Friends of Finn: Shoes with a Mission

It isn't too early to start thinking about espadrilles. Many people are headed for warm spring-break destinations and summer really will be here before we know it although it is snowing outside as I write this.  

I received a very thoughtful gift of Soludos espadrilles.  Not only are these very well made and comfortable shoes, this particular pattern benefits "Friends of Finn".  

Who is Finn and why would I want to be his friend you may ask?  Finn is a dog belonging to  Amanda Hearst (yes, that Hearst family).  Amanda purchased Finn as a puppy from a pet store and most pet stores acquire their puppies from puppy mills.  Since then she has become aware of the inhumane manner that puppies and their "parents" are treated in puppy mills.  Friends of Finn is a committee founded by Hearst, who has gathered her friends and joined with the Humane Society to educate people about the abuse in puppy mills and this .  Click here to view a video of a puppy mill raid.

Soludos supports the efforts of Friends of Finn by donating a portion of the sales this pattern of their espadrilles to the cause.  Look carefully at the pattern.  Do you see dog bones?

I love my Friends of Finn, Soludos espadrilles and can't wait for a warm day to wear them outside.  You can buy your own pair by clicking here.

Best Wishes Libby

We wish you the best Libby, as you train for your career as a Leader Dog for the Blind.

It's hard to believe you are all grown up and ready for a job.

Seems like just yesterday you were a tiny pup.   

Put all that playful energy to good use, 

and become a faithful, helping, loving companion for someone who needs you more than we do.  (but they can't love you more)  XXOO

Good Bye Sydney

Sydney returns to the Leader Dog campus on Saturday for evaluation and then intensive training.

If she passes all the requirements, she will be paired with a vision impaired person to be a Leader Dog.  If for some reason she does not meet the requirements, she'll have what Leader Dog calls, "a career change" and she'll come back to me.  I wish Sydney all the best.  She has qualities that will make her an excellent friend and guide for a sightless person.  

Ready for "work"

Sydney, the pleasure has been all ours.  Thanks for the joy and spirit you brought into our lives.  We'll love you and miss you always.

Sydney's Birthday

Sydney, our Leader Dog puppy in training is one year old today. 

Happy Birthday Sydney!

Sadly, (for me) a birthday for Sydney means that it is close to the time she returns to the Leader Dog campus for intensive training and to meet her visually impaired partner.  We wish Sydney much success but we sure will miss her. 

Pet Accessories at Crate & Barrel

1 Houndstooth dog bed small $39.95, large $69.95 2 Red Dog Bowl small $9.95 large $14.95  3 Grey Strip Dog Blanket $39.95 4 Dog Treat Jar $19.95 

The motif is more sophisticated than cute and won't be too offensive mingling with your home decor, unless you purposely decorate in a Scooby Do or Hello Kitty manner!

Set of 3 Mice Catnip Toy $9.95

Bowls and Treat Jar also come in feline motif.

 "Placemats" for pets with sloppy eating habits. $2.95 each

One Thing Leads to Another

We've had Sydney for three weeks and she is showing great promise as a Leader Dog.  She has been on many public outings and remains under control and calm.  She is learning to obey commands and is mostly house broken.  Following Leader Dog requirements, we needed to acquire a crate for Sydney.  Which led to ...

... reworking the mudroom.
Custom laminate counter top mounted on adjustable Ikea table legs and an Ikea shelf with drawers and charging station from Target clearance.  Which led to ...

...adding shelves in the coat closet for bins to hold the mittens, scarves, and hats.  Add to that a bin for boots and a bin for dog food.  

All the closets in the condo were unpainted and pathetic.  
Which led to ...

 

... painting all the closets in the condo and installing ClosetMaid shelving systems.

Closet space is maximized for our personal paraphernalia leaving space for guests belongings. 

And that is what we did on our summer vacation.

Meet Sydney: Future Leader Dog for the Blind

Sydney

She is a 5 month old Labrador Retriever puppy that came to live with us on Saturday. 

Our precious Nikki died at 15 1/2 years old in April.  Hubby and I were so sad that we immediately applied to be puppy raisers for the organization Leader Dogs for the Blind.

 We were very excited to be approved as puppy raisers and were eager to get a puppy this summer.  Saturday was an open house at the Leader Dogs for the Blind campus in nearby Rochester, MI.  

When I entered the lobby for registration I was greeted with the scent of "wet dog" and was captivated by the sight of calm, obedient dogs sitting at the feet of their raisers and owners.  The veteran puppy raisers welcomed me as a new raiser and assured me it was a rewarding, fun, and sometimes exasperating experience.  

Two puppies with their Leader Dog bandanas awaiting obedience evaluation.

Puppy play area in the kennel.

The kennel houses up to 310 puppies and dogs in various phases of training.

  

april 11, 2011

I already know that on April 11, I need to take Sydney back to the Leader Dog campus where she will undergo several phases of training and then be paired with a student.   After successful completion of the program, the graduate of the program will take Sydney home and be able to lead of life with greater mobility,independence, and quality of life.

You could raise a puppy too.  Click here for information about raising a puppy to be a Leader Dog.