All of our puppies begin their lives with the goal of becoming a guide dog. But it takes a very special combination of excellent breeding, work drive, and trainability to become a guide dog. On average, only 38 percent of dogs who enter our training program become guide dogs.
Any dogs that are unable to meet the stringent requirements for a guide dog career are placed in the best alternate career possible bySoutheastern Guide Dogs. To us, every dog is special, each with their own talents and traits. Every dog is a success and will impact the lives of many. These dogs are angels among us, in whatever capacity they serve.
Behind each great puppy is a great Puppy Raiser. Regardless of the career into which the puppy you raised enters, you had a hand in its success. Because of your love and patience, you have changed someone's life for the better. Take pride in your accomplishment. We value your commitment to Southeastern Guide Dogs and your dedication to our puppies.
|
|
Veteran Service Dogs
Tyra (59PD11) and Doug Barnes, ret. U.S. Army
James "Doug" Barnes served in the United States Army for 15 years, and recently retired from the Georgia National Guard. After returning home from the Army, Doug went through therapy and treatment at Ft. Stuart to learn how to walk again. One of the programs involved swimming laps in a pool to rebuild muscle in his legs which Doug found to be very relaxing. After spending countless hours in therapy, Doug finally moved back home to his family in Waycross, Ga.
Doug knew it was time to return to a "normal" civilian lifestyle, but faced some challenging hurdles. He realized it was time to apply for a Veteran Service Dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs. After patiently waiting more than a year, Doug was matched with a chocolate female Lab named Tyra in October 2013.
Tyra completely changed Doug's life. Today, Doug is a new member at the YMCA and back in the pool swimming laps, while Tyra sits on her yoga mat poolside keeping him motivated. They even went on a kayaking adventure in northern Florida with a group of other veterans and their service dogs. Doug may have had a wet, muddy girl on the drive back, but he wouldn't change it for the world.
Says Doug, "Tyra is helping me to regain my confidence out in public. We venture out, and continue to practice commands -- improving all the time. Sometimes, we go out even when we don't have any place to go! Tyra has brought so many positive changes to my life. I didn't have any goals before, but I do now!"
|
Facility Therapy Dogs
Patti (68PD11) and Lt.j.g. Crystal Shelton --
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
It takes a solid, sound personality from a dog to make it as a guide dog. It is what every raiser hopes to find within the heart of their puppy when they begin the raising process. When a small black Lab named Patti headed for North Carolina with her raisers, she gave it her all and did very well. And when she finally came in for training to her home at Southeastern Guide Dogs in FL, she worked hard at her lessons with her new trainers.
As training progressed, however, Patti began to show her softer, sensitive side and the responsibilities of guiding no longer seemed like the best fit for her. Interact with people? Yes. Hug? Most certainly. Snuggle close and give kisses? Absolutely! And with that, Patti found her new calling. And, ironically, it would take her back near the place where she was raised - Camp Lejeune in North Carolina requested yet another Facility Dog and Patti fit the bill!
Lt.j.g. Crystal Shelton, having been inspired by observing the work of another Southeastern Facility Dog at Camp Lejeune, decided that she could utilize one of these special dogs for her work at another clinic on base. The dog could also assist her on rounds visiting Marines returning from the current theater of combat as they worked to rehabilitate from the wounds of war and integrate themselves back into civilian life at the Wounded Warriors Battalion on base.
It was love at first sight when Lt.j.g. Shelton picked up Patti's leash for the first time. She took her to the clinic where they would work and it seemed as if they had been working together for years. It was a natural fit for both and, instantaneously, she began to fill a need in the clinic - not just for the patients, but also for the staff! And, before their first visit was over, requests for Patti's next visit were already being fielded by Lt.j.g. Shelton.
And so it was that on Sept. 14, 2013, the arrangement was made final and Patti's new life began with Lt.j.g. Crystal Shelton. It was Patti's 2nd birthday.
A birthday that neither Patti nor Crystal Shelton will ever forget!
|
|
Ambassador Dogs
Collier (6D12) and Deborah & David
Congratulations to Collier on becoming the newest member of the ambassador team!
Collier is a petite yellow Lab with a big heart. This sweet, loveable girl joined the ambassador team because of a mild medical issue, but that won't stop her.
