Day 92 - Week 14 - EVE'S NEW FRIEND CHARLIE

Eve made a new friend today!

We went to my sister's for dinner and had a lovely time.  While we are visiting we have to make sure we keep the door closed where Guinea Pig, Charlie lives.

Eve loves going to Sylvia's house because she always cuddles with her and her house has so many wonderful things to explore.  Like the lit up snowman with snowflakes that move around it's head.  If Eve concentrates she can catch one of these snowflakes in motion!  Then there is the gorgeous Christmas tree with the candy canes, the laundry hamper full of clothes and all the rooms to check out. 
Just as we were leaving to come home, Eve got into the room where Charlie is kept.  As always, when people other than my nieces are around, Charlie runs and hides in his little house.  Well...Eve spots Charlie and is very intrigued.  What is this little creature I have never seen!?? Surprisingly, Charlie comes out of his house and checks out Eve as well.  My sister is in awe!  Charlie doesn't even come out for her!  Eve gets as close as she can and they give each other nose kisses!  It was amazing.  We even have photos to prove it!  Check it out below.  Sylvia keeps a loose hold on Eve's collar...just in case!

Day 91 - Week 14 - CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas everyone!
Puppy Eve had a very Merry Christmas.  She has had lots of people to play with and is getting lots of attention here in Peachland.  She broke out in hives (or something similar) the other day.  Put another scare into me!  She has been eating deer poop and dad's plants.  Too bad she doesn't realize that she shouldn't do that or else she gets sick! 
This morning we went for a walk and we both spotted a deer.  Of course Eve immediately stopped and sat down in the street to observe. 
Her training is coming along nicely although at the last class she misbehaved!  All the pups sat, stayed and then came to their masters when the whistle blew.  We were the last one's to perform this task and she sat, stayed and then when I blew the whistle she ran to the other dogs to play!  Needless to say, guess what we have been practicing???
Happy New Year everyone from Andrea and Puppy Eve.

Day 74 - Week 11 - NOT A BREEDER AFTER ALL

We received some disappointing news last night from the Doctor.  Eve will not be going through the breeding program after all.  She has some sort of neurological issue and although she may grow out of it, they cannot risk any of her puppies having the same sort of issue or something worse like epilepsy. 
We are going to monitor her closely over the next couple of weeks and hopefully she will continue to train for a guide dog.  She is such a sweet and such a smart puppy and I know she's going to pull through. 
Anyways, it's out of my hands at this point.

Other than that she is a bundle of joy and the love of my life!
Last week she enjoyed some time with her buddies as seen in the picture here. 

Day 67 - Week 10 AMAYA AND SYDNEY

Last week we went to visit Amaya and Syndey.  Eve was a little excited and ran into their house and straight for their dinner plates!  She loves new places and all the things she can explore.  A lot better then the empty house I've created at home.  Eve really liked the girls and we had such a nice time hanging out and playing.  We are going to see them in a couple of weeks and we are very excited about that.  Below is a picture of the 3 of them.  Very adorable!

My little munchkin is growing up so quickly!  I can't believe this is day 67.  She really has become a sweetheart.  So different from those early weeks where I wanted to return her! 
We had a few visits this week.  We also went to Ellen's where she bounded through the door and right for the chips...oh what a mess.  Then straight for the plant!  Like I said, she loves new places.  So many new things to taste and destroy.  We also played with puppy Maggie and what a riot those two had.  Eve came back covered in mud from head to toe.  Straight to the bath she went.  She didn't seem to mind it this time and when she got out she slept the entire day!  Maggie will certainly do that to her...although I believe Maggie was sleeping all day as well! 

Off we go to the mall today to meet Linda.  It appears we may be doing moving sidewalks and perhaps an escalator.  Should be fun!

