Fun Things, Part II

My puppy’s home environment:

Saxon has spent time in a tiny two bedroom beach apartment and several houses with big backyards and pools. He's spent time in an office and on a huge college campus. In smaller environments, Saxon's energy level is much lower. 

Saxon yawning in a sunny spot in the apartment

In more spacious environments, Saxon enjoys following me around everywhere, spreading his toys throughout the house, and running like a puppy in the backyard. In any environment, Saxon strives to find sunny spots for napping. 

Saxon yawning before napping in the sunny spot at the house

My puppy’s favorite companions (family members, work pals, other pets):

This one is easy: Saxon's favorite buddy is Hero, his 13 year old career change yellow labrador 'brother'. 

Hero as baby Saxon's pillow - Saxon is a blob of a 12 week old puppy here

Saxon is very particular about his 'people' and remembers my close friends, any puppy raiser who has given him a kibble reward, and even family members that visit occasionally. He greets his favorite people enthusiastically - there will be no doubt who is special in Saxon's life!

grown up Saxon, still using Hero as a pillow.

My puppy’s bedtime routine:

Saxon is an excellent sleeper and had slept free in the room since he was housebroken, although he will sleep in a crate or on tie-down as well. As if the pictures posted so far aren't enough proof - Saxon needs a lot of sleep and will put himself to bed if he's tired enough. He is great about staying in his bed until it is time for me to wake up. He's not a dog to wake you with a wet nose.

to be continued....

Fun Things About My Puppy

one of Saxon's formal portraits - can you see the white hairs on his chest?

Before Saxon heads back for formal training next month (oh yes, he is still here, good ol' Sax, last one in his litter to be recalled) I have to fill out a two page questionnaire called, as the post says, "Fun Things About My Puppy". This form is given to and/or read to whoever receives our puppy - hopefully it will be read aloud to Saxon's handler in class shortly after they've met to give them a bit of background on him, what his upbringing was like, what they ate, that sort of thing. If I include pictures, they will end up with him as well. This is all encouraged and in some way cathartic for puppy raisers.

A screen shot of the top of the Fun Things form

I don't know about other puppy raisers, but I always cringe when thinking about this particular two page form, for two reasons: 1. the name itself reminds me of that banally named Fun Day pilgrimage I so look forward to making every year, but always avoid using in conversation with non-guide dog people because it sounds like an offshoot of chuck-e-cheese and therefore something no self-respecting adult would go out of her way to attend... and 2. because I nearly always leave this particular form empty until the days before my puppy returns for training, making it that much harder to fill out because I don't really want to think about the puppy I am giving away. At least - not in the terms it so specifies. And not through eyes clouded with tears.

Saxon passed out with his head in his basket of toys.

But anyway, I decided to get into Fun Things here, because as I sit here right now, legs propped up on top of an exhausted Saxon, I can still technically say his recall is probably "next month" and it seems far enough away to not worry about saying goodbye yet. Since I've already rambled on for 300 plus words, I'll go ahead and start tomorrow. It should be......fun...yes?

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.