Mike's First Year

Yet Another Twitter Critter!

2013-03-04T19:57:00.001-05:00

Mike seems to be blowing up on the Twittersphere! Now that he's matched and in a class, he is around for more photo-ops and Twitter appearances! So wonderful to see him! Can't wait for next Sunday, when I get to see him in-person, and meet his mysterious partner, pictured out-of-frame on the far left...

SDC calls the meeting of the guidedogs. Mike, Ralphie, Gary and Mickey are all in attendance.

Another Twitter Appearance

2013-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have been eagerly awaiting more news from Florida about my puppy, and was elated to find this in my inbox this morning!

"Class dog Mike rests while out and about today"

Anyone else see the drool?

I'm so excited to see him again, and meet his visually-impaired forever-partner in a week and a half!

Matched!!

2013-02-22T17:41:00.001-05:00

I got the call this afternoon-- Mike has been matched with a blind person! I am trying my best to go down to Palmetto to see him and meet his blind partner on March 10th, when they graduate! I'm ecstatic, because I've been waiting for this call for several months! Congrats, Mikey! I hope you have a beautiful forever home with your new buddy.

Mike Appears On Twitter Again!!

2013-02-12T19:32:00.002-05:00

We spotted Mikey today on Southeastern's Twitter!

The Twitter caption: "Mike enjoys the view from the courthouse."

January Training Report

2013-02-10T00:51:00.000-05:00

Finally, Mike's new report! I am so proud that he's gotten these rave reviews. It makes me want to give him a huge hug and shower him with kisses...

Mike is a solid worker and happy to be a working dog, too. Mike is a sweet boy that does well in all phases of his work. He’s earned a lot of respect from his trainers during training. He is a fun, happy dog who loves to put on the harness.

This is exactly what I knew about him as he completed his puppy-phase: he loves to work, and has always been so excited to please his people. I'm elated that Southeastern has seen that in him. They also mentioned respect, and I know exactly what they mean-- he is really smart and enthusiastic, and he makes you love him and his caring personality. He is such a lover!

December Training Report

2013-01-11T16:12:00.001-05:00

Mike's sister Alex was matched this morning-- here's a picture of her:

And here is Mike's report comments:

Mike is a very nice and confident worker. He is also a very sweet boy who bonds quickly. He's done well in all of the different training environments and seems to be improving in his dog distraction. I really enjoy working with Mike, thank you so much for all the time and effort you put in to raising this sweet boy!

I'm so excited because after several months of working specifically with dog-distraction, he has finally passed! They checked the box on the evaluation, and is now ready to be matched!! My area coordinator says he should be matched within the next few months. Woot! Well done, Mikey!

November Training Report

2012-12-14T20:05:00.001-05:00

Now that the Biel family is settled into Round Rock, Texas, it will be more difficult to go see Mike when he graduates-- but I plan on doing whatever I can to go visit when he does!

Nothing new to report-- he's still working on dog distraction. Hopefully, he'll get over that soon and he'll be able to move on to better things!

Mike is continuing to do well in his guide dog training, except his dog distraction to strange dogs on route. Hopefully as he matures this behavior will improve. He has already shown a great deal of improvement and seems to really enjoy his work.

I'll just keep my baby in my prayers and hope that he works through his excitement. He has a great future, wherever he ends up :)

October Training Report

2012-11-11T15:52:00.001-05:00

September and October have both been crazy months in the Biel family, but I'm glad to have more news of Mike! Here's his evaluation from October:

Mike is continuing to do well in his guide dog training. He still has some dog distraction, but it has improved. He is a focused, thoughtful working dog. He is continuing to enjoy his kennel life, with the play yards and kennel enrichment.

He's still working on his dog distraction, but I'm sure he'll get through it-- that's what the trainers are there for! He's always gotten excited around other dogs, but he's never been uncontrollable. And they said he's improving, so that's very encouraging. I'll continue praying for my baby to get past these roadblocks, and proceed to whatever is in store for his future!

September Training Report

2012-10-12T19:43:00.000-04:00

This came out today! Thank goodness!!