Day 59 - Week 9 - THE OFFICE

The past couple of days, puppy Eve has decided that she needs to be close to me at all times.  There is a box in my office and she has now decided that if she cannot sit on my lap while I am working then she will somehow make herself fit on top of this box (check out the picture below).  That way she can be as close as possible to me with the extra height!  She is such a nut!
She really is hating these record breaking cold temperatures!  Can you blame her?  Once she gets going though she is fine with it and had a blast at the park with two other dogs who were brave enough to venture in the frigid cold.
She is now sitting on my lap with her head on my shoulder.  How I am able to type I don't know!  Great...SLOBBER all over the key board!  She loves watching the screen of the computer.  She is very fascinated with it all!

We are having little Janel come over tonight and we are super duper excited!  Can't wait to wake up to all the snow tomorrow!

Day 55 - Week 8 - FIRST SNOWFALL

A couple of firsts for little Eve since our last entry. 
After a muddy and smelly romp in the mud, Eve had her first bath.  She hated it!  When she finally got out of the tub I wrapped her in a towel and she fell sound a sleep for a couple of hours.  It was very sweet.

This week we went to Whistler and of course the entire office has fallen in love with her.  She was very good!  It snowed in Whistler and so Eve experienced her first time in the snow.  Being that she is from California she wasn't too excited about the cold and snow but once she got into it she seemed to have fun.  She likes eating it and just seemed very curious about the whole experience.  She spent the afternoon with Janel and her dog Chloe and they must have had a blast because Eve pretty much slept the entire next day!

This afternoon she played with her buddy Kobe.  I'm not sure if playing is the right word.  They are so rough with each other.  Now it appears there is something wrong with Eve's right eye.  It is about half the size of her other eye.  I'll keep an "eye" on it tonight and hopefully it's nothing and back to normal tomorrow.

She was awesome in Obedience training this week and we both had a great time.  She is really coming along!  Enjoy the picture here of her first snowfall.

Day 46 - Week 7 - THE CUDDLER

My little pumpkin has really grown up this week...or so I thought.  She is a lot more calm, doesn't bark much and not much biting either...until today!  What happened today?  She definitely is a sweet heart though and what I love about her is that she is a real cuddler!  I was working on my computer this afternoon and she wouldn't leave me until I picked her up and let her sit on my lap.  She doesn't really fit but somehow she makes her self comfy and leans her head up on the computer and goes to sleep.  That can't be comfortable! 

We went for a really fun walk to the UBC Endowment lands today.  I've never been there if you can believe it.   Eve had a blast.  I love taking her off leash.  She loves it !  When we got home she had a really long afternoon nap...actually we both did.

She loves to sit in the lobby of my building and wait for everyone to come home so she can say hello.  It is so cute.  She sits there so nicely and quietly.  She even knows how to check the mail and goes straight for my mailbox and after I open it up she pulls the mail out...then tears it up!

Eve is now weighing in at 31.8 lbs.  She had her eyes checked this week and as far as I know it went well.
I almost forgot to mention that she had a play date on Sunday with Kobe.  They had a blast!  Can't wait for more walks with Kobe! 


