Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone
love from Griff!

Glow for Guide Dogs November 2014

Year 13 organised and ran this year's Glow for Guide dogs Event in School.
Pupils paid to wear non uniform bright clothes and also bought badges,  glow sticks.and luminous loom bands.  They raised a phenomenal £170,   which is going towards sponsoring a puppy.

Well done Everyone!

Summer Holidays

Hello again Everyone!
Almost time to go back to school.  Griff can't wait.  He's really missed all the fuss and attention from staff and pupils.
Griff has had a busy summer.
He has been to Milton Keynes to see Monica,  his puppy walker,  and her family and had the chance to run in the park with his old friends.

Here is Griff with Monica,  Edi and Irene at the field.

Then meeting up with old friends, Zinzan, Tag and Bruno.  A lovely run round the field was followed by a rest in the shade with Monica.

Thank you for inviting us!

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS DOG? Tess

I know,  we've been missing for ages,  sorry...
However Tess is even more missing... So please share

6th August - An Update - Is Guide Dogs offering a reward for Tess?

Guide Dogs is not offering a reward for Tess and discourages anyone else from doing so.

While we are doing all we can to find Tess, and are greatly appreciative of the fantastic public response we have had, we do not want to encourage financial rewards for the return of missing guide dogs as we do not want to put guide dog owners in a potentially vulnerable position.

A guide dog is the key to the outside world for a guide dog owner and we continue to urge anyone with information on Tess to contact Guide Dogs on 0800 68 88 409.

Please help us find Tess, the missing guide dog

Thousands of Guide Dogs volunteers and supporters have joined our appeal to help find missing guide dog Tess.

The six-year-old black curly coated retriever went missing while on a free run with her owner in Nairn, a seaside town about 16 miles east of Inverness, Scotland.

Please help by sharing this poster. You can also find a PDF link on our website to download http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/news/2014/august/please-help-us-find-tess-the-missing-guide-dog

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Happy Birthday, Griff!

Sunday 29th June and it's Griff's 2nd Birthday!  Lots of cards and presents and Good Wishes

New responsibilities



Some of our older pupils have started exercising Griff.  He seems to enjoy it,  as do the pupils. 

Cake Sale Success

Congratulations to year 13 on a great cake sale. As well as Monica and her family visiting Griff for the morning,  Sue Bushell from Guide Dogs came.  The cakes were lovely and £42 was raised for Guide Dogs.  Griff didn't get any cakes,  but fortunately Monica brought him some treats and his fluffy toy dog.

 This is taken from their facebook page

Guide Dogs Birmingham Mobility Team

Yesterday at 12:15 · 

Had a lovely morning at Priestley Smith School - I met Griff their Buddy Dog with his puppy walker Monica Fodor and her parents, we were welcomed by staff and students and enjoyed lovely cakes baked by year 13 who had a cake sale and wanted to donate the proceeds to Guide Dogs - £42 raised thank you everyone. Don't forget if you want to follow Griff you can on his blog griffbuddydog.blogspot.co.uk

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Here  he is later in the day,  cuddling up with his dog.

Cake Sale and Puppy Update

I emailed  Paul and Jonquil to invite them to our Cake Sale.   Sadly they will not be able to come this time,  although Monica,  Griff’s puppy walker is coming.  Yay!  Griff will be excited!
However, Jonquil has sent us this lovely email on the progress of Misty’s puppies.

Misty's puppies went up to the National Breeding Centre on May 27th, when they were just 6 weeks old.  The following day they went through their Puppy Profiling Assessment, which is a series of tests which give a good idea whether a puppy will respond to the very demanding training they will have to undergo to become Guide Dogs.  The puppies think they are playing games!  All of Misty's puppies passed with flying colours, so they have been accepted for puppy walking, and they are now out with the volunteers who will keep them until they are about 14 months old.  There, they will learn the basic commands, and be given lots of experiences so that they are familiar with things they may meet in their future career.  For instance, they will go on public transport, into shops, and out and about so that they learn how to behave in public.
I know that Monica did all sorts of things with Griff, such as taking him up the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.  Perhaps she included some of her photos in the album she gave you.
Finally, the puppies now have names - they are given their names when they pass the assessment - so we have : Zebedee, Zara, Zoe, Peter, Gweny, Rocket, Zea, Islay, Zorba and Bingo.  The ones that begin with Z were chosen by people connected with Misty;  those that begin with other letters are sponsored names, chosen by generous people who have given money for the right to name a puppy.  For instance, Islay has been named by the group of puppy walkers where Misty grew up in Scotland, after a Scottish island.

To see video footage of Guide Dog puppies or to find out more about sponsoring follow this   link to Guide Dogs

Fund Raising

Our sixthformers are planning a cake sale in school to raise funds for Guide Dogs.
Watch this space to see how they do.
Griff is very fond of cakes,  so let's hope they can sell them before he gets his paws on them,  or should that be jaws?

Summer arrives for Griff

Griff is not coping well with the current heat.  Dogs are trapped inside fur coats all the time. Take a look at the advice from Guide Dogs and RSPCA on caring for dogs in hot weather.

