Happy Dad's Day!

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

Happy Father's Day!

Fellow guide dogs and Dads,

It's June 15th, Father's Day. As I lay on my lambs skin rug and reflect about the past two and a half years, I have such wonderful memories of my real Dad and Mom. (Here's a picture of my human dads, Richard & Gary.)

My mother's name is Kauai and my real dad is named Baker. I'm not sure, but I think I was born at GDB on the San Rafael campus on February 23, 2006.

Baker is a great dad and I want to thank him for having that twinkle in his eye when he saw Kauai. I wonder if they met in Hawaii? Baker must have gotten a real "lei" greeting from Kauai, because here I am and what a stud I am.

I have four brothers who look a lot like me: Zippy, Zeus, Zahara and Zachary. I wonder if somebody was sleepy when they named us? You know, catching some "Z-z-z-z-z's!"

Zippy and I graduated from GDB in December, 2007. Zippy is a Yellow Lab and graduated with Rasheed. I heard Princess Coral tell me that Zippy is no longer a guide dog, but had a career change.

What's that mean? Now he's a sled dog?! I hope he is dong fine wherever he is.

I heard Zeus was in line to get placed as a guide dog earlier this year, but I have never heard what happened to him either. Baker, dad, you did a great job getting us started in life. Thank you!

Baker, dad, I have a question. Two of my brothers are yellow Labs and two are black, like me. Now, how does that happen? Are you sure you weren't messing around somewhere?

I’m an officially licensed guide dog for the blind. My partner, Richard, has my official license that he keeps in his wallet at all times just in case somebody asks.

Being a guide dog makes me pretty special. I get special privileges that most other dogs don’t have, like going on airplanes in the cabin (not a crate in the hold!) and into fancy restaurants. I may only be two and a half years old, but I’ve got a real story to tell you!

I have not seen my parents since I was about eight weeks old when I was sent to southern California to live with my puppy raiser family. I really miss Gary, Vicky, Katie and Kimmie. They took such good care of me. They spent a lot of time training and raising me to be such a well-mannered guide dog. I don't get flustered by dogs barking or people coming to the door or dogs walking past the deck. I'm a true prince!

At about sixteen months, most guide dog puppies are considered old enough to begin advanced training back at GDB. That's what happened to me! I returned to San Rafael and began my 4 month training course to become a super dog with my new Dad, Richard. Thanks, Dad, for taking such good care of me.

Super big licks and belly rubs to all my dads: Bake, Gary & Richard,

Love, Zane

POEM: The Zane Train

The Zane Train

Tied down, buckle in place,
Time to rest . . . reflect in quiet space.
Lambs wool caressing sleek black locks,
Inhaling, exhaling . . . sighs that rock.

Recounting my life, path traveled thus far,
From Mama Kauai to sister Cuzzie we spar,
From Marin, sunny skies year 'round,
To western shores, savory smells abound.

Eyes of brown, essential must,
Provide vision, safety, partnership to this man I trust.
I guide, protect, select paths most clear,
Gives him freedom and confidence, far and near.

Tied down, buckle in place.
Hear my stories . . . I’ll explain,
All aboard, Dad, as we unleash
the Zane Train!

Dedicated to my partner in life, Richard. I'm ready to depart the depot whenever you call.

Love, Zane

Dog-Wash-a-Lab

Howdy, all ya'll pooches,

It is really HOT in Denver today. Can you believe - over 90 degrees?!

And I have this heavy black coat from the cold winter, and I have been shedding it quite profusely. That means that when Dad brushes me, he gets my hair all over him, the deck, the flowers, the tables, the chairs . . . everywhere!

Today, Dad took me to Suds and Spuds and left me there while he went across the street with Mom to hit a few golf balls. He is getting ready for the Foundation Fighting Blindness "Swing for Sight" golf tournament. He is the manager of this event and plans to play in the tournament.

Wait a minute - where do I go while he is playing golf? Oh, I get it. Maybe I'll spot balls for him, go chase them when he hits one and be a pointer to show him where it is. You think?

Back at the Suds and Spuds, Emily really washed me good and just about ALL my loose coat came out, especially with the "ferminator."

I really feel frisky now! Watch out Princess Coral and Melody. I am one sharp looking STUD. My hair seems about half as long as it was and Dad had them round off my nails, so I really feel cool.

Mom plans to take pictures of us at the golf tournament on Monday. Stand by your website!

I'm getting ready to lay down under the desk, while Dad watches the US Open in San Diego, and dream of Princess Coral.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day tomorrow. I really love my Dad and Grand Dad Gary and my real father too. I will share more about that in my next blog.

All the best with big licks and belly rubs!

Zane