James & Eve



Day 39 - Week 6

Yesterday was an exciting day as it was the day Eve was going to the Vet to get her shots.  This meant that she could now be safe from disease at dog parks and with any other dogs.  We have waited for this day for 38 days!  Off we go to Surrey.  I left shortly after 5pm for our 7'oclock appointment.  Lots of time for me to venture to the unknown and find my way.  Well it was a good thing I did as my BC Guide dog manual had the incorrect address and I just made it on time after a quick phone call to the Vet. 
The appointment went well, Eve is pretty healthy weighing in at 31 lbs.  She had her ears checked, body checked, poop checked and then her shots.  I forgot to mention that she behaved pretty good in the long car ride to the boonies. 
We got home at 9pm, just in time for Modern Family.  At 9:30 I was exhausted and decided I'd better take Eve outside one more time before bed.  I called her to come to me and what happened next scared the living daylights out of me.  Her face was completely swollen and her left eye was totally closed and the right eye wasn't far behind.  OMG what was happening to her?  I knew it had to be the shots so I called Linda of BC Guide dogs immediately and she sent me to the drugstore for Benalyn (25mg) and told me to call her any time in the night if she got worse. 
I ran to Shoppers Drug mart in about 20 seconds flat.  I shoved the capsule down her throat and then carried my poor baby outside to do her business.  How ironic is that...my guide dog for the blind can't see!  Off to bed we went and I had a cold compress on her eyes and she fell asleep quite quickly.  She woke up at 1am and 3am and although her condition did not worsen, it wasn't looking any better either.  By 5am she seemed to be herself but still swollen in both eyes and her entire face.  But she was hungry and even though I don't feed her this early I felt horribly for my baby.  She wolfed down her food as usual and then she walked outside to do her business.  By this time she could open her eyes slightly.  She came straight back in and went right back to sleep until 7am.  By this time she was almost completely back to normal!  PHEW.  Linda called to check up on us and I informed her that all was good.  We made a note for next time she is due for shots and Linda advised that this could happen to her again if she is bitten by a spider.
I have attached a photo of her from last night.  She is not sleeping in this photo but rather these are her eyes swollen shut!  Happily and thankfully she is back to normal and we even had a massive argument this evening!

Day 38 - Week 6

I'm going to share some news...this week I told Eve that I loved her!  YUP I did it!  Some people don't like to say those words and some say it all the time.  Some pretend to love and some open their hearts to love!  I love the word LOVE.  And yes, I love my little puppy Eve!  I'm going to admit it...it is going to be very hard giving her up!  We spend 24/7 together.  She's my little buddy and I'll say it again...I love her!
We are off to the Vet this evening to get her shots.  After today she will be free to play with other dogs.  She is going to love it.  She's been pretty sheltered here downtown!

We did go for a great walk with Tucker on the weekend and she enjoyed herself very much.  She was exhausted that night.  She is growing so much.  I can barely lift her now and when she sits on my lap she is very uncomfortable because there is no room.  She's fun to cuddle with. 

Well I'm definitely painting a different picture of Eve from the one where she is a fireball.  Don't get me wrong...she is still a handful! 

This is a picture of all the pennies collected so far from all of us puppy raisers.  It is difficult to make out but it is jars and baskets of pennies The money goes to the raising of these puppies.  Eve's jar collected by Lexus' class is in the far right side.  She titled it "Pennies for Eve".  Keep those pennies coming as I'm almost the top collector!  Thanks Susanne for giving up your penny collection!

Andrea

Day 31 - Week 5

Oh what a start to the day.  Eve was lying so quietly under my desk chewing on what I thought was a toy and suddenly there was a YELP!  OMG she chewed right through my computer electrical cord and was given a shock!  Is she ok?  What do I do?  Call Linda of BC Guide Dogs!  What do you know she's never had a dog get an electric shock!  Why am I the first???  She will call the Vet and call me back.  In the meantime, I did a search on the web.  Big mistake!  Is there really a chance her lungs can fill with a fluid and she can die!  OMG I am freaking out!  Linda called back to advise that as long as she was still able to eat and doesn't show any signs of pain then she is fine!  This little one gets into everything! 
She also discovered a new trick today while I was in the shower.  She can now easily hop onto the sofa.  No problem.  Just a little jump and up she gets and off go the pillows.  When I called her name she just hid her face and pretended not to hear me.  NO FURNITURE!  She is such a handful.  She also knows that when my alarm goes off it is time to get up.  Any other time I can tell her to go bahe isck to sleep and she does.  But as sooon as that alarm goes off...that's it.  She wants me out of bed and now!  She wants her breakfast!
She sure is cute and getting cuter every day.  Her coat has got quite a bit lighter as well.  OMG I think I love her!  Especially when she is sleeping.  Check out this photo with my niece Levi!

