"HIS MIDDLE NAME IS HAPPY"

Patriot is now in his final polishing stage at Southeastern Guide Dogs, and Oh how he shines :)  He is now waiting for the match with his "Forever Person."

Patriot's latest training report:

Patriot is such a happy dog.  While some dogs seem to take a while to bond, Patriot seems overjoyed to accept love from anyone at anytime. His work is impressive, although other dogs do sometime distract him from the task at hand (in a happy excited way) I have really enjoyed getting to know him this past month.

Patriot's trainer is so right, he is a happy dog, he even wags his tail while sleeping!  In his latest training report, the trainer says:

"he's overjoyed to receive love from anyone," this is true! He also is overjoyed to give love to anyone.

  Patriot exudes love!

What a wonderful companion he'll be to his "Forever Person."

"AN AWESOME DOG'

Patriots latest IFT report

COMMENTS from his trainer:

Patriot is always ready to go to work.  He is getting better with his aversion to underfootings and will work over them now.  He knows his job and aims to please.  We went to Tampa this month and he was excellent, although he decided he'd been serious long enough and got the "sillies" when we stopped to rest!

 "Patriot working in Tampa"

I wonder if the "sillies" that the trainer is referring to are equivalent to his "butt tucking routine" he performed to the delight of family and friends....It sounds like he's close to being matched, someone's  going to receive "AN AWESOME DOG"

"We miss that sweet boy"

It's been 4 months since we returned Patriot back to Southeastern Guide Dogs for his formal training.  We cannot express our gratitude to Southeastern Guide Dogs for all of the updates and photos of Patriot.  They have been there the whole way to anwser our questions and guide us through the process.   Can you tell, that we are first time raisers? :) 

"Patriot 1Z10".....So Regal!

"Patriot 1Z10" formal harness photo

Patriot's latest trainers evaluation:

 Patriot still does not like walking through puddles...in otherwords, he's a puddle jumper ...

TRAINER COMMENTS: Patriot is a happy, sweet dog.  We are still  working on our underfooting issues as well as concern over puddles, but we are having fun freelancing and exploring new territory.  He is doing a great job and we are having lots of fun getting new places together.   "I love this trainer!"

Patriot 1Z10 has his own brick in Southeastern Guide Dogs Freedom Courtyard.

We thought it only appropriate to honor him for his upcoming service in guiding his "Forever Person" along Freedom Courtyard, and then as a team along lifes path.

"What an Awesome Dog!"

















'PATRIOT ASKS FOR YOUR HELP"

Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. relies 100% on private donations, receives no government funding and doesn't charge their students a dime for their services!  Along with "Patriot" we ask that you PLEASE help us support this great cause by going to:

http://www.sitstaygive.org/patriot

or by donating directly by mail, in Patriots name to:

Southeastern Guide Dogs
Walkathon Fundraiser/Patriot

4210 77th Street East

Palmetto, FL  34221

Patriot thanks you for supporting his cause!!

"PATRIOT UPDATE"

On December 10, 2011 we returned Patriot to the Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. school for his formal harness training.

The IFT program that the school had for the Puppy Raisers was wonderful, the speakers were informative and it made the transition of leaving Patriot with them much easier. 

I am impressed with the continued contact from the school, giving us updates on Patriot's well being and accomplishments!  For one year, Patriot was a major part of our lives, it is nice to know that the school understands and appreciates that! 

It has been a month since Patriot returned to the SEGDI for his formal harness training.  I think it goes without saying that we shed a few tears when he left us.  Now, we are at the point that we can smile sweetly when we think of him, no more tears... just best wishes for his new life.  By the way I recently found his stash of milkbones that he had hidden away...  :)  it made me smile!

Today we received word that Patriot has passed his physical, his hip x-rays were "EXCELLENT" and his elbows good.  He will continue on as a Breeder Candidate for the next month being observed for his temperament and overall ability.  We wish him well.... where ever this new life takes him! One thing for sure, a part of our hearts go with him!!! 

Patriot is an exceptional dog, in every way....this we knew from the very beginning.  We are so very proud of him!!!!



"THE LAST WEEK"

The last month has been very busy, we were on vacation for a couple weeks and that was a good thing!  Patriot finally got to meet family and friends that had been following him on the blog, he enjoyed all the attention and was an ordinary dog for two precious weeks.

Back to home and reality, Patriot went to the Vet for his final booster shot and on November 19th completed his final obedience test.  He is now ready for his December 10th "IFT" (In For Training) date.  I'm certainly not! He has put a paw print on my heart that is enormous,  he will truly be missed when he leaves us. 

 I have always kept my focus on the end results, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a loyal and faithful companion to his "Forever Person!"

I would like to share some of my favorite photos of this magnificent dog!

In memory of "Kelsey" another loyal and faithful companion, that left her loved ones yesterday, only to meet later at the "Rainbow Bridge"

Kelsey DeFord

"PATRIOT'S FIRST BIRTHDAY:

Patriot is one year old today, he weighed in at 81 pounds and measured 24 inches at the shoulder.

Patriot received a birthday card from the School along with his letter from Southeastern Guide Dog School to report on December 10, 2011 to Guide Dog U as part of the freshman class.  He will begin his formal harness training at that time.

Patriot has become a big part of our family! Our focus has always been  on the end results and we know he is going to be a wonderful dog for his forever person.  It is a bittersweet time for us!


Back seat driver





Where has October gone? We've been busy with outings, obedience classes, and just out experiencing new things.  Here are some of our photos taken this month.



obedience class



Practice, Practice, Practice



Good experience! He did well!



Dinner with the Golf League



Thursday is Golf day



I was asked by some in our golf group to teach Patriot to retrieve golf balls that had gone out of bounds.  I passed on that idea :)

For the next 42 days,we are going to relish every moment we spend with our sweet boy.  He is so sweet, he even wags his tail while he sleeps...how special is that! 

"Good dog....pat pat"