Thursday, December 20, 2007

20 days and Counting



Before she went back, my sister and I took Waffle into the mall for a photo shoot. We learned from our mistakes with Tacoma (our 1st FBL) and made sure we wore only light colors. (OK I thought it would be neat if we all matched-so we wore black.... I know what was I thinking?) But here is her big girl photo. She usually is not this focused, off camera the assistant is hold up a two foot rubber ducky. Which actually was pretty funny to watch.

She and her sister Wallaby have moved up to Phase 2! Yeah I did not think they would move her as she has just finished her season this week. We are still not sure if she will be deemed Mommy Material that will still be a couple of weeks away. In phase 2 they introduce her to the guide harness, work on basic commands, and learn about food distractions.

While this exciting news we really don't hold out much hope... Waffle is afraid of buses, cars, lawnmowers basically any thing with a gas engine. Call me silly , but I don't think you can be a guide dog and not like buses. I hope it is something the trainers can work out.
here is a link to GDB's site that lists exactly what she is doing in her training. Actually it is a relief that she made it to phase 2, it would be kind of embarrassing to say my dog failed phase 1 - grooming, walks on campus and group play are such demanding subjects. Don't laugh we know someone who failed phase 1 for non-medical reasons.

9 comments:

pafuso said...

Yeah, Waffler! You go, girl!

Brittany said...

Keep up the good work waffle! Hopefully they will be able to get her over her fears and she will make a great guide. The trainers there can do amazing things so you never know.

Career Changed Provo said...

Good progress Waffle. I hope the trainers can help you get over your fear. I like your picture.

thepuppyraiser said...

I guess that would explain why I didn't think I saw her among the K5 ladies! When I go back next time I'll see if I can maybe find her in the training kennels.

Hope she continues to progress through training :)

Carrie and Waffle said...

Whoops I wasn't thinking about the date when I asked ... sorry. Just missing my girl. hope Chirs is well.

Kelsey, Keno, Mallory, and Chappelle said...

I hope the trainers can help Waffle out with her fear. Such a gorgeous photo! Someone failed phase 1 for non medical reasons? Huh. I've never heard that one before.

Anna said...

Oh, Waffle, don't worry- I know one dog who is scared of just about...EVERYTHING!

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

Very nice picture of Waffle. Trish & LW

MK said...

That is a gorgeous picture. I've definitely resorted to dangling toys for attention... haha.

I know what you mean about no recalls being issued for Nov./Dec. We could only be so lucky.

The only reason giving them back is tolerable is because we know they have a greater purpose. But yeah, not much fun any way you slice it. Good luck to Miss Waffle, here's to hoping we hear news on our black labbies soon. :-)