 Hi, My name is Darby.... (April 2003)
I am just a little more than four months old, but I'm extremely smart and (dare I say it) the cutest yellow Labrador on the planet. I was a bit of a "puppy handful" for my first foster family, so now I am living at Almosta Ranch with my new foster parents and five other big dogs. I like it here, except for one thing...... they really should call it Puppy Boot Camp. My new parents are pretty cool, but they sure do have a lot of rules. Sit, stay, down, leave it, don't bite, kennel up, drop it. Sheesh! Well, OK, so I guess all the rules aren't so bad. As you can see in the photo at left, I am learning STAY pretty well.  And, how about those pretty California poppies in the horse's pasture? They sure do make me look good. If I behave myself, maybe the GDA staff will consider me for next year's fundraising calendar...... :-)
(HEY, what's up with this crate thing? I promised not to chew on the rug again!)
Darby Settles In
It took no time at all for Darby to make herself at home. In fact, she immediately made a new best friend.... our black Lab named Brando. Does that name sound familiar? It should, as Brando was our first guide dog puppy in training. It turns out our very mellow (i.e. lazy) fellow was not cut out for the rigors of guide work and, after nearly 3 months in official training, was dropped from the program. We were quite upset that he didn't make it, but (admittedly) relieved to have our boy home again.  So, he is now a pet with a new career as a registered Therapy Dog, and the official ambassador to all the new guide dog puppies who come to live with us. Thanks, Brando, for teaching Darby the ropes. (Just don't teach her how to be lazy!)
Another New Experience (May 2003)
The timing of Darby coming to live with us wasn't the best...... we received the call from Guide Dogs only a week before our scheduled two week vacation. Fortunately, the head of the puppy raising department was able to find an experienced puppy foster family to take Darby for two weeks. Although Darby was just starting to figure out her new home and pack, she was shipped off to spend two weeks with a nice couple and their two dogs. Turns out Darby was not phased at all by this upheaval. She got along well with everyone and handled it beautifully. As of mid May, Darby is now back at Almosta Ranch, and learning quickly. Good thing, too, as the annual Guide Dogs of America Open House & Obedience Puppy Trials are right around the corner on June 7th. If you're in the Sylmar, CA area that day, you are welcome to drop by the Open House from 11am to 4pm. Please come and cheer for Darby to win her puppy class! If you can't make it this year, keep an eye on Darby's page to see how she did.
Thanks for visiting
Trojan Horse Antiques & Collectibles
"Darby's Page" ~ Dedicated to Guide Dogs of America
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