We are way behind with our blogging because it's been a very busy summer! We will be catching up in the coming days, and therefore, some of the articles might be a bit out-of-order. ..
Our June outing with the guide pups-in-training team was to visit to the Bellaire Fire Dept. It was a HOT day, so our visit was short and sweet.
You might think that a visit to a fire station is a little strange. We are attempting to raise these pups to be confident in any situation. In the event a visually impaired person was to need help, chances are they are going to come into contact with a policeman, fireman, or EMT. They cannot be afraid of a fireman in the bunker gear that might be responding to an emergency or the smell of smoke that might be on their clothes. Thus the visit to the Bellaire Fire Department.
We have been told that there were a couple of guide dogs that escorted their handlers down many flights of stairs during the 9/11/01 attack on the World Trade Center. These dogs met many firemen in the stair well. The fact that they got their handlers out of a dangerous situation with all kinds of strange sights, smells and sounds speaks volumes of their confidence and their training.
Getting used to the smells of smoke on bunker gear...
Getting acquainted with the fire engine, and smelling the compartments...
Smokey's first view of a stretcher.
He was a bit curious about this contraption.
The little pups (< 6months) got pets from the firemen (the older pups can no longer be petted while wearing their jackets)..
The pups were very relaxed at the fire station.
Overall, it was a great experience.
Lining up for a group photo..
And a few minutes of obedience / training evaluations out front of the fire station..
And then it was time to say goodbye and head for the A/C...
It was HOT in that garage...!
We have lots more fun news to share about what's been going on with Smokey this summer, so keep checking back.
Stay cool, yall
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