 Kernel Comes Home
November 10, 2001 ~ A New Challenge!
Knowing how hard it would be for us to leave Brando's in-for-training day with an empty leash, we asked GDA for another puppy to raise. We meant a "new" 8 week old puppy, of course, but the handsome boy on the right with the devilish grin is what we came home with. Kernel is a 14 month old male Lab who's first puppy raiser family did not have time to work with him, so he was returned to the campus. When we picked him up, he had been in the kennel for a couple weeks, and was a whirling dervish of pent-up energy. We were told he was a bit of a "problem child" who needed discipline and structure to fix some bad habits. Not wanting to say no, we agreed to take on this new challenge. No doubt he'll test our puppy raising skills in the coming months. Welcome home, Kernel!
Becky the Puppy Raiser
 Isn't it funny how things change, yet stay the same? Our Great Dane Becky was Brando's best friend -- they were always together. The day we took Brando back to GDA was the day we brought Kernel home to live with us. We knew there would be an adjustment period (there was!), but were amazed at how quickly 14-month old Kernel became Becky's new pal. As different as Brando and Kernel are, it didn't seem to matter at all to Becky. I guess she knows it's her job to help take care of the new guide dog puppies, and teach them the ropes. A pretty neat lesson about unconditional love, wouldn't you say? :-)
May 17, 2002 ~ Turn In Day!!
Where does the time go? Seems like only yesterday that we brought Kernel (the tornado) home to live with us. Today I was summoned to take Mr. Kernel -- or "Special K" as we've come to call him -- back to GDA to start his formal puppy college training. He made a lot of progress while he was with us, but we're not totally convinced he has what it takes to be a guide dog. Hopefully the GDA trainers will be able to channel Kernel's high energy level in the right direction. He is a very smart little guy, and would be a wonderful companion to someone in need. We tried not to get too attached as we knew he wouldn't be with us long, but we weren't successful. It was a sad moment when Kernel sat and watched me dismantle his crate. I'm sure it was my imagination, but he seemed to know that something was going to change. Looking into those sparkling brown eyes made me feel a little guilty. He was a part of our family, but it's time for Kernel to move forward with his career. This is the hardest day any puppy raiser family has to face. It certainly isn't easy giving them back, but our sadness is a small price to pay to help Guide Dogs of America in their mission. We miss you already Special K.......
August 2002 ~ GOOD NEWS!!
It's hard to believe that 3 months have passed since Kernel went back to GDA for his formal guide training, and he's still there working his little heart out. We were pleasantly surprised the other day to receive a "Dear Mom & Dad" letter from our handsome boy, along with a photo sent by his trainer. As you can see, he appears to be enjoying school very much. Good boy, Kernel! We are very proud of his achievement, and perhaps just a little surprised he's still in school, given his rough start. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we'll be going to Kernel's graduation very soon. Only a couple more months to go!
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"Kernel's Page" ~ Dedicated to Guide Dogs of America
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