Author Archives: Schultze

OccuPaws

Harvestime Golden “Willow”

Female  Golden Retriever
Bred by: Harvestime Kennels
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Sheilagh & Mike of Fitchburg, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: May 8, 2020

 

Willow is the pick puppy from one of the latest Harvestime litters.  She will start where virtually every Golden has started – the GOLDEN HOUSEHOLD.  We’ll wait until she arrived Friday for an update.  Then on to Fitchburg and finally in the big house!  Willow is showing such promise that she is now going to become our first Golden Retriever Breeding girl.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Yellow “Rose”

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Jane & family of Madison, WI
Julie & Family of Verona, WI
DOB: October 19, 2019


Rose (Miss Green) was a surprise as both parents are black labs, but do carry yellow.  She is the boss and enforcer of all puppy rules.  She enjoys a good game of tug.  Rose spent a little time with a sitter before moving  to her new raiser in January. 🙂  All growed up now, she joined some of her siblings in teen boot camp.  But now she is working on home life with a family.

She was so successful, she’s moving back with one of her earlier raisers and to her forever home with Julie & Family becoming a Mama Dog for OccuPaws.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Moxie “Roxie”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Alex & Claudia of Middleton, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
Ed & Susan of Madison, WI
Michelle of Verona, WI
DOB: October 19, 2019

Roxie (Miss Gray) is named after OccuPaws very first breeding female.  She is a laid back, slow to arouse, thoughtful girl – not one to follow the crowd.  Roxie went to her raiser on New Years Eve.  Bet she will be the early riser!  Roxie had shared custody now between Michelle and Mark & Barb while Nala’s two babies grow up.  All grown up now Roxie spent some time in boot camp in New Lisbon before going to Milwaukee, back to Madison ending up in Verona.

And now she comes full circle, returning home to Michelle & Family of Verona as Mama Dog in residence and her permanent home.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Five Star “Olive”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Diane of Mequon, WI
Sheila, Shaun & Family of Janesville, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Chris of Waukesha, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of  Janesville, WI
DOB: June 1, 2019

Olive is one of two puppies from Opal’s first litter. Being first born, she has decided she is the boss of everything.  She like to pounce on Ocean as well and Paige’s two babies, Odin and Ohana.  She did have to share a bunk with Korbel until he starts his prison sentence, so in protest she ate her bed.  Hopefully her new family has a sturdier bed!  Well, even after moving to New Lisbon, when they tossed her cell, she was taking apart her bed!  Maybe he’ll be better on beds with her newest raiser, Chris.

Olive is such a great dog, she is going to help even more by making puppies with Sea, Sheila and family as her permanent home.

Olive gave birth to 8 babies on November 24, 2021 – her first litter.  She had 3 yellow and 5 black pups.  All are doing well and it is possible we may keep back the yellow girl Iris to join our breeding program.

OccuPaws

Hayshaker Princess “Zaga”-Retired

Female Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Hayshaker Labradors of SW Minnesota
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Kassel of Mazomanie, WI
Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Jason & Family of Platteville, WI
DOB: July 28, 2017

Zaga is a very soft, sweet girl, but not afraid to voice her displeasure about not being the center of attention.  She is brave and tackles stairs and obstacles like a pro  She should be a fine working dog in a couple years.  After living with experienced raisers and lots of other dogs for playmates (including a new litter) she  moved on to her next phase with the inmates at Oxford.  After an all to brief return to her original puppy raisers, she moved a bit further west to her new raiser followed by a return to her original raisers again.

She has been evaluated and she is so special, that while she continues training, she is destined to become a mama and produce many guide dogs in the future.

Zaga gave birth to the “B” litter on 11/18/2020 by natural delivery, however she gave us a scare, deciding to take a 5 hour nap between puppies 3 and 4!.  She had 3 chocolates – 2 girls and a boy and 4 blacks – 3 boys and a girl.

 

Zaga had a second litter, the F litter, 4 girls and 2 boys, all black, born on 7/17/21 by natural delivery.  Never being one to not put a scare into us again, the firstborn was huge, not in a sac and no placenta and not breathing.  After several minutes of work and suctioning, little miss red (Frankee) took her first breath and her tongue went from blue to pink!  Whew.

OccuPaws

The Captain’s “Nala” Retired

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN (Taffy x Parker ’16)
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mindy & Dan of Lodi, WI
DOB: April 4, 2016





Nala aka Miss hump a luff is sister to another breeding girl, Nelly.  She is a full figured girl, quite a bit bigger than her sister.  Nala joined our program at 3 years old and when she learned Nelly was being raised by an active family with two small children, she insisted on joining the family, which she did.  She had her first litter of 2 huge healthy girls in March of 2020!

 

Nala had her second litter, the “A” litter on 10/18/20.  Took her about 3 hours – good, started at 2:00 AM, less  good.  She had 4 girls and 2 boys and they all enrolled immediately in guide dog pre-school.  Before you know it, they’ll be off to guide dog University. 

