[picture of Nancy] Nancy Roberts, Statistics Geek

Systems Specialist--Statistics
Office of Computer Services
Academic User Services
SER 324A, 801.797.2390
This page is eternally under construction. If you find a link that isn't working, please let me know!
[picture of line with eyes peering over it, ala Kilroy] 
                An Afterthought

         I need not read into your eyes
           Anthropomorphic fantasies,
         Nor mysteries
           Of ancient Eastern rite,
           As some with Siamese or Persians might.
         Your love's an open book:
           You look
           To me as I to Paradise.
         My finger traces "dog" on frosted glass
           And you, from out there on the grass,
           Perceive me writing "god".

                        ---Fred Lanting



                                         
[picture of line with eyes peering
over it, ala Kilroy]


So what is this "Dogs" page, anyway?

I spend most of my spare time doing something that involves dogs, either training them, playing with them, or supervising a group of children and adults who are raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. My dogs are my constant companions, and my best friends.

This page would not be complete without a dedication. I have been a member of the Canine-L mailing list since September of 1993. In that time, I have made many friends on that list, visited with some in their homes or at Canine-L gatherings, and learned about their lives and pets, as well as made other new friends on new mailing lists inspired by Canine-L. We have shared stories, laughter, concern for ill family members and pets, and grieved together over the loss of loved ones. In memory of all the lost ones now at the Rainbow Bridge, and in celebration of all the ones we love, I dedicate this page in their honor.

(Links to the official Canine-L home page, Bietel's home page, and pictures of friends from Canine-L can be found in the miscellaneous section.)

What's on this page?

Then there are the links to all other sorts of dog (or other pets) related info on the WWW. Many of my links point to the "dog" stuff at a site, but by following the link back a directory or two, you'll find info on other pets, like c*ts. [smiley face]

My loves, my life, my companions, my dogs

I have two dogs at the moment, plus I spend a lot of time puppy sitting other dogs being raised by members of the Utah 4-H Service Dogs Association, here in Logan, Utah .

[pawprint] Chynna [formal picture of Chynna]

Chynna was *MY* dog (as opposed to a puppy that I'm raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.) Her full name was Chynna White . Her first name is pronounced China, like the country. I have a gallery of pictures of Chynna on her own web page . Chynna's mom was a purebred Siberian Husky but everyone always assumed she was a shepherd mix, so the father was probably a shepherd or shepherd/lab mix. Chynna was quite a bit over the Sib standard for height, at 27 inches tall and 95 pounds. Chynna passed away on September 3, 2001.

[pawprint] Detroit [picture of Detroit at 11 months]

My "main man" is a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) male named Detroit. You can look at Detroit's page for more pictures of him. There is also more information on him in the next section on the puppies-in-training I have raised/am raising.

[pawprint] Patch (Apache) [picture of Patch at 8 years old sitting in recliner]

Patch came to me from the GSD Rescue that I operate, in the fall of 2001 after Chynna passed away. He was dumped at an animal shelter by his former owners who were "moving and can't take him" and was very confused and frightened. He is a big love and the sweetest but most stubborn dog I have. He loves to lay with his chest on my lap getting hugs and ear rubs, and makes sure he gets belly rubs every morning. Patch is just the greatest dog and came already housetrained, which with all the puppies I deal with was a definite bonus! I don't know why more people won't consider adopting an older dog from animal rescues, because they are SO wonderful!

I have just a few pictures of Patch on a simple web page I made just for him.



You can see pictures of my dogs' (and my) friends that we've met on and off the 'net, on the Friends page.

Guide Dogs for the Blind puppies-in-training

For the past few years, I have been a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. (GDB) of San Rafael, CA. As a puppy raiser, I receive a new puppy from the school each year to raise and prepare for training as a guide dog. The puppies are placed in raiser's homes at the age of about 8 weeks, and stay in the home for 12 to 18 months. After that time, during which the puppy is housebroken, taught basic obedience, and thoroughly socialized, the dog returns to the campus to begin its formal Guide Dog training. Those dogs that successfully complete their training are then matched with a partner and go through 28 additional days of training with their new partner, culminating in a graduation ceremony, after which the dog returns home with his/her new partner to begin its new life as a working Guide Dog.