So what has Griff been up to?

He thought he might go to Wimbledon, strawberries and cream, no problem, but it's difficult to play when you eat the racquet!  Also, it's far too hot for such exertions!

Griff with tennis racquet and ball

So what are the alternatives?

Nice leisurely walks... well no, Griff doesn't really like leisurely.

Swimming?  Ahh, now you are talking. Crayfish beware. Griff loves Ensor's Pool!

We have started carrying water with us at all times. Griff does drink the pool water, but fresh is best.  Griff is also not expected to wear his buddy dog coat in this weather.  That's a good job really, because he hates it!

Please don't make me wear it!

Dogs die in hot cars

Care in Hot Weather; Timely Reminder from Guide Dogs now Summer is here

Guide Dogs Birmingham Mobility Team

5 hrs · 

Care in hot weather

Dogs do not have the ability to adjust the temperature of their environment or of themselves as efficiently as we do. As a result it is the handler’s responsibility to see that dogs don’t overheat and suffer the numerous health complaints this can produce.

Not only do dogs have thick hair covering their body, but they also have only a limited ability to sweat to assist cooling. Dogs use their tongues to regulate their temperature; this is why they pant during exercise.

During hot weather great care must be taken to ensure your dog does not overheat. Extra care will be necessary with small puppies and those with dark coats. The following points may help;

• Always ensure a supply of fresh drinking water is available. Never restrict water in warm or hot weather especially with working Guide Dogs.

• Puppies and dogs must NEVER be left in vehicles or parts of buildings which can become hot quickly, such as conservatories or summer rooms. Adapt accommodation so your puppy/dog has access to ventilation and shade.

• Exercise your puppy at the very beginning or very end of the day. Staying out of the midday sun will prevent your pup’s temperature rising. Avoid letting dogs ‘sunbathe’ in the garden, restrict them to shady areas or a cool part of the house. In very hot weather, do not free run or overly exercise dogs.

• Try to avoid working dogs during the hottest parts of the day, if essential try to stay out of the direct sun and stop for regular breaks. Make sure to carry some water for your dog and offer it regularly. Consider also that pavements can become so hot that the tar surface can melt.

• When travelling the driver should ensure the effects of air conditioning are available to the puppy/dog. If the vehicle has air conditioning travel does not need to be restricted, however it is worth noting the air will be dry and therefore the puppy/dog should be allowed regular access to water.

• If air conditioning is not available then travelling should be limited to avoid the hottest times of the day and alternative ventilation provided. Regular breaks (minimum every 30 minutes) must be taken to allow the dog out of the car and access to fresh water. If a journey is unavoidable during the hottest part of the day and a vehicle does not have air conditioning the journey must be limited to 1 hour.

• When planning long journeys in hot weather it is worth considering the route to try and avoid any roads works etc where possible.

• Vehicles which are being used to transport dogs where possible should be parked in shaded areas when not in use to keep them cooler. Puppies/dog MUST NOT be left in parked vehicles.

• Restrict energetic exercise and games.

• Do not fit puppy coats or any additional “clothing” eg bandanas, as these will contain heat and only increase your dog or puppy’s temperature.

Signs of heatstroke

If your puppy/dog does overheat, the following symptoms are likely;
• Excessive drinking
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Collapse
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• High temperature
• Convulsions and seizures

Heatstroke is an extremely serious condition which will require immediate veterinary attention. It is also advised that you try and cool your pup down using tepid water or by covering in wet towels and moving it to a cool place to try and reduce temperature. DO NOT hose or immerse the puppy in cold water.

Easter Holidays

Griff really missed everyone at school during the Easter Holidays.  He loves everyone coming in to see him each day and likes to be the centre of attention.  However,  don't think he was bored or allowed to mope around; he went on loads of long walks.

Here he is at Hartsill Hayes with a posse of friends.  They meet up regularly for a good run round.  And again below,  after they had taken the stick they found for a swim.

The only thing Griff likes better than a cooling swim is a wallow in the mud. 

The weather is warming up now, so  Griff is even more inclined to swim and he is also moulting. Every where needs vacuuming regularly! 

He also met another Guide Dog in Nuneaton and a Guide Dog in training in Tescos.  Griff is generally quite well behaved,  but a little boisterous.  The Guide Dogs put him to shame!  If he is wearing his coat people often ask what a Buddy dog is and we have to explain. 

It is amazing how many people will talk to the dog,  or happily ask a complete stranger questions about him.

And finally...

Griff never wants to be left out of anything,  so when the boys start wrestling on the settee,  he just has to join in!  He's not on the furniture,  just on the people!

News from Paul & Jonquil

We have exciting news from Paul and Jonquil: their new dog Misty had 10 puppies on Tuesday 15th April, in the same room where Griff was born.  There are five boys and five girls.  We don't know their names yet, but most of their names will begin with Z.

A great day off!

