Introducing Smokey!! (with an E!)

We were so glad to finally pick up Smokey on Monday afternoon, March 7, 2011 in Houston. He is 9 weeks old and was born in Florida. He is a guide dog puppy that we will be raising and training for SouthEastern Guide Dogs for the next 12 months. Smokey had traveled with Bob and Carol Rone, our area coordinators, from Florida.



Meeting Smokey boy!





Smokey



Smokey



Smokey had been in a truck for two days - 1000 miles - with his sister, Parkie. 



Parkie

 

 After a few minutes of getting to know each other, we took a few pictures and signed all the puppy raiser contracts to make it official. 



Melissa, Greg, and Smokey

 

Wendy and Parkie

Then we loaded Smokey in our car for the 70 mile trip home to Angleton. 

A tie down is required for guide dogs riding in vehicles. A tie down must be about 20-22" in length and can be secured in the passenger front floorboard, or in the backseat floorboard (behind the driver's seat).  Guide dogs must ride in the floorboard so they are protected from the airbag in the event of an accident.



Smokey's tie down



After getting Smokey situated on his tie down we waved goodbye to Carol and Bob to start the journey home.

After putting the car in drive we drove a block and a half before Smokey went "busy busy" (eg guide dog command for going poopy) all over the floor, including Melissa's shoes! (sorry, no photo provided). We immediately thought...oh no, here we go! We turned around and headed back to Bob and Carol's house for a hose down. We depositted the soiled bedding in their neighbor's trash can (sorry, neighbor) and got a fresh towel to start the journey again. 

As you can see, the rest of the trip home was a breeze.

  We arrived home, safe and sound, just in time for a few cuddles...

Smokey's first supper at our house...

Some play time with new toys...

A few minutes to relax on Chey's favorite pillow..

I like my pillow..

I REALLY like my pillow!

Catching some Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

Before heading off to crate for the night...

well, until the first wake-up call...