 
OccuPaws

nelly-150x150The Captain’s Bodacious Nelly “Nelly”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN (Taffy x Parker ’16)
Raised by: Mary of Mazomanie, WI
Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Mindy & Dan of Lodi, WI
DOB: April 4, 2016


Nelly is a little love bug.  She is on the smaller side and is a sweet, gentle, curious girl.  Nelly joined our program at 5 months old.  Nelly was being raised by an active family with two small children. She had been meeting the world at various events and places.  She has become very bold and confident, while remaining a little cuddler.  She was such a great dog, polishing up her obedience skills that she was named our next breeding girl.  She had her first litter of 3 huge healthy Boys in February, 2019 – Korbel, Magic and Mogli will start puppy training in April of 2019!

 

Magic (Orange), Korbel (Red), Mogli (light Blue)

And Nellie  had her second litter on 11/2/2019 with 8 puppies born and 6 surviving and doing well!  This “S” litter is one of the most successful litters we had.  5 or the 6 babies made it through guide dog training and are working for our clients.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Always Faithful “Ivy” RETIRED

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Born:  September 14, 2015
Breeder: OccuPaws and Neverest – co breeders
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Kathy & Jim of DePere, WI
Due Date: January 9, 2018
 Ivy is a littermate of Ivan, Isaac, Ike, and Indy and the daughter of Callie & Sailor.  Callie is the mother of guide dogs Aurora and Chance, so we have great hopes for Ivy’s babies.

She was bred in November 2017 to Chester from The Captains Labs and had 4 puppies (Carmel, Champ, Coach and Courage) on January 8, 2018.  All of the pups will stay in the program until they decide a guide dog career is not for them.

Ivy is pregnant again and due to have about a half dozen puppies in Mid March, 2019!

Ivy had 7 puppies in her second litter, 6 females and 1 male.  This is the most precocious litter we have ever seen – they are fast at everything.  7 puppies in 2 hr 37 min, Miss Orange was walking at 8 days and almost all were walking at 12 days.  Fortunately this time, Ivy is a super Mom, paying close attention to her babies.

OccuPaws

The Captains Brilliant “Bling”
RETIRED

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors of Lake Shore, Minnesota
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Walt & Karen of Poynette, WI
DOB: June 9, 2014

Bling and her sister Opal joined us a little later in life than normal.  Both breeder girls were generously donated by The Captain’s Labradors to expand our internal breeding program.  Neither have been bred, but both have passed their initial eye and hip/elbow exams and we are just waiting on final genetic clearances before breeding them at their next heat cycle.  She is a little bolder than her sister Opal, but nearly identical in personality.  She has found a permanent breeder home!

 

Bling had her first litter by C-Section on 10/11/2019 consisting of 4 females and 3 males.  And surprise – one of the girls was a golden girl and was named Rose on the spot.

 

Bling had her second and final litter by C-Section on May 9, 2021 – the “D” litter.  Three girls and a boy.

OccuPaws

The Captains Precious “Opal”
RETIRED

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors of Lake Shore, Minnesota
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rebekah & Lydia of Belmont, WI
DOB: June 9, 2014

Opal and her sister Bling joined us a little later in life than normal. Both breeder girls were generously donated by The Captain’s Labradors to expand our internal breeding program. Neither have been bred, but both have passed their initial eye and hip/elbow exams and we are just waiting on final genetic clearances before breeding them at their next heat cycle. She is a little more cautious than her sister Bling, but nearly identical in personality. She has found a permanent breeder home.

Opal gave birth to two giant babies by C-Section on June 1, 2019, the “O” litter, both girls.  One of her daughters, Olive was selected to become a Mama and is due to be bred later in 2021.

 

Opal’s second and last litter, also by C-Section was the “Z” litter. 2 girls and a boy.

OccuPaws

Kinderwood Charmed Two “Paige”
RETIRED

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors of Lake Shore, Minnesota
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
DOB: December 12, 2011

Paige is an older breeding girl generously donated by The Captain’s Labradors to expand our internal breeding program. She has had a couple litters prior to joining OccuPaws, most notably, she is the mother of two of our guide dogs in training, Java and Jean.  She will be retired after having one litter with OccuPaws. We may be looking for a permanent breeder home for her however she may have already become part of the family with Mark & Barb.

 

She gave birth to Odin and Ohana on June 21, 2019!

