I was lucky enough to briefly hear how Vinson's doing in the kennel. Sounds like he's adjusting well to his surroundings and his new kennel mates. Today is a big day for him - and probably one he'd choose to skip: neutering.
We'll be thinking about our little yellow, groggy friend. He's in great hands!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Watson Gladly takes the Top Dog Spot
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| Watson with his new "blue baby" |
There are moments when Watson is obviously missing Vinson - certain times during the day when they always played. In Vinson's absence Watson has now become top dog and it seems that I've become the surrogate playmate, tennis balls repeatedly dropped at my feet in the living room.
Overall though, Watson is loving his new, quiet realm. He'll roll onto his side, stretch casually and just enjoy relaxing - a move that would've drawn immediate and relentless play from Vinson just a few days ago.
Perhaps Watson's favorite change is the return of soft dog toys! Vinson could not be trusted around destroyable toys, or frankly anything soft including clothing and paper. When we adopted Watson his favorite toy was his "blue baby" and we had to hide him away out of Vinson's reach. Last night Sarah brought home a new blue baby and Watson was overjoyed, as shown in the photo.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Adusting to a Quiet Home
Sarah and I had a nice long weekend to begin adjusting to a household without Vinson. Watson, our shepherd, took to the change very quickly, enjoying the chance to lay around with his toys without being tackled, chewed on our yelped at. For us humans the transition is a bit slower but going fine.
One of the most noticeable changes is the incredible silence in our home, cars and my office. Even by puppy standards, Vinson was on the high end of boisterous behavior, so his absence is palpable.
What are we missing most? Vinson's groggy morning kisses. The way one side of his lip would get stuck on his tooth, making him appear to be making a funny face. Playing ball in the big field at work.
It was difficult to travel to The Seeing Eye this morning without my little yellow friend. Thankfully Watson still makes the trip with me, but walking into the office without the wild yellow pup seemed very odd - like I'd forgotten something at home.
Yes, there are lots of reminders of Vinson everywhere we go: toys scattered at home, work and in our cars; water dishes at work; bags of puppy food; bitter apple spray; and of course, photos and videos. They're all great reminders of the incredible year we shared with him.
There are some positive changes for us too. Trash cans are back on the floor where they belong. Tissue boxes have been returned to reachable places. Our household dog poop and hair shedding output has been cut in half. Socks and shoes can once again sit out of the closet. There are no more trips outside during work - always the comedian, Vinson had a way of waiting to park until the weather let loose a downpour.
We do wonder how Vinson's doing in the kennel - if he's adjusting to his new bunk mates and routines. But overall the transition has been slightly easier than we thought it might be. It is manageable in that we always knew this time would come - he was a Seeing Eye puppy from the day we met and we knew he'd end up back here for phase two of his journey.
Sarah and I are super proud of what we've done together in raising Vinson. We worked very hard to get him through some unexpected moments, from breaking his leg to eating underwear. Now it's all up to him and the trainers. We're hoping for the best and will keep sharing our experience as the days move on and as we hear any progress updates from The Seeing Eye.
In the meantime, thanks so much for the wonderful comments you've been sharing through this blog and on The Seeing Eye's Facebook page. It's been over a year of shooting and posting photos and writing about our experiences on the blog and it's really fun to hear from all of you who've been on the other side of the screen!
-Ryan
One of the most noticeable changes is the incredible silence in our home, cars and my office. Even by puppy standards, Vinson was on the high end of boisterous behavior, so his absence is palpable.
What are we missing most? Vinson's groggy morning kisses. The way one side of his lip would get stuck on his tooth, making him appear to be making a funny face. Playing ball in the big field at work.
It was difficult to travel to The Seeing Eye this morning without my little yellow friend. Thankfully Watson still makes the trip with me, but walking into the office without the wild yellow pup seemed very odd - like I'd forgotten something at home.
Yes, there are lots of reminders of Vinson everywhere we go: toys scattered at home, work and in our cars; water dishes at work; bags of puppy food; bitter apple spray; and of course, photos and videos. They're all great reminders of the incredible year we shared with him.
There are some positive changes for us too. Trash cans are back on the floor where they belong. Tissue boxes have been returned to reachable places. Our household dog poop and hair shedding output has been cut in half. Socks and shoes can once again sit out of the closet. There are no more trips outside during work - always the comedian, Vinson had a way of waiting to park until the weather let loose a downpour.
We do wonder how Vinson's doing in the kennel - if he's adjusting to his new bunk mates and routines. But overall the transition has been slightly easier than we thought it might be. It is manageable in that we always knew this time would come - he was a Seeing Eye puppy from the day we met and we knew he'd end up back here for phase two of his journey.
Sarah and I are super proud of what we've done together in raising Vinson. We worked very hard to get him through some unexpected moments, from breaking his leg to eating underwear. Now it's all up to him and the trainers. We're hoping for the best and will keep sharing our experience as the days move on and as we hear any progress updates from The Seeing Eye.
