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.
OccuPaws Musical “Dolly”
OccuPaws Musical “Dolly”Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Bling x Sox
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
Jelaine & Family of Janesville, WI
DOB: May 9, 2021
Training Stage: Harness 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! She recently finished her evaluation and is now in 4 months of harness training with Jennifer in North Carolina. She’ll be back to go to work in the spring.
OccuPaws Brown Eyed “Fergie”
OccuPaws Brown Eyed “Fergie”Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Zaga x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Jennifer & Family of Madison, WI
Bailey of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Jane & Family of Madison, WI
Ed & Susan of Madison, WI
DOB: July 17, 2021
Training Stage: Harness 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!! She was the last F dog standing, and she is now in harness training in CA and will be back this fall!
OccuPaws Pubeus “Hagrid”
OccuPaws Pubeus “Hagrid”Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nala x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kati & Family of Fitchburg, WI
Beth & Family of McFarland, WI
Daphnie of Poynette, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Dave & Cindy of Waukesha, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021
Training Stage: Harness 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. Hagrid will spend this summer in NC for 4 months of harness training.
OccuPaws Heavenly “Halo”
OccuPaws Heavenly “Halo”Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nala x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
Bill & Julie of Verona, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Dennis & Mary of McFarland, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021
Training Stage: Harness 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!! and now, Halo will spend this summer in NC for 4 months of harness training.
OccuPaws Strong “Imre”
OccuPaws Strong “Imre”Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
Diane & Family of Mequon, WI
Bailey of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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”
OccuPaws Quick “Indy”Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsey & Family of Cross Plains, WI
Margaret of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: November, 24 2021
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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”
OccuPaws Guiding “Inu”Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Josh & Morgan of Madison, WI
DOB: November 24 2021
Training Stage: Harness Training
Inu (Ms Blue) is the fifth born puppy in the OccuPaws “I” litter. She is a big pup and pretty much a take charge pup, especially at mealtime. Her name means dog in Japanese. Inu will also spend this summer in NC for 4 months of harness training.
Fireline Royale “Jewell”
Fireline Royale “Jewell”Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Fireline Labradors of Winnipeg, Manitoba
Raised by:Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Jelaine & Family of Janesville, WI
DOB: January 18, 2022
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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!
“Kallie”
Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Clearcreek Labs of Northern, IL
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Lois of Fitchburg, WI
Tracey of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Jim & Kris of Cobb, 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”
“Kosmo”Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Clearcreek Labs of Northern, IL
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Julie & Brandon of Fitchburg, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
Bill & Sarah of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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.
Lincoln
Male White Standard Poodle
Bred by: Loveable Poodles of Hernando, FL
Raised by: Anna of Madison, WI
Mark & Michelle of Wauwatosa, WI
DOB: May 22, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Lincoln comes from a new breeder to us, Loveable Poodles. Thank you Sue and Cheryl for doing the transport gig to get Lincoln to Wisconsin. So far he is a quiet sweetie.
The Captains Extraterrestrial “Luna”
Female Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Julie & Family of Verona, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: May 29, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Luna is the only chocolate lab in training currently. She is from Captain’s Labs Foundation stud and has a long history of great dogs in her pedigree. We expect to see her graduate in a couple of years.
OccuPaws Encourageable “Marley”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Diane of Mequon, WI
Bailey of Madison, WI
DOB: July 10 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Marley (Mr White) is the fifth born puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. He is a sweet, little man who has a big voice and is not afraid to use it. We’ll see if he learns to control it,
OccuPaws Child of Light “Mazie”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sara & Joe of Wauwatosa, WI
Julie & Family of Verona, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July, 10 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Mazie (Miss Pink) is the second born puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. She is a fairly quiet, reserved girl who does love to play in the ball pool She was the first to venture in.
OccuPaws Talking “Meeka”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
PawsForward of WI, New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Meeka (Miss Tan) is the third born puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. She is a fairly playful, happy player who also loves to play in the ball pool She was the one of the first pups to try it.