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Weily

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: March 2009
Crossed the Bridge: June, 2014
 

Weily was one of the first OccuPaws graduates.  Weily passed way too early  from cancer but while he was here he was a wonderful, loved dog and friend.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Mama Roxie

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Crossed the Bridge: April, 2016
Bred by: Anthems Labs, Illinois
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
 

Roxie was a sweet and loving mama of 3 different litters and the proud mama of seven working guide dogs.  She was OccuPaws first breeding female and will be missed.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Journey

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: August 2013
Crossed the Bridge: July, 2017
Bred by: Neverest Labs, Fox Lake, WI
Raised by:  Desirae & Family of Fox Lake, WI
Spacer - 4 namesRich & Uliana of Pardeeville, WI
 

Journey was a wonderful, faithful guide and friend.  She too was taken from us too early.  She will be sorely missed.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Promise

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: March 2011
Crossed the Bridge: September, 2018
Bred by: Neverest Labradors
Raised by: Marlette of Verona, WI
 

RIP Promise, OccuPaws Ambassador dog, retired Guide Dog, and faithful companion to fundraising events, meet & greets, Middleton Chamber events, and volunteering at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. She was dearly loved by everyone she met and will be remembered with such love!

OccuPaws

Service Dog Daisy

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: July, 2013
Crossed the Bridge: December, 2018
Bred by: Clear Creek Labradors, Roscoe, IL
Raised by: Beth of Waukesha, WI
                       Diane of Sun Prairie, WI
                                                                                   PawsForward of Oshkosh, WI

RIP Daisy, OccuPaws only graduate service dog, helping Mateo & McHale with life’s daily challenges. Daisy was the most gentle loving dog ever. In many pictures, she isn’t on her leash because she never left us. She has been to Packer, Bucks and Brewer/Cubs games. The Fresh Beat band concert, camping, watched the kids concerts,sports, she has been everywhere with us. She was the kids body pillow and loved her boys to pieces.

We all loved Daisy deeply, we miss her terribly.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Meadow

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: October 2012
Crossed the Bridge: October 2019
Donated by: Shamrock Acres, Waunakee, WI
Raised by:  Kathy & Marci of Watertown, WI
Spacer - 4 namesDianne of Sun Prairie, WI
 

RIP Meadow. Meadow loved being part of the action, and fit in beautifully when he chose Susan and her busy household with 3 children.  Besides being her faithful guide for 7 years, Meadow’s upturned nose and waggy tail at many, many vendor fairs turned every greeting into a happy one.  We love you Schmeadow!!

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Deegan

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: March 2010
Crossed the Bridge: November, 2019
Donated by: Anthem Labradors, Harvard, IL
Raised by: Theresa of Janesville, WI
  

RIP Deegan.  From Randy – Deegan joined Rohn in dog heaven today. He was my first guide dog. We did a lot of fun things together including playing hide and go seek on Tammy, Flying around the country and just going for long walks. Tammy and I will miss him he was a great dog

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Amber

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: April 2013
Crossed the Bridge: December, 2019
Donated by: Anthem Labradors, Harvard, IL
Raised by: Barb & Mark of Cross Plains, WI
Mark & Amanda Bliss
  

RIP Sweet Amber.  Amber was Marc guide dog until a few years ago when he passed and Amber joined the family of her littermate – Guide Dog Angus.

From Pam -We fought hard, side by side. You were a Lady to the  end. You will be missed by so many, especially your boy Quinten and your brother Angus.  We had a short time together,  thanks for loving me so much. The feeling was mutual sweet girl. Here’s to running in the woods, chasing squirrels,  digging and rolling in the sand and snow. Go find Marc Trehey and chew on a really big bone.

OccuPaws

Photo of Children's visual companion dog Slick with CaitlynCVC Dog Slick

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: December 2009
Crossed the Bridge: March 2020
Bred by: Anthem Labradors, Harvard, IL
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI

RIP Big Man Slick!  Slick was one of OccuPaws first Children’s Visual Companion Dogs.  Pam Reich, an OccuPaws board member and Kaitlyn’s O & M teacher, suggested the match and were they ever right! Slick decided that Kaitlyn was the perfect match for him.

From the  family-It is with great sadness that we are writing to let you know the Slick passed away on March 10 in our home with Veterinary assistance.  It is so difficult to name all the ways Slick made a difference for Kaitlyn and our family.  There are so many, and he will be dearly missed.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Gilbert

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: August 2008
Crossed the Bridge: December, 2020
Donated by: Anthem Labradors, Harvard, IL
  

RIP Gilbert.  Allison and Gilbert were the first guide dog team to graduate from OccuPaws. Gilbert had given Allison the confidence and pride to safely navigate her college campus.
From Allison – In so much pain, my parents and I made the difficult decision to have him put to sleep. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter, more lovable first guide dog to see me through college and my first job. I already miss him, but believe he is in a better place now.

OccuPaws

Breeding Mama Paige

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors of Lake Shore, Minnesota
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Crossed the Bridge: April, 2021

Paige was an older breeding girl generously donated by The Captain’s Labradors to expand our internal breeding program. She has had a couple litters prior to joining OccuPaws, most notably, she is the mother of one of our guide dogs Java and one in training Odin.  She will be missed as Auntie Paige was a playmate of dozens of puppies after they were weaned.  She was loved and will be missed by all.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Rosie 

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: August, 2018
Crossed the Bridge: May, 2022
Bred by: ClearCreek Labradors of Northern, IL
 Raised by: Lexi and family of Evansville, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Lexi & Tammy of Evansville, WI
Lacey of Madison, WI

Rosie was a very gentle girl who was working for Janell.  Rosie was Janell’s second guide dog, replacing retiring Sully who was also from OccuPaws.

