Zane Train II - The Parka Express

Margaret Faubion Ibison

2011-08-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Maragret Faubion Ibison
Nov 21, 1921 - Aug 10, 2011

   We are sorry to report that Richard's mom passed away on August 10th from bone cancer. She had been in hospice for two months and had received wonderful care and pain relief.

   Margaret loved dogs and had several Chihuahuas in her lifetime. But she also loved both Zane and Parka, as well as our other little Peeka-Boo, Cuzzie.

   We were amazed to see Parka just get into bed with Margaret when she was in hospice and lie quietly next to her t be petted. This gave Mom a lot of comfort and Parka seemed to do it naturally.

   We loved her very much, will miss her spunk and spirit but will continue to be inspired by it.

Parka - ALSO A Therapy Dog

2011-06-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Parka jumped into bed with Richard's mom
and just let mom pet her.

Dear Zane,

Wanted you to know that I, too, can be a therapy dog!

Richard's mother went into hospice for cancer a few weeks ago and we visit her often.

I decided on my own that it was OK to jump into bed with her and snuggle.

She loves it!

So, someday, when I cannot guide Richard anymore, I, too, can have another career as a therapy dog,

just like you . . . my hero.

Love,

Miss Parka

HURRY! HURRY! READ ALL ABOUT ME!

2011-03-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hello friends, fans and that handsome dude, Zane,

   Didn't want to wait to let you know I went to the Vet today for a blood test and check up.    All is perfectly normal again! NO liver issues or nothin'! I AM 100% A OKAY!

   Richard and I just got back yesterday from a week in Dallas and Houston where I was, as usual, the main attraction.

   But it was so good to be back home late yesterday afternoon that as soon as I had my dinner, I went right into my cage and laid down on my nice soft pilla and took a nap.

   Well, gotta . . . there's a nice puddle of warm sunshine coming in the sliding glass door of Richard's office . . . I just LOVE those sun bathes!

Love to all, and especially you, Zane,

Miss Parka

Back in the saddle again . . . and headin' to Texas . . . Again!

2011-03-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

   Thought y'all would like to know that I'm doin' right good and am headin' out to Texas today for the week with Richard.

   Am practicin' my Texas drawl for y'all . . . OK, this is HARD! After all, I'm from SEATTLE, people!

   Well, I wanted you to know I am back to my usual high jinks of trying to eat dirt out of mom's potted geraniums (she stuffed crumpled up copy paper in the pots when she caught me - darn!), eating used tissues (if mom misses her bedroom waste basket, I try to scoop one up, but she's so fast she caught me with the tiniest bit of white hanging out of my mouth!) and hanging around in a predatory way while Cuzzie eats so I can "pre-wash" her food bowl if she doesn't finish her food (this is how I get even for when she tries to keep me from coming out of my cage or coming around the corner of the couch in the living room to cuddle with dad!).

   The best sign that I have returned to normal is that my back end is in high gear when mom or dad call me for whatever reason. They nick named me "Miss Wiggle Bottom". How embarrassing!

   I have to go back to the Vet this Saturday for more blood tests to make sure my recovery is complete . . . piece of cake!

   Oh boy, would I like a piece of cake . . . I'll see what I can "Hoover" on the airplane!

Lots of Love,

Miss Parka

Home Sweet Home . . . Hey! Who's been playing with my toys!!??

2011-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

I'm home 5 minutes and already I can tell . . .
somebody has been messing with my toys!
And I know who!! "Cuzzie . . .! "

OK, this is not very flattering but they had to shave
my belly to do an ultra sound to make sure I
didn't perforate my gut with some dumb thing
I decided it would be really great to eat.
Dad says my belly is as bald as his head!

I have a few other spots that were shaved on my paws
and my upper chest where they were trying
to put intravenous lines into me when I was
dehydrated and needed fluids . . .
plus I had a plasma transfusion, too.
My beautiful coat will grow back . . . eventually.
Until then, I wear these marks as a badge of honor . . .
I defeated death!

   Yes, Miss Wiggle Bottom is home, tail wagging a mile a minute, gnawing on her bone (so Cuzzie doesn't get it!), wanting to play "Kong" with Richard.

   But in a very few minutes, she is resting on her pillow next to Dad's living room chair . . .

   She would wish you "Good Night" but she's gone . . . zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Defeating death is pretty darn tiring.

Hospital Pix - Parka and Richard

2011-02-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

Parka's eyes are closed, too . . . hard to see on a black dog!
Are these two happy or what?!

Richard reassuring Parka that she will be home SOON!

Parka coming home 4 PM today - NO Addison's Disease!

2011-02-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

   The Vet just called to sat that Parka is doing EXCEPTIONALLY well and we are to pick her up at 4 Pm today . . . YEAH!!

   Also great news: she does NOT have Addison's disease!! DOUBLE YEAH!!

   Her blood work is "remarkable" for what she's been through. She still has some diarrhea but nothing spontaneous . . . OK, the carpet guy will not be making any more $$$ off the Faubions for a while. He was here two days in a row last week.

   We will be feeding Parka rice with some added chicken and cooked cooked beef (fat drained) to encourage her appetite which is still sluggish.

   Also, she will be taking more meds to keep the bad bacteria down, and also adding some good bacteria back into her gut.

   I can't say enough good things about the VCA Alameda East Animal Hospital! These vets and vet techs and even the receptionists have treated us with compassion and saved Parka's life.

   We're taking Cuzzie over tomorrow morning to get her checked out, too, and bringing a stool sample today to make sure she wasn't the one giving Parka the tape worm. She's been fiddling with her butt a lot lately. Sorry if that is TMI, but it won't be to dog owners who need to be concerned about butt fiddling!

   I will post a picture of Parka at home later. The Vet thinks she will do even better at home with her family.

   More later . . .

   Claudia in Denver

Parka picture taken at Vet Hospital tonight

2011-02-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

Parka & Richard tonight . . . SO glad to see her dad.

   Boy, I am one tired doggie . . . but I pulled through with the help of the wonderful vets and vet techs at the VCA Alameda East Vet Hospital in Denver.

   I was SO glad to see Dad . . . he came to the hospital straight from the airport. I can tell this has been really tough on him, too . . . getting reports on my condition but not being here to encourage me.

   They tell me I can go home tomorrow. I sure am looking forward to being back on my nice soft pillow next to dad's chair, or next to his side of the bed . . . even in my cage next to his desk while he works.

   Well, just wanted to let you know I'm going to be OK. Thanks for all the prayers . . . I think God heard them.

Love to all . . . Miss Parka

Parka has rallied!

2011-02-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

Our girl is doing so much better!

   Quick Vet update: Parka has rallied and has even eaten a small amount of food and kept it down. They did an ultra sound on her and could see that her colon was pretty inflamed, her lymph nodes enlarged and that her adrenal glands are smaller than normal. However, that doesn't mean she has Addison's disease. They are testing for that now.

   HOME TOMORROW is the thought . . . WHOOPEE! They will call us in the morning to set up a plan.

   I am leaving for the airport to pick up Richard and we will go to visit her right away. I'm sure that will be great for both of them . . . and I will love it, too.

   I will ask Miss Parka to give you a message and will post it ASAP.

   Thanks for all the love, support and prayers . . . they have helped to pull her through I'm sure.

Claudia Faubion in Denver

Miss Parka is one sick puppy . . .

2011-02-25T06:54:00.000-08:00

Now hear this, Miss Parka . . . you get well!

Dearest Parka,

   I just heard you are in the hospital. Richard told Gary what's going on.

   Gosh . . . you've got everybody worried! What in the h@#! did you eat anyway? I'm sure you are in good hands now but I'm sure all the poking and prodding and blood tests and x-rays aren't any fun.

   Tomorrow night Richard will be able to be with you again and I'm sure that will make you cheer up a bit (him too). Meanwhile, you are getting lots of love from Claudia.

   Here's a picture of me with my birthday gift. But now I'm more worried about you than my birthday or my gift.

   Tell Claudia and Richard to keep us all posted (I'm not on Facebook) on your progress. And remember, Guide Dogs don't get sick leave, so GET BETTER FAST!

   Your pal forever,

   Zane

Hey! It's my birthday!!!

2011-02-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

This was my party last year . . . Richard and Parka were there!

   Hey guys, it's Feb. 23 and it's my birthday. . . so where's all my greetings and gifts? I've waited 5 years for today and nobody has given me anything yet (and it's now 2 PM).

   Seems like as hard as I work that I should at least be getting a bone or something. Well, Gary and Vicki went out for a while this morning. I sure hope they were able to stop by Petco or Petsmart for a while.

   FYI: My work schedule at UC-Irvine hospital has changed a bit: not my job assignments but just the days I work. I need transportation to the hospital each week. Gary's teaching schedule has changed for the Spring semester, so now I'll be making my visits on Thursdays instead of Mondays.

   That is, of course, assuming I get some kind of birthday greetings by midnight tonight! Otherwise, I'm considering some kind of work slowdown.

   It's been an exciting time for me over the last 5 years. I graduated from Guide Dog school in San Rafael, lived in Denver for a while working as a seeing eye dog, been all over the USA and have provided "therapy" to hundreds of patients.

   I'm a member of "Delta Society," a member of the Trauma Intervention Program of Orange County. I look forward to more exciting times.

   Hopefully soon Jed will be able to join me as soon as he matures and mellows a bit more.

Love, Zane

My new job . . .

2011-02-11T06:37:00.010-08:00

For those who have been wondering what I am "doing for a living" these days, here I am with one of my favortie people, having a great "conversation" while he undergoes some chemo.

   Sometimes we just gaze into each other's eyes and he gives me good scritches under my chin. He knows I understand.

   Please note: I get my own chair! Abd you can see my ID and special "jacket" that IDs me as a VERY special dog. But we all knew that, right?

   This is just one of my new "theapy dog" responsibilities . . . more to come.

Love, Zane

Another Zane Update 1/1/11

2011-01-01T15:47:00.005-08:00

Well here I am at home learning a new trick.... "roll over". Somehow in my vast training I never learned how to do the "roll over" trick. So last week when I was visiting my pals at the Partial Patient unit at UCI Medical Center Gary and Vicki promised everybody they would teach me how to roll over. Darn...and the treats were coming so easy; now I'll have to work harder for them. Oh well, I guess every good dog should know how to roll over. So far I know: sit, down, stay, come, heel, Smoky Bear, shake, circle, bang, pray and "OK". "OK" is my favorite as that is usually followed by "good boy" and a treat! Most everybody loves my "pray" trick which is pretty easy.

My work responsibilities as a therapy dog have changed a bit. Now I am working in three separate facilities at the hospital. Once a week Gary and Vicki drive me down to the hospital where I spend the first hour with a bunch of great teens. There I get introduced as Gary and Vicki explain my background.... especially my work as a Guide Dog with Richard. I get treats as I go from person to person doing my tricks. Most of the teens have pets of some sort at home and so they just love the opportunity to talk about their pets, and their experiences with them. I get my teeth brushed, my hair brushed, and lots of petting and belly rubs which some times makes me sleepy. At the end of our session we always have what has come to be known as the "group hug". They all get down on the floor and rub me all over looking for what Gary and Vicki call my "sweet spot". When somebody finds it I begin to smile a REAL smile. It feels so good. I love group hugs.

When leave that unit I go to the "infusion center" where patients are getting IV drips of all kinds of stuff to cure various types of cancer. I've come to know a few of the patients pretty well and they now look for me each week. The nurses usually pull up a chair, put a white sheet on it, and let me jump up onto it so I'm at the level of the patients. And you can sure see me against that white sheet!

My last hospital unit is called orthopedics. I think that means bone problems. Seems like many of these patients have had falls and car accidents and such. Again, I get to sit in a chair by their bedsides and get petted a lot. Of course more treats are given as I repeat my tricks.

I hope some of the patients, doctors, and nurses (or anybody I visit) that read this can find the time to send me a quick note. It will make my day to be reminded again of my short but fun visits with you. Richard and his new dog Parka love reading the posts too.

Till later, and Happy New Year!

Dear sweet lovable Zane.

Zane - Therapy Dog Deluxe!

2010-07-10T10:43:00.003-07:00

Hi everyone!
Richard, Claudia, Parka and CuzzieHey there folks; it's Zane again. It's been a while since I've had access to the computer but since Gary and Vicki left for the store a while ago and forgot to turn off the computer, I'll take advantage of the opportunity to play catch up.As you know, my new career as a therapy dog started about three months ago. I work at a place called University of California Irvine Medical Center which is a pretty big hospital with lots of specialty areas. I work in two areas, one is called the "partial patient" adolescent unit and the other is a regular medical unit. The partial patient facility provides group therapy to teenagers who come in for counseling during the day time hours only (that's why it's called partial patient I guess). Gary and Vicki take me to meet the teens and their doctor (Dr. Koppke) on Tuesdays. There are usually about 7 to 10 in our group. I just love working with the teens as they get to handle me as they discuss their feelings under the guidance of Dr. Koppke. I get the whole routine, including brushing of the teeth, hair, and games like basketball (I now have my own NBA basketball which all the teens get to sign with a felt tip pen). I also get to show off my routine of tricks which Gary and Vicki has taught me. The trick most seem to like is where I play dead when they shout "BANG". I have also learned to pray which many of the other doctors seem to like. I've even learned to do the pray trick when told to do so in Spanish (which makes me a bilingual therapy dog). I work with them for about an hour, then, at the end of our meeting we all gather around for what Dr. Koppke and Gary call the "group hug" as they say good-bye for the week. That's when they all get me down on the floor and rub me all over trying to find my "sweet spot" which makes me smile ear-to-ear. It really does. It's so much fun for me and them. After working with the teens I go to another facility for about another hour of work where we meet individually with patients that have requested a visit from me and signed a consent form ahead of my arrival. It's in a unit called "fifth-floor tower". Most of the patients here are either going-to or coming-from surgery or have a variety of other ailments. My visits seem to cheer them up and again, they love seeing me do my tricks. But most of all, they like to visit and chat with Gary and Vicki as they rub my ears and neck. It's so relaxing for me and it seems to get their minds off their immediate problems. Almost all the patients have dogs at home which they miss so much and it's good to hear their dog stories. The nurses and doctors on the fifth floor all love to pet me as we make our rounds and it gives them a break too from their stressfull days. When we get done working we usually go to the cafeteria where Gary and Vicki get a snack as I rest on the cool floor by their table. But even there, the many doctors and nurses and helpers of all kinds like to come over and pet my soft warm hair and ask about me. Your name comes up often as my history is explained.I know that Gary put you into contact with one special patient who lost his sight recently to glaucoma. Gary and Vicki told him all about you and me and Parka. I hope to see him again next week during our visit and I hope that you inspired him to get apply to the guide dog school where you got me (I think he presently uses just a cane and an assistant to get around so a guide dog would be great for him). So in a way Dad, you and I are still working together! I will send a picture or two of me at the hospital that maybe you can post on the Zane Train Blog.Love you so much, and as usual, give Claudia and Cuzzie and that lovely little lady, Miss Parka, a big hug and kiss from me. I love them too.

Cheers, Dear Loveable Zane.

Parka and Dad Discover Denver!

2010-07-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends and family everywhere!

Dad had a stay-cation, which he tells me that it meant that we did not go anywhere special for aweek prior to July 4, but just decided to discover Denver together. I had no idea this would be such a work-out for me!

Dad began the week by creating a Welcome to Montview Resort & spa guide as he learned the bus routes, museum locations, hours, etc. around Denver.

Then we hit the trail on June 28 and went to lunch with Auntie Phyllis (a member of the Coors family) and got to see herbeautiful home overlooking a golf course. I could tell Dad was ready to play some golf.

Then on Tuesday, we took the bus on 17th to Colorado, then took the Colorado Bus to 3rd Avenue where my adventure began. We walked across 3rd looking for the Brass Bed and it turned out to be about 12 blocks from Colorado. Ugh, was I pooped! And it was starting to get hot, almost 90 degrees.

Dad then shopped for Mom for their 10th anniversary and we had lunch where I got a big bowel of water. Then we headed for Eccentricity which was a ladies shop with jewelry and clothing and Dad got Mom another gift!

Then we headed home and someone offered us a ride and Dad took it. Boy, am I happy about that!

The next day we walked down to 12th Street in search of a bakery which we did not find, but we found Daz Bog and Dad had a cup of coffee and sweet roll and I had a big bowl of water and slept for a while.

Then we boarded the #10 bus for downtown Denver and Dad got to 16th Streeet and we found a bank. I new that those nice young ladies inside had some biscuits for me (about 6 of them) and Dad has been handing them out every day since.

Then we went to the Denver Visitor's Bureau and Dad got a bunch of maps and pamphlets for future use. We walked down 16th to a sandwich shop where I got another big bowl of waterwhile Dad ate his lunch. We found the 17th Avenue bus and headed home. Gosh, did I need a nap.

The next couple of days we wandered around the neighborhood checking out different shops and stores, looking for a bakery, which Mom and Dad found on Saturday. And wouldn't you know it, they were out of cinna-buns!

We had abig party on July 4th in the Penthose with almost 60 people there and there was lots of good food, fireworks around the city, but it was raining cats and dogs, hmmmm, and we did not see too much!

Oh well, what a week it was. I'm ready for a nap again!

Cheers to all, love Miss Parka

Happy Dad's Day!

2010-06-20T06:10:00.002-07:00

Good morning K-9's and their Daddies,

This is Dad's Day, let us rejoice and be glad in it! I think I heard something like that at church today or recently! Yes, I am really glad that I take care of my Dad. He takes such good care of me.

Let me share the things that Dad does for me:
1. He feeds me 5 times a day! How he divides up that cup and a half to feed me that much is amazing, but I sre feel like I'm well fed.
2. He gives me kibble as we walk around the lake and along the lovely paths throughout City Park.
3. After our 4 or 5 potty walks a day, he gives me a "halfee" which is half a milk bone dog bisucit if I do my business and a dibble for all other business.
4. He gives me lots of good lovin' every day, especially while he lays in bed, I crawl up and get lots of good scritches.
5. While he sat on the floor yesterday and watch the US Open and Tiger Woods, I got to lay down between his legs and gets lots of tummy rubs and lots of feeling really close to Dad.
6. He plays with me all the time, trying to take my Konger away from me, playing tug with the Ring, grabbing at the NylaBone while I have it in my mouth, throwing my tops for me to fetch, gosh so much fun!
7. He keeps me well-groomed, keeping my coat looking nice and shiny, keeps my teeth cleaned and my ears cleaned, even though I really don't like that too much.
8. He sends me to my room, you know, my cage when it's time for me to take a nap or just REST so he can get some work don.

I'm so happy with my Dad and I wish him the best of Father's Day, not only today, but every day!

Cheers and lots of licks and hugs, Miss Parka

Mile High New Home!

2010-05-30T15:33:00.002-07:00

Good afternoon doggies,

Well, Dad, Mom, Cuzzie and I have moved to a new high-rise resort near downtown Denver. Now we really feel like we are mile and a half high!

Our new home is called Montview and we're on the 6th floor. Our new home faces south and west and we have a nice-sized balcony on both sides to look out over our new kingdom.

Cuzzie is always checking out the 100 foot trees not far from our balcony to see if any birds or squirrels are trying to skinning up and down the tree without her permission. I just stretch out on the concrete patio and enjoy the gentle and sometimes strong breezes cool me down after long walks with Dad.

Our location is just a couple blocks from the Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo and the City Park golf course (which Dad played about 3 weeks ago with Aaron.) But what's the greatest feature is that we are just a block away from a huge lake at City Park and we've taken a walk around it just about every morning. It's a little bit more than a mile and we usually take about 30 minutes for our entire trip there and back.

Montview is a 14 story building with a penthouse on top and we've looked out over the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Denver from up there on the roof top. Dad keeps talking about the Fourth of July when he says he'll be able to see fireworks displays all over the city from there.

With the Zoo so close, we've heard lions roaring in the morning as they wake up and scream for breakfast and many exotic birds cawing their morning wake up calls to their buddies. A friend, Dennis, that walks with Dad most mornings, said he has heard elephants as well in the morning bugling their need for food!

We went to a Memorial Day hot dog and hamburger party on Saturday, but Dad did not spill much so I didn't get any crumbs this time. I did catch a few crumbs after dinner one night at the Penthouse restaurant.

Dad got a haircut on Thursday at the salon that is located in the basement and I found an ant trap that was quickly taken away from me. You guys are just no fun!

Cuzzie has gone with Dad and I on a walk around City Park and to the Pinnacle high rise condos doewn the street. Dad actually got lost event though I kept telling him which way to go, but would he listen to me? "no!"

We have a two bedroom apartment, with Dad in one office doing his business while I sleep in my cage. Mom does her business too in the Dining Room. We're getting settled in now and it's starting to feel like home again.

Cheers to everyone and I know this is a weekend to thank all the service men and women for our country so I can be a FREE guide dog! Thank you!

Cheers to everyone and stay tuned for new adventures! Miss Parka

Happy Easter Bunny Zane

2010-04-04T06:40:00.004-07:00

Good Easter Sunday morning Zane and friends,

It seems like months since I got to meet the great Zane Train and Gary, Vicki and the Johnpeers in Los Angeles, but it's only been about five weeks! Happy Easter to everyone.

There is so much to share. As you can see in the picture, Dad got to visit Zane, his first guide dog, and I got to meet him as well. What a hunk! Zane is so mild-mannered and I'm such a wild thing! I could tell that Zane could bring a lot of balance into my life and time to "slow down and smell the roses!"

I also got to meet this young kid named Jed, who the Johnpeers are raising, and gosh he's already as big as I am. And he is fast too! And strong! We played tug a lot while I was there visiting. Zane would play sometimes, but mainly I was chasing Jed all over the place to try to take away the bone, Kong, rope tug or whatever he had, I wanted it.

It was Zane's 4th birthday party too while I was there and Kimberly got us a doggie-biscuit birthday cake and Vicki divided it up and then we sang happy birthday to Zane then devoured the cake! Yummy!

