Week 2 of College

Hi All,

It's Lex here, writing from college. I've been quite a busy boy settling into life at college, but I've been sure to send some pictures to Mom. Since I've been staying at the Canine Development Center campus of Guiding Eyes, I got to experience the grand opening of the new CDC building. And...drum roll please....I was one of the first dogs to move into this brand new building. I think that's pretty special. I give it 4 paws up!!

I'm still on evaluation to be a stud for Guiding Eyes. The process involves additional medical and behavioral tests. So far, I'm loving college! I'm meeting lots of new friends (humans and canines) and getting to enjoy lots of playtime in the amazing play areas at the CDC.

Monday, July 27th
This is my brand new, never lived in, dorm room. Not many college students can say that!!

Monday, July 27th
Showing of my trademark head tilt at college and causing many smiles in the process!

Until Next Week, 

Lex

Week 1 of College!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." 

I'm starting a new journey called college, and this was Week 1. I'm so excited about starting something new! 

On Sunday, July 19th, we got up super early and went on a car ride. We arrived at this McDonald's for Mom and me to meet up with our friends to head to Guiding Eyes.

Here's a quick throwback picture...This was me a year ago at the same location when I took Angelica to catch her ride to college. I've grown up a bit in a year!

My half sister, Intrigue, and I rode to college together. Intrigue is a black and tan Lab. She is a really nice sister! We're polar opposites when it comes to size...she's tiny, and I'm huge!

I slept most of the trip. This duffle bag made a great pillow!

I looked out the window for some of the time. 

We stopped for a potty break and a stretch break. 

Mom and I got some last minute snuggles in!

Then, I arrived at the Guiding Eyes training school campus. There were a lot of smells, sights, and sounds to soak up!

I weighed in at 81.5 pounds. I made sure that the staff member was writing down my weigh correctly!

Then, I went into the kennel run with Mom. We hung out for awhile. I introduced myself to my new roommates. 

There was a bucket of water to drink. 

There was a cart with treats and peanut butter for stuffed Kongs! 

Mom stuffed a Kong with peanut butter and treats for me. 

I waited patiently for my release word, "FREE!" Then, Mom said goodbye until Tuesday, 7/21 (my testing day!).

On Tuesday, July 21st, I had my college entrance exam. It was a "practical exam," and I demonstrated many of the skills Mom and I had practiced! 

First off, I was brought into this large room. All I had to do was explore! You know me! I LOVE to explore!

I met this nice turtle. I introduced myself to him, but he didn't say a word. 

I looked out the doors.

There was a sandwich on this table and a garbage with kitchen trash in it. But, I didn't sniff either of those things...I remember Mom saying never to counter surf or sniff inside trash cans!

Then, a person called my name. I remember practicing my name response a lot with Mom. 

She gave me some treats. Mmmm...what's there not to like about this test?!

I will admit...I spit out the first treat...it wasn't my flavor!

This lady opened up an umbrella, but it didn't scare me! 

I walked over this cool footing. I practiced a lot of footings with Mom!

Who knew that cleaning would be a part of my test? I suppose they want to see if I'll keep my dorm room clean. Of course, I will! I helped Mom vacuum many times. This loud vacuum didn't scare me!

It's hard to see in this picture, but there was a laughing, rolling  lion on the floor. He was like a stuffed animal, but more vocal! I looked at it and then, checked in with my handler. I did let out a bark at the end because honestly? What a silly toy!

Then, the handler started to eat a peanut butter sandwich. I sat nicely, but none for me? Even though I noticed it, I didn't attempt to jump up to grab it nor did I try to get it when it was put back on the table.  

I watched the bat that was flying. I didn't bark or jump at it...just watched nicely.

I wore a guide dog harness for the very first time! Don't I look great in it?! I was comfortable in it and didn't show any signs of harness sensitivity. Yay for me!!!!

After the test, I got to see MOM! 

Mom, how did I do?

Mom told me how very proud she is of me. She said that I rocked it!!! We got the official news that I passed my test with flying colors. Because I did so well, the evaluators decided to consider me for the elite breeding colony. That means I'm now on "breed evaluation." I will now have additional behavioral tests and health tests. It's an honor to be considered for the breeding colony. Only the top 3% of Guiding Eyes dogs are chosen as parents. 