In the meantime, thanks so much for the wonderful comments you've been sharing through this blog and on The Seeing Eye's Facebook page. It's been over a year of shooting and posting photos and writing about our experiences on the blog and it's really fun to hear from all of you who've been on the other side of the screen!
-Ryan
Thursday, May 10, 2012
and then he was gone...
Vinson has officially gone back for processing. Sarah and I had lots of support from Jill and Seeing Eye staff and made it through fine, although we shared some happy tears with many staff who've come to love him as we do.
Vinson proudly wore his official Seeing Eye Dog collar as he headed across the campus with Jill. We were given a certificate marking our achievement of raising Vinson and a letter detailing the communications we'll receive from The Seeing Eye regarding his progress.
Vinson proudly wore his official Seeing Eye Dog collar as he headed across the campus with Jill. We were given a certificate marking our achievement of raising Vinson and a letter detailing the communications we'll receive from The Seeing Eye regarding his progress.
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| Ryan, Sarah and Vinson, posing for one last "family photo" |
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| Vinson happily showing off his official Seeing Eye collar |
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| A closeup of the collar - the plate is engraved with "The Seeing Eye" on one side and has Vinson's name on the other |
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| Our final sight of Vinson heading to the kennels with Jill, taken through my office window screen |
Vinson by the Numbers
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| Day 1 at home |
- 10,000 Vinson business cards handed out
- 3,000 “sit” commands
- 1,100 poops picked up
- 388 days of puppy love
- 350 blog posts
- 270 trips to The Seeing Eye
- 200 pounds of dog food
- 30 close human friends at The Seeing Eye
- 24 car interior cleanings
- 18 puppy club meetings
- 15 Nylabones well-used
- 10 trips to the vet
- 6 leg splints
- 4 different crates
- 3 pairs of footwear “altered”
- 3 cats annoyed
- 2 dog beds shredded
- 2 leashes destroyed
- 2 clothing items eaten
- 1 Christmas tree knocked over
- 1 hurricane lived through
- 1 Seeing Eye holiday card feature
- 1 incredibly special goal
The Big Day!
Today is the big day we've been working toward since that special day - April 18, 2011 - when tiny, 7-pound Vinson entered our lives.
At noon today, Vinson's area coordinator, Jill, will meet Sarah and I in my office at The Seeing Eye to officially bring Vinson to the kennel. There, his processing will begin - health screening, neutering and evaluation, after which he'll be ready to be matched with a trainer.
We'll be posting any information we receive about Vinson's progress along the way. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he'll be able to focus on his job and be a great success, but no matter how everything turns out we're super proud of him!
Here's a photo of Vinson playing with two Great Danes in the big field this morning!
At noon today, Vinson's area coordinator, Jill, will meet Sarah and I in my office at The Seeing Eye to officially bring Vinson to the kennel. There, his processing will begin - health screening, neutering and evaluation, after which he'll be ready to be matched with a trainer.
We'll be posting any information we receive about Vinson's progress along the way. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he'll be able to focus on his job and be a great success, but no matter how everything turns out we're super proud of him!
Here's a photo of Vinson playing with two Great Danes in the big field this morning!
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| Vinson and the Danes |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Ball with Garcia
Vinson had a chance to play ball with Garcia one more time today at lunch. As always, the two of them had a blast together!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Field of Dreams
Throughout Vinson's time as a puppy he's had the great opportunity to run and play in a very large, safe field at The Seeing Eye. As his call-back date comes very close (this Thursday, May 10!) I've been giving the little guy some extra play time (okay, I've been giving myself a little extra play time with Vinson!).
This morning we had a great time playing ball and Vinson plopped down to rest among a sea of flowering dandelions, making for a nice photo...
This morning we had a great time playing ball and Vinson plopped down to rest among a sea of flowering dandelions, making for a nice photo...
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| Vinson, smiling as usual! |
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Final Puppy Club Meeting
Vinson attended his final puppy club meeting last night and had a blast as usual. He did great at most of the routines, while some younger pups reminded Sarah and I just how far he's come. The club members wished him well in the next part of his adventure.
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| Super excited to greet the pups |
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| Proudly demonstrating the puppy circle |
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Chance Meeting
Vinson and I just ran into Vinson's dad while outside on lunch! The two met briefly and then went their separate ways.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
One Incredible Year: Vinson's Anniversary with Us
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| Remember this tiny pup?! |
We're sure proud of how far Vinson has come. Now we'll see where he goes from here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Vinson's Pal, Garcia, Featured in Seeing Eye Video
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| Garcia in a Race Car from the video |
Check out the short video on The Seeing Eye's YouTube channel.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
May 10. The Date.
Just spoke with our Area Coordinator, Jill. Vinson's recall date is officially Thursday, May 10. Exciting. Sad. Momentus. Here we go...
Easter "Cousin"
Vinson came along to Easter dinner and spent the afternoon playing with his "cousin", a Shih Tzu named Stewart. Like Vinson and Watson, the two made an odd but happy couple!
