Finds

We combined our walks recently with working on "Finds." Mason knows Find the Seat, Door, Steps, Curb, Elevator, Button and Bus (vehicle). He is working on more finds like:
Trash can
Counter (in a store)
Boys* (Mens room)
Girls* (Ladies room)
Stall (the handicap stall)
Pot (urinal)

When Mason finds somethine we must use it. We've ridden lots of elevators, thrown lots of trash away and used the rest rooms often. Once he has found the steps he has to put his front paws on the first step and stop. This gives the person time to find the step. Then I say "Let's go" and Mason proceeds up the steps.

.

When going down the steps Mason has to sit very close to the step. Then the same procedure is followed.

.

.

.

.

Wes worked with Mason to find the mens room, stall and urinal. No, Wes isn't pretending he is blind; he just had cataract surgery and his eyes were dialated that day. He is doing well and is amazed at how bright colors are after the surgery. Mason learned to find the trash can quite easily. As with the rest rooms he uses his eyes and nose. This made it much easier for him to learn.
Stay tuned later this week for before and after photos of Mason when he got his first professional grooming and haircut.

Puppy Swap

"My, how Mason has changed. Wait, that's not Mason. That's a different dog. Have you swapped Mason?" We've had many questions over the last few weeks about our latest puppy. As part of the puppy raising program we swap puppies for about 4 weeks. This gives the puppies a new environment and new exposures. We have enjoyed having Oliver, a golden retriever, with us. He is a joy to work with. He is very mellow and generally obedient; a very sweet personality.
Oliver is being raised by Phil and Sharon Schermerhour in Austin. He goes to work with Sharon at a verterinarian's office. They have many pets at home to keep him company. It's very different at our home with no pets.
Maybe that's why Oliver whined the first few days, especially when put into his crate. We found this sign at a store in the mall. Oliver must have gotten the message because there was no more whining from him.
It was obvious that Phil and Sharon had spent a lot of time working with Oliver. He knew the commands appropriate for his age. Sometimes he needed some reminders to put his front paws on a step going up and wait for a command to continue. But with a little reminder he did just as he was supposed to do. It was nice having Oliver . We'll miss his calm, mellow presence. It will also be nice to have Mason back, at least for another few months. We just received word that he may go back to Guide Dogs of Texas on July 7th to get more intensive training. But we won't think about that just yet.

Casino Night 2008

Guide Dogs of Texas had a very successful, well attended Casino Night last month. Lots of people, especially the GDTx staff, worked very hard to make it successful. Even Mason pitched in by visiting businesses and soliciting their support.

Due to the generousity of many community partners there were many items for the raffles, door prizes and silent auction tables.GDTx staffer Henri Schmidt sold some of her beautiful glass designs.

I was pretty busy at times so Mason was ably cared for by a young lady named Jamie, and here assistant, Cody. Maybe she'll be a guide dog trainer some day. Cody's mom, also Jamie, already is a trainer and his grandfather has a guide dog trained by GDTx.

There were several puppy raisers with their pups and clients with their dogs. All the pups and dogs got along fine. There were only a few barks from an excited puppy.

Pictured below are Casino Night sponsors and puppy raisers, Michelle and Mike Dolan, from Scrapbook 911. Our sponsors certainly made a big difference in making the night financially successful.

Sarah Jane is a potential client who had to give up here first guide dog due to allergies. She has had time with Mason twice now and has had no reaction to him. Sandy Merrill and the training staff are happy with that result, a main reason for getting a labradoodle.

There are several criteria for making a match, so it is still too early to know if Mason will guide Sarah Jane. If not, maybe Trixie, the second labradoodle, will work for her. Mason and Trixie enjoyed seeing each other. "Wow, someone who looks like me!"
Several of us made a weekend out it and stayed at the Marriott the Saturday night of Casino Night. We brought a crate for Mason but it wasn't his giant one. Maybe he didn't sleep as well in the smaller crate. What do you think?

He did wake up more when he saw Tobie. They had a nice romp on the tennis court before it was time to go home, and start preparing for next year's Casino Night!

