this episode brought me to tears! i hope GDB finds a career for Ricki! she is a real sweetheart! My question for Guide Dog Maniac is will you keep Ricki if she does not find a new career at GDB?
Well, ..I know that Ricki did her best. you did a good job working with her. ..It is hard to have your pup get dropped. (My first two both got dropped at their evals for dog distractions. -one loved them.. the other was terrified of them- So I am a little sensitive to evals now).. Just remember that you guys did amazing with her, and she is a great dog. no matter where she ends up :)
While I am very sorry to hear that Ricki didn't make it as a guide dog I completely understand. Our fits GDA puppy was not a good candidate. We are now working dog number two. Hopefully Ricki finds a wonderful placement or permanent home. Wishing you best of luck with your next puppy!
congrates ricki even though she didnt make it she did in our hearts! ricki has made soooo many improvements from week one and i belive that she will find another job :D i learned soooo much from your series and i wanted to say thank you soooo much im getting my puppy from canine companions in about a month and because of you and your series there will be a greater chance of our future dog making it as a guide because all of the stragigies you thought me in these videos thanks you!!
I enjoyed your videos of Ricki and cannot wait to continue to follow your next journey. My aunt has had two career change dogs and we have had very special relationships with both. We lost our dog last year but are ready to adopt and she recommended I submit an application for a career change guide dog. I plan on touring the facility (in San Rafael) but before I go, I was doing some research to and found your site. I learned so much watching your show - thank you for sharing!
Bummer! Brought tears to my eyes since like almost every puppy raiser, I've been there! But she seems so sweet--someone will be very very lucky to get her. You guys did an amazing job with her. Kudos.
I have a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and I saw that Ricki's dad's a CCI sire. So I may be biased, but I've always been impressed with Ricki's work ethic and her public behavior for a puppy. I'm also impressed with your diligence in working with her on her distractions. I'm sorry she couldn't get past it, but it seems like both of you worked as hard as you could. I'm sure GDB'll give her an amazing job and she'll continue to make you proud. My best to you both!
@tcornes We too were really impressed by Ricki's work ethic, and that is exactly why we decided to try and place her in another career rather than keep her for ourselves. It wasn't easy letting her go and we love her dearly but she really needs a job and continue to live the lifestyle of being out in public. As far as the distractions, we really couldn't be dissapointed, she worked really hard and did the best she could. We still have high hopes that she will have the job she is destined to do
Oh no! I haven't been able to watch in quite a while (just had a baby in April) but I'm sad to see that Ricki didn't make it to be a guide dog. She'll do great wherever she goes but I'm still a little sad.
I am very proud of Ricki!!!! She is who she is!! Its like some parents and thier kids. When a parent wants a child to grow up to be a doctor or such when it just isnt the right fit. The child will have their own talents that work out for them and they will succeed.
im not disappointed with Ricki. she did an amazing job and im so proud and happy for her. she could any working dog. maybe she could be a helping assistance dog to help maybe like people on wheelcar, autism children, maybe the deaf, a therapy dog, there's so many and she is very special and she will get a special job someday.
the only that upsets me is that Ricki might be leaving soon.
Thank you for sharing Ricki's story with all of us. Excellent job keeping it together when reading GD's reasons. I always have tears rolling down my cheeks when I read the career change letters.
I think you and Rickie did wonderfully. This was a beautiful journey to watch, and I think Rickie was amazing. Once again, thenk you so much for all you do in raising these puppies. I know Rickie will end up in the perfect position for her personality. She'll be happy.
Like Amie said, you two did the best you could and Ricki did the best she could. She is who she is and that's ok! I bet you're disappointed, but you two did a hell of a job with Ricki. It's been awesome watching every one of these episodes. Thanks for all of you time and dedication.
Amie you did such an amazing job. I have been following these videos from the start and am so impressed by your dedication. And though I am sad that Ricki will not be a guide dog. I saw it coming weeks ago. Not every dog is meant to serve in the manner we hope it will. But dogs serve us daily just with their love alone. God Bless you Sista Soul!
That bums me out that she didn't make it, but at least she can use her skills to help people in a different way. I can't wait to hear where she goes from here. :)
I am so sorry Ricki did not make it as a guide but I know Gdb will find her the right job. Still I would have been happy to have her as my guide dog. I know you two need some time to regroup but if you raise another puppy please keep the videos coming my retired dog and I sit and listen to them every week and will miss them.
@ofdeafblnd we are very confindent that GDB will find the right job for Ricki. And yes we will be raising another puppy and continuing the show, but we are going to take a little break. So stayed tuned we will have one more episode with Ricki.
Amee, you are an inspiration for guide dog raisers everywhere! Not only for the excellent training you provided for Ricki, but for your approach to recognizing her limitations and the decision from guide dogs. Thank you for the wonderful series, and the great videography, Matt!