Day 29 - Week 5 (October 2010)

I love this puppy when she is calm and sweet!  Why does she turn into a little terror?  I told her today that I'm tired of fighting with her!  Hopefully she listened.  I write this as she lies sleeping with her head at my side.
My little California girl does not like the rain one bit.  A big rain storm rolled in today and whenever I had to take her out she would stay under cover to go to the bathroom.  She refused to go in the rain.  I did drag her out for a 20 minute walk.  It was her best walk ever!  She walked so quickly and nicely and when we rounded the corner for home she ran all the way to the door.  All soak and wet!  She slept most of the day.  It was one of those rainy, stay inside and nap days.  Unfortunately I had to work but at least I didn't have much interruption except for meal times.
We met up with Janel, Penny and John for lunch yesterday.  OMG she barked 3 times in the restaurant!  I felt I had to leave and John said not to worry about it.  As long as the barking wasn't coming from the kitchen it was all good! LOL.  I think I need to loosen up and not get so uptight. 
Eve is behaving in the car although she did test me this weekend.  I put her in her place and we had a nice fairly quiet ride.  If only I could stop her barking!  I will keep working on it. 
This is a great shot of Eve and Janel!  Janel is so great with her!  Enjoy!

Day 25 - Week 4

I could not go to bed without documenting this day!  Today was obedience class.  Sometimes I wonder if it is Eve that is in obedience or me.  Regardless, Mary was terrific today and although it sometimes feels like I'm not doing anything correctly, I  know that these classes will only help me to improve.
After the class, Rupert (puppy Purdy's raiser) offered to help me with my ongoing dilemma with Eve and traveling in the car.  Of course I took him up on his offer!  So in his truck we went.  I was in the back seat and he placed Eve in the floor of the passenger side where she is supposed to travel.
Rupert hopped in the drivers seat and before he started the car he waited to see what Eve's reaction would be.  She didn't disappoint - yelping, barking, jumping!  Well let me tell you, Rupert wasn't having any part of her shenanigans!  He gave her a good jab in the thigh and kept pushing her off the seat back onto the floor.  This went on for a good 10 minutes.  Although it sounds like it wasn't very harsh, I was in the back seat almost in tears.  However, this needs to be done!  Eve finally calmed down so Rupert started the engine and off we went for a drive.  She attempted again to jump up and bite and bark, but Rupert stayed consistent and before you knew it, she calmed down and rode silently in the truck.  WOW!  I was impressed.  Because the drive is from Ladner to downtown on the freeway I didn't want to take any chances and decided to place her in the crate for the ride home.  However as I approached my vehicle I thought, there is no time like the present to tackle this.  So I placed Eve on the floor of the passenger side and off we went.  Well what do you think happened?  NOT A PEEP came out of her the entire trip!  Unbelieveable!  I am sure she is going to test me in the near future but I'm confident that I will win this war!
We came home and I decided it was time to deal with her barking and biting using the tips Mary provided today.  Well, I still have some work to do but what a difference.  She is finally listening to me - her pack leader!  She was pretty tired this evening.  Probably from all the excitment and stress of the day.  But I am very proud of her and me!  Raising a puppy is a lot of work but I know it will be worth it!

Day 22 - Week 4

Here we are heading into week 4.  Eve is growing so quickly and I can't believe I'm going to say this after the morning I just had with her...but she is maturing.  If only I could get her to sleep through the night.  Soon!  This morning she didn't wake up until 4am and after a quick bathroom break she was back to sleep until the alarm went off at 6:30.  At that time there is not getting her back to sleep...she knows it's breakfast time and she will not rest until she has had her first meal of the day. 
She is pretty much potty trained now with the odd accident inside...what a relief! 
We met Linda of BC Guide Dogs yesterday for a walk through the mall.  She said Eve was doing very well and as usual gave me some pointers and reassurance that everything so far is going according to the puppy plan. 
We came home from the Okanagan a little richer!  Summerland Middle School raised $70 for BC Guide Dogs.  The money will go towards the raising of these little pups.  They raised this amount in about 4 days.  I was very impressed!  Thank you Summerland Middle School and especially the grade 6'ers and Lexus (my niece) for arranging the visit and the penny jar! 
I guess I better share with you a morning in the life of a puppy raiser.  After tearing up my brand new book she some how pulled down from the night stand she proceeded to the bathroom where she tore up the toilet paper, then shredded my plant, pulled down a note card and tore that up, pulled down her bell and used it as a toy and NOW....she is fast asleep at my side! 

