Category Archives: Guide Dogs in Training

OccuPaws

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

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

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

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
Jane & Family of Madison, WI
DOB: November 24 2021

Training Stage: Harness 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.  Imre traveled down to North Carolina with Jennifer in June.  We are very excited to see his progress in Harness Training!  Go Imre!

OccuPaws

ClearCreek “Kallie” The Lark

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
Ed & Sue of Madison, WI
Terry of Madison, WI
DOB: March 1, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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! Kallie had TPLO surgery, and a broken leg, but she has recovered quickly.  We are excited to watch her become a guide dog!

OccuPaws

ClearCreek Perfect Universe “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
Kristy & Kurt of Beloit, WI
DOB: March 1, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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

“Lincoln” the Navigator

Male White Standard Poodle
Bred by:  Loveable Poodles of Hernando, FL
Raised by: Anna of Madison, WI
Mark & Michelle of Wauwatosa, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Shelby of San Fran, CA
DOB: May 22, 2022

 

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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. US Traveler,  Lincoln has moved from his stay at the PawsForward program, and he is off to CA for his next puppy rotation with GDMI Shelby, she wanted to learn more about poodles and Lincoln is the man for the job! Thanks to Kassel & Taylor for delivering him to Shelby.

OccuPaws

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
PawsFoward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 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
Jane of Madison, WI
DOB: July, 10 2022


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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.  Mazie is now out of the PawsForward program and she is learning more socialization and exposure!

OccuPaws

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
Kathy & Dan of Sun Prairie, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022

 

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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.  Meeka has advanced out of PawsFoward and is out and about enjoying the outside world again!

OccuPaws

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
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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.  Memphis was the last M dog to head up to the PawsForward program.  Do big things up there Memphis!

OccuPaws

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
PawsFoward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 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
Daphnie of Poynette, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 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
Bill & Sarah of Madison, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: July 10, 2022


Training Stage:Obedience & Socialization
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 Rose x Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Michelle of Montello, WI
Anne of Fitchburg, WI
Diane of Mequon, WI
Daphnie of Poynette, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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.   Naboo is off to New Lisbon to learn new things!

OccuPaws

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
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022


Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 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
Sara & Joe of Wauwatosa, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Sean, Sheila & Family of Janesville, WI
Kassel & Taylor of Columbus, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022

 

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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 Rose X Murray
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Julie of Waunakee, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, WI
Jelaine & Family of Janesville, WI
DOB: August 22, 2022

 

Training Stage: Obedience & Socialization
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
Anna of Madison, 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
Maureen of Madison, WI
Kathy & Dan of Sun Prairie, WI
Lois of Fitchburg, WI
PawsForward of New Lisbon, 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
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!

OccuPaws

Skybreeze Rare “Quarter”

Male Standard Poodle
Bred by: Skybreeze Poodles of St. Simons Island, GA
Raised by: Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
Blake of Milwaukee, WI
DOB: December 10, 2022

 

Training Stage: Puppy 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

Skybreeze Jazzy “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: Puppy 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

OccuPaws I Want to Hold Your Hand “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
Keara of McFarland, WI
DOB: March 16, 2023


Training Stage: Puppy Training
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

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

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 & Family of Madison, WI
Gina of Waukesha, 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.  Ragnar went onto his next raiser in Waukesha to enjoy the difference in the Madison life!

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Dynamic Artistic “Ruben”

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

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
Kassel & Taylor of Columbus, 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. After being raised with two other OccuPaws pups in his house, Mr Rookie moved to Columbus to be raised by his dad, Murray.

*have you caught on to the pattern yet of the R litter? Black, yellow, black, yellow, etc.

OccuPaws

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!

OccuPaws

Cheerful Brilliant “Sunny”

Female Standard Poodle
Bred by: Puddle Jumpers of LaValle, WI
Raised by: Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
Mark & Michelle of Wauwatosa, WI
DOB: May 5, 2023

 

Training Stage: Puppy Training
Sunny is a puppy coming with high hopes! She is joining us to fill big shoes, following a few other successful guide dogs from Puddle Jumpers!

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Guiding “Spirit”

Male Golden Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Willow x Teddy
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Kati of Fitchburg, WI
DOB: June 19, 2023


Training Stage: Puppy Training
Our first litter of golden retrievers!! Willow is a great momma.  Instead of puppies, these are little piggies – they are huge! and speaking of huge, Spirit is one big gentle giant.  He loves to play hide and seek in the tunnels in the puppy play area and then relax in your arms to cuddle.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Interstellar “Star”

Female Golden Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Willow x Teddy
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Diane of Mequon, WI
DOB: June 19, 2023


Training Stage: Puppy Training
Miss pink was the first born of this litter of three. Until Spirit was born, Star was our largest ever puppy, weighing in at 18.4 oz.  Unlike most newborns, she did not need to be helped to start nursing, she crawled on her own, right to Mama and started to nurse.  As an 8 week old puppy, she and her siblings are the quietest, yet playful litter yet.

OccuPaws

OccuPaws Healing Herbal “Sage”

Female Golden Retriever
Bred by: OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Willow x Teddy
Raised by: Mark & Barb of Cross Plains, WI
Bob & Joanne of Plain, WI
DOB: June 19, 2023


Training Stage: Puppy Training
Miss purple was the last born baby, even bigger than her sister at 20.2 oz.  Again, a strong pup like her siblings, she had no trouble growing quickly.  She is the most curious and adventurous of the three, always being first to do something new, except she is less fond of being held and prefers to run and play.

OccuPaws

“Twixy”

Female Chocolate Standard Poodle
Bred by: Puddle Jumpers of LaValle, WI
Raised by: Jim & Kris of Cobb, WI
DOB: July 20, 2023

 

Training Stage: Puppy Training
A chocolate standard poodle has joined us for training! She is heading to the “Zoo” of Kris & Jim’s to start out her training. We are looking forward to her future of guide work!