A Saturday Weeping

Saturday, July 21st, Jam will be going In For Training (or IFT as it is affectionately known).  Now, it is a full morning of activities called Guide Dog U, starting at 8 am at Southeastern Guide Dogs.  Here is the itinerary:

Jam, sitting, while Fred is at the end of the leash.

• Arrival of puppies
• Puppies taken to Freshman dorms (receiving kennels)
• Campus tour (this is where puppy hugging happens as all the moms and dads are weeping and in need of some loving), blindfold walks and refreshments
• Presentations
• Guest speaker
• Closing comments and farewell

When we arrive we are to come with Jam and a packet of information.  His medical records should have already been faxed several weeks prior.  He is still intact, so he is a breeder candidate.  In addition to his medical records, Southeastern has us provide them and the trainers and the potential visually impaired or blind person that Jam will hopefully be paired up with information about us and about Jam.

I filled out that paperwork on Saturday. I cried through most of it.

Fred and Jam inside the Leepa-Rattnor Museum in Tarpon Springs.

When asked to share fun and positive adventures, I wrote the following:

"Taking Jam out is almost like having Brad Pitt with you.  He stops traffic.  When he was a little puppy, he was so cute that Fred and I had to go together to stores because we would be inundated with people wanting to stop and talk with us about how handsome Jam is.  One time after a meeting in Sarasota, we were eating lunch at St. Armand's Circle and had a table by the big picture window.  I felt like I was having lunch with Elvis because people would stop and stare and point at Jam.  Then they would wave at us and mouth, "He's gorgeous!"  Yes, yes, move along!

Jam is a super sweet boy.  I think his most endearing quality is how much he wants to be with you and follow you.  I love the feel of him on my feet.  (This is where I start to cry.) He loves to work and is very smart.  He loved going to school.  When he had some growing pains and had to stay at home, you could tell he wasn't happy.  He wanted to work, see the kids, walk and do the commands.

Fred and Jam walking up at a figure of Andy Warhol.

For additional comments and our wishes for whomever is matched with Jam, I wrote:

My hope is that Jam becomes a guide dog for someone because it seems to me that he really wants a job and someone to love.  Jam does have a sense of humor, as well.  So in the end, what we wish is that your partnership be one of love, happiness with obedience and some laughs.

Jam and Fred getting ready for the goodbye dinner.  Fred is trying to put Jam's coat on him.

Weeping is full blown now

Of course the trainers just want the facts.  The unvarnished reality of Jam.  All of his good and his less than ideal traits.  How do I put down counter surfer and not feel like a failure for not being able to get that behavior under control?  Jam's stubbornness is mammoth.  Squirt bottles and corrections were nothing in the face of a potential yummy that might be had.  And yet, he is so smart.  He knew the switch command at 4 months (we did it every Monday-Wednesday-Friday).

He will Drop It.  So tell me, why does he pick it up again?!!!

This morning, as it has been every morning the summer off, I have been woken up by my furry alarm clock: Jam.  He usually lets me sleep until 7:30 am.  Then he will put his two front paws on the bed and poke his nose in my face.  If I say, "No." He lies back down until I am ready to get up.  But he is most happy if I wake up then.  Because he has been waiting patiently by my bedside for me to awaken.

In Jam's world, there is only room for one beloved (he is what they call a hard bonder).  Fortunately for him, his heart is so big he will give it willingly to another person if his beloved is not around.  So, on Saturday, whomever calls his name, be prepared not only to take his leash, but his big heart with you as well.