{Janell} I still can’t believe she’s gone! It happened so darn fast I didn’t have any time to prepare for it. I miss her so much my heart is shattered.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Teams

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Divit

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: January 2010
Crossed the Bridge: June, 2022
Donated by: Liberty Labradors, WI
Raised by: Kathy & Marcie of Watertown, WI
  

Dave waited over a year for his dream to come true with his hero Divit and now he has his super hero.

From Dave:  It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that my dear sweet Divit has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Divit came into this world on January 15th, 2008, and came into my life on December 26th 2009. Divit and I wore a working guide dog team for nearly 10 years and had so many amazing adventures together. Divit was my guardian angel and will remain that way for ever. Over the time I had him we only spent 6 days apart, otherwise he was by my side. Thank you, Divit, for being so amazing and taking such good care of me, I could never imagine such an amazing partner as you. Now go take care of my mother in heaven and be free of the pain and suffering here on Earth. You my amazing guide dog have changed my life forever, and I am a better person for it. If only people could be as amazing as dogs. Rest in peace Divit and know that you will always live on in my heart.

OccuPaws

The Captain’s Bucky “Badger”

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Katy of Fitchburg, WI
 PawsForward of OxFord, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: December 10, 2017

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Badger is litter-mates with PIT Brit. He is a very quiet, yet bold and brave young pup.  He has some big paw prints to fill as older brothers Hank and Higgins have both become guide dogs about a year ago.  He is joining a new to OccuPaws, but not new to dogs,  raiser and her family.  He completed his training very quickly,  moved on to the prison program for several months and now is settling into suburpia!

OccuPaws

Family Affairs Positive “Ion”

Male Standard Poodle
Bred by:Family Affair’s Standards of Spring Hope, NC
Raised by: Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Dale & Family of Barneveld, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Lois of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: July 13, 2018

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
Ion is a very sweet, quiet, gentle soul who loves to cuddle. He is a handsome young man from one of our newer breeders in North Carolina. He started off with an experienced raiser who to loves the babies and especially the poodles.  After spending some time with an experienced family and who had worked with poodles before, it was off to prison for some spit & polish.  He is now working on some fear issues with Lois.

OccuPaws

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.

OccuPaws

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

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

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

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
Terry & Mike of Cross Plains, 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. 

OccuPaws

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

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

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
Jelaine & Family of Janesville, 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!

OccuPaws

Skybreeze Reflective “Echo”

Male Standard Poodle
Bred by: Skybreeze Poodles of Wayne, IL
Raised by: Anna of Madison, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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!

OccuPaws

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
Mark & Michelle of Wauwatosa, 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!!

OccuPaws

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
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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

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

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
Deb & Lauren of Cambridge, 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!

OccuPaws

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
Daphnie of Poynette, 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

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

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
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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

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

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

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

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

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
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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

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.

OccuPaws

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

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!

OccuPaws

Fireline Enchanted “Josey”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: Fireline Labradors of Winnipeg, Manitoba
Raised by: Tracey of Madison, WI
Ed & Susan 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!

OccuPaws

“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
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!

OccuPaws

“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
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.

OccuPaws

“Lady”

Female Golden Retriever
Donated by:  Brooke Zuidervaart of Madison, WI
Raised by: Julie of Waunakee, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, 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!

OccuPaws

Lincoln

Male White Standard Poodle
Bred by:  Loveable Poodles of Hernando, FL
Raised by: Anna of Madison, 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.

OccuPaws

“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
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 his pedigree.  We expect to see her graduate in a couple of years.

OccuPaws

Occupaws Encourageable “Marley”

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Diane of Mequon, 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

Occupaws Child of Light “Mazie”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sara & Joe of Wauwatosa, 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

Occupaws Talking “Meeka”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, 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

Occupaws Capital “Memphis”

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsay & Family 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

Occupaws Powerful “Milo”

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Dave & Cindy of Waukesha, 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

Occupaws Mighty “Minnie”

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rebekah & Family of Belmont, 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

Occupaws Warrior “Mulan”

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Chris & Family of Waukesha, 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.

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Winston with Mike

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: July 2022
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

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 has now started guiding for Mike, giving Nugget a much deserved retirement.  Hopefully the boys have some time for play in the back yard!

