Guide Dogs in Training
The OccuPaws Board of Directors is proud to introduce to you our Guide Dogs in Training.
If you would like to donate a young dog or a puppy to OccuPaws,
please send an email to our Breeding Director.
Guide Beyond “Ultra”
Female Apricot Standard Poodle
Bred by: Abriel Odling of Racine, WI
Raised by: Rachel & Julie of Waunakee, WI
Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI
DOB: February 27, 2020
Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Ultra is a sweet girl who is from a breeder new to OccuPaws. Here’s hoping Ultra starts a long line of successful poodles! She is doing well and has passed her training at New Lisbon and moved along to the big city of Milwaukee. Ultra is on her way to Rebecca in NC to start her 4 months of harness training.
The Captain’s “Winston” the Brave
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captains Labs
Raised by: Julie & Family of Verona, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
Pawsforward of New Lisbon, WI
Dave & Cindy of Milwaukee, WI
Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
DOB: May 6, 2020
Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Winston is a very light cream yellow pup and littermate to Weston. He has found a best friend with Coco at sitter Mary’s. He gets to sleep in the bedroom so we are guessing he was fairly quiet but time will tell. He’ll be moving to an active family in a week or so, but now it’s time for boot camp for both. Winston was evaluated and approved for harness training at the next opening, which opened early so he is off in NC becoming a guide dog.
Warrior Alexander “Xander”
Male Black Standard Poodle
Bred by: Puddle Jumpers of LaValle, WI
Raised by: Michelle & Mark of Wauwatosa, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Anna of Madison, WI
DOB: June 30, 2020
Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Xander is a sweet, albeit a bit noisy, pup. He is very smart and learns behaviors quickly. We hope he completes his training as well as kennelmate Newton as we have a long list of students waiting for a poodle. Newton has been assessed is on his way to Rebecca in NC to start his 4 months of harness training.
OccuPaws Heavenly “Zion”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Dianne of Mequon, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Josh of Madison, WI
DOB: August 8, 2020
Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Zion (Mr Blue) is the most people oriented of the three pups. He will break off play with his sisters the moment a human gets his attention. A little less prone to do battle, he is the first to finish one – he has to, the girls gang up on him. He is a very easy going, laid back pup and that bodes well for future guide work. He passed his guide dog assessment and has started his 4 months of harness training with Shelby out in California. He’ll be back this fall to go to work.
OccuPaws High Class “Addy”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sara, Joe & Family of Wauwatosa, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Terry & Michael of Cross Plains, WI
DOB: October 18, 2020
Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Addy is a sweet little girl who is in love with her housemate, a big happy Golden Retriever. She’s also starting off training a new raiser family by teaching them fealty to her and her needs. Addy had to leave one best buddy but found another best pal in Janesville. Addy has been approved for harness training and will fill the next available slot. She flew down to Jennifer in NC for harness training in June!
OccuPaws Easy Moving “Astra”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Cindy & David of Waukesha, WI
Rhonda & family of Middleton, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Joey & Jelaine of Janesville, WI
DOB: October 18, 2020
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Astra (Aspin) is truly an easy moving little man. He was one of the first to start walking around 10 days old. He was also good at using the litter box…when it was close. He’s with experienced raiser but maybe a little new to the Joys of potty time every 30 minutes and midnight wake up calls! Now that is over, he can go to a long time raiser family.
OccuPaws Purple “Aster”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Annie of Madison, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Deb & Family of Cambridge, WI
Jeff & Rebecca of Reedsburg, WI
DOB: October 18, 2020
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Aster is a people dog, tending to ignore her siblings when a human was nearby. She was also not sure if lying on her back was a good thing or an evil thing. She’s starting off with the baby puppy lover and littermate Autumn until raiser Annie returns. After some time with Annie, it is off to Waukesha with Chris.