On Thursday 10th April, Griff stayed home for the day with Stephen, rather than be bored lounging in the office all day while a pupil's basic food skills day was going on.  Several of the visiting pupils were not keen on the dog, and the food preparation course was followed by a staff meal out. Great for staff, not so good for dogs.
Instead Griff was treated to long walks and the opportunity to run and run with other dogs. He had a great time.

Sadly, all too soon,  Griff had to return home and on the way relaxed with a delightful cooling dip, in the water at Ensor's Pool.

The smell and the mud that Griff found later, meant that Stephen had to put Griff under the shower. Griff was very disappointed.

Venturing further afield

Griff visited Bournville School in Northfield, Birmingham. Bournville has a resource base for visually impaired pupils and there are also hearing impaired students there.  The pupils enjoyed his visit, particularly when he went for a walk with them and posed for his photo!

Click for more information about Bournville School and Sixth Form
We have visited a couple of times now, but sadly Griff turns into a proper scavenger at Bournville, constantly searching for any food! Secondary schools tend to offer pupils greater freedom to eat in a variety of locations, which results in more readily accessible foodstuffs. He enjoyed a good run round, but also revelled in the delights of playground delicacies, like toast, sandwiches and fruit. Griff got scavenging down to a fine art and has required intervention from Guide Dogs to reduce these antics!

..

Monica has sent us a copy of Griff's Official Guide Dog photo taken once he completed his Puppy Walking Programme.
Doesn't he look lovely.

We received this lovely email the other day.

 We are gradually finding out more and more about Griff's family and the wonderful people that have contributed along the way.

Hi Everybody at Priestley Smith School, 

I’ve heard that Griff is now working at your school as a Buddy Dog,  I’m sure you are all having a great time looking after him and learning how to take care of a pet dog if you have one at home or may get one as you get older,  I have watched the blog about him and I’m very proud of what he does, you will know all about why he was rejected as a Guide Dog but able to help in some other way. 

This e mail is to let you know that I Puppy walked Griff’s Mum, her name is Donna and she’s aged four years, unfortunately Donna was Retired early because she had a problem with waxy ears and Guide Dogs didn’t want the problem to be passed on to her next litter of puppies – I hope Griff’s ears are nice and clean and you remember to check them when you examine him to make sure he’s in good health.   Donna was puppy walked here in Scotland but went to England to have puppies as they are all born there,  when she was Retired I asked if I could have her back as a pet and Guide Dogs brought her back to Scotland. it was lovely to get her back with me to keep.  I also Puppy walked her Mum Goldie so I have Puppy walked Griff’s Mum and his Granny!  my new one is called Waffle, she is a Labrador /Retriever Cross, now five months old and is learning a lot from Donna and they both enjoy playing together,  I also have and older Reject Dog aged ten years called Amber.

I know you will all enjoy taking care of Griff, you are very lucky to have him at your school and I’m sure he’s a very lucky dog to be part of your school.

Best Wishes to Everyone. 

Margaret Hyslop

Meet Griff's new friends. 
Monday 10th March 2014. It was a lovely spring like day and Griff went to the field with Marley and Luther. It was their first meeting, but they hit it off really well.  Marley and Luther are owned by friends of Mrs Broadley's son, Stephen.

Griff has had a wonderful time playing with Marley and Luther

Dogs enjoy socialising and playing with other dogs. 
Griff drank a full bowl of water when he came home! He was very warm. Do you know how dogs cool themselves down?

8 March 2014

Griff has a new hobby; pond dipping!
We have a small fish pond and a wildlife pond in the garden. We don't know the state of the wildlife, but we've seen the state of the wild dog!

We have now had to put a variety of obstacles in the way to prevent Griff getting into the wild life pond.  Apart from the fact that Griff gets filthy in the pond, we are trying to protect the frog spawn that has been laid in there. He is also inclined to drink the pond water, which gives him an upset stomach.

February half term 2014

What did you do over half term?
Griff went on some long walks despite the wet weather and was able to have a really good run off the lead. All dogs need regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy.
He visited Hartshill Hayes Country Park and Ensor's Pool an area of special scientific interest. Here we learned that Griff loves splashing through quite deep water as well as wading through mud!

Friday 7th February 2014

 Today Griff joined yr 8 in their skills lesson.
Pupils were given the opportunity to view and comment on this blog.
The consensus was that the blog was good, but more pictures were requested.

Pupils also got the chance to play with Griff and also give him basic commands.
All the pupils managed to get Griff to sit, some got him to do other tricks, like offering a paw and doing a hi five.  These commands are reinforced with hand signals.

Welcome

Griff the Buddy Dog joined staff and pupils of Priestley Smith School for the first time on Monday 20th January 2014.

Griff lives in the Mobility Room in School and goes home with Mrs Broadley each day.

These pages will tell you all about Griff's life in school and how to look after him properly.  You can email comments and questions to griffbuddydog@gmail.com and one of the mobility team will respond.  Sadly Griff cannot respond personally.

For more information about Priestley Smith School click here

For more information about Guide Dogs click here

You are welcome to post comments,  but please do not use your full name or give contact information.