Two Fundraisers

Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve written. We’ve been busy with two fund raisers for the Guide Dogs of Texas. The second week of January a group of 22 people and 2 guide dogs cruised to benefit the GDTx. We cruised out of Galveston, Texas on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. We all had a very good time.

The two guide dog teams (Ernie & Mikey and LouAnn & Bonney) did such a good job of getting around the ship that one lady asked if the guide dogs belonged to the ship since they knew their way around so well! The ship did have a dog, but it was made of brass. The question we got asked the most is about where the dogs relieved themselves. The ship provided a box with mulch for the dogs.

Captain Gerry Larsson-Fedde with Mikey and Bonney.

We are planning another Royal Caribbean cruise fundraiser for January 11-18, 2009. Details will be available soon on the GDTx website. Think about joining us and raising some money.

While we were cruising Mason spent a week at Dominguez Jail with Ignacio (Flaco) and the other puppy raisers. I’m happy to say that Ignacio has now been released from jail. We wish the best for him. He is a nice young man and has a natural talent in working with dogs.

Shortly after returning we had to go out of town again for a few days and Mason couldn’t go, so he stayed with Richard and Ann Hilton. They said he was a good boy. He liked watching the deer out their windows.

Mason did well both times he was away from us. It’s good to know that he can adjust to different situations. He is coming out of his long adolescence and turning into a mature dog. Yeah!

The second fundraiser with which we’ve been busy is Casino Night which will be held at Marriott Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. Will we see you there? Mason will be looking for you.

Goodbye Old Year - Hello New Year

Mason enjoyed after Christmas shopping. He was especially interested in the wiggling Santas.

He also was quite curious about this store display. He wanted us to go into the store and ask, "How much is that doggie in the window?"

A good way to end the old year is to get all cleaned up so you can look your best going into the new year. Mason accepts bath time - neither hating it nor truly liking it. The best part is when it is over.

Happy New Year, Y'all!

Mason Gets His Sea Legs

We recently went on a two hour boat ride on Lake Buchanan with friends. Before the cruise three of us gave Mason a run for the money - well a run to get the wiggles out. One man said Mason could have run a few miles. Indeed he has lots of energy. That should help him in his future profession.

Before we got on the boat I also took the opportunity to work on going up and down steps. It's not that Mason doesn't know how to do that. He just has to learn to do it at a walking pace, rather than a gallop. Someday someone will be grateful for us teaching him to pace himself on the steps.

It was a cloudy and windy day, but not too cold, considering it was December. As we went down this dock that moved as we walked Mason was a bit unsure of the movement, but he didn't panic.

On the boat we kept an eye out for bald eagles which are often seen in this area. Unfortunately we didn't see any eagles. We did, however, see some wild goats. Mason wasn't thrilled. After losing to a baby goat in the Cutest Animal contest he isn't very fond of goats.

It was nice scenery despite the gray clouds. It was a good exposure for Mason and nice to be with friends. Mason didn't mind the movement of the boat in the water.

After the boat ride we went to dinner and then looked at Christmas lights. It was a lovely display beginning with this tunnel of lights. We gave it a glowing review, but Mason thought the smells were better than the sights.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

A Loss and Gain

It was a sad day last month when we received the word that former Executive Director for Guide Dogs of Texas , Mike Mason, had died. He was loved by many for his friendliness, servant's heart and leadership abilities. Though GDTx has found another skilled leader, for which we are all thankful, there was no replacing Mike, the man. This picture was taken in May when Mason, the dog, met his namesake. The dog is just as spirited, friendly and fun loving as the man. We were blessed for having known Mike.
Even as we experience a loss Guide Dogs of Texas will soon be experiencing a gain. Another labradoodle will soon be our newest guide dog puppy in training. Michelle Pelletier, Larry Gelvin and I recently went to see and temperament test the new litter. They are all so cute. Mason now needs to be a good example to a fellow doodle. I think he's up for the challenge. He's maturing nicely - becoming an older and more obedient teenager. Yeah! More picture of him will be coming soon.