OccuPaws Northern “Autumn”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Beth & Family of McFarland, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Diane & Family of Mequon, WI
DOB: October 18, 2020
Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Autumn (Miss Yellow) was a mama’s girl. Her first day was spent trying to get her to nurse, but she would stop and crawl up Mama’s neck and fall asleep in the crook of her neck. Eventuallyshe discovered that food was just as good as snuggles, so she stayed nursing. She’ll have a couple weeks of Aster being around for company until he moves to his raiser. After some time with Mary & Gerry, Autumn is moving to McFarland! and she is in NC now with Jennifer doing her harness training before returning this fall.
OccuPaws Sloth Bear “Baloo”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsey & Family of Cross Plains, WI
Margaret of Madison, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
PawsFoward of New Lisbon, WI
Dave & Cindy of Waukesha, WI
DOB: November 18, 2020
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Baloo (Mr Yellow) was constantly under attack from the larger puppies, so he moved to the little pond of smaller pups, where he ruled. He is also the only pup from his litter still in guide dog training.
Clearcreek Guide Dog “Cadet”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Clearcreek Labs
Raised by:Julie & Family of Verona, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
Kassel of DeForest, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: February 16, 2021
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Cadet is in da house too – Looking for Kennel mate Cally!! He also comes from a great breeder so we have high hopes for him too! Cadet is a patient, mellow man and he is enjoying being up at New Lisbon to learn further commands.
Elegant Guiding “Dancer”
Female Standard Poodle
Bred by: Oak Hill Farms Standard Poodles of Portage, WI
Raised by: Lois of Fitchburg, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI
DOB: April 26, 2021
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Dancer is from the same bloodlines as guide dog graduate, Maui. Do great things little one! She was off to PawsFoward early in life and is now out in Madison, WI maturing and enjoying her downtown life.
OccuPaws Dashing “Dash”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
Dennis & Mary of McFarland, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
PawsFoward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: May 9, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Dash (Mr Blue) is the sole boy in the “D” litter. The “D” Litter is the same breeding (Bling X Sox) that produced 4 guide dogs and 2 breeding females out of 7 puppies. Dash is Mr. Cool, subject to brief moments of insanity, followed by a refusal to leave the great outdoors.
OccuPaws Swinging “Dixie”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rebekah & Family of Belmont, WI
Sean, Shelia & Family of Janesville, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Jane & Family of Madison, WI
DOB: May 9, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Dixie (Miss Orange) is one of three girls in the “D” litter. Dixie is a sweet, quiet girl, and the most average, therefore most likely to succeed! She was a delight in the New Lisbon PawsFoward program and is now learning life on the outside with Jane in Madison!
OccuPaws Musical “Dolly”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Clara & Family of McFarland, WI
Diane & Family of Mequon, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: May 9, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Dolly (Miss Red) is one of three girls in the “D” litter. Dolly is the boldest, and most adventurous of this litter. She did a complete crawling circuit all the way around her whelping pen at one day old!
Skybreeze Reflective “Echo”
Male Standard Poodle
Bred by: Skybreeze Poodles of Wayne, IL
Raised by: Anna of Madison, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
DOB: May 21, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Echo is from a new to OccuPaws Breeder, Skybreeze. Let’s hope that Echo is the start of a great line of poodles who want to become guide dogs!
Oakhill Giving Life “Evie”
Female Standard Poodle
Bred by: Oak Hill Farms Standard Poodles of Portage, WI
Raised by: Mark & Michelle of Wauwatosa, WI
PawsFoward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: June 20, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Evie is from the same breeder as guide dog graduate, Maui. Please follow in Maui’s pawsteps!!
Fargo
Male Standard Poodle
Donated by: Guide Dog Foundation
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Bill & Family of Madison, WI
Pam R of Cedarburg, WI
Anna of Madison, WI
DOB: June 24, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Fargo and his littermate Focus were very generously donated to OccuPaws by the Guide Dog Foundation in New York. Thank you to Kassel and Jane who flew out to LGA to pick up the puppies. Both were great travelers and hopefully both will become guides!!
