The Call

So we got 'the call' about Waffle. You're never ready for it, I was picking up a friend at the airport when my leader called, it was crazy and it really didn't sink in until much latter.


Here's her drop notice

SUMMARY: Waffle is a small female with high energy. She was a very willing worker while in training as well as being very food motivated. She showed tendencies to become wet mouth at times. She took a while to warm up to her primary instructor, once she did she became more affectionate and respectful. She had an average to below average distraction level and seem to take on a very serious working attitude in guidework. At times, Waffle had fear reactions towards people in the kennel environment and her recovery was slow in these situations. A set-up situation with an unusual looking person opening an umbrella was done outside of the kennels to further evaluate her temperament. Waffle had a significant fear reaction by barking and bolting away. She did well in CR with other dogs and bones – she seem to prefer chewing on her bone than playing with dogs. She has been roomed with another dog, she played appropriately but has been known to dive for her roommate food. I had a great time with Waffle, she is a fun dog and I wish her well.

She is currently eating 3C SD L & R as well as a stuffed kong a day.
RELEASE REASON(S): 21101 - BEH: Fearful Behavior People Generalized
LOCATION (if applicable):
IMPORTANCE: Primary

I guess they really liked her work drive, they kept working with her on her fear issues but I guess it was too much. It is interesting about the whole food issue because of all our pups, she is the most delicate eaters. She would pick up one kibble at a time crunch it and enjoy her meal. I wonder if that and th e whole 'wet mouth' thing is due to kennel stress. My dogs have never been kenneled prior to being recalled. I know that GDA encourages their pups to spend time in the kennel so they are less stressed when they go in. I think we will start putting Lani in a kennel for a short period of time to get her adjusted to the crazy-ness of it all.

So now comes the hard part, the reality of it is we are not sure if we can handle two dogs at one time. Lani can be puppy sat, but Waffle.... plus could she be happy with us or does she deserve to be with a young family like Tacoma's. Grapes aside, they take her hiking, to the beach, skiing, she has play dates, she gets to sleep on the sofa, and eat snacks - hey come to think of it can be adopted by these people. She is coming home this weekend, so we are going to see how that works out. It would be nice to have an older pup around, one who can show the new kids what's up. But I worry that she will be resentful that she can't go places and has to stay home a lot without her friends.

there is a lot to think about.