LOWELL

When we brought Kona back to the CDC, we got Lowell. He is black like all of us GG's.  I'm not sure, though, that a boy puppy can be a GG.

  I really liked him.  He was lots of fun to play with and I will miss him - but it will be nice to be puppyless for a while so I can get some attention.

Lowell got to do all the things I used to do before I became a regular dog.

He met Roger the Jester at Christmas in Stockbridge - and like me was part of his show.  Please note that he is wearing the dreaded elf suit - I am so happy it does not fit me any more.

 Athough I have to say that it looked good on me.

He went to lift operator training (actually we both did but I did not get my picture taken very much).  Please note that he, not me Raisin,  is the puppy snuggling with my friend Janna.

Making sure that ski patrol does lift evacuation properly - very important in case the lift breaks so that was my job.

Lowell also got to go to a Christmas party.  I did miss going to that because it is always nice to get presents but only Lowell got to go and get a Christmas present.  And he did not even ask Santa Paws for it!  I hope I will still get a present at Christmas - maybe some bones for me and the GG's and we could use a new bed at work.  Because somebody (who will remain nameless) ate our bed.

 Lowell and his sister Lennox went first because they were the youngest puppies and got to pick out their presents at the same time   - he picked out the big red stocking.

He did meet Santa Paws but not at the party.

I was jealous when he got to go to the car place to get snow tires

because Ralph is MY special friend and always gives me treats.  At least Lowell did not get any treats. 

He went on a groomer ride - I remember I was very scared the first time I went.

We went to work every day - and on the days we worked in Lenox, Lowell got to go to McDonalds

We had a snow storm while Lowell was here.  So much fun to play in new, fluffy snow.

Best of luck to Lowell as he heads off to his new life in the Bay Region.

KONA

SO.   I have decided that being a big sister is not so bad. The hardest part is that a puppy gets everybody's attention.  When we both go somewhere it's "Oh look at the cute puppy - OMG you are so adorable - can I hold her - can I pet her."  What about me?  I might not be little and cute any more but I am exceptionally beautiful and well-behaved! Now it's just "Oh - Hi Raisin." But is is fun to have someone to play with who is closer to my age. Unfortunately I just got used to Kona and she is leaving for her puppy raiser's home on Saturday so we will be making a trip to NY tomorrow to bring her back to Guiding Eyes.  I think she will miss me.

Actually I think she will miss all the rest of the GG's also.

KONA and Doris - Doris is letting her cuddle but does not have a happy face 

KONA and Granny Oneida

KONA and my mom Bea

KONA and my teddy

 I think Kona had fun while she was living with us.

She helped mom tile 

Went to the car place

Met some hunters

AND best of all saw her first snow~

I spy Kona

         I wonder who my next puppy will be

A JOB FOR ME

How time flies!  It's been about 6 weeks since I found out that a life as a service dog is not for me and I've been wondering what I would do for the rest of my life.  I turned 17 months on Sunday and it's time for me to stop being a couch potato - 

         

although snoozing in the sun with the GG's is a most enjoyable way to pass the day!

I thought about joining the ski school - I helped Dave put together his presentation and sat in on some of the off-snow training.

I had to abandon the training, however, when I spotted a little kid - I am the best ever greeter of little kids.

And that is a very important job during ski season.

I still may be a greeter.  But in the meantime, the GG's and I are going to mentor some puppies from GEB waiting for raiser homes.  The GG's have done this a lot but my first puppy arrived today.  Her name is Kona and she is black like me.  It's going to be hard because I am used to being the cute baby who gets all of the attention and gets to go special places - but I am going to try my hardest not to be jealous and to do a good job.

I am going to take good care of Kona