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Sansa with Violetta

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: June 2022
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary & Gerry of Mazomanie, WI
Sheila, Shaun & Family of Janesville, WI
Pawsforward of New Lisbon, WI
Erin & Matt of Madison, WI
Terry & Michael of Cross Plains, WI
DOB: November 2, 2019

Sansa (Miss Red/pink) was the first born and within an hour of birth was doing laps in the incubator while her siblings slept.  She must like the heat as she is not fond of the cold and is first to snuggle at your feet outside.  Be wary Sansa, “Winter is coming” and chicken!!!  out on the farm with very experience baby handler, Mary.  She went from a fairly quiet home to a very active family and she’ll loved it, then to boot camp, back to Madison and now Cross Plains.  Sansa has gone to work with Violetta in Chicago.  Maybe they’ll come across Newton and Mazan down on the loop.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Simba with Leo

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated : May, 2022
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lindsey of Lodi, WI
Portia & Deanna of Wauwatosa, WI
Dianne of Mequon, WI
Erin & Matt of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Josh of Madison, WI
DOB: November 2, 2019

Simba (Mr Orange) was the second born and unlike Sansa, he loved the incubator warmth.  He slept most of the time while Sansa was doing laps.  He is one of the larger pups of the litter and is always first to the dinner table, finding it necessary to lay across the table at times, to make certain he got his fair share.  After Simba finished his harness training with Rebecca he went to work for Leo in Wisconsin.  Leo’s first OccuPaws guide dog Angus, can now enjoy a well earned retirement.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Sammi with Leon

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated : May, 2022
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Rachel & Julie of Waunakee, WI
Kristy & Kurt of Beloit, WI
Pawsforward of New Lisbon, WI
Jane & Family of Madison, WI
Deb & Family of Cambridge, WI
DOB: November 2, 2019


Sammi (Miss Black) was dubbed with the nickname “Sammi the Shark” cuz everything went in her mouth.  She is by far the most active and challenging of the litter, but we’ll see if she grows up like Carmel did and prove that the wild child can do it too.  Must have done something right cuz after moving on to Boot camp and finishing her harness training she has finished her delivery and is now working for Leon in Minnesota.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Scarlet with Mike

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: November 2021
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Tracey of Madison, WI
Annie of Madison, WI
Terry & Family of Cross Plains, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Erin & Chris of Wauwatosa, WI
Emily & Evan of Madison, WI
DOB: November 2, 2019

Scarlet (Miss Brown) was the smallest puppy of the litter.  She is still the smallest be is catching up fast.  She is fun loving and loves to torment her brothers when they are sleeping (tail pulls).  After practicing a bit with Rose, raiser Tracey is going to kept Scarlet a bit longer.  Now that the Vet school is temporally closed, Annie had some free time spend with Miss Scarlet.   Now that Annie is in California for a while, is moving to raisers in Cross Plains.  She got her new raisers fully trained so off to New Lisbon followed by some time in Milwaukee and then to Madison!  She has now completed harness training and began her guiding career with Mike in a Chicago Suburb.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog  Remi with Susan

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: October 2021
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Dale & Family of Barneveld, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Deb & Lauren of Cambridge, WI
DOB: October 19, 2019

Remi (Miss Orange) is the second born from Bling’s first litter.  She is a playful girl and loves long walks in the front kennel.  Remi was then with a raiser with lots of puppy experience – but the girls say they did all the work!  She did so very well with her newest raiser, or so she says, it’ was off to boot camp in New Lisbon.  Ready for the big world, she spent some time getting to know the world followed by 4 months of harness training with Addie in Seattle.  She is now back in Wisconsin, hard at work with Susan.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog  Odin with Don

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: September, 2021
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Mary & Jerry of Mazomanie, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Jane of Madison, WI
Emily & Evan of Madison, WI
DOB: June 21, 2019

Odin is one of two puppies from Paige’s last litter. He is a little more reserved than his slightly more animated sister, Ohana.  He is a gentle soul and has become a great guide dog.  He’started off with a raiser who does babies almost exclusively, before getting a bit too strong.  After some time at boot camp in Oxford, he was back in Madison, fine tuning his training.  After 4 months of harness training with Rebecca he is now partnered with Don.  Looks like another great match!

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog  Ranger with Nick

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: September, 2021
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Lorraine & Family of McFarland
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Ed & Susan of Madison, W
DOB: October 19, 2019

Ranger (Mr Black – formerly known as Mr. Brown) was nearly as calm and laid back as Miss Gray.  He was also a laid back, slow to arouse, thoughtful boy – but does love a good tussle!  Ranger spent a couple weeks with sitter Mary before he went to his new home right after New Years.  He had the quiet, laid back life near Mineral Point, followed by harness training with Jennifer in NC.  Now livin’ the good life guiding his new partner for life, Nick!

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog  Nimble with Joy

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: June, 2021
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kris & Jim of Plain, WI
Portia & Deanna of Wauwatosa, WI
Jane & Family of Madison
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Mike & Sheilagh of Fitchburg, WI
Dave & Cindy of Waukesha, WI
DOB: March 14, 2019

Nimble (Mr Black) is one of seven puppies from Ivy’s second litter. Being the biggest and a boy, he was a bully.  Fortunately, the smallest of the litter Noel (Miss Orange) tamed him and the Halloween couple – Black & Orange, became an item!  He graduated guide dog school from both Colorado and North Caroline and is teamed up with Joy back in Wisconsin. Watching them work only 2 weeks after joining forces, they look like a team together for years!