Mike is continuing to do well in his guide dog training. His only problem is when he encounters a dog on his route that he doesn’t know, his hackles come up from head to tail. We are still working on Mike’s dog distraction while he is out training. It takes some effort to get Mike’s attention back on his work. But when he’s focused, he’s a great worker!

Totally saw the dog-distraction coming. He gets excited around other dogs and gets his hackles up, but he's never shown any aggression. I hope he continues to progress through the next phase of his training!

Mike On Twitter!

2012-10-10T20:56:00.003-04:00

Today, @DogGuideTrainer on Twitter (which is, Mrs. Karen Mersereau) posted this picture of Mike, with the caption, "Mike waits to work"! Glad to see he's working hard and enjoying himself!

Can I pwease stop posing now???

Facebook Photo

2012-09-26T22:44:00.003-04:00

At my request, SEGD posted this photo of Mike to Facebook today! I'm so happy to see a bit of Mike-- I miss him a lot! He seems to be doing really well, and everyone comments about how handsome he is! I sure hope I can come see him for his graduation!

August Training Report

2012-09-15T17:25:00.001-04:00

I just received Mike's third training report!

The report consists of a short chart of his grading on the skills he's been learning (he's been progressing really well!), as well as a brief comment section:

Mike is continuing to do well in his guide dog training. His only problem is when he encounters a dog on his route that he doesn’t know his hackles come up from head to tail. We are currently working on this behavior. He has done well with all other added responsibilities. Mike enjoys K9 enrichment when he is not out training. He loves the puzzle room and is quite good at solving the puzzles."

Finally they're getting to his bad habits! He has gotten his hackles up around other dogs his whole life, but he's never done anything aggressive. I hope he figures that out soon! Good job on the puzzles, Mikey! I love you!

July Training Report

2012-08-09T14:07:00.000-04:00

I just received Mike's second training report!

The report consists of a short chart of his grading on the skills he's been learning (he's been progressing really well!), as well as a brief comment section:

"Mike is continuing to do well in his guide dog training. He has had no negative issues during training so far. He is a fun dog to work with, although he has a stubborn streak at times! He is very excited about his work and is learning quickly.

" I love what they said about his "stubborn streak". I know exactly what they're talking about :)

Official Harness Picture

2012-08-03T11:22:00.002-04:00

This came in the mail today, and I'm so happy! Every puppy raiser is sent a baby picture in-harness, and an adult picture! My mom and I also received certificates for being puppy raisers. This has been great day!!!

I am so proud of my baby! Look at his face!!
He's saying, "I miss you mom!"

It has honestly been an honor to puppy raise!
I had so much fun earning this certificate!

A FOX 13 News Story : "An open ear, A loyal friend"

2012-07-31T14:38:00.001-04:00

Southeastern was featured on Fox 13! Check it out!

An open ear, a loyal friend

June Training Report

2012-07-16T11:08:00.000-04:00

We were just sent out one of Mike's monthly training reports! It's short, but it means he is doing well!

The report consists of a short chart of his grading on the skills he's been learning, as well as a comment section:

"Mike is doing well in his training so far. He already gets
excited to see his harness when we are going out. He has adjusted to
kennel life and enjoys playing in the yard with his buddies."

That makes me so proud! I'm also hoping that the trainers send out some photos of Mike in the next couple weeks.

They contacted us shortly after IFT Day to tell us that he had passed all his examinations and X-rays, and is a strong, healthy dog! All signs are pointing in the right direction so far, and we'll just wait and see!

IFT Day & Guide Dog U

2012-06-02T16:23:00.000-04:00

Today is the day we were all waiting for. Mike's IFT day.

Southeastern Guidedogs did extremely well for our graduation. We were late because of a flat tire, but we made it in time to have a short tour of the facility, hug some puppies, and receive a Presidential Service award for our effort. And of course, say goodbye to sweet Mike.

Just getting out of the car, the staff at SEGD grabbed this...

The traditional rock picture!

I think Mike knew something was going on,
because he refused to sit still...

Mike's sign with baby picture :)

And again, Mike didn't want to sit still...

The new litter of puppies were very active and fun to play with!

We were awarded with Presidential awards...

And so was Nicki and Alexis Pfaff for their hard work with Alex,
who also graduated today!

