GUIDE DOG GRAD GETS BLIND PARTNER.Byline: Daily News Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley resident Shavonn Springfield contributed time and love in raising a puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind This article is about the guide dog school in the United States. For the British charitable organization, see The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Guide Dogs for the Blind , and was proud to see the dog graduate as a guide in a formal ceremony at the Guide Dog campus in San Rafael. Hamlet, a black Labrador retriever Labrador retriever, breed of large sporting dog whose origins are obscure but whose immediate ancestors were developed in Newfoundland and brought to England in the early 1800s. It stands about 23 in. (58.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 75 lb (27. , was presented at the ceremony to Damian Pickering, who went through the organization's training course with the dog. Springfield is a member of the Antelope Valley Guide Dog Club, whose members raise puppies to be guide dogs. Guide Dogs for the Blind uses yellow and black Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds and Labrador/golden retriever retriever: see sporting dog. retriever Any of several dog breeds, bred to retrieve game, that have a thick, water-resistant coat, keen sense of smell, and “soft” mouth that does not damage game. Retrievers are 22–24 in. crosses as guides. The puppies are born at the Guide Dog kennels and placed in the homes of volunteer puppy raisers when they are about 2 months old. The puppy raisers socialize so·cial·ize v. so·cial·ized, so·cial·iz·ing, so·cial·iz·es v.tr. 1. To place under government or group ownership or control. 2. To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable. the pups by housebreaking The act of using physical force to gain access to, and entering, a house with an intent to commit a felony inside. In most states, housebreaking that occurs at night constitutes the crime of Burglary. them, teaching them to be good canine citizens and introducing them to new experiences. The pups are returned to Guide Dogs for formal guide training when they are 13 to 18 months old. After training, the dogs are matched with blind students enrolled at the school. The new person/dog team completes an intensive in-residence course culminating with a graduation ceremony at which the raiser formally presents the dog to the dog's new partner. To get involved, contact Guide Dogs for the Blind at (800) 295-4050 or visit www.guidedogs.com. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Shavonn Springfield is seen with her guide dog puppy, Hamlet, which she presented to Damian Pickering. |
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