Sharing the Spotlight: Watson Turns Two

Watson loves to squeeze into cozy spots where he shouldn't fit!

Not to be outdone by Vinson's recent birthday, Watson is two years old today and he'll be celebrating with some extra play in the big field on lunch break. Happy birthday, big fella!

Brothers in Arms

While wild play is part of their friendship, Watson and Vinson have their touching, calm moments too. Here's a photo of them napping together nose-to-nose.

Nose to Nose!

And then there were Three

Today Vinson had another special time in the field at The Seeing Eye - this time it was Vinson, Garcia and Watson together in the sunshine.

Vinson liked to try and keep the others from getting the ball, and Watson showed some of his hearding instincts as he tried to move Vinson into smaller and smaller portions of the field. Eventually they all rested together and enjoyed the crisp afternoon.

Three happy dogs.

The Dynamic Duo

Vinson and Watson are quite the odd couple - a small, high-energy Lab pup and his buddy, a giant, stoic shepherd pal. They continued to bond on a hike this morning on the Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail; and they love riding in the car together.

Backseat drivers

Great car riders

After a nice hike

On the Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail

Good Long Walk and Tired Pups

Vinson and Watson had a nice long walk with Sarah and I this morning. They did great at walking together and are now happily sleeping on their beds, side by side.

Bed Buds

The relationship is progressing fast - Vinson and Watson are already comfortable sharing a dog bed.

Sharing the bed: new pals

Watson as a Pup

Here are a couple of photos of Watson as a 10-week-old puppy from the first time when Sarah and I babysat for a Seeing Eye puppy.

Watson was known for his one floppy ear (now his ears are 6 inches tall)

Watson's first favorite toy - the white tiger

And the "Very Big" Surprise Is...

Watson! That's right, Vinson's very large surprise is that Sarah and I have adopted a Seeing Eye career-change dog - and he happens to be the puppy that we first babysat for and is pictured in Sarah's arms on the "About the Puppy Raisers" page!

Watson is an 83 pound male black and tan German shepherd dog that we've known since he arrived with his puppy raiser - because she too works at The Seeing Eye.

Watson has always been a very calm dog, and he's being very patient with Vinson's puppy energy. Both are making friends already, sharing toys; and when I first crated Vinson to allow Watson a chance to settle in to his surroundings, Watson laid outside the room where Vinson was and rested.

Seems like they're off to a great start as good pals! More to come...

Watson shares his favorite toy with Vinson

Vinson checks out Watson's water, While Watson shows off his big wet nose

Watson tries out Vinson's bed (his own is much bigger)