Homecoming

Just like in the movies, "there's no place like home." I was released from the GDA program a couple days ago. While I did my work and never failed to do what was asked I felt in my heart that being a guide was not for me. Lucky for me the trainers could see that too and let me go. The best place in the whole world for a puppy in training is Guide Dogs of America, they do the best and right thing for each and every puppy in their charge. So everyone, this is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. The family and I can not be any happier!

Third Postcard

Dear Mom and Dad,
Hi all! My trainers tell me that I've completed my first set of test wearing my harness. I got to guide my trainer while he was blindfolded the other day. It sure was fun!

I know I still have a lot to learn and soon we will learn to guide on stairs, elevators and even escalators!

We have fun when we are not working too. The kennel staff gives us bones and toys to play with. We also run and play in the grassy off-leash area!

Take care. Wiggles and Wags,
Dutch

Dutch at the kennel

Lots going on today at GDA it was a graduation for four dogs and their partners. I had been resting but got up when I heard something by the gate. I could not tell who it was but they took a picture of me. The picture probably wasn't very good since I was behind my kennel mate.

Second Post Card

Dear Mom and Dad, It's me from Guide Dog College. I've learned right and left turns and how to cross streets safely. Soon we will start walking in busier areas with more to watch out for.

But it's not all hard work. I get to play with my friends everyday.

I hope you guys are doing well!

Wags & Licks,
Dutch

First postcard to my puppy raisers

Dear Mom and Dad,
How are you all doing? I'm great! I'm learning how to walk with a special black and white harness on. Boy, do I look handsome! Next we will be learning right and left turns. Hope you guys are well. Take care.
Wags & Kisses,
Dutch

All is going well

I am doing fine, just got off the road working in harness.

Turn In Day

Leaving for the campus of Guide Dogs of America this morning. I will be learning what it takes to become a guide and if it is something that I want to do. Yes, it is sad to say goodbye but I have lots and lots of memories to take with me. You know I will be doing my best.

Friends

Another last walk, this one to Dana Point Harbor with my girl friends, Kelly and Nexxus.

Balboa Island Ferry

Another ferry ride and this time my friend Kip came along. It was his first time but I am sure he will be doing this walk and ride again, as for me it was my last before turn-in. My puppy raiser and I are talking about the day I leave them and go IFT. I let her know that I will remember them and all the adventures forever. We will just have to wait and see if I have what it takes to be a guide, one thing for sure is I will give it all I have.....

Night time walk in Laguna

In less than a week I will be going IFT so I am taking all sorts of walks. This one is at night down the hill to the catholic church and beyond.

Last Visit with Nathan

Nathan is here for a few days and this is the last time we get to play with each other before I go "in for training". We have had a wonderful time growing up together and both of us are a little sad to be saying goodbye....

Dutch and Dustin

Dustin and I having a game of fetch with our puppy raiser. This is probably the last time Dustin and I will be together, he needs to go home to his partner and I am headed for GDA college the end of October. Our puppy raisers were so happy that we got along so well and became best of pals.

Sixteen months

Today is my 16th month birthday and I am feeling fine. I think I will go into training the end of October but have not heard anything official. For the last couple of weeks my morning meal has been cut down getting more every evening today my feeding schedule will be just like my guide dog friend Dustin, one evening meal for the whole day.

Dutch and Dustin

My pal Dustin is with us for a couple of weeks. We are best friends and have our puppy raisers in common. If we aren't playing around or taking walks we are resting on the tile floor to help keep cool.

UPS Fund Raising Event

Nellie and I met at Aliso Viejo UPS station. UPS was having a motorcycle fundraiser and invited us to attend. We met and talked with great people, many of whom support GDA and others that will in the future. Later we ran and played in a big protected grass field. After a while Nellie decided it was time to go home so not wanting to be left behind I jumped right in after her. One problem the car did not belong to either of us.....

Sawdust Festival

Kelly, Winter, Sydney, Dexter(my brother), Nellie, Brian, Velvet, Maci and I spent the morning walking around the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. Some of us even got to ride the trolley afterwords.

Trolleys

During the summer we travel around town on the trolleys.

Big Waves

A week ago we had high surf and high tide. Being a surf dog I do know when to stay on the beach!

Dutch on a beautiful day

Enjoyed a great walk at the Montage to celebrate my 15th month birthday.

Dutch and Nathan

One hot day at Nathan's house his Dad got out the big pool. Nathan wanted me to go in but my nails are too sharp.