Puppy Slobber. yum : 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."