After being involved with puppy raising through Guide Dogs for the Blind, we finally received Jodianne, number 352T, via the puppy truck in mid October of 2001. As a Guide Dog puppy, they are with you 24/7 and become an intricate part of your life.
Jodianne was full of energy, fun and responded well to our training sessions and socialization outings. She always turned heads with her expressive eyes and wonderful personality.
Shortly after her return to California for formal training she was “career changed” and we adopted her back to our home. What a reunion that was! From that time forward she was again, part of our family.
Jodianne was always close to our sides, wagging her tail and on the lookout for any treats that would come her way. She tolerated being dressed up for holidays and the hundreds of photos, as long as there was a treat for her at the end of the process. She learned bagging a treat off the counter, was like going to Las Vegas. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
She became a therapy dog and was a founding “listener” with a program designed for elementary school children to read to her. She loved the attention, the hugs and pats the kids would give her. Her velvet soft ears and wet doggie kisses were added bonuses to the kids. The kids were amazed that you could put a treat in front of her, and until you told her “OK”, she would leave it alone.
Jodianne, so to speak, had a sister, Leilani. Leilani was also a Guide Dog for the Blind, who graduated and worked for six weeks. At that time she was retired, since her handler was allergic. With open arms, Leilani returned to us, and was equally welcomed by Jodianne. Jodianne would have made a great mom, as was shown by the care given to Leilani. They truly were the best of “buds”.
We are grateful for the years we had with Jodianne and know she led a full life. Yes, she will be greatly missed and know the memories she has given us, will always be ours!