Day 2 started pretty late in the morning (well, at least relative to the rest of my stay here). We met for breakfast at 7:30 and then proceeded to the discussion room at the end of the hall to wrap up final lecture items before we got our dogs. The morning went amazingly fast. Sense I had done the obedience and guide dog work the evening before I was pretty much set at 10:00. We all thought that that was the time to get our dogs but Amy came back after a short break and discussed with us what we should be doing after we receive our dogs. She then gave each of the class members their dogs names and breeds. I asked that this information not be given to me until we were introduced.
We then went back to our rooms and I frantically gathered up my recording equipment and did quite a bit of testing before it was dog time. I then went down to the nurse to show her how the camera worked and then went back to my room.
The nurse knocked on the door and we proceeded down to the instructors office. Here is the recording of the introduction of Declan to me. Declan is pronounced “deck len” and is an Irish Saint as well as a computer programming language ;). Not only that, but two computer terms if you hyphenated it ;).
We then went to lunch. Getting him under the table was a very interesting challenge for a big boy. He is 25 inches in height and weighs 69 pounds.
We took the dogs out and then came back to our rooms to relax. I took a bit of a nap and listened to the Cardinals make it into the Super Bowl. It was again time to take our dogs out. After dinner we had a lecture on grooming and then I did a bit of targeting work with Amy on foot placement with my left foot which tends to turn in pretty badly. I then went to bed. It was a long day and boy was I tired.
I want to sincerely thank Karen and Darrell for preparing the audio file for all of you. It is sincerely appreciated.
Hi Jeff,
A friend sent me your blog. The reason I am writing is because I know the lady that raised Unique, your boy’s mom. I have a Unique puppy that I raised as well. His name is Justin and he has been guiding for three years. My Justin in 84 pounds and also like Declan is 25″ tall. He also has a zipper! Unique is a big girl almost the size of Justin and she is white!!! She is now a retireed breeder and had awesome success with her pups becoming guides. Unique lives in Fremont, Ca.
I was prevelidged to see and hold Declan when he was 6 weeks old on campus. He was beautiful!!! Oh, his dad Baker is black. Please write back, I love to chat with you and I have pictures of his mom if you want.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget Declan’s birthday. that’s the day I went into training to get Trixie! Congratulations on the big boy!
Hi Jeff-
Thanks for sharing your blog! As a puppy raiser it gave me chills to hear the recording of you receiving Declan… I felt like a fly on the wall for a moment that I have never experienced before. My first puppy that I raised was also a Baker pup, and she had the most amazing golden eyes too! She got comments on her eyes everywhere she went… so be prepared for that! He sounds beautiful!
I hope the next weeks are wonderful and that you and Declan become a perfect team quickly!
Congratulations,how exciting! Its like having a new baby,he’s your new addition to your Family. I am sure training will go well,that you will bea a great Team. What a wonderful partnership. It was our pleasure to put the audio file together for you. This training is hard work but have fun,take care.
It was our pleasure to do the audio production on the file. We’ll be happy to help again if you like. It has been quite awhile since we’ve done any audio production, so it was particularly nice to return to this work in such a satisfying way.
Hi Jeff,
I’ve just finished listening to the audio file, and coincidentally enough, my guide dog, a female black lab who i’ve had for a year and a half, Matilda actually sat by me as I listened. Anyway, it was a great recording, and I can picture exactly the instructor’s office you went in. I see the dorm still hasn’t lost its echo.
Have a super time getting to know declan and hope you guys feel like a team in no time!
Rachel and Mattie
Hi Jeff and Declan,I felt priveleged to hear your introduction to Declan. I felt like I was right there with you. He sounds like a really neat dog! I am sure you two are working through long, busy days–I look forward to your blogs when you have time to do them. Best to the both of you, Terrie Terlau
Hi Jeff,
I am sooooo happy to hear all of this. I read everything, and heard the audio. So very sweet. This dog sounds gentle, playful and like he will be a good match for you. I’m so happy for you!
Thanks to Darrell and Karen for the audio.
Enjoy every minute!
Wow, I have to agree with Emily. I loved hearing the clip. One the puppies I raised just graduated, and I’ve heard so much about the moment when you first meet your dog–it was so super neat to get a glimpse into that moment.
hello Jeff it was nice to hear you meeting your new guide dog. Will this be the only audio file you will be doing or will you be doing more. Good luck with the rest of your training.
Hi Jeff,
It’s such a delight to be able to read about your trip, see the pictures and hear the audio. Thank you so much for sharing this event!
Take care,
Zach
Hi, great entries about your new guide. I love them. I couldn’t get the recording to play, is there any way to help me on this when you get a chance? Thanks.