I really enjoyed my field trip to college with Gary as he taught his Earth Sciences class and Dad listened intently to learn more about glaciers and they tpes of rock formations they have left behind. Dad even got to work with the studeents to help build glacier trails out of clay. I really enjoyed all the loving from the students as they just adored me, well, they just can't help it!

Speaking of that Easter bunny, Cuzzie, my half-sister, who I live with here in Colorado, has this bunny that she likes to play with. I try to steal it from her all the time, but she gets back at me by standing over my Kong and won't let me get near it. Cuzzie has this stare that just stops me in my tracks. Ugh. She is very intimidating and has such a nasty growl. I'm just a pussy cat. I'm a lover, not a fighter, but I do like to play!

Dad and I just made a couple of whirlwind trips to Tecas, one to San Antonio to help them raise money to cure blindness at the San Antonio visionWalk which raised over $120,000 in a very tough economy! We also went to Dallas to hlep kick-off their 3rd Annual VisioinWalk on May 15 and then to Houston for their Symposium on Research Advances to almost 200 people.

On April 1, Dad and I had lunch with Ms. Phyllis Coors and it was such a delightful lunch and she gave me lots of loving as well.

Wow, I'm tired, I think it's time to take a break today. Didn't my friends at McDonald's say that too? I wish everyone a very happy Easter and a wonderful Spring!

Ruff, ruff and lots of puppy love, licks and wags to everyone, Miss Parka

Zane - the birthday boy!

2010-02-21T13:06:00.004-08:00

Dear Zane, the original Zane Train and my friends,

Zane I'm looking forward to meeting you finally!

I understand that you are almost 4 years old and I will be there to meet you and celebrate your birthday and the upcoming birthday of my Dad on March

2! Dad tells me the Johnpeers will throw quite a party on Wednesday night!

It's very exciting to be heading to Los Angeles, because I've never been there and I hear that it's a lot warmer that Denver! I saw snow in Seattle as I was growing up, but it just stays COLD here all the time.

Dad showed the picture here that Zane sent us to remind Dad to bring some birthday presents with him. Well, we had a GDB Colorado Chapter meeting on Feb. 13 and Dad bought a couple of presents for you BIG BOY!

I'm bringing some tug toys that Dad bought me for my birthday and Christmas so be ready to have a "tug-off!"

See you soon and lots of licks and puppy hugs, Miss Parka

Suri with the fringe on top!

2010-02-14T10:35:00.004-08:00

Good morning and Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

With much love and affection, I introduce my birth mom's, so to speak, new baby! Yes, Becki has chosen to take on another puppy to raise hopefully to follow in my pawsteps. She certainly is a cutie-pie and such a cute name! My Dad keeps singing "oh what a beautifual morning and surrey with the fringo on top" and he tells me that it's from some musical called Iklahoma. OK, I get it!

But I can't believe how GDB are raising their puppies now with classical music? My Dad just keeps feeding me Country Western music when he leaves me in my kennel and I can't figure out why whenever he comes home, I just start two-stepping all over the house?

I'm excited for Becki and hope Suri grows up to be just like me!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovers out there! Miss Parka

Merry Christmas - Reflections 2009

2009-12-24T12:55:00.002-08:00

Hi everyone! I know I've been kind of absent recently, but just been busy with the holidays, vacation, etc. I want to wish everyone a very happy new year and a wonderful Christmas holiday. AND I can't wait to open the present Dad just put under the tree for me! Enjoy our poem below.

Reflections from the Faubions – 2009

Christmas Eve, the bite from the cold stings the skin under a Colorado blue sky.
Eight inches of soft powder adorn the trees, bushes, lawns as back muscles sigh.
Shoveling paths for feet and paws to find that perfect spot in the snow . . .
Dancing and prancing as paws barely touch . . . "Bark, bark! Dad! It’s time to go!"

As '09 draws to a close, the Faubions of Colorado snuggle to stay warm,
Claudia has on her heater, Cuzzie, curled into a ball, Parka caresses the lamb skin pillow yarn,
Richard, with his own "bearskin" coat, wears short sleeves amid a fan for a cool refrain,
Temps in the teens, bright sunshine, flocked trees: it's a Budweiser postcard scene!

This is our home, a Colorado paradise with the Rockies majestically providing the background,
A sprawling Front Range with Denver at its hub, beckoning adventure, independence abounds,
Married in Pagosa, a place we called home for many years, since 2003 enjoying the Mile High,
A patchwork of cultures, citizens are friendly, courteous, yet self-indulgent, we say with a sigh.

Claudia, on 12/31, Baby Boom plus 3, an elder care advisor with A Place For Mom,
Now, 16 months on the job and 90+ move-ins this year, 2009 declared a resounding success,
My eBay business draws to a close as garage, basement and closets are converted to cash,
Refining my skills with David Rock’s "The Brain At Work", clearing my stage with pinnash!

Richard, on 3/2, Baby Boom plus 1, a Director of Development for Rocky Texas
Now, almost four years with FFB, raising money to find preventions, treatments, and cure us!
Teaming with chapter leaders in Houston, San Antonio/Austin, DFW and Denver cities,
Challenges are many as the economy recovers, but good news at last, treatment - restored sight!!

Cuzzie, in January, Baby Boom + 17, the Queen of the kingdom on Elmira Circle land,
I’ve got a cute little tail that curls up on my back that I wiggle and wave as I lead the band,
My soft fur keeps me warm as we wander outside, but my paws step quickly as I park and play,
My bunny and my pillow squeak as we play and tug as mom and dad try to take them away.

And bringing up the rear, Parka, just a young thing, on 12/6, 21, that’s three and a little more
I’m from Portland and Seattle and the Boring campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind, a Labrador,
Black from head to toe, with a slender-sleek face and torso that makes me the Parka Express,
Leading Dad wherever he chooses to go, as he barks commands and I respond in dutiful zest!

Mom, Richard’s that is, moved in August from 6252 to Quincy Place with comfort to spare,
Kicking and screaming that she did not want to go, but now has many friends for daily tet-a-tet.
On 11/21, Baby Boom plus 28, she sports a walker and now a motorized chair, her Cadillac,
As she zooms from place to place with great aplomb, especially the hair dresser weekly whack.

Thanksgiving brought a time of rest to all of the clan as Claudia and Richard flew to the beach,
Relaxing at a Villa del Arco resort in Cabo San Lucas for a week to renew, refresh, and teach,
Learning Spanish daily at a poolside class, muy bien, amigos, Feliz Navidad, time for a drink?
Ahhh, another margarita, Modello Negro, Corona por favor…this is the life, a soothing wink!

Cuzzie spent a week with Jenny, thanks so much for your cuddly care of our treasure,
Parka got a week off-work to play with the Lukacovic puppy clan to romp and endure,
A fun week like a regular Retriever, so it was a rest for all of us to regenerate and renew,
In preparation for 2010, a year that beckons just a few days away, how fast 2009 flew!

Last summer was truly a trip of discovery and adventure from Denver to Yellowstone
By car, with stops in Casper to dine with friends, a B&B overnight stay, a classic home,
We had lunch at Buffalo Bill’s hotel and bar, a Cody landmark, then to the East entrance,
The magic of Yellowstone, its bison, elk, deer, fowl, canyons, rivers, trees and fragrance!

Over Memorial Day, a guide dog reunion was held at the Hampton Inn on Arapahoe,
Kae and Melody from Boston, Larry and Oxford from San Diego with Megan in tow,
Megan and Allard from Houston and puppy raisers and their pups following them all,
Met to share about our challenges and funny stories and how quick the puppies recall.

These are but a few of the travels and excitement for the year for the Faubion clan,
As we move forward into 2010, we have already booked two weeks in Cabo again,
And we plan a trip to Glacier Lake in Montana and Canada too, to enjoy the beauty
Of what America has to offer as we celebrate 10 years as a couple, July 3, with gaity!

Warm regards and blessings to all for a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

Claudia and Richard, Cuzzie and Parka

La Tissue Bandido!

2009-10-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

To all my tree-hugging pups,

Being born in San Rafael and raised in Seattle, my roots are definitely rooted in environmental concerns and ensuring that I help in protecting the use of trees and ensuring that we recycle at all times!

OK, are you getting the picture yet? I like paper in just about any form. I know you might think this is a little nasty, but when I find "used tissus" in a waste basket, I recycle them.

I will either eat most of it which is one form of recycling or bring it to Dad to show him what I've found! He usually gets mad at me and takes it out of my mouth, with some trouble, since I don't let go of it very easily.

Dad found the evidence one day of a big chunk that I took ou of some coffee filters that I found sittiing on a desk. I wonder why those were sitting there, so I thought I would recycle them.

Dad really got made at me when he left his desk to go get some coffee and I saw a piece of tissue paper on his desk that was wrapped around a delicious-looking danish. It even had cream cheese in it. Well, to get to that paper, I had to EAT the danish first and when Dad came back with his coffee, there was the tissue paper on the floor that I was licking and he got real MAD!

Gosh, he tied me down under the desk and was furious! I wonder why? It was just a donut. Right?

I felt bad, but it was good. I never get good stuff like that to eat! Dad finally gave me a hug and said that he should not have put it there for me to consider eating.

Yes, I'm the Tissue Bandit! So they really keep an eye on waste baskets to try and keep me from checking them out and stealing the conttents for a snack.

Love to all, Miss Parka, La Tissue Bandido

The Old Man and His Dog - a great story!

2009-10-11T06:54:00.004-07:00

Dad and I read this with our Window Eyes and it was so good that Dad and I cried. I think you will enjoy it. Pleasse share with your friends!

The Old Man and the Dog by Catherine Moore

"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?" Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. "I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving." My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my though ts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess. The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irrit able whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone. My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of t he sympathetic voices that answ ered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog. I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in t he shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly. I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement."He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly. As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?""Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog." I looked at the pointer again The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. Anger rose inside me It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples."You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal. It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind. The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." "I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said. For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. .his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. Life is too short for drama & petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time. And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares?But do share this with someone. Lost time can never be found.No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 1/6/2008 11:57 AMNo virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1213 - Release Date: 1/7/2008 9:14 AM----------------------------------------------------------Lengthy but worth the time...we can all relate.The Old Man and the Dog by Catherine Moore "Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?" Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. "I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving." My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my though ts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess. The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irrit able whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone. My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of t he sympathetic voices that answ ered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog. I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in t he shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly. I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement."He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly. As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?""Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog." I looked at the pointer again The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. Anger rose inside me It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples."You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal. It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind. The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." "I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said. For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. .his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. Life is too short for drama & petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive.Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time. And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares?But do share this with someone. Lost time can never be found.
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Sayer's Graduation - the rest of the story!

2009-09-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sayer goes "upside down" when he hears the Johnpeer's voices at GDB!

Happy Labor Day all you working dawgs!

Yes, it's Labor Day in Colorado and I'm so glad that I have a JOB! You know, I work hard for what I get paid in kibble and I believe that I don't need any of that stinking health care insurance, but Dad always wants the best for me. I'm working, though, and not "under-employed" like some dogs I know.

Zane, are you still laying around in California getting a sun tan? Yes, I heard that you have become a therapy dog, but what I want to know is, is the therapy for you or for the Johnpeers?!

I know you have a good sense of humor because Dad said that you do, so I hope you are doing well and I look forward to meeting you someday SOON!

Thanks for sharing this story about your step brother and mine, Sayer. He really looks like a cool dude and I bet he really loves Kathy the way he did you and the Johnpeers.

Thanks for sharing this story from Sayer after his graduation as a "working dog." I can just hear Dolly singing "9 to 5" in the background. I know that Claudia & Richard will enjoy this story of success! Take is away Zane . . .

"Hey Mom and Dad, there's been lots of activity around here recently, mostly pertaining to Sayer and his graduation from Guide Dog School in San Rafael. Here's a brief summary of what I've overheard.

"A couple of weeks ago, Gary got a call that Sayer had been placed with person at the guide dog school and that the person was a retrain student, meaning Sayer would be their second dog.

"He wasn't told about any of the particulars, such as age, gender, residence, etc., just that he was "placed." The suspense, excitement, and anticipation about who it would be was killing everybody!

"About that time there was a "fun day" at the guide dog school in San Rafael and some of the people from Gary's puppy group went to join in with the festivities. It seems that Olga, that nice French lady you met once, was in the gift shop (perhaps it was a store; not sure) and somehow the name "Sayer" got mentioned.

"A bystander, who turned out to be the person who Sayer had been placed with, overheard Olga and they struck up a conversation. Olga was knowingly breaking the rules a bit because puppy raisers are not supposed to have any contact with the dogs once they are in training.

"But Olga's a bit like Gary and saw no problem bending the rules just a little bit. She called Gary upon her return to Orange County and "spilled the beans" about who Sayer was placed with.

"As you know by now, the person is a nice lady in her mid-50's who was a retrain student. Her name is Kathy Hazard and she lives right there in Novato. Olga got to see Sayer and she said he looked magnificent.

"A couple days later, Gary and Vicki got the official letter that Sayer was going to graduate and were asked if they were going to be able to go to the graduation. I got worried because I knew I couldn't go along. I've not been left alone overnight since I was retired.

"They let Jed, their new GDB pup, spend the night with Robert and Susan (Brando's owners) and I got to spend the night with my best friend across the street . . . you remember Logan, that Golden Retriever I play with all the time.

"They left for San Rafael last Friday evening for a very quick and tiring trip up to the school. They didn't get there till 2:00 AM Saturday morning and were up early to go see Sayer for the first time since he was recalled and to attend the Saturday graduation ceremony.

"They said Sayer went crazy when he first heard their voice. He was upside down and so excited that for a while he really didn't look like a dignified Guide Dog at all! But neither Kathy nor the Johnpeers were concerned as they figured Sayer would go berserk for a little while and he did!

"Gary said that Sayer's eager reaction to them was, in itself, justification for the tiring trip. Poor Kathy got left in the background during all the excitement of the re-union but she understood.

"Gary says that she is just as appreciative of getting Sayer as you were of getting me.

"Gary, Vicki, Kim, and Katie got to hand over the leash to Kathy and Gary got to say a few words at the ceremony....no he didn't cry or choke up this time!

"They all had to get back to Orange County by Sunday morning because Vicki started school on Monday and Kim and Brandon had Sunday School to teach. They visited for as long as they could and got to know Kathy a bit better. They got to meet her son and daughter-in-law who live close to Kathy. His name is Matt and her's is Heather.

"Perhaps best of all for Kathy, is that Matt and Heather adopted Dean, her 10-yr-old guide dog that had to be retired. It was hard for Kathy to officially retire Dean but she is so happy that he's close to home and she can see him often. Matt and Heather have a pretty neat dog now and everyone is happy.

"They are a good family and Gary says Sayer is in good hands, even though he would have been glad to have Sayer return to live with me . . . but then he always says that, doesn't he?

"Everybody is going through new adjustments now: Kathy with Sayer; Dean with Matt and Heather; Gary & Vickie without Sayer; ME without Sayer; me with Jed . . . goodness!

"Gotta go as this short note has again turned in to a small novel. Give Claudia and Grandma a big hug from me. Say hi to Cuzzie, too. I still miss you so much. I'm fine and I love it here as I get to sleep in Gary & Vickie's bed EVERY night!

Dear Sweet Lovable Zane"

Well, I guess that says it all . . . except, Happy Labor Day, everyone!

Love,

Miss Parka

Hey Bro! Sayer graduates!

2009-09-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Good morning dudes,

I am a proud sister-in-law! Dad's first guide's step-brother, Sayer, has graduated from GDB!

Zane and I know what it takes to do that and it is such a great accomplishment.

Congrats, Sayer and especially to Gary and the gang and all the love they shared to make him such a great guide dog!

Congrats to Kathy Wheeler for graduating as well. I know she must be a special lady!

Gary, thanks for sharing so many pictures of your trip to San Rafael. I graduated in Spring, but I'm sure that San Rafael is a nice place. I know that Dad really liked his time there when he got Zane.

Here's what Gary shared about their whirlwind trip to San Rafael to see Sayer graduate from Guide Dog school and to meet Kathy Wheeler who got him.

"We met Kathy and her son and daughter-in-law and they were very gracious and so appreciative of getting Sayer. It's her second guide dog and you can tell she is a dog lover and that Sayer is in good hands. He sure looked handsome and we were so proud of him."

Well, it's nice to have some new members of the growing Zane Train family. Congrats Sayer!

Best wishes and thanks Gary and the Johnpeers,

Miss Parka

Pictures of "The Little Jedi"

2009-08-06T16:43:00.006-07:00

Well, here he is! Everyone thinks he's so cute . . .
Gary put me in the front seat on the way home from picking up Jed . . . I wasn't too sure about what was happening.

He smells OK . . . we'll see . . .

I think the rest of the family thinks we should keep him.

He can "Sit!" Oh, big deal!

Let's hope he grows a little and I can play with him . . .

Zane

It's not Jeb - It's Jed!

2009-08-06T16:35:00.004-07:00

Hey guys . . . here's a good one!

Katie was reading over some paperwork for that new guide dog puppy Gary and Vicki just got . . . you remember . . . the one they said was named "Jeb".

I always did think that "Jeb" was a strange name for a dog but I kept my mouth shut to be polite.

Katie asked Gary, "What's his name supposed to be?"

Gary said, "Jeb."

Katie looked closer at the paperwork and said, "Guess what? It's "Jed", not "Jeb".

Gary is embarrassed because he sent out emails to everybody telling them the name was Jeb. So now everybody here is trying to remember to call the little guy by his proper name. Gary now calls him "Jed, the Little Jedi."

Gosh, you'd think that two grown people could get a dog's name straight. Now I'm worried that my name might be wrong, too! Guess I better go check my paperwork. I sure hope my name isn't "Shane" or something.

PS: I'm starting to like the little guy . . . he's kinda cute but pretty dumb right now. He only knows how to sit.

Love,

Zane

What I did on my summer Vacation by Zane Johnpeer

2009-08-06T15:41:00.015-07:00

Hey Dad!

We just went on our annual trek to the High Sierra where we spent a week in an old cabin in a place called Mono Hot Springs. Here's a brief review of what we did.

Gary decided that this year they could pack a week's supply of food and supplies into their SMALL Honda Civic (bad decision I think) for the trip to the mountains. Seems like Vicki likes to pack everything except the kitchen sink so there was barely enough room for me to sit down in the back seat!

But as long as I'm close to somebody, I'm happy. I was squeezed between Vicki's legs and the back of the front seat all the way. The nine hour ride was tiring because the last 20 miles were very bumpy due to a dirt road that is not well maintained. But I like the feel of the motion of the car and the vibration of the floorboards on my tender belly so I was OK with the whole ordeal.

At the cabin they rented (believe me, it was very "rustic" to say the least) their house rules were very relaxed and I got to lay around and rest a lot. I even got to lay on the picnic table to be petted and combed. In the evenings, when they were star-gazing I got to sit in Gary's lap! They wouldn't let me chase toys outside because of the rattlesnakes in the area.

One day they took me to the river where I thought it was going to watch Gary and Kate fish. But when I got there, they expected me to swim and, as you know, I don't really like swimming much, if at all. They coaxed me into the water to swim (twice), but I decided that was enough and wouldn't go in again any deeper than my knees. (You remember, Dad, when we went to the beach in CA - I barely got wet!)

Why does every body think that just because I'm a Lab that I love to swim? I'm a pure-bred guide dog/therapy dog, not Michael Phelps the Olympic swimmer!

Once we took a long hike to a remote glacial lake which was wonderful, but I had no intention of swimming there either and made that perfectly clear once I got there. Fortunately, it was a cool day for hiking and nobody got too overheated. Dad, you should have seen the beautiful flowers and big pine trees reflecting in the mirror-smooth lake water. It reminded me of the time we rode up to that lake in the mountains at the TNT Ranch when I was living with you.

Near the end of the vacation, we took a boat trip to Florence Lake. I was afraid they'd want me to swim again but they didn't even ask me to. They cooked hot-dogs and fished some more, then we rode the boat around the lake so Gary could take pictures of the rocks for his geology class lectures.

On the way, Vicki spotted a big bird that turned out to be a Bald Eagle. What an amazing and beautiful animal and it landed in a tree very close to the shore so we got some neat pictures.

Our trip home to Brea was long, too, but not as crowded in their small car because we had eaten much of the food they hauled in. I would have gladly eaten more but they kept me to my two-cup-a-day limit of kibble. I sat on the back seat with Vicki and just loved the return ride.

We're getting back into the daily routine (Gary calls it the daily "grind"). However, the next big event was our trip across town to pick up another Guide Dog puppy . . . yes, it's their 5th. I had been hoping they'd decide to stop raising these puppies so that I could remain top dog at the house, but Gary has promised me I'll always be top dog.

They are all excited to see the new puppy called "Jeb", but to me it's just another black fur ball with five toes on each leg and each leg attached to a black chunk of meat. He's almost 10-weeks-old and has a skinny tail (no where near as handsome as mine) and he pees and poops a LOT!

Maybe they'll get fed up with his bad manners and get rid of him, but I kind of doubt that. So far, I'm just pretending they never brought him home, but in a way I'm glad they did because when he grows up a bit, well, he might be someone I can play with . . . not sure.

I'm here for the long haul and I'm still top dog . . . Gary has promised me that and he doesn't lie.

Gotta go now and watch Gary clean up some more puppy pee off the floor!

I love you so much. Say Hi to Claudia and Grandma and give Parka a big hug for me.

Your Pal,

Zane

Jellystone Park & the Teetons!

2009-07-11T09:00:00.005-07:00

Howdy everybody,

Can you believe it? Dad and Mom finally took a vacation and took me along. I have to admit that I did a LOT of laying on the back floorboard, but they were kind to me. They gave me two pillows. One for my body to lay on and another one over the hump, kind of folded up where I could lay my head on it and get lots of scritches from Mom & Dad along the way. I was actually pretty comfortable!

We left on July 1st for Casper, WY, to spend the night in a cute bed and breakfast which was actually in a converted apartment in the basement of this cottage. I had a BIG kitchen to eat my food in and Mom took me on walks while Dad was soaking in the HOT tub. There was another dog there, but I kind of intimidated him so he stayed away from me.