There were some little puppies across the hall who were waiting to go home with their raisers. I really wanted to go visit them and give them a pep talk about how it feels to have passed one's guide dog entrance exam! 

After my test and seeing Mom, I returned to my "dorm." There was a tour of the kennel (or as I like to call it my dorm building!!). Even though there were many people walking around, I was very settled and calm in my dorm room. 

Mom came to say hi to me again. I made a silly face to the camera!

Wink!

I chilled out again in my dorm room before leaving for the other college campus where I'll be further evaluated for the breeding colony. That's called the "Canine Development Center."

On Wednesday, I had a visit from my Great-Grandma! I had so much fun hanging out with her!

I chewed Nylabones!

And chewed some more! It was so nice to have a visitor! 

On Thursday, I had playtime in a big fenced in area. I was sure to smile for the camera when my other Great-Grandma took this picture!

I was reunited with my Daddy Maestro (center) and my brother, Lucky! We had the best time playing together.  It's great to be with family!

Until Next Week, 

Lex

Week 63- My Last Week With Mom

Hello Readers,

It's me again-the one & only Lex!!! I sure have been busy on this last week with Mom before heading off to college. Read all about it!

 On Saturday, July 11th, I started out the weekend by going to a library to give a "Superhero Dogs" presentation. Harlow, Kinley, and I were dressed up as superheroes. We talked about how dogs can have many different jobs that are very important. Of course, I was happy to share about Guiding Eyes for the Blind--in my opinion, one of the most exciting jobs for dogs is being a guide dog.

Then, I went to the vet where I was such a good boy. I weighed in at 82 pounds.

Kinley and I wore our matching ties to church for the last time! Aren't we a handsome duo?!

Kinley turned 19 weeks. He's getting to be a big boy. Do you think he'll be as big as me when he grows up?!

I went on a training outing to Walmart. Anyone want to grill? A hotdog sounds really, really good! 

I climbed up on this fun cart to practice walking on an unusual footing. 

I also practiced settling nicely outside of Walmart. It's great fun to people watch. I might consider getting my guide dog college degree with a minor in sociology.   

I walked outside of the plaza where I walked on a nice loose leash, ignored garbage, passed by people without being distracted, and so on. Mom says I'm such a well behaved dog! 

Then, I went to Wegmans. A nice lady talked to Mom and me for several minutes. I did a nice people greeting with her, and then, I settled all on my own while they talked. Mom says she was really proud of me!

Did I mention that the pet aisle in Wegmans smells really good? 

I'm very patient in the checkout line! 

Mmmmm.....there's nothing like the fresh air at a baseball game. Breathe it in. Breathe it in!

I did what I always do at baseball games-sleep!

I'm trying to teach Kinley how to sleep through the games. I think it's working!!!

Harlow, Kinley, and I went on a fun hike. None of us were in the mood for a picture. After all, a hike means walking NOT posing for pictures! 

I had fun walking on fallen trees. It's really good practice for me to be coordinated and strength my muscles. 

Hiking is one of my favorite activities!! 

I went to this very super cool playground where I've never been before. 

I went rock climbing!

Hello, welcome to my home! Do you like my curtains?  

I had fun practicing my coordination. All on my own, come up with fun games to play on the playground. I haven't mastered the monkey bars just yet, though!! 

I showed Kinley how to explore different footings and surfaces.

Peek a boo! Come up and play with me, Mom!

Kinley and I played tug! 

Wee! Wee! Wee!

I went down this curved slide, as well.

Then, I took Kinley to explore this fun football stadium. 

"I'm at the top of the world, looking down on creation!"

A part of our training is to ride very nicely in cars. Kinley and I have this down!

I'm a superhero (again!). I went to another library to give a presentation on dogs who are real life superheroes.

I was a great role model for Kinley during the presentation. 

How many hands can fit on my head?! Ummmmm....quite a few!!

The 3 Real Life Superheroes! 

I enjoy going on walks. 