And when she is sleepy she is an angel and as you can see from this picture with my sister...she loves to cuddle.

Day 18 - Week 3

Wow has it really been almost 3 weeks!  Little Eve has come a long way.  She is such a good walker now and a fantastic runner.  Too bad she doesn't come when she's called!  She played with 3 other dogs today - Cody, Chance and Luke.  She had a grand ole time although the other 3 probably had a different opinion.  She was completely worn out and had about a 3 hour nap this afternoon. 
She is really growing too.  Carrying my little puppy is coming to an end. 
She is loving Peachland and the freedom to run around in a yard.  In 6 days she has had only one accident inside. 
Unfortunately she still hates the car but I'm confident we can over come that!  Fingers crossed!
She makes such an impression on everyone she meets.  Well it's time to get the little one to bed.  This is a photo of Levi (my niece) cuddling with puppy Eve.

Talk soon!
Andrea

Day 16 - Week 3

Wow has it really been a week since I've updated the blog?  I have a very good excuse.  I am not going to lie!  Last week was a difficult week.  It felt like potty training would never be mastered, I was lacking sleep, and to top it all off, Eve was not getting any better in the car.  Last Thursday we took a drive out to Ladner for her shots and she absolutely went nutso in the car.  I tried everything,  I had her on the floor, on the seat, in the back, on my lap...nothing would calm her down.  Once I got on the highway she became very distressed and began to attack me.  Literally, attack me!  I could not stop her and I could not pull over.  By the time we got to Ladner I was very upset and we were both very stressed. 
As I tried to fight back the tears, I explained to Linda the situation.  She came to my rescue and the solution was a crate.  She assured me that Eve would come around and not to worry.  The drive home was better.  Eve did not like the ride home  any better than the morning but she eventually cried and yelped herself to sleep.  We went in the car again the next day and she actually likes being in the crate. 
The big test was going to be the drive to Peachland.  I was so worried!  Thankfully, Michael and Cody were with me and Michael was awesome with Eve.  Eventually he had Eve on the floor of the passenger side right where she is supposed to be.  It has now been a few days since that trip and she is getting better although I attempted a ride with just the two of us today and again she freaked out.  I'm confident that she will get better though and I'm not as stressed about the car ride as I have the trusty crate to rely on for now!

Having Eve at my dad's place in a house is much easier than a condo 15 floors high.  She has only had one accident in the house and loves to run out in the yard.  Today Michael and I headed to Lexus' school to talk to 100 6-graders about Guide dogs.  It was great and the kids were very attentive and had great questions.  It was really fun to have both the baby (Eve) and Cody there.  It really gave the kids and understanding of how amazing these dogs are.  Thank you Lexus for arranging this! 
We are spending the rest of the week in Peachland and I am doing some catch up on sleep and Eve is having a ball. 

Everyone is loving having the pup around and I'm loving the help. 
Happy Birthday Levi!
This is a pic of us at the Elementary School today.  Michael & Cody and Aunty Sylvia & Eve.  The puppies were very well behaved!