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Java with Makayla

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: June, 2021
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Ruthanna of Madison, WI
Deb & Lauren of Cambridge, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Caitlin of Madison, WI
Erin & Matt of Madison, WI
Cindy & David of Waukesha, WI
DOB: August 30, 2018



Java was a quiet, well mannered pup who came to us from a breeder who has produced many guide dogs for OccuPaws and we were sure he would be a fine one too.  He spent time with an experienced raisers and new OccuPaws raisers.  He also got experience in Oxford and got a little Ice Time with his new raiser and the Women’s Hockey Team.  He has now graduated and guiding Makayla.  He loves his work and tries hard not to get distracted out in the world.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Natty with Jeff

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: May 2021
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Annie & Maddie of Madison, WI
Dale & family of Barneveld, WI
Sue of Verona, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Julie & Family of Fitchburg, WI


Natty (Miss Purple) was one of seven puppies from Ivy’s second litter. Being one of the smallest, her bigger sisters like to pick on her, which was why she managed to be second to walk at 13 days old – harassment!.  She loves to snuggle  and is the gentlest, most sensitive pup at 8 weeks.  For such a small girl, she is a power walker!!  She loved moving back from guide dog college in North Carolina to a cooler climate in Minnesota with Jeff.  Good thing she loves to wear her booties as we hear it gets kinda cold way up Nort’

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Newton with Mazan

Male Apricot Standard Poodle
Graduated: April, 2021
Bred by: Puddle Jumper Puppies of Lavalle, WI
Raised by: Cheryl & Family of Cross Plains, WI
Beth & Family of Madison, WI
PawsForward  of Oxford, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI


Newton was a giant along side his litter mate Nexus who came to us from a breeder new to OccuPaws but not new to the world of producing service dogs.  He turned out to be a rock solid, rockstar.  He is guiding his partner, Mazan, if probably the most difficult, high intensity environment one could imagine for a guide dog – downtown Chicago!  Even his GDMI Rebecca was concerned that any dog could handle the confusion and distractions that Newton would encounter.  He did handle it and is doing great!  Congratulations everyone involved in producing this superstar.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING
OccuPaws

Guide Dog Finn with Wayne

Male Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Graduated :  November, 2020
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Cheryl & Family of Cross Plains, WI
Molly & Family of Edgerton, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
Cindy & David of Waukesha, WI


Finn is a sweet, handsome fella.  He was a TV star, appearing on Channel 57 at just 8 weeks of age.  He did decide to fall asleep in the middle of his interview.  Then it was off to the prison program for Finn followed by some chill time in rural Wisconsin and now in the suburbs with an occasional horse visit!  Finn finished his harness training in North Carolina and returned to Wisconsin and is working as a guide for Wayne.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING
OccuPaws

Guide Dog Maui with Megin

Female Standard Poodle
Graduated: October, 2020
Bred by: Oak Hill Farms Standard Poodles of Portage, WI
Raised by: Maureen of Madison, WI
Jennifer & Family of Madison, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: January 19, 2019

Maui is a very calm, sweet puppy who is starting her guide dog training with a raiser who is experienced in Poodle-Think!!  We wondered how long it would take Maui to teach Maureen how to adapt to her standards.  Well she did so and was the third pup in the PawsForward program in New Lisbon, WI.  After a trip off to North Carolina for 4 months of harness training she returned to begin working with Megin, her new partner.  The last few days of training were fun as Minneapolis had a snowstorm.  Hopefully we can have a huge graduation party next year for all of our 2019 grads!

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Jet with Mike

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: July 2020
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Julie & Family of Fitchburg, WI
Jennifer & Family of Madison
Pawsforward of Oxford, WI
Jane & Family of Madison, WI
DOB: August 31, 2018



Jet came to us from a breeder who has produced several guide dogs for OccuPaws.  Jet is an active lad so when he was all growed up, he went to Oxford boot camp and then back to a family.  He did so well, that he is now completed harness training, been delivered to Mike and has officially been certified  human and guide!!

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING

OccuPaws

Guide Dog  Carmel with Kari

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated : June, 2020
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Lois of Fitchburg, WI
Annie of Madison, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
Emily & Evan of Madison
DOB: January 8, 2018


Carmel is one of four puppies from Ivy’s first litter.  She started her training with a raiser who is new to OccuPaws, but not new to puppies!  After wearing out Lois, it was on to Campus life and keeping up with Annie.  Then this energetic girl was off to Oxford to get lots and lots of exercise!  After checking to see if she has settled enough, it was decided she needed a little more active time in her final months in a rural setting in Wisconsin before her final time with  Emily & Evan.  Congrats to Carmel – she is now a calm, collected, easy going pup, enjoying her new job with Kari.  Carmel is Kari’s third guide dog.