[pawprint] Pippin [Pippin in the sandbox]

The first puppy I raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind was named Pippin (no, not after Scotty Pippen.) Pippin is a female black Labrador Retriever that I raised for GDB. Pippin was born February 28, 1994, I got her in May of 1994, and on May 6, 1995 she returned to GDB for her formal training. You can see more pictures of Pippin and her littermates, and read about Pippin's partner, on Pippin's page. Pippin worked as a guide dog for 7 years and retired in the fall of 2001 and now lives in a wonderful retirement home in British Columbia, Canada.

[pawprint] Alberta [formal picture of Alberta]

My second Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy-in-training was named Alberta. She is a beautiful Golden Retriever who graduated from training in October of 1996, and now lives in Washington with her new owner, Viola. Alberta was born March 6, 1995, and I received her on May 6, 1995. She was returned to GDB on May 4th, 1996, to begin her advanced training. You can see more pictures of Alberta on her own web page. Alberta graduated as a working guide and is still working for her partner, Viola.

[pawprint] Detroit [picture of Detroit by the fireplace]

Detroit was my third puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind. He is a male German Shepherd Dog (GSD), born on February 13th, 1996. I received Detroit on April 16th, 1996 when he was flown into the Salt Lake City airport, along with his brother Dash (who was raised in Southern Idaho.) There are some pictures of Detroit on his web page. There is a GSD Web Site to visit, and it includes links to the GSD-L mailing list, GSD FAQ, dozens of pictures of GSDs, and more! Detroit was returned to GDB in June of 1997, and was career changed out of their program in September of 1997. He now lives back in Logan with me, and is the "main man" in my household. I am thrilled to be able to keep Detroit as my pet dog (or "keeper" as they are called in puppy raiser parlance.)

[pawprint] Wendy a.k.a "Wendle" [a formal pose- Wendy looking to left, very mature and noble looking]

Wendy was my Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy in training in 1997-1998. She was born in the breeding facilities at the San Rafael campus of GDB on April 17th, 1997, and I received her on the 14th of June, 1997. She is a female black Labrador Retriever . She was a lot of fun to raise, and really reminds me of the first black Lab I raised, Pippin. In fact, she looks much like Pippin did as a pup, with the same size and shape of head, the same height, and same ability to sleep anywhere, anytime! Wendy had an adorable cowlick up her nose that I kept brushed and looking pretty.

Hooray! Wendy graduated at the San Rafael, CA campus of GDB, on January 30th, 1999. I attended the graduation and was able to meet Wendy's new partner, Margaret. She and Wendy already seemed to be forming a nice bond, and Wendy was clearly happy to be with Margaret. I heard lots of praise for Wendy from both her new owner and the trainer that worked with Wendy. Margaret and Wendy are now happily living and working in the Southern USA. The following picture was taken at Wendy's graduation. On the left is Damian, my fifth puppy in training, and on the right is Wendy in harness. Although you can't see our faces, I am standing behind Damian and Margaret is standing with Wendy. Damian and Wendy on January 30th, 1999, on the occasion of Wendy's graduation from GDB with her new partner.


[pawprint] Damian 5/15/1998 - 3/20/2000 [Damian at 20 months]

My fifth puppy in training was Damian, an adorable Golden Retriever male. Damian was born May 15th, 1998, and in the picture above he is 20 months old. At 1 year old, he weighed 69 pounds and was about 23 inches at the withers. A picture of him at 8 months is just above in Wendy's section. I didn't think it would be possible to have a dog more laid-back than Wendy, but Damian was. He was very easy to raise, once the weather cooled off and he was willing to walk more than 3 feet without resting. :-) Damian was a quiet, calm dog at work, and spent most of his time sleeping under my desk.

At 11 months of age, Damian was diagnosed with juvenile cataracts, which ended his career as a guide dog puppy in training. At that point, he moved to California to live with some good friends of mine. His new family had plans for doing AKC obedience with his and taking him swimming and camping. For 10 months he lived the life of luxury as a very loved and spoiled house pet, with 4 Basenji buddies to play with. His cataracts were successfully repaired in December of 1999.

