Southeastern Guide Dogs Main Campus May 12

The Saturday meeting in May was at the main campus of Southeastern Guide Dogs, on a day when the school was having an open house. Not only did that mean we had plenty of people to expose our puppies to; we also got to be the main attraction when we had our obedience session in the middle of the Freedom Courtyard, surrounded by various booths, with Southeastern trainers and staff looking on as we practiced a new way to teach our pups the "heel" command. I'm happy to say we acquitted ourselves admirably.

A good part of our time was spent without the puppies at our sides, however, as we put them in van crates so we could go on a guided tour. I think that might be Phoenix being maneuvered into the van – or possibly practicing his skydiving pose.

Genetics and Reproduction Manager Jessi Powell was our tour guide as we traveled on the Freedom Walk and learned about the Training Kennel, the Puppy Kennel, the new veterinary clinic about to be constructed, the dog memorial garden, and other points of interest that help to make a Southeastern guide dog. And what would a tour be without a stop for puppy hugging?

Everyone got a chance to learn more about the organization we are a part of, and new raiser Annie got a bonus at the end of the tour when she picked up her puppy, Sasha!