Special Places in 2003

Kit Carson Day Rendezvous
June 2003

The Rendezvous is a cultural time machine back into the history of America. Guide dog puppies come face to face with mountain men and their black powder rifles, Civil War soldiers and battle reinactments and men & women of the Old West. Jack Middleton ('Blind Dog'), his wife 'Yellow Hair' and his working Guide Dog 'Gossett' dress-up and live for a few days in the style of the early 19th century western explorer.

While at the Rendezvous, Guide dog puppy Bingham met a camel and Leon closely examined a skull.

Scenes from Fun Day

Leon is greeted by a new friend

GDB trainer Emily Simone greets people
with her special friends black Lab Brad
and Pharaoh Hound Trey.

Wesley meets his sister Wispy.

Leon gets his teeth cleaned
by a Instructional Assistant.

A significant part of going to Guide Dogs annual fun day is meeting famous relatives. 'Klondike' has been the sire of many Carson City guide dog puppies. He is the father of Francois, Chadwick, Chevron, Cosette, Lilith, Kade, Jigsaw, Jabir, and grandfather of Leon and Emmy.

Five month old Leon is checked-out
by his grandfather, Klondike.

Left - Lori and Lani

Right - Higby

Left -Henry

Right -Halsey

Leon knows that it is important to stay cool
and relaxed on a hot day.

Meanwhile Bob 'Spanky' Lucas got his hair styled
by Sandie Arnn as part of the festivities.

San Francisco
July 2003

Going to the City by the Bay means lots of unusual experiences for our guide pups.

Five month old Leon poses by a stanchion along the dock.

Hi, I'm Bing. I'm a Lab/Golden Cross. Along with my little Black Lab buddy, Leon, we went to the 2003 Fun Day at Guide Dogs in San Rafael. The next morning we visited Fishermen's Wharf in San Francisco.

I will never forget Pier 39. This was my first time seeing the sea lions. Talk about noisy and smelly! But like puppies, these guys like to hang-out together.

Leon and I enjoyed watching the people
and the kids on the merry - go-round.

Thelma and Ribbon enjoyed meeting a baby Fiord colt.

'Pleased to meet you,' said Leon when he was introduced to a pair of milking cows.

One good smell deserves another.

'Are you a real ranch dog?' At just 4 1/2 months old, Leon realized that he was the same size as this old ranch veteran.

A Visit to Monterey, California
August 2003

This is what a guide dog smells in Monterey - Sea Lions are everywhere.

Dayton could not believe his eyes.

Sea Lions are just like guide dog puppies...
they enjoy soaking in the sun and laying on top of each other.

Dayton preferred the cool tile floors of Monterey's
Chateau Julien Winery to laying on the beach.

Nevada State Train Musuem
August 2003

Steam is the power that turns the wheels; and steam is the force that blasts music out of the whistle. The powerful Virginia & Truckee steam engine is on its way to the depot at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

'All Aboard', says Bob, the conductor.

Build in 1880, the #8 once hauled freight up to Virginia City - today the cargo is guide dog puppies.

Bingham is ready to ride.

What a great combination!
Vintage trains and young guide dog puppies.

To Wesley & Willard the train vibration is like a massage.

While six month old Black Lab 'Leon' meets a friendly stranger outside, eight month old 'Douglas' and Amy are inside touring the museum.