Andrea & Eve

Day 9 - Week 2

Little Evey and I had a bit of a stressful day.  I had to take her to my first work outing and that meant we had to get in the car. We know how much she loves the car...NOT!  Ashli was going to be in the car so I was pretty confident she would be fine.  Boy, was I ever wrong.  We tried to have her sit on the floor in the passenger side like she's supposed to (Eve that is) and she went nuts.  Her yelping was bringing chills right through my body.  I always thought dogs liked cars. 
She slept pretty much through the entire training session and I guess she was exhausted again from the mental stress.  The car ride home wasn't any better.  Ashli ended up getting an alergic reaction from her and could barely see out of her eyes!  It was one of those days! What am I going to do about the car???? 
Well I got home and there was a message from Linda of BC Guide Dogs.  I called her back and she gave me some suggestions.  It appears that being on the floor of the car may give her some anxiety after the plane ride last week and the vibrations she is feeling. I will bring a blanket with my scent on it and have it cover the floor and the seat.  If that doesn't work I can allow her on the seat and we will eventually work her back down to the floor.  She seems to want to be near me all the time
We are both exhausted tonight so I think we will head to bed early.  Tomorrow her guide puppy friend, Maggie (who flew with her from San Fransisco), is coming over to play at lunch.  It should be fun. 
Until next time! Enjoy a picture of Eve asleep with her teddy and always next to my shoes!

Exhausted Andrea & Eve

Week 2 - Monday

Eve discovered a new toy today!  THE ICE CUBE!  Now I should actually look at video taping her with an ice cube because it is so hilarious how she pounces on it as it slips away.  She is so playful in the morning it drives me nuts as I'm trying to get ready for work!  Well the ice cube was a great distraction and when she was done I gave her another one.  She played with it for about 10 seconds and then looked at me as if to say "Is that all you're going to do is give me ice cubes all day?  Well, I'm done with the ice cubes for now!"  Luckily by 8am she is ready for a power nap!  We attempted a walk this morning to attend a coffee meeting.  She will now walk a half block!  There was a puppy about the size of her across the street who was walking along so happily as Eve sat there not moving.  "Why can't you move like that puppy?" I asked her.  She just looked at me and smiled with those puppy dog eyes. 
We are off to a meeting tomorrow and it should be very interesting!

Day 7 - Week 1

The weekend can not possibly be over!  I need more sleep.  I say this as my little angel naps at my side.  It's still quite difficult to go anywhere as she doesn't like to walk much.  I won't be able to carry her much longer she has grown so much in 7 days! 
We hopped in the car on Saturday to drive to Ikea in Coquitlam.  What a mistake.  What was I thinking!  First off, she was so stressed in the car that eventually she cried her self to sleep and Ikea was so unbelievably busy that everyone wanted to meet her.  I'll save you the rest of the details but all in all we made it back to the city and met Ver for coffee.  By this point she was so mentally exhausted she slept the whole visit.  Today she spent an hour with Ver and I think she had a lot of fun cause as soon as I put her in the car she fell fast asleep. 
Well we made it through the first week and I can already tell that it is going to be very difficult to let her go!  However, I cannot lie, this has been a really challenging week.  I know it is going to get easier but this potty training is really hard! 
This week we are off to get her next round of shots and our first obedience training class.  We will keep you all posted on our progress. 
This is a picture of Eve checking out the doggy park below.  She can always hear me taking her photo and she turned around to catch me.  What an adorable puppy!

Day 5 - Week 1

Eve got to meet Michael and guide dog Cody last night.  The short 2 minute drive to Michael's was a nightmare.  She absolutely hates the car!  She barked and yelped so loud I had to make sure the windows were rolled up tight so no one would think I was hurting her.  By the sounds she made you would think I was torturing her. 
Michael loved to hold little Eve.  Something he didn't get to do with Luke and Cody.  So that was nice.  Thank GOD Michael is coming with us to the Okanagan next weekend.  I'm going to need some help in the car.  I wonder how long the drive will take!  NO Michael...you can't back out now!
Eve gave Cody some kisses, they played and then she did a little poop in Michael's kitchen and off we went to get home for some much needed sleep.