Big brother leads the way!

I attended my very last class in "high school." Since our Region Manager was in attendance at this class, Mom got to work with me for the entire class! It was soo much fun!

Don't my ears look really dark in this color? 

All the dogs participated in an obstacle course. Since I'm the oldest dog in the class, my obstacle course had added challenges. I rocked it! 

"Go Place"
I really need a bigger mat, please!

After class, I enjoyed a nice peanut butter bone!

On my last week with Mom, I went on a fun outing to a place I've never been before.....Mom and my aunt got manicures. 

I was perfect the whole time and just slept!

Excuse me. What are those heads doing all around that have no bodies?!
I later found out it's a school where people learn how to be beauticians. Phew! I was ready to call CSI in! 

I went to Walmart to say goodbye to one of my favorite employee friends there. He asked Mom to bring me in before I left. He's known me ever since I was little, and he even knew my big sister, Angelica, who Mom trained before me.

I thought this card was particularly appropriate for me! 

Happy Graduation to me!!

I helped pick out a card for another high school graduate. 

Back to school! Or should I say, "Off to college?!" I'm not so sure I'll need Crayons in guide dog school, but I'll take a box, just in case! 

I visited the pet department in Walmart. 

Mom said she was super proud of me in the pet aisles. I ignored all the tempting food and toys. 

After all that shopping, I'll take a nap!

I went to Wegmans to help get some groceries. 

I sit nicely while Mom picks off the items on the shelves. 

Patience could be my middle name! 

I walk very nicely beside Mom and the shopping cart.

I took Kinley to another Superhero presentation at a different library! 

I got lots of pets from the kids at the presentation. Some of the kids know me as "the reading dog," since I visit the library now and then for kids to read stories to me.

I went on my last swim in the pond. I just love water!

I truly am a Retriever!

I can make the water do weird things! 

Kinley had fun with me! 

"And Lex goes flying into the water!" 

All three of us went swimming at the same time!

This pond holds some of my favorite playtime memories.  

I had another photoshoot on a haybale. 

Harlow and I had a fun walk exploring this field.

This week, Kinley had his first evaluation and he did very well. He earned his training jacket. Since he and I both have our training jackets, we had to do a photoshoot together.

It's been fun to see Kinley mature into such a handsome young man....just like his Uncle Lex (that'd be me!)

Hey, Kinley! I want to whisper something in your ear.
"I love you!" 

As our mentor, Harlow has helped us learn many important life lessons. 

Just me

We are done with this photoshoot, right?

Paws crossed!

I took Kinley on his very first outing with his training vest. We went to a grocery store.

We hung out in the foyer area, so Kinley could soak up all the exciting sights and smells. 

I attempted to take a nap while Kinley watched! 

We posed for some pictures.

We hung out in the parking lot for a little bit where there's many fun things to watch and smell...but Kinley fell asleep!

Another hay bale picture?!

Hmmmm...can you pin point what that smell is?!

I went to my last baseball game with Mom, Kinley, and Harlow.

We hung out nicely.

We're quite the stunning group of dogs. We got a nice comment from another baseball fan who complimented us on how well behaved we are. It's always nice to get a complement on our good behavior! 

9 innings is a long time!

Kinley and I had a fun sleepover outside! It was great practice sleeping in a different place. Some dogs find this to be a hard skill, but me? I can sleep anywhere!!

I supervised Kinley's pool time.

We took Kinley's 20 week old picture a day early, since he was leaving for the sitter's house. This is our last picture with all 3 of us together. 

My very last outing with Mom was very special. We went to listen to a drum and bugle concert. There were lots of drums and brass instruments playing. It was a packed stadium, but I handled the crowd like a celebrity. 

I slept like a log through the concert. Someone asked me if it'd be too loud for me. Nope! I've been practicing around loud sounds for a long time. 

It was rather sad to end my training with Mom. We've had so much fun together, but she says it's time for me to learn from other trainers. 

We ended my last night with Mom with a fun cookie cake in my honor. "We Love You, Lex." 

A year ago...

A year later! This tree has shrunk, wouldn't you say??!!

Until Next Week, 

Lex