Puppy Raiser Night: Meeting Penny’s First Family

Me and Penny with Dick and Peggy Wanat at Puppy Raiser Night
Dick and Peggy with me and Penny

After Saturday’s dinner pizza party, the time had come for some of us to meet our puppy raisers. The excitement in the air was palpable and contagious between dogs and humans. The dogs were taken out to park then brought to the banquet room for their visit. Penny was extra excited as she was free of her harness and Gentle Leader. Linda led us in via sighted guide as Penny was beside herself with energy. The room was set up with small groups of chairs spaced around it to facilitate semi-private visitations.

Linda led us to the back of the room where Dick and Peggy Wanat waited patiently. The Energizer Bunny, I mean Penny, was super charged and sniffed her curiosity all over the room. She was a happy handful, lunging and sniffing the floor in her totally Golden way. She did settle down enough to get some loving from Dick and Peggy. Many pictures were taken. Penny and Dick are members of the Lathrup Lions Club here in Michigan, with Peggy serving as President. Penny was a proud hole sponsor in their fund raising golf tournament this year. Penny will be transferring from the Lathrup Lions to the Augusta Lions on February 4th. I shared a few golf hat clips from the Augusta Lions Club Willard Pryor Memorial golf tournament held in October of 2013 with them to present to their fellow Lions. We had a nice conversation; and I felt really comfortable with them. Penny was their first puppy raised for Leader Dog. They turned her in for formal training in August of 2013. The Wanats are now raising their second puppy, a Lab Golden cross.

Dick and Peggy brought us a couple of goodies. Penny was given her favorite toy, a round Nyla bone. She could not keep her nose off of it during the visit. They brought me a little photo album with puppy pictures of Penny and a tactile picture with the state of Michigan on it. The outline of the state including the Upper Peninsula are raised so that they can be traced with the fingers. I am inserting a video of Penny enjoying her new toy for your entertainment.

We exchanged contact information so that we can stay in touch. Peggy told Penny that she missed her; and told her to keep me safe. I know Penny will make them proud!

Until next time…

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