Updates

Family update:

We made it to Missouri...guess what, it snows here!  We're settling in and enjoying my Mom's hospitality while waiting for our house in Austin to close (looks like it'll be before Christmas).  Soon we hope to start looking for a place of our own.  Everything has gone really smoothly so far, and we've got a lot to be thankful for!

Alfie update:

I hear from Larry that Alfie's been having quite an adjustment period with his new raiser!  His new family has kids, an older dog, and an assortment of other animals, from what I understand:  cat, birds, tortoise, and a miniature horse if I've got it right.  Sounds like he's had some issues with settling down and determining his place in his new family "pack".  Some readers may remember that when he went on puppy swap before, he "forgot" some of his training (finds and things), and that's been happening again.  Larry said he thought it was Alfie's way of reacting to the stresses in his new environment.  However, Larry says he's settling in much better now and seems to be getting more comfortable with it all.  I know this is going to be such a maturing experience for him and certainly appreciate all the work his new family is putting in! 

Larry also said that the assessment, previously scheduled for January, is now being delayed until the spring.  Maybe some extra "growing-up" time is a good thing though, given all the adjustments Alfie's undergoing!  He has tons of potential and I'm really expecting good things from him as he goes along. 

In the meantime, I'll leave you with an Alfie picture.  All my good Alfie pictures are on a computer that's still packed away -- oh well!  This one's framed funny but I love his expression.

Be a good boy for me, Alf!

Now for the BIG News

As some might remember, Alfie's scheduled evaluation date is January 2011 -- the same time as Bob, Celia, Petey, and Piper.  So "goodbye" was always just around the corner.  But recent events have accelerated that timeline...our family is moving out of state early next month, and so Alfie will be moving to another raiser home for his last couple of months as a puppy-in-training.

Yes, we're looking forward to our new venture for many reasons!  I'm so proud of my husband Tim, who is going to be focusing on finishing grad school (the main reason behind our move).  The whole family is excited that we'll be living in Springfield, MO -- near my Mom, my brother's family, a dear aunt and uncle, plus other friends!  The only hard part, of course, is saying goodbyes:  to family here in Texas, to our wonderful church family, to friends, to GDTx...and, yes, to one special doodle.

It's tough for me to let go of Alfie:  somehow, with each successive guide dog pup I've raised, it seems that the bond has been deeper.  Alfie has such an uncanny way of "reading" me, and quite a flair for 2-way communication!  Aside from my emotions, however, it's also hard to turn over a "project" in which I am so invested.  Maybe that's just my perfectionist/controlling streak...I'm sure that another raiser will do their best, just as I have, and Alfie will turn out fine.

The GDTx team is working on selecting Alfie's new raiser home, and I'll keep you updated!  I don't yet know exactly when he'll leave.  But until he does, I thought it would be fun to do a few posts on what I'll remember most about my time with Alfie.  Stay tuned!

Halfway?

Well, it was just about 7 months ago, on the day after Thanksgiving 2009, that this little character entered our lives...and has been keeping us busy ever since!

Remember what a cute puppy I was?

Since then, Alfie's grown into that leash and collar a bit...

Look how much bigger I am!

...and, we hope, he's also growing into the role he'll eventually fill as a guide.

Need help crossing the street? 

Now, add 7 more months, and we'll be looking at January 2011...and guess who's scheduled to head in for his assessment?

 

Ummm...who?

If all goes as planned, Alfie will join a group of 5 others (including buddies Petey, Bob, and Celia) somewhere around the beginning of 2011.  They will be evaluated in many areas, both to make sure they're ready for Advanced Training and to give GDTx the information they will need to make appropriate client/dog matches.  After the assessment, the dogs will either go directly to Advanced Training, return to their raisers for a few months until an opening is available, or possibly even wait until the next assessment in certain situations.  Of course, though I don't even want to think about it, there's also the possibility that puppies could be released from the program if it's determined that their temperament or health is not ultimately suited for guide work.  However, I anticipate good things from all the puppies I know!!!

So we're somewhere around halfway!  The second half, in my mind, is actually the most fun.  Of course there are always challenges and I know enough to expect the unexpected.  But basically, by now you've got a nice, social, well-behaved dog who's house trained and reliable anywhere you might like to take him.  For the time that remains, you get to polish his skills, smooth down rough areas...and enjoy him.  Time flies way too fast!

Lovin' life as a guide dog in training!