OccuPaws Capital “Memphis”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsay & Family of Cross Plains, WI
Keara of McFarland, WI
Terry & Mike of Cross Plains, WI
DOB: July 10 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Memphis (Mr Blue) was the last born puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. He is a sweet, quiet, introspective pup who never picks a fight but isn’t afraid to finish it. Second biggest next to Mulan.
OccuPaws Powerful “Milo”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Dave & Cindy of Waukesha, WI
Chris & Family of Waukesha, WI
Daphnie of Poynette, WI
DOB: July 10 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Milo (Mr Violet) was the next to last born puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. He is a very much like Memphis, sweet, quiet, rarely picks a fight but stands up for himself. A big lad, about Memphis’s size.
OccuPaws Mighty “Minnie”
Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rebekah & Family of Belmont, WI
Mindy & Family of Lodi, WI
Daphnie of Poynette, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Minnie (Miss Green) is the fourth born puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. She is was a tiny little girl, half the size of her siblings. She was a tough little thing, burrowing under the other, bigger pups to nurse. She didn’t get pushed off when she was under all that weight.
OccuPaws Warrior “Mulan”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Nelly x Sox
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Chris & Family of Waukesha, WI
Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Melanie of Oregon, WI
Tracey of Madison, WI
DOB: July 10 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Mulan (Mr Red) was the firstborn puppy in the OccuPaws “M” litter. He is a very much a gentle giant, dwarfing most of his siblings. Minnie and Mulan (Green & Red) became an inseparable Christmas pair. They would fight and pick on each other, yet were always found curled up next to each other. He had a bit of a rough start at 8 weeks, getting sick but recovering quickly. He now goes by the nickname, Mu!
OccuPaws Phantom “Naboo”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Michelle of Montello, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
Diane of Mequon, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Naboo (Mr Brown) was the lastborn puppy in the OccuPaws “N” litter and he was a surprise. He was not in the original count and was and welcome but unexpected surprise. He and Mr Blue take after their daddy, Murray – a very gentle giant. He is best pals with Mr Blue. His current raiser just raised his sister, so we are excited to see her comparison of the two!
OccuPaws English “Nigel”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Katy of Fitchburg, WI
Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Nigel (Mr Yellow) is one of the more shy pups in the OccuPaws “N” litter but he will be living with a very outgoing yellow lab who will show him all the tricks of getting attention and treats. He has already settled in and doing well.
OccuPaws “Nina” Goddess of Fire
Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Beth & Family of Madison, WI
Jim & Kris of Cobb, WI
Diane of Mequon, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Nina (Miss Orange) was nearly as small as Miss Pink, but is much more extroverted and despite her size, was never one to be intimidated by the bigger puppies. She is a bold, outgoing pup and hopefully she will succeed as a guide.
OccuPaws Ever Growing “Norman”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, WI
Kassel & Taylor of Columbus, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Norman (Mr Blue) takes after his daddy, Murray. He is slow moving, very confident and self assured. Always first to the dinner table and the last to leave, he and buddy, Mr Brown, tower over the rest of the liter. He is also the protector of little Miss Pink. He is off to the house in Columbus, enjoying his next rotation living with his dad, Murray.
OccuPaws Achieving “Nyla”
Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Julie of Waunakee, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Nyla (Miss Purple) is a nice average puppy who does nearly everything right – except she was always the one running around without her collar. She managed to lose it all the time. Hopefully her great manners will help her become a great guide.
Strong Oak “Ogden”
Male Apricot Standard Poodle
Bred by: Puddle Jumpers of LaValle, WI
Raised by: Lindsey & Family of Madison, WI
Cheryl of Cross Plains, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
DOB: October 19, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Ogden, Mr Red, is a happy, a bit noisy pup. His brother, Olaf also joined with! He comes from the same breeder as our Guide Dog Newton, and shares the same parents as Guide Dog Xander. We have high hopes for these two! Thanks to Anna for picking these two out and for Kassel and Taylor for transport! Good luck to Ogden with his new family with a toddler. They will play together great!
