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- Week 50 - Liz's last entry
Week 50 - Liz's last entry
This is now the final week of my Puppy Diary, as I have been doing it for one year, which is what I was asked to do. I am pleased to say I can bring it to a close on a high note, as Maya the German Shepherd, (at the start of the diary,) has now qualified. She is now a working Guide Dog for a lady in Liverpool. Her previous Guide Dog was also a German Shepherd, who sadly died recently, and she was patiently waiting for another German Shepherd, to be matched to her, apparently she is very impressed with Maya's sable colour. I am so proud of Maya, it is just the icing on the cake for a puppy walker, when you learn that your puppy has qualified, it really is that goal that we have been working for.
It has been over two weeks now since Quella had her x-rays, to see if she will be suitable, to go onto the breeding programme, but as yet, I have not had the results. I was hoping I could have included her future in this final entry, but never mind I am sure I could do an addition when I do know.
New puppy Dixie has settled in well, she is ten weeks old, and she now sits nicely and waits for her food, until I blow the whistle three times, she will also go into the 'down' position when asked to do so. Puppy classes start again in January, so Dixie will start attending those.
I would now like to say a very big thank you, to all of you lovely people, who have taken the time to read my puppy diary. I have read the kind comments, both on the diary page, and also on the Guide Dog Facebook page, also to the people who have clicked the 'like' button on Face Book, which have come from far and wide overseas. Thank you so much to all of you. I hope there is a big queue of people out there, now wanting to become puppy walkers, and get the enjoyment from doing it, as I do.
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, for those of you that do celebrate Christmas, and I would like to wish everybody a happy and prosperous new year, and that 2012 will be a good year. Kind Regards Liz Dale & Family.
Comments
E, 5:18pm Thu 29 Dec 2011:
It's been a fascinating read; many thanks for taking the time to share with us. If I didn't work full-time, puppy walking would sound like an amazing occupation!
Catriona, 5:35pm Thu 29 Dec 2011:
Hi Liz, Great news about Maya you must be so proud. Mitsy is at Manchester and Tracey her GDMI had hoped to place her by Christmas but she has had an infection so waiting for that to clear should hear by end of January. Have enjoyed you diary and I think everyone should appreciate just what time and effort you have put in over the past months. Enjoy Dixie without diary writin!!
Have a lovely New Year and hope Christmas was great.
Catriona
Mary, 2:24pm Fri 30 Dec 2011:
Hi Liz,
this has been fascinating reading for me. My niece is shortly going training with her first guide dog, its an exciting time for the whole family, though I have to say I had been previously apprehenisive about her being reliant on a dog for her safety. After reading all the fabulous diary entries its let me realise just how much training, time effort and love are put into these marvellous dogs. And indeed how special the relationship between dog and puppy walker is. We already owe her future dogs puppy walker, as well as all the other puppy walkers a massive big thank you for all the work you all put in. These dogs really are life changing for all who encounter them throughout their life time with Guide Dogs.
Christine, 6:05pm Fri 30 Dec 2011:
My husband & I have been following your diary. We do puppy walking & have Rajah who will be year old on 9th January he has been a splendid dog.we will have a 6 wks old one on 5th January called Quaid so that we have a lap over period before Rajah goes. Keep on posting nice hearing what stage yours are at compared to ours!! Best wishes for 2012
Lizzi, 8:35pm Fri 30 Dec 2011:
Catriona, I am so pleased for our 'litter'Max qualified 25.Nov,Maya Qualified 28 Dec. Mitsy is on advanced(as you know) Midge is also on advanced, sadly Merlin,Marley& Monty were withdwawn, mostly for distraction. Goog luck with your girlie Mitsy. please keep in touch
Liz, 1:06pm Sun 1 Jan 2012:
MARY thank you for your very kind comment, good luck to your niece on'class' with her new Guide Dog,she will wonder how she ever managed without a dog.
CHRISTINE, thank you also for reading the diary, I think I have seen Rajah's blog on vip, good luck with Quaid.Quella is one day older than Rajah
Craig, 11:03am Mon 2 Jan 2012:
This has been a great read. Since I first found it I have looked forward to every new post.
I am on the waiting list and reading your posts has only helped to confirm that I have made the right decision to apply.
I wish you every success for the future, both for yourself and the puppys who are fortunate enough to have you as their puppy walker.
Liz, 7:10am Tue 3 Jan 2012:
Thank you Craig, I know you have followed my diary with interest,as I have read your previous comments,I know you were only tempted to apply for a Guide Dog once, I am so glad that you have decided to apply, and are now on the waiting list,I am only pleased that I helped you to see how helpful a Guide Dog would be for you. I hope you don't have to wait much longer. Good luck for the future, Kind Regards Liz Dale xx
Amy, 9:29am Fri 6 Jan 2012:
Hi Liz, I have loved reading your puppy diary! My mum and I have applied to become puppy walkers recently and are waiting to hear whether we have been successful or not. Hope we have, as I would love it! Your tips on training are excellent, and will no doubt be invaluable to us if we do become puppy walker. So Thank you again :)
Amy.. xx
Liz, 7:12am Sat 7 Jan 2012:
Amy, thank you for reading my diary. and good luck with your new puppy,as I am sure you will meet the criteria, and be accepted.You will certainly enjoy puppy walking it is so rewarding, when that little bundle becomes a proud Guide Dog.Best Wishes Liz x