Because of my knee replacements I had to make arrangements for Helper to stay with other Puppy Raisers for eight weeks. I was feeling fine after a couple of weeks. However, my surgeon did not want me to chance an injury while working with Helper too soon. So I put the word out to the Puppy Raisers in North Dallas and had a wonderful group of ladies (Marsha, Becca & Linda, Virginia, Terri and Teresa) volunteer to help. Everyone took a week and then Helper rotated back to most people again for a second week. This provided a great opportunity for Helper to get used to living in different households and taking direction from various people. This type of experience helps the dog gain confidence for the ultimate transition...leaving their Puppy Raiser and going to advance training in California when they are approximately 18 months old.
The pictures below were taken by fellow puppy raiser Virginia. She and her husband Allan took Helper into their home even though they already had a full house...four other dogs! This is another great experience for Helper because she had to learn to get along with more senior dogs while living in their domain. Allan is a doctor and after he spends a full day with patients he comes home and gives the dogs treats. In this pic they all lined up in the kitchen ready to catch a peanut....what a great picture!
In the pic below, Helper is sleeping next to her suitcase. Her theme song for 8 weeks was "On The Road Again"! It takes a lot of supplies to provide for a growing puppy for eight weeks!
In this wonderful picture below, Allan is cuddling with Helper. Even though it is against CCI rules to allow the dogs up on the furniture, I was thrilled to see this picture! After all, Helper was going from house to house each week for eight weeks. She needed someone to cuddle with! Thank you Allan!!!