Friendly Magical “Olaf”
Male Apricot Standard Poodle
Bred by: Puddle Jumpers of LaValle, WI
Raised by: Anna of Madison, WI
Ed & Susan of Madison, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI
DOB: October 19, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Olaf, Mr Blue, is a confident, happy, calm and very playful little puppy. His brother, Ogden also joined with! He comes from the same breeder as our Guide Dog Newton, and shares the same parents as Guide Dog Xander. We have high hopes for these two!
Preston
Male Golden Retreiver
Bred by:
Raised by: Lois of Madison, WI
Sheilagh & Mike of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: November 18, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Preston was donated to OccuPaws in the hopes of him becoming a guide dog. We hope so too!!! Big goldens and busting out all over!
Harvestime’s Cultivated “Parker”
Male Golden Retreiver
Bred by: Harvestime Kennels of Menasha, WI
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Deb & family of Cambridge, WI
DOB: November 21, 2022
Training Stage: Puppy Training
Parker is a sweet little fluff-ball but not so little. He is a little tank, stocky and solid. He comes from the same breeder as our Guide Dog in waiting, Willow and working guide Storm. Big paws to follow!
“Quarter”
Male Standard Poodle
Bred by: Skybreeze Poodles of St. Simons Island, GA
Raised by: Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
DOB: December 10, 2022
Training Stage: Harness Training
Thank you to Cheryl for going to get these two poodle puppies from GA! They have settled nicely into life in WI. They have big shoes to fill as they are hopefully following Echo (guide dog in harness training)’s footsteps!
“Quincy”
Male Standard Poodle
Bred by: Skybreeze Poodles of St. Simons Island, GA
Raised by: Kati & Family of Fitchburg, WI
Patrick of Milwaukee, WI
DOB: December 10, 2022
Training Stage: Harness Training
Thank you to Cheryl for going to get these two poodle puppies from GA! They have settled nicely into life in WI. They have big shoes to fill as they are hopefully following Echo (guide dog in harness training)’s footsteps!
OccuPaws Pubeus “Ringo”
Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsey & Family of Cross Plains, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Mr Ringo (Pink), the first born out of the litter. He has a white spot on his chest! He and mom gave us quite a surprise. Olive was laying on the couch, all quiet but in a little labor. When she got up and jumped off, there was a sleeping pup, all clean and dry, delivered by Mom without either making a sound!
OccuPaws Force of Freedom “Rambo”
Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Mr Rambo, is the second born out of this litter. He has represented a blue collar during puppyhood. Smallest of the litter, he got picked on a bit by Miss Red, so he got very good at the dash and hide. He has more of Mama’s face than daddy Murray.
OccuPaws Viking Hero “Ragnar”
OccuPaws Viking Hero “Ragnar”Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Jane of Madison, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Mr Ragnar, representing grey during this litter has been the sweetest one of the litter. He is a little timid, but quickly comes out of his shell with confidence. He is also a pretty good problem solver, figuring out doggie doors fairly quickly.
OccuPaws Dynamic Artistic “Rueben”
OccuPaws Dynamic Artistic “Rueben”Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Julie of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Ruben is another one of the 6 in the R litter. He spent some time at the emergency vet as a little pup as he scared us with some poop concerns, he was only a little dehydrated but he’s past that and on to do guide dog things!!
OccuPaws Oldest “Rookie”
OccuPaws Oldest “Rookie”Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Julie and Family of Verona, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Rookie, AKA Mr Brown is the last boy of the litter. He is also a slightly smaller pup, and does look more like his Mama. He is also a bit shy like Mr Grey, unless being attacked by Miss Red.
*have you caught on to the pattern yet of the R litter? Black, yellow, black, yellow, etc.
OccuPaws Shannon “River”
OccuPaws Shannon “River”Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Olive x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kay of McFarland, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023
Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Surprise, surprise!!! A female to end the litter. Although she was the last born, at her puppy check up, Miss Red was the largest puppy. She has learned over her first 8 weeks to tell her brothers to behave and stand up for herself. We are excited to watch miss red grow up and be a great guide dog!! She was the easiest one to photo, but it is hard to see here in the photo but she has a darker side of her face and a lighter side which is split down the middle, we will see how that turns out as she grows!