@TheQuack45 We understand that a lot of people are going to want to know what happens to Ricki. We are planning on making a DVD of the entire season reformated from the web. On this DVD will be a ton of bonus features including a possible follow up with what happens with Ricki. We plan on stopping the web episodes however for season 1. We really need a break for a little while. Stay tuned and you can get the most recent info on our Growing Up Guide Pup fan page on facebook.
That's too bad! Ricki tried very hard, but knowing she (or is it a he?) is a golden retriever, they are very energetic dogs, and most aren't cut out for the work and calm that a guide dog is required of. My dog is very old, and she is not interested in squirrels or birds, only because she doesn't have the energy to chase them. By the time Ricki gets to that point (if he/she ever does, Ricki is very energetic!), Ricki will be too old and tired to serve as a guide dog.
@mattchapman thanks for responding to my comment!
Menzel12846 1 month ago
Comment removed
Menzel12846 1 month ago
this episode brought me to tears! i hope GDB finds a career for Ricki! she is a real sweetheart! My question for Guide Dog Maniac is will you keep Ricki if she does not find a new career at GDB?
Menzel12846 2 months ago
@Menzel12846 Yes, we kept Ricki!
matttchapman 1 month ago
Well, ..I know that Ricki did her best. you did a good job working with her. ..It is hard to have your pup get dropped. (My first two both got dropped at their evals for dog distractions. -one loved them.. the other was terrified of them- So I am a little sensitive to evals now).. Just remember that you guys did amazing with her, and she is a great dog. no matter where she ends up :)
YOURstalker16 8 months ago
While I am very sorry to hear that Ricki didn't make it as a guide dog I completely understand. Our fits GDA puppy was not a good candidate. We are now working dog number two. Hopefully Ricki finds a wonderful placement or permanent home. Wishing you best of luck with your next puppy!
GuideDogGrownUp 9 months ago
I'm impressed you didn't cry while reading that! I would have been a mess lol. But good work and Ricki will make you proud regardless! :)
Erin & Guide Pup Rob (#5)
Fidography 9 months ago
congrates ricki even though she didnt make it she did in our hearts! ricki has made soooo many improvements from week one and i belive that she will find another job :D i learned soooo much from your series and i wanted to say thank you soooo much im getting my puppy from canine companions in about a month and because of you and your series there will be a greater chance of our future dog making it as a guide because all of the stragigies you thought me in these videos thanks you!!
TheSchoen32 9 months ago
I enjoyed your videos of Ricki and cannot wait to continue to follow your next journey. My aunt has had two career change dogs and we have had very special relationships with both. We lost our dog last year but are ready to adopt and she recommended I submit an application for a career change guide dog. I plan on touring the facility (in San Rafael) but before I go, I was doing some research to and found your site. I learned so much watching your show - thank you for sharing!
leigh5071 9 months ago
Bummer! Brought tears to my eyes since like almost every puppy raiser, I've been there! But she seems so sweet--someone will be very very lucky to get her. You guys did an amazing job with her. Kudos.
Growing Up Guide Pup round 2?? :)
lovemyguidedogs 9 months ago
@lovemyguidedogs Yes there will be another season when we get our new pup so stayed tuned :)
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
. thank you. we enjoyed every episode, every week here in israel
mono876 9 months ago
I have a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and I saw that Ricki's dad's a CCI sire. So I may be biased, but I've always been impressed with Ricki's work ethic and her public behavior for a puppy. I'm also impressed with your diligence in working with her on her distractions. I'm sorry she couldn't get past it, but it seems like both of you worked as hard as you could. I'm sure GDB'll give her an amazing job and she'll continue to make you proud. My best to you both!
tcornes 9 months ago
Comment removed
tcornes 9 months ago
@tcornes We too were really impressed by Ricki's work ethic, and that is exactly why we decided to try and place her in another career rather than keep her for ourselves. It wasn't easy letting her go and we love her dearly but she really needs a job and continue to live the lifestyle of being out in public. As far as the distractions, we really couldn't be dissapointed, she worked really hard and did the best she could. We still have high hopes that she will have the job she is destined to do
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
Oh no! I haven't been able to watch in quite a while (just had a baby in April) but I'm sad to see that Ricki didn't make it to be a guide dog. She'll do great wherever she goes but I'm still a little sad.
apaprikao 9 months ago
I am very proud of Ricki!!!! She is who she is!! Its like some parents and thier kids. When a parent wants a child to grow up to be a doctor or such when it just isnt the right fit. The child will have their own talents that work out for them and they will succeed.
perrisbabe 9 months ago
@perrisbabe this is exactly how we feel :)
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
im not disappointed with Ricki. she did an amazing job and im so proud and happy for her. she could any working dog. maybe she could be a helping assistance dog to help maybe like people on wheelcar, autism children, maybe the deaf, a therapy dog, there's so many and she is very special and she will get a special job someday.
the only that upsets me is that Ricki might be leaving soon.
ohh....i love you, Ricki!
and Good Job, Amy! Ricki is Amazing!
dianemarie0000 9 months ago
Ricki is an amazing dog and can guid me any day!
gdub555 9 months ago
Ricki gave it all she had. I'm so proud of her. Sad that she won't be a Guide Dog. Are you planning on keeping her?
mattmovies101 9 months ago
Im still proud of Ricki. Too bad she won't wont be able to be a Guide Dog...