And here is our last picture of Mike,
avidly smelling the shoe of the trainer who led him away.

We'll miss you, Mikey!!

Farewell Ice Cream

2012-06-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

Today was Mike's last day with us , and his 14-month birthday! We had a lot of fun, going to get ice cream with his friend Valli, and enjoying some Frosty Paws! We are going to miss Mike so much!

Valli & Mike at Coldstone

Me and my baby!

Valli & Mike, with Me and Ruth
Enjoying the cold Coldstone floor!

Aw, Mike! Mike and Biko's last picture!

He's going to do so well in training!

And just this week, we finally got him in the pool willingly
and he LOVES it!

He got to go swimming for fun twice before he had to go in!

Tomorrow he goes IFT, and we are going to miss him so much! We love you, Mike!

Graduation Pictures

2012-05-29T08:15:00.000-04:00

Before Mike graduated, we went to the mall and were able to get some handsome pictures of my baby in harness. He is so handsome! I miss you, Mike!!

My personal favorite...

My mom's favorite...

And everybody's favorite. I am so ecstatically proud of my boy.

Mommy? I Have to go Potty!

2012-05-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

So Mike gets this face, where he bites his lip and whimpers, when he has to go outside. And of course, being the mean parent that I am, I had to take some pictures in his moments of desperation!

He's so CUTE!!!

Laura's House : Graduation Meeting

2012-05-19T00:13:00.000-04:00

This was Mike's last oficial puppy meeting! He and his littermate Alex walked down the aisle, and stood proud in their little hats and gowns! I'm so proud of my baby!

Anyway, we had a short graduation ceremony, then tested the dogs on intelligence by playing tricky games. After that, we had a delicious lunch with frosty paws. All-in-all, it was a great last meeting!

All the dogs got some play time in...

Then we sent Mike and Alex down the aisle!

So PROUD!

Then we played a game to test their intelligence.
The treat in UNDER the thingy, Mike!!

Found it!

Baby Gary wasn't sure about the trick...

An neither was Valli!

But Iris knew exactly what was up!

And the treat is UNDER the can!

Right there!

There you go Alex!

What is that?

AHA! Got it!

And Iris didn't care about the balls!

Chief enjoying the pool.

Chief wanted some of Mike's Frosty Paw!

Adorable! I love you guys!

Altogether, a perfect day. Congratulations, Mike! And Alex!

Biko is a Hot Dog

2012-05-11T11:34:00.000-04:00

Biko decided to come on a ride today, and was very kingly at his very own stop-light photo-shoot!

BUT, he's not quite as cute as Mike.

By the Mall Pool

2012-05-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

So this week we ended up at the mall to do some shopping (and picture taking!) Mike has never liked open bodies of water very much, but he tolerated it enough for us to snap a couple cute ones! Good stays, Mike!

Can I go now?

Please?

I don't really... Like this whole water thing.
Can I go?

Bowling Group Meeting

2012-05-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

This week, we went to a group meeting at the bowling alley! Mike has been bowling before, here, and here, but this is the first time with the group. We played a short game, and had fun passing the puppies around!

This meeting was Mike's first meeting in harness!!

Valli & Ruth

Gary & Laura

Chief, with Mr. Garret

Chief was highly intrigued by the rolling balls!

And poor Mike has terrible separation anxiety.
He wouldn't take his eyes off me when I walked away!
Sorry mom!

Baby Gary and his momma Laura!

Mike's sister Alex, with her raiser family!
They look so great in harnesses!

Princess Lady!

Chief & Nancy!

Iris & Shari

Aww! Baby Gary wanted to play too!
If only he weighed more than the ball...

All in all a wonderful time! I'm so proud of my baby in his harness! The next group meeting will be his last, and I'm terribly sad! :( But, he is going to make a beautiful guidedog.

Alex At Puppy Camp

2012-04-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

So, once again, we have had puppy camps! But this time, we got Alex, and Mike went to stay with Nancy (and Drake!) Here are some pictures of Alex!

Alex fits under the chairs much better than Mike!

Her classic down– we call it chicken legs!

Why HELLO! I'm Alex!
What's your name!

And there she goes again! Chicken legs!