Clyde's Journal: Life as a Guide Dog puppy

I am easily the worst blogger ever. It's been.. since October? Yes. I'm terrible. But I've finally decided to try to get back into it.

I picked up puppy #2 from the truck last Thursday (8/12/10). His name is Clyde and he is a male black Lab. He was born May 23rd to Jay & Noleta.
He got to meet and play with Spike the for a couple days before he was recalled the following Saturday (8/14/10).

Me holding Clyde at the puppy truck.


A close up of Clyde's cute face.

Spike sitting in the grass with a large puppy jacket on.


And here is Clyde with Snickers! Clyde looks so huge next to Snickers, but then again, he IS 4 weeks older.



Here are a few pictures of Spike and Clyde together. :)

Clyde standing up, touching noses with Spike who is laying down in the grass.

Spike laying down in the driveway with Clyde sitting to the right of him. Both of them are smiling ;)


Both Spike and Clyde laying down in the grass. Spike looks like he's falling asleep and naughty Clyde is tasting the leather leash.

It was really hard putting Spike on the puppy truck. I was basically bawling the whole drive to the rendezvous point. But as soon as I actually saw the puppy truck.. I felt almost better. I knew from the moment I got him that I would have to give him back someday, and that day finally caught up with me. I know he's on to bigger and better things and I'm not so sad anymore. I miss him like crazy, but I know he'll do great no matter what. And if he decides he'd rather be a pet, then I'd be more than willing to take him back.


We stopped by WalMart on our way to meet the puppy truck. Here is a side view photo of Spike being a very good boy in WalMart with his GDB vest on.


My brother saying good bye to Spike. He was trying to get him to lick his face. You can tell Spike was thinking about it, because his tongue is sticking out. :)


Spike and I standing in front of the puppy truck. I was trying hold back tears, hence my awkward face.


Spike in his kennel on the puppy truck. Hopped right in, no problem. Such a good boy. I'll miss him greatly.

He was sent to the San Rafael Campus for breeder evaluations, but was removed a couple days later for a hip imperfection. I guess it's not something that would affect his ability to work. So he is getting the "snip-snip" and will be transported to Boring, Oregon for his harness training. He is supposed to start showing up on the phase reports in September.
Wish him luck!

Soon, I'll post some pictures of Spike from the months I have not been blogging. So be watching for those. ;)
I'll also be fixing my blog layout soon. It is so outdated!