motherhen Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Some of you will know that I applied to be a Guide Dog Puppy Walker. Well, to cut a long story short I've been accepted and a black labrador "Ooops, word censored!" called Ingrid will be joining the family in mid May I've worked out she must be about 2 weeks old now (ahhh) and the whole family is getting really excited, apart from son who is upset he'll be back at uni and will have to wait till the end of term to see her. Does anyone else on the forum puppywalk, or done it in the past ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Awwww, can't wait to see some photos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Now I really am going to have a tantrum! Jane, she sounds like she will be beautiful! Lucky you! I would love to do this, but with existing animals and commitments, just cannot. I will have to live off of your experiences and be a "Virtual puppy walker" with you! Congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 CONGRATULATIONS JANE Pictures!!!!!!! Puppy smell ought to be bottled BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Oh how wonderful!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 that is really wonderfull i would love to do something like that! well done you! *polishes mother hens halo* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 CONGRATULATIONS JANE Pictures!!!!!!! Puppy smell ought to be bottled BBx So, am I not the only one who thinks that doggie's feet smell divine? *retreats into corner into foetal position ready for general abuse and derision* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 A school friend of Daniel's does puppy walking and they love it Jane. They've had about 6 puppie's now. They say it is hard to give up the puppies when the time comes but they know there's usually another waiting to come if they want to take another and they do get to know where their charge has gone. Well done you, I'm sure you'll love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 CONGRATULATIONS JANE Pictures!!!!!!! Puppy smell ought to be bottled BBx So, am I not the only one who thinks that doggie's feet smell divine? *retreats into corner into foetal position ready for general abuse and derision* Oh I love smelling daisies feet, not ashamed just a happy mum! BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Phew! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Jefe Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Congratulations! A lady at my dog training class has had quite a few puppy guide dogs - her own dog was a puppy she had which never made the grade as a proper guide dog. I loved your photos of your old dog (Bartok?) and wish you loads of fun with your new addition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamsin Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 What fun you and your family will have,please post pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spott Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 ohhh! you'll have to tell me the sort of things you have to do with it, we might be on the receiving end of a guide dog soon, and i would love to know more about them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 CONGRATULATIONS JANE Pictures!!!!!!! Puppy smell ought to be bottled BBx So, am I not the only one who thinks that doggie's feet smell divine? *retreats into corner into foetal position ready for general abuse and derision* Oh I love smelling daisies feet, not ashamed just a happy mum! BBx We are with you there girls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Well done Jane I am sure it will be great fun................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Wonderful Motherhen A very worthwhile thing to do I sure giving her up will be hard though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted April 13, 2006 Author Share Posted April 13, 2006 ohhh! you'll have to tell me the sort of things you have to do with it, we might be on the receiving end of a guide dog soon, and i would love to know more about them... Well, speaking as a complete novice at this, I understand one of the important things to do is get the puppy used to every situation it is ever likely to be in. You have to start off very young, which is why you get a puppy 1-2 weeks earlier than is normal, and as soon as she has settled in I'll have to carry her around to start getting her used to traffic and shops etc. Guide Dog puppies are allowed to go anywhere where Guide Dogs can go, but it is at the proprietors discretion, although most places are helpful if approached the right way. Under disability laws, Guide Dogs must be allowed everywhere, but the laws don't apply to puppys since the walker isn't disabled themselves - if that makes sense. I also have to teach the puppy to wee and poop on demand, but it sounds like I'll be getting lots of support from the Puppy Co-ordinator and there is also a monthly class I can go to with the puppy. I used to have ponies, so I got used to saying goodbye to a much loved friend when I'd outgrown him/her. I think it will be OK with the puppy when it leaves me at 12-14 mths old because I'll know it will be going to a special home and doing a very special job. Also you do get to hear how your ex-puppy is doing. Not all make the grade due to their personalities, but some become hearing dogs, or sniffer dogs or there is a long waiting list of people wanting them as pets. Having decided to stay living in central Newcastle rather than moving out to the country, but being a real animal enthusiast, this is something I can do with animals where living in a busy city is a real advantage. Mind you, I've never had a labrador before - all I know about them is that they are greedy. Anyone got any experience of the breed? Yes, I will post photos when she arrives and as she grows. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Jane what exciting news, and such a worthwhile thing to do. I do hope that you keep us all updated with your progress, and don't forget the photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted April 13, 2006 Share Posted April 13, 2006 Great news Jane - glad to hear you were accepted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