We went to dinner with some friends to the Casper Petroleum Club and it was really swanky. The food was delicious...don't tell anyone that I scooped up some crumbs that hit the floor.

The next morning, we drove up the Wind River Canyon to Cody and then over to Jellystone Park. I heard Dad say that this place has two million acres. Thankfully we did not walk them all. We saw lots of canyons, hot springs, geysers. This picture at Old Faithful from the Lodge 2nd floor observation deck. Cool!

We stayed in a condo in West Yellowwstone, which gave me plenty of room to play tug with Dad with my Kong and Ring. I love that Dad likes to play tug and keeps telling me "he's gonna get my Kong or my Ring." I love it when he chases me, too!

Mom and Dad had their 9th anniversary lunch at the Old Faithful Lodge while I took a nap. There was a big rain storm that night, but we were safe inside the condo with the windows rattling. Dad said they had four TV channels to start with, but after the storm blew out the Idaho Falls feed, we were down to one channel. That meant more play time with me, I loved it!

On July 4th, we drove south past the Teeton Mountains. I know I spelled it wrong, but I got to tee-tee at the base of them! They were pretty awesome to behold. We drove along the upper Wind River and Shoshone River to Lander in central WY. They were all booked up with no place to stay, so we headed for Rawlins and ended up in Rock Springs for the night.

I got to see all sorts of fireworks that night. People got out of their cars and were shooting off fireworks all around us. Then the big show started at the Rock Springs fairgrounds and it was beautiful. Mom took lots of pictures with her new camera.

We got back to Denver in the afternoon and I was pooped. I just found my rug and pillow and took a long nap. Then it was time to play again!

What a great trip! Dad and Mom really needed the rest! (Mom didn't really get much - she drove 1628 miles in five days!)

Happy summer to everyone. Hope ya'll have great vacations and rest.

Lots of licks and tummy rubs!

Miss Parka

2009-06-21T10:10:00.003-07:00

Wow, Zane, great comeback, dude!

Yes, I'm so proud of my brother-in-law, Zane! Gary & the Johnpeer gang have been working with him to becaome a therapy dog. I think he was getting tired of being a guard dog on the beaches of southern California!

Congratulations, dude! You are so handsome. Could we be "kissing cousins?"

Here is the letter that Gary sent us regarding his graduation as a therapy dog:

"I would like to congratulate you and your Pet Partner for passing the Delta Society evaluation. It is wonderful to see a handler and their dog really working well together as a team. You were both obviously responsive to each other's cues. I've attached a list of facilities that the Animal Health Foundation has volunteers visiting or have expressed an interest in having volunteers visit.

You will receive an email from Delta Society with your registration number in a couple of weeks. I would appreciate your emailing me a copy of it for my records. I will then send you a vest for your Pet Partner and you can conduct visits. Your Delta Society ID card and tags will be sent directly to you a few weeks later.

Please email me a picture (jpeg) and a paragraph or two about your Pet Partner for his business cards. The front of the card will have your Pet Partner's picture - the back of the card has Breed and a short paragraph (baseball trading card size) about your dog - such as his favorite thing to do or some people have a motto. When I receive your Pet Partner's information, I can get started on having cards made so they will be ready when he gets his ID, etc.

Thanks so much for choosing our organization to become a part of - if you ever have questions or would like to tag along with another team, I also can mentor teams when visiting a new facility - please let me know.

Thanks for bringing smiles to many people.

Jan Vincent, CPDT
Pet Partner Team Coordinator
Animal Health Foundation
Delta Society Evaluator
AKC CGC Evaluator 714.710.9114

Isn't that impressive? Good job, Zane. Dad and I are very proud of you! You are still the Zane Train, maybe now the Zane Therapy Train!

Lots of licks and love, Miss Parka

Texas Trip yee hah!

2009-06-21T09:33:00.002-07:00

Howdy yall,

Well, I kept hearing that a lot so I'm telling ya'll the same thing! That means hello to you non-Texans.

Dad has been so busy, he has not had time to open the Zane Train blog so I can bring everyone up to date on my latest travels. On Thursday, June 11, we flew to Dallas with an unplanned layover in Amarillo. There were lots of thunder storms in Dallas. After a couple of hours that seemed like a day in the small Amarillo airport, we made it safely to Love Field.

We met up with one of our key chapter leaders, James Jennings, and I stayed at his house, while Aaron, Dad and James played 9 holes of golf. Dad said that he played very well and in fact, really like the #4 hybrid that he borrowed from James. (We just bought him one yesterday for Father's Day!)

Dad had a Friday morning conference call with Walmart and then we had lunch with a guy named Tom. Then Aaron and Dad left me at the hotel while they played some golf again. That evening we got to go to Aaron's new home and I got to play with Maya for a while. She's a nice Rottweiler!

We had a DFW Chapter meeting and VisionWalk celebration for the over $131,000 they raised at their May 16 walk. Aaron passed out the Flying Horse awards that Dad dreamed up. See Biscuit went to the top team and Eye O'Silver to the 2nd place team.

We flew to San Antonio in the afternoon and then had dinner in our Holiday Inn hotel room and Dad crashed pretty early from being so tired. Little did he know that I was snoring long before he was. It was almost 100 degrees in the Alamo city!

On Sunday afternoon, we went to Stone Oak Hospital where Aaron and Dad held the San Antonio/Austin chapter meeting and VisionWalk celebration for their great Walk on March 14 where they raised over $120,000! Aaron passed out the Flying Cow awards to the top fund raising teams, El Seemore and Moo Pigmentosa and Seymour Clearlee.

We went to the River Walk that evening for dinner on the river. Aaron and Dad were scooping up lots of chips and salsa and whenever Dad dropped a chip, I scooped it up! I did a great job of keeping Dad out of the river and showed him all the funky steps back to the car.

Dad said that I did extremely well on this trip and gives me an overall grade of A-. He also feels that I am 90% working together as a team. My only issue to be resolved is my desire to "dive" for food while walking through a restaurant. But those scraps are so tempting!

But I'm so cute, you just have to love me, right?

Love, Parka

Happy Dad's Day!

2009-06-21T06:36:00.003-07:00

To all Dad's from their pups!

Good morning and Happy Father's Day!

Cuzzie just had a bath and isn't she cute?

Dad just gave me a nice grooming, aren't I HOT?

And Dad, doesn't he looked relaxed?

Breakfast brunch on the veranda...ah the good life.

I'm so happy here in Denver with my Dad, Richard. He takes such good care of me. I count on him to feed me 4 times a day. Can you believe that?

Yes, you know, I like to EAT. So Dad feeds me when we get up. I kind of help that process along by trying to wake Dad up usually starting about 4:00 AM, and then reminding him about every 30 minutes. Dad keeps telling me to REST, but I'm REST-less. I'm hungry! Dad finally gets up at 5:30 AM or so and feeds me soon after he takes his shower and gets dressed.

Then Dad feeds me again around 7:00-7:30 AM the balance of my one cup of food. He then feeds me again around 1:00 - 2:00 PM and finally the balance of my second cup around 5:00 PM. I just love him. He is thinking about my needs, which is LOTS of food.

Dad grooms me every week and takes really good care of me. We went to the Vet the other day just so he could check on my "girlish figure." I weighed in at 53 pounds, so he's keeping me lean and mean. I wish that he would fatten me up a little, don't you?

It was quite a honor yesterday as Mom, Dad and I did some shopping for Dad's new golf club, I heard them say a 4 Hybrid club. Dad also asked the sales person if they had a GPS system that would find lost golf balls. I guess that means he hits a lot of them into the woods and areas off the course. I wish he would take me so I could locate the balls for him.

Dad took us on a mountain hike a couple weeks ago and we had a great time! There were 3 other guide dogs there too and of course, I was doing the best job. I know because they did not worry about how we were doing. Dad and I were just trekking along. We hiked about five miles and I know Dad and I were pooped after those hikes.

I want to wish Dad's everywhere a very happy day or rest and relaxation and be thankful to your partner for all that HE does to make your life a wonderful one. HE knows how much we mean to him.

I know that Zane made Dad very happy and I know that Zane loved Dad and Dad loved him. I've seen him cry several times when just recalling their good old days. Zane, in fact, has become a therapy dog and I'll have to tell you more about that later

Dad, I wish you a wonderful Father's Day and thanks again for taking such good care of me as I take good care of you.

Love, Miss Parka

Rowdy Reunion Party - Part II

2009-05-25T06:07:00.005-07:00

Good morning fellow partners and pups,

The BIG party is coming close to an end according to Dad. I know I'm pooped from having to work with all these guide dogs. We were really racing through downtown Denver yesterday trying to see who would take the lead down the 16th Street mall.

The morning started with breakfast at Gunther Tooties and Dad seemed to really enjoy his eggs, French toast and bacon. I kept hoping he was going to drop something on the floor, but he did not. Everyone else ate well and then we drove down the various Denver neighborhoods to show off the city.

We got down to the 16th Street mall where pedestrians, partners and their pups walk all around the street going all directions with only buses passing every now and then. There were lots of humans everywhere with the Denver Art Festival in full swing.

We stopped at Starbucks for some special drinks and all of us even got a cup of water as it was preety hot working in downtown with the temperature in the 70's.

We finally headed back to the van, but on the way, a LOUD clap of thunder and lightning scared all of us and Claudia said that everyone jumped about 3 feet since it hit only about a block away from us. Then it started to rain and I felt like I was back in Dallas where ir rained cats and dogs last weekend during the VisionWalk.

We dodged the drops and got back to the van and hopped in and headed back to the hotel. After dropping off the other partners, Dad got a haircut and Mom took me for a walk. That was fun leading her and showing her what I can do.

Everyone took a nap and then got together for dinner pizza and beer and then we watched a movie, Seven Pounds, which Dad said was a little strange, but somewhat entertaining.

Now, everyone is getting ready to head back to the airport for their return to their respective cities. What a great weekend we have had. Oh man, Dad left me home since the van was a little crowded, but I saw them all last night and said good night!

Everyone loaded up and headed to the airport and we dropped everyone at Southwest airlines where Larry would be first to leave at 10:30. We took one last picture at the airport and said our good-byes and hugs.

Dad said that he asked everyone to write or email their thoughts and experiences that we would post on my blog. That will be fun to see what Meli, Ox and Al thought!

I'm pooped! I[m getting back into my kennel cage and resting now. Good day everyone! Thanks for the rowdy party!

Love to all, Miss Parka

Rowdy Partners Reunion - Part 1

2009-05-24T04:51:00.003-07:00

Good morning pups,

Phewwww, I am pooped. Dad has had me working like a crazy dog! And there has been so many new dogs in my life! What a whirlwind weekend this has been. Oh yes, some of you may not know that this Memorial Day weekend is what Dad calls the Rowdy Partners and Pups weekend.

For those of you who have not heard, Dad's classmates from around the country have descended onto Denver and have been having such a great time renewing relationships and just having fun.

Thursday, Kae & Larry first came in on the bus from the airport and we met them at the Hampton Inn. Kae hadMiss Melody (Meli as Kae calls her a lot) and Larry had Oxford leading him into the hotel. They are such good looking Golden Lab Retrievers, Melody is sleek like me and Oxford is such a BIG hunk, 95 pounds of fire-breathing love.

Dad and I had prepared some baskets of goodies for them and stocked their refrigerators in their room with a few beverages as well. Megan arrived with Allard a couple hours later and we all got together for some Mexcian food at El Parral that evening. It was so great to meet GDB guide dogs. It was almost like I was back at Guide Dog School in Boring, except all these good-looking dudes came from San Rafael.

On Friday, we all got up early and prepared for our hike at Williams Park adjacent to Dinosuar Hogsback. Steve of Blind Outdoor Adventures led the 4 of us along a "two-butt" path up and down through rolling hills and brisk running streams of water. We had to move to the side many times to allow runners or bikers to pass as this was a very active trail. The wild flowers were everywhere in bloom, the birds were chirping their songs of the Spring and the prior night's rain provided a fragrant smell for all to smell. I did not show Dad some of the rocks or logs that we crossed, but I kept working myself around them and Dad walked over them!

Meli and Oxford were really good at marking the rocks and steering their handlers aruond the rocks in the path. It was truly an interesting path. After about a 1.5 mile walk in, we stopped to rest and have some wine, cheese, trail mix and water before retracing our steps back to starting point. It took us about 3 hours to complete the trek which was a totally fun experience.

We had lunch on the deck outside the Platte River Pub. We had great burgers and beer, well I should say I was hoovering for dropped napkins and pieces of food! Most of us were so pooped we just layed down and rested while our partners ate their tummies full.

Everyone tooks naps to recover and rest before a great BarBQ dinner at Brother's BBQ in the evening. We needed to rest and recuperate before the big meeting on Saturday.

At 8:30 on Saturday, people began arriving for the Rowdy Partners and Pups meeting at the Hampton Inn. Additional GDB partners joined us for this great meeting. I met Elway, Yelllow Lab, and Vicki; O'Connor and his handler, Chris and Roanne and her handler, Veronica. And to add to all the fun there were three different puppy raiser clubs from the area!

The puppy raisers that joined us were Have Paws Will Travel, Liberty on Leashes and Dogs with Vision. They brought several puppies to share their stories and demonstrate their "got to bed" and "layover" routines. We had some retired guides as well and some career-changed dogs to be part of our party. There were 17 people in all in attendance and 14 dogs. Wow! what a party!

Lots of pictures were taken and lots of stories were shared. Several people expressed interest in a GDB alumni chapter in Colorado which Dad will coordinate and get them moving.

We all had lunch at El Parral next door and got a chance to fellowship some more. This was just like college, having all my buddies around to rest while our handlers enjoyed their food and fellowship. We did do an obstacle course around the parking lot and took a big group picture which I can't wait to share with all of you!

After some more naps, everybody came over to our house for food, fun and fellowship and frolicking and rolling on the floor giving each other lots of kisses! After a brief 30 minute rain, we took off around Arapahoe Lakes and enjoyed the fragrant smells and goose poop along the route. We sat on a bench near the lake and waterfall, while Kae took our picture. So many great shots to share. Dad and all his rowdy partners shared stories about lots of funny things we have done. There was lots of laughter!

So today we have breakfast together at Gunther Tootie's and then head to downtown Denver to stroll along the beautiful 16th Street pedestrian mall, check out the Denver Arts Festival and who knows what else.

That's all for now. I'm heading back to my kennel cage to get some rest before we head out!

Lots of love to Class 680 and all those pups that are rocking their partner's world! Parka

Television Career? Colorado & Company

2009-04-13T05:51:00.003-07:00

Good morning, fellow k-9's,

On March 19, the 3 of us went to 9News in dowtown Denver to
promote our upcoming events in the Denver area. Dad included a
picture of us after the TV spot on Colorado & Company. You can
go the 9news.com and you might find the segment on-line.

I felt pretty proud of my good-looking, sleek, fashionable self as they
seemed to be so enamored with me. I thought Carmen was a lot
better looking than me, but I am a pretty HOT sumber. I could see
myself on the BIG screen TV that they had in the room and that camera
man just kept focusing on me as Dad and Carmen talked!

In the picture are Carmen Swick, VP, Fundraising and Event Chair for the Blind Tast of the Rockies & Auction which will beheld on June 4 in a corporate jet hanger for the jet-set! Dad is there with me and Mark McIntosh who is the host of the show. Carmen knows him so she got us on for a 5-minute spot. Is this how Marilyn Monroe got her start?

In face, they wanted to do a teaser spot prior to our coming on, so they sat Dad down in a chair with me in front of him and we just made magic to draw in the 100,000+ viewers in Denver. Wow, I'm a star!

I was not nervous at all and I was a perfect, young lady. Everyone just oohed and ahhed as I did my thing!

Love to all and I know you are jealous! Miss Parka

Parka Express - Adventures update!

2009-04-11T06:03:00.003-07:00

Good morning & Happy Easter!

I'm sorry that I have been a little out of communication. You know, Dad has been using that "gentle leader" on me a LOT! Well, it kinda keeps my muzzle wrapped pretty tight, so I've not wanted to do a lot ot talking. I've been busy keeping my mouth shut and doing my job. I still sneak in a little "hoover time" as we walk, but it is much more difficult for me and Dad is really trying to break me of that habit. What can I say, I'm just a hungry girl!

I was sick last week and had to go see the Vet for an upset tummy and lots of other things, that are too messy to talk about. Dad first put me on "chicken & rice, very bland," but was that a nice change in diet. I've been eating a lot of lamb & rice, but it was nice to scale down and eat chicken. Then after seeing the Vet, she gave us some canned food that she claimed was high in fiber. I'm not sure about that, but it was high in ymmy-ness!

My weight was down to 52.5 pounds! I feel more like a racing dog now...sleek and fast! Well, that's why Dad calls me the Parka Express! Dad feeds me 4-5 times per day. It sure seems like I'm getting a LOT of food, but I know it's only 2 heaping cups per day, but I sure do love eating several times per day!

We had a great adventure to San Antonio & Houston, Texas in mid March. What a trip! Dad really packs in a lot of things to do on a trip and we spent a lot of time with a really nice guy named Aaron. Dad said that he is the Event Manager for the Rocky Texas region. We stayed at his house in early February and I really enjoyed their house dog.

Mar. 13: landed in San Antonio, took a cab to Marriott near the River Walk. This was a very nice hotel and I found a good place to potty in the court yard! Aaron, Kristin, Antonea, Dad and I went to dinner on the River Walk and they had yummy Mexican food while I behaved under the table.

Mar. 14: We got started at 5:45 a.m. to attend the San Antonio VisionWalk and I led Dad through the darkness while we set up for the BIG event that morning in Breckenridge Park. A river ran throught he park and Dad and I walked around the area and I chased a couple of ducks away from our path. Over 200 people attended a very cold and rainy morning, in fact, we built a fire in a fire pit under the pavilion. We raised over $120,000 to fund research this day. What a fun time.

We flew to Houston that afternoon and had dinner at Bonnie's with the Houston chapter board. 25 people attended this dinner, board meeting that Dad set up. Once again, I behaved, while everyone else ate!

Mar. 15: We checked out the park where the Houston Walk will be held in the Fall, then went to a meeting at the Houston Lighthouse where 120 people attended to hear the program set up by Dad and Aaron. Wow, I'm getting tired just relating this story.

Mar. 16-17: We met lots of people that Dad used to know when he lived in Houston and even made a presentation to the Harrisburg Rotary Club, where Dad was president in the mid 90's. I was proud of Dad as he made his presentation to the 60 Rotarians in attendance! I was strutting my stuff.

OK, it's time for my grade update for this trip. If you recall, my overall grade was "B-" before:

Following commands and acting when asked to do so: A- (was B+ last time)

Riding in vehicles and staying calm when asked: A (was A last time)

Hoovering in normal harness and leash: C (was D- last time)

Hoovering with gentle leader: A- (was B+ last time)

Recall of paths taken in hotels: B+ (was C+ last time)

Advising Dad of curbs, obstacles, people: B+ (was B+ last time) (still forget curbs sometimes, and run Dad into people when I should shlow down, got to work on that!)

Synchronization and working as a team: 80% of the team (was 75% last time)

Overall Grade for this trip: B (was B- last time)

Dad uses the gentle leader most of the time with me. I wish I did not have such a hunger drive, but you know, I'm just a hungry girl. There are so many things that look appealing along the path. Dad did walk to work with me without the leader, but I kept hoovering and lunging for food a little bit too much and lost my freedom again.

I'll try to be more communicative in the future and I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. In fact, I hope I get to play with Cuzzie's squeaking bunny this weekend! I love taking that toy away from her. I've been giving her a lot of kisses lately, so I'm starting to like that little bundle of excitment!

Lots of hugs, licks and kisses to Becki, Ashley & Caitlin up in Washington!

Love to all, Miss Parka

Long time, no see!

2009-03-03T17:51:00.001-08:00

Dad,

Sorry for not writing as often as I should, but life here has been pretty laid-back and I've been trying to catch up on some sleep. I'm on guard duty for a few hours a day and I must rest alot so I'll be ready, just in case someone tries to break in. So far, so good. My only problem is that nobody has clearly identified what I should do if there ever is a break in.....perhaps I'm expected to just lick them to death; I'm not really sure... but I keep my 50-caliber hollow-pointed tongue wet, warm, ready, locked and loaded, just in case. Whenever Sayer comes home with Gary, well, I sure get a chance to play hard and that tires me out some more. I love Sayer so much but sadly, I heard Gary tell Vicki that come March 22 he'll likely be sent away to San Rafael for advanced training. Gary has been getting emails from GDB asking about some of his missing paper work, like the paper that proves he's neutered. Gosh, all any body has to do is look and they'll know he's missing some pretty important parts. But Gary found the paper work and is going to email it to them tomorrow. He was also told Sayer needs more Rabies shots before I'm sent back and so he is scheduling that too. I'm beginning to wonder what kind of place it really is up there in San Rafael. I mean do they all run around with rabies or something? Dad, guess what? I'm going to get another job pretty soon. Gary and the others have been checking into the requirements for me to become a Delta Society dog, which is a type of therapy dog. I know I've always been considered a member of high society but this will make it formal, and they'll even get a photo ID of me as proof! Once I'm trained for this program, I'll get to go to hospitals and retirement homes to let people pet me, which I love so much. It'll be good therapy for me to get out and around some more, and they say it's good therapy also for those that will get to pet me. Sounds like a pretty good program, don't you think? Well, I hear the ice maker grinding some ice so I better go check out what's going on. I wouldn't want to miss my nightly ice cube. Say Hi to all, especially Claudia and Grandma and of course that little rug-rat Cuzzie. I miss you all so much.

Love and wet slobbery kisses from dear sweet loveable Zane.

I'm 3 years old, can you believe it?

2009-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Dad!

