Orlando Puppy Raisers
2nd Annual Dog Games with Humans



All of the dogs were awarded Gold Medals

"PATRIOT AT PLAY"

Patriot keeps us entertained, he's a laugh a minute!

Earlier in the week we were playing fetch with him, we tossed his toy and then gave the command to "get it." He took off at full gallop across the tiled floor, needless to say, he couldn't stop in time and slid right through the full length screen door.  I wish I would have had the camera going, the expression he had sitting outside looking in was priceless!  Never a dull moment since he took residence in our hearts....."GOOD DOG"...pat..pat

"WHAT IS IT?"

A cross between a Moose and Marmaduke!

 Patriot's having a good time and acting goofy..so what's new!  He never ceases to amaze us, what a personality.  I decided from the beginning to write this blog for a couple of reasons:

1.) I wanted to share with Patriot's "Forever Person" his early beginnings and also some of the joy that he has brought to our home. There has not been a morning "Forever Person" that you have not been in my thoughts and prayers, I've wanted  to raise this dog for you for the last forty years.  I will do my very best to give you an exceptional dog.  This blog may help them understand some of the crazy things he does and likes.

2.) To let our family and friends take the "Patriot" journey along with us.

That being said, let me tell you about Patriot. 

 He loves ice cubes, I mean he really loves ice cubes!!!


Patriot trying to open the freezer drawer



I am so thankful that I do not have a ice dispenser on the front of the refrigerator.  His love of ice cubes can be traced back to me, I gave them to him when he was teething.  I'm the guilty party!



Ornery with a capital "O"



He likes his picture taken



His capacity for love is endless



He'll be six months old in a couple of weeks, he's a sweet boy, very intelligent and can at times be a handful.  Nothing that we can't work through! Patriot has quite a bit of training ahead of him, one of which he'll enjoy is learning how to swim.....



Looks inviting



Have to wait until your six months old!



to be continued.......

"GATORLAND"

Patriot's obedience class was generously invited to tour "Gatorland" in Orlando, Florida. It was a good experience for the class, so many new smells, sights and sounds.

Lots and lots of gators!



Checking out the gators!



Class taking a break



Emu's checking out the dogs



Class photo

A good time was had by all!