Eve and I went to bed late....11:00 pm.  Way too late for a puppy...and especially me!  Anyways, off to dreamland we went.  She is such a good puppy and makes no fuss at bed time.  Let me re-phrase that - she is such a good puppy when it comes to sleeping!  This was our 4th night together and I'm telling you I was exhausted.  I'm not sure how mother's cope with human babies.  Love you Michelle! 

I woke up suddenly to an unbelievable but familiar stench!  OMG I am afraid to open my eyes.  Where am I ????  I turned on the light and there was little Eve lying quietly on her bed and there on the floor was a whole mess of pee and poop.  I'm telling you it was a great mess.  The stench was more than I could stand.  I thought it was a good idea to close the door at night so that I could hear her when she woke up.  I guess I was so exhausted, I didn't even hear her little bells jingling. 
She looked at me with her sleepy eyes with a look that said "Can you please clean this mess up, that's nasty!"  I told her to stay, and off I went to get yet another roll of paper towel, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes and a rag.  Why did I think she would just lie there after I left?  Up she gets, straight through the mess! She then lays quietly beside me and watches.  I didn't know where to begin!  What time is it?? 
I cleaned up the mess but the smell was so bad in a hot stuffy, closed up bedroom.   Why is it so hot in September???  Hey I have an idea.  I just purchased a new can of Febreze with a light scent of citrus.  Perfect!  I sprayed that room and didn't miss a spot!  Even her bed got a little mist of Febreze. 
Back to sleep we go.  I left the door open this time and within a minute, Eve decided to go sleep on the floor in the living room.  Why you ask?  The scent of the Febreze was more than the two of us could bare!  I joined her!  I cannot even tell you what time this took place or how long we were in the living room but we did wake up in the bedroom this morning!  I guess we eventually made our way back to our comfy beds!

Guess what we're doing this weekend?   SLEEPING!

Day 4 - Week 1

I've gone through one large roll of paper towel in about 24 hours.  Is that a lot?  Patience, patience, patience...she is going to figure out this potty training thing.  The rare times she does go outside - WOW am I ever excited!
We had a great day of playing and napping.  Well Eve did most of the napping and I tried my very best to keep my eyes open at work.  My back and neck are sore from carrying her so much.  A 2-block walk to Staples took an hour!
Of course everyone loves her wherever we go and most people ask to pet her which is the right thing to do.  We are allowed to pet her but only if she is behaving.  So when you see a guide dog with their puppy jacket on you need to ask if it is ok to pet the puppy.  The jacket indicates that she is working or in training.  Eve went a little nutso with one lady today so I had to tell her that Eve was not behaving appropriately and off we went. 
I neglected to tell everyone that not only is my niece Lexus a big time animal lover but so is her big sister Levi!  I think Lexus actually followed in her sisters footsteps.  Levi loves animals so much that she became a vegetarian about 2 years ago and is even considering working with animals for a living.  And guess what?  She's only 13!  I'm proud of you Levi! 
Eve and I will visit Lexus' grade 5 class in a couple of weeks and they are going to start a penny jar in her class.  WOW that is fantastic.  Perhaps we can even visit the highschool with Levi and I'll see if her mom can set that up too.

Well not only are my nieces excited to meet Eve but so is the rest of the family.  My brother's girlfriend is Michelle whose brother is Michael.  I mentioned Michael in an earlier blog.  Michael is blind and is on his second guide dog.  So Michael's family is also super duper excited to meet Eve, especially James!  Not to mention my dad of course.  They actually may be more excited to see Eve next week then me!  I don't mind, this little pup is bringing joy and smiles to the faces of everyone she meets.  
By the way, the rug in this photo has now been removed until potty training has been mastered.

