Hi Shelley, I know how hard it can be to retire a dog. I've retired three over the years, and each time it was difficult. I hope your new dog will enjoy the challenges and long days of Boston, and that you and the new guide click quickly. Take care of yourself. Lora -----Original Message----- From: bksvol-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bksvol-discuss-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Shelley L. Rhodes Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2007 6:24 PM To: bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [bksvol-discuss] Update on us Hi Everyone, warning this is going to be long. it has been well a couple of weeks since I could actually post something meaningful on the list. The summer is definitely not turining out the way i planned. First of all, the convention was a blast. Pratik and I attended the Users group which was a lot of fun, and I also got to talk to John Glass and check out his Icon, love the design much better than the Brailleplus, but alas the Braille Plus is available on Quota funds, and I am afraid will make more money than the Icon. I didn't run into Kelly Heartman though, and regret that. Was kicking myself as I was flying on the plane that I hadn't sent my cell number out, and at the hotel couldn't access the stupid wireless network. Sigh. But it was a blast, and a lot of fun. Presentations were great, and I had fun, won some doggy related prizes, spent too much money in the Exhibit hall as I always do, smile. But john is a real honest to goodness person, smile, and I am excited by the changes that are being made. I do have some bittersweet news too. As of August 12, Judson will no longer be a guide dog. I have had him now for seven years, and absolutely adore him. But Boston, has not been kind to him, and my work is very challenging. He hasn't walked truly fast for a couple of years but I adjusted my stride to his, and we worked through alll the doggy things, and finally clicked as a true team, about two years ago. I filled out an application in April, as I wanted another golden retriever for the next dog. They said it might be a year's wait which was fine, but if they contacted me sooner would I go. The answer was yes, as my dog has been a great one, but he doesn't enjoy working particularly my long days in Chelsea. Well.... I have a class date, it is August 12, in the Oregon class at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Judson does have a great home lined up, and I have been crying off and on for the last two weeks since I found out. On July 5, we celebrated our seventh Anniversary, and I knew then that he was retiring. he is my first guide, and I know I will work through this. But I will let the list know what pup I get, what gender, and whether a lab, golden, or a goldador, smile, when I know which will be August 13. Judson is going to live with my mother in Pennsylvania. She is coming up to pick him up in August. Honestly I think Boston was a great thing for him. He showed a desire to work, and a spark of understanding which was impressive, smile. I have learned a ton from this dog, and I know he has taught me patience, and love, and consideration of my dog's feelings and concerns. So.... It is going to be a hectic summer, and with a lot of feelings, both, sad, joyous, bittersweet, anxious, and everything in between. I am also working at our summer Program for students called CarrollKids, and have been in Newton since last Sunday, i got part of today, Sunday and Monday off, and have to be back for the rest of the week on Tuesday. The program is fun, and I have a lot of time in the evenings for reading books, as there is no television and we are sharing computers! But I get done with CarrollKids on August 9 and fly off to Oregon on the 12. Sigh. So if you all need to contact me, write me privately and I will try to answer. smile. TTYL. Shelley L. Rhodes M.A., VRT, CTVI and Judson, guiding golden juddysbuddy@xxxxxxxxxxxx Guide Dogs For the Blind Inc. Graduate Alumni Association Board www.guidedogs.com More than Any other time, When i hold a beloved book in my hand, my limitations fall from me, my spirit is free. - Helen Keller To unsubscribe from this list send a blank Email to bksvol-discuss-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx put the word 'unsubscribe' by itself in the subject line. To get a list of available commands, put the word 'help' by itself in the subject line. To unsubscribe from this list send a blank Email to bksvol-discuss-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx put the word 'unsubscribe' by itself in the subject line. To get a list of available commands, put the word 'help' by itself in the subject line.