It was a pretty good day on my 3rd birthday. Wow, I'm getting old and Gary even found 3 gray hairs on my head. He said that's a whole lot less than you have though. For my birthday party last night, I got some chocolate cake (which THEY ate), and I got a new toy made of 2-inch PVC (but Sayer thought it was his and took it away), and I got my first taste of real musshy canned dog food but only after Homer stole 2/3 of it. But I was left with a lot of love and hugs from everybody and best of all, amongst all the confusion, I could have sworn I heard your voice! Strange. Yea, I miss you too but we're getting along both fine aren't we? Love you forever, Dear sweet loveable Zane! PS: Say Hi to all, including Claudia, Grandma, Parka, and that rug-rat Cuzzie.

Comments: Hope you enjoyed your chocolate cake! Love, Dad

Yeah to Zane - he will make a wonderful therapy dog. Thanks to doing this with him . . . he has SO much to give!Love you all, ClaudiaClaudia Faubion clearingfor@comcast.net <mailto:clearingfor@comcast.net> ________________________________From: Gary Johnpeer [mailto:gjohnpeer@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 9:04 AMTo: Richard Faubion; Claudia Faubion; Vicki Johnpeer; Kim Johnpeer; Katie JohnpeerSubject: ZaneHey y'all Got this note from Jan. She was the AKC evaluator who tested Zane for the "canine good citizen" test on Saturday. She frowns on collar corrections and prefers to use hand/voice signals instead, techniques that are somewhat different than the GDB training we've received but nonetheless, her procedures probably do work too. We could tell she is a real dog lover and she gave Zane a thorough test. Jan and her helpers obviously knew he was a well behaved dog and he passed the evaluation without any collar corrections anyway. He sure made us proud, that's for sure! So his first hurdle to becomming a "Pet Partner" (therapy dog), is done. Now we need to schedule him for some more testing and evaluations and that's pending. Gary/Dad--- On Sun, 2/22/09, Jan <fourpawsu@cox.net> wrote:From: Jan <fourpawsu@cox.net>Subject: ZaneTo: "gary Johnpeer" <gjohnpeer@yahoo.com>Date: Sunday, February 22, 2009, 9:42 PM Hi GaryThe next step in the Delta Evaluation process is for you to schedule an evaluation with Pam Becker therapyk9s@cox.net Zane is a wonderful dog and is very soft in nature. He really looks to you for support. Let me know if I can do anything to help you prepare for the Delta Evaluations. Since dogs communicate with body language, I like to be able to cue them both verbally and with hand & body language. This does help them when they are in new and unusual (for them) environments in comprehending what you want them to do. It also helps instill a higher degree of self confidence therefore the dog is more relaxed and at ease.I'm sure Zane will be a wonderful Pet Partner.

Retirement - just does not last!

2009-02-20T17:56:00.001-08:00

Dad,

I don't think it's fair. I thought I was retired. Now Gary and Vicki are signing me up for some kind of program called Therapy Dogs through a group called Delta Society. Gosh, I have been pretty happy just guarding their house and I thought I was doing a pretty good job. You might recall that I even chased Santa away on Christmas Eve. Now my job description is being expanded and through no choice of mine. I don't think it's fair. So off I went today to the Vet for an embarassing fecal test and they had to take my temperature too (I won't go into the details other than to say they had to life "de tail" in order to take my temperature). By the way, I'm still a slim muscular 65.0 pounder! So if all goes well (according to Gary and Vicki that is), I should be fully qualified in a month or so. Come to think if it, it might not be all that bad as people will again be telling me how handsome I am and that's sure fun to hear. It's been a bit rainy here lately and I've had to be careful not to get wet because I hear I'm a real sweetie and I don't want to dissolve away in rain water. Sugar does that. Stay in touch and give Parka a big hug and a little "besito" from me. Just don't let Coral know I asked you to do that.

Love, Dear sweet loveable Zane.

PS - Zane, you have lots of great ability and I'm glad Gary is giving you a chance to shine again! Love, Dad

Trip to TEXAS - THE BIG STATE!

2009-02-09T05:53:00.003-08:00

Good morning fellow canines,

What a week I just completed. Dad was hauling me everywhere and we flew an airplane which to me seemed like a pretty nice bus with lots of great people wanting to bring me treats.

We took off and landed four times on this trip. From Denver to Oklahoma City, then to Dallas Love Field where Aaron picked us up and we met Ebby Halliday then went to Aaron's home and I met Maya, a big Rottweiler. She sure was fun to play with, but she plays rough.

After many other visits to folks, we flew to San Antonio after rushing through Dallas Love Field because we were late, and after all that, the plane was delayed an hour. It was my first experience of walking and jumping off moving sidewalks, but I ran Dad into a concrete pillar and caused him to bleed. I'm so sorry.

The Wousthwest folks were very helpful to stop the bleeding, but I think Dad lost a quart or two of blood. When I slam someone into a pole, I do a good job of it. Heck, I ran him into a overhead arch and cut his head open last week!

We made lots of meetings and met lots of folks, but I had to keep wearing that stupid "gentle leader" on my snout and it sure did bug me. But Dad kept saying that it kept me focused and on task, which I guess is good.

We went to the San Antonio RiverWalk and had some fun walking along the river. I was actually leading two blind guys, but we got to the restaurant safely and back home.

We flew home yesterday and had I really love flying. I just stay relaxed and sleep. There was this "hearing dog" called a Pomeranian on this flight and I took off and said hello to him. He just kept barking at me and making a lot of noise. What a fluffy little thing, but too noisy!

It was good to get home and see Claudia at the airport and Grandma and even Cuzzie at home.

Now Dad wants to give me a grade report on my first real trip:

Following commands and acting when asked to do so: B+
Riding in vehicles and staying calm and relaxed: A
Hoovering in normal harness and leash: D-
Hoovering with gentle leader in place: B+
Recall of paths taken in hotels or homes: C+
Advising Dad of curbs, obstacles, people: B-
Synchronization of working at a team: 75% of expectation

Overall grade for this trip: B-

Well, I got a B at least, that's not too bad, right? I'm just an impetuous teenager! I promise to work hard to get my grades up to all A's!

Warm hugs and licks to all, Parka

Oh no, the Gentle Leader!

2009-01-25T08:46:00.006-08:00

Good morning again,

Life in Colorado has been so much fun, until now. I have been able to sniff and smell along routes which usually results in a yank or two from Dad to hop up, but that's his job! But now, the gentle leader has been brought out and who came up with that name anyway?

Yes, Dad has had a few problems working me through restaurants. Well, I'm a growing teenager and I love to EAT! So, when I smaell or see scraps on the floor, I'm diving for them!

Our first major incident was a couple weeks ago when Mom, Grandma, Dad and I went to Outback Steakhouse. As we walked in from a snowy scene outside, all the people standing in the waiting line for wanting to pet me, love me, saying nice things about me, you know, the normal stuff that we guide dogs get! Dont' get me wrong, I don't mind it at all. In fact, I love it. But it does tend to distract me from my job.

Once we got our name called, Dad told me to follow the waitress to our table. I did for at least two seconds then promptly ran Dad's right leg into a wooden pillar of a booth whene some people were eating. I saw some scraps on the floor and knew it was my turn to snatch some food. Oooops, Dad was not too happy with me.

When we got to the table, I found a few scraps under the table. Well, I'm a Lab and I was hungry! Even though Dad had just fed me about 30 minutes earlier, I was still hunger. I'm still a teenager, so I'm not really worrying about my girlish figure, at least not yet!

Dad attended on Friday a breakfast meeting with clients and a lunch meeting with a nice guy named Charlie. But I was anything but well mannered as I sought out food and other people to sniff and get to knw to see if they wanted to share some of their food!

Dad was really exasperated with me. I could hear it in his voice. PARKA, lay down, REST!

Dad called Becki, my puppy raiser, to find out what she knew about my paper-eating habits and how unruly I was when going into restaurants. She confirmed that I LOVE to eat and when given the chance, would pick up and try and eat just about anything, especially paper.

Dad called Kae Ann in Boston, a real Rowdy Girl, to see what her experiences had been with Miss Melody. She mentioned that she had to use the gentle leader and high collar at times to keep her under control. Uh Oh.

Dad got the idea and pulled out the gentle leader and, of course, put it on wrong and had the leash attached to a ring in front of my eyes. I did not want to tell him that this was not correct, but then I did not like that strap across my snout anyway. I kept rubbing my nose on Dad's leg to try to rub it off. Kae told Dad how to properly loop it from the heck collar and finally it was on snug. Dog gone it!

Now Dad has control of my head and I am at his mercy. Well, maybe that's stretching it a little bit too far, at least, he has better control of my head. I guess that's what was needed, but I feel more like a slave. Where is that Abraham Lincoln guy when I need him? Wait a minute, I heard President Obama is trying to do a lot of things like Lincoln did, maybe he will "free the slave dogs?"

Oh, even better, the Obamas are looking for a dog for the White House! Maybe I could be the FIRST DOG? then maybe I would not have to wear this gentle leader? Hmmmmmm, gentle leader, why don't I just try to be a gentle leader of the pack?

Oh well, I love Dad and he takes such good care of me. I guess I will just have to straighten up my act. I promise to be GOOD, will that work? Please, no gentle leader!

Help my fellow caninces. Do you have to put up with this type of in-canine treatment?

Love, licks and hugs. A despondent Parka!

Parka honored by Deaver-Phoenix

2009-01-25T08:38:00.002-08:00

Good morning fellow canines!

My Dad shared with me last week that we were honored at our graduation from GDB on December 14 by the Deave-Phoenix Foundation. Dad thought it was a Denver-Phoenix group, since he has worked in both areas with his previous Lab, Zane. But it was not.

GDB is a great group to be proud of since they worked so hard to train me, they placed me with the wonderful Limberg family, especially Becki, and they groomed me into a full fledged guide dog rady for prime time. This is an expensive training process as I went through college in about 8 months, which is longer than most. I had some issues to work out and finnaly became the "demo dog" at the graduation prior to mine.

Thank you folks att he Deaver-Phoenix Foundation in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I don't know where that it, but Dad said it is a beautiful sunny place. I'm in Colorado no and we have had some really sunny days too!

Thanks for supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind. They are a first-class organization!

Much love and licks, Parka

Rest, Relaxation, & Let the Fur Fly!

2009-01-10T07:19:00.005-08:00

Dad,

Well, it's been a busy few weeks here in southern California but now that things have settled down a bit I thought I'd catch up with you.Christmas was good and I got a Nylabone that I'm sharing with Sayer. It's almost destroyed already but I know I'll get another one if I just ask. I did have a bit of excitement on Christmas eve when some guy tried sneaknig into the house about midnight. I gave him a dirty look, a couple of sniffs and a licking and that scared him off.

You should have seen the soot fly as he scampered back up the chimney. Last I saw was a bunch of reindeer with a sleigh moving on to try to burglarize somebody elses house. I'm sure he won't try to come back. What a jerk.I just sent a couple pictures of an airplane ride we took last week. It sure is fun to get to go places again. We landed at a nearby airport called Cable airport and had lunch, then went to full up the airplane with gas and then flew back home.

Gary is back to teaching college classes again so I am in charge of the house a few hours in the morning till him and Sayer get home. Then I get to play hard for a while and boy does the fur fly! Vicki gets mad when she comes home and has to vacuum it all up but she doesn't really blame me because she knows I can't help it. It seems to me that with all that hair they could just add water and start growning another lab with it....what do you think? It would be a clone of me.I also sent a picture of me guarding their bed. The house rule here is that no dogs are supposed to be on the bed so I figured I'd be ready to chase any dogs away should they try to jump up. So far I've done pretty well and it sure is soft up there.

Gary has been planting lots of stuff in his back yard. So far he's brought in several heads of lettuce, and some broccoli. He has some zuccini, carrots, strawberries, okra, tomato, and beans growing but their not ready to pick. Besides that he's got some sunflowers, daffodils, iris, and other stuff I don't know growing. It's going to be about 83 degrees this weekend so he is excited to see his efforts multiply and grow. Say, has the snow melted there in Denver yet?Well, Sayer needs some attention so I'll sign off and go give him some. It's almost time for Vicki to come home and there isn't enough hair on the floor yet for her to vacuum up. I'll fix that problem for sure, even though Gary combed about a quart of black fur out of me this morning! He says I have about as much black hair as that Governor from Illinois that they impeached this morning.Would you send me some more pictures of Parka?

Maybe some frontal views and a few wide shots showing her entire side. Only please don't let Princess Coral know you're sending them....I think she gets jealous of me but I am handsome and I want to keep my black book up to date.Say hi to YOM and Grandma and of course Cuzzie and Parka.Till later,

Love, licks and belly rubs from Zane

Happy New Year! 2009 will be fine!

2009-01-01T08:40:00.002-08:00

Good morning fellow canines and moody felines,

Happy New Year from Colorado! Yes, it's 2009 and I'm just fine. I'm two years old and looking pretty HOT, if I don't say so myself. Don't I look pretty sleek in that picture?

I have a really good buddy from Oregon as we shared licks during college as we got to know our new partners. I want to introduce Danville to you. He's a good looking LAB, what a hunk! And he's older than me, so we might want to go out on a date, the next time we meet!

Here is a happy message from Danville,

"Dear classmates and their partners,
Laurie and I wish you a very happy New Years. I know that Fellini, Georgene and Parka will bring in the New year when the clock struck midnight or at least I hope they did."

I hope that you all have a great New Years and it bring joy and happened to you all. Laurie wants me to tell his friends that he hopes that they have a great New Years and hope that they are doing well to.

Things are going well for Laurie and me these days. Laurie has been trying to do some clicker training this week with the light poles that have the signals that make sound when I push them to cross the street. Doesn't she know that I try to avoid these poles? But I get lots of kibble! Woo Hoo!

We had one thing go wrong last week for us and I will tell you about it. We were out for daily walk and Laurie asked me to stop at Starbucks in Lafayette. After we left there, we were walking up the street to go and it was after noon and I needed to go to the bathroom real BAD!

Well, I was so interested in p-mail that Laurie tripped over something on the side walk and she fall down on the ground. She messed up her ankle, but at least gave me a break and did not blame it on me. Laurie is such a great partner, don't you think?

After I went potty, Laurie had me rework the problem and I strutted my stuff after that. That has been the only thing that has gone wrong since we have been home from school.

On last Sunday, we went on a four mile hike with a BIG group that we hang out with and I enjoyed it and was walking fast since there was no curbs to worry about on this walk.

Please give a big hug and kiss to your partners from me and Laurie!"

Wow, Danville sounds like he is really on the move as they close out 2008. Dad and I went back and forth to work yesterday! What a great walk. We even went to the Vet's office and I got myself weighed. I weigh 54.9 pounds and have gained some weight.

Ny new year's resolution is to ask Dad to get me some Nutraslim instead of Science Diet. I've got to watch my girlish figure you know!

Lots of love, licks and belly rubs, Parka

Reflections: Parka: Who am I?

2008-12-27T08:16:00.008-08:00

Good morning puppy raisers everywhere,

Now everyone, please take a moment and just look into my eyes. What do you see? Can you tell all about me?

This picture taken late in February as I was preparing to complete my final month with Becki and the Limberg gang. I was a little sad knowing that my time with them would be ending soon, but I knew that I had a higher calling and the Limbergs have been preparing me for that next adventure in my life.

This is what Becki shared about me: Parka is a confident pup and a willing worker. (As long as I get fed!) She did very well accompanying me on hectic days. (You guys should knnow that this woman is busy all the time! I think I know Seattle better than any guide dog.)

When left at home in her crate, Parka is so quiet and patient until I return. (I really felt like a caged lion, but I did not want her to know.) If Parka is loose in the house and asleep, Parka will woof if someone comes to the door and knocks or somebody new enters the home. (Woof? Heh, I'm letting everyone know that danger could be near! I think I was a guard dog in my previous life.)

Parka does not bark when on leash or if she is awake when a new sound is hear. (Just look into my eyes, don't I just look like a little angel?) Parka is good loose in the house with some supervision. (Heh, Becki could you give Dad a call and share this with him? He keeps me tied down like a thief?)

She plays roughly with the family dogs and will need lots of supervision. (Well, in my new home, this Cuzzie is queen and I'm not about to mess with her. When she bares those teeth, I keep my distance!) She gets excited when introduced to new places, but settles quickly and is very good around children. (Heck, I LOVE children! Do you have any idea how much food they drop? Kids are a bonanza!)

Parka socialized well with the family dogs and a cat. (That cat thought she owned the place. I kept my distance from her, she had very sharp claws.) She did very well on my many shopping trips, visiting restaurants, malls, riding buses, even trips to the beauty salon. (Let me tell you. This woman can shop. I think she defined the term "shop until you drop!" She had my tongue hanging out. I was pooped! And then the beauty salon....that was my favorite place. All these pretty ladies and I was one of them. I felt like a real princess. They always wanted to paint my toe nails. You know, I think pink would look best with black. What do you think?)

OK, I admit it, I'm HOT! A real good looking beauty. I can't help it. It came natural. Well, Becki said I was confident. You think?

Much love to all puppy raisers. Your time and trouble and effort is well worth it.

Hugs and Licks, Parka

Ahhhhhhhh! This is the good life!

2008-12-26T08:29:00.005-08:00

Good morning, my fellow guide dogs "career-changed,"

Ahhhh, basking in the winter sun in southern California. This is the life. I recall all that hard work while I was a puppy in training with the Johnpeers telling me not to do this and not to do that. I had to learn to sit and stay, not chew on the furniture, not jump into bed, not eat everything in sight, stay away from the socks (oh how I love socks!), just about anything I really wanted to do was a BAD idea.

Are you a career-changed guide dog? I hope you are having as much fun as I am. I get to play with this other puppy-in-training named Sayer and we battle over chew toys and plastic pipe and affection. BUT Sayer has to obey all those rules that I used to have to obey.

Ahhhhhhh, this is the life!

But it seems that I am still being taught commands. Can you believe it? The latest command that I have been taught is UP. Now that seems quite harmless right? Does that means I can jump UP on people? No. Does that means I can jump UP on the counter to rummage for more food? No. Maybe it means that I can jump UP on the couch and stretch out? No, but guess what, I do that now anyway, especially when no one is home.

This UP command is strictly enforced about my getting into bed!

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, this is the life.

But Gary wanted to make sure this was clear so he said, "Some clarification is needed with regards to Zane's bed-sleeping habit. You see, technically Zane is only there for a couple hours each night and maybe an hour each morning so he really isn't breaking the rules that badly."

Hmmmmmm, not breaking the rules that badly. Maybe, those rules that I learned as a pup are not as black and white as I thought they were? They are subject to some form of interpretation? I think guide dogs should maybe unionize and get one of those stinking lawyers to represent us. Yeah, I think his name is bad, bad, Leroy Brown!

Gary went on, "You see, Vicki usually retires before I do and when I go to up to bed there's usually a big black furry object in my spot. I guess he thinks he's warming up my spot, which he certainly does. But once I push him over (closer to Vicki who is already on the edge) so I can crawl in, he usually gets disgusted and jumps out of bed, onto the floor, and crawls into the cubby-hole of Vickie's office desk next to the bed where he spends the night."

OK, I'm a bed warmer now. Are you kidding? I was fast asleep when you go and push me over and then I don't have room to sprawl out on the bed. You know, this is just not right!

Gary continued, "Lately in the mornings, when he wants to get up for breakfast about 5:30 AM, he will begin to nuzzle Vicki, who has been heard to give a new command "Zane - UP". He then jumps up onto the bed and again snuggles between us, but he's obviously more interested in getting us woken up than going back to sleep (he has food on his mind by this time). He is a skilled rooster in some ways."

Well, there you go. The new command, UP. Of course, when I was back in Colorado, Dad never let me jump up on the bed. And he always got up by 6:00 AM to feed me. I miss the good ole days. But, at least, Gary does get up and feed me good. In fact, I think I'm getting a little fat and lazy.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, this is the good life.

Zane

Zane's Wish for Christmas!

2008-12-25T05:48:00.004-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my friends,

I'm listening to a Josh Groven song, "when it seems we have lost our way, we find ourselves again on Christmas Day!" The song is called "Believe or If you just Believe." My former partner, Richard, really likes this song. The message is clear, if you just believe, your faith will carry you through even the toughest times.

I really miss Richard. We had so many great times together, especially playing Kong. I loved leaping high to snatch the Kong out of the air. I remember cuddling by him as we watched TV. I remember fighting Cuzzie for the Nyla-bone. Or should I say jousting, Cuzzie usually got it away from me if I dropped it for just a moment. I'm amazed that little dog has such balls, and she's a female?

I remember Richard calling last Thanksgiving and Katie put the phone near my head and Richard called out to me in the way he always had done, "Where's my buddy?" I remember looking all around the Johnpeer house thinking that maybe he is there and has come back for me. But soon I realized, it was just a dream.

Gary, my puppy-raiser Dad, is really taking good care of me. I really LOVE it here in sunny, southern California. I can't believe that I really don't miss the SNOW, but I will probably change my mind on that when it gets really HOT in the summer. Maybe I can visit Colorado sometime? Who knows.

I want to wish everyone in the Johnpeer family, Gary, Vicki, Kim and Katie a very merry Christmas and thank you so much for taking me back into your home and giving me so much LOVE. Christmas is family time and I love my family here in Brea.

I want to wish a very, merry Christmas to Richard, Claudia, Grandma and Cuzzie. Yes, even that little queen of the castle that I have read about. I know you guys will have a wonderful white Christmas! I wish I could be with you, but know that my hugs, kisses and frog dogs are sent fondly to you.

Merry Christmas to Miss Parka! You have a BIG job ahead of you. You have to keep Dad safe from those crazy drivers in Denver, ride quietly and confidently on airplanes, negotiate the crowds at airports and malls and listen carefully as he barks out those commands. Just remember, sometimes, he gets confused and tells you to do the wrong thing. Remember, intelligent disobedience, was crafted for just those moments!

Eat lots of kibble today and doggie treats! It's Christmas time! Celebrate!

Love, Zane

Reflections: Graduation Day to Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T14:22:00.005-08:00

Hello friends & family,

This is such a special time of year! When I walk past all the houses at night, they are all lit up with lots of lights and ornaments and fancy displays outside the houses.

Inside our house, there is a really pretty white Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. I can just feel the warmth and love in the air.

