return to top

Dear Diary,

Coming Home

Well, my time here at Guide Dog College has come to a premature end. Apparently I am absorbing all the training really well, but I kind of get stressed when other dogs approach me. This is getting in the way of my learning and my trainers think it is best if I find another line of work.

My mom tells me her dad would really like to have me come live with him. She says he is thinking of training me to be a therapy dog like my big sisters Frieda and Fiona so I can go places with him too. I think I would like that. Mom says she'll get to see me alot too, since her dad travels sometimes. Mom says her dad could really use some company and that she knows I'll make him really happy.

So I am sad to leave Guide Dog College, but I am looking forward to my new life and all its adventures!

Postcards

Hello again,

I just sent my Mommy another postcard. I love telling her what is going on! Let me share with you what I've written so far...

Postcard #1 December 14, 2006
6 weeks after my turn in date (November 4th)

Dear Family,
How are you doing? I'm great! I'm learning how to walk with a special black & white harness on. Boy do I look beautiful! We are also learning left & right turns. Hope you guys are well.

Wags & Kisses,
Riva


Postcard #2 January 9, 2007
8 weeks after my turn in

Dear Family,
It's me again from Guide Dog College. I've learned left and right turns and how to cross streets safely. Soon we will start walking in busier areas with more to watch out for. But it's not all hard work. I get to play with my friends everyday - and when it's hot out we love to splash aroun in the pools. I hope you guys are doing well!

Wags & Licks,
Riva


Postcard #3 February 6, 2007
12 weeks after my turn in

Dear Family,
Hi all! My trainers tell me that I've completed my first set of tests wearing my harness! I got to guide my trainers while they were blindfolded the other day. It sure was fun! I know I still have a lot to learn and soon we will learn to guide in stairs, elevators and even escalators! We have fun when we aren't working too. The kennel staff gives us bones and toys to play with. We also run and play in the grassy off-leash area! Take care.

Wiggles & Wags,
Riva

P.S. Thanks for the birthday present! I really enjoyed my birthday book the class made for me and the toy and bone!

Update

I have been at Lab Camp since November 4th. It was a weird day. I was kind if nervous since I hadn't seen my brothers or sisters since we all went to our seperate homes in March 2004. I am having fun with my siblings who are still here at Lab Camp...Rumor (black & tan female like me) and Ricky (yellow lab male). I've sent my mom two postcards since I've been here. I have learned left and right turns in harness and my teachers say I am learning at an acceptable pace. If I do all my homework and pass all my tests I could graduate as a guide dog on May 6...my Mom's birthday! I know that would make her so proud!

I do miss my big sisters Frieda and Fiona, and the class full of loving 5th graders my Mom works with. They all sent me a birthday package recently and I just loved it! Thanks for all the drawings, heart toy and bone!

I guess that's all for now. We dogs really aren't supposed to be using the computer and I think I hear someone coming!