Damian was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2000. His new family was devastated, as was I. He was only 22 months old at the time of his diagnosis. Within two weeks of the diagnosis, Damian was so ill that he had to be sent to the Rainbow Bridge. In his short life he touched the hearts of many people, and we will always remember him. We love you Damian.


[pawprint] Tully [Tully at 13 weeks]

Tully is puppy in training number six. Born March 12th, 1999, Tully is a light colored male Golden Retriever, with darker head, ears and tail. Tully arrived at my house on Wednesday, June 9th, 1999. He will be returning to the school to begin his formal guide training in April, 2000. He has matured into a lovely boy. You can see pictures of Tully on his own web page. On August 26th, 2000, Tully graduated as a working Guide Dog from the Oregon campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind! Tully has been paired with a gentleman named Don, from Colorado, who works as a computer programmer. Here are pictures of Don and Tully and I from the graduation on August 26, 2000. Tully is looking very serious about his new job as a working guide dog.


[pawprint] Lafferty [Lafferty at 8 weeks]

Lafferty was my 7th puppy in training. Born December 20th, 1999, he arrived at my house on February 23rd, 2000. Lafferty is a light, almost cream colored male Labrador Retriever. He is absolutely adorable, a very quiet, sleepy little guy (although he has perked up on occasion.) Lafferty only stayed with me for two months, then moved on to another raiser who finished raising him. You can see more pictures of Lafferty on his own page.

Unfortunately, Lafferty was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease when he returned to training at the GDB Oregon campus. He was career changed and now has a home in Washington as a very spoiled and loved family pet.

[pawprint] Hackett [Hackett at 7 months]

Hackett was born February 5th, 2000 and arrived at my house on April 1st, 2000. He is a male German Shepherd Dog, with a very dark black face that has only lightened up a bit in the ensuing months since the picture above was taken at 11 weeks of age. He is very sweet, well behaved, and calm for a puppy. You can see more pictures of Hackett on his own web page. Unfortunately, Hackett was attacked by a dog that a graduate student on campus carelessly left loose in a building, and he developed a strong fear of strange dogs from the attack. That attack ended the promising guide dog career of this sweet little puppy, and he is was placed as a pet in a non-guide dog home by the school. PLEASE, if you are reading this and you allow your dog to run free, reconsider your actions. This tragic incident was entirely preventable.

Hackett is now a loved pet with a family in California who are taking him through advanced obedience for a career in obedience and agility competitions.

[pawprint] Anchorage [Anchorage at 4 1/2 months]

Anchorage was born July 6th, 2000 and arrived in Logan on September 1st, 2000. He is a male German Shepherd Dog, and is very, very cute. He is now in training at the San Rafael campus of Guide Dogs fro the Blind, and nearing the end of his training. There is a possibility that he will be ready to be matched with a partner as early as February. The picture above shows Anchorage enjoying his first snow, at 4 1/2 months old. You can see pictures of a couple of Anchorage's litter mates on his own web page.

Anchorage is a wonderful, happy, friendly dog. I can't say enough good things about him. While he was here living with me, he went to school with me daily and lay quietly while I taught my classes or worked. He is a wonderful dog and I have high hopes for his eventual success as a working guide.

Anchorage graduated as a working guide on May 18, 2002 and is living in Washington state and working with his partner Gary. He's having a great time and doing well.

[pawprint] Gustine [Gustine at 5 months]

Gustine (gus-teen) was born March 13th, 2001 and arrived in Logan May 18th, 2001. She is a female German Shepherd Dog. When she arrived she had very short fur, and reminded me of a Chihuahua! Now that she is older and has her adult coat, it is a bit longer and more "shepherd" like. She has been a lot of fun to raise, she is a very bright, inquisitive, athletic dog. At the age of 9 months she was called back into the school for evaluation, and unfortunately her hips were bad, so she was career changed. Gustine now has a wonderful adoptive family in the Seattle area and has been attending obedience lessons and helping them to raise another Guide Dog puppy or two.