Focus
Male Standard Poodle
Donated by: Guide Dog Foundation
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Pam R of Cedarburg, WI
Mark & Michelle of Wauwatosa, WI
DOB: June 24, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Focus and his littermate Fargo were very generously donated to OccuPaws by the Guide Dog Foundation in New York. Thank you to Kassel and Jane who flew out to LGA to pick up the puppies. Both were great travelers and hopefully both will become guides!!
OccuPaws Brown Eyed “Fergie”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Jennifer & Family of Madison, WI
Bailey of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 17, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Fergie (Ms Yellow and then Ms Green) is one of four girls in the OccuPaws “F” litter. She is very similar to Ms Blue – laid back, sweet and about average on all her tests. She should do well!!
OccuPaws Fancy “Flora”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Jessica & Family of Madison, WI
Ann D/Tracy H of Middleton, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 17, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Flora (Ms Blue) is one of four girls in the OccuPaws “F” litter. She is a sweet “average” pup which gives her a better than even chance a becoming a guide dog. Show us your stuff, Flora!
The Captain’s Demure “Gretta”
Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labs
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Julie & Family of Fitchburg, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Julie & Brandon of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: July 23, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Gretta has a little spunk to her! She is attentive, playful and has a great personality and is interested in lots of different things with confidence. With bloodlines back to Weston & Winston who are doing great in their training, we are excited to watch Gretta go!
OccuPaws Pubeus “Hagrid”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kati & Family of Fitchburg, WI
Beth & Family of McFarland, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Hagrid (Mr Red) is one of three boys in the OccuPaws “H” litter (Nala’s final litter). He definitely fits his “Harry Potter Name” as he dwarfs his other siblings. He was also a bit of a food hoarder, laying his body across the food tray to keep others from partaking.
OccuPaws Heavenly “Halo”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
Bill & Julie of Verona, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Halo (Miss Green) is the luckiest in the OccuPaws “H” litter. She gave all the mid-wives quite a scare, deciding to not breathe for several minutes after delivery. She had breathed in a fair amount of fluids and took some extensive suctioning, swinging and extra oxygen before she finally decided to grace us with a big breath and squeal. She is now just a normal pup, feisty and playful as her littermates. NO MORE SCARES!!
OccuPaws Natural “Hazel”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary, Nancy & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Kristen & Family of Middleton, WI
Jim & Kris of Cobb, WI
DOB: November11, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Hazel (Miss Yellow) is the enforcer of the OccuPaws “H” litter. She lets us know when it is time to eat, whose toy is whose and will protest loudly whenever dinner is late. She is the only one able to push Mr Hagrid from his dinner sprawl and get in on the eating! She is also an expert squirmer.
OccuPaws Love Bug “Herbie”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rachel, Julie & Family of Waunakee, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Herbie (Mr White) is also one of three boys in the OccuPaws “H” litter. He is a fairly quiet lad and is a sweet little fella until dinnertime where he has to hold his own against Hagrid.
Puddle Jumper’s Ransom “Hadley”
Male Apricot Standard Poodle
Bred by: Puddle Jumper Puppies of LaValle, WI
Raised by: Jennifer & Family of Madison, WI
Ed & Susan of Madison, WI
DOB: November 15, 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Hadley, formerly Ransom, was in a litter from Puddle Jumpers where the naming theme was Clue. He is an adorable dark apricot color and traveled down from LaValle to Madison quite well. We are looking forward to watching him grow up and learn new commands so he can help guide. We have a long waitlist for poodles and he has the same bloodlines as Guide Dog, Newton and guide dog in training, Xander.
OccuPaws Strong “Imre”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
Diane & Family of Mequon, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Imre (Mr Black) is the eighth puppy and 4th boy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. He was a “surprise” as the X-Ray count was 7 puppies. 3 hours after number 7 emerged, out popped the tiniest boy – 10 oz, about half the weight of his siblings. After a little extra Oxygen, he was ready to go. Imre, named by his litter sponsor, means “Strength” in Hungarian.
