Preparing For IFT

We know she has to leave for her next journey, but, when the date looms closely overhead it makes it seem more real.

All of a sudden all the little things put aside for a later date seem so much more important and significant.

New exposures and experiences on our To Do List need to be done now and not later.

Training needs to be fine-tuned and tightened up.

Commands without treats need to be practiced.








More pictures need to be taken.

(Photos are difficult to take because she is so blonde. Plus she has no vanity and will not pose. She could probably take lessons from the Kardashians.)



There are a lot of reports and assessments to be filled in.

Vet visits are required to prepare her for her flight to return to Florida, college and living in a dorm with roommates.

Flights, car rentals and accommodation bookings need to be made.




Watson was oblivious to our preparations, angst and bittersweet sadness.

Excitement and Anxiety

As Watson's IFT (In For Training) date approaches, Watson is getting excited to go back to her school in Florida.

 At college she will be challenged to learn more, be reunited with her siblings and be training (and playing) with other dogs her age.





We know she has to go back to Florida and go to college. But, now that the date, and reality, is getting closer, John and I are getting anxious and melancholy.

Apparently Watson doesn't care about our feelings. 

PR Photo Shoot for Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts

Watson has been very popular doing PR work with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

I am a docent at Rienzi, the MFA's home for European Decorative Arts.

The house contains precious works of art, including porcelain, silver, paintings and other rare objects from the 1600's to 1800's.

They know that I Puppy Raise a Guide Dog in Training, and, they asked if Watson and I could train docents what to do with a Service Dog in the house.

What a great opportunity for Watson and me!

Public Relations and educating people about Guide Dogs is one of our Puppy Raiser roles, so we were more than happy to help.




I had confidence that Watson would be able to handle the responsibility.

But, I would be lying if I didn't say that I was just a little nervous taking Watson, a 13-month old puppy, through a home that contains precious objects that I, nor anyone else, could ever replace should they get broken.

Guide Dogs Puppies need to learn that when they are not needed to safely guide their handlers, they need to patiently wait until they are needed.

Watson made me very proud. She was the perfect Guide Dog in Training!

While we stopped and talked, she did exactly what she is supposed to do, she took a load off her feet and relaxed.

She even laid down and tried to catch a few zzzzz's.

One definition of pride, and relief,  is taking a 13-month-old Guide Dog puppy through a home with priceless objects, and, leaving it exactly the way we found it!

Except maybe adding a few strands of Golden Hair Dust behind.

Down Under

For safety reasons Guide Dogs need to keep out of the way as much as possible when their handler sits.

We teach Guide Dog puppies a command called "Down Under" where they tuck themselves under their handler's chair or under the table.

When we took Cami and Watson to the local coffee shop they both tried to get "Down Under".

It was a tight squeeze for them to do it together.

Book Worm

Watson and I went to our neighbourhood library to check out the latest Best Seller List.

Watson loves people and kids, but, she needs to learn that when she wears her vest she is working and that she needs to ignore distractions and stay focused.

We set the bar high and sat in the children's section.

It might look like she is sleeping on the job, but, what she is doing is ignoring the people and kids around her.

I think it is safe to say that Watson aced the test!

Pirates on the Bayou

Watson went on a Boat Tour of Buffalo Bayou through downtown Houston.

Cami and her mom, Jenni, joined the adventure.

Cami and Watson practiced their Down Under position as much as possible.

Watson and Cami were so well behaved the Captain was impressed and had to have his picture taken with The Girls.












We can now check off  "Searching for Pirates" on their Exposure List. 

Theatre District Open House

Houston has a very vibrant Theatre scene.

Once a year they hold an Open House in the Theatre District.

This is a great opportunity for Watson to be exposed to costumed characters, large groups of people, music and lots of kids.









Characters from the Nutcracker were very happy to pose with Watson.












The large crowds gave Watson practice ignoring children and adults.

It also gave us an opportunity to teach children and adults to ignore a dog wearing a service vest.

Watson certainly wasn't afraid of the "cheap seats" or "nosebleed" seats in the upper balcony.

Walking in front of the wall-length mirror was a piece of cake.











Watson was not invited to go on stage, but, as they say "in the business", performers should never share a stage with children or animals, because the children and animals always steal the show!