Collier's new home takes her to Atlanta, GA where she will work with one of our board members to bring a smile to the face all of the people she meets. We wish her and her new forever-home all the luck!
|
|
Public Service Dogs
Otis (2D12), Nene (120FPD11), Melody (70PD11)
The St. Petersburg Police Department recently launched a pilot program for school safety and needed friendly, energetic dogs that could be trained to detect guns and ammunition.
Enter three Career Change Dogs who love chasing things as a favorite activity: Otis, Nene and Melody! Their love of chasing toys made them a bit too exuberant for safe guide work, but perfect candidates for law enforcement.
A campus favorite, Otis was raised and loved by Southeastern staff. His favorite thing was to please his person. He did well in guide work, but toys really got his attention--a perfect fit for working in the school safety program.
 |
| Otis with Officer Ladd and CCT Katie. |
It was no surprise that Nene stood out in the crowd, even when hunting toys in a wetland! Her natural energy and desire to hunt made her an ideal detection student. Go, Nene!
 |
| Nene and Officer Ladd |
Melody's favorite thing in life is a tennis ball! High, low, in a tunnel, under a bush, in the water... Melody will hunt until she finds her beloved ball! Her love of yellow bouncy things made her a perfect candidate for law enforcement units that use balls as a reward.
 |
| Melody and Officer Ladd |
We are so excited that these three outstanding dogs found careers doing what they love! We are honored to have Otis, Nene and Melody represent Southeastern as Public Servants -- saving lives and entertaining students.
Thank you, Otis, Nene and Melody!
Gary (112APD11)
The Leesburg Police Department already had a Southeastern Career Change dog as a working K9 Officer. When they were ready for a second dog, they contacted us for another detection student. Detective Romanelli asked, "Do you have any more dogs as crazy about tennis balls as the first one we got from you?" Why, certainly!
A team of K9 Officers came to campus to evaluate Gary. The pressure was on, and Gary stunned them all with his natural ability to follow his nose. Gary was introduced to his new handler and will begin training right away. Before leaving campus, Gary was already being referred to as "Lieutenant Gary."
Ringo (5T11)
 Ringo lived life with gusto! Whether learning guide work or running in the field, Ringo met every challenge at warp speed. His exuberant personality made him too fast for guide work, but custom made for a Public Service career.
The Tampa and Manatee ports are bustling with cruise passengers and cargo ships. A local bomb and explosive detection company was hired to keep the ports safe, but no technology can search an area faster than a dog's nose! When they were ready to add an explosives detection dog, they contacted Southeastern.
Right away, Ringo's precision and agility set him above the crowd. His fast pace and natural inclination to hunt made him an ideal detection student and his ever-wagging tail showed the K9 team he was loving the game! Ringo begins training right away and will be saving lives and keeping the ports safe in no time.
Pearl (79PD11) and Ann (2Q11)
The State of Florida was looking to add two detection dogs to the K9 team at the Florida State Hospital. Detection work requires a dedicated dog that can methodically hunt for contraband. A hospital setting requires a friendly and social dog. The team was thrilled to hear Southeastern had some prospects to assess.
Both Pearl and Ann greet every task asked of them with exuberance. Their "greet the world at full throttle" energy made them unsafe for guide work and dissatisfied with slow-paced work in general. When they were introduced to Public Service however, there was no going back for Pearl or Ann. They would chase a lure as many times as it was thrown and come back for more!
The trainers fell in love with the enthusiasm of both Pearl and Ann right away! Their natural energy and desire to hunt made them ideal detection students. Pearl and Ann begin training right away and will be saving lives and encouraging patients in no time.
 |
Public Service Dogs Ann (l) and Pearl (r) with their
State of Florida K9 handlers. |
Tanya (4L11)
Following in the pawprints of littermates Mac and Brandon, Tanya has joined the K9 Program of the Bomb and Arson School to work in law enforcement!
Tanya is one of those dogs that will do anything you ask her to do -- with enthusiasm. She was a willing guide student, provided she could be matched with a race walker! Her speedy nature and natural exuberance made her the perfect candidate for the fast-paced world of law enforcement. Tanya will soon join brothers Mac and Brandon and their detection trainer and family while she begins training as a K9 Fire Officer.
