Sunday, June 11, 2006

A Groovy Day at GDA

The annual GDA Open House fundraiser is always crazy good fun, but this was my first time in attendance with a dog of my own, so it was even more chaotic. This year's theme was "Back to the '60s" which, as you can see by the photos I've posted, afforded all sorts of goofy opportunities. The clever event planners outdid themselves this year, posting signs like "Drool is Cool," "Puppy Power," "Mellow Yellow," and my personal favorite, "Black Lab is Beautiful."

Lomax and I participated in the "puppy trials" distraction/obstacle course, and while we didn't place, I feel pretty good about how we did. Lomax is so distracted by other dogs that I was concerned he would...well...explode into uncontrollable wiggling, I guess. But I was able to rein him in fairly well and he took on the most difficult challenges (including getting on and off a bus filled with blacklights, loud psychedelic music, incense, rabbit furs and another dog) with relative confidence. It was the easy things -- you know, distractions he couldn't possibly care less about when I'm out working him in the real world, like water -- in which he suddenly took interest. Ah, well. The trainer who's been keeping in touch with us said yesterday that Lomax looked the most mature she'd ever seen him, so that's great news.

The South Bay puppy raiser group works the "Puppy Kissing Booth" every year. One dollar for the privilege of receiving a puppy kiss is a pretty good deal, but Lomax was especially generous with l'amour. Here's Bob, getting his money's worth.

And of course, these events are always a good time for family photos. Here's Lomax with his beloved brother Liam (on the left) and sister Kandy (on the right -- who by the way is going in for the last phase of her breeder evaluation, woo hoo!).



The day went so quickly, I didn't even have time to watch the guide dog demonstration or wander around and look at all the silent auction packages, which are always fantastic. So I did my part by purchasing a comfy GDA sweatshirt, enjoying the tri-tip sandwich lunch as well as the Girl Scout bake sale booth, and buying a raffle ticket for the "Spend a Day With a Guide Dog Trainer" program. Lomax, meanwhile, gave kisses until he was all kissed out.

Grateful to have spent the day with my little man and all of our puppy raiser friends, at least one of us slept very well when we got home.

11 comments:

Katherine said...

Oh, great pics! Lomax looked like he had a lot of fun.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like GDA goes all out for their open house. What a neat idea. Lomax looks like he's having fun, especially in the picture where he's kissing Bob.

Anonymous said...

Last year Lomax was in the puppy kissing booth, too! Hehe, two years in a row... he must love it. :) He's SO cute! And I'm happy the trainer says he's looking a bit more mature. I definitely would like to see him before he goes IFT in the next few months!! :)

- Joanna

Natalie said...

WOW- busy day, eh? =P

Looks like everyone had a great time- I definitely would've paid for a kiss from Mr.Lomax! Love that family picture, what handsome/pretty doggies they all are!

By the way, LOVE your outfit Jenny! =)

Nat and Petey

Hobbes Dogs said...

How AWESOME!

Can we come next year?

Sam and Patience

Natalie said...

Sam, can we stow away in your suitcase?

Or even better- ROADTRIP...California ain't seen anything yet...until us two very cautious and safe drivers hit their roads!

8675309 said...

katherine & gwiz: Absolutely, GDA goes all out! And Open House is a lot of fun whether or not you have a dog in training. It's always held during the beginning of June, if you're ever in the area!

Joanna: Let's schedule a day to visit soon. I think turn-in is August 12, and I know Lomaxy would love to see you. He sends kisses your way, no charge! ;)

Sam and Nat: How cool would it be if you could visit!! Seriously, if you're ever planning a trip to L.A. (with or without dogs), let me know! If there are no cool puppy events happening, there's always Disneyland....

Hobbes Dogs said...

Well Nat, we've covered most of the best places in Toronto, so let's co-POOP and organize it.

Sam

Natalie said...

woohoo I've always wanted to go to LA =)

Jenny, we're co-POOPing as I write this (well Sam is-since she says she's not going to let me drive!)but I'm up for Disneyland!

And also, we may have to kill you if you visit Toronto without contacting us-we can take you to Wonderland!

Anonymous said...

Did someone say "Road Trip". I'm in and have experience travelling endless hours with a large pack of dogs in a minivan. (Ontario to Florida)

Natalie said...

Yay! What's 3 more doggies? :P

Not to mention that you have more driving experience that us 18 and 16 year olds! haha