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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

That's the Spot

Saxon enjoys close attention from a group of Kindergarten students
Saxon had a busy month full of the ups and downs of every day life - we said hello to a friend's new kitten, and goodbye to another friend's former dog puppy, gone much, much too soon. We had a visit from Ginger, and my mom had her knee replaced so we've shifted gears to help her recover with that. Through it all, Saxon has been absolutely wonderful. From sitting calmly while surrounded by many 5 year olds (some of whom decided to draw on him with chalk) to playing nurse in the hospital - he's done it all with poise and the professional attitude I'd expect of a future guide dog.
Saxon poses by the therapy dog portraits at Torrance Memorial Hospital

So now that he is perfect (I can say that, right?), it is almost time for him to leave. Puppy raising is almost like surfing in that way - so much work to catch a wave for just a few seconds before it's gone, then paddle out again with the next pup.

Tonight Saxon went to a local kennel for a three night stay there, something our club requires and of all pups and funds as well. Stupid me, I left this requirement for the very last minute. There is a strong possibility that Saxon could return for formal training next weekend, and he will spend the next three nights away from me. Oh well. I keep telling myself that it does not matter in the long run - three nights, but right now it kind of feels like an eternity.



6 comments:

  1. Can I ask why your puppies go to a local kennel for three nights? :) I can't believe Saxon is heading back already. Good Luck to him in formal training!

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  2. ha, it sounds like some sort of pilgrimage when you say it that way, "and then he went on a three night journey..." okay anyway. Our puppy club requires kennel stays of all our pups simply because we want to do everything possible to prepare them for when they leave us to become guide dogs. Because they will live in the kennels when they go back for training, we give them that exposure too. Normally it can be accomplished when raisers go out of town or females go in season, but somehow Sax slipped through the cracks - hence the trip tonight.

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  3. Thanks for explaining! :) I thought that was probably the reason but just was wondering.

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  4. Poor you :( I guess you'll really miss Saxon... I don't know, because I've never had a dog. Saxon should be a great Guide Dog!
    Peace ^^
    Nivedha

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  5. I absolutely love the first pic!!!!!

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  6. I miss having puppies around my kinder-kids! Move to Korea!!!!

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