It was just a few short days ago when I graduated from guide dog school. That was such a joyous occasion with all the Limberg family there to help celebrate my new partnership with Dad.

We are really starting to work together really well. He likes to slow me down a lot, but with all the snow and ice, I guess that's a good idea. He does tend to slip a little every now and then.

This picture shows all of us at graduation in the Fireplace Room at the Boring campus. Becki, my YOM, and her lovely daughters, Ashley and Caitlin. It was Ashley's 22nd birthday that day. I really felt honored that she would celebrate her birthday at my graduation. I did give her a little present, a small puppy that looks like me!

I just read a Merry Christmas wish from my new pen pal, Princess Coral. She seems like a pretty nice gal. I hope I get to meet her someday soon. I want to wish everyone the same Merry Christmas and the best of holiday celebrations with your family.

My new family, Claudia, Grandma, Cuzzie (ugh) and Dad really treat me so well. Dad even fed me early today since we came home early for Christmas Eve. Dad is listening to beautiful Christmas music right now while I write this story and sometimes he breaks out into song and it's hard to type when I'm using one paw to cover my ears!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to my fellow guide dogs, puppies and their partners and families,

Miss Parka - The Parka Express!

Reflections: Winter in Woodinville

2008-12-23T18:37:00.002-08:00

Good morning and Merry Christmas to all,

As Dad and I prepare to head to work this morning, I was just thinking about the winter time last year while I was still living in Woodinville, WA. It was a brisk snowy March and pretty chilly outside, but nothing like it is here in Colorado. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

As you can tell in the picture, I have on my very cute Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) puppy-in-training jacket. Don't I look cute? I don't know, let me take a poll. I think I should have applied to the Miss American Dog contest. Don't you? Let me hear your votes!

I think I know how to strut my stuff across the stage, kind of like I did at graduation recently in Boring, OR. In fact, when I wag my tail, Dad says that I have a "body wag." I really know how to shake my thing! Heh Zane, check me out!

Anyway, it was March 8 and I had spent the night at Nonny's condo. She is such a great lady and just loves me so much. It was really great to see her at graduation.

After getting my coat on and taking this cheesecake shot, Nonny and I went for a walk. Of course, it had snowed over night so there was lots of fresh snow on the ground. So what does this lady do? She tells me to SIT and STAY while she flops on her back in the snow, making snow angels.

I thought maybe I should call 9-1-1, but I knew she liked to do this. So let her have her fun. I thought it was kind of funny, too, so I left my sit position and jumped in the snow with her. Woo Hoo!

Nonny and grandpa are fun to be with. I really smile a lot when I think back on those days.
Merry Christmas to all the Limbergs and the great work that you did with me.

Much love and body wags,

Parka

Queen of the Castle!

2008-12-22T15:19:00.004-08:00

Miss Parka,

Good afternoon, new invader to my Queendom. I just wanted to set things straight, since it seems like you are going to stay a little while longer.

You may not recall another black dude, named Zane. Yes, he came here for a while and tried to push his way around, but he only lasted a few months. A lot longer than I really thought he would.

I let him know that it was OK for him to share part of my space, but I made sure that he knew that I was "Queen of this Castle!"

So honey, I know that you are a cute thang. . . I'm from southern Colorado! But cute may get you a few belly rubs and scritches on the head, but when it comes to taking over this castle, there ain't no way, honey. I'm the queen and you just got to know that. OK?

Dad is a really nice guy and I sleep in the bed with Mom and him every night. You've already learned that and fortunately know that your place is on the floor at the foot of the bed. A couple of times in the morning, you have gotten a little anxious to go downstairs and started being frisky with Dad and I had to growl and set you straight. I hope you are getting the message!

Mom took this picture over the weekend after Dad gave me a bath. I really don't like baths, but I do come out looking pretty good, if I do say so myself. He clipped me around my face. Can you believe that? A blind guy is cutting my hair?! What's up with this anyway? But I do look pretty cute despite his wayward clipping.

So, just keep in mind that Cuzzie is Queen of the Castle and you could be say, my princess, if you like. That way you could serve me at my every whim. You know, I take your bone away whenever I want to chew on it. I'm glad you got that p -mail.

I'll let you hang a little while longer. I do notice that Dad uses you for some form of transportation. I'm glad that he does not put one of those harnesses on me!

I know you were giving me some kisses over the weekend. I know that you want to "kiss up" to me, but it's not going to work. I'm an old dog and I'm set in my ways. So keep your nose clean and I'll tell Dad that it's OK for you to stay a little longer.

With a little growl and a little teeth,

Queen of the Catle,

Cuzzie

Christmas Time Past - Shop-Hopping!

2008-12-20T05:52:00.004-08:00

Good morning from freezing Colorado,

As I lay here beside Dad's feet, I hear him talking to people and wishing them a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I just finished my breakfast, a heaping cup of kibble, my favorite - lamb and rice. Yuuummmmmm!

As Dad woke up this morning, I was giving him some "paw prints" on his hand and leg as I encouraged him to get his butt up out of bed. Didn't he know it was 6:00 AM and time for me to eat?

He finally got the picture and for the first time since I've been here, Dad just unhooked me. I can't figure out why? I was just doing some BIG, BODY WAGS and slapping my tail onto the wall and bed.

Hey, I was excited! Yep, he unhooked me and ZOOM down the stairs I went like a pointer dog, pointing right at my bucket of food.

Now that I lay here reflecting on my past, I recall some very fond memories of last Christmas as I turned one year old in Seattle at the Limberg home. This is what I call "shop-hopping!"

I recall last year's Christmas with Becki and the gang and how crazy busy Becki seemed to be. I don't know if this is normal for her, but "Geeeezzzz," we seemed to just go everywhere especially that time of the year.

Ms. Becki, Ashley and Caitlin would be shopping, sending Christmas cards, wrapping gifts (I know there was one with my name on it!) and planning meals for the family (including lamb & rice?) and cleaning the house. You know, I did not like that vacuum cleaner. It made so much noise, I just wanted to go hide.

But what was so inspiring to me was ALL of charities that Becki was participating in. I can tell now that I'm with Dad and the Foundation Fighting Blindness, how important this training was for me. I got to see what a difference Becki was making for so many people. Now I listen to Dad as he is helping others and planning strategies to create even more programs that will benefit so many people. I can tell that I'm a real "service dog!"

Even though Ms. Becki was very busy this time of year, she always had time to take care of her parents that needed help every day. It was so great to see Nani "grandma" again. I hope "grandpa" is doing good, too!

I heard that Nanni was doing "snow angels" in the most recent snow in Seattle. What in the world is that young lady of 87 doing that for? She is such a spry, young 87 with lots of life and love to give. I really miss her!

But now back to "sho-hopping." Ms. Becki drug me through the malls, grocery stores, post office, appointments at so many of her charity events, etc. etc. She kept me jumping in and out of the back of her car all day long. I know this is supposed to be a FUN time of year for humans, but I felt like a pogo-stick, bouncing in and out of the car, and hopping into the back of that SUV is not an easy thing!

Ms. Becki kept saying to me, "Just one more stop, Parka. I promise we are going home soon." Just one more stop. Yeah sure, that's what I was thinking. All I could think about was getting home so I could do my favorite thing in the world! If you are a LAB, you know what I mean. EAT!

Dad tells me that Becki now has another puppy in training and to be grateful that I'm not being dragged around like I'm sure that pup is. I wonder what her name is? Maybe I should give her a call and let her know to be patient.

Look at the great job that the Limbergs did with me and where I am today! I have a great home with Dad, Claudia and Grandma. There is light at the end of the tunnel of the shopping train!

Besides, I'm the Parka Express and I can see why I'm such an express train! Just keeping up with Becki taught me to move quickly.

But you know, despite all of the hustle and bustle of this time of year, I really enjoy the happiness and love that is in the air and I get to sit on my haunches and give lots of "chipmunk love" to all my friends and family. Getting a belly rub while I'm sitting up like that is SO gratifying. It's kind of "Parka-licious!"

Love to all with lots of licks and paw-paws,

Miss Parka

Working in the snows of Colorado

2008-12-18T18:08:00.001-08:00

Fellow snow bunnies & buddies,

I really need to check who signed my up for all this snow in Colorado? Heck, it's snowing again today! I thought most of it was melting away and it was going to be summer time. Forget that stuff.

Hey, Becki, do you need a guide dog in Seattle? I remember lots of rain up there when I was growing up, but I don't remember signing up for all this snow?

What's that? Dad just told me that it's snowing like crazy in Seattle, too! What's the world coming to? Oh well, I guess I'm just going to have to buckle up and get used to it.

I love Dad so much. He's such a nice guy and really gives me a lot of kibble. I don't know where Zane got that he was stingy?

We finally walked to work today and Dad wore those Yak Trax things. I'm glad he didn't step on my tootsies. Those things look like they would really hurt! I had no idea where we were going this morning. We took off on a side-walkless route and I got right into the swing of things. I'm HOT stuff when it comes to that!

Then we crossed near a school and made it up to Dayton Street. I crossed those with no problems, showing Dad all the curbs. Then we went down a sidewalk area with lots of evergreen bushes sticking out. Of course, I'm HOT stuff with overhead obstacles, too, so I made it all around those, no sweat.

I earned lots of kibble for my good work. I did not make one mistake. Dad was very proud of me. When we go up the stairs, I kinda squeezed him against the wall. Well, I need to have room for me to get up the stairs. What did he expect?

It was great to see Annie in the office. She is always so cheerful and friendly. I really like her!

Today, at lunch, Dad played Kong with me in the parking lot. He made me heel after every catch and earned more kibble. Shucks, I love this game! We have always been playing Kong in the office, well, I can play it anywhere. I just love it!

It's always fun when we get home at night, because I get to see Mom and Grandma. I give them a kiss and then I'm ready to EAT. Where's my food! I get a good amount, but I have to watch my waistline, you know, I'm a lady in good fitness! I have to keep my trim and slim figure. Never know when a BIG hunk will be watching!

I heard we are supposed to get some more snow over the weekend. Oh well, that's why my coast is black - so Dad can find me in a snowstorm.

I really do love it here. Just a bit of an adjustment.

Until later, gater!

Lots of love and licks,

Parka

The Parka Express in Colorado!

2008-12-15T05:34:00.001-08:00

Good morning to so many friends,

Dad and I got up very early on Sunday morning in Boring, I think Dad said it was 2:45 AM. No problem for me, I'm ready to go whenever he gets up! And I was ready to eat, of course, I'm always ready to eat!

But Dad never fed me! What's up with this stuff? Not even a drop of water? Dad got ready with all h is bags packed and five of us loaded up in a real comfy shuttle bus at 4 AM and headed to the airport. Heck, I was here just the other day! I don't think we needed any more practice?

But then we headded to gate E-4 and Dad got some breakfast at 5 AM when the coffee shop opened. And, shucks, he did not give me any scraps, just a couple kibble every now and then. What's up with this stuff?

Then at 7:15 AM, we went down this long ramp and entered another different kind of bus with three seats on each side. We were in aisle five and I had lots of room to lay down in the middle seat area. A guy named Mark sat by the window and he seemed real nice.

Finally this big bus starting rolling, then faster and faster, it started shaking a little and then all of sudden my stomach kind of felt uneasy, but the ground sensation just became a bumping kind of flopping around. But, I was tired by now, so I just kept sleeping. I wonder where we are going now?

Dad went to the bathroom down this long aisle one time and I stayed with Mark. I was a little concerned about where he went and kept trying to look down the aisle and Mark kept saying that he will be right back. He did come back in a few minutes and gave me some more kibble and tried to give me some ice chips, but I did not want to have anything to do with that. Dad gave me some water and I took a couple sips, but I just was not thirsty. I'm HUNGRY!!

A couple hours later, the big bus, which I learned was called an airplane, started doing some more of that bumping again, but I just slept calmly on the floor. You know, this is the longest bus ride I've ever been on.

Then the bumps stopped with a loud thud as this plane must have hit the ground and started thundering to a stop. It really did not phase me at all other than I wondered what was going on. Dad gave me several nice strokes on the head and told me that I was a good girl, so I just kept sleeping. Finally we got off that plane and went down another long ramp into another airport.

We followed Mark to baggage claim and I got to ride three different escalators. I'm a PRO when it comes to those rides. I just calmly walk on when Dad says let's go and then calmly walk off when he says it again. We even rode a light rail train kind of like what we did in Gresham.

Once Dad got his bags off this moving conveyor thing, Mark led us to a bus stop. There was a bunch of buses moving around and Dad was mad because he had just missed his bus. So he tried to get me to go potty, but I was standing in snow and ice and cold water, so I was doing a three-legged hop to try to keep at least one paw warm. And do you know it was two degrees below zero? That is COLD!

Mark was a really nice guy that works for Olympus in digital imaging and he offered us a ride home. We slipped and slid along the highways and I tried to rest on the floor board of the back seat with two pieces of luggage looming over my head. I was a little scared, but Dad kept rubbing my head and telling me everything was OK.

We met Mom at a McDonalds right off the freeway. What a nice lady. Dad gave her a big kiss, so I figured this must be somebody he really likes! I know now that this is my new Mom. It was great to see Becki again, but I guess this is the lady that will be helping take care of me.

We got to our new home with lots of snow on the ground and then I had to meet my new sister, Cuzzie. This fuzzy little thing is a little feisty, I think they call her a rowdy girl, but she is kind of cute, just a little pushy. OK, I think she is a little bitchy, to tell you the truth, because she had the nerve to take my bone away from me in just a few minutes. AND she was laying on my little rug that Mom had put down for me to lay on.

Come on, gal, give me some space! Dad pulled out the Big Kong and threw it down the hallway and as I ran after it, she chased me and growled and barked at me and tried to take it away, but I said, ain't now way you're getting this one!

Well, I understand, this is my new home. I'm here with Dad and all is well. Yes, it's a little cold for me, so I hope I can get used to this white stuff and very cold weather. I've seen snow before, but this is one big deep freeze.

My adventure in Colorado has begun. The Parka Express AKA Parka Porsche, because I am sleek and fast, has now begun.

Watch out big boy Zane. A new legacy is being born.

Love and Licks,

Parka

Parka & Dad - Home at Last!

2008-12-14T15:59:00.004-08:00

After getting up before 3 AM this morning to get ready to leave for the Portland airport at 4 AM, Dad & I are pooped. But we're home in Denver - in spite of a snowstorm that kept mom from being able to meet us at the airport. A very nice young man gave Dad & me a ride to a few blocks from home and Mom picked us up and drove us the rest of the way. After meeting Cuzzie outside and going potty in the snow (YIKES! I have to wear boots just to pee here!), I went inside and met Grandma Margaret. I stayed REAL close to Dad in the beginning.

After feeding me, Dad wasted no time plunking down in his favorite chair. Mom already had the TV tuned to football, and she fed him a meatloaf sandwich and a Coors Light. They make Coors here in Colorado, I think. I'm behind Dad's knees in this picture - you can just see the point of my tail!

After Dad played Kong in the hallway with Cuzzie and me, she calmed down and we did the doggie sniff thing - ya know, that's the way we dogs meet and greet.

I already figured out that if I gave Cuzzie my bone, that would seal the deal between us and we would be buds. (Thanks for the tip, Zane!) I also let Cuzzie take a nap on my blanket in front of the fireplace.

Ah . . . I'm getting sleepy . . . Dad is scritching my head . . .

I'm down for the count . . . my eyes are getting heavy . . .

Here's my version of "frog dog" . . .

. . . my ladylike version, with legs crossed . . . I'm a lady, ya know.

Well, I think this is going to be all right here in Denver . . . oh heck, Dad wants to go for a potty walk and we both have to put on our boots again . . . this is going to get VERY old, very fast . . . !

My love to all,

Parka

Woo Hoo! Graduation Day!

2008-12-13T16:11:00.005-08:00

Good afternoon family & friends,

After almost nine months of college training and re-training and sabbatical to get over some kennel issues, I have graduated as a full fledged guide dog! My partner, Richard, is so happy too!

I was so PROUD to be his guide dog. There I was at his side on the stage as he thanked Becky, Ashley and Caitlin Limberg for all their great love, compassion, energy and enthusiasm. Dad even thanked Grandma June, or should I say, Nani. It was so great to see her again!

It all started earlier as Dad took me on heel to the Fireside Room to meet with someone. I was really not sure what was going on. There were people everywhere and all my buddies were meeting with people. Then, I turned the corner to go into the Fireside Room and there they were!

Woo Hoo! Becky, Ashley and Caitlin. Wow! They all came to see me? What a special day this was going to be and then I realized that they were here to watch us graduate. How great is this?! The people that I grew up with were here to turn me over to my very new special friend. Oh yeah, by the way, his name is Richard.

I gave everybody some of my patented "chipmunk love" which Dad found out was something that Becky kinda taught me. Dad really likes it, so he thanked Becky for doing a great job! Becky and the girls soaked up lots of love and licks and hugs and paws and belly rubs. Wow, did I feel like one special little girl.

Then I got to show off a little bit as led Dad around the halls doing some lefts and rights, finding the door, sits, downs, heels and stays. They all found out that I was "Demo Dog of the Month" at the last graduation ceremony in November. Now you know, I'm pretty HOT STUFF!

Dad bought me this really pretty bandanna and I was wearing it to meet the Limbergs and even had it on during the graduation ceremony. I really felt like I was a stand-out at the ceremony.

I also got to see Wayne, too! Wayne and Sarah, who I saw again last Wednesday, had me staying in their home for a month as my foster parents. I can't recall why, but I really enjoyed being with them. They are such great and caring folks.

Jaymin and Margie did a great job leading the ceremonies and it was great to see everyone making their speeches and then thanking all the great folks at GDB. They are true first-class operation!

Well, I just ate my dinner and I'm going to take a nap now. I understand that we have to leave at 4:00 AM in the morning to go back to the airport. Gosh, that's awful early to be doing training exercises. I'm not sure what we will be doing, but Dad sure is putting a lot of stuff into suit cases.

Oh well, until later! I'm graduated and got to see so many great folks whom I really LOVE.

Love to all. Lots of licks and belly rubs,

Miss Parka

Graduation Day is Here!

2008-12-12T22:00:00.002-08:00

Good evening all my new friends,

My name is Parka Porsche (at least that's what Dad calls me) and Richard and I have finally made it to graduation day in Boring, OR!

When I came here lat April, there were times that I thought I might not make it through. BUT, guess what? Here we are. This is so exciting!

On Thursday morning, we practiced at the Portland airport going through security. That was so easy. There were so many nice people that wanted to say hello to me and give me a rub down. So nice!

On Friday, we went to the Klackamas Mall where we had practiced escalators last week. We had to weave through lots of shoppers with lots of people saying, "Oh look at the pretty doggie with those cute little shoes on!" Yeah, I had to wear these silly booties in case we had to ride escalators.

We found the Van Dyne candy store, Portland's finest chocolates since 1927. We then found a Picture People store and had some great photos taken of Dad and I. So much fun!

In the afternoon, we practiced what graduation day would be like. We got to sit on stage with all the other graduates. It was really nice to watch the demo dog do her work around the room. I think I can do it better than she did, but they didn't ask me!

Well it's getting late and I better get to bed and get my beauty rest.

Love to all of you with lots of sloppy kisses and hugs,

Miss Parka

Puppy Raiser Becky in Boring!

2008-12-11T06:43:00.004-08:00

Good morning Limbergs,

I am SO EXCITED! Dad just told me that Becky Limberg, her Mom and two daughters, will be attending our graduation on Saturday! This is SO COOL!

It was just last April that I saw them last when they dropped me off at the puppy truck. I was SO SAD to be in that cage and watching them wave as the truck pulled away. I kept telling myself, "This is not fair! We need to start a puppy union so we can VOTE on this!"

Anyway, it will be great to see everyone again at our graduation this Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 PM. Dad said that we get to meet all of them before that. Plus, my foster parents, Sarah and uh, I forget. Also, VERY COOL!

Yesterday, I showed off my stuff during the clicker workshop. Dad blind folded himself, I guess so he could not see the great work I was doing. He showed me this pole and did a lot of clicking and what was important was, I got more kibble by just touching that pole or his hand. Such a deal!

That was easy stuff. In the afternoon, we went to the Zoo. I really did not want to see those BIG cats and we didn't. Whew!

We were there to take the fast elevator to the ground level in a tunnel for work on a light rail train platform that was four feet off the ground. I'm not scared of those big machines - I know to keep my distance!

Dad also practiced going through a cafeteria line at lunch. They picked up pizza while I was a good little girl on heel. Dad was a glutton and we had to go back again to get a second piece. I'm going to tell Cuzzie. No, better - I'm going to tell mom!

Cuzzie, that's my new sister that is at home in Denver waiting for my arrival. I wonder what she is like? She looks cute in the picture below, but I hope she knows that I will be the BOSS of the house!

I'm excited about this weekend. Graduation Saturday, then to my new home in Denver on Sunday. My name sure fits going home to snow! I hear there's a storm due the same day I am - YAHOO!

Love to all,

Parka

Birthday Baby & Vet Visit

2008-12-10T04:52:00.004-08:00

Good morning my fellow pups,

Can you believe it? Dad forgot my birthday! Well, he was a little late. He did not forget totally. Is that a male thing or what?

Yes, on Monday, December 8, I became two years old. I'm one of the second oldest here in this class. Danville is 27 months old. He has been re-issued after not working out for someone else.

Last night, on our night route, Erin gave Dad a special biscuit to give me for my birthday. Onyx and Erin, Dad and I, were sitting in Cafe Delirium having some coffee when both of them broke out in Happy Birthday to ME! Then Dad gave me this real special tasting treat. Thanks, Dad!

On my birthday, we took the bus to a neighborhood in Portland to work busy city streets with lots of great smells, which I avoided most of the time. Then Dad ended up at a Pete's Coffee and pulled out that computer again to do some work.

In the afternoon, we stayed in and did a clicker workshop. Dad learned how to use that wonderful clicker tool again. Then on Tuesday afternoon, we actually worked together to target a chair. Of course, I learned finding that chair real quick and got lots of kibble. When we moved back to do it from farther away, I just about dragged Dad to the chair, ready to get my reward. I like this clicker thing!

