Category Archives: Guide Dogs in Training

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: Harness Training
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.  He recently finished his evaluation and is now in 4 months of harness training with Jennifer in North Carolina.  He’ll be back to go to work in the spring.

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
Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
DOB: May 9, 2021

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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.  He recently finished his evaluation and will be going off to guide dog school  with Shelby in California in January.

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: 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

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
Kurt & Kristy of Beloit, WI
DOB: May 21, 2021

Training Stage: Harness 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!  Echo is proving to be so good, he is off to North Carolina to start his guide dog training with Rebecca for 4 months before coming back home to start his career.  Well done Mr Echo!

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
Jane & Family of Madison, WI
DOB: July 17, 2021

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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: Obedience & Socialization
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
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Dave & Cindy of Waukesha, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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
Dennis & Mary of McFarland, WI
DOB: November 11, 2021


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 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
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

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
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

OccuPaws Guiding “Inu”

Female 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
Josh & Morgan of Madison, WI
DOB: November 24 2021


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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. 

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
Sara & Joe of Wauwatosa, WI
DOB: November 24 2021


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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

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: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!

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
PawsForward of Madison, WI
DOB: January 18, 2022

 

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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
PawsFoward of New Lisbon, 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

Golden Stone’s Lovely “Lady”

Female Golden Retriever
Donated by:  Brooke Zuidervaart of Madison, WI
Raised by: Julie of Waunakee, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, WI
Tracey of Middleton, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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
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.

OccuPaws

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

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
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

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
Julie & Family of Verona, 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
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

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
Keara of McFarland, 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
Chris & Family 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
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

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
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

OccuPaws Phantom “Naboo”

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
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

OccuPaws Loyal “Navy”

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Bill & Julie of Verona, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022

Training Stage: Puppy Training
Navy (Miss Pink) was one of the tiniest puppies we had ever had, coming in at 6.7 oz when most of her siblings were 11-14 oz.  Always the smallest, she became very adept at avoiding rough puppy play while being very good at diving underneath the crowd to nurse and later eat from the food bowl.  She and Mr Blue were buds.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws English “Nigel”

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
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

OccuPaws “Nina” Goddess of Fire

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
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

OccuPaws Ever Growing “Norman”

Male Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
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

OccuPaws Achieving “Nyla”

Female Yellow Labrador Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Julie of Waunakee, 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.

OccuPaws

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!

OccuPaws

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
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!

OccuPaws

Harvestime’s Cultivated “Parker”

Male Golden Retreiver
Bred by: Harvestime Kennels of Menasha, WI
Raised by: Kris & Jim of Cobb, 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!

OccuPaws

“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!

OccuPaws

“Quincy”

Male Standard Poodle
Bred by: Skybreeze Poodles of St. Simons Island, GA
Raised by: Kati & Family of Fitchburg, 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!