GRADUATION VIDEO COMING
OccuPaws

Guide Dog Denver with Maggie

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: November 2019
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Ruthanna of Madison, WI
 Brian & Family of Waunakee, WI
Alex of Madison, WI


Denver joined us because he felt his new raiser, Ruthanna was getting way too much sleep with Bella, so he nudged Bella on to a new raiser and took up residence where Bella left off.  Then time to move on to a family life for a while where he had tons of fun!  He then to Madison for a little higher level of traffic and distractions.   That went so well, he jumped past a couple older dogs and started harness training a little early and came back to be placed with Maggie.  Denver will become even smarter as he will be guiding Maggie to and from college classes, and maybe not sleeping through all the lectures!

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Brie with Aaron

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: October 2019
Bred by: Fireline Labradors of Winnipeg, Manitoba
Raised by: Jauch Family of Janesville, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI
Mindy & Family of Lodi, WI
Sue of Verona, WI


Brie and her sister Brandy joined OccuPaws a little older than normal. They had to wait until they were old enough to receive their rabies vaccinations to travel from Canada, where they were born, to Wisconsin, where they hope to become guide dogs!  Brandy nearly completed all training ending up being career changed, but Brie has completed training and Aaron & Brie have been trained and  they are now a working team.  Brie is a very fast walker and will likely challenge Aurora or Bailey to a guide race!

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Bailey with Dave

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated : September, 2019
Donated by: ClearCreek Labradors of Northern, IL
Raised by: Julie, Bill & Family of Verona, WI
Kristy & Kurt of Beloit, WI


Bailey is a happy, free spirit who completed his harness training and went to work, trying to fill the paws of retiring guide dog Divit.  First reports are that Bailey is about as fast as Divit was many years ago which will get Dave to and from work much faster.  And Bailey just loves having a play buddy, even though they are supposed to be civilized and well trained!

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog  Amy with Lindsey

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: August, 2019
Bred by: ClearCreek Labradors of Northern, IL
Raised by: Bob & Joan of Plain, WI
Pawsforward of Oxford, WI
Alex of Madison, WI

 

Amy is a typical Clearcreek pup, calm and sweet and well mannered.  She is a little quieter than her littermate Allie.   She’ll be going off to Nursing school this fall with her new partner Lindsey.  They have practiced finding classrooms and the trips to and from school and are set to go.  

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Topaz with Susan

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: June 2019
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Mary of Mazomanie, WI
Sheila & Shaun & Family of Janesville
Dale & family of Barneveld, WI|
Alex of Madison, WI
Beth & Family of Madison, WI

Topaz is litter-mates with Guide Dog Tundra. Both are quiet, confident, gentle girls. Topaz is Susan’s second OccuPaws guide dog.  Previously Meadow was doing all the guide work and vendor fair activities, but now he gets to take it easy.  He’ll be spending his senior years, relaxing with Susan’s husband at work.

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Wizard with Renee

Male Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: May, 2019
Bred by: Hayshaker Labradors of SW Minnesota
Raised by: Schmitt Family of Verona, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Walt & Karen of Lodi, WI


Wizard started working right after Tundra joined up with Jeff.  Wizard had plenty of practice with subways and trains, but wasn’t quite ready for the “Metra” and the wide gaps between the platform and the train.  But being a super dog, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, learning how to get his person and himself safely onto and off the train.  Maybe he’ll demonstrate his leaps and bounds at an upcoming graduation celebration (date and time TBD)

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Tundra with Jeff

Female Black Labrador Retriever
Graduated: May, 2019
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN
Raised by: Dale & Family of Barneveld, WI
Pawsforward of Oxford, WI
Lexi of Evansville, WI
Sue of Verona, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI

Tundra is a compact bundle of puppy happiness.  She finished up her training with Jennifer and moved to the big city to guide Jeff.  She has a buddy in his home as Jeff’s previous guide dog is now enjoying sleeping in and letting Tundra take over his guide duties.  She is doing everything just right and enjoying her new job and friends.

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Thor with Jen

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: October 2018
Bred by: ClearCreek Labradors of Northern, IL
 Raised by: Bob & Joan of Plain, WI
Maggie of Madison, WI
Kassel of Mazomanie, WI
Kristen & Jim of Cobb, WI

Thor is a happy, easy going dog but full of energy and confidence. He can put on that game face when he is harness and become a total goofball when he is told “Free”.  He replaced Nitro who was a bold, energetic boy who just loved talking a bit too much.  Thor thus far has been far quieter!

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Nash with Baylee

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: September 2018
Bred by: Neverest Labs of Wisconsin
 Raised by: Dave & Marcia of Madison, WI
Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kassel of Mazomanie, WI
Courtney of Milwaukee, WI

Nash is a fun loving, happy boy who is now the Big Dog on Campus!  He is guiding his new partner, Baylee, around college campus.  Nash does love the tummy rubs during classes, but has to get up and find a new classroom every hour or so.  Busy, busy, busy….  He is enjoying his new job!