On Tuesday morning, we went to an elementary school area and a neighborhood with lots of side-walkless streets. I'm pretty HOT on finding the curb, but the coach said that I do it a little too quickly, so Dad had to teach me to stay straight. How? He gave me more kibble.

These humans really think they are teaching me new stuff, but if you notice, I just keep getting more kibble. Guess what, that's my GOAL! More food!

Besides, Zane has told me how stingy Dad is at giving kibble, so I really need to train him well.

We also visited the Vet and we got my current weight which was 53.6 pounds. Last week I was 52.7 pounds, so I gained a little weight. I wear it well though, don't you think?

The Vet told Dad all about my health history. The puppy raiser brought me back to Boring in April, 2008. As I was getting trained, I had a mouth sore and some warts, which I picked up from my buddies in the kennel.

I got rid of those, but developed a limp on my right front pinkie. Vet Patty did not say, but I think Coach Jaymin stepped on my foot and it got real sore. In July, they kept me in the kennels to allow my paw to heal.

Then I went out again and developed some more minor issues so they decided to put me in a "foster home" for about 2 months. Then, while I was there, I got sick. They had a cat and he was a PITA. They brought me back to the kennel to get well and eventually I got back to work with Jaymin in preparation for Dad.

Dad also learned that Ms. Becky Limberg and her 17 year-old daughter raised me in Woodenville, WA, which I think is suburb of Seattle. We took lots of boat rides to Seattle and rode the bus a lot. We lived in a big house with another Lab and a Golden Retriever. They did a great job of raising me and I hope I get to see them again at graduation.

Well, that's a lot of information. I gotta go! I think it's about time to eat!

Hugs and body wags and chipmunk love to all,

Miss Parka

Weekend on the Oregon Trail

2008-12-07T19:00:00.002-08:00

Happy weekend to all,

On Saturday morning, we took a trip to Gresham to work more on rounded corners, traffic checks and barricades. We got back in time to work the Oregon Trail.

Some of you may know the original Oregon Trail that brought settlers to the Northwest back in the 1800s. Yes, Dad shared this with me. I do not remember getting that in history class!

The Boring campus has a nice trail that zig-zags through huge 100 foot trees on the campus. There are tons of tree and shrub nurseries all around this area. I believe they consider themselves the Christmas tree capital of the world!

Working through the Oregon Trail takes about 15-20 minutes for most dogs, but for Parka Porsche - we do it in about 10 minutes! The trail has two or three outlets back to the forest road near the kennels, but we made it through in good shape. I did not run Dad into any trees along the way.

Saturday afternoon, Dad watched Florida play Alabama and other football games. I just slept. Talk about "boring . . . "

On Sunday, we woke up to lots of rain storms and it rained all day. Dad had a late morning brunch and Chef Kathryn made custom-ordered omelets for everyone. Dad had everything, but the kitchen sink in his. He really seemed to enjoy that with his French toast!

At 1:00 PM, Dad tied me down and left with the others to go to the local Gresham Town Mall to do some shopping. He bought me a real nice bandanna to wear at graduation. It's real purty, a base of red and blue with dog bones all over it.

Dad watched some more pro football and worked real hard all day on his computer. I don't know what he does on that thing, but he sure keeps his hands on it a LOT.

Things are going well here in Boring!

Love to all, Parka

PS - Dad said to thank all of you WWII veterans in memory of Pearl Harbor Day!

Portland - Malls, Buildings & More

2008-12-05T17:17:00.003-08:00

Whhhhewwwww, what a week!

I am really pooped. We have been SO BUSY, I have just not had time to keep everyone updated on our adventures. I will try to do that in this recap of the last three days.

Wednesday: We went to Klackamus Mall in SE Portland and I strutted my stuff on escalators. You should have seen me set us up in position just before the moving stairs, then on command we hopped on and I planted my feet on the first stairs. Dad could not believe it.

Then I just walked off gracefully . . . of course! I heard the Zane Train used to dance off the end of an escalator, which I'm sure was comical and classic, but you have to remember, I'm a lady.

In the afternoon we rode the light rail for several miles. What was cool was that I stood within about six inches of a light rail train as it passed and did not flinch. Wow, was Dad surprised!

We got off and took a bus back to the Gresham Town Center, then walked back to the lounge. On the way, we did some "side-walk-less" streets.

Dad has several of those at home, I have heard. I am a perfect 10 at "side-walk-less." When we start along the street and stop, I do an immediate 90 degree turn and look at Dad and say, "OK, what's next?" This is my masterpiece of work . . . ahem.

I did walk him into a traffic barricade, though, and had to rework that, but I thought he was being a little snotty, so I took care of that!

Thursday: We rode to Portland and did the downtown Pioneer Plaza with those stupid booties on. Oh, I hate those things. I would not go down during obedience. I hate those things! They did protect my feet during the escalator trips, but ugh, they are a nuisance.

Santa was playing his saxophone for money, but I had none to give him. Ho! Ho! Ho!

In the afternoon, Dad did a "free lance" from the lounge to Jazzie's Bagels, had some coffee and a cinnamon roll. Gosh, he sure likes sweets! I think he needed the energy, because we had a night route as well.

In the evening, we worked from the lounge to Powell along Main, etc. all over the place. I did a perfect job, well, except for one time that I ran his hand into a wall. Our coach, Jenny, told Dad about the right hand slap on the leg to let me know that I was getting him too close. Cool beans!

We were both exhausted and slept like babies that night.

Friday: We went to Portland again and did City Hall stairs both up and down and I showed off my skills at hitting the top stair spot on. The glass elevators were very cute because that allowed everyone to see me and how cute I looked.

We passed through many crowds, just did a great job and made our way back to the bus.

The afternoon route was another free lance adventure to Jazzie's. You guessed it! Dad got coffee and a sweet roll again. Dad is really learning to speak a little slower and softer so I am really starting to relax with him. Sometimes I have worked so fast that now he's calling me "Parka Porsche!"

After a dinner of Prime Rib and Cornish Game Hen and three desserts, Dad crashed into bed and so did I. Hurrah, a weekend of rest?

Our team work is starting to show. What a guy!

Love to all,

Parka Porche

Parka in Portland - Lloyd's

2008-12-03T06:08:00.004-08:00

Good morning my new friends,

Dad and I went to Portland for the first time yesterday. We worked from the bus and did a very nice neighborhood area called Lloyds. Dad asked if it was related to Lloyds of London, but they said no, there was not enough "bobbys" around.

We walked from the bus along busy neighborhood walk ways and ended up at a Safeway. I had to negotiate around a lot of shopping carts which had Dad really wondering where I was going, but Coach Jaymin told him to "stay with her."

We entered the store and Dad practiced his "moving turn" commands. I'm not sure if he meant to go down some of the narrow aisles that he chose, but we made our way through. I think he was just trying to present some new challenges for me. Of course, I'm a slick chick and I just powered our way through without a mistake.

We ended up at the wine area. He kept showing me this red wine and kept asking me to remember it, like I was going to bring him back here again. I don't think so.

We made our way out and back to the bus. Dad asked Belva, the nurse, if she would get him a Five Bucks coffee. (That's what Steve calls Starbucks.) She got some coffee for several of the students. Dad got an Egg Nogg Latte and others got Pumpkin Spice Steamers.

In the afternoon, we did a bus-to-lounge walk, which was pretty easy for me since I've done it a few times. Some of the streets in Gresham require a zig-zig at Main Street. We did that well and just rocked on to the lounge. Dad kept wanting to detour to Jazzie's. We still have not made it.

Later in the day, Dad got a cane tour of the Oregon Trail and then came back and got me and I led him through the Trail. It's a very wooded area with lots of zigs and zags, but it was "duck soup" for me. You know, we have lots of Oregon Ducks here.

I'm looking forward to today. We're doing some mall work, escalators, buses and trains. Woo Hoo!

Lots of puppy love to all,

Parka

Parka Pooh in Gresham

2008-12-02T05:30:00.003-08:00

Good morning everyone,

Richard, or should I say Dad, really got to know me on Monday. One was a group shot, which is not available to us yet. We receive that at graduation.

In the evening, we took our ID pictures that Dad will carry around with him to prove that we are a team. Ooooh, I like the sound of that.

The web cam movie was taken last night by Erin, who has been blind from birth with LCA. She is our resident dorm mom during the week. She is a college graduate with a degree in English. She has a guide dog named Fellita, a yellow lab, and we get along real great.

Dad asked Erin to take a picture of us and she said that she had a web cam program on her notebook computer. She uses Jaws on her computer and it talks to her while she manipulates the keyboard.

I could not understand a word it was saying, but she found the program and tried it out. It worked! He could see her picture on the computer screen.

Erin turned the computer toward Dad and I, and he lined it up to take the video you see below in our blog.

Ain't I cute? Everyone says that I have a really cute face and you should see me wag my tail. It's a full body wag with my whole back end shaking my bootie!

Dad really likes my "chipmunk love squat" which I will just have to show you some time. I love the way Dad rubs just under my ears on both sides and then strokes my chest area.

We rode the bus to Gresham yesterday and coach Jaymin worked with us in the morning. Jaymin was my training coach and did a great job of preparing me for my new partner. I'm ready for any challenge!

We worked on heeling first. Dad just could not get me to work beside him in the heel mode. With Jaymin's help, Dad had me walking in stride in about five minutes. I'm a quick learner!

Then we did some guide work. I'm a fast walker, pretty much out pacing Dad. Dad kept giving me the "steady" command to slow me down. Jaymin showed him a technique to give a slight tug at take-off and to say, "Steady," and that really showed me what he wanted. Now, we're in step with each other.

In the afternoon, the three two-weekers, Sid, Asia and Dad, went with Jaymin to the downtown lounge in Gresham to do individual routes. Jaymin coached Dad to use a soft voice, use more commands when distracted rather than using the leash and improve his stance with his left foot forward.

Jaymin commented how quickly Dad incorporated all that she asked in just that one route. She was amazed and pleased at how well we did. Of course!

We also changed from the XL handle to just a long handle and Dad liked it a lot better. He stepped on my right rear paw a couple of times, but he felt that he was a little off balance when he did that early in the route. Dad incorporated the steady command several times to get our pace in sync and we were really rocking along by the end of the route.

It started to rain as we left the lounge. This was the first rain we've seen since Dad has been here. Dad got a massage later and the masseuse said that it is now the rainy season for eight more months. Ugh! She is ready to head back to eastern Oregon where she grew up.

Dad had something interesting for dinner called Quinoa (pronounced keen-whaw) which is a high protein grain that had egg plant Parmesan gravy over the top of it. He liked it but he especially liked the peach pie he had for dessert!

We head to Portland today to work the Lloyd neighborhood. There will probably be lots of distractions, so it will provide some new challenges for our team. But Parka Pooh is up to the challenge.

By the way, that picture of Cuzzie is so cute. Three rowdy girls already at home. Hang on ladies, here's comes rowdy girl number four! It sounds like that we are going to have a great time together. Love to all of you!

Hey, Sis, how do I get Dad to give me a little bit more kibble? Be sure to clue me in. I hear you are REALLY good at it, especially with Grandma.

It's about time for Dad to feed me my breakfast. I eat three cups per day of lamb and rice Science Diet. Yuuuuuum!

The Zane Train is still alive and well, it just has a new "classy chassis."

Love to all form Sweet P!

Parka Pooh

First Ever Vido - Parka & Richard!

2008-12-01T19:25:00.004-08:00

Here's . . . .Parka!

Welcome, Parka, You Rowdy Girl!

2008-11-30T16:22:00.005-08:00

Hi, Parka!

This is Claudia, your new mom back in Denver, Colorado.

Your new dad, Richard, is just crazy about you already and I can't wait to meet you - only two weeks to go!

Poor Richard - he will have a house full of rowdy girls: you, me, Grandma and Cuzzie, your new sister.

Train well - love up our Dad - you are going to love living with us!

Love, Mom, Cuzzie & Grandma

Parka Test Drive!

2008-11-30T10:14:00.004-08:00

Good morning my new friends,

Hi! My name is Parka. I just went out on a test drive with my new partner. His name is Richard. He really likes to give me lots of love, he likes to play with lots of toys with me and even shared a partially chewed Nyla Bone. I can tell someone much stronger than me had gotten to this bone first!

We met with our coach, Cindy, and Richard did a little Juno training while I watched with great anticipation in the cage. Well, they were talking about giving my kibble to that furry dog named Juno. I did not care to share. Besides, they did not ask me first. Where's their manners?

As Cindy was sizing up my harness, Richard asked what I looked like to her. Cindy said that I was very pretty. You know, I really like Cindy a lot!

Cindy said that I had a medium long snout and some beautiful dark, brown eyes. My coat is very short and sleek. I guess you could say that I'm a HOT CHICK!

We practiced some of those obedience commands: sit, down, stay and heel. I like this stuff because there's always some kibble in it for me when I do what I'm told.

Cindy asked Richard to "slow down" his commands and talk a little softer. He has to remember that I'm a lady, not some big bruiser like I heard that Zane-boy was. But, of course, I like those big bruisers in other ways, if you know what I mean.

Richard began his guide work commands as we traversed around the dorm along a fairly wide path with a few obstacles. I circumvented everything quite well and I could tell that Richard was having a little trouble keeping up with me. I have to get this "old guy" some exercise and get him in shape. We got places to go and people to see!

Once around was all we got to do today. We just made one trip around the building and back inside by the dining room. That was it. Cindy said that was all for today. Once I finish this up, I'm going to lie down and take a little nap.

You know, I think I'm really going to like this guy. I can tell that deep down inside, he's a pussy cat, even though he comes across like a drill sergeant sometimes!

Richard really enjoyed his French toast and bacon this morning. So has an appointment with the HOT TUB at 11 AM to sweat some of those blueberries off.

We are on our way, our journey has begun, a trip to the top of Mt. Hood might be in our future. I know that I want to be his partner and take him to the mountain top of whatever life experience that will be.

I look forward to meeting all these friends who keep writing great notes to us. You must be great dogs for your partners.

Like I always say, whenever it's cold outside, be sure and take your Parka!

Lots of sparkling love,

Parka

New Locomotive - Miss Parka

2008-11-30T05:45:00.003-08:00

Good morning friends & family,

On Saturday, November 29, I flew from Denver to Portland to return to guide dog school in Boring, OR to find a new locomotive. I arrived around 11AM, PST, and after we gathered up Asia and Sid, Hillary took us to the campus. We found out right away that we would be meeting our new guides that afternoon. How exciting!

At about 3 PM, I was introduced to my new locomotive for the famous Zane Train. Her name is Parka, a sleek, yet sturdy black lab who stands 20 1/2 inches tall, weighs in at 52.7 pounds, loves to lay her head on my thigh as I type and comes with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. She is about two years old and ready to rumble!

We got to know one another right away. I laid on the floor and she jumped all over me. She likes to sit up a little and put her paws on my head and shoulders, lick my ears and kinda be a little wrestler.

I brought some Zane toys to play with her. She enjoyed playing with the Big Kong and rubber ring for tug-of-war. I found her to be very aggressive making her a spunky, little chick. I like that!

Once I put her on tie-down, I got out the Nyla-bone for her to chew on. I found that she liked playing tug of war with that. She likes attention!

As we slept last night, she was the perfect partner, just sleeping away, chewing on her bone as she went to sleep and then just rested through the night. I never heard a peep out of her.

When I got up around 2 PM, she wanted a little reassurance and stroking which I provided from bed. She then just laid back down and went back to sleep.

I got up about 4:30 AM, made some coffee, went to the exercise room to do about 50 rowing strokes and Parka sat beside me. We watched some ESPN news to see what happened in the Oklahoma game. Then we came back to the room to update the Zane Train blog.

Right now, I'm calling it Zane Train II "Parka" - this will be the new iteration of the Zane Train.
Zane started out this blog, last December, as I wrote a daily journal of my journey into the world of having a guide dog. Zane's voice took over after we got back home to Colorado. He has quite a fan club!

I talked with Zane on the phone in Brea, CA yesterday where he is at his new home with the Johnpeers. Katie told me that Zane was looking all around the house as I called out to him and said "Where's my buddy?" He still remembers my voice. Isn't that amazing!? Well, of course, he is a very bright fellow.

My new locomotive is Parka. She is a lot shorter and lighter than I expected so today will be a great test to see how she will work out as a guide. She has a lot of spunk and I can tell will like to walk fast. That's good, and it will be interesting to see how she handles. I will try a standard harness to see how we work together. I went to the off-set harness because I kept stepping on Zane's paws. Ouch!

It's just about time to feed her. She will be getting 3 cups per day of Lamb & Rice. Cuzzie is at home finishing off the rest of Zane's lamb & rice. She enjoys getting some of the great fuel as an upgrade to her less expensive kibble mix. Watch out Cuzzie, there will be another GAL in the house soon!

Stay tuned for more updates as I get to know Parka better. She looks like a great dog and I look forward to getting to know her better.

Lots of love to all,
Richard

Zane's Thanksgiving Caper

2008-11-28T06:24:00.001-08:00

From one of Zane's Dreams!

IT WAS THANKSGIVING 2007 IN WHICH DAD AND I MET

A BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN DAY TO CELEBRATE OUR ACQUAINTANCE,

GIVING THANKS FOR LOVED ONES AND THOSE THAT WOULD BE SET,

OUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER, FOREVER, A FOND REMEMBRANCE!

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP

I TRIED COUNTING SHEPHERDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED - THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE

BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL MY MIGHT

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH MUCH ANTICIPATION

THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME TOTAL INFATUATION

SO, I SNUCK TO THE KITCHEN, SNEAKING INSIDE THE DOOR

AND GAZED AT THE LEFTOVERS, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND LAPPED UP POTATOES,

PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND ROUND

'TILL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY

WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A PAW-FUL OF PIE.

BUT, I MANAGED TO BARK AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES...

LABRADORS UNITE FOR A FEAST, PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.

MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.

MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES BE YOUR PRIZE,

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER BE A WONDERFUL SURPRISE!

AS I FLOATED BACK DOWN TO MY PLACE BY THE BED

I SHUTTERED AND SHOOK UNTIL SOMEONE HAD SAID

ZANE WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ON THIS THANKSGIVING NIGHT?

HOW DID THAT WHIPPED CREAM APPEAR ON YOUR SNOUT, TONIGHT?

I WOKE UP IN A DAZE AND I SHOOK MY HEAD TO CLEAR MY DAZE

THANKSGIVING, A MEMORY, BUT FONDLY I RECALL THE HAPPY DAYS!

I SHARE MY LIFE NOW WITH THE JOHNPEERS, WHAT A FAMILY OF LOVE

I DREAM OF WHAT ONCE WAS, MY CAPERS AND DREAMS, GIVE THANKS FROM ABOVE!

LOVE TO ALL ON THANKSGIVING! ZANE

Capers - The Super Sleuth!

2008-11-27T05:42:00.001-08:00

Sweet, Innocent Zane,

I can tell that you are still up to your old tricks! You are such a super sleuth, so crafty and creative. As I prepare to leave for Portland on Saturday, I am reminded of how sweet you always seemed to be. And now I read this story and learn so much more about how SNEAKY you are. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

I share this excerpt that you posted on Princess Coral's blog. You thought you might be able to hide this from me! But Dad does still love you anyway. Those brown eyes and sweet disposition. You are so adorable.

"Getting extra food is always a challenge. Where did our masters ever get the idea that we can survive on just a cup or two of dry dog food a day? Have you ever met a lab who could fill up on such a small amount of food? (NOT). So here are a few suggestions for pulling off what I call "capers".

First, establish a state of total trust between you and your master. That's the hard part with labs as we somehow have a reputation of getting into trouble. But if you cuddle them and let them pet you and let them rub you between the toes and behind the ears, then you can indeed get their trust, it's just a matter of time. It really helps to exhibit perfect behavior for a few days before the caper is planned. That's hard to do but possible. Believe me, they will soon begin trusting you...humans can't help it.

I've successfully pulled of the famous cantaloupe caper and tuna fish casserole capers....no problem. As for implementing the caper, well my recommendation is to wait till the room is empty, or until the master(s) are distracted or asleep, so they don't notice what you're doing. Don't forget the children in the house, they can snitch on you if they see what you're doing. Don't waste your effort on a small caper because if you're busted then you're in big trouble anyway. I always wait till a big opportunity presents itself, then I make my move. With Thanksgiving food being prepared tomorrow, I've already made my plans for tomorrows caper. You see, tonight they came home with two (yes TWO) pies tonight and I think they need "taste testing". Even if you're caught, they can only stay mad for a little while....once they see your big brown eyes and your tail between your legs, they usually forgive you and the shock and awe they exhibited at what you did will fade quickly.

Being a lab is sure great. I could never get away with these capers if I were a cat or bird. They're just not smart enough. I hope this helps you and my other canine followers who might read this. And please don't let any humans read this message.

Love, Sweet, innocent Zane"

Well, have a great Thanksgiving and Johnpeers don't turn away from those pies or turkey too long! You have some brown eyes plotting and planning.

Love, Dad

Photo Album from Zane - My Trip Home to LA

2008-11-22T15:52:00.008-08:00

Long awaited arrival the the famed "Puppy Truck" in LA.
I'm in there with 150,000 barking puppies!
OK, there were probably about a dozen but it SOUNDED like a lot more.

Ahhhhh . . . I just love women! These are MY girls!!!

Here's Gary calling Richard & Claudia to let them know
I made it back home OK!
Lots of tears were shed at both ends of the line.

I am pooped - doing "frog dog" on the kitchen floor at the Johnpeer's - my LAST new home.

I love my original dad . . . I used to cuddle like this when I was a puppy.
It still feels good and I sure needed a hug.

This is my "brother" Sayer who is going to go
to guide dog school in a few months.
He likes to play tug of war with me with PCV pipe.
I always win!

Aren't we handsome fellows?!

Gary is trying to brush our teeth but we just wanna get
a hold of that tube of chicken flavored toothpaste!

I love my "mom", too - Vickie loves to cuddle me.