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| Vinson and Stewart |
Dog Day Afternoon
Vinson, Watson and I made a visit to Pat and Garcia's house over the weekend. Pat was pet-sitting for two dogs - a chocolate Lab and a cockapoo - and had his own dogs - Garcia, Tye, Minnow, so between us we had a house of seven dogs for the afternoon. What a riot!
Vinson and Watson loved the company and took advantage of the fenced yard to run and play with their new and old pals.
Vinson and Watson loved the company and took advantage of the fenced yard to run and play with their new and old pals.
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| A kitchen full of dogs while Pat cooks |
Friday, April 6, 2012
Great New Friends
This morning Vinson had a special opportunity to say hello to the current SESY (Seeing Eye Seminar for Youth) class at The Seeing Eye. A few times a year, The Seeing Eye hosts high school students who are blind or visually impaired for a seminar that includes a chance to experience traveling with a Seeing Eye dog.
Vinson and I entered the meeting room while the students were on break. They immediately noticed the sound of a dog on leash entering the room, and Vinson quickly assumed his spot as the center of attention - petting and lots of kisses ensued.
Another touching Seeing Eye moment...
Vinson and I entered the meeting room while the students were on break. They immediately noticed the sound of a dog on leash entering the room, and Vinson quickly assumed his spot as the center of attention - petting and lots of kisses ensued.
Another touching Seeing Eye moment...
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New Vinson Spring Banner on SeeingEye.org
Vinson's latest banner features a spring theme and is now in rotation on the SeeingEye.org homepage. I used a photo of Vinson and combined it with a shot of two blooming daisies, one of which has a bright red lady bug on it.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
and then the Phone Rang
Just got off the phone with Jill, our Puppy Development Area Coordinator. It was the call we knew would be coming soon; Vinson is being summoned back to The Seeing Eye for processing into the training program!
This is a monumental moment in the puppy raising process - the goal we've been shooting for but the bittersweet moment when Vinson's time with us must come to an end.
The Seeing Eye provides raisers with an adequate return window of time to accomodate family planning and allow for flexibility. Vinson must be handed over to Jill between April 23 and May 10.
It should be said that being called back for training does not guarantee Vinson will complete the program. He will go through thorough medical and behavioral evaluations, and then move on to harness training. At any point during this time a problematic issue could eliminate him from guide consideration. But for now, aside from his wild puppy energy, we have no reason to think our little friend won't go on to do big things. And if he doesn't, he's got a permanent home with Sarah, Watson and myself on standby.
Once Vinson goes in, I will no longer be able to interact with him as that can cause distraction and interfere with the need for him to bond with his trainer. This will be difficult for me since I will inevitably see him around campus.
My hope is to have some kennel and training staff share information which I can post on this blog so we can all learn about our pup's experience once they leave us.
It's just a few weeks now... Stay tuned. The part that people always ask us about is coming.
This is a monumental moment in the puppy raising process - the goal we've been shooting for but the bittersweet moment when Vinson's time with us must come to an end.
The Seeing Eye provides raisers with an adequate return window of time to accomodate family planning and allow for flexibility. Vinson must be handed over to Jill between April 23 and May 10.
It should be said that being called back for training does not guarantee Vinson will complete the program. He will go through thorough medical and behavioral evaluations, and then move on to harness training. At any point during this time a problematic issue could eliminate him from guide consideration. But for now, aside from his wild puppy energy, we have no reason to think our little friend won't go on to do big things. And if he doesn't, he's got a permanent home with Sarah, Watson and myself on standby.
Once Vinson goes in, I will no longer be able to interact with him as that can cause distraction and interfere with the need for him to bond with his trainer. This will be difficult for me since I will inevitably see him around campus.
My hope is to have some kennel and training staff share information which I can post on this blog so we can all learn about our pup's experience once they leave us.
It's just a few weeks now... Stay tuned. The part that people always ask us about is coming.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Vinson Goes to the Airport
Newark Airport, a set on Flickr.
In this morning's sunshine many Seeing Eye puppy raising clubs assembled at Newark Liberty Airport for a special outing and new sights and sounds. We had a fantastic turnout with enough raisers and pups to fill four airport buses - I'd guess 90 people and 50+ pups!
This is a very special opportunity to bring these puppies through many experiences in a short time: We circled giant fire and rescue trucks on the tarmac, rode on buses, walked through line queues, experienced slick floor tiles, waited in lines, walked through a tunnel and actually boarded an airliner!
Vinson did very well overall, but in true "Vinny" form, he had a plan to steal the show. While not the only pup to do so, Vinson was the first in the crew to "take care of business" on airport grounds. Despite careful preparation and timing in our morning routine, Vinson pooped on the big sidewalk right out front of the terminal. Not to be outdone, others followed, but Vinson made sure he was the first. A quick cleanup and we were on our way inside.
The above photos show many of the moments from today - I have video clips that I'll post shortly. Special thanks to the club leaders, the raisers, the pups and the good folks at the Port Authority, United Airlines and Newark Airport for a great experience.
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