new blog location

Now that Roman's not longer an official service dog, I felt it was only fair end this chapter of his life and start the new chapter of his life with a new blog. Soon he'll be coming back home to Denver and the name "Roman" will be given to a new puppy that will hopefully make it as a guide dog for the blind.

Please visit his new blog: www.romanandme.blogspot.com to see how he's doing as my pet dog!

flunked out of school

DOG: 4M93 - Roman M\LAB\Yellow - TRN\REL
DOB:1/20/2007
LOCATION: SR
DISPOSITION: To be Determined
MANAGEABLE COMPANION: No


SUMMARY: Roman is a personable dog with many endearing qualities. He requires average handling for control, especially around other dogs. Roman has been very healthy, and is currently eating 2 cups Science Diet Lamb & Rice twice a day.
Roman made a very slow adjustment to kennel life. He was initially uneasy with the various sights, sounds and activities of this environment. For example, he showed concern with some noises and with being in the general proximity of an active hose in community run. Also, Roman was initially very anxious and resistant to body handling, specifically being placed on his side. Roman bonded very quickly and strongly with his primary Instructor, and he was initially vocal (barking, whining) in the kennel for attention. As time passed and with supportive handling, Roman settled in and showed marked improvement in all of the areas mentioned above. Despite his slow adjustment in some areas, Roman interacted well with his roommate and all the dogs he played with in community run.
In formal training, Roman proved to be a willing, food motivated learner. He tried hard to please and tended to put a lot of pressure on himself to do the right thing. Despite his willing temperament, Roman displayed discomfort with various stimuli in the environment and some tasks that were asked of him. This unease was observed with objects in the environment, some noises, while passing through doorways, with surfaces, stairs, and while riding in the training van (both in and out of the van crates). While Roman made progress in some areas, his generalized concern of the environment has led to his release from our program. There is no doubt Roman will be a fun pet dog and he will be remembered fondly by our staff.

RELEASE REASON(S): 21301
BEH: Fearful Behavior Environment Generalized
IMPORTANCE: Primary

roman's sister royale @ doggie splash pool party

phase four

Guidework training progresses on more difficult sidewalks in busier sections of downtown areas. All curb types and more complex street crossings are introduced. The dogs begin to show clearance awareness, and begin to guide their instructors through the campus obstacle course. Preliminary obedience testing and evaluation of the dogs' reactions to head collars are also performed.

roman's moved up fast....phase three

Harness training in quiet residential areas; frequent rides in the training vans. Teaching new guidework commands and responses, such as "Right," "Left," and "Over Here," as well as continuing to work on commands learned in Phase 2. Curb checks and street crossings are introduced. Progressive obstacle course training on campus. Obedience training continues. Mall exposure walks and introduction to dog social sessions

phase two......finally

Preliminary harness and obedience training. Introduction to distractions (toys, food, other dogs, cats, etc.). On-campus training of leading into harness (pulling forward in harness) utilizing the BEST™ program and responses to guidework-specific commands such as "Forward," "Halt," "Hopp Up" and "Steady." Introduction to campus obstacle course on leash.

claire's drawing of caroline & roman

love the red shoes!

not much of an update on roman, as of today he's still in level one......he must be really liking the relaxing walks on campus and play sessions

roman's got a roommate on campus

roman's in phase one

Pre-training physical exam, neutering/spaying (with the exception of potential breeding stock dogs who are under evaluation at this time), X-rays, eye checks. First walks on leash. Introduction to the kennel environment and schedule. Relaxing walks on the campus and play sessions with instructor assistants. General daily care and grooming.

email from the puppy truck driver

Caroline,

It was nice to meet you last Saturday when we picked up Roman and his pals. We had a good trip. We drove to Grand Junction on Saturday, Elko on Sunday, and back to San Rafael on Monday. We arrived on campus at about 6:45 pm. Roman is a great dog, he traveled well and was a delight to handle. Lee and I both had several opportunities to walk Roman and we were truly impressed with him. He is a handsome dog and appeared to adjust nicely when we got to campus. I've attached the photo of you two, thanks for the time and effort you put into Roman.

If there's anything Lee or I can help you with let us know,

sincerely ,
Joseph A.- Professional Puppy Truck Driver

puppy truck

last kisses

city park

hayley's feeling better