We had some REAL excitement and nearly
had to be evacuated from our house - YIKES!

This fire was only one block away -
that's WAY too close for me!

Gary took me back to work out to an oil well.
Feels like old times to be back in a truck!

Golly, I worked sooooo hard and just HAD
to take a nap . . . zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Don't ever forget - I am the one and only original Zane Train!

Keep writing - Gary will keep taking pictures and Richard & Claudia will post them here.

Love to all,

Zane

2008-11-22T11:10:00.003-08:00

Hello from Zane!

Gosh, life here with the "first family" is sure easy! So far they haven't even made me work for my food...how about that! And I still get lots of "good boys" for doing simple things like sitting and going down. Why weren't you that easy on me?

They have another lab puppy in training (black like me) that wants to play tug-of-war all the time which is so fun. His name is Sayer. He gets recalled in a couple of months so then I'll have full control of this house.

Well, to be honest, I do have some concerns. You see, for some reason Sayer gets to go everywhere with Gary and during those short periods of time I have to stay home and "guard the house". I guess this must be a bad neighborhood or something so for now that seems to be my main job. They said it was an important job too.

Dad and I used to go to so many places and I miss that so much. I also miss laying by your desk at the office and listening to all the people talk about how handsome I am (and I still am). I miss the trips to the groomer (they must be poor here because they groom me themselves).

I miss Claudia and Grandma and of course little Cuzzie. Tell them I love them.

I miss the trips to the airport which took us to so many strange places.

But most of all Dad, I just miss Richard. And I can't wait till the day comes that he can visit me in sunny southern California.

Well I must sign off now, Dad, because Gary is over by the freezer and it's time for my morning ice cube!

Retirement can be rough at times.

Love,

Zane

Zane's Tuna Fish Caper

2008-11-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Richard!

It's Zane!

Well we had an exciting day here yesterday with all the southern California wildfires. We almost had to evacuate. It's a good thing I was here because I had everything under control and we are all safe today. Only problem is when I go outside the white ash particles fall on my black fur and it reminds me of snow. And you know what I think of snow!

About 7:30 PM last night Vicki had supper all cooked (tuna casserole) when the police started announcing that the next neighborhood to the east of us had to evacuate. She put the casserole on the edge of the sink while the family went outside to listen to the police announcements (on the police loudspeakers). I felt it was my duty to do a sample taste of their casserole while the house was quiet inside. Unfortunately, Vicki caught me taste testing the casserole when she came in. There wasn't much left for them to eat after I got done. Gosh, I figured that since I got to eat cantelope in Denver that I could certainly eat tuna casserole in California. Anyway, it was certainly quite tasty and much more flavorful than the Science Diet stuff I usually get.

Anyway, as you can see, I'm doing my job and keeping everybody here safe. They didn't sleep well last night but I sure did.

I love and miss you,

Zane

Oregon Campus Update

2008-11-12T04:54:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

One of my new instructors at the Oregon GDB Campus, Jaymin, called to interview me and learn more about who I am, my work, my home situation and just get to know me and the type of dog that I might need. I learned about the Boring Campus which I understand is in a farm community where the town of Gresham is the "big city" in the area.

I asked if there were cows and horses that we would have to walk around, not to mention their droppings! She indicated that she could make that happen.

This will be a small class of 8 students, all re-trains! Many will be there for a total of 3 weeks and 2 or 3 of us will be there for 2 weeks.

I have my flight itinerary and I will fly to Portland on Saturday, 11/29, and return to Denver on Sunday, 12/14. I wondered if I should bring my brush, booties, rain coat, etc. and Jaymin said that I will get a bunch of new stuff, but we agreed that the booties may not fit my new dog and the rain coat will definitely be needed in the winter around Portland.

What is most exciting is that Jaymin said that she walked a dog yesterday that she thought would be PERFECT for me. I asked what kind of dog it was and she would not say, but after she thought about it, this string is all Labrador Retrievers. So, at least I know that I will be getting a Lab again, not sure the sex or color yet.

Thus, my excitement is now starting to build as I prepare for my new locomotive. Zane, stay tuned to hear who is coming down the track!

Love, Dad

Approved for New Locomotive!

2008-10-30T18:54:00.002-07:00

Good evening friends and my buddy Zane,

I just got word today that I have been approved to attend the Nov/Dec class at GDB in Portland, OR. I am so EXCITED! I hope that Zane has a "brother" that is looking for work!

I just have to get my time off approved by my employer, the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and then I can make my plans to attend the class Nov. 29 through Dec. 14.

I've never been to the Boring campus, but it does not sound boring! It is supposed to be beautiful. Only about a month to go!

Zane, it sounds like your fan base is still out there and I'm glad you got your voice back.

Maybe I can fly south on the way home? Who knows.

God bless everyone! Richard

A Note from Zane

2008-10-29T15:55:00.003-07:00

Dear Dad,

Gosh, life here with the "first family" is sure easy!

So far they haven't even made me work for my food . . . how about that! And I still get lots of "good boys" for doing simple things like sitting and going down. Why weren't you that easy on me?

They have another lab puppy in training (black like me) that wants to play tug-of-war all the time which is so fun. His name is Sayer. He gets recalled in a couple of months so then I'll have full control of this house.

Well, to be honest, I do have some concerns. You see, for some reason, Sayer gets to go everywhere with Gary and during those short periods of time, I have to stay home and "guard the house". I guess this must be a bad neighborhood or something so for now that seems to be my main job. They said it was an important job, too.

You and I used to go to so many places and I miss that so much. I also miss laying by your desk at the office and listening to all the people talk about how handsome I am (and I still am!).

I miss the trips to the groomer (they must be poor here because they groom me themselves).

I miss Claudia and Grandma and of course, little Cuzzie. Tell them I love them.

I miss the trips to the airport which took us to so many strange places. But most of all Dad, I just miss you. And I can't wait till the day comes that you can visit me in sunny southern California.

I worry about you, Dad, but they tell me you're doing well and seeking a replacement guide dog and that should happen soon. I hope his eyes are as brown and as big and as loving as mine. B

Boy that dog sure has some exciting times ahead, doesn't he (she?).

Gary has been sending you pictures of me but please send some of you and my Colorado family.

But there's no need to send any pictures of that cold fluffy stuff you called "snow"! To me it just seemed like frozen slush but I never wanted to tell you that because you seemed to like it so much. You try walking around in bare feet and you'll see what I mean.

Well, I must sign off now, Dad, because Gary is over by the freezer and it's time for my morning ice cube! Retirement can be rough at times.

Love,

Zane

Zane Train - Back with the First Family

2008-10-26T06:41:00.003-07:00

Good morning,

3 cheers, Hoorah, Hoorah, Hoorah! Zane has finally returned home safely to the his first family, the Johnpeers. Listen to the excitement that Gary and the family had in anticipation of his return:

"I called to verify Zane is scheduled to be on the GDB puppy truck arriving this FRI PM from San Rafael and Mary Eastman said he is all ready to go! She is checking in his food so I don't have to give him a food change. What were you feeding him when he was sent back to SR? How much daily? If you find the time could you ask your vet for copies of his vet records? I'd like to keep a complete file on his health history...you said he had a couple ear infections (I think).

"Gosh, we are sure looking forward to seeing that big black beast again. He's had quite a year, hasn't he? I was thinking today that it was last Thanksgiving that you got him and it's almost Thanksgiving again and now we get him back. What a series of exciting events he's had in his short life! And just think how many lives he's touched. And how many dogs ever had their own blog spot with such an interested group of nationwide supporters? I wonder what he's thinking about all this?"

"PS: Look for some pictures of Zane late Fri night. When you coming back to sunny Southern California?"

Well, the puppy truck arrived right on time Friday night, and Gary updated us by phone and with this email:

"Hey guys....I sent a bunch of pics of Zane ...a batch of 27 was sent (twice) and following that was a single image. I sure hope you got them OK. (We did!)

The puppy truck arrived promptly at 8:00 PM and we had a wonderful reunion. He got his picture taken many times and had his supper at the puppy truck. I've sent you his first pictures as I promised and he is now lying by my computer at 10 PM as I write this, yes, in his "frog" position. He seems to be right at home. However, I really think initially when we first saw him there was a look in his eye asking "where's Richard?"

Seriously. It was eerie. During the last hour though he seems to have settled in quite well, seems very comfortable and that look isn't as obvious. We're so glad he is safely here and off the puppy truck. He seemed fed up with the 16 barking puppies they are delivering to Phoenix tomorrow while Sayer couldn't get enough of them. Yes, Sayer is in 7th heaven as you'd expect. They spent their first 15 minutes at the house playing tug-of-war with a PVC pipe-toy and running around the house trying to play take-away when one got it.

Love, G and the other "lucky dogs".

It is great that Zane is being loved so much by his first family. Yes, I miss him terribly, but I have to move on for my opportunity to get a new guide dog. I should hear very soon according to GDB and I can't wait to be part of the December class of 2008.

Love to all, Zane is home safely, Richard

Wanted: New Locomotive!

2008-10-19T05:39:00.001-07:00

Good morning,

As many of you know, the leader of the Zane Train is being sent back to his original home depot. Zane must not have been able to handle the stress of guide work. Even though I will miss Zane terribly, I have to move on and find a new locomotive to get the Zane Train moving again.

I have made application to GDB for a new guide dog. I have completed my medical physical and I am now in the qeue to be reviewed for a new dog. My first choice would be in-home training, but there is a long waiting list for in-home training and this requires a great match of dog to handler.

Therefore, I have requested first available spot which is currently Boring, OR in the Nov/Dec class. My first class was the same time frame in San Rafael last year. It is hard to imagine that I would already by a "retrain" student, but that's where I am and I look forward to getting approved for class ASAP.

I request that all my friends out there, keep praying and sending positive energy for me to be approved for the next class because I really look forward to having a guide dog. They really make a difference for me!

Zane is currently staying at a foster home in the San Rafael area until the puppy truck picks him up on Oct. 24 to return him to Beea, CA to go back home to the Johnpeers. They are so excited to have him back and I am glad that he going where he is LOVED very much.

All the best to everyone, love, Richard

Zane Train Goes Home!

2008-10-08T04:37:00.003-07:00

Attention All Supporters of the Zane Train,

Zane has been retired from guide work, but God's blessings have created a return to his puppy raiser home. There is much love and affection for him there and Zane will make a powerful difference for all the people that he is going to meet and cheer up and spread his puppy love. See below.

Richard and Claudia,

I just got the call from Rick Wilcox, our southern California advisor for GDB asking if we want Zane back or if we'd want him to go into the "Buddy" program where he would be adopted by a person less than 18 years old that will eventually need a guide. I told him that it was your wish and our desire to have him back with us as soon as possible and that's what was decided. Now we need to figure out transportation for him....we could either drive up and get him this weekend or wait till the 24th when the Puppy Truck makes a regular run to Arizona via our city. We could pick him up then. I'll talk to the girls and decide.

We're so excited to see him again. His future is now set and there will be no more major change of scenery for him. He will have a safe, stable and enriching environment with us although he won't have the social status he once had!

We'll let you know what we decide to do as far as his transportation back to his "first family".

PS: Rick knows the trainer that worked with Zane and spoke highly of him. He had no more insight into his condition than you already gave me..in fact less. Rick's job is mainly to decide placement for Zane and he is coordinating his efforts with the puppy placement office at GDB.

Gary

That's great! I know he will love being back with all the LOVE that you
guys will give him.
I couldn't be happier for him.

Thanks for the best wishes. Onward and upward. Richards! www.RacetoCureBlindness.org

I'm sure you'll get a retrain approval. I don't envy you having
to go through another physical but I'm sure you'll do well at that too.
And we know you feel comforted that Zane will be back with us. It's the
next-best-place for him for sure. How he can settle down to a life of
relaxation.... and plenty of food for little work (is he a registered
Democrat?). He won't have to worry about any more significant life style
changes, new people to get used to, the stress of working, and all the
expectations one has of a guide dog. He has certainly changed our lives and
yours too, so he has made a good mark on this world. Without him we
wouldn't have been introduced to the Faubions and the Foundation for
Fighting Blindness. We'll do our best to put him to useful service as he
again gets used to the sunny Southern California climate and lifestyle. He
will get to go with me on most of my job-site investigations and all the
drillers, geologists, neighbors and clients I work with already know and love
him too. I hope he won't miss the snow too much! I've alerted the
girls to hide all their socks and Vicki has the vacuum cleaner all shined up and
ready to go (black hair)!

We certainly will keep you posted on each and every development as it pertains
to Zane's return to us. And clear out your inbox to make way for numerous
photos of him!

Gary

What a great sequence of events. Zane will be home soon!

Hugs and kisses all around, Richard

Zane Train to be retired

2008-10-03T15:26:00.002-07:00

Sadly I report that Zane did not recover from his lack of confidence in guide work and the head instructor is recommending that Zane be retired. He is too sensivite in their opinion and can not handle the stress of guide work.

This is not official yet, but he has worked 10 different times and he has not been able to successfully complete his work.

I have been crying a lot with this news, but there is nothing that I can do about it. Thanks for everyone's prayers and postive thoughts. He is a happy dog despite this, so hoepfully he will be returned to his puppy raiser who also loves him dearly.

Thanks for all your support.

Now, what's next for me, I do not knnow.

With a heavy heart, Richard

Zane update & VisionWalk Colorado

2008-09-28T06:58:00.002-07:00

Good morning friends,

I am still very sad that Zane was unable to be my partner and support for the 3rd Annual Colorado VisionWalk which was held yesterday in Denver. Almost 500 people and lots of their canine friends participated on a beutiful day in the Rockies. Everyone asked "where is Zane?" It was so difficult to explain that something had happened almost 3 weeks ago and Zane lost his confidence to work.

A report from GDB on Friday indicated that after four attempts to work with Zane failed to get him to work in harness. They reported that Zane is totally his fun-living and playful self, even with his harness on as he ran around the grass paddock, but when the harness is picked up, Zane gets nervous and anxious and does not want to work. This is so sad. Zane was such a GREAT guide dog.

The instructors at GDB will give him one more week to respond and get back on track. I request everyone to pray for a miracle and for Zane to restore his confidence. Thanks for your support.

Regarding the Colorado VisionWalk, we started yesterday at $95,035 raised and after lots of money came in from all the walkers and teams, we are somewhere around $110,000 raised. We have to post all of this information to the website to confirm how much new money came in. We will continue to keep counting money well into October and November to reach our goal of $125,000!

Thanks everyone for your support for the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness to find preventions, treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases!

Keep praying and help bring Zane back to Denver.

Love, Richard

ZTC5: College in its final phases

2008-09-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Good day fellow senior classmates,

Note: Zane requested Dad to complete this training update.

It has been quite a challenging pace of training over the past three to four months and it is so gratifying that we can now move into our senior phase of training to become a guide dog. We have passed the basic training, the intermediate phases of obedience, distractions and obstacles. We have passed the advanced phases of buildings, elevators, stairs, escalators, trains and so much more. Now we have entered the final phases.

Phase 9: Advanced overhead and obstacle training

This senior phase means that we have to take more responsibility in knowing when there is an overhead obstacle, narrow passage, traffic check or whatever it is. The instructor is blind-folded and we must do our job such that the handler is kept safe and out of harm's way. We must exercise intelligent disobedience and await the handler to recognize the problem before proceeding. Once we have successfully passed this phase, we can now move into the final phase of training in preparatiion for blind students.

Phase 10: Prep for Class Training with Students

Each one of us had to go through another thorough physical examination to ensure that we were heallthy and medically ready for the rigors of class training with a bunch of blind students. This is what we have been being trained since we were about six to eight weeks old. We have gone through all the training with our puppy raiser, the four months or so of training with our coach and instructors. This is the time to "fish or cut bait."

Our coaches and instructors now put us through all final testing to ensure that each one of us pass our tests with flying colors. I know I passed fudging only on sniffing some food, but I did not eat it! What was key is that all instructors were blind-folded for ALL tests, so we had to do very well or we could have not passed.

It might be worth recalling that only about 50% of the guide dogs that start the guide dog process, actually make it through to this point. So we went through all the final tests:

- final traffic checks and intelligent disobedience

- final obedience commands including food refusal

- final buildings and stairs and elevators and excalators

- final guide work using all commands and recognition of obstacles in all settings

Dogs that passed all these tests could be put in class-ready status. We do not get a diploma, but we do sort of graduate as "sum-a-good-doggie."

This was some really tough training, but I can attest that I have used just about every phase of the training in some form or fashion with Richard. I appreciate all the hard work that my Coach Jessica and all her colleagues put into making me a number ONE guide dog.

In class 680 (Dad's), there were 28 of us ready for prime time guiding. 18 studetns in total came to GDB that November, 2007 looking for a new set of eyes. 20 of us actually were used since two of us had to be career-changted. I'm so happy that I found Dad. He is such a great handler and my new friend.

Hoorah, throw my graduation cap in the air!

Zane

ZTC4: College Training - Phase 5 and 6

2008-09-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Good day college classmates and wanna-bees,

Note: Zane asked that Dad complete his training update, since he has returned to college!

It feels good to have passed my sophomore phase of college. I have really learned my guide work cammands and stopping where I am supposed to stop for my handler. Even with lots of distractions, I am doing about 75% of my commands without getting distracted. Then I passed the test while my coach was blind-folded executing all my commands while being distracted. I was feeling like pretty hot stuff!

Phase 6: Advanced Training - Buildings, stairs and more!

Well, that feeling of being HOT stuff quickly dissipated when we began entering big buildings with lots of stairs and doorways and elevators, oh my.

Our coaches first introduced us to working in buildings and targeting doorways, stairs and elevators. I had no idea that we had to learn so much. But a few days of clicker training and great kibble rewards, I learned when it was appropriate to stop at a doorway to ensure that my handler had room to clear.

Then we started going up and down stairs and this was very tricky. I wanted to just take off and run down the stairs, but I had the instructor hanging onto my harness and I had to go up and down these stairs at a pace that would not make them fall. You should try that some time, it's not that easy!

And next were elevators. No problem, right? We just walk up to these HUGE doors and wait for them to open. And then we had to march across this crack in the floor and make it inside before the door closes on our tail. This took me a few tries to learn to do this, but I finally got it and I was always ready to get out of that elevator without too much prodding.

The biggest challenge of all for this phase was learning intelligent disobedience. Is that an oxymoron?

Initially, the instructors started with narrow clearances and taught us that we should not continue our guide work until the handler found the obstacle and praised us which acknowledged that the handler was aware of the obastacle. Now to be clear, we could not move foward even if instructed until we were sure that the handler was well aware of the narrow passage.

After passing this specialized disobedience training, then we were prepared for a more advanced level of disobedience around traffic issues.

Phase 7: Traffic Training

As a member of the Junior class, the training was now getting more intense. We now embark on traffic conditioning and training. You ask, what's a traffic check? We learned the following: when crossing a street and a vehicle makes a left turn in front or at you; when walking down a street sidewalk and a vehicle backs out in front of you; when walking down a sidewalk and a parked car starts up and may potentially back up; when crossing streets and someone turns near you or crosses the street at the wrong time.

We had to learn about all of these and how to respond by turning to the side or pulling our handler back to clear safely or putting our head in front of the handler and not moving. We would repeat this process for days until we passed 100% of the time. There could be no errors in this training.

We did most of our training in San Rafael with some work in the neighborhoods. In addition to this very crucial training, we also began to do some overhead training, which means we have to be aware of tree branches that hang down and can whack our handler in the head. Also, signs or other low hanging obstacles are very important for us to learn that they are there and we should stop or go around them if it was safe to do so.

Phase 8: Escalators & Subways & Trains

After passing those tough tests, we moved forward to learn escalators, subways, trains, buses, etc. When we were introduced to escalators and learned the technique for riding them and exiting safely, we also had to learn to wear those funky booties on our feet. I felt like a Budweiser Clydesdale horse, since I was a high-stepping dog.

When getting onto the escalator, the handler would approach the moving stairs and when I was ready, she would say, "OK, let's go!" I would jump onto the moving stairs and try to stay put while she was holding onto my leash very tightly. I watched as she would put her hand onto the moving hand rail to be ready when it flattened out which meant it was time to exit. She would say, "Ready, Ready, Let's go!" I would then leap off the moving stairs and land safely outside in the hall. Boy, was I happy to be off that moving monster!

Plus I would give a little high-stepping dance to acknowledge that I had safely made it. We also learned how to go from the escalators to the subway platforms and operate safely getting on and off the subway trains. I have used this training a lot with Dad when we are traveling through airports. I really appreciate this training. The one big thing we learned on the subway platform was to be intelligently disobedient when asked to move forward when that would take us closer to the path of the train. NO WAY! I'm not moving over there!

If all that was not enough, we learned to work on sidewalkless streets in the neighborhood near the campus. I know that sounds kinda funny, a sidewalkless street. That's just what it was. A street that did not have sidewalks so we had to move in and out of parked cars. Dad and I use this a lot where we live in Denver. We live on a sidewalkless street.

Wow, I am tired just sharing all this stuff we learned in our Junior phase. I passed again, but this phase took about three to four weeks to complete.

We are almost cooked! Stay tuned as we get close to meeting our new partners.

Zane

Zane returns to San Rafael

2008-09-21T07:09:00.003-07:00

Good morning fellow handlers,

Zane is not here to write about this new development in his life. Therefore, this is Richard, with a very heavy heart and a very SAD disposition, bringing Zane's fans up to date.

I flew with Zane on Tuesday, 9/16, to San Francisco to return Zane to GDB so he could be rehabilitated. Zane has not been working in harness, in fact, flat refusing to work. Therefore, I had to use my white cane as I healed Zane through the airport to meet the volunteer for his return to San Rafael.

It was a very difficult moment when I finally had to turn the leash over to the volunteer. I cried my eyes out as Zane gave me BIG LICKS and hugs, but this had to be done so that he could be restored to his normal self and returned to me ASAP.