Till next time...
Andrea & Eve

Day 3 - Week 1

I hope that this blog can help us all learn what it takes to raise and train one of these amazing animals.  As I learn along the way, and attend obedience classes I will share what I've learned in this blog.  I do know that it costs about $40,000 to train these puppies until they are placed at the age of 2.  BC Guide dogs has a contest for us puppy raisers and it is to see how many pennies we can raise.  Of course the money goes to the cost of raising the pups.  SO...if you have any spare pennies around, let me know and perhaps I can be the big winner!  I do not pass a penny on the street without picking it up so it was quite ironic to hear of the Pennies for Puppies.
Last night at about 1am, Eve woke up and I said to her "Let's go get busy."  She ran to the door and rang her bell signaling me she needs to go outside.  We went out and within 5 minutes she did her business.  I was so proud and thought that perhaps she was trained.  Wishful thinking! She proved me wrong today!  We are going to get though this.  She was a little terror today.  Running around, chewing everything she could get her mouth on and running after the mop as I tried to clean up.  Of course you can guess what she is doing now...fast asleep.  She likes to nap at the front door with her head on my shoes.  It's pretty cute! 
I spoke to my 10-year old niece Lexus today and in 2 weeks time we are going to take Eve to her classroom and share Eve's story with her class.  It should be fun.  I'm pretty excited for Eve to meet Lexus as my niece is the biggest animal lover I have ever known!  She is going to be a big help when we visit next week.
Sweet dreams everyone.
Andrea

Day 2 in the life of puppy Eve & Andrea

Here we are watching Glee.  I think it's Eve's new favorite show.  She's so perfect!  I am exhausted!  We had a pretty good night actually.  I did wake up at about midnight and discovered she was not on her bed beside me.  I scoured the condo looking for her and couldn't find her!  Ok, she couldn't have gotten that far in a 650 square foot condo!  Where was she you ask?  Well she had slid off her bed, under my bed.  All that was sticking out was 4 little paws.  She is actually looking at me right now with a "You think that was funny?" look. 
She woke up at 2am and after about a 1/2 hour outside she finally had her very first pee outside.  I was so proud.  She went straight back to sleep and was up and at 'em at 5am.  I could here her little bell jingling around the condo and when I came out to find her I discovered a toy near the window?  Oh no what has she ruined????  I bent down, touched it and guess what, puppy Eve had taken a poop by the window!  Lovely!  We took Nikki out for a birthday lunch today to our first restaurant.  Oh now please don't relieve yourself in the restaurant.  NO she didn't.  Phew!  But as soon as we got home she found a lovely spot on the hard wood floor.  We need more paper towels!!!
We receive an overwhelming response to our blog today.  I was shocked to find about 40 emails waiting for me this afternoon.  I will respond to you in time, but for now please follow us on the blog.  You can even post comments here!  Of course our first email response was from Michael and guide dog Cody.  It is because of the inspiration I get every time I see Michael that I decided to become a puppy raiser.  We promise to visit you this weekend! 
I wish I could share more this evening but Eve is now tugging at the computer cords, which may be a sign that she has to go out and relieve herself?  Somehow I doubt it. 
Until next time.

Andrea & Eve

Day 1 with Andrea and puppy Eve.

When I arrived at the airport to pick up Eve it was love at first sight.  Eve and Maggie arrived safe and sound from San Fransisco and Eve came straight into my arms before I even knew if she was mine.  What an afternoon we had!  She played and chewed and peed and poohed!  All indoors!  Oh what fun!  Every time I would take her outside she was very afraid of the big bad city.  She wouldn't walk, she wouldn't move and she definitely was not going to the bathroom.  Not even after 45 minutes outside.  Back indoors and wow my sister was right when she said that the pup would chew everything.  I don't think there is anything she hasn't chewed.  Including the tusk from my wooden Elephant I purchased in Thailand!  She also discovered how to pick up her bowl full of water.  I've done a lot of mopping today...3 times to be exact!
We attempted another walk this evening and I carried her for about 6 blocks.  At the end of the walk she gingerly attempted a 1/2 block walk.  She is now fast asleep in her new bed and I am praying she sleeps through the night, but I think that is wishful thinking. 
Love,
Andrea