[pawprint] Texas paw.gif

Texas was born October 7th, 2001, and arrived in Logan December 15th, 2001. He is a male yellow labrador, and will undoubtedly be very, very cute. He was another "starter" puppy that I had for just a month, and got him started on his housetraining. He the moved to Salt Lake City with Lisa Thompson, the same person who "finished" Lafferty, my other starter pup. You can see pictures of Texas on his own web page. Texas graduated as a working Guide Dog for the Blind on October 18th, 2003 with Susan from the eastern USA. Congrats to Texas and Susan!!

[pawprint] Lombard formal portrait of Lombard at 16 months

Lombard was born February 28th, 2002. He is a male sable colored German Shepherd Dog. He arrived here in Utah on April 30th, 2002, and went back for training at GDB on August 11th, 2003. Of course, Lombard has his own web page (would you expect any less?) He is a beautiful dog and I was constantly getting questions about what breed he is because most people have never seen a sable colored German Shepherd Dog. He was very striking as a puppy with his grey coat and black face, but I think he's even more beautiful now that he is so dark. It does make it harder to get pictures of him though! The picture above was taken when he was just over 16 months old. Lombard graduated as a working guide, December 13th, 2003!! Pictures of he and his partner are on his own page.

[pawprint] Becca Becca at 8 1/2 weeks

Becca is a female Golden Retriever who was born on March 16, 2003 in British Columbia, Canada. She arrived in Utah on Wednesday, May 14th. Her breeder donated her to the Guide Dog program. Becca was a very petite and cute puppy. Under all that fur in the picture above is a tiny little girl, at 8 1/2 weeks she weighed just 9.2 pounds. She loves to play and runrunrun! Becca was found to be a bit too shy for the Guide Dog program, so she was placed with a family who loves her very much and is an important part of the family. You can see more pictures of Becca on her own webpage.

[pawprint] Gamble Gamble at 7 months

Gamble is a male black sable colored German Shepherd Dog. He is the nephew of Lombard, pictured above. He was born on Dec 7, 2003 and is named after the USS Gamble, a mine layer that was in Pearl Harbour on the day of the attack. He's doing well in training here in Logan, and will be going to the school in April 2005 to begin his formal training.

Go to the Puppy Raiser's Web Ring homepage Go to the next site of the Puppy Raiser's Web Ring This Puppyraiser/Service Dog Ring site is owned by Nancy Roberts.

Want to join the Puppyraiser/Service Dog Ring?

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Here's a funny little cartoon about dogs.

[pawprint] Dog related pages on the WWW

There are literally hundreds of pages about Dogs on the WWW. Some are simple pages like mine, put together and offered to people as homage to our pets. Others are more complex, containing extensive articles of interest to pet owners, covering such topics as breeding, showing, and working your dog, veterinary concerns and kennel club breed information, to names just a few topics. I have listed just a few of my favorites below, and almost all of them have links to other pages, so have fun exploring! :-)

[pawprint]FAQs, Fun, and Frivolity.


[pawprint]Canine Health Information

Along with the links listed on Cindy Tittle-Moore's pages, here are some additional links related to pet health.

[pawprint] The Rainbow Bridge


[pawprint] Rescue a dog and make a friend for life!

Current information about dogs available for rescue, I have linked as many summary lists-of-lists (plus a few individual sites) as I am aware of. Many of these summary locations may have repetitive information, but be sure to check them all!

[pawprint]Service, Police, Assistance, Guide, and Hearing Dogs

Through my work with the 4-H community, and being involved in the local Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy raising group, I have made many friends on the net. Our common bond is the love of dogs, and appreciation for the many services they provide for those in need of assistance. Here are a few links to pages about these special canines, and information on mailing lists. Also included in this list are links to therapy or companion dog organization that do volunteer work for people in need.

[pawprint] Miscellaneous Links

These links are some of my old favorites, including those to pages about breeds I have special affection for, and pictures of friends, friends' dogs, and doggy friends.
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Go to the Puppyraisers Web Ring homepage Go to the next site of the Puppyraiser's Web Ring This Puppyraiser/Service Dog Ring site is owned by Nancy Roberts.

Want to join the Puppyraiser/Service Dog Ring?

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Nancy Roberts
email: nancyr@cc.usu.edu
March 17, 1998



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