Jerni (82PD11)
Jerni exhibited a lust for life from an early age. A delightful companion and always ready to go, Jerni excelled at guide dog tasks. Food, however, was never safe in her presence. If she smelled something tasty, her mission was to devour it! After several unsuccessful attempts at getting her to work in a public setting, it became evident that Jerni loved to use her nose more than guide.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission has had a long relationship with Southeastern. Several Career Changed dogs now serve the state through FWC's various programs. When FWC expressed interest in another K9, we knew Jerni had a very good chance! After a few minutes with FWC evaluators, Jerni followed her nose to find her target as many times as they would ask her. (It didn't hurt that a tasty treat was waiting when she finished.) And a career was born!
 |
| Jerni and her new handler |
|
|
|
Blossom (2C11) and Abbi
Abbi was diagnosed with ocular albinism as a toddler. Her visual impairment is unusual in the female population and consequently Abbi often feels "different" than her classmates. "Her instability leads to frequent falls," her mother laments, "she never wants to leave the house unless one of us is with her."
Abbi's parents are determined to do all they can to help her build confidence and become a happy independent adult. She attends public school where she meets with an Orientation and Mobility instructor several times per week. Through Abbi's O&M instructor, her parents discovered Southeastern's Canine Connections Program. Canine Connections partners visually-impaired children with dogs of similar size and temperament of a future guide to build a bridge between the child of today and the independent guide dog handler oftomorrow. Only dogs that are naturally gentle and voluntarily obedient are selected for the program.
Blossom is one of those dogs. She graduated from Southeastern's guide dog program in November 2012, but was returned to campus when her handler could no longer care for her. Her meek and soft personality made her the perfect dog to teach Abbi about the unconditional devotion and partnership she may one day have with a guide dog. Their bond was mutual and instantaneous. Within hours of her placement, Abbi took Blossom to the back yard to play... completely unassisted! "She's never gone outside without us before," Abbi's mother exclaimed, "she just took Blossom's leash and went right out to the back yard!"
We anticipate seeing Abbi on campus one day fully prepared to become a successful guide dog handler. Great job Blossom and Abbi!
|
Retired
Winston (1002) - a life of service
In 2004, Winston graduated to a life of service creating independence for his beloved handler. Winston was a superior guide dog, allowing his handler a freedom she had not experienced since losing her vision. For nine amazing years, Winston and his handler were inseparable. When his handler unexpectedly passed away, Southeastern stepped in to help Winston find the perfect retirement home.
Kerry and Nancy live on a beautiful waterfront property in the Florida Keys. Kerry has limited vision and has always been impressed by guide dogs. When they learned of an opportunity to give a very special retired guide a forever home, they jumped at the opportunity!
Kerry, Nancy, and their precious Maltese mix, "Gigi" immediately welcomed Winston into their family. The four happily hopped in their SUV to begin the long trip back to retirement... poolside resort-style living in the Florida Keys.
Gilligan (TECA4) - leaving a legacy of Guide Dogs
It all starts with the parents! Thanks to the dedication of Southeastern's Genetics & Reproduction and Veterinary staff, only puppies of the healthiest and most appropriate quality are produced each year. These puppies result from detailed searches for the most special Moms and Dads, both from within our existing bloodlines and outside them.
Gilligan was selected from an outside source for his exceptional temperament and outstanding bloodlines. His charming personality was infectious, and he won the hearts of two Southeastern trainers -- Karen and Alice -- who shared co-hosting duties for Gilligan's career as a Southeastern Daddy.
After his "Daddy duties" were completed, it was time for Gilligan to retire. Alice had a relationship with a lovely woman who had met Gilligan on several occasions. She leaped at the chance to bring Gilligan into her family.
Happy retirement, Gilligan!
|
Public Adoption
Patrick (3J12) -- A perfect fit!
Patrick loved training, especially training with treats! He even had an arrow on his nose that seemed to point toward where the treats should go! As Patrick's responsibilities grew in guide training (and the rewards became more praise than food rewards), Patrick became increasingly uncomfortable in new situations. It was decided that Patrick would be happiest in a home with lots of love (and treats!), but low demands and few new exposures.
Along came a young couple interested in adopting a friend for their Golden Retriever / Poodle cross, Wrigley. When the two dogs met, it was as if they had always known each other! The canine duo is a great match -- with Wrigley being very curious and brave, he complements the less adventurous Patrick.
In addition to being Wrigley's new BFF, Patrick will also be visiting the classroom of his new adoptive mom -- an elementary education teacher for special needs students. In a few minutes, the family of four was off to their new life together.
|
|
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpeg)
.
.JPG)