OccuPaws Quick “Indy”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsey & Family of Cross Plains, WI
Margaret of Madison, WI
DOB: November, 24 2021Training Stage: Puppy Training
Indy (Mr Yellow) is the third born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. He was an easy delivery and just sorta popped out. He is now in charge of raising a human baby!
OccuPaws Guiding “Inu”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Inu (Mr Blue) is the fifth born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. He is a big boy and pretty much a take charge pup, especially at mealtime. His name means dog in Japanese.
OccuPaws Colorful “Iris”
Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rebekah & Family of Belmont, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
Bailey of Madison, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Iris (Ms White) is the sixth born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. She is a beautiful, sweet little girl and if she has the right stuff, might join our breeding program as a Mama dog!
OccuPaws Kind Hearted “Isaac”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
David & Cindy of Waukesha, WI
Jessica & Russ of Lake Mills, WI
Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Isaac (Mr Red) is the first born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. He is a giant economy sized pup, towering over most of his siblings and the only pup who could successfully out muscle Mr Blue at feeding time. Fortunately, he is a gentle giant!!
OccuPaws Tenacious “Ivy”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Virginie of Monroe, WI
William & Julie of Verona, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Ivy (Ms Violet) is the seventh born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. She is a sweet, quiet girl who gets along with everyone. No sibling rivalry evident with her. Of course that means she gets picked on a bit, but it doesn’t seem to bother her.
OccuPaws Dizzy “Izzy”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Jim & Kris of Cobb, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Izzy (Ms Green) is the fourth born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. She is a sweet, little girl who decided to get sick at around 8 weeks old. She gave us quite a scare for a couple nights, but she is on the mend, as active as ever.
“Jewell”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Fireline Labradors of Winnipeg, Manitoba
Raised by:Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
DOB: January 18, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Jewel and her sister Josey are sisters to guide dog Brie and her sister Brandy ( nearly qualified as a guide dog) so we have high hopes for these two girls from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Both arrived after a couple of very long car rides, but according to their transporters, they were excellent travelers. If one of them shows a lot of promise, she may get assigned to the mama brigade and have a career making babies!
“Josey”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Fireline Labradors of Winnipeg, Manitoba
Raised by: Tracey of Madison, WI
DOB: January 18, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Josey and her sister Jewel are sisters to guide dog Brie and her sister Brandy ( nearly qualified as a guide dog) so we have high hopes for these two girls from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Both arrived after a couple of very long car rides, but according to their transporters, they were excellent travelers. If one of them shows a lot of promise, she may get assigned to the mama brigade and have a career making babies!
“Karma”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Clearcreek Labs of Northern, IL
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Lindsey & Family of Cross Plains, WI
DOB: March 1, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Karma, her sister Kallie and brother Kosmo come from a breeder who has provided many top tier guide dog trainees so we hope these three follow in their pawsteps. Karma is a patient puppy who is learning side by side with a toddler at Lindsey’s!
“Kallie”
Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Clearcreek Labs of Northern, IL
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Lois of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: March 1, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Kallie, her sister Karma and brother Kosmo have announced they decided all three will become guide dogs. We’re gonna hold you to that! Both girls will still get to be spoiled by Gerry as will our big man Kosmo by Jim!
“Kosmo”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Clearcreek Labs of Northern, IL
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Julie & Brandon of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: March 1, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Kosmo has two sisters, Kallie and Karma who have the all the right stuff to all become guide dogs. We agree and expect to see them all graduate in a couple years.
Steppingstone God of Mischief “Loki”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Steppinstone Dog Training & Labs of Montello, WI
Raised by: Kati & Family of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: April 5, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Loki comes from a new breeder to us, Steppinstone. Let’s hope that Loki is the start of a great line of Labradors from this breeder who want to be come guide dogs!
“Lady”
Female Golden Retriever
Donated by: Brooke Zuidervaart of Madison, WI
Raised by: Julie of Waunakee, WI
DOB: April 26, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Lady was donated by a new breeder to OccuPaws. Lady lives up to her name so far and is doing well in her new home environment. Do well Miss Lady!