Nextraker 9 months ago
I Love Ricki... You don't want to keep her with you?
Lucchina75 9 months ago
Thank you for sharing Ricki's story with all of us. Excellent job keeping it together when reading GD's reasons. I always have tears rolling down my cheeks when I read the career change letters.
Best Luck to Ricki on finding a new career.
maryscapular 9 months ago
I think you and Rickie did wonderfully. This was a beautiful journey to watch, and I think Rickie was amazing. Once again, thenk you so much for all you do in raising these puppies. I know Rickie will end up in the perfect position for her personality. She'll be happy.
ShadowRaineSamara 9 months ago
Ricki is the best!
Nakedance 9 months ago
You guys did a great job with Ricki and she'll be a blessing to some lucky person. Two thumbs up!
Jockart53 9 months ago
Like Amie said, you two did the best you could and Ricki did the best she could. She is who she is and that's ok! I bet you're disappointed, but you two did a hell of a job with Ricki. It's been awesome watching every one of these episodes. Thanks for all of you time and dedication.
greeenpro2009 9 months ago
Amie you did such an amazing job. I have been following these videos from the start and am so impressed by your dedication. And though I am sad that Ricki will not be a guide dog. I saw it coming weeks ago. Not every dog is meant to serve in the manner we hope it will. But dogs serve us daily just with their love alone. God Bless you Sista Soul!
TomboysTv 9 months ago
Aww, sorry to hear Ricki didn't make it as a guide dog, but it sounds like she'll be able to help in a different way. Best of luck to Ricki!
daneboe 9 months ago
@daneboe Thanks Dane. Yes, she is bound to help people in some way. Stay tuned.
matttchapman 9 months ago
Ricki is still amazing even though she isn't going to be a guide dog
DogTube101 9 months ago
That bums me out that she didn't make it, but at least she can use her skills to help people in a different way. I can't wait to hear where she goes from here. :)
wibrle 9 months ago
Oh I'm a little sad ricki didn't make it as a gide dog.
Of cors I know she made a really good jub.Well she chose not to become a gide dog.
We have to respect that decition:)
Oh Amai I'm really prowd of you.
You are a wonderfull puppy raisser.
Thankyou all puppy raissers for raissing this wonderfull gide dog pupps!:)
MrCmlhe 9 months ago
I am so sorry Ricki did not make it as a guide but I know Gdb will find her the right job. Still I would have been happy to have her as my guide dog. I know you two need some time to regroup but if you raise another puppy please keep the videos coming my retired dog and I sit and listen to them every week and will miss them.
ofdeafblnd 9 months ago
@ofdeafblnd we are very confindent that GDB will find the right job for Ricki. And yes we will be raising another puppy and continuing the show, but we are going to take a little break. So stayed tuned we will have one more episode with Ricki.
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
I hated to watch her drive away with the stranger :( I already know what you're going to say, but I miss her already. sniff
3BricksHigher 9 months ago
@3BricksHigher Oh, we got her back the next day after her evaluation. We still have her for a little while, but she will be leaving soon.
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
Amee, you are an inspiration for guide dog raisers everywhere! Not only for the excellent training you provided for Ricki, but for your approach to recognizing her limitations and the decision from guide dogs. Thank you for the wonderful series, and the great videography, Matt!
dwjharris 9 months ago
@dwjharris Thanks for your support.
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
SPOILER ALERT!!! Again!
I forgot to ask you, will you be covering Ricki's/ A new dog's progress in becoming a service dog, or in another dog's case, a guide dog?
TheQuack45 9 months ago
@TheQuack45 We understand that a lot of people are going to want to know what happens to Ricki. We are planning on making a DVD of the entire season reformated from the web. On this DVD will be a ton of bonus features including a possible follow up with what happens with Ricki. We plan on stopping the web episodes however for season 1. We really need a break for a little while. Stay tuned and you can get the most recent info on our Growing Up Guide Pup fan page on facebook.
GuideDogManiac 9 months ago
SPOILER ALERT!!!
That's too bad! Ricki tried very hard, but knowing she (or is it a he?) is a golden retriever, they are very energetic dogs, and most aren't cut out for the work and calm that a guide dog is required of. My dog is very old, and she is not interested in squirrels or birds, only because she doesn't have the energy to chase them. By the time Ricki gets to that point (if he/she ever does, Ricki is very energetic!), Ricki will be too old and tired to serve as a guide dog.
TheQuack45 9 months ago
We are still proud of ya Ricki! Becoming a guide dog is super tough!
matttchapman 9 months ago