Happy Would-Be 7th Birthday...

To Yarmouth, the first dog I raised for Guiding Eyes for the Blind in 2004. Unfortunately, Yarmouth had several medical problems that required him to retire early from being a guide dog. Because I was in school, I was unable to adopt him or provide him the extensive care he needed, so he was adopted by a nurse in Virgina. They cared for him for 6 months before his ailments got the better of him, and he peacefully was put to sleep earlier this year. Yarmouth taught me so much...I owe it to him for getting me so involved in dog training :). Thanks, Buddy. You are greatly missed <3.

Terrible Week

I was laid off today.

Something about financial troubles with the new store in Gainesville they've been trying to open.  I also wasn't the only one.

They said they would like to keep my name and information for the future if/when business picks up again in the summer. But...now what do I do?

Not to mention I received a letter from Yarmouth's adoptive family last night.  He got very sick in mid January, and they finally had to put him down.  Yarmouth was the first dog I ever really trained, and my first puppy I raised for Guiding Eyes.  He was only six years old.

Oh, and my pet rat, Chessie, died last night as well.

Can this week get any worse?

My copy of Microsoft Word is also rioting and won't let me update my resume to mail out to dog places like gangbusters.  I guess it will have to wait until tonight...

Urg....somebody save me.

A Happy Yarmouth

Hey!

     Yarmouth is such a sweet dog. We love him so much. A little about me. I am 18 and as a family we have raised 3 1/2 dogs. the half of a dog was the last dog that we did and we just started her. We got our first dog in 2004 also. She didn't even get 2 take the IFT becuase they disqualified her becuase she had a rash inbetween her toes. The second dog  made it into training but she injured out becuase of a knee problem. The third dog was a GLAB and she had to much of a golden tendancy in her but she has now become an arson detection dog. Then our last dog that we did for only half has now made it into training.

     Wow that is awesome that you now get paid to train dogs. what are you studying in college is it related to animals? I think that behavior of yarmouth reminds me of marley from marley and me if u read or saw the movie. we also have a miniture schnauzer and the dogs seem to get along quite well.

    I am slightly jealous that you still get 2 be involved with GEB in such a way. I only get 2 puppy sit and when i do it is for a short time for only over the summer and then my mom gets tired of extra dogs in the house. I know what you mean about the droopy eyes. our first dog had really droopy eyelids what my family calls "sad eyes" I actually still see a little bit of yarmouths doopy eyelids but i am sure that it is not as bad as it use to be.

     Yarmouth has already found a place in our hearts and especially mine. I have claimed him as my dog as long as i am home from college. Realted to his medical issues. our vet has looked at yarmouth and his records and she believes that yarmouth is hypothyroid and that as long as we give him thyroid medicine it should fix him and make him like a puppy again. so we are waiting 2 c the crazy puppy but i think we will find a calmer puppy then we are used to. I look forward in staying in contact with you.
 

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I'm glad he's doing okay <3  Hopefully we hear from Gerta soon too. 

Yarmouth's New Home

"Hi, yes we found someone to adopt him, she is a former puppy raiser of ours. Yarmouth is heading down to them this Tuesday! They live in Norfolk, VA and cant wait to meet him. Her vet has reviewed his records and she is prepared to give him whatever medical care he needs."

Hurray for Yarmie. I hope he's a happy guy.

My Life's Work Needs Help...I thought it was worth a try.

President Hrabowski,
My name is Jennifer Buzby, and I have been a
proud UMBC Retriever in good standing for three
years as an English major, and am about to
enter my last semester living on campus in the
fall. I plan to return in the spring as a
graduate student in hopes of attaining my
graduate certificate in ESL education.
However, I am faced with a difficult
predicament. In 2004, I started raising
puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind as a
volunteer puppy raiser, beginning with a black
Labrador retriever named Yarmouth. I have
since produced over three working guide dogs
that are spread across the country, my life's
work growing. Since then, so many doors have
been opened to me with respect, knowledge, and
understanding for a world I've come to realize
as much larger than my own.
Unfortunately, I have received notice that as
of today, my first dog has been released from
the program and his blind partner of four years
after being diagnosed with an autoimmune
disease that will likely cause his end in just
a year's time. I have been given the
opportunity to adopt him, and would love
nothing more than to make sure his final months
are meaningful, since has given so much to his
blind person and inspired me to pursue my
degree in education. However, as I must return
to campus in the fall, I will not be able to be
with him or even adopt him, as I will be
residing in Walker avenue apartments, with
commuting from home not an option.
With all due respect, I only ask you if it may
be possible for me to have my retired guide dog
with me during his final months. As a guide,
he is perfectly trained and well-behaved; a
real certified service dog. I understand if
this decision is not under your discretion, but
am at a loss as of who I should contact
alternatively. I have always had the utmost
pride and respect for you, as well as UMBC, and
only thought I could humbly present you with my
problem, if there is anything at all you can
do.
Any response is much appreciated, and I very
much look forward to hearing back. Thank you,
Sincerely,
~Jennifer Buzby

Photos of Yarmouth, Godiva, Gerta, and neighbor Katrina