What happened? On 9/3, while visiting the park where the Colorado VisionWalk will be held on Sept. 27, Zane and I were startled by a big dog. I'm not sure if that is exactly when it happened, but I noticed that he started working faster than normal and not responding to commands as he normally does. He worked erratically after that moment, in fact, sitting down and not wanting to work at all.

A former GDB instructor who lives in the Denver area, came out the next week to work with us and Zane would not work in harness. Therefore, it was decided that he had to be returned to San Rafael for rehabilitation.

Master Instructor, Brenda Schafer, is now in charge of rehabilitating him. Paolo will be giving me weekly updates on Fridays and this past Friday only had a short report because Brenda had worked with him for only one time. Zane was nervous and lacked confidence in harness. There are many factors that they could attribute to this, but let's pray that it is the change of scenery and handler.

Next Friday will be a critical report to see how well he has recovered. I ask everyone to pray for a quick recovery and restoration to his normal self and be returned right away to Denver and ME. His entire family mises him, including Claudia, Grandma and Cuzzie!

I know yesterday that I wanted to call Zane on my cell phone to see how he is doing. It's tough not being able to communicate, hug, kiss and love up Zane.

Wishing Zane much positive energy and restoration,

Love, Richard

ZTC3: College Training - Phases 3, 4 and 5 & First Test

2008-09-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Good day fellow classmates,

Now that we have graduated our freshman phase which is through basic obedience training, it's now time to upgrade our training experience. In Phase 2, I learned clicker training, basic obedience commands, collar pressure and especially, using a harness and getting the feel of it while walking on a treadmill. Can you believe it?

Phase 3: Initial guide work training

Now, the fun begins in our sophomore phase of college. This is when we really start feeling like guide dogs. This is when my guide dog classmates started guide work pattern training. The coaches pattern train each of the dogs, which means for me, Jessica showed me exactly what she wanted me to do, essentially “patterning” the correct responses."

Being a model student (?), I learned very quickly. She taught me to target "up curbs." That means as Jessica and I crossed the street, she would ask me to "find the curb" and when I found it and put both front paws up on the curb, she would "click" to indicate that I had done it properly and then give me a treat. Boy, do I like this part of the training. FOOD! So I had my eyes peeled for the next "up curb" so I could find that curb and be rewarded with a treat. More kibble means happy dog.

We were doing most of this training in the neighborhoods around the campus. They were lots of million dollar homes in this area (I understand that means they're nice, but what I hear today on CNBC, they may be half-million dollar homes!). I'm sorry that I had to pee a few times during this training. You might say that I left my mark in their neighborhood.

Then, while I'm concentrating on finding these up curbs, Coach has to throw in a few distractions. First, it was this good-looking French poodle that just happened to saunter by while I'm trying to find a curb. What did I do? Well, I missed the curb and just kept walking toward that poodle. Ooops, that was a mistake. No kibble.

Then they brought out these BIG German shepherds and had them barking their heads off at us as we walked by , but I did not pay any attention. I knew this was a trap and I wanted my kibble treat. All bark and no bite.

After we had mastered this neighborhood area, the coaches loaded us up in the bus and took as to downtown San Rafael for a trip through the city. Wow, all these cars, trucks and buses were making so much noise while I was trying to find a few curbs. But after a few days, I did not pay any attention to those vehicles and paid more attention to that clicker because I knew FOOD was not far behind. Besides, my puppy raiser had me around motorcycles and huge front-end loaders. These were like toy vehicles.

Phase 4: Intermediate Pattern Training

Now it was a daily routine to hop onto the bus at least twice a day and do our guide work in downtown San Rafael.

Now, Coach was teaching us to respond to many other "clicks" along the way. Next we had to learn the down curbs too. That means that I had to stop right at the edge of the down curb, Jessica would click and then I would get my kibble. Sometimes, there was no curb, just a down ramp or an up ramp and that meant that I had to stop right at the bottom of the ramp. I like these ramps because they are so much easier to go down and up.

Now as we were starting to get more responsibility, we learned how to go around obstacles like poles or trees or bushes and when we did it right, we earned more kibble. I like this training a lot!

With this advanced clicker training, also came a lot more distractions, like people walking down the street and trying to catch our attention, people walking by with their pet dogs to distract us, a few bicycle riders that looked like they were coming staight at us, so I had to pull the Coach to the side to ensure I kept her safe.

This phase of the training was the most difficult. I had to learn all these guide work commands like Right, Left, Forward, Halt, Hop Up, Steady and NO!, while the coaches were throwing all sorts of distractions at us. After a couple of weeks, I was doing really good. My most favorite sound was not only the clicker, but also the two most important words in guide work training, "GOOD BOY." I almost always got a treat to acknowledge a great job that I had done.

Phase 5: Preliminary Test #1

Now that I had gotten the great basic and intermediate training, it was time for the rubber to meet the road, or should I say, the paws on the concrete. Now my coach will be blind-folded and we went on a short route through San Rafael and I was measured to see how well I did.

This test really evaluated everything that I had learned, especially lots of distractions while my coach barked out the commands. In additiion, Coach Jessica also put me in the Sit position and then teased me with food at my feet. How dirty could they get? But when they say "NO", I must obey and not touch that food. I only fouled up once when I put my head down to sniff it, but I did not eat it.

Ah yes, many of my classmates as well as I passed the test and once we had passed this very first true test of our training, we had then graduated from the sophomore phase of our training.

Now it was time to continue the program with advanced training. A few of my classmates had to return to intermediate training because they did not pass. This is tough stuff!

Upward and onward,

Zane

ZTC2: 10 Phases of Guide Dog College Training

2008-09-09T06:49:00.001-07:00

Fellow Classmates & Collegians,

It was really tough to make that transition from the constant love and attention that I received with the Johnpeer family as I returned to San Rafael to begin my college training experience. It was great to see my brothers again, Zippy & Zeus, plus all the other pups that I frolicked with during those first few weeks before I was shipped off to Brea, CA. Guess what, we're not pups anymore!

But now I hear the coaches talking about all the work that they are planning for su. I know that my future is to be a guide dog for people like my Dad, Richard, so I'm sharing my training stories to let everyone know what I had to go through to become a guide dog.

My coach Jessica was very helpful in providing a lot of this information. Thank you, Jessiva. I want you to know that I miss you very much. Your dedicated efforts really paid off. I love what I do!

The training is divided up into phases, instead of a number of weeks or months to complete the training. That means that each of us have to successfully complete each phase before we can move on to the next phase.

There are 10 phases and each one lasts one to three weeks, depending on what the coaches are able to get done each week and how well twe adapt and learn what they are being trained.

Phase 1: Physical exams

I got to know my doctor, a veterinarian, very well. She gave me a complete physical exam and took lots of
x-rays to make sure my bone structures were in top condition. But the most fun part of this phase for me was being introduced to our community run. Man did I love that! I got to run like a wild dog, up and down the length of the run, trying to take the toys away from my classmates.

I really looked forward to the two or three group play sessions each day as the coaches watached us to ensure that our play behavior was enjoyable, but controlled. Those of us who get a little bit too excited & aggressive and get angry are put into a different session so their behavior can be modified and improved. The coaches were taking us on walks all over the beautiful campus at San Rafael. This is such a lovely place with lots of walks that curve all over the place. I really needed to learn my way around, especially to the play areas!

We were also given lots of kennel enrichment. This allowed us to get to know all of the kennel staff who took such good care of us. They took care of all of our medical needs, groomed our coats, cleaned our ears and brushed our teeth. I really like my teeth brushed, because I love chicken!

My puppy raiser Dad, Gary, did such a good job of preparing me for college, I passed Phase One with flying colors! Mainly black.

Phase 2: Basic Obedience Training

Now that we have been certified to be in great shape and great health, it's time to begin basic training. Gary and the Johnpeers did a great job because I recalled many of these commands!

All of my classmates and I were given intensive training on the clicker and how to respond to the clikcer when doing what we were told and receiving our reward kibble. I really enjoyed this training because I LOVE kibble, so I made sure I did what I was requested to do.

The coaches taught us how to respond to collar pressure. I think everyone knows that we wear these loose fitting chain collars when tightened, get our attention. The coaches show us how to respond to a "light yank" of the chain which means "obey." There is a "hard yank" of the chain which means "obey NOW." I learned to respond very effectively with the light yanks.

Now, this training was really tough. Can you believe that they would put food at our feet and then tell us not to eat it? What, are they crazy? I'm a Lab and I LOVE to eat! But, with lots of practice, we were taught not to teak the food and wait until commanded to do so. Heh, I got it eventually, as long as I listened!

We then moved into basic obedience comands like Sit, Stay, Down, and Come. These were easy because the Johnpeers really drilled me on these commands.

But, the final part of this phase, was really challenging. Can you believe that the coaches put us on a treadmill so we could get the feel of pulling into the harness while maintaining a consistent pace? I had never been on a treadmill and it was a little scary. The surface kept moving under me so I had to keep walking or fall on my muzzle! It took me a few days to get this process down, but I finally got the swing of it and it was kinda fun. I kept telling my coach to "speed it up!" Let's go faster!

This is just a couple of the phases, but you can see that we go through some very intensive training.

Stay tuned for additional phases. College is tough. But now I know it was worth it. So I guess I made it through my freshman phase!

Lots of Greek love, you know our fraternity! (Zeus would get that)

Zane

ZTC1: From Puppy Days to College Daze!

2008-09-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Fellow Freshmen Collegiates,

As I sat inside that cage, I was really perplexed. I had been having the time of my life. Now, I was sitting inside a truck, feeling like a caged lion whose freedom had just been taken away.

Where was I going? Why did Gary and Vicki put me on this truck? I did not want to leave them. Have I done something wrong? All of these questions and no answers.

Gary was crying. Why was he sad? I was the one that was sad. Was I never to return? Oh, the pain I felt in my heart. I just laid my head down in the cage and cried myself to sleep. Gary called it the "puppy truck" and said we were heading back to San Rafael, where I was born.

San Rafael, where is that? Will I be going to stay with a new family? Why did Gary and Vicki get rid of me?

That was certainly the saddest day of my life.

As we approached San Rafael, I started hearing the sounds of lots of dogs barking. I seemed to remember this sound. Could I have been here before?

My heart started pounding, my tail started wagging, and I was feeling a sense of exhilaration and excitement.

Oh gosh, is this where I was born? Maybe Zippy and Zeus would be here.

Then we turned into the campus and I knew what Gary had been talking about. This must be college!

I saw the sign at the entrance, "Guide Dogs for the Blind." It was then I realized that I would be starting a whole new adventure in my life.

As we unloaded from the truck, the person who put a leash on me was a "Canine Welfare Technician (CWT)." Welfare? Is this some government program?

I found out later as I listened inside my kennel cage that it was the job of the CWT to help make sure all the returning dogs get what they need: attention, kennel enrichment, play time, etc.

How could anyone give me as much attention as Gary did? Gary took me everywhere in his Jeep. I felt like I was part of the upholstery.

The CWTs were actually a lot of fun and took us into a big area to play, to run and chase Kongs and rubber rings. It seemed like we were playing all the time!

My eyes lit up as I thought about all the other dogs that were there to play with. I really enjoyed stealing things from Marcel, but now I could fight for the dog toys with all my fellow freshman. This was really going to be fun and maybe not such a bad change after all.

I knew that I would never forget the great time that I had with the Johnpeers, but now I was at college, enjoying my freshman days of getting to know the campus, all the instructors and CWTs that had been making such a fuss over me. I was really feeling special.

My new kennel home was a very stimulating environment, with lots of noise and dogs everywhere. Zippy and Zeus were there, too, and I got to play with them!

But I kept wondering: what's next for me? My mind was all a whirl. Oh well, it was time to eat. Yummy.

Rah! Rah! Sis Boom Bah! Hey, do I get a freshman beanie?!

Zane

VisionWalk 2008 Denver - Please Support My Team!

2008-08-28T15:49:00.004-07:00

Good evening friends of Richard,

Richard had me set up a team for the 3rd Annual VisionWalk Colorado, which will be held on September 27.

Richard could use one of these treatments or cures that the Foundation Fighting Blindness is working on. Then I could go on vacation for the rest of my life! This is purely selfish on my part.

If you help fund the research to find a cure for my Dad, Richard, I can just chase ducks, balls and sleep!

VisionWalk will be in 42 cities this year so if you can, please get involved in an area near you!

If not, you can join our team and support our efforts here in Denver, Colorado.

Just click the link in the upper right of the home page of my blog, Zane Train, to join my team, Zane Train II and make a donation once you get to the Team page, click "Make a Gift" under our thermometer. It's tax deductible, too!

Your gift will make a difference in the lives of many, not just Dad.

If you would prefer, you can also send your contribution to:

FFB Denver
6565 S. Dayton St, Suite 2100
Englewood, CO 80111

Our goal is to raise $1,000 this year for our team.

I want to thank you in advance for your consideration of this appeal. With your support, a cure is in sight!

Hugs, Big Licks and Tail Wags,

Zane

PS Call Richard at 720-207-8362 if you want!

Sense - Abiities #10 - A Whole New World

2008-08-24T11:08:00.003-07:00

Good day my friends,

Dad hopped on board the Zane Train! Now, I get to look back over my shoulder every now and then and see what Dad is doing while I walk along the streets or sidewalks. It is so great to see him so relaxed and calm and just enjoying the ride.

Dad says that having a guide dog is truly a major change in his life. He is more relaxed because he has such confidence in me and my ability to keep him aware of possible dangers.

He is able to listen more carefully to the birds that are chirping along the way. His sense of the sounds around him are like music to his ears, like listening to the wind whistling through the leaves and rustling the branches as we walk through them. There are times that he gets so relaxed that I can tell that he is almost surprised that we have reached a particular corner.

Now THAT'S relaxed!

His sense of sight can now be more focused on things that are going on around him. When using a cane, he has to stay pretty focused on the task at hand.

Dad only has about two degrees of central vision remaining so I am so proud that I give him the opportunity to use that sight to enjoy the surroundings while he still can.

He now sees the flower beds and shrubs that he is passing and can actually look at them for more than a split second.

That's what I contribute . . . makes me feel great.

Dad and I are a real TEAM.

Go, Team!

Love and licks,

Zane

PS Stayed tuned for the next series: we go back in time to when I leave my puppy raiser family and head off to "college" - I get my final training in becoming the best darn guide dog on the planet, and end up with Richard!

Sense - Abilities # 9 - Approval Process at GDB

2008-08-20T18:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Days are coming soon,.

Dad submitted his application for a guide dog in July. He had no idea how long it would take to get an answer. He had discussed it with his company and felt the mid November class would work best for his schedule.

In early August, a representative from Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) called to confirm they had received his application and had a few more questions.

In early October, GDB sent a representative named Emily to our house to meet Dad, Mom and Cuzzie, my soon-to-be doggie sister. (See how excited Dad was about getting a guide dog?!)

"Emily wanted to learn more about where I would live and work. She wanted to assure herself that I could provide a good, healthy and safe living environment for my guide dog," said Dad.

She also wanted to learn more about Dad's eye condition, how well he could use his cane and did he have the required orientation and mobility skills?

She checked his orientation and mobility skills while walking with him around the neighborhood. He was very nervous as they walked down the street, with Emily right behind him watching his pace, the sweep of his cane, his skill at crossing streets, how he handled changing grades along the way, and much more.

"Emily also wanted to know how well I monitored the traffic flow at intersections to determine the best time to cross the street," he said.

She also wanted to see how he negotiated obstacles and how well he knew the streets in the area where a guide dog would regularly walk with him.

In addition, Emily wanted to know the type of work he did, what types of mass transit he might use, the frequency of his out of town travels and the size of the cities that he visits as part of his job.

Before she left, Dad said that she did “Juno training” with him, which means that she pretended to be a guide dog, named Juno, and asked him to give her the commands like the ones he would learn at guide dog school.

When they got home, Emily said, “You really learn fast!” That made Dad feel very good.

The interview took about three hours and Dad passed the test.

Emily told him, "Only about 35% of the students that apply actually qualify for guide dog school.I think you have an excellent chance of being accepted, but the ultimate decision is not up to me. It's decided by a committee that weighs all the factors.

"A board reviews all applications and your application will have to go through the normal process."

However, she felt very positive and said she would "pencil" Dad in for the mid November class.

There was yet another call from GDB late in October. All they needed was for Dad to pass a physical. He got a physical the next day, and the doctor faxed the report to GDB.

Then the wait began. It was already late October and the class would start on November 19, so time was short.

Well, we all know what happened, right? Dad was approved on October 27. He recalled the emotion and excitement of being approved.

He screamed out loud in the office and his assistant wondered what was going on.

"I'm just excited and thrilled. I have been approved for guide dog school!"

Ah, isn't that nice!

Zane

PS One of Mom's friend's said, "Gee, I didn't know Richard wanted to be a guide dog." (ha ha ha)

Journey to Grand Junction, Colorado

2008-08-20T05:09:00.009-07:00

Colorado National Monument, SW of Grand Junction

Good Morning from Colorado's Western Slope!

I have been well-trained to ensure that Dad does not step into any holes and to let him know when there is a grade change along the walk way. Check out this picture of Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction. Dad didn't even let ME out of the car here! It was a VERY long way down.

Last weekend, Mom, Grandma, Dad and I really enjoyed our trip to the Western Slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The purpose of our trip as to enjoy the Palisade Peach Festival. And we did. We went to Palisade on Thursday night for peaches and ice cream. I did my best to get a lick into that bowl, but was not successful. Darn!

There was a big band orchestra playing on a stage set up right on Main Street, swinging a lot of tunes that Mom & Dad really enjoyed. (They took dance lessons when they lived in Pagosa Springs.) Mom and Dad went right out into the street and were swinging all over the place.

Dad kept tapping his foot really close to my right paw and I had to keep an eye on that foot.

Grandma watched with joy on her face as she comfortably relaxed in her new transport chair that we had bought for her earlier in the day. Now, she can just keep rollin' along and not get tired!

We drove up to the Grand Mesa and saw many beautiful high mountain lakes. We were at 11,000 feet and I was really high on the fresh air and all the great smells. I found a great bush to crawl into and go potty. Ah . . . heaven.

That afternoon, we attended the Peach Festival again in the town's park. It was fun checking out all the booths and goodies. I got to drink some water from a water fountain that had a doggie bowl at the bottom. Cool beans!

As the sun set in the west, we visited the Colorado National Monument which was unbelievable. I had to keep pulling Dad away from the edge as he tried to look down into the canyon to see the amazing rock formations.

Gary, the geologist, (and my puppy raiser Dad) would have been in heaven! For some reason, he loves all rocks! I was so scared that Dad was going to get too close. That's a BIG hole Dad!

At one of those high mountain lakes, Dad let me off the leash for a while and I found some kind of strange tasting stuff. Mom saw me eating it and I had to cough it up. My tummy was a little upset that night. Ugh.

The trip back to Denver was exciting for Mom and Grandma. As we drove up over Vail Pass, it was snowing, sleeting, raining and the roads were slushy. Mom said that her hands were sore from gripping the wheel so tight.

Grandma was amazed at all the white-covered mountain slopes that had been green on the way out. Remember, she's been in Texas for quite a long time, so seeing snow in August was quite an exciting sight.

As they say in Colorado, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes and it's sure to change!

Check out our photo gallery of our trip at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheRowdyGirl/AGrandTrip

It was good to be back home and fight Cuzzie for chew time on the bones. (MY bones, by the way. I'm such a prince when it comes to sharing.)

She came home from Aunt Jenny's with a brand new stuffed bunny. My eyes just lit up at the sight of this new toy! I got my mouth on it after a while and was running all over the house, keeping it away from Cuzzie. She chased me, and Dad finally took it away from me. Bummer. I was having such a good time.

This was a great getaway weekend for all of us. It's really a great state, Colorado!

I think I want to see the beach next . . . like in LA! How about it Gary?

Hugs and Licks,

Zane

Sense - Abilbilities #8 - Is a guide dog for me?

2008-08-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dad in Georgetown, CO, at the edge of a cliff - YIKES!
Boy, did moments like this make Mom nervous!

G'day mates,

I bet you're wondering how Dad ended up at guide dog school in the first place. It's not like you just arrive at the front door and announce you want a guide dog! There is a process that can take many months. Here's how it happened for Richard.

He went to a business meeting in Ogden, Utah, and several working guide dogs were there. There were also some puppies in training from the Guide Dogs for the Blind school in California.

Different guide dog owners shared what a difference having a guide dog had made for them, such as how their lives had been saved so many times when the dog did "intelligent disobedience" and disobeyed commands that would have put their partner in danger.

"Wow," Dad thought, "what a sense of safety and security that would give me."

He knew it was time to get serious about applying for a guide dog. He had a few near misses with cars at intersections, run himself into some sign posts . . . you get the picture. Ouch!

But getting a guide dog is a BIG decision. Any dog requires 24/7 maintenance, lots of grooming and weekly care. Having a guide dog is a whole new level of responsibility.

"With a white cane, you just fold it up and put in the corner of the room. You can't do that with a dog!"

But Dad loves dogs and felt that the responsibility would not be anything new (he already had one dog, my sister Cuzzie), and decided to go for it.

He picked up an application for Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) from Mr. Boulter, an alumni student right at that meeting in Ogden.

When he got home, he told Mom, "It's time for me to get a guide dog. What do you think? I feel that this will provide me with more independence, freedom, a sense of security and safety."

Do I feel proud! I provide all of that for Dad. I'm so glad that he chose to come to guide dog school and that I was the one that got to go home with him.

Claudia, my new Mom, was thrilled and relieved as this would give Dad not only more freedom, but make his life safer as well.

You see, it's not just the blind person who is taken care of by guide dogs like me. "The family members get their stress levels reduced when their loved one is protected," Mom said.

By mid-July he had completed his application and mailed it to GDB. He was so happy that he had started the application process because he knew it would change his life forever.

The initial application has several parts: a section that requires information from an eye doctor and three references of people that know you. He got that complete, faxed it in and waited with intense anticipation.

Gosh, how long do we have to wait to know when Dad got approved?! This suspense is killing me!

Thanks, Dad, for having confidence in Guide Dogs for the Blind, the college that I graduated from.

Lots of Big Licks,

Zane