little chickadee Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 (edited) Well, I thought I'd start a new thread for our next Guide Dog pup Raffles. Quita's thread is very long and Raffles deserves her own! For anyone who is reading about Puppy Walking for the first time, have a look at the link below to find out about it. http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/index.php?id=2692 Basically we look after a pup from the age of 6 1/2 weeks ish, until they are fully grown and ready to go into formal training. We don't get paid - it's just for fun and is a great way of doing charity work! Anyway - we found out about Raffles today. She will be arriving at our house on March 25th She is black and is a labrador/ Golden Retriever cross (much fluffier than a straight lab and the most successful dogs the GDBA breed) Raffles has been privately sponsored, which means that an individual or group have paid £5,000 to name and sponsor a pup through their training. They will get updates (like with the monthly sponsorship packages where lots of people sponsor a dog), but in addition will get to meet her at least once during her puppy walking stage. I'm getting excited now that I know when she will be here and what her name is etc. We know what we're doing now, as last time we were flapping around in the dark having never had a puppy before. I will post lots of pictures when she arrives, so watch this space! Edited December 28, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMcHen Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Oh how exciting - well done you. Are there any things you will approach differently this time around in the light of your experiences with Quita? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Wow - I think you do a fantastic job. A lady who lives locally does it too. Can't wait to see the photos of the new pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 14, 2009 Author Share Posted February 14, 2009 Oh how exciting - well done you. Are there any things you will approach differently this time around in the light of your experiences with Quita? I'm sure there are Maggie. We didn't have a clue what we were doing when we got our first bundle of fluff. We really wished they'd given us the training book before we got her We should hopefully not have to call our supervisor so many times with Raffles! What did you change in the light of your first pup experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieMcHen Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Toileting in a specific fenced off area (fence made of 2' plastic mesh) - not allowing them on the carpeted areas unless invited - (makes it easier when they come into season as they don't expect to be allowed) - didn't buy so many toys - home made ones were fine!! Taking them places earlier as I wasn't so worried about accidents - having a clean up kit in my bag. I think thats about it I think that's about it...........................apart from relaxing more and enjoying them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudgley Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 Aren't you going to post a photo of your new baby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 2, 2009 Author Share Posted March 2, 2009 (edited) It's great having insider knowledge (thanks Smudgley!) I now have photos of Raffles, her mum and litter mates. Quita is going tomorrow Edited March 3, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Aaaaahhhhhh! Now this is one photo I mustn't let Carl see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 3, 2009 Author Share Posted March 3, 2009 Aaaaahhhhhh! Now this is one photo I mustn't let Carl see! There will be more to come soon Lesley, so best keep Karl away from this thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Must not look at puppy photo, must not look Too late! Oooh they are gorgeous! I hope one day to be able to become a guide dog puppy walker - I have wanted to since I was young and a lady in our road did it. At the moment I work twice a week so dont fit the criteria but maybe one day..... Like you, I know I would find it very hard to say good bye after the year but you should be applauded for all the hard work. . Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Aw they look so gorgeous. Bet you can't wait. I hope today goes ok. I would be so sad to have to say goodbye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudgley Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Lovely pics. I'll give Alice a reminder to take weekly snapshots of Raffles & will send you the photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudgley Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 Aaaaahhhhhh! Now this is one photo I mustn't let Carl see! You too could have a Brood B.itch Lesley & you are right on the doorstep of the breeding centre too.... perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 oooh lovely pups! I love black labs.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 What a lovely looking mother and all those black, squidgy puppies Well, of courrse, there's nothing quite like a black Labrador - but then I am a bit biased. Looking forward to more photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 Lovely pics. I'll give Alice a reminder to take weekly snapshots of Raffles & will send you the photos Oooh yes please The photos have been such a good focus for the kids, especially as my son has high functioning autism, so he really really likes to know exactly what's going on. The house seems a bit quiet at the moment and it's nice to look forward to Raffles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ana's flock Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Aaaa! they're adorable! One of my neighbours does it too - the pups are adorable, I don't think I could let them go though, even if they do a great job for people who needs them... Still, you get to enjoy them at their sweetest (and most challenging) stage. Great job to do from all points of view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 14, 2009 Author Share Posted March 14, 2009 Getting excited now. As of Monday I'll be able to say "I'm getting my new puppy next week" ! DD has been having problems making friends at her new school and I'm sure Raffles will help! I think lots of 9yr old girls will want to come for tea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 Right it's monday so I can say "I'm getting a puppy next week! " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Aaaaahhhhhh! Now this is one photo I mustn't let Carl see! They are gorgeous aren't they? Whatever you do... don't take him to Jude's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 21, 2009 Author Share Posted March 21, 2009 I've finally got around to cutting/ stitching the blanket to size which goes over the indoor kennel to make it like a den. I'd been meaning to do this all of last year when we had Quita! counting down the days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Good Luck for Wednesday We are all looking forward to more photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 She's arriving at about 12.30 on Wednesday. Just got to put everything up high now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 are you the lady with M.E? I just wondered how you manage with a puppy and walking it etc? I have Marfan syndrome which means I get really tired a lot of the time (as I believe you do) but I'd love a little dog but keep talking myself out of it because I know I wouldn't be able to walk it very far and it wouldn't be fair on the dog. I just wondered how you got on with walking the dog and exercising it etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Gosh so exciting - I too would be bursting with excitement. Cant wait to see photos. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...