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Storm with Dan

Male Golden Retriever
Graduated:   September, 2018
Donated  by: Harvestime Kennels of Menasha, WI 
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
PawsForward of Oxford, WI
Jenna of Sun Prairie, WI
John & Coleman of Mineral Point, WI


Storm was a bundle of confident, fuzzy hair, bold and fearless and knowing his own mind.  We expected great things from Mr Fluff Ball and he proved himself to be an excellent student!  He has finished being placed with his new partner, Dan, According to Dennis, the GDMI training the team, it is as near a perfect match as you could ever hope for.  Instant bond and good buds!  Have fun guys.

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Rambler with Don

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: May, 2018
Bred by: Neverest Labs, Fox Lake, WI (Tiki x George ’16)
Raised by: David & Marcia of Ft. Atkinson, WI
PawsForward – Oshkosh, WI
Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Courtney Of Verona, WI
PawsForward – Oxford, WI


Rambler is litter-mates with Guide Dog Nemo. Rambler is a happy, sweet clown who is so eager to try new things.  He has completed his harness work, returned to Wisconsin from Kentucky and is now the dog guide for a retired Marine in Milwaukee.  He was happy to learn that he would get a lot of chances to walk and workout, but he is not quite sure of that 5:00 AM wakeup call to duty…..zzzzzzz

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Que with Kathy

Male Black Standard Poodle
Graduated: April, 2018
Donated by: Avalon Standard Poodles of Darlington, WI
Raised by: Mary of Mazomanie, WI
Dale of Barneveld, WI
Maureen of Madison, WI
Lauren of Madison, WI


Que is a happy, fun loving boy who always wanted to be playing with his brothers.  Que finished working with Dennis in his guide dog training and has returned to the Chicago area to begin work with his new partner, Kathy.  Que is one remarkable dog, undaunted by racing Ltrain cars, intense stage plays, large groups of other dogs, he awakens everyday to the tune of “Cupid, Draw back your Bow!!” and has adopted the Knick Name Quepid.

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Nemo with Evelyn

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated: October, 2017
Bred by: Neverest Labs, Fox Lake, WI (Tiki x George ’16)
Raised by: Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
Spacer - 1 namePawsForward – Oxford, WI

Nemo is litter-mates with Guide Dog Nash who graduated right after Nemo. He is a very loyal boy who only has eyes for his new partner, Evelyn.  Nemo loves to explore with her and is looking forward to moving to the Madison area and learning new routes. (as long as there are treats involved!)

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Max with Mark

Male Golden Retriever
Graduated: October, 2017
From: Harvestime Kennels of Menasha, WI
Raised by: Mary Of Mazomanie, WI
Spacer - 4 namesPaws Forward of Oshkosh, WI
Bob & Joan of Plain, WI
Kris & Jim of Cobb, WI
Max has moved into the home and embrace of his new partner Mark. Mark was fortunate that his wait for a guide dog was a short one since Max just happened to match him perfectly! 

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Faith with Ruth

Female Black Standard Poodle
Graduated : July 2017
Bred by: Sun-Golden Kennels, Edgerton, WI (River x Shadow ’15)
Raised by: PawsForward – Oshkosh, WI
Spacer - 2 namesDiane of Sun Prairie, WI
Sue of Verona, WI

Faith is truly a work of faith and prayers – after what seemed like an eternity of waiting for the prefect dog, Ruth was matched with Faith.  Faith settled into her new home and career fairly quickly for a poodle, and is now definitely looks to be a match made in heaven.

Faith decided early on that she is bonded and has a perfect forever home and partnership.  Congratulations Ruth & Faith!!

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Higgins with Alex

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated : June, 2017
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN (Clipper X Chester ’15)
Raised by: Jim & Kristen of Cobb, WI
Spacer - 1 nameKurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI

Higgins is litter-mates with PIT Hank. He is very sweet and gentle and loves to work with his handler. Higgins joined our program at 9 months old.  Higgins turned out to be a perfect match for Alex, who had waited about three years for the perfect dog to match his needs.  While it was a long wait, everyone agrees, Higgins is the PERFECT dog for Alex. 

Graduation Video

OccuPaws

Guide Dog Hank with Randy

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Graduated : May, 2017
Bred by: The Captain’s Labradors, Lake Shore, MN (Clipper X Chester ’15)
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Spacer - 1 nameLexi & Family of Evansville, WI

Hank is litter-mates with PIT Higgins who was just placed with Alex. He has a quiet, sensitive and gentle nature. Hank joined our program at 10 months old. and now at less than 2 years old, is working for Randy.  Randy has the distinction of be our first “Wave” graduate.  That means he has retired his first OccuPaws Guide Dog Deegan, and now has Hank.  Deegan is enjoying his retirement, still living with Randy and Tammy.

Graduation Video