Holly a GDA Puppy

Numerous activities took place today. Much of this post is from memory of the day, I never stopped to write notes. I foresee there are going to be a few missed post days from time-to-time. We knew Holly would spend many an hour sleeping, she did. That sleeping period is where I projected time would be available to write a few words, take a break, and enjoy her company. Well, I was mistaken. I had gone to bed late last night since we were working on small projects: getting the house in order, making sure the car was loaded with the camera, towels, and directions to the GDA center.
While showering this morning, I recalled Mindy (the Ventura Chapter Area Leader) stating we would want to exchange contact information with the other puppy raiser receiving litter mates. Recollection of those days working for Business Cards Tomorrow (the fun times with Tippy Tan and staff). Once out of the shower, I whipped out one of the 12-up templates and started pounding the keys. Time is ticking, no black lab puppy pictures. Hit the clip art collection and hope I recall the fun pieces. Even in black and white, the printer is slow when in a rush. I had now finished drying off, grabbed a bite to eat, and dressed –“It’s 9:00 AM, we told Donald we’d pick him up at 9:00”, Madaline was calling out. Grabbing the second printed sheet as it emerged from the printer and a pair of scissors, we were out the door and on our way.

Traffic to Sylmar was very light for a Friday morning. It is not often I drive when Donald is in the car; what a back seat driver he can be. Madaline read the GDA Puppy Manual out loud on the drive there. She and I had read it more than once. However, since it is the “Operator’s Manual” and Holly (though a puppy now) is a working dog not a personal pet there are lots of rules that we need to refresh ourselves on as we undertake this new volunteering assignment.

Louise of GDA spoke to the six other families that will be the H litter puppy raisers. This litter was born on July 2, 2009, seven puppies: Hamilton, Hank, Hayden, Heidi, Holly, Homer, and Honora. Many thanks to Mindy and those of the GDA Ventura Chapter. Much of what Louise spoke on was reinforcement to what I had heard/learned while attending/socializing at the monthly chapter meetings. Louise did a great job of not making the folder of papers look like a home mortgage refinance loan package. Future posts and links will be developed in weeks to come – when I start implementing the directions or completing the forms.

As a group, we were taken down to the nursery and the puppies were brought out to be handed over. GDA had given the puppies unique hair trimmings to identify who they were. After receiving the puppies, we as a group returned to the grass area (out of the direct sun) to bond with the puppy we had received and perform the towel rub on all the other puppies to create a scented comfort towel of all the litter mates for the first night away from the family. I may have mentioned the towel in the Tomorrow is the big day (20 AUG 09) post. The afternoon concluded shortly after that with individual pictures of the puppy raisers and their assigned puppy for GDA’s use.

The drive home was smooth. Whining by Holly took place a few minutes after we got onto the freeway; lasting only minutes while Holly made herself comfortable in Madaline’s lap.. Today was the only and last day she was able to sit in Madaline’s lap. Madaline called it bonding. Having had puppy sat Eddy just three weeks ago and experiencing the need to have the dog on the floor; Holly would need to begin the same routine. The floor location does have its perks, front seat leg well has a whole lot more space than Madaline’s lap.

Arriving home was relief time – nothing happened. Lunch was served and consumed! Immediately after lunch time was another relief time. Nothing really took place in the 12 minutes out. The manual states give 15 minutes. Sure enough, after coming back into the house, after 12 minutes outside, a dump. A long quiet time came soon after. The learning curve includes both parties –the puppy and the raisers.

Joseph and Madaline did go out to eat with Holly after she awoke. Holly did great, slept most of the 40 minutes. When Holly decided to awake, Joseph didn’t want to wait and see what may take place. The bill was paid and home they went.


So far the day has been really easy, just filled with small catching up. The leaves that usually gather on the lawn were raked during Holly’s long sleep period; as was the removal of the kitchen trash can from where it has sat for thirty years, quick release clips were put on the leads and tie downs, pictures were taken and are being edited later this evening (battery needs recharging!), phone calls on how Holly and the rest are doing came in. You get the idea.

Holly is asleep again, Madaline may be. Madaline didn’t sleep well last night and tomorrow is another big day; back to Sylmar for a class. We are going to rack up some mileage over the next two years.